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(Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, or China's top political advisory body, convened a session of its standing committee on Sunday in Beijing to prepare for the upcoming annual session of the CPPCC National Committee. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the meeting. Political advisors reviewed and adopted a decision on convening the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, set to start on March 4 in Beijing. They heard a report on the work of the CPPCC National Committee in 2025. They also heard explanations on the drafting of the work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and on the drafting of a report on the handling of the proposals from the previous session of the CPPCC National Committee, as well as explanations on relevant issues. Foreign Minister, Palestine Vice President Condemn Iranian Attacks Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Riyadh, March 01, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Vice President of the State of Palestine Hussein Al Sheikh, during which they discussed the latest developments and their serious repercussions on the region. Al Sheikh affirmed the State of Palestine's condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom and a number of countries in the region, expressing his country's solidarity and full support for the Kingdom and the brotherly Arab states. -- SPA 00:44 Local Time 21:44 GMT 0006 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HRH the Crown Prince Receives Phone Call from US President Condemning Blatant Missile Attacks Against Saudi Arabia Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Jeddah, March 01, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from US President Donald Trump, who expressed the United States' condemnation of the blatant missile attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which were countered by Saudi air defenses. President Trump affirmed the US support and its backing of all measures taken by Saudi Arabia to confront these Iranian violations that undermine the security and stability of the region. -- SPA 00:36 Local Time 21:36 GMT 0005 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan closely monitoring situation after U.S., Israel strike Iran: Lai ROC Central News Agency 02/28/2026 08:31 PM Taipei, Feb. 28 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () said Saturday he has instructed the government to closely monitor regional developments following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, and to take all necessary precautionary measures. In a Facebook post Saturday evening, Lai said that his national security team had briefed him on the latest developments as tensions grow across the Middle East in the wake of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that day. The government has activated relevant response mechanisms to ensure the safety of Taiwanese nationals in the region, and is maintaining close communication with like-minded countries and global partners, the president said. Meanwhile, Lai said the government will assess the potential impact across various sectors -- particularly fluctuations in international commodity and energy prices -- evaluate the effects on Taiwan's economy, financial stability and people's livelihoods, and respond with prudence. (By Wu Shu-wei and Shih Hsiu-chuan) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Resisting reunification by force is a dead end: Defense Spokesperson Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorLin Congyi Time2026-02-28 17:14:01 BEIJING, Feb. 28 -- "Lai Ching-te and his ilk, driven by partisan and personal interests, have recklessly squandered public funds to purchase US-made weapons. This will only drain Taiwan's coffers faster, push Taiwan closer to the peril of war, and drag the people in Taiwan down into an abyss," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Saturday. It is reported that Lai Ching-te recently made noises about accelerating the buildup of asymmetric capabilities, and pushed hard for advancing arms purchases from the US and the approval of related budgets, so as to "ensure security of the island and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific." The spokesperson sternly warned the DPP authorities that seeking independence by soliciting foreign support is doomed to fail, and resisting reunification by force is a dead end. The spokesperson also hoped that compatriots in Taiwan will see through the very dangerous and destructive nature of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" schemes and foreign interference, and take concrete actions to safeguard their own safety and well-being, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.03.01 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Feb. 28 (Sat.) to 6 a.m. Mar. 1 (Sun.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.PRC balloon activities: 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. 1150301_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwa1 1150301_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwa2 1150301_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with the President of the UAE: 28 February 2026 Press release The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan this afternoon. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 28 February 2026 The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan this afternoon. The Prime Minister began by expressing his solidarity with the UAE and partners across the region in response to the loss of life, casualties and damage that has taken place. He also thanked the President for his efforts to keep British nationals in the UAE safe. The leaders welcomed the strong relationship and close cooperation between the two countries. They stressed the importance now of preventing further escalation and reiterated their commitment to regional security. They set out that they would stay in close contact over the coming days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with the Amir of Qatar: 28 February 2026 Press release The Prime Minister spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani this afternoon. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 28 February 2026 The Prime Minister spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani this afternoon. The Prime Minister set out his deep concern over the attacks on Qatar and other regional partners today. He reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the defence of Qatar and its allies, shown by the UK's presence in the region as part of coordinated defensive operations. The leaders agreed on the importance of continued cooperation between partners in response to these attacks. They set out their shared resolve to find a path to de-escalation, working with allies to protect civilians and defend regional stability. They agreed to speak again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister gains new insight into use of drones and emerging technologies in Ukraine Government of Norway News story | Date: 28/02/2026 Drones are playing a key role in the war in Ukraine, and the Government is planning to provide more than NOK 12 billion in support to Ukraine in 2026 for the procurement of drones and autonomous systems. During his visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre had the opportunity to see first-hand how drones are being used in the war and to witness the rapid technological developments taking place as a result of cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian companies. 'We are maintaining a close dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities on how best to target Norway's support to Ukraine, and drones have been identified as a top priority by Ukraine in its fight to defend itself against Russian attacks,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. Prime Minister Stre has been on a two-day visit to Kyiv in connection with the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce how Norway's military support to Ukraine in 2026 is to be used. Drone war While he was in Kyiv, Prime Minister Stre and Ukrainian Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov visited the Lasar's Group, a unit operating under the National Guard of Ukraine. The Prime Minister was able to observe a live military operation that showed how the unit is managing to stop Russian attacks and destroy enemy equipment. Mr Stre also had the chance to meet the drone pilots. 'I was able to see first-hand how the Ukrainians are using drones to defend themselves against Russian drone attacks. I also talked to the drone pilots whose job this is. It made a strong impression on me. I learned a lot about how this war is being waged,' said Mr Stre. Industrial cooperation Prime Minister Stre also visited the Ukrainian defence technology company Fire Point, which has become an important producer of long-range strike drones and FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles. 'The company is developing technology on an ongoing basis, in response to changing needs and challenges, and these technological developments are taking place very rapidly. The pace of innovation we are seeing in Ukraine is something Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces must continue to learn from,' said Mr Stre. Fire Point is cooperating with the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. A representative of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace also participated in the visit to the Ukrainian company. 'The Norwegian and Ukrainian defence industries have a great deal to learn from one another, and this cooperation is of mutual benefit not only to the companies involved but also to our two countries,' Mr Stre said. Drone strategy In Kyiv, many people have no access to water or electricity, following massive missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure over the past few weeks, and it is bitterly cold. At the same time, Russia is losing more than 1 000 soldiers every day, most of these as a result of drone attacks from Ukraine. 'Drones and autonomous systems have changed the dynamics on the battlefield, and Norway must ensure that it is at the forefront when it comes to developing and implementing new technologies. For this reason, the Government launched a new drone strategy for the defence sector in December last year. Our Ukrainian partners are providing Norway with unique insight into the experience Ukraine has gained during the war, including into emerging technologies, strategies and industrial developments,' said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latvian Foreign Minister Says Kremlin Lacks Political Will For Peace In Ukraine, Urges Sustained Pressure On Russia By Alex Raufoglu February 28, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has not demonstrated a genuine desire to end the war in Ukraine, Latvia's top diplomat said, arguing that only sustained military and economic pressure will compel Moscow to negotiate seriously. "We are not seeing that," Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told RFE/RL in an interview in Washington on February 26 when asked whether Putin was serious about peace. While there has been some technical-level military engagement, she said, "political commitment is not there." The Kremlin has taken part in several rounds of peace talks, but has so far given little indication that it is prepared to make any significant concessions on its war aims. Braze, who was visiting Washington this week and attended the US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Capitol Hill, said that everyone involved -- Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union -- understands what is at stake. The challenge now, she said, is to generate the political will in Moscow "to seriously engage." Pressure On The Battlefield and Beyond Braze endorsed what she described as a "peace through strength" approach led by Washington. "In our belief, consistent pressure on Russia -- both on the battlefield by supporting Ukraine and through sanctions and other policy instruments -- will bring peace faster," she said. That pressure, she added, must include tightening and enforcing sanctions, preventing their circumvention, and denying Russia access to income, technology, and partnerships. Such steps, she argued, would accelerate the arrival of peace. She said she believes US negotiators are realistic in their dealings with Moscow, but stressed that while "everybody wants peace," the Kremlin has yet to show that it does. Understanding Russia's Objectives For Latvia and other countries on NATO's eastern flank, the war is part of a broader pattern in how Russia pursues its goals. "Speaking about Russia and the way Russia operates," Braze said, it is essential to understand both its objectives and its doctrine. The methods Moscow employs, she noted, depend on what it is trying to achieve. In Ukraine's case, she said, Russia's objective has been to subjugate the country and prevent it from becoming "an independent, democratic, strong nation" -- something that would not fit what she described as the Kremlin's imperial ambitions. When nonmilitary means failed -- including corruption and political influence through then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych -- Moscow escalated. Braze recalled how Yanukovych's decision in late 2013 to abandon a plan to tighten ties with the EU sparked the Maidan protests, which culminated in his flight from Ukraine in February 2014. Soon afterward, Russia seized Crimea and set off a war in eastern Ukraine, which escalated with such incidents as the July 2014 downing of flight MH17 by a Russian Buk missile over territory held by Moscow-backed forces. When Ukraine continued moving toward the EU and NATO, Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Putin, she said, miscalculated -- expecting Ukrainians to welcome Russian forces or for Kyiv to fall within days. Instead, Ukraine has entered its fifth year of war "strong," more democratic than before, and confident in its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Beyond Ukraine, Braze warned that Russia is pursuing cyberattacks, hostile information operations, and sabotage in countries such as the United States, the Czech Republic, Britain, and Germany. The aim, she said, is to confuse decision-making and divide societies, making it harder for governments to raise defense spending, maintain sanctions, or continue supporting Kyiv. To prevent any "military illusions" in Moscow, she said, NATO allies must invest in hard defense capabilities. "When we are strong, Russia can't do anything against us," she said, calling strength and awareness of Russia's objectives the first criteria for success within NATO. Ukraine's EU Future Ukraine's long-term trajectory, Braze suggested, is closely tied to its European integration. While Hungary is currently blocking the formal opening of EU accession negotiations, she said the practical work is advancing. Kyiv is preparing to adopt the EU's body of law and to meet the Copenhagen criteria -- democracy, human rights, and a functioning market economy -- so that it can proceed swiftly once talks formally begin. Accession, she emphasized, is not merely about declaring a date. It requires building institutions capable of implementing EU legislation and preparing society and businesses for wide-ranging regulatory changes -- from agricultural standards to water-quality directives. From Latvia's own experience, however, she acknowledged that having a target date in mind can help mobilize reforms, even if the final timeline shifts. As for suggestions by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the EU was not invited to peace talks, Braze was unequivocal. "Only the EU decides about EU's issues," she said. "There will be no decisions about the EU without the EU." If Moscow believes someone else can represent the bloc's interests, she added, "they are mistaken." Transatlantic Alliance -- The Bedrock Of European Security Despite strains and periods of political friction, Braze framed the broader transatlantic relationship as essential to security on both sides of the ocean. "The European and the North American relationship? Let's not forget Canada," she said, describing ties between the two as among the closest and most profound partnerships in existence. That community of like-minded democracies, she said, has ensured security and prosperity since NATO's founding and must now be reinforced -- not taken for granted. "It's not a very popular thing to bash your allies," Braze said, urging leaders to remove unnecessary economic obstacles, deepen understanding, and resolve disagreements directly. "If we don't understand something, let's pick up the phone and call each other." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/latvia-foreign-minister-kremlin- lacks-political-will-peace-ukraine/33689902.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Army Liberate Neskuchnoye in Kharkov Region Sputnik News 20260228 MOSCOW, February 28 (Sputnik) - Russian Army has liberated the settlement of Neskuchnoye in the Kharkov region, Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "Units of the Sever battlegroup, as a result of decisive actions, liberated the settlement of Neskuchnoye in the Kharkov region," the defense ministry said in a statement. Units of the Vostok battlegroup continued to advance their positions and liberated the settlement of Gorky in the Zaporozhye region continued to advance their positions and liberated the settlement of Gorky in the Zaporozhye region Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated up to 400 soldiers has eliminated up to 400 soldiers Ukraine has also lost up to 330 soldiers in battles with the Russia's Vostok battlegroup and up to 220 soldiers with the Sever battlegroup and up to 220 soldiers with the Russian air defense systems shot down Ukraine's Flamingo missile, 10 HIMARS projectiles, some 315 Ukrainian drones Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks earlier in the day. Ukraine seeks the Netherlands' backing to expand the Drone Line initiative Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 28 February, 2026, 6:38 PM EET Ukraine and the Netherlands intend to secure additional resources to expand further the Drone Line initiative in support of Defence Forces units. At a meeting with the Netherlands' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, characterised the Drone Line as one of the most effective initiatives for strengthening the capabilities of Ukraine's military. Over 1,000 crews are currently operating under the project. In January-February, they eliminated every third russian service member on the front line. According to Mykhailo Fedorov, in January russian losses surpassed the number of newly mobilised russian troops. In certain areas of the front, enemy losses reached up to 170 personnel per square kilometre of territorial advance. The Minister of Defence also called on partners to support other drone projects, in particular to ensure a baseline level of UAV capability for brigades. According to him, integrating the Drone Line initiative with the baseline brigade support programme could become a game-changer on the front and enable Ukraine to inflict up to 50,000 enemy losses per month, as outlined in Ukraine's War Plan. Mykhailo Fedorov also briefed the Dutch side on other elements of Ukraine's War Plan, its key objectives and overall vision. The parties discussed areas of cooperation aimed at developing a mutually beneficial partnership, ensuring technological superiority and limiting russia's resources. In particular, the discussions addressed: support for the F-16 programme; countermeasures against russia's shadow fleet; enhancement of radar coverage capabilities; supply of extended-range artillery ammunition. The Minister of Defence of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its leadership and sustained support. He further emphasised the significance of the decision to supply PAC-3 missiles, announced at the Ramstein-format meeting, and stressed the importance of sustained funding for the PURL programme. The delegations also agreed to proceed with efforts to launch a European initiative focused on identifying solutions to address ballistic threats. At the same time, Ukraine stands ready to grant the Netherlands access to its own innovative defence technologies and solutions. The parties agreed to work on developing mechanisms to ensure ongoing data sharing between the two countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It Is Fair to Give the Iranian People a Chance to Rid Themselves of a Terrorist Regime and to Guarantee Security for All Nations That Have Suffered From Terror Originating in Iran - Address by the President President of Ukraine 28 February 2026 - 15:50 I wish you good health! Today has been packed with international work. Rustem Umerov has already delivered a briefing following this week's meetings with envoys of President Trump. We discussed the main outcomes of the Geneva meetings - mostly on economic matters and reconstruction. And we are continuing preparations for the trilateral format, whenever that may take place. Right now, we see that events in the Middle East and the Gulf region are unfolding extremely rapidly. Unfortunately, Ukraine knows all too well what this is about. Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin's accomplice and supplied him with "shahed" drones, and not only the drones themselves, but also the technologies. Iran also provided other weapons to Russia. Over the course of this full-scale war, the Russians have used more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine - against our people, against our cities, and against our energy infrastructure. Other nations have also suffered from this terror. Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime - to rid themselves of it and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran. Our position - it's well-known, and Ukraine has stated it repeatedly, including recently. It is important to preserve as many lives as possible. It is important to prevent the war from expanding. It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians. People cannot know the day or the hour, yet every act of evil, terror, and aggression against neighbors ultimately meets a just response. We expect that, in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable. Much has already changed toward that goal. Ukraine is ready to help every nation so that security and justice increase, and terrorist regimes decrease. Depending on the security situation and real diplomatic possibilities, the time and place of the next meeting of our team and the U.S. team - the meeting with the Russians - will be determined. Russia must end its aggression against us - against Ukraine and against all of Europe. And security must be guaranteed. I have issued updated directives to our negotiating team and the broader Ukrainian diplomatic team. Peace is needed - true peace - and a real possibility for people to live freely and to live safely. Also today, an important meeting was held here in Kyiv with representatives from the Netherlands - a state that is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine and our defense. I want to express my gratitude that members of the new Dutch government - the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs - came almost immediately to visit us here in Ukraine. And that speaks volumes. I am thankful for it. I briefed them on the security situation and on what our intelligence expects from Russia in the near future. Of course, we also discussed the prospects for negotiations. I am grateful for the Netherlands' readiness to continue supporting our state and our people. Our priority remains air defense. The Netherlands contributes significantly both through the PURL initiative and on a bilateral basis. We will continue this cooperation. At all levels with the Netherlands, with all our partners in Europe, and with all partners in the free world, we will continue building relationships that enhance protection for life. I thank everyone who is helping us! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President Met with the New Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands President of Ukraine 28 February 2026 - 15:46 President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Tom Berendsen, who represent the new Government that began work this week. On the day the new Government began its work, February 23, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten held his first overseas phone call with the President of Ukraine. "This is a great honor for us, and such respect for the Ukrainian nation. It is also very important to me that you came. This is a strong signal of support," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President emphasized that, thanks to cooperation with all Dutch governments throughout this war, relations between our countries have already reached the level of a strategic partnership and trust. The Head of State expressed gratitude for all support packages, especially in defense, and highlighted the Netherlands' active participation in the Coalition of the Willing. The President and the officials discussed opportunities to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of continuing the implementation of the PURL initiative, to which the Netherlands was the earliest contributor last year. "Thanks to this program, we have PAC-3. You know how important this is, especially during this winter. Everyone in Ukraine knows what PURL means and what it means to have missiles for the Patriot systems," the President noted. The Head of State also briefed delegates on negotiations for achieving a dignified peace and on preparations for the next trilateral meeting, scheduled for early March. Special attention was given to deepening defense cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands, including joint drone production. Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius stressed that the Government of the Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine in every possible way. The Minister noted that Ukraine's fight for independence is a shared struggle, as Ukrainians are defending not only their country but all of Europe. "You will continue to have our support; you can count on us. And we can not only show our support but also hear from you what more we can do, what is needed, what the situation is, and where we can use our influence and our support to help you," Tom Berendsen added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Imposed Sanctions on Russian Companies - Postal Services Delivering Cargoes to Temporarily Occupied Ukrainian Territories President of Ukraine 28 February 2026 - 09:45 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on 10 Russian transport and logistics companies that deliver cargo to Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia. The sanctions list includes private Russian companies that deliver items to the Russian occupiers and handle return shipments, essentially providing logistical support to the Russian army. Also included in this package are enterprises operating in the temporarily occupied territories using infrastructure seized from Ukrposhta. They not only distribute pensions and other payments, but also function as passport offices, illegally issuing passports to people and serving draft notices. Postal operators that have circumvented sanctions to create channels for so-called parallel imports of dual-use goods (such as electronics and drones) are also subject to the sanctions. "Postal services play a special role in delivering microelectronics from abroad. It is unacceptable that a microchip can be mailed from Germany to Moscow. The sanctions are also aimed at restricting these supply channels. The relevant information has already been shared with our partners," said Advisor - Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ISLAMABAD, March 1 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. Featured Holy jam in GH's first Christian nightclub Jessica Love Otoo Showbiz News Mar - 01 - 2026 , 17:14 3 minutes read SINCE its launch on November 30, 2025, The Gathering, Ghanas first Christian nightclub, has been offering young believers a refreshing way to unwind. Held once a month, the event has quickly become a highlight on the social calendar for many Christian youth in Accra, and last Sundays edition was no exception. Hosted at GH Media in Achimota, Accra, The Gathering has so far staged three editionsDecember, January, and the most recent ONE on Sunday, February 22. Each session blends music, fellowship and faith in a setting that mirrors a typical nightclub but with a distinctly gospel focus. Last Sundays event was on the theme: The Gathering Lovers Gather Edition. It provided a faith-centred alternative to mainstream nightlife. By 5:00 p.m., the venue was already buzzing. The space featured a dance floor, DJ booth, bar area (serving strictly non-alcoholic drinks) and disco lights, familiar elements of club culture, yet the atmosphere felt notably wholesome and welcoming. Patrons streamed in with anticipation, and by 5:30 p.m., the man behind the initiative, gospel DJ Kwame Delin Agyeman, popularly known as DJ Delin, had taken his position behind the console. (Read Diplomat/musician Togbe Afrika unveils patriotic song for Black Stars) With chants of The Gathering, The Gathering, The Gathering, met by the crowds spirited response, Its just God and good vibes, DJ Delin set the tone for an evening of energetic praise and celebration. The dance floor soon came alive with gospel Amapiano and Afrobeats hits, including Opomulero, Stomp, Jerusalema, and You Dey Feel the Vibe. Choreographed group routines and an impromptu dance battle heightened the sense of unity and excitement. Despite a modest turnout, the enthusiasm was unmistakable as patrons danced freely, fully immersed in what many fondly described as a holy jam. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, DJ Delin revealed that the idea for The Gathering was born out of a conversation with his pastor. The vision began three years ago after an event at ICGC Christ Temple. My pastor, Rev. Selina Klu Albini, mentioned a discussion among some ladies who felt gospel DJs needed more opportunities to perform at concerts. Many young Christians want to go out and have fun, but often find the usual nightlife environment ungodly or unsafe. After one of my sessions brought them joy, I prayed about it several times before receiving the go-ahead to host this. While the concept has drawn criticism from some within the Christian community, DJ Delin remains resolute. He has largely financed the project himself and continues to rely on faith and persistence. There has been backlash, mostly from people who dont fully understand the vision. But I stay focused on what I believe God has called me to do and trust that, over time, more people will appreciate it, he added. Although attendance at the third edition dipped slightly, he is undeterred. Its a gradual process. Some will come, others wont. But I believe understanding will grow, and so will the support, he said. Beyond creating a safe social space for young Christians, DJ Delin hopes The Gathering will open more doors for gospel DJs to showcase their talent. Patrons who attended Sundays event shared glowing feedback. Nana Asieduwaa described the atmosphere as uplifting and spiritually charged. You can truly feel Gods presence here, she said. Jason Armah, who attended with his girlfriend, praised the initiative as even better than a regular nightclub; no chaos, just positive energy. Many attendees expressed excitement about returning with friends and family for the next edition, scheduled for March 28, 2026. Next article: Ghana Embassy in Qatar urges citizens to stay indoors following missile attack Featured Ghana evacuates Embassy staff in Iran as Middle East strikes escalate Mohammed Ali Mar - 01 - 2026 , 08:46 2 minutes read Ghana has begun evacuating some staff of its Embassy in Tehran and activated an emergency response plan for nationals across parts of the Middle East following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have significantly worsened security in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a press release issued on Saturday, February 28, 2026. It stated that the government had initiated the evacuation of a number of staff of the Embassy of Ghana in Tehran, while retaining essential personnel to continue providing consular services to Ghanaians who remain in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The decision follows escalating military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which have resulted in airspace closures, flight disruptions and heightened security alerts across several Gulf states. According to the Ministry, the strikes targeted sites within Iran, after which Tehran responded with actions against Israeli and American military assets in the Gulf, particularly in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. These countries host significant numbers of Ghanaian workers, traders and students. The resulting disruption to civilian air travel has raised concerns about potential evacuation routes should the situation deteriorate further. The Ministry issued directives to Ghanaian nationals residing in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, advising them to remain indoors where possible, comply strictly with instructions from local authorities, avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, and keep their travel documents accessible at all times. Nationals were also urged to monitor official communications closely and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission. The Ministry advises Ghanaian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to and from the Middle East, the statement said. In the same release, the Government of Ghana called on the parties involved to reduce tensions, urging the United States, Israel and Iran to exercise restraint, de escalate and return to diplomatic engagement in the interest of protecting lives, ensuring economic stability and lasting regional peace. The Ministry confirmed that emergency consular lines have been activated for Ghanaians in the region and that diplomatic missions remain available to provide assistance. It added that assessments are ongoing regarding any further evacuations. As of the time of filing this report, the government had not disclosed the total number of Ghanaian nationals currently residing in the affected countries. Featured President Mahama to address African human rights court in Tanzania Mohammed Ali Mar - 01 - 2026 , 08:47 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama will leave Accra today, March 1, 2026, for Arusha in Tanzania to attend the opening of the 2026 judicial year of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. A statement signed by the Minister of Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the President will be the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026. The statement said the event will also launch activities to mark the courts 20th anniversary. It added that the invitation marks the first time a sitting President of Ghana has been invited to address the court. The ceremony will be held on the theme, 20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples Rights in Africa. While in Arusha, Mr Mahama will hold talks with the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan. Mr Mahama is expected back in the country after the programme on Monday. In his absence, the Vice-President will act as President in line with Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution. The African Court was established under a protocol to the Organisation of African Unity Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, adopted in 1998. The protocol came into force in January 2004. The courts first judges were elected in 2006, and it delivered its first judgment in 2009. It is one of three regional human rights courts in the world, alongside the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Out of 34 African Union member states that have ratified the courts protocol, only eight, including Ghana, have filed declarations allowing individuals and non-governmental organisations to bring cases directly before the court. This means that a Ghanaian citizen, or a civil society organisation with observer status before the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, may institute proceedings against the Ghanaian state directly in Arusha. The closing ceremony for the Ta Nai Animu: Sacred Waters exhibit will be closing on Thursday with a ceremony that reiterates the call for healing and power building in the midst of threats to sacred waters in the Marianas, including deep seabed mining, firing ranges and coastal erosion. Event hosts Micronesia Climate Change Alliance and Hita Litekyan invite the community to Guam Museum for the March 5 closing ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The closing ceremony will bring together artists and community members for an evening of live art, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. The evening will feature a panel of water advocates speaking on their work around water protection. There will also be a live fashion art build, where three artists will collaborate in real time to create wearable work inspired by deep sea life spotlighting the harms of deep seabed mining. A highlight of the evenings program will be a presentation by Master Suruhana Mama Lou Manglona, who will share the cultural and medicinal significance of Hanom Sinaga or fresh collected rainwater in traditional CHamoru healing practices. This offering affirms the enduring role of water in CHamoru identity, even hosts said. The closing ceremony will also include a silent auction of original artworks created by participating artists, with proceeds supporting ongoing MCCA cultural and environmental programming. Ta Nai Animu, meaning we give our entire spirit, centers water as a living relative and source of cultural memory. Since its opening, the exhibit has created space to uplift 45 artists from across the Marianas to create poignant pieces that highlight the archipelagos freshwater and ocean ecosystems amid ongoing environmental and militarization pressures. MCCA and Hita Litekyan collaborated with Nenpire and Guam LEAF to bring the Neni Nook to life, and families are encouraged to visit the museum from now through the closing ceremony for fun sensory activities. This closing ceremony is not an ending, but a continuation of collective efforts to protect our sacred waters for future generations. We hope to host this exhibit series annually to highlight pressing issues across our communities in the Marianaslast year, we highlighted land struggles, this year, our sacred waters, and we are in the process of figuring out the theme for next year according to exhibit curator Kacey Bejado of Hita Litekyan, a land rights advocacy group. This exhibit was made possible through funding from the Teiger Foundation. GAZA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Sunday condemned the "blatant aggression and heinous crime" by Israel and the United States against Iran, and mourned the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In a press statement, Hamas warned the attacks would only "fuel further crises and conflicts that serve only Israeli agendas of expansion and hegemony." The group mourned Khamenei, saying the Iranian leader "demonstrated all forms of political, diplomatic, popular, and military support for the Palestinian people, their cause and their resistance." The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. Tehran confirmed Sunday that Khamenei was killed in Saturday's U.S.-Israel attacks. This combination of video grabs taken from UGC images posted on social media and verified by AFPTV teams show a repoted explosion in Tehran amid strikes by the United States and Israel New developments are occurring as a result of Israel and the U.S. conflict with Iran, and the potential to draw other countries into the conflict is concerning. One major pressure point is the Strait of Hormuz, where a large share of the worlds oil passes. If fighting threatens that area, oil prices rise worldwide, shipping insurance gets more expensive, and fuel suppliers raise rates. Because Guam imports most of its fuel, even small global changes hit us fast. With a 20-cent increase already at the pumps the past few weeks, more ahead is a strong possibility. Guam plays a major role in the Indo-Pacific posture as Guam hosts major U.S. bases, including Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. In a major conflict, these bases would likely be used to support operations in the Middle East and Asia. Potentially it means more military activity, more aircraft and ships, possible troop increases, heightened security, and Guam becomes more important and also more exposed. War affects shipping and trade worldwide. For Guam, more expensive fuel means higher electricity bill, higher shipping costs, and more expensive groceries and goods. Possible shortages in supply chains slow everyday items, from rice to construction materials. They could cost more. If war expands beyond Iran, rival powers may respond in other regions. Because of Guams strategic role, cyberattacks could increase, missile defense systems may go on alert, and civil defense planning could become more visible. This doesnt mean war is coming here, but tensions make Guam more sensitive to global conflicts. I call on our elected leaders to develop a contingency comprehensive plan in light of events happening in our troubled world. With due respect to former Del. Robert Underwoods long record of public service, I must disagree with his description of President Donald Trumps recent State of the Union and of the Guam Republicans who responded to it (Pacific Daily News, Feb. 28, 2026). His column paints a picture of pure carnival and disunion, but leaves out important facts about Trumps record and about policy concerns that many Americansincluding on Guamtake seriously. Whether one likes Trumps style or not, it is not accurate to pretend there is no substance behind his presidency. His administration oversaw major deregulation, replacing NAFTA with the U.S.MexicoCanada Agreement, opening markets for American agriculture, and pursuing fair and reciprocal trade that many blue-collar workers felt had been ignored for decades. For Guam, whose economy is tied to defense, shipping, tourism, and federal rules, these are real policy shifts with real impacts. Mr. Underwood also criticizes the use of Medal of Honor recipients at the speech, quoting a Marine who said the medals were handed out like candy. That line may be clever, but it is unfair to men whose awards were finally recognized after a notoriously long and bureaucratic process that often takes decades. Many recipientsincluding minorities and those from earlier warswaited far too long. Whatever one thinks of Trumps showmanship, those heroes did not receive their medals as political candy; they earned them in blood, and a State of the Union spotlight does not cheapen that sacrifice. Please show respect for our deserving veterans. On disunion and the Epstein files, I agree that the American people deserve transparency. But if the standard is full disclosure, it must be applied fairly. The Trump and Biden administrations, like the Obama administration before them, all had opportunities and discretion to prioritize release of Epstein-related records, subject to protecting prosecutions. Keeping most files under wraps reflects decisions by successive Justice Departments, not a plot unique to one president. Furthermore, Mr. Underwood takes offense at Trump calling Democrats crazy. I dont endorse name-calling, but I cant ignore policy developments many parents see as extreme. Across the country, lawsuits have emerged where schools socially transitioned our childrenchanging their names, pronouns, and accommodationswithout informing or securing consent from parents. Some states have passed laws allowing shelters to withhold notification to certain parents when minors seek gender-affirming transitions or reproductive services, which critics say undermines parental rights. Reasonable people can debate the line, but it is not crazy talk for moms and dads who love their kids to be alarmed by policies that reduce their say in life-altering decisions of their precious little ones. Finally, Mr. Underwood implies that Guam Republicans like Del. James Moylan and former senator Mary Torres are engaging in praise and worship of Trump. I see something different. Praising a presidents focus on security, the economy, and the strength of the American people does not mean endorsing every joke or exaggeration in a long speech. As Mr. Underwood knows or should know, members of Congress and candidates from Guahan have a duty to work with any sitting presidentRepublican or Democratto protect our islands security, advance our economic interests, and ensure federal policies recognize the territories unique status. They can support a general policy direction while still exercising independent judgment as part of a co-equal branch. Suggesting that their position is cult-like devotion dismisses the serious calculations any Guam leader must make when navigating Washington, D.C. We can and should debate Trumps rhetoric, his policies, and his impact on the state of the union. But let us not pretend there were no real accomplishments, no legitimate parental-rights concerns, and no bipartisan failures on issues like Epstein. Inafamaolek requires that we argue hard on the facts, but with fairness to all sides, including those Guam Republicans who are trying, in their own way, to secure a better future for our island. Saina maase for the opportunity to offer this different perspective. I was deeply disturbed watching a lone activist nearly manhandled by security officers outside the governors office as she desperately tried to get her message through. Perhaps she overstepped by using a bullhorn in the hallway, but what struck me was not the volume of her voice. It was the desperation behind it. It was painful to see someone feel so unheard that raising her voice seemed like the only option left. That moment was not simply about deep-sea mining. It was about something far deeper. Yes, the demonstration centered on the federal government exploring commercial interest in deep-sea mineral extraction in waters near Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. There are legitimate environmental concerns that deserve serious attention. But what we witnessed was more than environmental activism. It was the visible frustration of a people who feel that too many decisions are made about us, without us. Perhaps if our long-standing issues had been addressed fairly and decisively, moments like this would not occur. War claims were delayed for generations. Radiation exposure compensation frameworks excluded Guam despite our regions proximity to nuclear testing. Compact impact funding continues to strain our health care, education, and public safety systems, while reimbursements fall short. Supplemental Security Income benefits remain unavailable to our elderly and disabled. The military buildup reshapes our land, housing market, and infrastructure with consequences that ordinary families feel every day. When issue after issue remains unresolved, frustration accumulates. History gives context to that frustration. In 1945, Vice Admiral G.D. Murray wrote privately that Guam and its neighboring islands had little economic value and described our people in dismissive terms. Whether those words were considered wartime analysis or strategic opinion, they revealed a mindset that saw this island primarily as a military asset rather than as a community of American citizens. Many decades later, it is difficult not to feel that elements of that mindset persist. We are fiercely loyal Americans. Our sons and daughters serve in uniform at extraordinary rates. Our island anchors national defense in the Indo-Pacific. Yet too often our political voice carries less weight. Our Organic Act promises citizenship and governance, yet its protections often feel conditional. I do not support disorder, nor do I encourage confrontation. But I understand why desperation surfaces when people feel invisible. Suppressing a voice does not resolve the concerns behind it. It only deepens the belief that there is no other avenue left. Perhaps we would not see individuals standing alone with bullhorns if longstanding commitments had been honored with the same urgency as federal strategic interests. Perhaps we would not feel so fragile if equal treatment were not something we constantly have to request. This is not about deep-sea mining alone. It is about dignity. It is about partnership. It is about whether Guam is viewed as a valued part of the American family or merely as territory. We do not need desperate actions. We need fair resolution. We need leadership willing to stand firm, professionally and respectfully, and insist that before new ventures are pursued in our waters, the unfinished obligations to our people are addressed. Faith in our citizenship should not be this fragile. And loyalty should not feel this one-sided. Haiti - Jeremie : The health and humanitarian situation at the prison is worrying Following a visit to Jeremie Prison in February, the Association of Volunteers for the Reintegration of Prisoners in Haiti (AVRP) made a concerning observation. The conditions of detention are marked by serious deficiencies in sanitation, food, and social services, and a large and vulnerable prison population. The prison currently holds approximately 470 inmates, including 435 adults, 18 women, and 17 boys under the age of 18. The presence of minors in a prison housing adults raises serious concerns regarding the protection and respect for children's rights. With only 25 police officers assigned to security, the staff-to-inmate ratio remains insufficient, increasing the risk of internal tensions and violence. Cases of assaults between inmates have also been reported. Limited access to drinking water and hygiene : The prison has an artesian well, but an energy problem prevents a regular water supply. Drinking water is therefore not consistently accessible. Inmates wash themselves in the prison yard, in conditions that do not meet minimum hygiene standards. In addition, waste management is inadequate. Meals, prepared over charcoal, generate residue that is often left within the prison grounds, contributing to an unsanitary environment. Insufficient food : Inmates receive only one meal per day. This single ration raises concerns about the nutritional intake necessary to maintain the physical health of those deprived of their liberty. Alarming health situation : The prison has 11 medical staff members but suffers from a critical shortage of essential medications. Prison authorities have drawn up an urgent list including, among other things: Paracetamol 500 mg, Amoxicillin 500 mg, Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, Metronidazole 500 mg, Omeprazole 20 mg, Amlodipine 10 mg, Salbutamol, Cotrimoxazole, Loperamide, iron tablets, antifungal cream, and dermatological lotions. Without these basic supplies, managing common illnesses becomes extremely difficult. Deaths have reportedly been recorded over the past three years, although no detailed official statistics are available. Precarious accommodation and lack of social support : Mattresses are insufficient or damaged, sheets are torn, and inmates' uniforms are in poor condition. No social worker is assigned to the facility, limiting any prospect of psychosocial support or reintegration. A registry office does, however, handle the administrative registration of detainees, demonstrating a minimum level of institutional organization. Urgent measures are needed : improved access to drinking water, provision of medication, increased security, separation of minors and adults, and implementation of reintegration programs. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46619-haiti-justice-damning-report-on-detention-conditions-at-fort-liberte.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... LHF Closing Series Matchday 1 Results February 28th Tempete vs FICA Levelt Park. Tempete Wins: [2-1] Goals : Tempete: 38 Orelus Boutros [1-1] and 46 [2-1] FICA : 15 Sandinho St Jean [0-1] Interconnection between UCREF and ONI On Friday, February 27, 2026, the National Identification Office (ONI) and the Central Financial Intelligence Unit (UCREF) signed a memorandum of understanding that allows UCREF agents direct access to the ONI database, significantly reducing the time previously required to obtain identity data in financial crime investigations. CEP : End of the First Meeting The first series of three-day meetings of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) concluded on Saturday. Participants were briefed on the latest developments in the electoral process, including technology, the introduction of diaspora voting, voter registration, and the registration of political parties, groups, and coalitions. OFATMA : Two New Directors The Office of Occupational Accident, Illness, and Maternity Insurance (OFATMA) officially installed two new directors earlier this week. Dr. Missole Antoine will head the Southern Departmental Directorate, while Dr. Marie Jose Stephanie France will lead the OFATMA Hospital in Les Cayes. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Training The Higher School of Infotronics of Haiti (ESIH) is honored to have recently hosted Fenel Pierre for a training session dedicated to cryptocurrency and blockchain for its students. This session was marked by high-quality discussions, strong participant engagement, and in-depth knowledge sharing on key themes of digital transformation. Elections : Registration of Political Parties, Groups, and Coalitions The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) will proceed with the registration of political parties, groups, and coalitions from March 2 to 12, 2026, in accordance with Article 143 of the Electoral Decree of December 1, 2025. Registration will take place at the central office, 72 Stephen Archer Street, Petion-Ville, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. HL/ HaiLibre SHUANGYASHAN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Heilongjiang Province, dubbed "grain barn" of China, has entered a new farming season. In Shuangyashan City, staff members are engaged in clearing snow and securing plastic coverings for greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding. Maintenance and inspection of agricultural machinery are also underway. A staff member checks information tags for corn seeds at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows staff members packing paddy rice seeds at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Staff members perform equipment maintenance at a weather station of Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows agricultural machines at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Iranian state television announced Khameneis death early on Sunday, hours after explosions struck central Tehran. Satellite images published by Reuters showed heavy damage and black smoke rising from the compound. Iran has begun 40 days of mourning after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint United States and Israeli air strikes on Tehran, state media confirmed on Sunday. The attack targeted his compound and senior military officials, marking the most serious assault on Irans leadership since 1979. President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing as a great crime in a statement released by his office. He declared seven days of public holidays in addition to the 40-day mourning period. Pezeshkian described the strike as an open declaration of war against Muslims and said Iran viewed revenge as its duty and legitimate right. The Israeli government confirmed it had struck what it called the heart of Tehran. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the army was carrying out intensive strikes targeting sites belonging to the Iranian regime and would continue operations in the capital. US President Donald Trump said the operation aimed to remove what he described as an imminent threat. In a video address, he urged Iranians to take over their government and wrote on social media that bombing would continue as long as necessary. He warned Tehran against retaliation, saying the United States would respond with force never been seen before. Iranian state media reported that Khameneis daughter, son-in-law and grandson were among those killed. The Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed the deaths of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour. More names were expected to be released. Irans constitution requires a temporary council to assume the duties of the supreme leader until the Assembly of Experts selects a successor. State media said the interim body consists of President Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and Guardian Council cleric Alireza Arafi. The council will oversee state affairs during the transition. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, accused Washington and Tel Aviv of seeking to plunder Iran. Groups seeking to divide Iran should know that we will not tolerate it, he said on state television. Crowds gathered in Tehrans Enghelab Square and at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. Footage broadcast by state media showed mourners beating their chests and weeping. Similar scenes were reported in Shiraz, Yasuj and Lorestan. Other videos verified by Reuters showed small groups celebrating in parts of Tehran, Karaj and Isfahan. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US assets across the region. The United Arab Emirates said Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at the country on Saturday. Abu Dhabi reported one death and seven injuries linked to an incident at its airport. Dubai airport suspended operations. Bahrain confirmed missile strikes near the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet. Qatar said it intercepted missiles targeting its airspace. Kuwait reported interceptions in the south of the country. Oman said drones struck the port of Duqm, injuring one worker, and an oil tanker was hit off its coast, wounding four crew members. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations warned of significant military activity around the Strait of Hormuz. In Israel, sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Israeli ambulance service said two people were killed and 20 taken to hospital after a missile struck a residential building. The Health Ministry reported 456 hospital admissions since the start of hostilities. Russia condemned the killing. President Vladimir Putin described it as a cynical murder in violation of all standards of human morality and international law, according to the TASS news agency. The European Unions foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the death marked a defining moment in Irans history. At the United Nations Security Council, Russian and Chinese envoys criticised the strikes, arguing they took place during nuclear negotiations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Hezbollah leader Naim Qasem mourned Khamenei as a martyr and pledged to confront what he called aggression. Hamas issued a statement condemning the attack and holding the United States and Israel responsible. Airlines across the Middle East suspended flights as airspace closed. Emirates halted operations from Dubai. British Airways cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain. The International Energy Agency said it was monitoring the situation and remained in contact with major producers. Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after the Islamic revolution. During his tenure, Iran expanded its missile programme and extended influence through allied groups across the region. HT Iranian state media confirmed Khameneis death after heavy bombardment of Tehran and other cities. Satellite imagery reviewed by international outlets showed damage to his compound in the capital. The United States has named the campaign Operation Epic Fury and said it aims to dismantle Irans military and missile capacity. Iran and Israel traded further strikes on Sunday as the region absorbed the impact of the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint United States and Israeli assault. US Central Command said three American service members were killed in action and five seriously wounded during operations against Iran. The command also said it had sunk an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette in the Gulf of Oman and that major combat operations continued. Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and US-linked facilities across the Gulf. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said nine people were killed in a missile strike on the town of Beit Shemesh west of Jerusalem. At least 27 others were injured. The missile struck a residential area and damaged a public shelter, according to emergency officials. Iranian missiles also reached Gulf states that host US forces. Kuwaits Health Ministry said one person was killed and 32 injured. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities reported one death in Abu Dhabi after debris fell near the airport. Dubai airport sustained damage in what officials described as an incident that injured four staff. Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan said they intercepted projectiles aimed at their territory. Saudi Arabia said air defences intercepted missiles near Riyadhs international airport and Prince Sultan Airbase. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that it had targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with four ballistic missiles. A US official told Reuters the missiles did not hit the vessel and caused no damage. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the killing of Khamenei was a very serious and unprecedented act and a blatant violation of international law. He said Iran had no restrictions or limits in defending ourselves and confirmed that a transitional Leadership Council had begun work under constitutional procedures. According to Irans constitution, an interim council composed of the president, the judiciary chief and a cleric from the Guardian Council will oversee leadership duties until the Assembly of Experts selects a successor. President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised address that Iran would continue to strike military bases of its enemies. US President Donald Trump urged Iranian forces to lay down their arms and called on the Iranian public to rise against the clerical leadership. The conflict has disrupted global energy and transport. Brent crude rose about 10 per cent in over-the-counter trading on Sunday to around 80 dollars a barrel, according to oil traders cited by Reuters. Analysts at ICIS and RBC said prices could approach 100 dollars if disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues. Shipping data showed at least 150 tankers anchored in Gulf waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz, with dozens more stationary on the other side of the passage. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported several vessels struck by projectiles near Oman and the United Arab Emirates. One Marshall Islands-flagged crude tanker was hit northwest of Muscat, Reuters reported, citing maritime security sources. Iran has signalled restrictions on navigation through the strait, through which about 20 per cent of global oil shipments pass. OPEC+ members announced an increase of 206,000 barrels per day in production for April, above earlier forecasts. Air travel has also suffered heavy disruption. According to aviation data firm Cirium, reported by the BBC, 966 of 4,218 scheduled arrivals in the region on Saturday were cancelled. Major carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways and Emirates suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations. The Red Crescent said more than 200 people had been killed and over 700 injured across Iran since the start of the strikes. HT JERUSALEM, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said Israel will soon conduct large-scale strikes against "thousands of targets" linked to Iran's leadership in Tehran. In a video statement, Netanyahu called Saturday's U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to topple the government, urging Iranians to seize the "operational momentum" and take to the streets. Also on Sunday, Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Effie Defrin said that the military was operating since launching the operation on Saturday to create the "military and operational conditions for the overthrow of the Iranian regime." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also announced that Israel would escalate the attacks on Tehran. "Israeli aircraft are in a 'stand-in' posture over the skies of Tehran," Katz said in a statement. "From now on, Israeli warplanes will operate continuously to carry out powerful strikes in Tehran." The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. According to figures released by the Israeli military, Israeli warplanes struck targets in Iran with more than 1,200 munitions over the past 24 hours. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday the U.S. military campaign named Operation Epic Fury is focused on dismantling Iran's security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat. "U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET," said the command in a statement on X. "Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields." There have been no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries, said the command, adding that the U.S. forces "successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks" and "damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations." For the first time in history, the U.S. military is using one-way attack drones in combat during the ongoing operation, said the command, noting that these low-cost drones are modeled after Iran's Shahed drones. The U.S. strikes included precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea, the command said. The ongoing campaign involves the largest regional concentration of U.S. military firepower in a generation, according to the command. General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., a former head of the U.S. Central Command, told U.S. media outlets on Saturday that the next 72 to 96 hours will be crucial to determine whether Iran can sustain a heavy barrage of retaliatory missile strikes against U.S. bases and partners in the Middle East region. ABU DHABI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Abu Dhabi Airports said on Sunday that an incident took place at Zayed International Airport, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. In a post on social media platform X, the airport operator confirmed that the deceased was an Asian, and the injured were provided with medical assistance. Honor's Chief Executive Officer Li Jian introduces the "Robot Phone" at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) BARCELONA, Spain, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). At a global product launch event, Honor's Chief Executive Officer Li Jian said the Robot Phone features the industry's first three-axis gimbal camera system integrated into a smartphone, describing it as a new species of smartphone. According to the company, the product combines two core AI capabilities - embodied intelligent interaction and flagship-level imaging - to offer what Honor calls an embodied AI experience. The device supports full-angle AI video calls, expressive body-language interaction and rhythmic motion. It also delivers cinema-level imaging performance, including advanced anti-shake video functions and AI-powered object tracking. During the event, Honor formally proposed the AHI concept. "The essence of artificial intelligence is people-centered," Li said. "It should combine intelligence quotient (IQ) with emotional intelligence (EQ), enhancing humanity's ability to adapt, evolve and enjoy the present in a rapidly changing world. That is the AHI philosophy Honor believes in." On the same day, Honor also launched its flagship foldable smartphone, the Magic V6, on the global market, with a folded thickness as slim as 8.75 mm. The company's first humanoid robot also made its debut at the event. This year's MWC will run from March 2 to 5 in Barcelona, Spain, with its show floor hosting over 100 pavilions, representing countries, regions and technologies. An employee of Honor displays the "Robot Phone" at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) People watch the "Robot Phone" at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) An employee of Honor operates the "Robot Phone" at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) An employee of Honor operates the "Robot Phone" at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) Honor's "Robot Phone" is displayed at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) Honor's "Robot Phone" is displayed at a global product launch event in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026. Chinese tech brand Honor on Sunday unveiled what it called the industry's first "Robot Phone" ahead of the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and introduced its new concept of Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI). (Xinhua/Cheng Min) ABU DHABI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Sunday that the country's air force and air defense forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched by Iran. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said 132 of the 137 missiles were destroyed, while five fell into the sea. Of the 209 drones detected, 195 were intercepted and 14 landed within the country's territory and waters, causing limited collateral damage. Some debris fell in scattered areas, resulting in minor material damage to civilian facilities, the ministry said, adding that authorities had taken necessary measures to ensure public safety and secure affected sites. "The authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport, where the interception operation led to the fall of shrapnel, resulting in one death of Asian nationality and 7 injuries," Abu Dhabi Airports said in an official statement. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it had activated contingency plans to manage the impact of the attack and ensure the aviation sector continued operation. About 20,200 travelers have been impacted by the flight rescheduling, with temporary lodging, meals and rebooking arrangements provided, the GCAA said. ACCRA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The government of Ghana has activated an emergency preparedness plan to evacuate nationals from the Middle East if necessary, according to a travel advisory by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs late Saturday. The ministry said assessments are underway to determine the evacuation needs of Ghanaian citizens. "An emergency preparedness plan has been activated. The government has at this time initiated the evacuation of a number of staff of the Embassy of Ghana in Tehran, retaining essential personnel to coordinate assistance to Ghanaians in the Islamic Republic of Iran," read the advisory. Ghana has also urged its nationals in the Middle East to avoid non-essential travel to and from the region. Residents are advised to stay indoors and adhere to directives issued by local authorities. "Nationals in affected areas should avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, closely monitor official communications, keep travel documents readily accessible, and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission," it added. Meanwhile, the government called on all parties involved in the Middle East situation "to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and return to diplomatic engagement in the interest of protecting lives, ensuring economic stability, and lasting regional peace." LUSAKA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Sunday issued a travel and security advisory for its citizens residing in or visiting the Gulf region amid heightened security concerns following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. In the advisory, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation urged Zambians in affected areas to remain vigilant, stay indoors where possible, and avoid travel near military installations or key government infrastructure. Citizens were further advised to postpone non-essential travel to the region until the situation stabilizes and official advisories confirm it is safe. They were also encouraged to maintain regular contact with the nearest Zambian diplomatic mission for registration and assistance. The advisory reminded travelers to ensure their travel documents are valid and securely accessible. "Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Zambian missions accredited to countries in the Gulf region, is maintaining constant engagement with relevant authorities to obtain timely and accurate updates on the evolving situation," the advisory said, adding that the government is closely monitoring developments on the ground. TEHRAN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-Israel joint attack on Iran entered its second day on Sunday, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei confirmed dead along with several other senior officials. Iran confirmed early Sunday that Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes the previous day. "Iran's leader attained martyrdom while carrying out his duties at his office," reported Iran's Nour News, affiliated with the country's Supreme National Security Council. The attack also resulted in the deaths of Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and one of his daughters-in-law, according to the report. Several senior Iranian officials, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Secretary of the Defense Council Ali Shamkhani, and Mohammad Pakpour, chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were also killed in the strike. The death toll from Saturday's strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan has risen to 148, with 95 people wounded, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. In retaliation, Iran launched a series of counterattacks against Israeli and U.S. targets across the region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, among other countries. On Sunday, Iran's IRGC said it had carried out strikes on U.S. military bases as well as Israeli military facilities in the West Asia region. In a statement published by its official outlet Sepah News, the IRGC said a new wave of large-scale missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. bases was conducted with "strength" Sunday morning. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel in the morning after Iran launched several waves of missile barrages toward Tel Aviv and other areas. Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that fragments of one of the missiles fell in an agricultural field in the north, while fragments from intercepted missiles landed in Jerusalem and the nearby Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. No casualties were reported, Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service reported. In Dubai, UAE, authorities announced that debris from intercepted drones had fallen near two residential homes, injuring two people. Earlier in the day, four staff members at Dubai International Airport were hurt in an "incident" at one of the concourses, according to Dubai Airports. In Oman, two drones targeted the Port of Duqm on Sunday, about 550 km south of Muscat, injuring one worker, the Oman News Agency reported, citing a security source. In support of Iran, an Iraqi Shiite militia calling itself the "Guardians of Blood" and affiliated with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq -- an umbrella organization for Iraqi Shiite militias -- said Sunday that its fighters had deployed "a squadron of drones" targeting U.S. bases in Erbil, located in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. A statement by the group provided no further details on the targeted sites and reported no casualties. However, the Kurdish media network Rudaw reported a large plume of smoke rising over Erbil following the early Sunday strike. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences over Khamenei's death, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. He said in a message that the assassination of Iran's highest-ranking political official by the "sinister axis" of the United States and Israel on Saturday was a clear declaration of war against Muslims, especially Shiites, across the world. Pezeshkian stressed that Iran considers exacting revenge on those responsible for the "historic crime" as both its duty and legitimate right and will do its utmost to that end. Yemen's Houthi group also mourned Khamenei's death on Sunday, saying his blood would "fuel the course of confrontation with the unjust and aggressors." Al-Masirah TV, the group's official broadcaster, aired a statement issued by the political bureau of the Houthis, extending condolences "to the Iranian people and government and to the Islamic nation over the martyrdom of the revolution's leader, Imam Ali Khamenei." SEOUL, March 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called for continued efforts to restore trust with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Building a peaceful Korean Peninsula, where the two Koreas can grow together through coexistence and cooperation and on a foundation of trust, will be the true way to fully uphold the spirit of the independence movement, Lee said in his commemorative speech delivered at the ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement during the 1910-45 Japanese colonization. Lee stressed that South Korea respected the DPRK's system and will neither engage in any type of hostile acts nor pursue any form of unification by absorption, vowing to continue efforts for dialogue resumption with the DPRK. KIGALI, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed Saturday after a cargo truck overturned and hit a vehicle and a motorcycle in western Rwanda's Rubavu District, an official said. The accident occurred near Gisenyi Hospital in the afternoon, Prosper Mulindwa, the district's mayor, told reporters. "The victims included six people who were in a vehicle and pedestrians. Two people who were riding on a motorcycle died on the spot, while the others died at the hospital," he said. Police said preliminary investigations showed the accident was caused by overspeeding. What a moment to feel the advent of spring! As the kapok flowers are in full bloom in Guangzhou, local photography enthusiasts have captured footage of squirrels sipping nectar among the blossoms. #Spring #flowers #Guangzhou KAMPALA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed and seven others critically injured early Sunday in a head-on collision in Kyankwanzi District, central Uganda, police said. The crash occurred around 4:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) in Kyakabuga Village along the Kiboga-Hoima highway, when a passenger bus traveling from Kampala to Hoima collided with a Fuso truck coming from the opposite direction. The truck was carrying charcoal, according to Lameck Kigozi, Wamala regional police spokesperson. "The collision caused a fire, which burnt the two vehicles. Rescue teams from Kyankwanzi and Hoima responded with a firefighter from Hoima, which helped put out the fire," Kigozi said. "Unfortunately, six people died on the spot -- two were in the bus and four in the Fuso truck. Seven people have been critically injured." Kigozi said the injured were rushed to Kikonda Health Centre for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Hoima Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations. "The wreckage of the accident vehicles is still at the scene and efforts to tow them away are being made," he said. Police have launched investigations into the cause of the accident, which was reportedly linked to reckless and careless driving, Kigozi added. ABU DHABI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 58 others injured in the United Arab Emirates during Iranian airstrikes, the UAE Ministry of Defense said on Sunday. The three fatalities were Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals, and the 58 injured included both Emiratis and foreign residents, the ministry said. Since the beginning of the attack, 165 ballistic missiles launched toward the United Arab Emirates have been detected, with 152 destroyed and 13 falling into the sea, according to the ministry. Of the 541 drones tracked, 506 were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 landed inside the country, causing material damage, it said. The ministry affirmed that UAE armed forces are fully prepared to address any threat and emphasized that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors is a top priority. The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Iran on Saturday, following massive military attacks on the country launched by the United States and Israel earlier in the day. In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran's subsequent attacks, which he said violated "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates." Guterres warned that military action risks igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the world's most volatile regions, stressing that "international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected." "There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes," the UN chief stated, adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations. The U.S. and Israeli attacks occurred following the third round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran mediated by Oman, with preparations made for technical talks in Vienna next week followed by a new round of political talks, said the secretary-general. "I deeply regret that this opportunity of diplomacy has been squandered." Calling for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, he warned that "the alternative is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability." "Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation," Guterres said, urging all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, notably on the Iran nuclear programme. Calling the strikes "unprovoked and premeditated aggression" against Iran for the second time in recent months, Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the strikes "deliberately" attacked densely populated civilian areas in multiple large cities, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians. Condemning the military strikes as "a blatant act of aggression, a full-fledged violation of international law," he said, "no justification, no accusation, no narrative of disinformation can legitimize or excuse this manifest crime and aggression." He noted the attack constituted "a war against the international legal order upon which the United Nations and the Security Council have been built for over eight decades." Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that China expresses deep concern over the sudden escalation of regional tensions after the United States and Israel outrageously launched military strikes on targets in Iran. China always believes that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, opposes and condemns the use or threat of use of force in international relations, said Fu, adding that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and other countries in the region must be respected. Russia's UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the U.S. and Israeli strike is "a deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law." Their irresponsible step has undermined peace, stability, and security in the Middle East, he said, adding that the U.S. and Israeli military operation "has been a betrayal of diplomacy." The Latest: Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in attack by US and Israel Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raising the risk of regional instability Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. JERUSALEM, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said the ongoing combat operations against Iran "will continue as long as necessary to ensure that Iran no longer poses a threat." Israel "will strike thousands of targets in the coming days," he said in a live broadcast statement, noting that the Israeli army is prepared for any scenario of response from "Iranian proxies" in the region. The initiative, he claimed, is now in the hands of Israel and the United States, which he said are acting in full coordination. In the statement, Netanyahu also said that there are "increasing signs" that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is "gone," adding that the strikes have destroyed Khamenei's compound and killed commanders of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. Israeli media on Saturday evening reported that Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks and his body has been found. Yet Iranian officials say the supreme leader and the president are "safe and sound" and that "the enemy is resorting to mental warfare." On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in southern India has killed at least 20 people and left several others critically injured, police said. The explosion occurred on Saturday at a firecracker unit in Vetlapalem village, in the Samarlakota area of Andhra Pradeshs Kakinada district. The unit, identified by officials as Surya Fireworks, was operating when the blast tore through the premises, sparking a major fire. According to authorities, around 35 to 40 workers were inside the factory at the time. Kakinada superintendent of police G Bindu Madhav told Press Trust of India: We have information that 20 people were killed in the incident. Witnesses described scenes of devastation at the site of the explosion, with smoke rising from the site and ambulances rushing the injured to the hospital. At the Government General Hospital in Kakinada, doctors said several patients had suffered extremely severe burns. Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced ex gratia relief of 200,000 Indian rupees for the victims families. Pained by the loss of lives in the explosion at a factory in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon, he wrote on X. He said that the injured would be given rupees 50,000. The state government separately announced compensation of 20 lakh (approximately USD 24,000) for each family that lost a member in the blast. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured at the hospital and reviewed the situation. In a message posted on X, he said: The explosion at a crackers manufacturing unit at Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district has really pained me. Multiple people losing their lives in this accident is sad. He added that he had directed officials to ensure immediate aid and closely monitor rescue operations. We are monitoring the rescue efforts and will come to the aid of the affected families, he said. The chief minister ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident and announced the suspension of four officials over alleged lapses and negligence, according to the ANI news agency. He warned that strict action, including arrests and seizure of property, would be taken against those found responsible. Police and district authorities have launched an investigation. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Afghanistan has reported thwarting attempted airstrikes on Bagram Air Base, the former US military installation north of Kabul, as cross-border fighting with Pakistan entered its fourth day. The escalating conflict marks the most severe confrontation between the two neighbours in years, with Pakistan declaring itself in "open war" with Afghanistan. The intense hostilities have alarmed the international community, particularly given the region's continued vulnerability to militant groups, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which are reportedly attempting to re-establish their presence. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan's Taliban government of harbouring militant factions that launch attacks against its territory, and of fostering alliances with its arch-rival, India. Previous border clashes in October resulted in dozens of casualties among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants, before a Qatari-mediated ceasefire brought a temporary halt to the fighting. However, subsequent peace talks held in Turkey in November failed to yield a lasting agreement, leading to intermittent exchanges of fire ever since. On Sunday, the police headquarters of Parwan province, where Bagram is located, said in a statement that several Pakistani military jets had entered Afghan airspace and attempted to bomb Bagram Air Base at around 5 a.m. The statement said Afghan forces responded with anti-aircraft and missile defense systems and had managed to thwart the attack. There was no immediate response to the claim from Pakistan. Map of Bagram airbase: Bagram was the United States largest military base in Afghanistan. It was taken over by the Taliban as they swept across the country and took control in the wake of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country in 2021. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he wanted to reestablish a U.S. presence at the base. The current fighting began when Afghanistan launched a broad cross-border attack Thursday night, saying it was in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday. Pakistan had said its airstrike had targeted the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, or TTP. Afghanistan had said only civilians were killed. The TTP militant group, which is separate but closely allied with Afghanistans ruling Taliban, operates inside Pakistan, where it has been blamed for hundreds of deaths in bombings and other attacks over the years. Pakistan accuses Afghanistans Taliban government of providing a safe haven within Afghanistan for the TTP, an accusation Afghanistan denies. open image in gallery Trucks are parked along roadside following cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghan forces, at near Torkham border crossing point, Pakistan, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. ( AP ) After Thursdays Afghan attack, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared that our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us. In the ongoing fighting, each side claims to have killed hundreds of the other sides forces and each side puts its own casualties at drastically lower numbers. Afghan officials said fighting had continued overnight and into Sunday in the border areas. The police command spokesman for Nangarhar province, Said Tayyeb Hammad, said anti-aircraft missiles were used from the provincial capital of Jalalabad and surrounding areas on Pakistani fighter jets flying overhead Sunday morning. open image in gallery Trucks are parked along roadside following cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghan forces, at near Torkham border crossing point, Pakistan, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. ( AP ) Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatulah Khowarazmi said Afghan forces had launched counterattacks with snipers across the border from Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost and Kandahar provinces overnight. He claimed two Pakistani drones had been shot down and dozens of Pakistani soldiers had been killed. Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said Pakistani drone attacks hit civilian homes in Nangarhar province late Saturday night, killing a woman and a child, while a mortar killed another civilian when it hit a home in Paktia province. There was no immediate response to the claims from Pakistani officials. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Afghan air defences targeted Pakistani aircraft over Kabul before dawn on Sunday, as fighting between the two countries escalated into what Pakistans defence minister has described as open war. Explosions reverberated across parts of the Afghan capital in the early hours, followed by bursts of gunfire. It was not immediately clear what had been struck or whether there were casualties. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistans Taliban administration, said the blasts were the result of Afghan forces engaging Pakistani jets above the capital. Air defence attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned, he said. There was no immediate statement from Pakistans prime ministers office, information ministry or military. The exchange marks the fourth consecutive day of hostilities between the neighbours, whose 2,600km (1,615-mile) frontier has seen some of the heaviest violence in years. open image in gallery Pakistani army trucks carrying ammunition arrive near the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan on 28 February 2026 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The latest clashes follow Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan last Sunday. Islamabad said it was targeting infrastructure linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an outlawed militant group fighting an insurgency inside Pakistan that is closely allied with Afghanistans ruling Taliban. Kabul said the strikes killed only civilians and denounced them as a violation of its sovereignty, announcing retaliatory operations along the shared border. Pakistans defence minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, declared on Friday: Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us. Pakistani information minister Attaullah Tarar said on Saturday that more than 331 Afghan forces had been killed and over 500 wounded in ongoing strikes inside Afghanistan. He said Pakistan had destroyed 102 Afghan posts, captured 22 and destroyed 163 tanks and armoured vehicles at 37 locations. open image in gallery A vendor walks past the closed Landi Kotal Bazaar near the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan on 28 February 2026 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Kabul dismissed those figures as inaccurate. Afghanistans defence ministry said Afghan forces had killed 110 Pakistani soldiers and captured 27 Pakistani posts, reported the Associated Press. Enayatullah Khawarazmi, a ministry spokesperson, wrote on X that the operations were continuing. There was no immediate response from Islamabad to that claim. Pakistans army spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said on Friday that 12 Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the fighting. On the same day, Mr Mujahid said 13 Afghan forces were killed and 22 wounded, and that 55 Pakistani soldiers had died. Neither sides casualty figures have been independently verified. Afghanistans deputy government spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, accused Pakistan on Saturday of striking civilian areas in the provinces of Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kandahar, as well as refugee camps in Torkham and Kandahar. He said 52 people had been killed, most of them women and children, and 66 wounded. In eastern Afghanistan, the department of information and culture said Pakistani attacks had destroyed homes and killed at least 11 civilians. Pakistan has said it is targeting only military installations. The United Nations wrote on X that major Afghan cities were reportedly bombed by the Pakistani military on Friday, calling it a new escalation and warning of risks to civilians already living under Taliban rule. Pakistans state-run media reported that its air force had carried out strikes on key military installations in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials said their forces launched overnight attacks on Pakistani bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam, destroying installations and inflicting heavy casualties in response to Pakistani air strikes. Mullah Taj Mohammad Naqshbandi, a commissioner on the Afghan side of the Torkham crossing, said in a statement that the brave forces of the Islamic Emirate destroyed the Pakistani military regime's commissariat, military units, and three important security towers. Mr Mujahid said Afghan attacks on Pakistani military targets were intended as a message that our hands can reach their throats and that we will respond to every evil act of Pakistan. He added: Pakistan has never sought to resolve problems through dialogue. Pakistans army spokesperson said the Afghan government must choose TTP or Pakistan. open image in gallery Afghan supporters cheer as they surround a vehicle of Taliban security personnel amid the ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, on the outskirts of Jalalabad on 28 February 2026 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Islamabad has long accused Kabul of harbouring TTP militants, an allegation both the group and Afghanistans Taliban authorities deny. Afghanistan says it does not permit its territory to be used against other countries and describes Pakistans security challenges as an internal matter. The fighting has displaced civilians near the northwestern Torkham border crossing, with Pakistani authorities saying hundreds of residents have fled. In recent days, Pakistan has also deported dozens of Afghan refugees to Torkham. Ejaz Ul Haq, an Afghan refugee stranded near the crossing with his family, said he could not return to Afghanistan because of the clashes. He said many were struggling to secure food during the fasting month of Ramadan. Tensions between the two countries have simmered for months. In October, border clashes killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants before a Qatar-mediated ceasefire halted intense fighting. Subsequent peace talks in Turkey in November failed to secure a lasting agreement, and sporadic exchanges of fire continued despite the truce largely holding until last weeks Pakistani strikes. Since the latest escalation, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, the European Union and the United Nations have urged restraint and called for talks. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China are among the countries offering mediation. The United States has said it supports Pakistans right to defend itself. Iran, which borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan, had offered to help facilitate dialogue before coming under attack on Saturday from Israel and the US. Afghanistans interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, said the conflict would be very costly and that only front-line forces had so far been engaged, adding that the country had yet to fully deploy its military. Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, meaning Wrath for the Truth, is ongoing, according to Pakistani security sources, who say Afghan posts and camps have been destroyed. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least six people were killed in clashes with police after hundreds stormed the US consulate in Karachi on Sunday, as anger over the killing of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spilled on to the streets in Pakistan. Police and paramilitary forces used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds who smashed windows at the diplomatic compound in the southern port city. Summaiya Syed Tariq, a police surgeon at the citys principal public hospital, said six bodies, along with several injured individuals, had been taken there. Karachi, the countrys largest city, serves as the capital of the southern province of Sindh. Police and officials also said that eight others were injured during the clashes. The unrest in Karachi came hours after confirmation that Khamenei, 86, had been killed in joint US and Israeli air strikes on his Tehran office. The attack has triggered protests across Pakistan, Iraq and India-administered Kashmir, while Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military installations across the Gulf. In Pakistans northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, protesters set fire to a United Nations office in Skardu. A large number of protesters have gathered outside the UN office in GB and burned down the building, local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir said, according to the Press Trust of India, adding that no casualties were reported. open image in gallery Firefighters douse fire in a vehicle after a protest outside the US Consulate General, following news of US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Karachi, Pakistan 1 March 2026 ( Reuters ) In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the US consulate. Some of the protestors tried to damage the security gate, hundreds of yards away for the Consulate, however, police stopped them without use of force, eyewitness Aqeel Raza said. In Baghdad, pro-Iranian demonstrators assembled outside the Green Zone, where the US embassy is located. The killing of Khamenei marks the second Trump administration strike on Iran in eight months. Iranian state television said the supreme leader had died in the early hours of Saturday. The cleric, who took power in 1989 after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis death, had final authority over Irans political and military apparatus, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US president Donald Trump described the moment as transformative. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he said. He also warned Tehran against escalating retaliation: Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Irans cabinet said the killing was a great crime that will never go unanswered. open image in gallery Paramilitary force vehicle is parked on a road as smoke rises in the background, after a protest outside the US Consulate General ( Reuters ) The Revolutionary Guard threatened its most intense offensive operation against Israeli and American bases. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said: You have crossed our red line and must pay the price. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel and at US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Israeli military said dozens of missiles were fired, many intercepted. Israels Magen David Adom, the medical emergency service, said a woman died after being wounded in a strike near Tel Aviv. Across the Gulf, flights were disrupted. Air defence systems were activated over Dubai, and explosions continued into Sunday morning. Shrapnel from a missile attack killed one person in the United Arab Emirates, state media said. Debris from interceptions caused fires at Dubais main port and on the facade of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Saudi Arabia said it repelled attacks on its capital and eastern region, while Jordan reported it had dealt with 49 drones and ballistic missiles. In India-administered Kashmir, thousands gathered in Srinagars Lal Chowk and in the Old City, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Black flags and portraits of Khamenei were displayed, and mourners recited marsiya, a poetic lament. Demonstrations spread to Budgam, Baramulla and other districts, with some blocking highways, reported The Indian Express. Muslim organisations in Lucknow, the capital of the most populous Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, have announced protests, condolence meetings and three days of mourning. Religious and community leaders in the Uttar Pradesh capital said programmes would be held across Shia and Sunni institutions, expressing grief and anger at the development. Iran has formed a council to govern until a new supreme leader is chosen. State media reported that senior military figures, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser, were killed in the strikes. Major general Mohammad Pakpour had recently taken over as Guard commander after his predecessor was killed in a 12-day war last June. As Tehran declared 40 days of mourning and raised a black flag over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, eyewitnesses reported mixed reactions in the capital, with some residents mourning and others celebrating from rooftops. With energy bills still high and long-term price stability uncertain, many households are looking at solar panels as a way to cut costs and gain more control over their electricity use. But while the long-term savings can be significant, the upfront cost typically between 6,000 and 9,000 for an average UK home remains a barrier. That's where grants and support schemes come in. Some households may qualify for help with installation costs, reducing or even eliminating the initial outlay. Others may find that paying up front delivers stronger financial returns over time. So which option makes the most sense? Keep reading to find out how the two routes compare. Are solar panel grants worth it? Solar panel grants can be worthwhile, but they are not available to everyone and are often targeted at households most in need. Most schemes are means tested or linked to a property's energy efficiency rating. If you qualify, a grant can dramatically reduce the financial risk of installation. In some cases, the majority (or even all) of the upfront cost may be covered. However, grants usually come with conditions. You may have less choice over the installer or system size, and approval processes can take time. Funding is also limited and can vary by region. In short, grants tend to be worth it if: You meet the income or benefits criteria Your home has a low EPC rating You would not otherwise be able to afford the installation You are comfortable with scheme-led timelines and specifications If you do not qualify, paying up front may offer greater flexibility and potentially stronger long-term returns. When do solar panel grants make sense? Grants make the most sense in specific situations. They are particularly suited to: Low-income households receiving certain benefits Homes with poor energy efficiency ratings (EPC D-G) Off-gas-grid properties facing high heating costs Social housing tenants (where landlords apply on behalf of residents) For example, a household struggling with high energy bills and limited savings could use a grant-funded system to reduce monthly costs without taking on debt. In this case, the priority is lowering bills immediately rather than maximising lifetime return. Grants can also make sense where wider upgrades are needed, such as insulation improvements under schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), which bundles energy efficiency measures together. Does paying an upfront cost work out better? For households that can afford it, paying up front often results in stronger long-term financial benefits. Buying your own system allows you to: Save on your electricity bills with Octopus solar and battery GO TO WEBSITE Advertisement Save on your electricity bills with Octopus solar and battery GO TO WEBSITE Advertisement Choose your installer and system size Add battery storage if desired Avoid delays linked to funding approval Maximise electricity generation and export income Once installed, homeowners can earn money for surplus electricity exported back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays households for excess energy. Payback periods on solar panels typically range from six to 10 years, depending on system size, electricity use and export rates. Given that solar panels often last 20-25 years or more, many households go on to make significant savings after the system has paid for itself. Paying up front does require substantial initial capital, but it provides greater flexibility and potentially higher lifetime returns. What solar panel grants are available? Several UK schemes may support solar panel installation, though availability and eligibility vary. The main programmes include: Energy Company Obligation (ECO4): Designed for low-income households and to help tackle fuel poverty, funding energy efficiency upgrades including solar panels. Home Upgrade Grant: Delivered via local authorities, primarily for off-gas-grid homes with low EPC ratings. Warm Homes Fund: Supports fuel-poor households in some areas. Smart Export Guarantee: Not a grant, but a government-backed scheme requiring energy suppliers to pay households for exported electricity. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may have additional or separate support schemes administered by devolved governments. And because funding rules change, it is important to check directly with your local authority or energy supplier. Who is eligible for UK grants? Eligibility depends on the specific scheme, but common criteria include: Receiving certain means-tested benefits Living in a home with a low EPC rating (often D or below) Meeting income thresholds Living in an off-gas-grid property (for some schemes) Landlords may also be eligible to apply for funding for qualifying tenants under certain schemes. Homeowners who do not meet income or EPC requirements are unlikely to qualify for grant funding and would need to fund installation privately. How can I apply? The application process depends on the scheme, but typically involves the following steps: Check your home's EPC rating Contact your local authority to ask about the Home Upgrade Grant or other regional schemes Speak to your energy supplier regarding eligibility under Energy Company Obligation Obtain installer assessments where required After installation, register for the Smart Export Guarantee to receive export payments Homeowners should be cautious of cold callers or companies promising guaranteed 'free solar panels' without verifying eligibility. Factor Solar panel grants Paying upfront Initial outlay Low or zero (if eligible) Full cost, typically 6,000-9,000 Eligibility Restricted by income/EPC Open to anyone Installation speed May involve waiting for approval Generally quicker once arranged Installer choice Often limited Full flexibility Long-term savings Moderate; depends on system size Potentially higher over 20-25 years Export income (SEG) Eligible Eligible Financial risk Lower upfront risk Higher upfront commitment Overall flexibility Limited by scheme rules High In general, grants reduce financial barriers and risk but come with restrictions. Paying up front requires capital but can offer greater control and stronger long-term returns. For those who qualify, a grant can make solar possible. For those who do not, investing directly may deliver the biggest financial benefit over time. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Prince William wanted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be axed from the line of royal succession in the autumn, alongside the stripping of his other titles, it has been reported. The Prince of Wales is said to be frustrated that the process of his uncles removal from the line to the British throne, which the government is now weighing up, was not resolved at the time. However, King Charles was reportedly reluctant to back the move until shortly before Mr Mountbatten-Windsors arrest last month, when he had come around on the issue, royal sources told The Sunday Times. The government is considering introducing legislation that would see Andrew removed from his current position as eighth in line to the throne, a move which the government said could take years, and would not begin until after the investigation into the former prince has concluded. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was a trade envoy. He has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing. open image in gallery Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police last month ( Reuters ) Following his arrest, Darren Jones, Sir Keir's chief secretary, told lawmakers: The government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course. The revelations about the Prince of Wales follow claims made last month that William had demanded Mr Mountbatten-Windsor be forced out of the royal family before the rot set in. William is said to have urged Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II to take action following the then-princes disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019. The King stripped Mr Mountbatten-Windsor of all titles, including the Duke of York, in October, following further revelations about his relationship with Epstein. He was reportedly reluctant to endorse his removal from the line of succession, but now wouldnt argue if the government was to act, sources told The Sunday Times. Prince William is said to be fearful that his uncles ongoing scandal will threaten the reputation and survival of the royal family. open image in gallery King Charles was initially reluctant to remove his brother from the line of succession ( PA Wire ) A recent poll revealed that 82 per cent of Britons think that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the line of succession. The calls for Andrews removal from the royal line of succession have also been backed by the leaders of Australia and New Zealand, who said they would support the UK governments decision. In a letter to the British prime minister, Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese said: In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession. The move to remove the former prince would require the support of the 14 other Commonwealth nations where King Charles is the head of state. The royal family has not publicly commented on the latest calls for Mr Mountbatten-Windsors axing. Following Mr Mountbatten-Windsors arrest, William was asked at the Baftas whether he had seen the recently-released film Hamnet, to which he replied: I need to be in quite a calm state, and Im not at the moment. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Keir Starmer will be accused of committing a crime against humanity in a legal challenge against his controversial deal to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The UK prime minister, who made a career out of being a human rights lawyer, is set to have the tables turned on him in court by indigenous Chagossians in an increasingly fraught legal and diplomatic nightmare over his plan to hand over the sovereignty of the Indian Ocean islands. The court action, set to be heard this month, claims that forcing the Chagossian people to leave their indigenous homeland is a crime against humanity based on international case law. It comes as the president of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has also said he intends to legally challenge the treaty dispute over the Mauritius claim to be the real owners of the islands, which are home to the UK-US crucial Diego Garcia airbase. open image in gallery Adam Holloway and Misley Mandarin in their new settlement on the Chagos Islands ( Supplied ) Previously, Sir Keir had insisted that he had no choice but to hand over the islands to Mauritius because of an International Court of Justice ruling, but critics have noted that the UK has an opt-out on International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings regarding the Commonwealth and its territories. The opt-out also applies to other aspects of international law, including the International Law of the Sea, which the government is relying on to justify the Mauritius deal. And with Donald Trump in effect vetoing the treaty Sir Keir signed with Mauritius, the plan to hand over the islands, along with 35bn of British taxpayer money to lease the airbase back, has been put on hold. The US president is believed to be concerned about the security of the airbase, with intelligence in the US and UK that Mauritius is negotiating with China to allow it to have a presence on the islands, rendering Diego Garcia useless. But in the meantime, Sir Keirs government is facing a day in court on 13 March over its attempts to evict four Chagossians led by the first minister of the government in exile, Misley Mandarin who returned to the island in February, including one who was born there. Currently, an injunction is in place preventing the removal of the four, who arrived with former MP Adam Holloway, who is also an ex-army officer. open image in gallery Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal ( CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA ) However, the judge will also hear the case for a legal challenge to the Chagos deal with Mauritius, based on the rights of the Chagossians to resettle there instead and run the islands as a British protectorate. James Tumbridge, the lawyer acting on behalf of the four Chagossians, has argued in papers submitted to the judge that removing the islanders for what amounts to a second time from their indigenous home is a crime against humanity. In the submission, he has referred to a communication submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor setting out the background and submitting that the crime against humanity of deportation was being committed by the continued exclusion of the Chagossian people from their homeland. Swiss-based lawyer Elodie Tranchez submitted the claim to the ICC and the UN Committee for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, noting: It is an offence against the law of England and Wales for a person to commit genocide, a crime against humanity or a war crime. open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers Chagos deal is in trouble (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA ) Mr Tumbridge noted: The Chagos Islanders have been in exile since being forcibly removed from the Chagos Islands by the British authorities from the mid-1960s until 1973. That unlawful act (and crime against humanity) was committed after the islands had been severed from the administrative Colony of Mauritius before Mauritius was granted independence in March 1968. He will argue that the UKs claim that the islanders could not return because of security reasons ended last year when they made the deal with Mauritius. The submission states: In the past that forced removal has been sought to be justified and maintained, on the grounds of national security. This is important to recognise because there has been a fundamental shift to acceptance that settlement of the outer islands is not incompatible with the military base on Diego Garcia (and indeed it has, rightly, not been relied upon in these proceedings as a reason for the decisions taken). It notes that the policy change [comes about] should the islands be ceded to Mauritius, re-settlement [of the islands] is provided for in that arrangement. He will also point out that previous objections the UK government has raised regarding cost of resettlement no longer apply because of the 35bn offered to Mauritius as part of the transfer of sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Maldives is set to issue its own legal challenge and is assessing all lawful avenues available to halt the transfer. A spokesperson for the Maldives foreign ministry told The Telegraph: The Government of the Republic of Maldives remains committed to protecting and advancing the sovereign rights and maritime interests of the Maldivians in accordance with international law. At present, the Maldives has not formally instituted proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against any state concerning sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. We are exploring our options now. We are doing a comprehensive legal review and consultations with international legal experts and relevant domestic authorities are ongoing. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: We do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. As we have stated previously, there is no right for anyone, regardless of their citizenship or heritage, to enter the islands without a valid permit or exemption. That is why the vessel has been asked to remove all those unlawfully on the territory. The UK government recognises the importance of the islands to Chagossians, and we have made clear our regret for the manner in which they were removed from the islands in the past. However, this stunt puts lives at risk and does not help anyone. They will argue that the outer islands are currently not safe for habitation, and that the UK/Mauritius agreement, which protects the base on Diego Garcia, is the only viable and safe route to resettlement for Chagossians. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmers judgement is under fresh scrutiny after serious questions emerged over the suitability of two more Labour peers he recently appointed to the House of Lords. The newly ennobled Lord Joe Docherty of Milngavie, who was nominated by the prime minister, was stripped of the party whip on Saturday, pending an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour at a sixth form college. Another of the prime ministers nominees, education expert Baroness Limb, has announced that she will not take up her seat in the Lords following revelations in The Sunday Times that she lied about having a PhD. open image in gallery Starmers judgement is increasingly being questioned ( Getty ) This brings the number of Sir Keirs appointments to the Lords facing serious questions up to three after his former director of communications, Lord Matthew Doyle, was suspended after details emerged about his close links to a paedophile. The latest developments could not come at a worse time for a prime minister who is battling to remain in Downing Street in the wake of the disastrous Gorton and Denton by-election result, where Labour came third to the Greens and Reform UK in what had been their seventh-safest seat. They have echoes of Sir Keirs appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US and a failure to properly vet individuals being elevated to important roles under his watch. Lord Mandelson was dramatically sacked from the role last year and later resigned from the House of Lords and the Labour Party over his links to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, he was arrested over claims he leaked sensitive documents to Epstein while he was business secretary. The Sunday Times reported that Lord Docherty, 57, resigned as chief executive of NCG (formerly Newcastle College Group) in October 2018 following allegations of inappropriate conduct. It was claimed Lord Docherty had exchanged more than 50 sexual messages on the same day as an Ofsted inspection and met partners for sexual liaisons at hotels paid for by NCG during working hours. In one message, Lord Doherty said: My work scheduled a conference call for 10.30am tomorrow but Ive given my apologies so we can meet. The Labour Party said on Saturday: [We expect] the highest standards from our members. All complaints are thoroughly assessed in line with our rules and procedures. Lord Docherty said: I fully accept that, whether as a member of the House of Lords or as a senior executive, accountability is paramount and I welcome legitimate scrutiny. However, I am also entitled to a private life. The apparent leaking of a version of a confidential internal HR report and The Sunday Timess reliance upon such a document is disgraceful. open image in gallery Peter Mandelson was made ambassador to the US despite questions over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein ( PA ) The claims being made were robustly disputed at the time and would have been vigorously challenged had the matter proceeded to a disciplinary hearing, which it did not. Already this weekend, questions were being asked by Labour MPs as well as opposition parties over why Sir Keir had failed to sack a Cabinet Office minister, Josh Simons, who was accused of running a smear campaign against journalists in his former job as director of the controversial Labour Together think tank. Mr Simons resigned on Saturday after an investigation by ethics advisor Sir Laurie Magnus cleared him of suggestions he had breached the ministerial code. But Sir Keir was criticised for not sacking the former minister weeks ago. Labour MP Clive Lewis told The Independent: A prime minister who is serious about standards doesn't wait for an ethics adviser to state the obvious. Sir Laurie Magnus has now concluded what many could see from the start: that a minister attempted to undermine and smear journalists for doing their job. Asking questions. Holding power to account. Instead of acting decisively, the prime minister chose to wait. He chose process over principle. And in doing so, he projected weakness where clarity was required. The questions of judgment have dogged the prime minister since the fallout over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UKs ambassador to the US. But other appointments have also raised questions, including his appointment of Tulip Siddiq as anti-corruption minister, only for her to have to resign over allegations of corruption in Bangladesh claims she denies. He made Rushanara Ali minister for homelessness, only for her to have to resign for evicting tenants from one of her properties so she could increase the rent. And his former deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, who he put in charge of housing, was forced to quit over failure to pay her stamp duty. Many Labour MPs have set a deadline for the local and devolved elections on 7 May to decide on the prime ministers future, with rivals circling to replace him. A staff member checks information tags for corn seeds at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 28, 2026. Heilongjiang Province, dubbed "grain barn" of China, has entered a new farming season. In Shuangyashan City, staff members are engaged in clearing snow and securing plastic coverings for greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding. Maintenance and inspection of agricultural machinery are also underway. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Staff members perform equipment maintenance at a weather station of Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 28, 2026. Heilongjiang Province, dubbed "grain barn" of China, has entered a new farming season. In Shuangyashan City, staff members are engaged in clearing snow and securing plastic coverings for greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding. Maintenance and inspection of agricultural machinery are also underway. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Heilongjiang Province, dubbed "grain barn" of China, has entered a new farming season. In Shuangyashan City, staff members are engaged in clearing snow and securing plastic coverings for greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding. Maintenance and inspection of agricultural machinery are also underway. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows staff members packing paddy rice seeds at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Heilongjiang Province, dubbed "grain barn" of China, has entered a new farming season. In Shuangyashan City, staff members are engaged in clearing snow and securing plastic coverings for greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding. Maintenance and inspection of agricultural machinery are also underway. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows agricultural machines at Youyi Farm Co., Ltd. under Beidahuang Group in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Heilongjiang Province, dubbed "grain barn" of China, has entered a new farming season. In Shuangyashan City, staff members are engaged in clearing snow and securing plastic coverings for greenhouses for paddy rice seedling breeding. Maintenance and inspection of agricultural machinery are also underway. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reform UK has unveiled proposals for electoral reform, including a significant restriction on postal voting and the removal of voting rights for Commonwealth citizens. Nigel Farage, outlining the party's plans in the Sunday Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday, asserted that postal voting has turned the UKs elections into a "laughing stock" and that allowing non-British citizens to vote is "absurd". Under Reform UKs proposals, postal voting would be severely limited to the elderly, disabled, serving armed forces personnel, and those working overseas during an election. This contrasts with the current system, which allows any eligible voter to cast their ballot by post. Furthermore, the party aims to strip Commonwealth citizens of their right to participate in UK elections. Currently, Commonwealth citizens who qualify as residents can vote in all types of UK elections, a provision Reform UK seeks to abolish. A spokesperson for Reform UK confirmed the changes would not affect Irish citizens, who also have the right to vote in parliamentary elections. The policy was born out of Mr Farages belief that allowing Commonwealth citizens to vote undermines national sovereignty and leads to elections being fought over international rather than domestic issues, Reform UK said. In 2012, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated there were around 1.2 million Commonwealth nationals living in the UK. Mr Farage said: For too long, postal voting has allowed our elections to be turned into a laughing stock, riddled with fraud, intimidation and outright cheating. Its been allowed to go on for years and has poisoned trust in our democracy. Meanwhile, allowing non-Brits people with zero connection to this country to vote on our future is absurd. It is right that only British citizens should be able to vote in British parliamentary elections. Thats why a Reform government will immediately ban wholesale postal voting and ensure only British citizens can vote in elections in order to bring back trust to British democracy. open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (front left) and Reform UKs Gorton and Denton by-election candidate Matt Goodwin (front right) (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire ) The announcement comes after Reform UK asked the police to investigate allegations of election fraud in the Gorton and Denton by-election this week. Election observer group Democracy Volunteers warned it had witnessed concerningly high levels of family voting an illegal practice where two voters use one polling booth and potentially direct each other on voting. Mr Farage promised to take action after the next general election if nothing is done about the allegations, adding: If this is what was happening at polling stations, just imagine the potential for coercion with postal votes. Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said allegations of family voting taking place in the Gorton and Denton by-election are deeply concerning but branded Reform UKs plans a headline-grabbing exercise. He said: Rushing to impose sweeping bans on postal voting is a kneejerk reaction that risks disenfranchising pensioners, disabled people and overseas British citizens who rely on postal ballots to have their say. We must safeguard our elections with proportionate, evidence-based reforms, not headline-grabbing measures that could lock law-abiding voters out of our democratic process. The Reform UK leader has frequently complained about postal voting when his parties have lost by-elections. When his former party, Ukip, lost the Oldham West and Royton by-election in 2015, Mr Farage alleged postal votes had been abused, saying the result raised questions about the conduct of elections in constituencies with large ethnic minority communities. When his Brexit Party lost the Peterborough by-election in 2019, Farage again criticised the postal vote system. The Brexit Party candidate challenged the result in court but later withdrew the challenge and was ordered to pay the winning Labour candidates legal costs. The latest Electoral Commission data, from 2024, shows no evidence of large-scale election fraud in the UK, with 94% of allegations resolved locally with words of advice, or resulting in the police taking no further action. Reform UK MP Richard Tice questioned the validity of postal ballots when his partys candidate lost the Rochdale by-election in 2024, stressing the result should act as a serious wake-up call to the electorate and those in power. In none of those cases was postal voting fraud ever proved and none resulted in any convictions. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The terror threat level in the UK is under review amid concerns about Iranian retaliation to a volley of US and Israeli strikes, the defence secretary has said. John Healey accused Iran on Sunday of lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate and widespread way after it fired retaliatory missiles and drones at targets across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The current threat level is set at substantial, which means an attack is likely. This is the third of five levels set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC): severe would mean an attack is highly likely, and critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future. Mr Healey was asked by Sky News on Sunday morning whether the threat level was being reviewed, to which he responded: Absolutely. open image in gallery Defence secretary John Healey speaking on Sky News ( Sky News ) When you get a regime like this lashing out in the Middle East indiscriminately and widely, hitting civilians and military targets, when you have some of its proxies capable of other actions on their behalf, then of course our force protection in the region is at its highest. Our alert and vigilance in the UK is also high, he said. Mr Healey added that Iran had sponsored 20 attempted terror attacks in the UK in recent years all of which were thwarted by security services and pointed to its supplying of 50,000 drones to Russia to support its four-year war in Ukraine. "Iran and the regime he's led for so long, it's a source of evil. Murdering its own citizens and sponsoring and exporting terror, including to countries like Britain. And the concern now, of course, is that this regime is lashing out, Mr Healey said. People will be really concerned that it's not just military targets, but civilian airports like Kuwait, and hotels in Dubai and Bahrain are being hit." open image in gallery Iran, the US and Israel have traded attacks since Saturday ( AP ) Several non-military targets were hit in Irans retaliatory strikes, after US and Israeli attacks killed at least 201 people across the country, according to Irans Red Crescent. At least 153 people were killed after a reported strike hit a girls primary school in southern Iran, Iranian officials said. Irans retaliation has killed several people, including three US service members. The defence secretary earlier on Sunday said British troops and civilians have been put at risk by Irans "indiscriminate attacks". Since the strikes began, British military personnel in Bahrain were within several hundred yards of a retaliatory missile and drone strike on Saturday. Another two missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A high-stakes dispute over military use of artificial intelligence erupted into public view this week as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brusquely terminated the Pentagon's work with Anthropic and other government agencies, using a law designed to counter foreign supply chain threats to slap a scarlet letter on a U.S. company. President Donald Trump and Hegseth accused rising AI star Anthropic of endangering national security after its CEO Dario Amodei refused to back down over concerns the companys products could be used for mass surveillance or autonomous armed drones. The San Francisco-based company has vowed to sue over Hegseth's call to designate Anthropic a supply chain risk, an unprecedented move to apply a law intended to counter foreign threats to a U.S. company. Anthropic said it would challenge what it called a legally unsound action never before publicly applied to an American company. The looming legal battle could have huge implications on the balance of power in Big Tech during a critical juncture, as well as the rules governing military use of AI and other guardrails that are set up to prevent a technology from posing threats to human life. The dustup already has resulted in a coup for ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which seized upon an opportunity to step into the void to make its technology available to the Pentagon after Anthropic objected to some of the Trump administration's terms. It's a turn of events likely to deepen the animosity between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who was temporarily ousted by his own board in late 2023 over questions about his trustworthiness, and Amodei, who left OpenAI in 2021 to launch Anthropic partly because of concerns about AI safety. Implications of being designated a supply chain risk The Department of Defense's move to label Anthropic a risk to the nation's defense supply chain will end its up to $200 million contract with the AI company. It will also, according to the Pentagon, prohibit other defense contractors from doing business with Anthropic. Trump wrote on Truth Social that most government agencies must immediately stop using Anthropics AI but gave the Pentagon a six-month period to phase out the technology that is already embedded in military platforms. Anthropic argues that Hegseth doesnt have the legal authority to stop business relationships with other defense contractors. Any company that still holds a commercial contract with Anthropic can continue to use its products for non-defense projects, the company wrote in a statement. The supply chain risk designation was created to give American military leaders a way to limit the Pentagon's exposure to companies posing a potential security risk. The list has typically included firms with ties to adversaries, such as telecom giant Huawei, which has links to China, or cybersecurity specialist Kaspersky, which has links to Russia. In the case of Anthropic, the designation serves as a warning to other AI and defense companies: Fail to meet our demands and you will be blacklisted. We dont need it, we dont want it, and will not do business with them again! Trump said on social media. Trump's six-month grace period for the Pentagon essentially opens a window for other companies to get the classified security clearances that are needed to work with the agency. How the standoff affects Anthropics business Anthropic says it has yet to be formally notified of Hegseth's designation. When we receive some kind of formal action, we will look at it, we will understand it and we will challenge it in court, Amodei vowed during an interview with CBS News that will be aired Sunday morning. For now, Anthropic is trying to convince the businesses and government agencies that that the Trump administration's supply chain risk designation only affects the usage of Claude, its AI chatbot and computer coding agent, for military contractors when they are using the tool on work for Department of Defense work. "Your use for any other purpose is unaffected, Anthropic wrote in its statement. Making that distinction clear is crucial for Anthropic because most of its projected $14 billion in revenue this year comes from businesses and government agencies that are using Claude for computer coding and other tasks. More than 500 customers are paying Anthropic at least $1 million annually for Claude, according to a announcement disclosing an investment that had valued the company at $380 billion. Anthropics Claude technology has been gaining so much traction that it has emerged a viable replacement for a wide range of business software tools that is currently sold by major tech companies such as Salesforce and Workday. That potential has caused the stocks of companies that sell business software as a service to plunge this year. But now that Anthropic has been labeled as a supply chain risk, there is some uncertainty about whether its customers will still feel comfortable using Claude for non-military work and risk drawing drawing Trumps ire. Any widespread reluctance to use Claude, despite all the inroads it has made during the past year, might slow the advance of AI in the U.S. at a time the country is racing to staying ahead of China in a technology that is expected to reshape the economy and society. At the same time, Anthropic and Amodei may now have a bully pulpit to push their agenda for erecting sturdier guardrails around how AI operates. No amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position on mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, the company said. We will challenge any supply chain risk designation in court. In his interview with CBS, Amodei portrayed Anthropics dispute with the Trump administration as a stand for democracy. Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world, Amodei said. And we are patriots. In everything we have done here, we have stood up for the values of this country. OpenAI steps into the ring Hours after its competitor was punished, OpenAI's Altman announced on Friday night that his company struck a deal with the Pentagon to supply its AI to classified military networks. But Altman said that the same AI restrictions that were the sticking point in Anthropics dispute with the Pentagon are now enshrined in OpenAIs new partnership. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Altman told OpenAI employees: We have long believed that AI should not be used for mass surveillance or autonomous lethal weapons, and that humans should remain in the loop for high-stakes automated decisions. These are our main red lines. It is unclear why the Pentagon agreed to OpenAI's red lines but not Anthropic's. But in his memo, Altman wrote that the company believes it can de-escalate things by working with the Pentagon while still adhering to sound safety protections. OpenAI's deal with the Trump administration came on the same day it announced raising another $110 billion as part of an infusion that values the San Francisco-based company at $730 billion. But OpenAI also may face a potential backlash if its work with the Pentagon is widely viewed by U.S. consumers who use ChatGPT as an instance of putting the pursuit of profit ahead of AI safety. The Anthropic rift could also open new opportunities Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 before the two had a bitter falling out over safety concerns and financial issues. Musk has accused Altman of fraud and other deceitful behavior in a case scheduled to go to trial in late April. Musk now oversees the AI chatbot, Grok, which the Pentagon also plans to give access to classified military networks despite its safety and reliability on top of government investigations into its creation of sexualized deepfake images. Musk has already been cheering on the Trump administration in its spat with Amodei, saying on his social media platform X that Anthropic hates Western Civilization. Google, which has developed a suite of widely used AI tools on its Gemini technology, also could be in the running for more business from the U.S. military, although an outspoken flank of its workforce have been imploring executives to avoid doing deals that would violate the company's former motto, Don't be evil. Google's executives so far haven't publicly discussed Anthropic's falling out with the Trump administration. ____ Liedtke reported from San Ramon, California. _ Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A drone strike ignited a fire at Dubais iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that triggered retaliatory assaults across the region. Authorities confirm that a drone was intercepted, and debris caused a minor fire on the Burj Al Arab's outer facade, the Dubai Media Office wrote on X on Saturday afternoon. Civil Defense teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported. Perched on an artificial island off Dubai's coast, the 60-story Burj Al Arab luxury hotel stands a short distance from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It was just one of several structures in the glitzy Middle Eastern city to sustain damage on Saturday. Four people were injured after an incident at the Dubai International Airport, the office stated, adding that debris from an aerial interception ignited a fire at Jebel Ali Port. A fire also broke out outside the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubais prestigious Palm Jumeirah area, following a projectile strike, The Independent previously reported. Videos circulating on social media appear to show drones slamming into high-rise buildings, triggering loud explosions. open image in gallery The Burj al-Arab tower, an iconic hotel in Dubai, is on fire after being hit by shot-down Iranian drone ( AFP via Getty Images ) The chaos in Dubai the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, home to many American and European expatriates comes after the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran. Early on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced strikes were underway, justifying them as an effort to dismantle Iran's nuclear program and eliminate its leadership. The operation, dubbed Epic Fury, follows the build-up of U.S. military assets in the region over a period of weeks. The aerial bombardments have destroyed government and military sites across Iran, with video footage depicting smoke billowing over crumbling buildings. Hundreds of casualties were reported, including dozens at an elementary school near the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media. On Saturday afternoon, Trump announced the death of Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He described the 86-year-old cleric as one of the most evil people in History and added: This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. The Republican president said the heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue throughout the week or longer to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! open image in gallery A fire broke out outside the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubais prestige Palm Jumeirah neighborhood ( @LunaETHWhale/X ) In response, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes across the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar key allies of the U.S. sparking fears of a broader conflict. Iran considers all U.S. and Israeli bases, facilities, and assets in the region to be legitimate military objectives, the countrys foreign minister told the U.N. Security Council in a letter on Saturday. A number of nations have condemned the attack by the U.S. and Israel, including Russia and China, while European nations called on Iran to seek a negotiated solution. On Capitol Hill, reactions were hotly divided. Many Democrats have characterized the surprise operation as an illegal war and a naked attempt to effect regime change. They have called for Congress to immediately vote on a war powers resolution to rein in the president. In contrast, Republicans have strongly endorsed Trumps military action, framing it as essential for U.S. security and the eradication of an authoritarian government. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran Saturday in what President Donald Trump said was a massive operation to destroy the countrys military capabilities and eliminate the threat of it creating a nuclear weapon. Irans Foreign Ministry said it would defend its homeland and its Revolutionary Guard said it launched counterattacks, firing drones and missiles at Israel and strikes aimed at U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The strikes came after Trump has pressured Tehran for a deal to constrain its nuclear program, building up a fleet of American warships in the region as the country struggles with growing dissent following nationwide protests. At least 57 people were reported killed and 45 others wounded at a girls school in southern Iran in the Israeli-U.S. strikes, according to Irans state-run IRNA news agency. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the capital of the United Arab Emirates killed one person, state media said. Ayatollahs compound was one of the first targets Israel announced it had launched an attack on Iran shortly after explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. One of the first strikes hit near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It wasn't immediately clear where Khamenei was at the time; he hadn't been seen for days. The strikes came after Trump has pressured Tehran for a deal to constrain its nuclear program, building up a fleet of American warships in the region as the country struggles with growing dissent following nationwide protests ( AFP via Getty Images ) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive as far as I know. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attacks that took part across the country as being done to remove threats. Irans military, symbols of government and intelligence sites were targeted, according to an official briefed on the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic information. Sirens wailed across Israel to warn the public about possible incoming missile strikes. Iran strikes back at Israel and U.S. bases Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to U.S. Army Central. Explosions could be also be heard in Qatar, where Al Udeid Air Base hosts thousands of service members. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates closed their airspace, and sirens sounded in Jordan. An apartment building in northern Israel was damaged and shrapnel fell in multiple sites, according to media and police. But Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said there had been no significant hits in Israel and rescue services said there were no injuries reported from missile barrages across the country. Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, meanwhile, have vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from leadership. Trump tells Iranians it's time to topple their government It took over an hour for Trump to make an official announcement on the U.S. involvement in what he termed major combat operations. In an 8-minute video on social media, Trump indicated the U.S. was striking for reasons far beyond the nuclear program, listing grievances stretching back to the beginning of the Islamic Republic following a revolution in 1979 that turned Iran from one of Americas closest allies in the Middle East into a fierce foe. Trump told Iranians to take cover but urged them to later rise up and topple the Islamic leadership. When we are finished, take over your government, Trump said. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. The attacks came a day after Trump voiced frustration over lack of progress in negotiations to stop Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons. U.S. military has been building up its war machinery in the area Israel said it had worked with the U.S. for months to plan the attacks. Before U.S.-Iran negotiations were underway in Geneva, the U.S. had assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in January to bolster the number of warships in the region. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and four accompanying destroyers later were dispatched from the Caribbean to head to the Middle East and are now in the Mediterranean. The fleet has added more than 10,000 U.S. troops to the region. Fighting grounds flights and disrupts commercial air travel The fighting disrupted air travel in the region. Israel and the United Arab Emirates, home to both the long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, closed their airspace Saturday. Qatar Airways Group said it has temporarily canceled flights to and from Doha because Qatari airspace also was closed. Planes en route to Israel were rerouted to other airports. Virgin Atlantic canceled its flight from London's Heathrow Airport to Dubai and said it would avoid flying over Iraq, meaning flights to and from India, the Maldives, Dubai and Riyadh could take slightly longer. Virgin Atlantic said all flights would carry appropriate fuel in case they need to reroute on short notice. Turkish Airlines said on X that flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan will be suspended until Monday and flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman would be suspended on Saturday. Dutch airline KLM previously said it was suspending Tel Aviv flights starting Sunday. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani denounced President Donald Trumps strikes on Iran as illegal and a catastrophic escalation just two days after a friendly visit to the White House. The democratic socialist mayor wasted little time in voicing his opposition to the attacks, issuing a lengthy statement shortly after the U.S. and Israel began bombarding Tehran and other targets across the Middle Eastern nation. The strikes left hundreds of people dead, including the countrys supreme leader, according to state media, and triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks on U.S. and Israeli assets, sparking fears of a broader conflict. Trump has said the bombardments will continue for weeks, if not longer. Todays military strikes on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression, Mamdani, 34, wrote on X. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. He also said he was bolstering the citys police presence out of an abundance of caution, and specifically addressed the Iranian-Americans living in the five boroughs, assuring them: You are part of the fabric of this cityYou will be safe here. Mamdanis condemnation of Trumps surprise military operation which was more unequivocal than that of many high-ranking Democrats came just 48 hours after the pairs latest White House meeting. open image in gallery New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned President Trump's strikes on Iran as "illegal" and a "catastrophic escalation" two days after a friendly White House visit ( New York City Mayor's Office ) The mayor described the sit-down as productive and posted a photo of himself beside Trump in the Oval Office. In it, Trump was grinning and holding up mock newspapers touting the presidents support for new housing construction. In a statement to Politico, Mamdani addressed the shift from his cordial in-person demeanor to his sharp rebuke online. In my relationship with the president, it has always been one that has also been honest and direct, where both of us make clear our policy disagreements, both in public and in private, and I think its important to be on the record here, given the scale of the consequences that we are speaking about, the mayor told the outlet. Mamdani also defended his latest meeting during a press conference yesterday, telling reporters: As the mayor of our city, I will always look to keep an open line of communication with the president of our country. open image in gallery This picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency shows the site of a strike on a girls' school in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, on February 28, 2026. ( ISNA/AFP via Getty Images ) Before his November election, Mamdani and Trump frequently exchanged barbs, with the then-state assemblyman labeling the president a fascist and despot, while Trump branded Mamdani a 100% communist lunatic. However, on November 21, the pair stunned observers with their first White House meeting, which turned out to be surprisingly cordial, bordering on a love-fest. I think you're going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor the better he does, the happier I am, Trump said at the time, while seated next to Mamdani. And, during last week's State of the Union address, the 79-year-old president made clear he likes Mamdani personally, despite their policy clashes. I think he's a nice guy. I actually speak to him a lot bad policy, but nice guy, Trump told the crowd assembled in the House chamber. He went on to suggest that the mayor is a hypocrite for not supporting voter ID. Saturdays strikes on Iran werent the only issue to spark pushback from Mamdani. On Thursday, the mayor said he called Trump to share his concerns about the arrest of a Columbia University student by federal agents. He wrote that the president informed him the student, Elmina Aghayeva, would be released imminently. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pope Leo XIV says he is profoundly concerned about the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and urged both sides to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss. In the Holy Sees first reaction to the attacks, the American pope called for the resumption of diplomacy and a reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue based on justice. Weapons only sow destruction, pain and death," he said from his studio window overlooking St. Peters Square at his traditional noontime blessing. I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue, he said. Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace. open image in gallery In the Holy Sees first reaction to the attacks, the American pope called for the resumption of diplomacy and a reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue based on justice ( AFP via Getty Images ) In these days, troubling news has also arrived of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I urgently appeal for a return to dialogue. Let us pray together that harmony may prevail in all conflicts throughout the world. Only peace, a gift of God, can heal the wounds between peoples, the pope concluded. He joined world leaders in urging peace and a return to talks as the military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran raised concerns about whether the violence could spread across the region and tensions rose with Iran vowing devastating blows after the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A massive explosion rocked the Iranian capital on Sunday morning as the Israeli military said it was targeting the heart of the city after stating it cleared the path to Tehran the day before. Meanwhile, Iran pressed on with its retaliation campaign: Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain said they intercepted a barrage of missiles. Oman, which served as an interlocutor between Tehran and Washington in recent nuclear talks, said an oil tanker in the strategic Strait of Hormuz came under attack and its port at Duqm, used by the U.S. Navy as a logistical hub and capable of hosting aircraft carriers, was targeted in a drone attack. The demise of Khamenei, who had no designated successor, will likely throw Iran's future into uncertainty and exacerbate already growing concerns of a broader conflict. The United States and Israel launched a major attack against Iran on Saturday, and U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to seize control of your destiny by rising against the Islamic theocracy that has ruled the nation since 1979. World leaders urge resumption of talks Top diplomats from the 27 European Union nations are holding an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the situation around Iran and the next steps for the bloc. The Iranian regimes indiscriminate attacks against its neighbours carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as she announced the blocs meeting on Sunday. It is essential that the war does not spread any further. The Iranian regime has choices to make. During a U.N. Security Council on Saturday, the U.N. chief and many countries urged a halt to attacks and a return to negotiations to prevent the conflict from expanding further into the region and beyond. open image in gallery Three US service members have died in the military operation, and hundreds of people were said to have been killed in Iran ( AP ) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the council that everything must be done to prevent an escalation. The alternative, he warned, is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Perhaps cautious about upsetting already strained relations with Trump, many nations, including several in the Middle East, refrained from commenting directly or pointedly on the joint strikes but condemned Tehrans retaliation. Return to your senses ... and deal with your neighbors with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, told the Iranian theocracy on Sunday. The 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability. That coalition of nations has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has privately urged Iran not to attack the kingdom, a Saudi diplomat said. Saudi Arabia reported what appeared to be attacks in Riyadh and the eastern region on Saturday, although no casualties were reported. On Sunday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin blasted Khameneis killing, which he called a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law." The blatant killing of the leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are unacceptable, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. These actions violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations. He said attacking a sovereign state without U.N. Security Council authorization undermines the foundation for peace established after World War II. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In its cold open, Saturday Night Live skewered President Donald Trump over his surprise attack on Iran portraying it as both a blatant violation of his campaign promise and a desperate attempt to distract from the Epstein files. The latest episode began with Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, played by Colin Jost, appearing at a press conference to address the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began during the early morning hours on Saturday. I launched this attack after me and my Board of Peace decided we were bored of peace, Johnsons Trump told the audience, referencing the committee of world leaders established by the president last month. As we all know, Iran has been two weeks away from developing a nuclear weapon for like the last 15 years or something, so we had to act now, Johnsons Trump continued, adding, War, what is it good for? Distracting from the Epstein files! The SNL star then mocked the Republican president for seemingly abandoning his campaign-trail stance, where he had vowed to end "forever wars and claimed former Vice President Kamala Harris was "guaranteed" to start World War III. In its cold open, SNL skewered President Donald Trump over his surprise strikes on Iran, claiming he blatantly broke his campaign promises ( SNL ) A year ago on the campaign trail I promised no new foreign wars, Johnsons Trump said. But listen, wars [is] plural, right. I'm allowed to do one. [I] can do one foreign war, and possibly one civil Soon after, Josts Hegseth took the stage, carrying an energy drink, which he promised was non-alcoholic. They asked for someone to volunteer to oversee this half baked operation, and I didn't walk. I ran, he said, sparking laughter from the audience. He then addressed the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Bottom line, all of you should be thanking us we took out a horrendous horrible leader who was oppressing his own people, Josts Hegseth said. Johnsons Trump quickly chimed in: Dont get any ideas! The hastily assembled cold open came just hours after Trump announced a major military operation in Iran. U.S. and Israeli forces bombarded government and military sites across the Middle Eastern nation, killing hundreds of people, according to state media. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region, sparking fears of a broader war. Trump has vowed to continue the strikes for weeks if not longer. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Only one in four Americans support Donald Trumps airstrikes on Iran and most believe the president is too willing to use military force, according to a new poll. Just over a quarter (27 percent) said they approved of the strikes, which were carried out in the early hours of Saturday alongside the Israeli military, while 43 percent disapproved and 29 percent said they were not sure. The poll, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, found that 56 percent of respondents thought that the president was too quick to use force to advance U.S. interests, following strikes in Syria, Nigeria and Venezuela in recent months. Though the vast majority (87 percent) of Democrats held that view, almost one in four Republicans (23 percent) also thought Trump was too willing to deploy force. The poll was conducted while the strikes by the U.S. and Israel were going on but before the announcement of American casualties. As of Sunday three U.S. servicemen had been killed and five others had been injured in Operation Epic Fury, according to US Central Command. open image in gallery Only one in four Americans support Donald Trumps airstrikes on Iran and most believe the president is too willing to use military force, according to a new poll ( AP ) Central Command said it would withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified. It was not immediately clear where or in what circumstances the troops were killed. Despite over half (55 percent) of Republicans saying they approved of the airstrikes in Iran, the poll found that 42 percent said they would be less likely to support a military campaign if it led to "U.S. troops in the Middle East being killed or injured." open image in gallery Donald Trump talks with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, left, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles at Mar-a-Lago during Operation Epic Fury on Saturday ( AP ) It comes after Iran vowed revenge over the death of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the airstrikes, which targeted about 40 top Iranian officials in Tehran, including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was also reported to be among those killed. Trump warned the US will hit Iran "with a force that has never been seen before," if the Middle East nation retaliates. open image in gallery Demonstrators burn a picture of Trump during a protest outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey ( AP ) The Reuters/ Ipsos poll also found that the presidents approval rating has now dipped slightly lower to 39 percent, one percentage point below a similar poll conducted February 18 to 23. The strikes on Iran began three days before the first primaries of the midterm elections, which will determine whether Trump's Republicans maintain their majorities in Congress for the next two years. Reuters/Ipsos polls have consistently shown that voters' top concern heading into the elections is the economy, far more than foreign affairs. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump announced the death of Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, the Republican president wrote on Truth Social on Saturday afternoon, adding: This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. It comes after an Israeli government source toldThe Independent that Khamenei who rose to power in 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the architect of Iran's Islamic Revolution was killed in a strike that destroyed his compound. His death was announced hours after the U.S. and Israel launched an aerial bombardment of Iran, which targeted government and military sites in Tehran. It came after the U.S. spent weeks deploying military assets to the region. Trump justified the surprise strikes on Iran as essential to dismantle its nuclear program, marking the second major U.S. attack on the country after bombing nuclear sites in June 2025. He said the heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue uninterrupted throughout the week and potentially longer. Video footage showed smoke billowing over crumbling buildings in Tehran on Saturday. More than 200 people have been killed, including dozens at an elementary school near the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media. President Trump confirmed that Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei is dead, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran ( AP2007 ) Iran swiftly retaliated against the U.S.-Israeli strikes by launching missile barrages at Israel and U.S. bases across the region including in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar raising fears of broader escalation. The U.S. military has not reported any fatalities. Trumps early-morning military operation dubbed Epic Fury was met with sharply contrasting reactions from lawmakers. Democrats accused the 79-year-old president of dragging the U.S. into another foreign war without congressional authorization and breaking his campaign promise to put American interests first. Trump has launched an illegal regime change war in Iran with American lives at risk, Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, wrote on X. He called on Congress to hold a vote on a war powers resolution to prevent further action. The measures are expected to be voted on in the House and Senate in the coming days. A number of Republicans, though, praised the strikes as a vital step to safeguard U.S. national security and weaken Iran's oppressive regime. The end of the largest state sponsor of terrorism is upon us, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said in a statement. This operation is necessary and long justified. Few Americans support U.S. military action in Iran, and a majority believe Trump should have sought approval from Congress beforehand, according to recent YouGov surveys. Following the strikes, the leaders of France, Germany and the U.K. issued a joint statement affirming that they did not participate in the attacks and urging Iran to seek a negotiated solution. Officials in China and Russia condemned the attack, with Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry characterizing it as a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression. This is a breaking story... Zhang Fan (R) inspects a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. Zhang Fan is vice general manager of China Electrical Equipment Group and a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC). Zhang believes that "artificial intelligence (AI) plus manufacturing" would be achieved through strengthening top-level design and industry guidelines. Last year, Zhang presented a suggestion on deepening integration of manufacturing and AI to promote high-quality innovative development. His suggestion was given great importance. In January 2026, eight departments of China including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued a plan which outlines an ambitious push to deeply integrate AI with the manufacturing sector, foster new quality productive forces and comprehensively empower new industrialization. Zhang stated that he will continue to concentrate on issues about the bottlenecks of data sharing in AI-driven manufacturing sector and successful experiences of leading enterprises. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Zhang Fan (R) communicates with an engineer at a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Zhang Fan introduces insulating cardboard, a key material for ultra-high voltage transformers, at a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Zhang Fan inspects a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Zhang Fan inspects a workshop of an electrical equipment company of China Electrical Equipment Group in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2026. (China Electrical Equipment Group/Handout via Xinhua) Zhang Fan observes an experiment at a laboratory of an electrical equipment company of China Electrical Equipment Group in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2026. (China Electrical Equipment Group/Handout via Xinhua) Zhang Fan presides over a discussion of an experimental plan at a laboratory of an electrical equipment company of China Electrical Equipment Group in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2026. (China Electrical Equipment Group/Handout via Xinhua) Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump told The Atlantic on Sunday that Iran wants to negotiate after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out a wave of strikes across the country that resulted in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The U.S. presidents remarks come just a day after the bombing campaign began and as much of Irans government reportedly remains intact, including the presidency of Mahmoud Pezeshkian. Trump confirmed to The Atlantics Michael Sherer that hed agreed to resume negotiations with Iranian officials, telling the news outlet: They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner, the president added. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. He said some Iranian officials involved in the previous talks were no longer alive. open image in gallery Donald Trump told a reporter on Sunday that Iranian officials had agreed to resume negotiations ( Getty ) Most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big that was a big hit. They should have done it sooner, Michael. They could have made a deal. They shouldve done it sooner. They played too cute. Irans foreign ministry hasnt confirmed that negotiations with the U.S. will resume, and Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of blowing up those talks with the launch of attacks on Saturday. Speaking on ABCs This Week, Araghchi told host George Stephanopoulos that the process to select a new supreme leader was already underway, while defending his countrys legitimate right to defend itself and retaliate against U.S. forces in the region. Since the conflict began early Saturday morning dozens have been killed across Iran, including at a girls school where 148 are reported dead in what Iranian officials have denounced as a massacre. Top Iranian commanders have been targeted in the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign, which according to Aragchi has left some Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) units isolated and outside of the direct command structure. U.S. officials met in Geneva with Iranian diplomats led by Araghchi on Thursday. After two exhaustive sessions, Axios reports that the two sides were still far away on key details. The Trump team, led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, presented the Iranians with a steep list of demands including the end of Iranian uranium enrichment capacity and the surrender of all enriched uranium to U.S. hands, in exchange for limited future sanctions relief. open image in gallery Iranian diplomats led by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met with a U.S. team in Geneva on Thursday ( Iranian Foreign Ministry ) Among the U.S. demands in the list presented last week was the permanent destruction of three Iranian nuclear sites struck by the Trump administration last summer: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The sites are thought to be key facilities involved in the creation of weapons-grade nuclear materials and the development of those materials into weapons. The White House claimed they were utterly destroyed by U.S. bombs last year, raising questions about the necessity of their re-destruction as well as a statement from Witkoff last month claiming that Iran was only days away from development of a nuclear weapon. The president accused Iran of attempting to reinvigorate its nuclear program during his State of the Union address to Congress last Tuesday night. In the wake of U.S. strikes, Trump has urged Iranian citizens and the IRGC to topple the countrys government in social media posts, but theres no indication yet that the Iranian government in Tehran is at risk of imminent collapse. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice US and Iranian negotiators met in Geneva earlier this week in what mediators described as the most serious and constructive talks in years. Omans foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, spoke publicly of unprecedented openness, signalling that both sides were exploring creative formulations rather than repeating entrenched positions. Discussions showed flexibility on nuclear limits and sanctions relief, and mediators indicated that a principles agreement could have been reached within days, with detailed verification mechanisms to follow within months. These were not hollow gestures. Real diplomatic capital was being spent. Iranian officials floated proposals designed to meet US political realities including potential access to energy sectors and economic cooperation. These were gestures calibrated to allow Donald Trump to present any deal as tougher and more advantageous than the 2015 agreement he withdrew the US from in 2019. Tehran appeared to understand the optics Washington required, even if contentious issues such as ballistic missiles and regional proxy networks remained outside the immediate framework. Then, in the middle of these talks, the bridge was shattered. Sensing how close the negotiations were and how imminent military escalation had become Omans foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, made an emergency dash to Washington in a last-ditch effort to preserve the diplomatic track. The aftermath of the strike on Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's compound on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 ( AP ) In an unusually public move for a mediator, he appeared on CBS to outline just how far the talks had progressed. He described a deal that would eliminate Iranian stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, down-blend existing material inside Iran, and allow full verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with the possibility of US inspectors participating alongside them. Iran, he suggested, would enrich only for civilian purposes. A principles agreement, he indicated, could be signed within days. It was a remarkable disclosure effectively revealing the contours of a near-breakthrough in an attempt to prevent imminent war. But rather than allowing diplomacy to conclude, the US and Israel have launched coordinated strikes across Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities. Trump announced major combat operations, framing them as necessary to eliminate nuclear and missile threats while urging Iranians to seize the moment and overthrow their leadership. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US bases and allied states across the region. What is most striking is not merely that diplomacy failed, but that it failed amid visible progress. Mediators were openly discussing a viable framework; both sides had demonstrated flexibility a pathway to constrain nuclear escalation appeared tangible. Choosing military escalation at that moment undermines the premise that negotiation is a genuine alternative to war. It signals that even active diplomacy offers no guarantee of restraint. Peace was not naive. It was plausible. Irans approach in Geneva was strategic, not submissive. Proposals involving economic incentives including energy cooperation were not unilateral concessions but calculated compromises designed to structure a politically survivable agreement in Washington. The core objective was clear: constrain the Irans nuclear programme through enforceable limits and intrusive verification, thereby addressing the very proliferation risks that sanctions and threats of force were meant to prevent. Talks had moved beyond rhetorical posturing toward concrete proposals. For the first time in years, there was credible movement toward stabilising the nuclear issue. By attacking during that negotiation window, Washington and its allies have not only derailed a diplomatic opening but have cast doubt on the durability of American commitments to negotiated solutions. The message to Tehran - and to other adversaries weighing diplomacy - is stark: even when talks appear to work, they can be overtaken by force. Iran is not Iraq or Libya Advocates of escalation often invoke Iraq in 2003 or Libya in 2011 as precedents for rapid regime collapse under pressure. Those analogies are misleading. Iraq and Libya were highly personalised systems, overly dependent on narrow patronage networks and individual rulers. Remove the centre, and the structure imploded. Iran is structurally different. It is not a dynastic dictatorship but an ideologically entrenched state with layered institutions, doctrinal legitimacy and a deeply embedded security apparatus, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Its authority is intertwined with religious, political and strategic narratives cultivated over decades. It has endured sanctions, regional isolation and sustained external pressure without fracturing. Even a previous US-Israeli campaign in 2025 that lasted 12 days failed to eliminate Tehrans retaliatory capacity. Far from collapsing, the state absorbed pressure and responded. Hitting such a system with maximum force does not guarantee implosion; it may instead consolidate internal cohesion and reinforce narratives of external aggression that the leadership has long leveraged. The mirage of regime change Rhetoric surrounding the strikes has already shifted from tactical objectives to the language of regime change. US and Israeli leaders framed military action not solely as neutralising missile or nuclear capabilities, but as an opportunity for Iranians to overthrow their government. That calculus regime change by force is historically fraught with risk. The Iraq invasion should be a cautionary tale. The US spent more than a decade cultivating multiple Iraqi opposition groups yet dismantling the centralised state apparatus still produced chaos, insurgency and fragmentation. The vacuum gave rise to extremist organisations such as IS, drawing the US into years of renewed conflict. Approaching Iran with similar assumptions ignores both its institutional resilience and the complexity of regional geopolitics. Sectarian divisions, entrenched alliances and proxy networks mean that destabilisation in Tehran would not remain contained. It could rapidly spill across borders and harden into prolonged confrontation. A region wired for escalation Iran has invested heavily in asymmetric capabilities precisely to deter and complicate external intervention. Its missile, drone and naval systems are embedded along the Strait of Hormuz a chokepoint for global energy and linked into a network of regional allies and militias. In the current escalation, Tehran has already launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against US military bases and allied territories in the Gulf, hitting locations in Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (including Abu Dhabi), Kuwait and Qatar in direct response to US and Israeli strikes on Irans cities, including Tehran, Qom and Isfahan. Explosions have been reported in Bahrain and the UAE, with at least one confirmed fatality in Abu Dhabi, and several bases housing US personnel have been struck or targeted, underscoring how the conflict has already spread beyond Irans borders A full-scale regional war is now more likely than it was a week ago. Miscalculation could draw multiple states into conflict, inflame sectarian fault lines and disrupt global energy markets. What might have remained a contained nuclear dispute now risks expanding into a wider geopolitical confrontation. About the author Bamo Nouri is an Honorary Research Fellow, Department of International Politics, City St George's, University of London. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. What about Trumps promise of no more forever wars? Trump built his political brand opposing endless wars and criticising the Iraq invasion. America First promised strategic restraint, hard bargaining and an aversion to open-ended intervention. Escalating militarily at the very moment diplomacy was advancing sits uneasily with that doctrine and revives questions about the true objectives of US strategy in the Middle East. If a workable nuclear framework was genuinely emerging, abandoning it in favour of escalation invites a deeper question: does sustained tension serve certain strategic preferences more comfortably than durable peace? Trumps Mar-a-Lago address announcing the strikes carried unmistakable echoes of George W. Bush before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Military action was framed as reluctant yet necessary a pre-emptive move to eliminate gathering threats and secure peace through strength. The rhetoric of patience exhausted and danger confronted before it fully materialises closely mirrors the language Bush used to justify the march into Baghdad. The parallel extends beyond tone. Bush cast the Iraq war as liberation as well as disarmament, promising Iraqis freedom from dictatorship. Trump similarly urged Iranians to reclaim their country, implicitly linking force to regime change. In Iraq, that fusion of shock and salvation produced not swift democratic renewal but prolonged instability. The assumption that military force can reorder political systems from the outside has already been tested and its costs remain visible. The central challenge now facing the US is not simply Irans military capability. It is credibility. Abandoning negotiations mid-course signals that diplomacy can be overridden by force even when progress is visible. That perception will resonate far beyond Tehran. Peace was never guaranteed. It was limited and imperfect, focused primarily on nuclear constraints rather than human rights or regional proxy networks. But it was plausible - and closer than many assumed. Breaking the bridge while building it does more than halt a single agreement it risks convincing both sides that negotiation itself is futile. In that world, trust erodes, deterrence hardens and aggression not agreement becomes the default language of international power. What we are witnessing is yet another clear indication that the rules-based order has been consigned to the history books. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Over 60 South African nationals, including nine children, have been deported from Ireland following an operation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The deportations, which took place on Saturday, were carried out under orders issued by Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan. The group removed comprised 28 men, 26 women, and nine children, all part of family units. They left Dublin on a chartered flight on Saturday and arrived in South Africa on Sunday. The group were accompanied on the flight by gardai members, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer. Gardai said 10 of the individuals had been convicted of offences in Ireland. open image in gallery A United Airlines Boeing 757-224 comes in to land at Dublin Airport ( PA Archive ) Mr OCallaghan said: Charter flights are now a routine and essential part of immigration enforcement for the state. Without effective enforcement measures, our immigration laws would be undermined, and I want to ensure that there is public confidence in the application of our laws in this area. If a person does not have a legal permission to be in the state, or has been involved in criminality, they will be removed. Minister of State Colm Brophy said: I would like to acknowledge that the majority of South African nationals resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the state though the various legal pathways available. They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irish citizens in the Middle East have been urged to adopt a shelter in place strategy by Helen McEntee. Irelands Foreign Affairs Minister said there are currently no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries. Explosions have been heard in multiple Gulf states as Iran vowed to carry out its most intense operation ever in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 86-year-old was killed in a US-Israeli attack on Saturday morning, raising concerns about an escalation of tensions across the Middle East. Providing an update on consular assistance, Ms McEntee said a large number of Irish citizens in the area are already on the Governments Citizen Registration platform. She said several hundred had registered on Saturday. The minister added: I would encourage anyone in the region either resident or transiting to register. I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now. Ms McEntee said this was the common approach across EU member states. open image in gallery Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack in the port area of Dubai on Sunday (Fatima Shbair/AP) She added: This is a unique consular situation, with a large number of citizens located in UAE (United Arab Emirates) in particular, and with local and regional airports shut and, in some cases, under attack. As of now, there are no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries and so the advice is to shelter in place. We are maintaining close touch with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We also remain in very close contact with EU partners as this situation evolves. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died aged 86 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, plunging the region into further instability. Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei was killed in the airstrikes overnight, describing him as one of the most evil people in history and claiming that now is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. Trumps confirmation came after a senior Israeli government source told The Independent that the clerical ruler, who has overseen Irans transformation into one of the Middle Easts dominant powers since 1989, was killed in a strike that flattened his compound. Donald Trump confirmed that the US had carried out major combat operations in Iran. The Israeli military later said that around 200 warplanes were involved in the attack. The death of the Ayatollah will leave a vacuum of power in Iran after three decades of rule, with no clear internal successor. open image in gallery Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ( Iran's Supreme Leader ) Khamenei was born on April 19, 1939, in the holy city of Mashhad in northeast Iran and raised in a clerical family. His father was a respected scholar and he undertook religious studies at an early age. He would go on to study under prominent clerics, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who became a close confidant. In the 1960s and 70s, Khamenei entered the arena of politics as a vocal critic of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was arrested several times by government forces, before being exiled in 1964. The Ayatollah played a key role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which led to the replacement of the Imperial State of Iran by the Islamic Republic of Iran. After the revolution, Khamenei returned to Tehran and became President of Iran in 1981. That same year, he survived an assassination attempt when a bomb hidden in a tape recorder exploded beside him during Saturday prayers at the Abuzar Mosque in Tehran. The attack severely injured his right arm. open image in gallery The Ayatollahs regime has ruthlessly cracked down on dissent ( UGC ) During the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, Khamenei consolidated his power and developed close ties to Irans Revolutionary Guards. The war, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, left deep scars on Iranian society. Estimates of total casualties range from 1,000,000 to twice that number, on both sides. After the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, Irans Assembly of Experts selected Khamenei as Supreme Leader. He went on to rule the country for three times longer than his predecessor and profoundly shaped Iranian society and its foreign policy aims. The Ayatollah entrenched the system of rule by the mullahs," or Shiite Muslim clerics. At the same time, he built the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into the dominant force in Irans military and internal politics. The Supreme Leader ruthlessly crushed dissent during his long rule and resisted any attempts to give more power to Irans parliament. open image in gallery The Ayatollah meets with Vladimir Putin, a close ally ( Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP ) Huge nationwide protests erupted in 2009 over allegations of vote-rigging following the surprising election victory of conservative candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad was declared the victor with more than 60 percent of the vote, prompting the opposition to reject the result and gather to protest. Although the protests were peaceful, police and paramilitary groups were deployed to suppress demonstrators. A handful of protesters and members of the opposition were killed. Protests continued for the rest of the year, with hundreds killed or thrown in jail, where many were allegedly subject to torture. Over the coming decades, the Ayatollah would attempt to turn Iran into an aggressive power, wielding influence across the Middle East and framing the US and Israel as Irans principal enemies. Under his rule, Tehran built and funded a network of proxies across the region including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Israel and Palestine and the Houthi movement in Yemen. The Ayatollah developed a close relationship with Syrias former president Bashar al-Assad, Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. But it was the rebuilding of Irans nuclear programme that would ultimately put the country on a collision course with the west, despite the Ayatollahs insistence that the regime did not intend to build nuclear weapons. Ahmadinejads successor, centrist cleric Hassan Rouhani, took a less belligerent approach to foreign policy upon his election as President in 2015 and sought to defuse tensions with the west. open image in gallery Donald Trump confirmed a 'major combat operation' in Iran ( Truth Social ) In 2015, he struck a deal with the US and western allies to limit the Iranian nuclear program in return for sanctions relief and other provisions. But three years later, President Donald Trump would withdraw from the agreement, arguing it did not do enough to restrain Iran. Sanctions on Tehran caused significant economic harm. In 2020, tensions between Iran and the US increased significantly after Washington killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike. Tehran launched retaliatory missile strikes on US bases in Iraq. The Ayatollah faced a domestic crisis in 2022, when nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini while in morality police custody. Widespread demonstrations prompted a ruthless crackdown, with arrests and executions of protesters. The past five years have also seen the dismantling of Irans proxy network. Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel brought a massive Israeli retaliation on the Gaza Strip, but also prompted the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to launch several operations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. An even heavier blow to the Ayatollah came in December 2024 with the fall of Assad in Syria, when Sunni rebels marched on the capital and removed him from power. Suddenly, a government hostile to Iran and Hezbollah was in power in Damascus. In June 2025, the US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. The strike came in support of Israels 12-day war on the Islamic republic in June, although the US reportedly proved unsuccessful in destroying Irans alleged nuclear weapons programme. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A fresh wave of explosions has been heard in Dubai for a second day as Iran continues its strikes on the Gulf in response to US and Israeli attacks. Witnesses said that blasts had been heard in Dubai and the Qatari capital Doha on Sunday, with authorities saying the sounds were the result of successful interception operations. UAEs Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones had been launched from Iran towards the country so far. Three people had been killed and 58 injured, the authorities said. Thick black plumes of smoke continued to rise from the Jebel Ali port area, where one of the berths caught fire earlier on Sunday because of debris from an aerial interception of a missile. Two people were also injured in Dubai after shrapnel from drones fell on two houses when they were intercepted, a Dubai Media Office statement said. open image in gallery A plume of smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1, 2026. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Iran has said that it would target US bases in the region, but it has hit a range of other targets across Gulf cities. Dubai's international airport, its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel, and man-made Palm Jumeirah Island have all suffered damage. The Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Sunday morning: Authorities confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, resulting in two injuries. open image in gallery This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on February 28, 2026, shows smoke and flames rising from Dubai's landmark The Palm archipelago, as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the Gulf following US and Israeli attacks. ( UGC/ANONYMOUS/AFP via Getty Imag ) The injured have received the necessary medical care. Authorities also clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations. Bahrains National Communications Centre also confirmed on Sunday that their defence force had responded to a fresh wave of Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Crown Plaza Hotel in the capital Manama was targeted resulting in damage but no loss of life, Bahrains Ministry of Interior said. Citizens and residents were urged to head to the nearest safe place by authorities, and to refrain from using the main roads. open image in gallery Security and civil defence workers stand outside the damaged Crown Plaza hotel, following an Iranian military strike, in Manama on March 1, 2026. ( AFP via Getty Images ) In Abu Dhabi, a woman and her child were hurt after debris from a drone hit the facade of one of the buildings at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabis media office said on Sunday morning. In a statement on X, they said the woman and child had suffered minor injuries and there had been minor material damage to the Etihad building. They said that the sounds heard across the emirate were due to the successful interception operations. One Asian national was also killed and at least seven injured after a drone was intercepted targeting Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi airports reported. Debris from a drone ignited a fire at Dubais iconic Burj Al Arab hotel on Saturday. Authorities said the fire had been limited to the hotels outer facade and that no injuries were reported. Four people were injured after an incident at Dubai International Airport and the terminals were cleared of passengers. open image in gallery A yacht sails past a plume of smoke rising from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1, 2026. ( AFP via Getty Images ) UK ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart, told British nationals to shelter in place on Sunday. In a video posted to social media on Sunday morning, he acknowledged: I know many of you will have had disturbed nights, woken up to noises and alerts. Its been a really difficult 24 hours. Theres been hundred of missile and drone attacks over Abu Dhabi and Dubai which have been intercepted. Mr Hobart added that he was very grateful for the swift actions of the UAE defence forces. open image in gallery Motorists drive past a plume of smoke rising from a reported Iranian strike in the industrial district of Doha on March 1, 2026. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Israel said that it had launched another wave of attacks on Iran on Sunday, while US president Donald Trump warned of consequences for retaliation. Mr Trump warned in a post on Truth Social that Iran better not attack further on Sunday, saying: If they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before! Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an air strike yesterday, Iranian state media confirmed. Irans top security official, Ali Larijani, said a temporary leadership council would be set up. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Israel early on Sunday, with a series of explosions heard in Tel Aviv as Israels sophisticated air defence system sought to intercept the latest Iranian offensive. Reporting contributed from Reuters. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in a surprise daytime attack carried out by Israel and the United States that came after months of the C.I.A. tracking Iranian leaders movements. Irans state media reported that the 86-year-old was killed Saturday in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. The C.I.A. had been tracking Ayatollah Khamenei for months before learning that a meeting of top Iranian officials would be held Saturday morning, and that the supreme leader would be in attendance, sources told The New York Times. The meeting provided a window of opportunity and forced the U.S. and Israel to adjust the timing of their attack to eliminate top Iranian officials and kill Ayatollah Khamenei. The U.S. and Israel closely coordinated on the attack, with the C.I.A. passing its intelligence on Khameneis position to Israel, according to the report. open image in gallery Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated Saturday in Iran in an attack carried out by the U.S. and Israel that followed months of coordination ( Getty Images ) Israel, which carried out the strikes on Irans top leaders using U.S. intelligence and its own, determined that the gathering would include top Iranian defense officials, including Mohammad Pakpour, the commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps; Aziz Nasirzadeh, the minister of defense; Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the head of the Miliary Council; Seyyed Majid Mousavi, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Aerospace Force; Mohammad Shirazi, the deputy intelligence minister; amongst others, according to the New York Times. Fighter jets took off from Israeli bases around 6 a.m. The attack reportedly involved aircraft armed with long-range, highly accurate munitions, according to the report. The long-range missiles struck the compound in Tehran about two hours and five minutes later. At the time of the attack, senior Iranian national security officials were in one building on the compound, while Ayatollah Khamenei was in another nearby building. The Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs on Khameneis compound, leaving it scorched, according to The Wall Street Journal. This mornings strike was carried out simultaneously at several locations in Tehran, in one of which senior figures of Irans political-security echelon had gathered, an Israeli defense official wrote in a message reviewed by The New York Times. The official added that despite Iranian preparations for the war, Israel pulled off a tactical surprise with its attack on the compound. open image in gallery The C.I.A. had been tracking Irans Supreme Leader for months leading up to the attack ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) People briefed on the operation told the New York Times it was a result of good intelligence and months of preparation. The U.S. and Israel had built an extensive target list, with sites ranging from surface missile locations to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control buildings, according to The Washington Post. The Israel Defense Forces said the operation involved more than 200 Israeli jets, which dropped hundreds of munitions on more than 500 targets. The U.S. has not provided specifics on how many of its own jets were used or how many targets they struck. Both Israel and the U.S. said they were continuing to carry out strikes moving into Sunday, and officials said they could continue for days, according to the Journal. This fateful operation will continue as long as necessary, and it requires patience, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Ahead of the operation, Israels top military officials had been flying to and from Washington, D.C., to plan the offensive, according to the Journal. open image in gallery Shiite Muslims in Lahore, Pakistan, mourn the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against U.S. and Israeli airstrikes ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Netanyahu met with Trump in December at the presidents Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, where they agreed that military action would be justified if Iran continued its nuclear program. The two met a second time in February at the White House, per the report. Since the joint U.S.-Israel military strikes began Saturday morning, Iran has launched hundreds of retaliatory missiles at American and Israeli targets within the region. President Donald Trump warned the U.S. will hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before, if it retaliates after the death of their supreme leader. On Sunday, a senior White House official told the Associated Press that new potential leadership in Iran has suggested that they are open to talks with the U.S. The official said that Trump will eventually be willing to talk, but for now, the military operation continues unabated. open image in gallery Potential new leadership in Iran has suggested that they are open to talks with the U.S., according to reports ( AP ) The U.S. military said Sunday that three service members were killed and five others were seriously wounded in the operation. The latest strikes came two days after the most recent U.S.-Iran talks, which saw Trump pressure Tehran to limit its nuclear program. More than 200 people have died in Iran following the strikes, according to Iranian authorities. Ten people have been killed in Israel and two in the UAE. Tehran also continued to launch retaliation strikes Sunday, with an oil tanker hit off the coast of Oman and a person killed in Abu Dhabi after a drone was intercepted over its airport. An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was also struck by U.S. forces at the start of the operation. The U.S. Central Command wrote on X that the ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. The U.S. and Israel also struck Iran last June during earlier nuclear talks, and weakened Irans air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program as a result. The Trump administration has asserted that Iran has been rebuilding its nuclear program and has pressured Tehran to limit its actions. Meanwhile, Iran has insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. With reporting by the Associated Press On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Drivers are anticipating hiked petrol prices following the eruption of conflict in the Middle East after the US and Israel carried out strikes across lran. The attacks, along with retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces have seen targets in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq hit, have prompted several oil companies to suspend the shipments of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Edmund King, president of the AA, has now warned that the bombing across the Middle East will cause significant disruption to the oil trade. Follow live updates here. The turmoil and bombing across the Middle East will surely be a catalyst to disrupt oil distribution globally, which will inevitably lead to price hikes, Mr King told The Times. open image in gallery At least 201 people were killed in US-Israeli strikes, Iranian media reported ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) So drivers beware, within the next 10 to 12 days we could be seeing record prices at the pumps. Oil prices are expected to surge when the New York Futures market opens at 11pm on Sunday, with crucial shipping lanes affected by the joint US-Israeli assault, which Iranian media reports has killed at least 201 people so far. Several oil companies and tanker owners have suspended crude oil, fuel and liquefied natural gas shipments via the Strait of Hormuz following the eruption of conflict in the region, trading sources earlier told Reuters news agency. The strait is the worlds most vital oil export route, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudia Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. open image in gallery An Israeli submarine is seen in the Haifa Bay , northern Israel, Saturday, 28 February ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) "Our ships will stay put for several days," one top executive at a major trading desk said. Satellite images from tanker trackers showed vessels piling up next to big ports, such as Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and not moving through Hormuz. Multiple vessels in the area have received VHF transmission from Iran's Revolutionary Guards that "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz", an official with the EU naval mission Aspides told Reuters. The UK Navy said Iran's orders were not legally binding and advised vessels to transit with caution. An official from the European Unions naval mission Aspides had earlier said that Irans Revolutionary Guards were warning that no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not formally confirmed any such order. About 20 per cent of global oil and gas flows through this narrow shipping lane in the Gulf, and blocking it could have serious consequences for the global economy. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a series of US-Israeli strikes across Iran, Donald Trump has said. The US and Israel struck dozens of targets in the attacks, including the supreme leaders compound. Iranian authorities say the strikes killed at least hundreds of people on Saturday morning. If Trumps claims are correct, it brings the curtain down on 37 years of the clerical rulers leadership of Iran, in which he oversaw its transition from a war-torn country to one of the Middle Easts major powers. open image in gallery Khamenei ruled Iran since 1989 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, the US president wrote on Truth Social, adding that it is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. He added: This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. Here, The Independent looks at the different groups who form Irans fragmented opposition and who could vie for the Iranian leadership in the event of a power vacuum. The Peoples Mujahideen Organisation The remnants of the once-powerful leftist militant group which bombed the Shahs government and US targets in the 1970s still wield a degree of influence in Iran, and now advocate for the overthrow of the Iranian government. Known by its Persian name, the Mujahideen-e Khalq Organisation (MEK or MKO), the group fell out with the other factions alongside which it deposed the Iranian Shah and replaced the Imperial State of Iran with the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. open image in gallery Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Peoples Mujahideen, salutes her supporters as she arrives for a meeting organised by the group ( AFP/Getty ) But the Mujahideen soon developed large numbers of enemies in Iran after siding with Iraq during the war of 1980-88. Massoud Rajavi, its former leader, remains in exile and has not been seen for more than 20 years. His wife, Maryam Rajavi, is now in control, but the group has shown little evidence of activity within Irans border for years. Instead, the group is the driving force behind the National Council of Resistance of Iran, led by Ms Rajavi, which has an active presence in many Western countries. The Mujahideen has been criticised by rights groups for what they describe as cult-like behaviour and the abuse of its followers. but the group denies these allegations. The monarchists When revolution swept through Iran in 1979, transforming the country into an Islamic Republic, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi Irans last Shah fled the country. He died just a year later in Egypt in 1980. Reza Pahlavi, his son, was heir to the Iranian throne at the time of the revolution. He now lives in the US, from where he calls for regime change through non-violent means and a referendum on a new government. open image in gallery Reza Pahlavi, activist, advocate and oldest son of the last Shah of Iran ( AFP/Getty ) Following reports Khamenei had been killed, he wrote on X: Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Irans bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. But it is unclear whether Mr Pahlavi would be a popular choice within Iran despite having support among the Iranian diaspora. There are also many splits even among pro-monarchist groups in Iran. Ethnic minority groups Irans Sunni Muslim Kurdish and Baluch minorities have long expressed opposition to Tehrans Persian-speaking and Shiite government. Kurdish groups have carried out periods of active insurgency against government forces in western areas of Iran, where they form a majority. Meanwhile in Baluchistan, along the border with Pakistan, opposition ranges from supporters of Sunni clerics to armed jihadists linked to al-Qaeda. Major protests in Iran have often been the fiercest in the Kurdish and Baluchi areas, but there is no strong, unified resistance against Tehrans rule. Leaders of mass protests movements Mass protest movements have swept Iran at different points for many decades, often with key figureheads at the helm. Protests in December and January, which began over economic unrest but soon spiralled into anti-regime protests were met with brutal force by the Iranian regime. Some reports suggested around 30,000 were killed by regime forces. Whether mass unrest will once again erupt following Khameneis death is a matter that remains to be seen. So is the question of whether Tehrans response would be quite as forceful as it was in January - and who would lead it. open image in gallery Former Iranian prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi shows his identification card as he registers his candidacy for the presidential election in 2009 ( AFP/Getty ) Iran has a history of such protests. After a presidential election in 2009, thousands filled the streets of Tehran and other major cities as they accused authorities of rigging the vote in favour of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who faced an electoral threat from rival candidate and former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mr Mousavi's Green Movement was crushed and he was put under house arrest, along with political ally and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karoubi. The movement, which sought democratic reform within the existing system of the Islamic republic, is now widely seen as defunct. In 2022, major protests again gripped Iran, centred on womens rights. Narges Mohammadi, a 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner who served as one of the figureheads, is currently in Irans notorious Evin prison. A power struggle open image in gallery Members of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) march during an annual military parade ( AFP/Getty ) There are now real concerns about the possibility of a violent power struggle, with Iran now in a power vacuum. The powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could impose martial law and take control of the country in the short term if the clerical elite are removed from power. A civil war in Iran would bring serious disorder to the Middle East and risk destabilising Iraq, Turkey and potentially Pakistan. Trump need only look at Afghanistan and Libya for examples of the danger of ousting a regime without an obvious plan for a transition to liberal democracy. BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the latter's request. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the impetus of China and Russia, the United Nations (UN) Security Council held an emergency meeting Saturday on current situation in Iran. China has consistently upheld the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and opposed the use of force in international relations, he said. It is unacceptable for the United States and Israel to launch strikes on Iran during the Iran-U.S. negotiations, said Wang, adding that it is also unacceptable for them to blatantly kill the leader of a sovereign state and incite government change. Wang pointed out that these actions violate international law and basic norms of international relations. Noting that the escalation has spread throughout the Persian Gulf, Wang said that the situation in the Middle East may be pushed into a dangerous abyss, and China is highly concerned about this. Wang pointed out that China's position on the situation in Iran is as follows: First, an immediate cessation of military operations. Prevent the spread and spillover of war and prevent the situation from getting out of control. China attaches great importance to the security of Gulf countries and supports them in exercising restraint. Second, a prompt return to dialogue and negotiations. All parties should strongly encourage peace and prevent war, and urge relevant parties to return to the track of dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible. Thirdly, a joint opposition to unilateral actions. Striking sovereign countries without authorization of the UN Security Council undermines the foundation of peace established after World War II. The international community should send a clear message against any regression to the law of the jungle. For his part, Lavrov said that the U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran have seriously undermined stability in the Middle East. Russia shares the same position with China and stands ready to strengthen coordination and communication with the Chinese side to send a clear signal through platforms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, calling for an immediate cessation of the war and a return to diplomatic negotiations, he said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Iranian state TV said the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died. State TV gave no cause for the 86-year-old's death, with the announcement following joint US-Israeli strikes on the country. It comes after US President Donald Trump claimed Khamenei had died in the attacks on Saturday morning and urged the Iranian people to seize "the single greatest chance ... to take back their country". The UK Government has not yet commented on reports of the Ayatollah's death, but shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: "No-one should shed any tears for the death of Khamenei." Saturday's attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with strikes reported in several Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. open image in gallery A yacht sails past a plume of smoke rising from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai ( AFP via Getty ) Hundreds of thousands of British nationals are believed to be present in the Gulf, and those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office. The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after almost 37 years in power raises paramount questions about Iran's future. The contours of a complex succession process began to take shape the morning after Khamenei's assassination. Here is what to know: Temporary leadership council As outlined in its constitution, Iran on Sunday formed a council to assume leadership duties and govern the country. The council is made up of Iran's sitting president, the head of the country's judiciary and a member of the Guardian Council chosen by Iran's Expediency Council, which advises the supreme leader and settles disputes with parliament. Iran's reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, are its members who will step in and "temporarily assume all the duties of leadership." Panel of clerics Though the leadership council will govern in the interim, an 88-member panel called the Assembly of Experts "must, as soon as possible" pick a new supreme leader under Iranian law. The panel consists entirely of Shiite clerics who are popularly elected every eight years and whose candidacies are approved by the Guardian Council, Iran's constitutional watchdog. That body is known for disqualifying candidates in various elections in Iran and the Assembly of Experts is no different. The Guardian Council barred former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate whose administration struck the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, from election for the Assembly of Experts in March 2024. Khamenei's son Clerical deliberations about succession and machinations over it take place far from the public eye, making it hard to gauge who may be a top contender. Previously, it was thought that Khamenei's protege, hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, may try to take the mantle. However, he was killed in a May 2024 helicopter crash. open image in gallery Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ( AFP via Getty ) That has left one of Khamenei's sons, Mojtaba, a 56-year-old Shiite cleric, as a potential candidate, though he has never held government office. But a father-to-son transfer in the case of a supreme leader could spark anger, not only among Iranians already critical of clerical rule, but also among supporters of the system. Some may see it as un-Islamic and in line with creating a new, religious dynasty after the 1979 collapse of the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's government. Rare transition There has been only one other transfer of power in the office of supreme leader of Iran, the paramount decision-maker since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 1989, Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died at age 86 after being the figurehead of the revolution and leading Iran through its eight-year war with Iraq. This transition now comes after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June 2025 as well. Vast powers The supreme leader is at the heart of Iran's complex power-sharing Shiite theocracy and has final say over all matters of state. He also serves as the commander-in-chief of the country's military and the powerful Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force that the United States designated a terrorist organization in 2019, and which Khamenei empowered during his rule. The Guard, which has led the self-described "Axis of Resistance," a series of militant groups and allies across the Middle East meant to counter the U.S. and Israel, also has extensive wealth and holdings in Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader to succeed father killed in strikes as oil prices surge On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Iran has elected Mojtaba Khamenei as its new leader, more than a week after his father was killed in an airstrike. The 56-year-old was chosen to become the next supreme leader on Sunday evening, despite Donald Trumps insistence that he should have a say in the appointment. "By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the assembly said. Khamenei will step into the role having never held a position in Irans government. He represents a continuation of his fathers hardline policies, having opposed reformers and dialogue with the West. The decision was announced shortly after the US confirmed that a seventh military service member has died from wounds sustained during Irans initial counterattack a week ago. They have not been named. "Last night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regimes initial attacks across the Middle East. The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1," U.S. Central Command said in a statement. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One can be forgiven a snigger at Vladimir Putin calling the Israeli-American assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many of his senior staff "cynical murder, when that is what he tried and failed to do to Ukraine's president. His invasion of Ukraine has been a bloody disaster for Russia because he did not understand the country. The US-Israeli killing of Irans supreme leader is blatantly illegal under international law. It may also prove to be as disastrous as Putins war on Ukraine because Trump doesnt understand the country. Like Putin, Trump has surrounded himself with yes men and women. He removed anyone and everyone who might have shown independent thought, first from the intelligence services, then the armed forces, and then surrounded himself with Maga fanatics in the Oval Office. His administration is also deeply affected by evangelical Christian extremists, who have blindly backed Israels far-right government through its mass slaughter of the Palestinians in Gaza and its land grabs on the West Bank. open image in gallery Pakistani Shia Muslims protest against the attack on Iran ( AP ) Magical thinking and ideological dogma lead to distortions of reality. Putin learned this when his assumption, based on the intelligence he was fed, was that Kyiv would fall in a few days. He was told what he wanted to hear rather than that Ukrainians would fight for their survival. Now Ukraine is into the fifth year of war, gaining the upper hand, and Nato is bigger, with Finland and Sweden now part of the alliance, while Russia faces international sanctions and pariah status. Putin and Khamenei were allies. Iran supplied the Shahed drones that torment Ukraine every night and are now being flown across the Arabian Gulf in retaliation for Israel and the USs bombardment. After Khamenei was killed by an Israeli bomb, acting, he claimed, on US intelligence, Trump said that this is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. He is right about that. He may have been told by the yes people in Washington that the decapitation of the regime, in a strike that also killed the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and several senior advisers to the supreme leader, would herald a democratic revolution in Iran. It may. Clearly, there is no love for the theocratic regime. Opinion polls reveal that only 40 per cent of Iranians identify as Muslims and only 32 per cent as Shia Muslims, according to a 2020 survey by academics at the Universities of Utrecht and Tilburg in the Netherlands. They surveyed 50,000 Iranians. open image in gallery Smoke rises from the site of a strike in Tehran on Sunday ( AP ) Thousands of anti-government protestors were killed by regime forces in January. They rose against the oppression of their daily lives but also against the corruption and collapsing economy of a country four times the size of Germany. Trump's people would be right to assume that Iranians wanted to see the end of the rule of ayatollahs. Ramita Navai, British-Iranian author and broadcaster, has been on the phone to people in several locations, including Tehran, who have held their phones out of their windows so she could hear the jubilation on the streets after the killing of Khamenei was announced. But the regime has not fallen. Irans economy is 40 per cent controlled by the secret services, which are still run by the IRGC, even without its leader. Its structures will fight hard to stay in control, and for now, no one is taking to the streets. Iran faces centrifugal forces from armed separatist groups. The Baluch people in the southeast want freedom from Tehran and have weapons and a ferocious reputation for using them. Iranian Kurds have formed a coalition of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Khabat Organisation of Iranian Kurdistan, and part of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan in opposition to Tehran. open image in gallery Iranian state media confirmed the death of the supreme leader in the early hours of Sunday ( AFP/Getty/Office of Iran's Supreme Leader ) Generations of Iranian Kurds have been fighting for independence, and they suffered severe repression under the monarchy before the 1979 revolution. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah deposed in 1979, has emerged as a rallying point for opposition demonstrations, and many bore his flag during Januarys demonstrations. But he has already condemned the Kurds move as "separatist" and undermining of national unity. But Kurds and Baluch make up about 12 per cent of the population and have the military capacity to support other groups in taking on the central government as do a small Arab minority in the south. There is also the MEK to contend with. The Mujahedin al Khalq, which was a powerful part of the 1979 revolution, fled to Iraq, fought for Saddam Hussein against Iran, and is now exiled and more of an armed cult than a political movement. Based in Albania, it has had loud advocates, including Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and personal attorney to Donald Trump. Also called the National Council of Resistance for Iran, it announced it had formed a government in exile and promised democracy for the Iranian people. Pahlavi, meanwhile, has a plan to rule the country for three years before having a referendum on whether it should be a monarchy or a democracy. He also promises to end support for global terror groups and Irans nuclear programme. None of these forces is likely to be able to carry Iran to freedom on its own. They all need elements of the regime to drift away from the central government. They have all learned that in the Iranian revolutions, not backing the winner can be terminal. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A conflict in the Middle East has now entered its fifth day, is Iran continues its retaliation to US-Israeli strikes while Israel launches fresh attacks on Lebanon. Strikes by the US and Israel killed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, in a wide-scale military attack aimed at bringing down Irans nuclear programme and removing the countrys leadership. Retaliatory strikes have seen several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Iraq hit following the attacks, as Iran has threatened its most intense offensive operation against US bases. Drones were intercepted at the RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus, with sources telling Reuters that the aircraft were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. It came after an attack on an RAF runway at the base on Sunday. Civilian targets in the Gulf, including hotels and airports, have also been hit. The action has prompted the closure of airspaces within the region, with global airlines cancelling flights throughout the Middle East and Dubai International Airport, the biggest global aviation hub, suspending all travel. Which countries have been targeted? US-Israeli attacks on Iran Attacks on Iran have targeted several military sites and government buildings across the country, including the office of Irans supreme leader in Tehran, where Khamenei was killed. By Tuesday, at least 1,039 US-Israeli strikes on Iran had been reported. At least 165 people were killed in a strike on a girls elementary school in Minab, many of whom were school girls, authorities said. This prompted outrage from rights groups and the UN, which called for an investigation into the horrific attack. Neither Israel or the US have taken responsibility for the attack or confirmed whether it took place. open image in gallery More than 1,000 strikes have been launched against Iran ( Datawrapper/The Independent ) Irans ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, said that a nuclear facility named Natanz was also hit in the attacks. However, the United Nations nuclear watchdog has reiterated that no nuclear facilities were hit in response to the claim. At least 787 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, according to the Iranian Red Cross. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), meanwhile, reports that 742 civilians have been killed, including 176 children. Iran attacks on Israel The Iranian military responded to the initial attacks by launching missiles and drones at Israel, which have struck civilian targets, according to Israeli authorities. Nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh after a missile evaded Israeli air defences, the local ambulance service said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site on Monday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that avenging the US-Israeli attacks was its legitimate right and duty. Israeli attacks on Lebanon On Monday the Israeli military said it launched strikes on Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, after Iran-backed Hezbollah militants fired rockets at Israel. As of Monday, at least 52 people have been killed and 154 other wounded in the attacks, according to the countrys health ministry. Israel launched a fresh wave of attacks on Tuesday. In response to Hezbollah's projectile fire, the IDF said it had "begun striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation across Lebanon". open image in gallery Hundreds of people have been killed in the expanding war ( Datawrapper/The Independent ) Israel said strikes on Beirut had killed Hussein Makled, whom it called the head of Hezbollahs intelligence headquarters. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, had claimed responsibility for the attacks on Israel, saying it fired rockets and drones "in retaliation for the pure blood of... Ayatollah Imam Sayyid Ali al-Husseini Khamenei... and in defence of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the repeated Israeli attacks". It is the first time Hezbollah has claimed an attack on Israel since a November 2024 ceasefire. Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman The US embassy in Saudi Arabias capital of Riyadh was hit by two drones on Tuesday, causing a limited fire. In Oman, the Duqm commercial port was also struck in a drone attack. On Monday, a fire was reported to have broken out at the Aramco oil refinery in Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia as a result of an Iranian strike. Multiple attacks were launched on Doha, with loud blasts heard in the Qatari capital over the weekend. Qatars foreign ministry said Iran would pay a price for the attacks in a statement on Monday. Attempted attacks continued on Monday as Qatar said it had shot down two Iranian aircraft, seven ballistic missiles and several unmanned drones. open image in gallery Irans retaliation has hit several countries across the Middle East ( Datawrapper/The Independent ) On Sunday morning, an oil tanker off the coast of Oman was struck, with four people injured and 20 people forced to be evacuated. The US embassy in the capital Muscat has warned its staff and American citizens to take shelter while the activity is ongoing. Iran issued an apology to Oman, a nation which has played a key role in ongoing negotiations. The US Navys 5th Fleet service centre in Bahrain was also subjected to a missile attack on Saturday, as several residential buildings in Manama were struck. In Kuwait City, as fire and smoke rose from inside the US Embassy compound after it was apparently hit, the country's defence ministry said "several" American warplanes had also crashed in the country. This was later blamed on friendly fire, according to US Central Command. The UAE, which also houses US military bases, has reported several strikes, with one person dead and several injured after an attack on Zayed International Airport. The Palm Hotel in Dubai was also hit and a fire broke out after debris reportedly fell from the sky during an Iranian missile attack. Another four people have been injured at Dubai International Airport after an incident. Attacks have also been reported in Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Cyprus open image in gallery Blasts were heard in Bahrain on Saturday morning ( REUTERS ) The UK confirmed that strikes hit the RAF Akrotiri air base, targeting its runway, on Sunday. On Monday, it was confirmed a further two drones had been intercepted. The weekend attacks were the second combined strikes in eight months from the US and Israel against Iran. In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Irans air defences, military leadership and nuclear programme. The UK has now sent a warship and helicopters with counter-drone technology to defend the base. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After weeks of massive military buildup, America and Israels joint attack on Iran has taken out the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the man who not only led the Islamic Republic but defined it. Tehran has retaliated by firing drones and ballistic missiles, apparently in all directions, as the Middle East is plunged into an unprecedented period of turmoil. And in the eye of that storm are the people of Iran. Tens of thousands of them have bravely taken to the streets, calling for their rights and regime change since December. They faced a bloody slaughter, mass arrests and weeks of promises from the Trump administration that help is on its way. Their future is now even more dangerously uncertain. The hour of your freedom is at hand, Donald Trump declared to the Iranian people on Saturday. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance in generations. But one of the biggest concerns from across the spectrum of Iranian opposition is that, while the Americans have taken out Khamenei, airstrikes do not lead to regime change. Donald Trump said the supreme leaders death is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country but the process for selecting his successor is already underway. There are concerns that, particularly since the last wave of US strikes on Iran in June, the real power has been held in the hands of the Supreme National Security Council and the brutal network of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). open image in gallery Iran has struck several Middle Eastern countries, including Dubai, following a joint US-Israeli attack on Saturday morning ( AP ) And so, instead, this joint operation, when its over, will leave a degraded, wounded yet still standing furious regime looking to enact revenge close to home, to pound a population into submission lest they dare heed Trumps call. It does not help that the protest movement fizzled out in the bloody crackdown, and never had a clear leader or replacement. That is despite some protesters calling for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah, the monarchy that was toppled in the 1979 revolution, which ushered in the current Islamic Republic. Even those who support the strikes are concerned, like the Iranian Kurdish separatists, who have some of the few organised armed opposition forces in the country (and, it should be noted, are not in support of a shah). If the strikes dont end this regime, the next time people rise up, it is going to be worse than ever before, especially in the targeted killing of minorities. Massacres will happen, said Hana Yazdanpana, a member of the Kurdistan Freedom Party, the PAK, an armed Kurdish nationalist movement. The silence from the international community after the series of uprisings and calls for help meant hundreds, thousands of youth were captured, she continued. Of course, the strikes are welcomed, but we lost a lot of energy from the people due to past failures to rescue them. We need to bring the hope back. And that is the issue, external military pressure may weaken a regime, but it rarely, if ever, ushers in a viable stable alternative, and in the interim, that space during transition is the most dangerous. I dont think Khameneis killing will lead to unravelling of the Islamic Republic unless the Israeli-American strikes continue and kill more of Irans leaders to the point that the reconstitution becomes impossible, explains Arash Azizi, the historian and author of What Iranians Want. There is indeed a danger that we end with total chaos inside Iran and even a civil war. That would be the nightmare scenario. And maybe that is the point. Israel has a track record of divide and conquer, from Palestine to more recently Syria, where it stirred tensions in the south, piling pressure on the new president of Syria, who oversaw the stunning overthrow of long-term despot Bashar al-Assad. Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night urged Iranian citizens to flood the streets and finish the job. But there are concerns that for Israel, a weakened, destabilised, chaotic Iran is actually preferable to another powerful, Western-facing, wealthy player vying for US support in a crowded region. open image in gallery Iraqi Shiites carry a portrait of Khamenei during a protest at a bridge leading to the green zone where the US embassy is located, in Baghdad, on 28 February ( AFP/Getty ) External influence aside, there is the IRGC, the cast-iron skeleton of the regime, to contend with. To oust something so powerful, so heavily armed and organised, so deeply entrenched would need a lot more than a wave of airstrikes. Added to that, Azizi says, the real power lies with Irans military-dominated security council, which has effectively run the country since last June. A power struggle will ensue between various factions over the future of power. He says whoever comes out on top in Tehran may have to recalibrate for survival. Will the stringent ideological anti-Americanism and anti-Israelism die with the supreme leader, paving the way for the US to make a deal with men like the security councils chief Ali Larijani, an ex-IRGC officer? Will [that] satisfy them? Or do they really believe their own words about Iranian people now rising up to seize power or for power to pass on an outsider like Reza Pahlavi? he asks. The other potential curveball, the unknown factor, is Irans proxies in the region, like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq. The Israeli military has claimed that the IRGC had been spending up to $900m on proxies, with most of it going to Hezbollah. But there appeared to be a deafening silence from them as Iran came under attack. The leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen released a limp corporate statement saying they would take action in various activities in solidarity with Iran, but did not elaborate. As a former British ambassador to Yemen, Edmund Fitton Brown told me it was an uncharacteristically restrained statement supporting Iran. He said, The proxies are diminished. Its striking that this was the dog that didnt really bark last June, and its possible it wont bark again, he added. I dont know how much theyre willing to put their lives on the line if they see this as a lost cause for Iran. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK has launched a huge operation to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Middle East as Iranian missile strikes rock the region. Officials at the Foreign Office are understood to be working on plans for potential evacuation routes should airspace in the Gulf remain closed. Iran has launched strikes at countries across the Middle East in retaliation to US-Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds of people in major cities, including Tehran. Three US service members have been killed and five seriously wounded as part of US president Donald Trumps military action against Iran, while several people have been killed in Israel. British nationals are currently being advised to stay where they are and follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Offices travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly. open image in gallery Thousands of British nationals, mainly in the UAE, have already registered their presence with the Foreign Office ( AP ) Those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office online. More than 76,000 people, mostly in the UAE, have already registered their presence, a scheme the government has used before to provide urgent updates to people affected by international crises. Ambassadors in the UAE and Qatar also remain in frequent contact with major airlines. Airline passengers are facing travel chaos for days as all UK flights to and from the Middle East have been grounded until at least Monday, stranding thousands of travellers. The scale of the consular operation is unprecedented, with the register your presence scheme never previously handling so many people in so many different countries. Efforts to support British nationals, driven by foreign secretary Yvette Cooper and minister Hamish Falconer, come as US and Israeli combat operations against Iran entered their second day on Sunday. open image in gallery Iran, the US and Israel have traded strikes since Saturday ( AP ) The Israeli military said it had continued to hit sites in central Tehran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, in an airstrike on Saturday morning. Iran has vowed to retaliate with devastating blows and has fired missiles at many of its neighbouring countries as well as US military targets. Fresh waves of blasts were heard in Dubai and in the Qatari capital of Doha for a second day on Sunday as defence forces intercepted missiles headed their way in response to US and Israeli attacks on Saturday. The UAEs ministry of defence said that 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones had been launched from Iran towards the country so far. Three people have been killed and 58 injured, the authorities said. JS Anand, founder and CEO of Leva Hotels, which has a flagship hotel in Dubai, told The Independent that the attacks had caused panic and uncertainty among residents and guests. open image in gallery Yvette Cooper is driving the efforts to evacuate British nationals ( PA Wire ) Israeli authorities reported Iranian missiles had killed nine civilians in Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, while the US militarys Central Command said three American service members had been killed and five others severely wounded on Sunday. Central Command gave no further details about those killed or wounded, but has rejected Iranian claims that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been hit by ballistic missiles. It is understood that no British nationals have been killed or injured so far in the conflict. However, defence secretary John Healey said some 300 UK troops had been within a few hundred yards of an Iranian strike on a base in Bahrain. Two missiles have also been fired in the direction of Cyprus, where thousands of UK personnel are stationed, although the government does not believe these were deliberately targeted at the British bases there. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three American troops have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the attacks on Iran, the US military said on Sunday, as Iran ramped up its retaliation campaign across the Middle East. US Central Command did not say when and where the deaths occurred. Tehran launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel and across the Persian Gulf on Sunday, striking US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, as well as targeting a US aircraft carrier. Israel and the US also unleashed fresh strikes, with blasts heard across the capital city, and former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad among those killed. Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks, according to the Daily Mail. "It's always been a four-week process, he said. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less. Trump warned the US would hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before if it tried to avenge the assassination of their supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during Saturdays strikes. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify strikes on Iran, saying its forces were striking in the heart of Tehran and warning this will only increase in the coming days. open image in gallery Rescue workers survey the scene of a hit from an Iranian missile in Tel Aviv ( AP ) But later, the US president said Iran's interim leadership had called for talks, and said he had agreed. He told Atlantic magazine from his Mar-a-lago mansion in Florida: So I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. The offer of talks came shortly after US Central Command confirmed that three service members had been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury the codename for the offensive against Iran while five others were seriously wounded and several others sustained minor injuries and concussions. The deaths are the first combat-related fatalities of US military personnel in major operations ordered by Mr Trump since he returned to the White House last year. Meanwhile, in a late statement on Sunday evening, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he has accepted a US request to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles in storage depots or launchers. "The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region," he said in a video message on X. In another dramatic day: Trump said 48 leaders of Irans regime have been killed in Israeli strikes The Iranian Red Crescent Society and official state-linked media said on Saturday 201 people had been killed and at least 747 injured. The death toll is reported to have since grown. At least 165 were killed in a strike on a girls primary school in southern Iran, authorities said Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the leaders of several Middle Eastern countries in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation It was revealed that Iranian missiles and drones had landed within a few hundred yards of British troops at a base in Bahrain Three people have been killed in the UAE, including one at the Zayed International airport in Abu Dhabi, after it was targeted with an Iranian projectile Holidaymakers in Dubai and Doha have been forced to shelter inside their hotels as the barrage of Iranian missiles continued Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had carried out further airstrikes in the Iranian capital to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to Tehran, as well as dismantling the majority of defence systems in western and central Iran. open image in gallery Smoke and flames rising from Dubai's landmark The Palm archipelago ( UGC ) Concern is also mounting about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for the global economy off Irans southern coast. Iran has said it has closed navigation through the critical waterway. At least three tankers were damaged off the Gulf coast and one seafarer was killed, according to shipping sources and officials on Sunday. Major container shipping lines have rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. where two vessels are reported to have been struck by unknown projectiles on Sunday. The UK has played no part in the US-Israeli strikes, but defence secretary John Healey warned on Sunday that Iranian retaliation could put UK personnel and allies at risk. British aircraft have been deployed on defensive operations, flying from Cyprus and Qatar and taking down drones and missiles menacing UK bases and allies, Mr Healey added. He also confirmed to Times Radio that a British counter-drone team in northern Iraq had shot down Iranian drones. He said few people would mourn the Ayatollah, but repeatedly declined to say whether the UK backed the US-Israeli strikes that killed him, or if the UK believed they were legal, when asked six times by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg. open image in gallery John Healey said missiles landed within a few hundred yards on UK troops in Bahrain ( PA ) He said: Britain played no part in the strikes on Iran. We share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. In Dubai, home to more than 240,000 British expats, the blasts from Iranian missiles continued to cause uncertainty and fear after two hotels were hit overnight. JS Anand, founder and CEO LEVA hotels, which has a flagship hotel in Dubai, told The Independent: It caused a lot of panic, uncertainty, and there was an emergency message that came out in the night. It said there was a barrage of missiles coming in, everyone came to the lobby and basement, worried about what was going to happen, so we had to take care of them. Most of them have extended their stay because there are no flights and no certainty on when the airspace is going to open up. Flights across the region continue to be disrupted, causing travel chaos for thousands of travellers unable to leave. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by Flightradar24 showed on Sunday, and three major airlines Etihad, Qatar and Emirates have grounded all flights to the region until at least Monday. open image in gallery Emirates planes have been grounded at Dubais airport, a major transit hub in the Middle East ( AP ) In attacks elsewhere in the region, Kuwait's Ministry of Health said one person had been killed, and 20 people wounded in retaliatory attacks by Iran, while American citizens in Oman have been warned to take shelter after missiles were launched there. Mr Trump announced on Sunday that the US military was sinking Iran's Navy, having destroyed nine Iranian warships so far and "going after the rest". While Iran's Revolutionary Guards said it had launched an attack on the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, state media reported. US Central Command said the ship was not hit and that Iran's missiles didn't come close. In Israel, nine people were killed by a missile strike in the town of Beit Shemesh, its ambulance service said, after sirens sounded overnight on Saturday. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets within Iran remained, including sites of military-industrial production. We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary, he said. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Global air travel faced severe disruption on Sunday, as ongoing air strikes forced the closure of major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, the world's busiest international hub. This marks one of the most significant aviation shocks in recent memory. Key transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, alongside Doha in Qatar, were either shut down or heavily restricted. This widespread closure followed the sealing of much of the regions airspace after US and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. The situation escalated further on Sunday, with Israel reporting another wave of strikes on Iran. Concurrently, loud blasts resonated for a second consecutive day near Dubai and over Doha, following Iran's retaliatory air attacks targeting neighbouring Gulf states. Dubai International Airport sustained damage during these Iranian assaults, with airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait also reportedly hit. Thousands of flights have been affected across the Middle East, according to data on flight-tracking platform FlightAware. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by Flightradar24 showed early on Sunday. The flight-tracking service said that a new "Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM) had extended closure of Iranian airspace until at least 0830 GMT on March 3. An Emirates Airlines flight prepares to land at Dubai International Airport on April 7, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The airport closures have rippled far beyond the Middle East. Dubai and neighbouring Doha sit at the crossroads of east-west air travel, funnelling long-haul traffic between Europe and Asia through tightly scheduled networks of connecting flights. With those hubs idle, aircraft and crews remained stranded out of position, disrupting airline schedules worldwide. "It's the sheer volume of people and the complexity," said UK-based aviation analyst John Strickland. "It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over place." Airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East cancelled or rerouted flights to avoid closed or restricted airspace, lengthening journeys and driving up fuel costs. The disruption has been intensified by the loss of Iranian and Iraqi overflight routes, which had grown more important since the Russia-Ukraine war forced airlines to avoid both countries' airspace. The Middle East airspace closures were squeezing airlines into narrower corridors, with fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan adding a further risk, said Ian Petchenik, communications director at Flightradar24. "The risk of protracted disruption is the main concern from a commercial aviation perspective," Petchenik said. "Any escalation in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan that results in the closure of airspace would have drastic consequences for travel between Europe and Asia." Highlighting the scale of the disruption, Air India cancelled its flights on Sunday departing from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar for major cities in Europe and North America. An anchor on Iranian state television broke down in tears while announcing the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after coordinated airstrikes on Tehran on Saturday (28 February) carried out by the United States and Israel. Reading a statement from the National Supreme Council, the presenter declared, God is great, before announcing that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution had been martyred in what he described as a joint criminal attack. The presenter became visibly emotional, pausing to compose himself before eventually crying. The U.S. Central Command shared footage thats said to show a wave of attacks on Iran, in the early hours of Sunday (March 1, GMT). It comes as Donald Trump issued a warning that the US will hit Iran "with a force that has never been seen before" if the Middle East nation retaliates after the death of their supreme leader. In the footage, missiles are fired in the air towards Iran from an undisclosed location. Satellite footage showing strikes on targets and resulting explosions was also released. Early on Sunday, Iranian state media confirmed that the nation's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli airstrikes. BEIRUT, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun on Sunday stressed that the country's decision for war or peace rests solely with the government amid fears of spillover from U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran. In a Higher Defense Council meeting, Aoun said the exclusive authority to decide on war and peace lies with Lebanon's constitutional institutions, Lebanon's National News Agency reported. The council urged all parties to uphold national responsibility during this sensitive period, reassured the public of sufficient essential supplies and instructed authorities to maintain secure air traffic. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem on Sunday accused United States and Israel of carrying out a "criminal and tyrannical aggression" that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In a statement, Qassem described Khamenei's death as a "great martyrdom," saying the Iranian leader had attained "the highest medal of honor and resistance." "Regardless of the scale of sacrifices, we will not leave the field of honor and resistance in confronting American tyranny and Zionist aggression," Qassem added. The United States and Israel launched massive attacks against Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. It is always difficult perhaps even wrong to try to assess the significance of events in real time. History, of course, provides comfortable breathing space that allows us to put things in context calmly, free from the challenges of rushing into judgements that do not stand up to the test of time. There have been three times in my life when I immediately understood that what I was witnessing had epic significance even as it unfolded. The first was the evening of 9 November 1989, when crowds gathered at news that border crossings were to open in Berlin and the wall began to fall that night. The second, of course, was on 11 September 2001, when it was obvious as we all watched what happened after the coordinated hijacking of four passenger planes that the world was going to change forever. Since then, there have been many events that have been important, horrific, or both. The Hamas attacks of 7 October, for example, will be seen as a key moment in the reshaping of the Middle East. But what we have seen this weekend is, in my opinion anyway, something that has ramifications and implications that make this the most important two days in a quarter of a century. The assassination not only of Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, but of a swathe of the senior leadership in the country, has dealt a devastating blow to the state. The murder of a serving head of state by a foreign power is an extraordinary precedent in the modern era. The fact that the decision by the United States and Israel to attack Iran was one of choice, rather than necessity, further dismantles a world order that, while imperfect, has at least provided the semblance of an architecture of international law for decades. In 2003, in an intervention in Iraq that proved to be deeply flawed, the administration of President George W Bush tried to make a case at the UN; it sought approval from the Senate; it worked to create a network of alliances with partners. President Trump has bothered with none of that. Instead, he got fed up with waiting for a diplomatic solution. We warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, he said as he announced the start of major combat operations in the small hours of Saturday morning. We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didnt want to do it again. They wanted to do it. They didnt want to do it. They didnt know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. So that was that. He was out of patience. We can't take it any more, he announced. The following hours brought the decimation of Irans political, clerical and military leadership and the essential decapitation of its chain of command. Those left alive have regrouped and announced an interim leadership council to try to steer the country until a new supreme leader can be chosen. They have one priority, and one priority alone: regime survival. The calculation thus far is that the best way to do that would be to unleash chaos not only on targets across Israel and US military bases, but also on all the countries of the Gulf region presumably in the hope of getting them to use their leverage with Trump and Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. That approach has gone down badly with those who had been trying to mediate between Iran and the US. Anwar Gargash, the highly experienced and well-connected Emirati diplomat, reminded Tehran that your war is not with your neighbours, but also that through this escalation, you confirm the narrative of those who see Iran as the region's primary source of danger, and its missile programme as a perpetual source of instability. One reason why Irans neighbours have been struck with missiles and drones is that the leaderships information gathering, communication channels and operational effectiveness have all but collapsed in the fog of war which is hardly surprising. That is why Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, has been busy making apologetic and reassuring calls to Oman and others, in which he has explained that Irans military units are now, in fact, independent and somewhat isolated, and they are acting based on general instructions given to them in advance. That is why feelers have also gone out to the US as well, with Trump claiming on Sunday that they [Iran] want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. What they will say, or offer, is unclear. But one thing is clear: this is a moment in which the great wheel of history is turning. Two weeks ago, the US secretary of state Marco Rubio declared that the world is changing very fast right in front of us. The old world is gone. You might not like to hear that, nor the reasons why it has happened, nor what might happen next. But it is hard to disagree. Ask Allison: My dad and his sister fell out and she wanted her cancer kept secret from him. Now shes dead, do I tell him? The Apprentices Jordan Dargan with Pro Dancer Rebecca Scott during the live show of RTEs Dancing With The Stars. Photo: Kyran OBrien /kobpix After surviving two dance-offs back to back on Dancing with the Stars, Irish businessman Jordan Dargan said tonights quarter-final is a go big or go home moment. Last weekend saw the Dubliner face off in the dance-off for the second time in a row after scoring 43 for his jive. A 23-year-old, who finished in third place on The Apprentice UK, said being in two dance-offs has kept him on his toes. It is the case in this competition that it doesn't matter how good the dancing is, if you're not getting the votes, if you just haven't been on your best that week, you could end up in a dance-off, he told the Irish Independent. "You have to be prepared that should it come up, you're going to do your best to stay in the competition. Nobody wants to be in a dance-off. But it's an opportunity to show what you're made of, to show your character, show your resilience. Even though Dargan and his pro dance partner, Rebecca Scott, narrowly escaped elimination, they have seen high notes from the judges across the show. If everything was just sunshine and rainbows, there wouldn't be a very interesting journey, would it? I personally think if you get too comfortable, you're not going to grow, simple as that. Every single week I'm fighting for my place in this competition. And this week is go big or go home. If I don't perform this week, it's a very big possibility I could be going home. So I just have to go in and dance like it's the last time I'm going to dance, because it could be. This week, he believes just one or two missteps can be detrimental to him staying in the competition. I do believe this week has to be amazing. It has to be flawless, and that's what I intend to do. You've seen Paudie get through every single week without fail. He's getting a vote. We all love Paudie. So it's at the point where you are going to see very, very talented dancers going up against each other, and it'll just be a flip of a coin who goes on. He said it means a lot to him that he made it to the quarter final and that the hard work is paying off. But the job's not finished. Still another three weeks, and hopefully I get to see all through them. The founder of 3D animation company Rendify Studios added that his business is going well and he has taken a longer break from work to focus on RTEs show. I don't do anything else. I don't think about anything else. It's just dancing 24/7. I haven't taken a day off since the show started. I'm very fortunate with the size of the company that while I'm filming this, I basically said I'm not going to take any projects on and I'm going to go and focus on this. I tend to have quite a long waiting list anyway, so I just say: We'll pick it up in March. I'm excited for what the future holds with it. Hopefully me and Lord Sugar get into business one day down the line, and the journey will continue. Dargan said he has spoken to The Apprentice boss Alan Sugar at the beginning of this year, but it was not about dancing. However, he said he might have to invite him over if he gets to the final. When appearing on the UKs show, the young animation entrepreneur received racist comments online. However, his experience on the RTEs dance show has been different for him. Prior to that, you're not used to that kind of exposure in general, he told the Irish Independent. You're going to get a lot of negativity. It comes with the territory of putting your name and face out there. It came as a bit of a shock because there was another Irish girl, Aoibheann Walsh, who was getting nothing but positivity. "Everyone who said these horrible things, it was over a keyboard. No one would come up to me and say it in public, and I think that says a lot about the people who say it. I think it needed to happen because it taught me how to deal with it. The Castleknock native said hes very grateful that DWTS seems to have a completely different kind of audience. "Everyone has been so supportive, so kind. I have people of all ages, children saying they'd love to be on the show one day. Even with The Apprentice, little kids [told me] that they'd love to be on it, theyd love to start a business. The fact they've seen me do it, it spurs me on to work harder to keep inspiring them. During the Orchestra Week, Dargan and his dance partner will hope to avoid the dance off by performing a tango to Harry Styles As It Was, which the entrepreneur described as a very intense dance for very intense dance week. Meanwhile, last week, the show marked its milestone of 100 episodes, which saw the return of seven all-stars from previous seasons. Among them was Irish rugby player, Jordan Conroy, who is a good friend of Dargan and was a mentor to him in the last episode. He had two main points that I took away. The first being that if you're in the dance-off, don't take it personal. There's so many factors that play outside of your dancing. Im a Dub. Traditionally, the Dubs don't get as many votes. There's the age demographic, theres the fact that I've come from The Apprentice, the UK show. "Two was to just have fun. If you end up at the dance-off and you do get knocked out, you don't want to say I was stressing and I was worried in my last dance. You want to go out on high and say: Even though it was my last time, I loved it. [Conroy] was in two dance-offs, back to back and made it fun. Dancing with the Stars airs Sundays at 6.30pm on RTE One and RTE Player. Family at centre of protest deported back to South Africa The flight departed Dublin Airport at 5:05pm and landed in Johannesburg this morning at 4am at a cost of 585,075 Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi and her three sons, Samuel, Joseph and Genesis Keith Kelly Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 18:20 A mother and her three children who were at the centre of a controversy over their ordered removal from the State have been deported to South Africa, it has been revealed. Abusive, toxic and targeted Irelands top obesity expert hits out at super-sized treats Prof Donal OShea says sweets and fast-food companies have invented a hyper-bliss point with new calorific combinations 'The food environment is incredibly toxic at the moment' Professor Donal O'Shea on the explosion of supersize Easter treats this year. Niamh Horan Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Irelands food environment has become abusive, toxic and targeted, the countrys leading obesity expert has said as a wave of super-sized chocolate treats have hit supermarket shelves in the run-up to Easter. Enjoying life is an act of resistance Kyiv Gaels GAA club is winning hearts in a war zone Humanitarian aid workers and embassy staff defy Russian drones for a brief break from daily stress of living in constant danger Kyiv Gaels members at a training session in the Ukrainian capital Sean Pollock Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 06:30 As Kieran OSullivan looks out of the window of his Kyiv city centre apartment, it is hard to fathom the greater threat to his teams weekly GAA training session sub-zero temperatures or the risk of Russian drones. Many are hanging on by their fingertips rise in families struggling with debt after Christmas spend Money advice service said some people should be budgeting for next festive season High rents and the cost-of-living crisis is adding to financial pressure for some people. Photo: Getty Nick Bramhill Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 06:30 The number of families struggling with crippling debt because of overspending at Christmas has risen sharply, new figures have revealed. Met Eireann has said that there will be a split in the weather fortunes of two sides of the country, with one getting a more favourable drier than average outlook this week. KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Strengthened Malaysia-China air connectivity will sustain the upward trend in visitor flows between the two countries, as airlines ramp up services ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing said on Saturday. Under the winter 2025 schedule, many Chinese airlines will continue expanding their networks in Malaysia, leveraging an extensive base across major Chinese cities. "Most of these routes operate daily, with selected services temporarily increased during the Chinese New Year travel period to accommodate peak demand," Tiong said in a statement. He added that the route map now covers major regions in East, North, Northwest and Northeast China, enabling passengers to fly more directly and conveniently to Malaysia's key tourist gateways, including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Penang. "Improved access is expected to attract more Chinese visitors, particularly in areas such as cultural experiences, culinary tourism, island holidays and eco-tourism. In turn, this will help unlock greater tourism spending and provide a more resilient boost to regional economic recovery," he added. Eddie Harty, the Irish jockey, who has died aged 88, won the Grand National in 1969 on Highland Wedding (trained by Toby Balding) and competed on the Irish three-day event team at the 1960 Rome Olympics, making him the only Olympian to have won the Aintree steeplechase. Described by The Telegraphs John Lawrence as a cheerful, highly competent Irishman, whose perpetual, rather battered grin is equally unaffected by success as failure, Harty rode 268 winners in Britain, including the Fred Rimell-trained Jupiter Boy, who won the 1968 Mackeson Gold Cup at Cheltenham by a fraction of a nose after a valiant battle with Specify, a future Grand National winner. Niall Tierney, who has died at the age of 94, had a distinguished career in the public health service and retired in the early 1990s as chief medical officer of the Department of Health, the governments chief medical adviser. He was one of five sons of Michael Tierney, a Galway-born academic and politician who, as president of University College Dublin from 1947 to 1964, created the UCD Belfield campus between Stillorgan and Donnybrook. His mother, Eibhlin MacNeill, was the daughter of the founder of the Irish Volunteers and co-founder of the Gaelic League, Eoin MacNeill, who is also remembered for trying to stop the 1916 Rising. Two-thirds of voters think convicted criminals like Gerry The Monk Hutch should not be allowed take a seat in Dail Eireann, a new Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll shows. Just over a quarter of those polled (27pc) said they believe convicted criminals should be allowed to take a seat compared to 66pc against and 7pc who said they didnt know. Merit Signature Lip Blush comes in eight new colours, 29, see meritbeauty.com The neurodivergent-led Neuroconvergence gathering has its grand finale at the UCD Student Centre on March 7, see neuroconvergence.ie Paola Almeida's Mi Amor salsas come in three flavours and cost 6 to 6.50 or 20 for the trio, see miamorsalsas.com The Last Moth by Jesse Jones and Naomi Moonveld Nkosi is at The Ark, Dublin March 5 to 15, see ark.ie. Photo by Lucy Nuzum The theatrical adaptation of Katriona OSullivans bestselling book Poor returns to the Gate Theatre from March 12-April 26, see gatetheatre.ie Helen Steele's Pop! collection is now in selected Dunnes stores and online, see dunnesstores.com Artist John OReillys show Walkways of the M50 is at the RHA Ashford Gallery until March 15, see johnoreillyart.com City fringes Artist John OReillys new show Walkways of the M50 is currently showing at the RHA Ashford Gallery, Dublin and runs until March 15. The series focuses on the routes incorporated into the M50s design to enable pedestrian access, capturing the quiet of pedestrian spaces within environments built to accommodate vehicles. LH For more information, see johnoreillyart.com Helen Steele's Pop! collection is now in selected Dunnes stores and online, see dunnesstores.com NOTION Stunning Steele New Helen Steele X Dunnes Stores alert. Pop! is a celebration of Helen Steeles USP; colour and paint-splash prints, inspired by 80s pop culture. The collection includes windbreakers, fleeces, leggings, tees and swimwear. The second part of the collection is now in selected stores and online. LH See dunnesstores.com The Last Moth by Jesse Jones and Naomi Moonveld Nkosi is at The Ark, Dublin March 5 to 15, see ark.ie. Photo by Lucy Nuzum NECESSITY Taking flight The Arks newest show, The Last Moth, is its first ever co-commission between an adult and a child, Jesse Jones and Naomi Moonveld Nkosi, the latter of whom was 16 when the play was commissioned in 2023. A piece about discovering ones own inner beauty, The Last Moth is running at The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin from March 5-15. LH For tickets, see ark.ie Merit Signature Lip Blush comes in eight new colours, 29, see meritbeauty.com NOTION Matte moment on the lips It feels like a balm but looks like a soft-focus matte, and now Merit Signature Lip Blush comes in eight new colours, from sweet pinks to bright red and deep brown. No feathering, no drying and rich, lasting pigment. SC 29, meritbeauty.com The Russell Hobbs 20-litre dehumidifier is 279.99, from electrical retailers nationwide NECESSITY Something in the air A domestic dehumidifier is the answer if your home is still feeling the after-effects of all that February rain, or you just want to give your clothes-drying a boost. Russell Hobbs has this neat and not-ugly option, which will hold up to 20l of water and works in rooms up to 50 sq m, with a timer, smart mode and a special setting for laundry. SC Russell Hobbs 20l Dehumidifier, 279.99, electrical retailers nationwide The theatrical adaptation of Katriona OSullivans bestselling book Poor returns to the Gate Theatre from March 12-April 26, see gatetheatre.ie NOTION Back by demand After a sold-out run last year, Poor, a theatrical adaptation by Sonya Kelly of Katriona OSullivans bestselling book, is returning to the Gate Theatre from March 12-April 26. The returning cast includes Aisling OMara, Hilda Fay and Aidan Kelly. LH For tickets see gatetheatre.ie The neurodivergent-led Neuroconvergence gathering has its grand finale at the UCD Student Centre on March 7, see neuroconvergence.ie NECESSITY The gathering Neurodivergent-led Neuroconvergence will bring its Rethink Ireland series to a grand finale at the UCD Student Centre on March 7. Following two gatherings of sharing and celebration in recent months, this free-of-charge, family-friendly event will feature music, theatre, conversation and panel talks, with the likes of Ronan O Snodaigh, Fiachna O Braonain and more. SC Booking recommended, neuroconvergence.ie Paola Almeida's Mi Amor salsas come in three flavours and cost 6 to 6.50 or 20 for the trio, see miamorsalsas.com NOTION Looking for some hot stuff Paola Almeida was brought up in the northern Mexico region of Chihuahua, where her parents ran a corn tortilla bakery. She moved to Ireland in 2016 to work as a designer, and during the pandemic, she began trying to recreate the flavours she grew up with using Irish ingredients. Last year, she launched Mi Amor, with three traditional salsas with fresh vegetables, no vinegar and no added sugar: mild and fresh Cheeky Green; rich and bold Slow Fire and creamy-smoky Hot Crush. SC 66.50 or 20 for the trio, miamorsalsas.com Brendan OConnor: From Enoch Burke to e-scooters what the State will be apologising for in 2050 State apologies seem to take up a lot of time these days, and the future wont be much different Tanaiste Simon Harris and Taoiseach Micheal Martin Brendan O'Connor Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Dateline 2050. FiannaFailGael, now one party, is still in government. Their leader, a slightly older, but fit and trim Micheal Martin, is still taoiseach. Yet, the young pretender that is the 64-year-old but still boyish Simon Harris is snapping at his heels. Ksenia Samotiy: My fellow Ukrainians were never ones for mucking in, but now I have seen them embrace it From camouflage-weaving to baking food for the frontlines, defending the country against Russia is now part of everyday life Volunteers weave camouflage nets for the Ukrainian military. Photo: Getty Ksenia Samotiy Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Four years into Russias full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to fight a war that has reshaped every aspect of its public and private life. Since returning from my recent brief journey to my home city, I have found myself having the same conversation repeatedly: Lviv is far from the frontlines, so is life simply normal there? Value of the precious remains resilient through economic uncertainty Gold has had an allure since the Egyptians began wearing it over 5,000 years ago. From its origin story of arriving on earth on meteors billions of years ago, to the empires built and lost on its pursuit and folly, the lust for gold has never been far from the story of wealth itself. Scott Lucas: Trump and Netanyahu have no limits and no plan B US president helped contain the Israel-Iran conflict last June but this time only domestic unrest threatens to stay his hand People on rooftops in Tehran watch smoke rise. Photo: AP Scott Lucas Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Less than nine months after its 12-day assault on Iran last June, Benjamin Netanyahus Israel government relaunched the war. BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- It is unacceptable for the United States and Israel to launch strikes on Iran during the Iran-U.S. negotiations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Sunday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that it is also unacceptable for them to openly kill the leader of a sovereign state and encourage government transfer, adding that these actions violate international law and basic international relations. The comments were recently made by the chair of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties at Sinn Feins Commission on the Future of Ireland which was held in Cork. Ms Kelleher who recently retired as CEO of Tabor Group, an addiction treatment centre in Cork emphasised the importance of talking about Irish unity and having the conversation. It is important that we start talking about what we would like to see and things we would hate to see. The possibilities, dreams, hopes and the worries maybe. Would there be practical advantages? It is something on all our agendas. It belongs to all of us. We need to tease out what people are thinking about. It is good to listen to each other and to be respectful. Pressed on whether the Irish Government should be taking more of a leading role on promoting Irish unity, the Macroom native said every person and group has a responsibility to drive it on. There is a responsibility for the government to take responsibility and in every GAA club, Mens Shed and Womens Shed. We all need to talk about it and imagine it. There is a particular responsibility for the government because we saw with Brexit that people had to vote on something that they didnt really know what they were voting on. There was no detail. We need detail. There is also the possibility that we could have a different flag and anthem. I think before we go to the people, north and south, we need to have flesh on those bones. Citizens Assemblies have been very effective in exploring complicated issues. There are no easy answers to some of the things that we must think about, a new health system and what should we do about education. There is a lot to talk about, but talk about it we must, she added. Fish dont know if they are in Donegal or Derry, stressed Ms Kelleher. It is important that we are not afraid of having these conversations. We are now at this stage because we have had peace for many years. I think about the environmental issue and cleaning up our river. Those issues dont understand or respect borders. There are good things happening. I would love to see more contact between people north and south. Collette who is passionate about Cork city being a vibrant, creative, welcoming and inclusive place for all said there are potentially huge dividends and exciting opportunities in a new united Ireland. We have an opportunity with trade, the environment and with conversations. It is important we are not fearful and we face the future in a confident and hopeful way. My parents were born into what was a united Ireland, albeit within the Union. I have grown up with partition and there is no reason why we couldnt have something else for the generations ahead. Collette acknowledged that there will be tough questions asked by members of the public throughout the island ahead of a Border Poll. Ms Kelleher said now is the time to plan and put the pieces together. There is a whole matter of who pays pensions. There are a whole lot of issues and a lot of it will be what transpires in conversations about it. We should know that before we start making choices that are either ignorant or emotional. There could be dividends then for trade. "Really important things like jobs, education and health matter to people. A border poll hasnt been called. Micheal Martin said it wont be called before 2030. We have time to plan and to put the pieces together. Citizens Assemblies are important to continue the conversation. That can only help us make the right choice, she added. The case was heard in Dundalk Circuit Court. A mother and daughter will be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to money laundering more than 500,000 for the Boylan Organised Crime Group (OCG). Bernadette (45) and Alisha Thornton (23), both of Moneymore, Drogheda, were remanded on continuing bail to April 20. Dundalk Circuit Court heard that the two women, neither of whom have previous convictions, are related to a prominent member of the OCG. Bernadette Thornton, a healthcare worker, admitted two counts of money laundering on dates between March 2020 and December 2022, totalling 282,477 in an AIB account and a Revolut account. Meanwhile, Alisha Thornton pleaded guilty to two money laundering charges totalling 231,018 on dates between January 2021 and December 2022 in an AIB account and a Revolut account. A make-up artist at the time of her arrest, she also admitted theft and social welfare fraud of carers allowance of 11,840 from October 2022 and May 2023 by making a false statement. The total amount of the money laundered came to 513,495. Det Gda Niall McManus said that the two accused came to attention for the activity on their back accounts during an investigation into the Boylan OCG. A total of 138,883 went in and out Bernadette Thorntons AIB account and 143,594 in and out of the Revolut account. In respect of Alisha Thornton, 79,999 went in and out of her AIB account and 151,019 in and out of her Revolut account. Withdrawals from her accounts were made in Dubai, Ukraine, Turkey and Ireland. She told Gardai, I didnt benefit from anything, and that she was fearful for the safety of her family. Det Gda McManus said that Alisha is a cousin of a senior figure of the Boylan Organised Crime Group. He told the court that Bernadette, is a sister of a close associate of the Boylan Organised Crime Group and an aunt of a prominent member of the group. She said that she was afraid for Alisha. She didnt benefit from anything. A healthcare worker in a local nursing home, she told investigators that her abusive ex-partner drank all my money and smoked all my money. Det Gda McManus replied to defence counsel that Bernadette Thorntons involvement was more family loyalty than hear and that she didnt profit at all. She wrote a letter of apology to the court. Det Gda McManus said there was some gain for Alisha Thornton but not major gain. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned sentencing to allow for a psychological report to be completed on Alisha. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme A bench warrant was issued for a 21-year-old man, who along with three other young men was involved in a car taking incident in Ballymote. Keith Brady (21) of Cashlawn Close, Tallaght was charged with the unlawful possession of a car, the possession of two stolen registration plates and having a Parkside cordless drill with the intention of using it in the course of theft at Annaghmore, Collooney on January 4, 2026. Brady was also charged with the possession of a flick knife at Cleavry, Collooney on the same date. Ms Kathleen Henry BL told Judge Eiteain Cunningham that Brady had a doctors appointment and was not available to attend. Judge Cunningham said that Brady was directed to be present and that there was no medical report before the court. She then issued a bench warrant. Later on in the day, Ms Henry told Judge Cunningham that she has received an email from Brady that showed that he attended a doctor appointment in the morning. Stock image. News in 90 seconds - Sunday, March 1 Sergeant Derek Butler said that Brady was directed to be here on his High Court bail terms. He added that the defendant was very fortunate to get bail. Judge Cunningham said that she cant accept any virtual documents due to AI. She added that Brady should be in court and that she does not have any documents or any evidence from a medical professional. Judge Cunningham continued that the bench warrant had already been issued for Brady by the court office. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. A man who hit a woman with a rucksack in the centre of Sligo has been ordered to get more compensation for the victim at Sligo District Court. Keith Murray (44) of Oxfield Road, Drumcliffe was charged with assaulting a woman on OConnell St, Sligo on September 7, 2024. The case was previously put back for a victim impact statement which was handed in to court. Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor (defending), told Judge Brendan OReilly that his client is very apologetic and very ashamed for what happened. He added that the victim was someone who his ex-girlfriend shared accommodation with and that he overreacted on the day. Mr Mullaney informed Judge OReilly that Murray thought the victim sprayed water on him. He added that his client grabbed his then girlfriends rucksack and struck the victim which caused her an injury. Mr Mullaney continued that the injured party had to be treated in hospital. Mr Mullaney informed Judge OReilly that a doctors report stated that the injured party was expected to make a full recovery without any long term adverse effects. Mr Mullaney said that his client comes to court with a long list of previous convictions for violence, theft and possession of drugs. He added that Murray is in a very good place now and that he has a letter from his GP which states that he has the occasional relapse but that he is stable. Mr Mullaney continued that Murray suffered pneumonia last year and he was stuck in his bed which gave him time to reflect on his life. He reiterated that with the support of his GP and other agencies, Murray was in a good place now. Murray told the court that he is deeply sorry for what happened and that he has saved up 400 from his social welfare payments to give to the victim. Inspector Angela Cummins asked Murray was he aware that the incident occurred at 3pm on OConnell St, surrounded by families and children. She also asked him if he could give an undertaking that it wouldnt happen again. Murray replied that it shouldnt have happened and that he didnt want to say anything to the victim in the meantime before it came back before the court. Judge OReilly asked if the victim required stitches. Inspector Cummins said that soft tissue adhesive was used for the victims injury. Inspector Cummins informed Judge OReilly that Murray has 74 previous convictions of which two are for assault. She added that the defendants last conviction was in 2020. Judge OReilly noted that Murray pleaded guilty, that he is sorry for what he did and that he has come to court with a sum of money. However, Judge OReilly said that the money was not sufficient and adjourned the case to December 17 for finalisation and for Murray to gather 1,000 for the victim. He also directed the gardai to canvass the victim to see if she would accept compensation. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. Private forest owners across Wicklow and surrounding counties are encouraged to attend Taking the Guesswork out of Harvesting Timber A Guide for Forest Owners a free, practical workshop on Saturday, March 7 where experts in forestry will share tips and information. The Wicklow Private Forestry Owners Group (WPWOG) event, in association with Teagasc and the Irish Forest Owners (IFO), supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), runs from 11am until lunchtime on private forest land at Manor Kilbride in west Wicklow. Wicklow is currently the second most forested county in Ireland, with roughly 18pc to 20pc of the county covered in forest, while Leitrim is ranked first, with over 19pc to 20pc of its land covered. The event aims to be particularly useful to forest owners whose forests were planted between1990 and 2010 and which are now at the stage for thinning or other forms of harvesting. Many of these owners do not have a tradition in forestry. While many have upskilled to manage this new enterprise, others neither understand the great value of their timber crops or how to achieve the best financial return at the present time. Speaking ahead of the event, Sean Eustace, who owns forestry land in Manor Kilbride in Wicklow with his son, John, said: This free joint initiative event will focus on helping forest owners understand the harvesting process, timber value, and their options when bringing timber to market. We are very grateful for the support from the joint organisers, Michael Somers, Teagasc advisor for the area, and Kathleen Lucey, IFO Group certification manager. Our event partners will explain harvesting options and share practical advice on timber grading and understanding timber value. Working together, we will share tips on selling your timber, a key consideration for forest owners. The free, on-site forestry event is designed to take the uncertainty out of harvesting decisions by providing clear, practical, and independent guidance for forest owners. IFOs Kathleen Lucey said: We will explain forest certification and will give a straightforward guide to measuring standing timber. An independent forester will attend, offering an impartial perspective. Pre-registration is required for the free event. An Eircode is provided at registration and light refreshments will be provided afterwards. For more details, log on to irishforestowners.com/open-forestry-event-wicklow/ or contact Kathleen Lucey, Irish Forest Owners on 086 858 9169. Lets bin our fears and start assuming it will all work out, advises our beauty expert Restocking your cosmetic make-up bag will brighten your mood as well as your face. Photo: Getty For years I lived in fear always worried about the worst possible outcome which I think was because of things that happened in my life. Now, I have a new mindset: what if it all works out? Seriously, just say that to yourself the next time you start working yourself up about something, followed by a deep breath. Because, what is it they say about a rocking chair? Yes, it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere. Im saying this as I twirl around on my swivel chair, naturally, but you get what I mean, about changing your mindset and looking towards the future with an attitude that simply expects the best. And on top of that, my beauties, Im a Leo, and it keeps coming up, on Instagram mostly, that were going to have our best year ever. So with a shoutout to all my Leos, lets talk feel-good beauty. Finally. Rituals The Ritual of Jing Pillow & Body Mist, 25, brownthomas.com Sleep Tight Sleep is something Ive always struggled with and, as all the experts tell us, its paramount to embracing the day. Rituals The Ritual of Jing Pillow & Body Mist (25, brownthomas.com) is enriched with sandalwood and lavender and has mind-clearing and sleep-promoting benefits. You spray it three times on your pillow a few minutes before lying down so the scent has enough time to diffuse throughout your bedroom, and hey presto, bring in the ZZZs. bareMinerals Gen Nude Highlighting Blush, 32, boots.ie Moors Make-up Making time to do something you love like going to the movies is a mood enhancer. The Wuthering Heights movie has us all a-flutter. To copy the fresh, flushed make-up looks that captivated us on screen, take the bareMinerals Gen Nude Highlighting Blush (32, boots.ie) and concentrate it on the apples of your cheeks. Use the remainder of the product to stretch across the expanse of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose for a freshly freshly-fed-flushed-lewk. Voya Face Discovery Set,33, voya.ie Discover Calmness Voya, the Irish skincare and wellness range, are experts in creating products to make us feel good. Wait till you see this. Designed to awaken the senses and promote calm, the Voya Face Discovery Set (33, voya.ie) includes the Clarity Multi-Active Cleanser, My Little Hero Facial Serum and Pearlesque Hydrating Moisturiser, all at an affordable price and perfect for trying out the range if youve never tried it before or to keep in your suitcase and manifest a trip into your life. Spotlight Stain-Free Smiles Bundle, 48.58, spotlightoralcare.com Bundle Up I always say my top beauty tip is smiling. Youre better looking, its contagious, gives you a mini-mood boost AND also releases those happy chemicals. Its your personal cheer squad, celebrating every moment. Spotlight Oral Care has a great offer at present. The Spotlight Stain-Free Smiles Bundle (48.58, spotlightoralcare.com) contains Anti-Stain Tooth Powder, Teeth Whitening Powder Diamond PAP and Ultra Whitening Professional Toothpaste to whiten and strengthen your teeth for that pearly-white smile. Trick Happiness boost Have you heard of the face feedback switch? This simple technique takes a few seconds and is designed to trigger your brain to release feel-good chemicals. You raise your eyebrows, relax your jaw and slightly lift the corners of your mouth. This action reduces stress by signaling safety to your brain through physical cues. Taking deep diaphragmatic breaths, playing with a pet and stepping out into the sunshine are other good ways to boost happiness. The House of Creed Wild Vetiver eau de parfum 50ml, 220, brownthomas.com Treat Aromotherapy support I cant go past the Creed counter in BTs without covering myself in about 5 of scent. The House of Creed Wild Vetiver eau de parfum 50ml (220, brownthomas.com) is the latest Haute Parfumerie creation and this woody floral fragrance veers between sophistication and wilderness. Vetiver is popular in aromatherapy for reducing stress and improving sleep. Treatment Good mood hair Recently, I had a terrific treatment at Alan Keville For Hair in Powerscourt Townhouse, with Alex Keville himself, to try out Irelands newest premium haircare brand, Juvare. The cleansing and conditioning ritual using the brands COM-PLEX range (Juvare Bond Repair Shampoo, Intensive Repair Treatment, Bond Leave-In Conditioner and Blonde Toning Shampoo, all 11.99, Bond Oil, 14.99), left my hair soft, silky and beautifully conditioned. It seems the billionaire duo are trying to colonise the fashion sphere with Amazons sponsorship of the Met Gala but have they gone too far? Ive recently noticed discourse online about Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos. The billionaire duo who literally dress like supervillains once colonised outer space. Now theyre after the fashion sphere and Im not happy about it. Amazon has been announced as the lead sponsor for the upcoming Met Gala. This has received public backlash as the company has been widely criticised for its treatment of staff and for the knock-on effect of damaging small businesses. Anna Wintour has defended her choice to accept Amazon as sponsor, telling CNN that Lauren Sanchez Bezos is a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion". Enlightening. Past key sponsors of the Met Gala have included Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Marc Jacobs and so on. Although its important to point out that companies like TikTok, Instagram, Apple, Yahoo and Amazon have sponsored in the past, so its not the first time a big tech business will be partaking, nor indeed Amazon itself. Lauren Sanchez in a Schiaparelli dress at her wedding in Venice in June 2025. Photo: Getty So, what makes this different? I think its our current climate. According to the world inequality report; the top 10pc own three-quarters of global wealth, while the bottom half holds only 2pc. People are feeling the wealth divide now more than ever. Its infuriating to be locked out of a housing market and struggling to buy groceries while billionaires are hoarding wealth and now were meant to celebrate them and applaud while they ascend the Met Museum steps? I understand that fashion is a money game you need consumers who can afford the high price tags and its always been this way. Im happy for Bezos and Sanchez Bezos to fill their home with luxury goods, thats their business. But what I dont appreciate is having them shoved down our throats by the media, and now watching them insert themselves into the culture. (L-R) Lauren Sanchez, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, and Anna Wintour attends the Tom Ford AW20 show. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images The couple were paraded around during SS26 fashion week, Sanchez Bezos walking side by side with Wintour. They attended the Dior SS26 show and were photographed with Northern Irish designer JW Anderson. Sanchez Bezos is no doubt, making a bid to be a fashion girly. While I must admit Im a fan of some of her looks, particularly the Schiaparelli gown she wore during her wedding trip, I dont see her as a connoisseur of fashion; shes simply someone who has access. Sanchez Bezos is currently being styled by Law Roach, who notably dresses Zendaya. Roach dressed the former journalist in a vintage Dior suit with a fur collar designed by Galliano and something about the look just didnt read well. He styled it with a grey lace bra poking out underneath, a Lady Dior handbag the same cool tone as the dress and grey pumps which just made the look fall flat. In the words of the great Dolly Parton: It cost a lot to look this cheap. It seems Lauren is taking Bezos along for the fashion ride also; the billionaire has spruced himself up and has taken to wearing shiny suits since their engagement. I dont know what I did in a past life, but apparently my punishment is having to look at Jeff Bezos in a cowboy hat. I believe this years hottest fashion accessory at the MET Gala wont appear on the carpet but rather outside the museum: an Eat The Rich poster held by protestors. LIVE | US given access to British bases for strikes against Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (86) was killed in airstrike Iranian and Israeli air strikes continue for second day Middle Eastern airport hubs remain closed or restricted Airlines reroute or cancel flights, affecting global schedules Risk of prolonged disruption from regional conflicts Trump warns Iran against retaliation for strikes which killed Ayatollah Irish Independent Newsdesk Sun 1 Mar 2026 at 11:00 Iran's supreme leader was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes, a seismic development in a conflict that has spread to half a dozen countries across the Middle East. PHNOM PENH, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on Sunday that Asia and Europe, together, can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and prosperity. Sokhonn, who is also a deputy prime minister, said in a message to mark the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Day. "On the celebration of the 30th anniversary of ASEM, I am pleased to extend, on behalf of the Royal Government and people of the Kingdom of Cambodia, warm greetings and best wishes for peace, happiness, sustainable development and lasting prosperity to all the peoples of Asia and Europe," he said. "For three decades, the ASEM has served as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding," he added. Sokhonn said that bringing together partners from Asia and Europe, including countries and institutions such as the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEM represents more than half of the world's GDP, population, trade, and tourism. "It is a bridge between continents, linking cultures, economies, and people," he said. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis began the weekly Sunday review of the past week with a reference to the war that has erupted in Middle East. Good morning. We are monitoring the developments in Iran and in the wider Middle East region, which directly affect international and regional stability, closely and with concern, the prime minister stated. The review outlined the critical international developments, as well as the Greek initiatives for stability and security in the broader region, along with significant domestic interventionsfrom institutional and railway restructuring following the Tempi tragedy to reforms in the economy, defense, digital transition, and culture Yesterday I communicated with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Today I am continuing contacts with leaders of the region, aiming at coordination and the exchange of assessments regarding the latest developments. The issue was discussed extensively at the Government Council on National Security (KYSEA), where we evaluated all the data and analyzed the potential implications at every level: diplomatic, geopolitical, and security. Our absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens who are in the region. From the very first moment, all mechanisms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were activated for their protection and support, while we remain in constant coordination with allies and partners. At the same time, our steady objective remains safeguarding freedom of navigation and maintaining stability in the wider region. This presupposes effective control of Irans nuclear and ballistic program in order to prevent the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. Greece stands with composure, as a force of stability and responsibility in the region. Further escalation must be avoided. It is important to protect civilians and ensure respect for International Law, the Prime Minister emphasized. He continued with a reference to the third anniversary of the Tempi rail tragedy, a night that deeply marked the country and left behind unspeakable pain. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families of the victims, who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. Time does not heal such wounds. It simply turns them into a silent, daily ordeal, he noted, adding: For society as a whole, the demand remains unchanged: a full clarification of the case and accountability. The trial that begins on March 23 constitutes a critical institutional step. In a democracy, justice is the path through which the truth emerges and responsibilities are assigned. Throughout this period, the Greek State had one fundamental obligation: to ensure that the case would be investigated in full depth and that Justice would be able to carry out its work without interference. One of the largest and most complex investigations ever conducted in our country took place, with a thorough examination of evidence and responsibilities. Within three years, the investigation was completed and the trial has been set to begin in a few weeks, with 36 defendants, 33 of whom face felony charges and two Ministers who will answer before the Judicial Council. He pointed out that alongside Justice, we have a duty to ensure that the railway becomes safer and more modern," and referred to the changes that have been made at both technical and institutional levels: Already, on the countrys main railway axis, AthensThessaloniki, by summer the line will operate with full signaling, full remote management, and the European Train Control System (ETCS), which has already been installed on 100 trains. For the first time in two decades, the procurement of new trains is moving forward, with an investment of 308 million euros within the framework of the revised agreement with Ferrovie dello Stato. A total of 23 new trains will be delivered gradually from spring 2027, with clear clauses in favor of the Greek State. At the institutional level, we have proceeded with deep changes: the new unified OSE was created, abolishing the fragmentation of responsibilities; the budget was increased; and a stricter operating framework was established. The Regulatory Authority for Railways and HARSIA (the National Investigation Agency for Aviation, Rail Accidents and Transportation) have been strengthened; new staffing and training standards with modern simulators are being implemented; psychometric evaluations and international collaborations have been introduced. This reform is complemented by the operation of railway.gov.gr, the new digital railway supervision tool. For the first time, there is a public and real-time view of train traffic, starting with the AthensThessaloniki axis. By the end of April, the satellite tracking system will have been installed on all trains in the network. The platform does not replace existing safety systems but reinforces them. It functions as an additional control safeguard, with capabilities for immediate alert and risk management," Mitsotakis underlined. The prime minister's review also noted important trade deals signed by Atlantic SEE LNG Trade (an AKTOR Group and DEPA Commercial consortium) for the sale of U.S. LNG in four European countries on the Vertical Corridor and how these enhance Greece's role as a reliable energy security hub. He also welcomed the European Commission's approval of state subsidies of 400 million euros to support clean technologies under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), saying this will allow Greece to support strategic sectors, including critical raw materials, battery production, photovoltaics, wind generators and green hydrogen, boosting the competitiveness of its domestic production base, reducing dependence on imports and lead to more jobs and investments. "Industrial development and protection of the environment are progressing together, efficiently and based on a plan. It is a significant success for our country," he said, noting that two ministries and their corresponding services had worked hand in hand for this outcome. The prime minister also highlighted the start of the new model for mandatory military service placing all recruits in the land army, with upgraded basic training providing lifelong learning skills, programs to improve the digital skillset of senior citizens and those with disabilities and concluded his review with a reference to encouraging figures regarding tourism and various issues relating to domestic affairs and social policy. iefimerida.gr Kaduna based Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, has reacted to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the late Iranian leader as a lucky soul who died defending oppressed people. Gumi, in a post shared on his verified Facebook page, said Khameneis death occurred in what he termed Jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere. A lucky soul, he died in Jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere, Gumi wrote. Advertisement He added that the late Iranian leaders blood will fuel the change in the ummah, noting that Khamenei stood firmly for justice and didnt hide in bunkers. The cleric further stated, For those who killed him or assisted in killing him, let us see what they will live to do in this world. Khamenei, who served as Irans Supreme Leader for decades, was a central figure in the countrys political and religious leadership. His reported killing has sparked reactions across different parts of the world. Iranian state media have confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at his office in the Israeli-US attacks on Iran, following earlier reports of his killing by US and Israeli officials. A 40-day mourning period for the longtime Iranian leader has been announced. The Sunday confirmation comes after Irans Tasnim and Mehr news agencies initially reported that Khamenei remained steadfast and firm in commanding the field. Advertisement US President Donald Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform earlier in the day that 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in the joint US-Israeli strikes, which began early on Saturday. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Trump wrote. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he said. Hopefully, the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots. While Iranian authorities have long planned for the possible killing of Khamenei in the event of a war with the US and Israel, his assassination injects new uncertainty into an unfolding conflict that has already spurred concerns that fighting could escalate and expand further. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier also claimed that there were growing signs that Khamenei had been killed. Additionally, the Reuters news agency, citing an unnamed senior Israeli official, had reported that Khameneis body had been located. Saturdays strikes on Iran targeted 24 provinces, killing at least 201 people, according to Iranian media reports, citing the Red Crescent. Among the attacks, Israel struck two schools in Iran, killing at least 108 people at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls elementary school in the southern city of Minab, and two others at a school east of the capital, Tehran. Netanyahu said in his address that many senior figures had been eliminated in the wave of attacks targeting senior leaders, as Trump called for the government to be toppled. Israel, Netanyahu said, had killed commanders in the Revolutionary Guard and senior officials in the nuclear programme. And we will continue. Trump indicated on his Truth Social post that heavy and pinpoint bombing of Iran would go on uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary. Irans counterattacks on Saturday triggered air-defence interceptions in several countries where airbases with US assets are hosted, including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. On Saturday evening, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the third and fourth waves of retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli positions were ongoing, according to a statement carried by the IRNA news agency. Irans retaliatory missile and drone campaign in the Gulf has killed three people and wounded 58 in the United Arab Emirates since it began, Emirati authorities said on Sunday. AFP correspondents heard repeated, powerful blasts in Dubai, Doha, and Manama, with explosions also in Riyadh, as Iran pressed a second day of counter-strikes following US and Israeli attacks that killed its supreme leader and other top officials. Irans continued and unprecedented Gulf bombardment has raised fears of a wider conflict and rattled a region long seen as a haven of peace and security in the turbulent Middle East. Advertisement The three people killed in the UAE attacks were Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, Abu Dhabis defence ministry said. Since Saturday, the UAE detected 165 ballistic missiles, destroying 152, and intercepted two cruise missiles, the defence ministry said, adding that 506 of 541 Iranian drones were also shot down. In Kuwait, the health ministry said one person had been killed and 32 others injured since Saturday. In Oman, which helped mediate US-Iran talks and was the only Gulf state spared in the first day of the Iranian campaign, the port of Duqm was targeted by two drones, the Oman News Agency said in a social media post. One drone struck a mobile workers accommodation, injuring one foreign worker, while debris from the other landed near fuel tanks, causing no casualties or material damage, it said. Shortly after, Oman said an oil tanker was targeted off the coast. Its crew was evacuated, and four of them were injured, the news agency reported. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was to convene via video-link later Sunday for a unified response to Irans attacks. Across the Gulf, civilian infrastructure has been hit: from airports and seaports to residential buildings and even hotels. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash on Sunday lashed out at Tehran, calling the attacks on the Gulf states a miscalculation. It isolated Iran at a critical juncture. Your war is not with your neighbours, said Gargash. Gulf security analyst Anna Jacobs said: The Gulf countries right now are really on the front lines of this brutal war. Gulf countries, as always, want to support de-escalation and diplomacy But this commitment and these principles are being put to the test right now, she added. If Iran continues to hit these countries and escalates even more, it will be very difficult for them to just sit and do nothing. Early Sunday, drones struck the airport in Bahrains capital, Manama, causing minor damage, authorities said. The US embassy in Manama urged citizens to steer clear of hotels in the Bahraini capital, warning they could become potential targets after the Crowne Plaza was hit. On Saturday in Manama, drones and shrapnel slammed into residential buildings, with video on social media showing smoke and fire erupting from high-rises. We advise US citizens in Bahrain that hotels might be a target for future attacks, and encourage US citizens to avoid hotels in Manama, the embassy said in a post on X. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law have been killed in strikes by the US and Israel, Iranian media reported on Sunday. Iranian media also announced the death of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader in the strike, shortly after US President Donald Trump announces that Khamenei had been killed in the operation launched on Saturday. He reportedly had six children, including three daughters, and it was not immediately clear which one was killed. Advertisement Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS, Trump posted on Truth Social. There was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, he added. Trump also said this is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. He said the heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue uninterrupted throughout the week. Or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD, he said. Mr Francis Igwe, father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, has been kidnapped, police confirmed. SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman, Police Command in Ebonyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Sunday that the victim was abducted on Sunday morning. Ukandu said that he was kidnapped on his way to church at Ndufu-Alike community, Ikwo local government area (LGA) of Ebonyi. Advertisement Yes, it is true, we are aware of the matter. He was kidnapped in Ikwo Council Area. Our men have been mobilised to the area for investigation and to find means for his rescue. It is very unfortunate, he added. Also confirming the incident, the council Chairman, Mr Sunday Nwankwo, said the council is collaborating with security agents to determine how he can be rescued. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer has sided with the United States and Israel in the war against Iran, stating that Tehran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Mr Starmer justified his stance by citing what he described as direct threats posed by the Iranian regime on British soil. He said Jews and Iranian dissidents living in the UK were at risk of targeted attacks allegedly backed by Tehran. Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and to the Jewish community, Mr Starmer said. Advertisement Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. Since weeks of diplomatic negotiations to stop Iran from continuing its nuclear programme reached an impasse, President Donald Trump and the Israeli government on Saturday launched several missiles against Irans military bases. The missiles reverberated across other Middle Eastern states, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, forcing airlines to suspend travel operations amid security concerns. The Iranian government has since launched counterattacks, though the extent of the damage inflicted remains unclear. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the UKs Starmer released a statement earlier urging Iran to refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people. We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future, the three European leaders said. Controversial UK-based Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, is once again at the centre of heated debate after a viral clip captured him making bold claims about Christianity and Africas colonial past. In the trending video, the founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation) alleged that religion was w@aponised against Africans during colonisation. The white man came to Africa when he came to colonize us. He told us he was selling to us a bigger religion, he said. Advertisement He further claimed that certain Bible passages were deliberately inserted to enforce submission. In his bible, hes gone to insert things like sl+ves obey your masters. He put it in his bible. He used God to trick us. He tricked us into submission. He tricked our leaders into submission so that he can use us build his own country. The pastor argued that after benefiting from religion, Western nations have now distanced themselves from it. Now, Africans are the ones embracing religion and hes left it because hes finished using it, he stated. Adegboyega also suggested that a new generation of Africans is beginning to question long-held religious narratives. Theres a new set of Africans coming up who asks questions, he added. In one of the most striking parts of his speech, he said, They put our parents in a ship called Jesus and they shipped them in chains and fetters to other countries. He concluded with another controversial take: Christianity is a social construct; it tells us how to marry even though theres no how to marry in the bible. Haverford College professor Laura Been helps Sophia Lipari, 21, of Jacksonville, Fla., a chemistry and neuroscience major, during a "neurohistology" lab class. Students were studying rat brains. Read more When she was as young as 7, Alina Schechtman-Taylor wanted to know how the brain worked. I remember telling my dad, I dont understand why people act this way. I need to figure it out, she recalled. Advertisement For her, studying neuroscience at Haverford College, was a logical choice. READ MORE: Hot major on campus? At schools big and small, it's computer science Why would you not want to study the thing that lets you study, said Schechtman-Taylor, a senior from New York City. The brain, thats our entire world. Neuroscience has become the most popular major on the highly selective liberal arts campus on Philadelphias Main Line, counting nearby Bryn Mawr College students who also take classes at Haverford. And its only been around since 2021 when the two colleges which have had a minor in the discipline since 2013 decided to administer the joint major. At Haverford, there were 24 majors the year it started; now there are 60. Bryn Mawr saw similar growth and currently has 49. Enrollment in Haverfords neuroscience classes including both Bryn Mawr and Haverford students grew from 154 in 2014 to nearly 800 last fall. We knew that neuroscience was going to be popular, but we did not anticipate this growth, said Helen White, Haverfords provost, who noted the school recently hired another neuroscience professor to accommodate more students. READ MORE: Choosing a major can be hard. Heres how colleges help students figure out what they want to do. The majors popularity is also growing at schools around the Philadelphia region and across the country. Students and professors say neuroscience is popular because its interdisciplinary, involving psychology, biology, and chemistry, and can lead to a variety of careers. It can also be personal, because it involves studying diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons, which have no cures, and the treatment of strokes and traumatic brain injuries. I would say about 90% of my students are coming into my lab because they have someone in their family with one of these diseases, said Rob Fairman, a Haverford biology professor whose research focuses on neuroscience. A growing major In 2008, 110 colleges nationally offered neuroscience majors; now, its about 330, said Raddy Ramos, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the New York Institute of Technology. Ramos, who coauthored studies on the topic, said there were more than 2,000 neuroscience graduates in 2008; in 2019, that number had grown to more than 7,200. Pennsylvania is a hot spot, with 36 colleges having programs in 2022-23, Ramos said more than than any other state. Drexel University, which has had a minor since 2015, launched its undergraduate major in neuroscience in 2024. We have seen a 45% increase in applications over the last two years, a university spokesperson said. READ MORE: How Philadelphia scientists turn toxic fungi, snake venom, and trees into medicine Pennsylvania State University in November announced it was launching two new undergraduate majors in neuroscience, one offered by the biology department and the other by the biobehavioral health department. Neuroscience has become especially popular among pre-med majors, school officials say. Other potential career paths include biotechnology, pharmacology, psychology, and neuroengineering, while some students go on to law school, business, or public policy. Theres a lot more awareness that mental health conditions are due to changes in the brain, and people want to understand that, said Lisa Briand, associate professor and program director for Temple Universitys neuroscience program. At Temple, neuroscience has become the fourth largest of 30 majors in liberal arts, Briand said. The psychology department a few years ago changed its name to psychology and neuroscience, she said. At the University of Pennsylvania a decade ago, 100 to 120 neuroscience majors graduated annually, said Lori Flanagan-Cato, associate professor of psychology and codirector of the undergraduate neuroscience program. Twice in the past 3 years we have had over 150, she said. Swarthmore College, a highly selective small liberal arts college, graduated 10 to 12 neuroscience majors a year about a decade ago, said Frank Durgin, professor of psychology who oversees the program. This year, we anticipate graduating 24 majors, he said. Next year, its 30. The college has added two professors in the last two years to accommodate growth, he said. Why students study neuroscience In a lab at Haverford one afternoon last month, 16 students in white lab coats poked with paintbrush tips at thin slices of rat brain in preservative fluid, preparing to stain them to look for which neurons were activated. Some of the rats received the drug Ritalin, commonly used for attention deficit disorder, while others did not. Students were trying to discern differences in their brains when they performed certain tasks, said Laura Been, associate professor of psychology and director of the bi-college neuroscience program. We can try to learn something more about how this sort of drug treatment impacts the brain, said Been, whose area of interest is behavioral neuroendocrinology, which looks at the relationship between hormones, the brain, and behavior. Students in Beens class had varied reasons for studying neuroscience. Sophia Lipari, 21, a junior from Jacksonville, Fla., whose father is a reproductive endocrinologist, is interested in hormones and the field of fertility. Riley Fass, 20, a junior from Claremont, Calif., wants to be a special-education teacher. She already sees the connection between neuroscience and her job as a teachers assistant at a school where children have traumatic brain injuries and cerebral palsy. The topics we discuss an injury here will result in this I can actually see it in my students, she said. Deeya Abrols interest was stoked when she worked with a child on the autism spectrum as a swim instructor. Abrol, 22, a senior from Los Gatos, Calif., plans to go to medical school. Schechtman-Taylor meanwhile wants to pursue biomedical engineering and specifically developing medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. I want to work on the treatment side, she said. Fairman, the Haverford biology professor, said a recent graduates mother had died of Huntingtons disease, meaning she has a 50% chance of getting it, he said. She worked in his lab and wanted to be involved in his research on protein clumping in the brain and its effect on diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Junior Liv Davis, 21, wanted to help find a cure for Parkinsons, which struck her grandmother in 2020. Shes had two falls in the last year and a half because its progressed pretty quickly, said Davis, of Lanoka Harbor, N.J. Its hard to see someone you love so much live with it, but it makes it all the more rewarding to work toward fixing it. Davis, who has worked in Fairmans lab since her freshman year, tried to get into an introduction to neuroscience class early on. But there wasnt room. She ended up majoring in biology, which she thinks probably would have happened anyway. About half the students working in Fairmans lab are neuroscience majors, he said. Davis is currently studying the effect of a chemical on sleeping fruit flies that have been genetically modified to carry the protein associated with Parkinsons. Last summer, she received an inaugural research fellowship funded by Shamir Khan, a Haverford alumnus and psychologist who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons. Her grandmother was glad she could continue the research, said Davis, who plans to become a doctor. She always jokes with me, Davis said. Give me a spoonful of that chemical, whatever it is. If you need a test subject, you let me know. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Iran on Saturday, following a joint Israeli-U.S. attack on Iran earlier in the day. Richard Borge, medical director at AMS Surgery Center in Horsham, stands in one of the center's cardiac cath labs. Read more At AMS Surgery Center in suburban Montgomery County, patients can park right in front of the entrance, walk through just a few doors, and undergo cardiac procedures in a sterile operating room with equipment as high-tech as in any hospital procedure room. In the year and a half since its first patient underwent a cardiac catheterization, the center has performed more than 1,000 cardiac procedures that previously required patients to go to full-service hospitals. Advertisement The Horsham center showcases a new front as sophisticated healthcare procedures move to freestanding outpatient medical facilities, promising to save patients money. The shift also adds to the financial pressures facing the regions hospital-centered health systems. Four centers have opened or are in the final stages of approvals in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Their arrival comes after state lawmakers in 2022 broadly expanded the types of procedures allowed outside hospitals to include cardiac catheterizations, pacemaker implants, and other treatments that until then had to be done in a hospital. Pennsylvania is the first Northeastern state to allow the minimally invasive procedures in freestanding surgery centers, but Southern states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas have permitted the practice for decades, experts said. Research has found surgery centers generally are as safe as outpatient departments in hospitals. An independent physicians group, Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists Association, opened Heart & Vascular Center of the Main Line the Philadelphia regions first such center in late 2022. in Bryn Mawr. AMS Surgery Center in Horsham performed its first procedure in the fall of 2024, initially treating only Medicare patients. It added patients with private insurance last summer. The market has continued to rapidly expand: ReVaMP Heart & Vascular Surgery Center in Center City started treating Medicare patients last fall. The Ambulatory Cardiovascular Center of Pennsylvania, near King of Prussia, expects to perform its first procedures on patients next month. Medicare pays the centers about a third less than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedures, but the centers have significantly lower costs, allowing them to be profitable. Medicare pays physicians the same wherever procedures are done. Independent cardiology groups traditionally have performed interventional procedures, such as implanting stents and pacemakers, in hospitals. Some are jumping at the opportunity to expand through the surgery centers, where they can have a financial stake in the entire operation. Weve always been very fiercely independent, fiercely entrepreneurial, and patient-centered, said Richard Borge, an AMS interventional cardiologist who is medical director for the groups surgery center. How much cardiac care among the most profitable business lines for hospitals will move out of hospital outpatient departments remains unknown. But cardiac surgical clinics will not take over heart care to the extent seen when outpatient orthopedic centers began offering hip and joint replacements, predicted Lauren Clementi, a senior vice president at Kaufman Hall, a Chicago consulting firm. This ones a little trickier because the acuity of patients, she said. Cardiologists will continue treating many patients with complex medical needs in hospitals, which remain the only option for riskier procedures such as open-heart surgeries. Gregory Schmitt went to AMS Surgery Center to undergo procedures for a heart stent and stents in both legs. The retired machine-shop owner, who lives in Ivyland, called such centers great for patients. I highly recommend it. Its much easier than trying to navigate a hospital, Schmitt said. How we got here Healthcare has been shifting away from requiring overnight hospital stays, even for common procedures like cataract surgery. The trend started decades ago with same-day procedures in hospitals, followed by the rise of freestanding surgery centers. In cardiology, people now commonly receive stents and pacemakers as outpatient care. But until recently, doctors had to implant the devices in a hospital. Once upon a time, every patient we cathed had to spend the night in the hospital, said veteran cardiologist Mark Victor, referring to cardiac catheterization. With the rise of outpatient procedures, Victor said, the question for many clinicians became: If theyre hospital ambulatory, why do they have to be in the hospital at all? Victor has long advocated for the adoption of outpatient cardiology procedures as the CEO of Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia. The large cardiology practice joined last year a national private-equity backed group, Cardiovascular Logistics, and will soon start performing surgical procedures at the center opening near King of Prussia. In 2020, Medicare started paying for outpatient cardiac catheterizations which entail running a catheter through a blood vessel in the thigh or wrist to examine the heart and install devices like stents. Even then, Pennsylvania rules required cardiac catheterizations to occur in an acute-care hospital, according to Stephen Abresch, director of government affairs for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, a national trade group in Alexandria, Va. Pennsylvania lawmakers cleared the way for expansion by eliminating that restriction in 2022 as part of a broad expansion of what the states surgery centers were allowed to do. It had been a quarter century since the state had gone in and reviewed that, he said. Beginning this year, Medicare started paying surgery centers to perform treatments for irregular heartbeats, known as cardiac ablations. The Heart & Vascular Center of the Main Line has scheduled its first cardiac ablations this week. Horshams AMS aims to start offering those procedures in June. Victors King of Prussia group expects to add ablations in the future as well. Impact on hospitals It is too soon to know how the new surgery centers will impact the regions existing health systems. In some cases, independent cardiologists generate significant patient numbers for hospitals cath labs. After Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists opened its cardiovascular surgery center near Main Line Healths Bryn Mawr Hospital, the private group performed fewer procedures on low-risk patients at the hospital. To sustain patient volumes, Main Line has increased collaboration with other physician practices, while continuing to treat an older patient population, whose more complex health conditions require the advanced expertise and emergency support only a hospital setting can provide, officials said in a statement. In Horsham, most of the patients coming to AMS would have gone to Jefferson Abington Hospital before the surgery center opened in partnership with Atria Health, a private-equity backed group, Borge said. Jefferson declined to comment. King of Prussias Ambulatory Cardiovascular Center of Pennsylvania is opening through an unusual four-way partnership involving Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia, Cardiovascular Logistics, SCA (a unit of UnitedHealths Optum), and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Ours is not going to seriously impact any one hospital system, which theyre all relieved about, said Victor, who is also president of the Mid-Atlantic region for Cardiovascular Logistics. He said other health systems were invited to invest in the surgery center, but only Penn did so. Penn declined to comment for this article. On the Alvarez & Marsal Whats Your Moonshot podcast, the health systems chief operating officer, Michele Volpe, recently said the system needs to move a bit faster in taking much of the work that we are doing in inpatient ORs and moving them into outpatient or ambulatory freestanding ORs. Center Citys ReVaMP Health & Vascular Surgery Center wants to bring in cardiologists from nonaffiliated practices, and even the citys big health systems. The facility opened last year, spearheaded by Re-Vasc Med Professionals two interventional cardiologists in partnership with Surgery Partners, a publicly traded manager of surgery centers nationwide. Im 100% sure this is going to be the trend of the future, Re-Vasc CEO and founder Jon George said. A health insurers perspective Richard Snyder, a top executive at Independence Blue Cross, the largest health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, has for years watched joint replacements and other procedures shift from hospitals to lower-cost surgery centers. The financial impact goes beyond the lower prices at surgery centers, he said, expecting that hospitals will not simply cede these patients to new competitors. Some hospitals might decide to take a lower payment for outpatient procedures. Traditionally, that happens when we have capacity in lower-cost settings, he said. At the same time, Medicare is pushing to pay the same price for services, wherever they are performed. Hospitals, by necessity, will need to move some things to lower-cost settings in order to not lose money on them, Snyder said. A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah City, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026, following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai. Read more The United Arab Emirates has sold itself to foreigners for years as a sunny, safe, tax-free oasis. That peaceful image was shattered Saturday as Iranian weaponry rained down on Dubai, setting fire to a five-star resort, threatening the worlds tallest building, and killing one person and injuring seven others at the airport in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Advertisement Iran has hit the UAE and several of its neighbors as it strikes back from the major attack by U.S. and Israeli forces, causing fear and chaos in a place that until Saturday was predictably calm. This is Dubais ultimate nightmare, as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region, Cinzia Bianco, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the European Council on Foreign Relations wrote on X. There might be a way to be resilient, but there is no going back. Officials tried to reassure residents and visitors that the countrys air defense system was among the best in the world, blasting down drones and missiles. I know its a scary time for a lot of the residents, Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, told CNN. We dont hear these types of loud sounds. But at the same time, those are sounds of interception. And where there has been damage that has been primarily debris. Fallout from the attacks has undermined the Emirates efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran despite longtime suspicions of its neighbor across the Gulf. The UAE closed its embassy in Tehran on Sunday. The oil-rich federation of seven sheikhdoms has relied on its image as a place of serenity to lure wealthy tourists, businesspeople, and future residents who want to live largely tax-free in luxury in the desert by the sea. Nearly 90% of the estimated 11 million residents are foreigners. Real estate firms sell glimmering high-rises and poolside villas to rich Europeans and Americans by promoting a welcoming climate and business-friendly policies, and touting it as one of the safest places on earth. Hundreds of drone and missile attacks later, though, that reputation has been rocked. Last night was pretty surreal, said British racehorse trainer Jamie Osborne, who was in Dubai for the Emirates Super Saturday. Youre standing in the paddock watching missiles get shot through the sky. The Ministry of Defense said Sunday that air defenses had dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and more than 540 Iranian drones over two days. While officials said they intercepted all air attacks Saturday, debris from the knocked-down weapons sparked blazes at some of Dubais most iconic locations. Social media videos and photos showed a fire outside the Fairmont hotel on the prestigious human-made Palm Jumeirah island, flames licked at the facade of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, and smoke rose into the sky near Burj Khalifa, the 2,723-foot skyscraper. There also was a fire at Dubais Jebel Ali Port, the citys main sea terminal and a major shipping hub, and the Dubai International Airport was damaged and four employees were injured, according to the Dubai Media Office. Kristy Ellmer, who was on a business trip from New Hampshire, said she was staying away from the windows of her hotel but felt relatively safe despite the numerous blasts. You hear a lot of explosions at times, you know, theres hundreds of them, she said. Its unsettling. Were not used to hearing bombs, right, or missiles. Louise Herrle, an American tourist whose flight home with her husband from Dubai was scrapped, said it was her third time trying to visit the area. Previous trips were canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. With their current Abu Dhabi and Dubai tour over, she is less likely to return to the Emirates or the region. I would probably be inclined to avoid this part of the world when theres increased tensions, it just explodes so quickly, Herrle said. Maybe, she said, the universe was trying to tell us something. President Donald Trump was elected as an anti-interventionist, and some supporters are dismayed by his strikes on Iran. Read more PALM BEACH, Fla. - President Donald Trumps major attack on Iran has rattled parts of the coalition that twice delivered him the White House, a fracture that could spell trouble for a divided GOP as the midterm elections approach. The strikes, which killed Irans supreme leader, followed a visible buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East. But Trumps decision to carry them out nonetheless surprised some of his supporters, who had expected the self-described anti-interventionist president to stop short of a direct attack. Advertisement Nineteen-year-old Cooper Jacks said his phone lit up Saturday with messages from fellow Republicans in disbelief at the U.S. attack on Iran a reaction that reflected not just surprise at Trumps decision, but anxiety about what a new conflict could demand of younger Americans. We often have politicians that are way past the age to be able to fight these wars being all ready to say, yeah, go fight it, and then that burden falls on my generation, said Jacks, an officer with the Walker County Republican Party in Georgia. For some voters, Trumps decision marked a clear break from the isolationist posture that once defined his political appeal. While the more hawkish wing heralded the opening salvo, others in the party accused Trump of betraying the populist ideology that propelled him to power. In interviews and on social media, many Trump supporters both prominent conservatives and rank-and-file voters were careful to withhold final judgment until seeing whether the president could swiftly end the conflict he started. Others reaffirmed their support for Trump. Ultimately, the Iran strike poses a test of how much war Trumps coalition will tolerate from a president who promised to end them particularly if a prolonged fight brings economic pain to everyday Americans. The base is solid with President Trump, and they want him to succeed, said John McLaughlin, a longtime Trump pollster. Its about national security and stopping Iran, a terrorist state, from getting nuclear weapons and killing any more Americans. The political stakes of the military action are heightened by the approaching midterm elections, when the party of a sitting president often faces stiff headwinds. Polls show Trumps approval ratings are at 39%, the lowest since the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Republicans are worried they could lose control of Congress. Beyond the immediate electoral math, the Iran strike has also sharpened a longer-running debate inside the party over what a post-Trump identity might look like and which faction of a divided GOP will ultimately dominate. Blake Neff, the producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, wrote on X that right-leaning friends were messaging him in dismay about Iran: This is extremely depressing. Never voting in a national election again. Neff warned: If this war is a swift, easy, and decisive victory, most of them will get over it. But if the war is anything else, there will be a lot of anger. Trump told Axios on Saturday that he had several off-ramps to the conflict. But in a Truth Social post later that afternoon, he said the bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! Hours later, he warned of further escalation. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, he wrote on Truth Social. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Last week, a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 46% of Trump voters supported Trump using the U.S. military to force changes in other countries, while 22% opposed this and 30% had no opinion. Trump won his first term by attacking the foreign policy of former President George W. Bush and calling the U.S. war in Iraq a big fat mistake. He clinched a second term promising to expel the warmongers from government and warning that his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, would get the U.S. entangled in another costly conflict abroad. He told supporters he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. I will stop the chaos in the Middle East, Trump told the crowd at his final rally before the 2024 election in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I will prevent World War III. On the campaign trail, he also stressed that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. Trump has repeatedly cast himself in his second term as the peacemaker the world needs, claiming credit for ending or averting conflicts abroad and arguing that his leadership will accomplish what traditional international institutions, such as the United Nations, have not. He swept into office under the banner of America First isolationism but has adopted a muscular foreign policy approach, peace through strength. He bombed nuclear sites in Iran in the summer, toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, and now has unleashed a barrage in the Middle East that he said is aimed at regime change. MAGA allies long skeptical of foreign intervention have so far largely stuck by the president, even as many questioned his evolution. Trump officials cast the strikes on Iran last summer as a limited intervention meant to take out a nuclear threat and pushback within his coalition faded as the conflict ended without morphing into a broader war. But each conflict has threatened more entanglement abroad than the last, testing the movements tolerance. Trump, who is very news-cycle savvy, is addicted to the glamour and the attention that foreign interventions engender him and his administration, even though they are not making him more popular, Curt Mills, executive director of American Conservative, a right-wing magazine that is skeptical of neoconservative foreign policy, said in an interview Saturday with the Washington Post. Natalie Winters, a co-host for Stephen K. Bannons podcast War Room, criticized the Trump administration for failing to adequately justify the strikes. The messaging, much like the Epstein files, is all over the place. I would think they would know their base better, she told the Post. Some of his donors are probably happy so congratulations to them. Meanwhile, many of Trumps most loyal supporters have echoed his peace through strength arguments. Nearly 6 in 10 Trump voters who identified with the MAGA movement supported using the U.S. military to force changes in other countries, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 who didnt support MAGA, the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found. I changed my view on MAGA a little bit. In order for us to be what we once were, weve got to support the rest of the world, said Robert Pratt, 70, a veteran who self-identifies as part of the MAGA movement. Weve got to protect our allies, and I think MAGA is now a part of that. Its not just about us. Pratt said his feelings could change if the conflict in Iran lasts for too long; he doesnt want a repeat of the war in Iraq. My concept of war is a lot like Trumps is: If youre going to do it, do it and get it over with, he said. I dont want stuff where we get mixed up in some conflict that goes on for years and years. On Saturday, as Trump continued to direct attacks in Iran, Jacks saw on social media an old tweet from Vice President JD Vance urging the U.S. to learn from the failures of its war in Iraq. His former congressional representative, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump ally turned critic, accused the president of abandoning his America First movement and campaign promises to stay out of far-flung conflicts. Now, America is going to be force fed and gas lighted all the noble reasons the American Peace President and Pro-Peace administration had to go to war once again this year, after being in power for only a year, Greene wrote in a blistering post on X. Head-spinning, but maga. Then Jacks read in the news that Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed a major blow against an oppressive regime, he thought. The U.S. strike could be a big success, he said if were not entering a long-term military conflict thats going to result in the deaths of Americans that dont really want to fight it. President Donald Trump says that for now the military operation against Iran "continues unabated." Read more WASHINGTON A senior White House official said Sunday that Irans new potential leadership has suggested it is open to talks with the United States after American and Israeli forces launched a major attack against Tehran, killing the countrys supreme leader and other high-ranking officials. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations, said President Donald Trump says he is eventually willing to talk but that for now the military operation continues unabated. The official did not say who the potential new Iranian leaders are or how they made their alleged willingness to talk known. Advertisement Trump told the Atlantic on Sunday that he planned to speak with Irans new leadership. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he said, declining to comment on the timing. The potential future diplomatic opening comes as new details are emerging about the detailed planning that went into the U.S.-Israeli strikes and some of the targets that were hit in Iran. U.S. Central Command said that B-2 stealth bombers struck Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. That mirrors the approach that the military took in June, when Trump agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to attack three key Iranian nuclear sites. Trump claimed in his State of the Union speech last week that Iran had been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland a justification he repeated again Saturday as he announced that the bombardment of Iran was underway. Iran has not acknowledged that it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassified report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 should Tehran decide to pursue the capability. Before the attacks, the CIA had for months tracked the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a person familiar with the operation. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information about the Iranian leaders location, according to the person, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The intelligence sharing between U.S. and Israel reflects the preparation that went into the strikes, which continued for a second day Sunday after Khameneis killing threw the future of the Islamic Republic into uncertainty and raised the risk of escalating regional conflict. The New York Times earlier reported about the CIAs efforts before the Israeli-U.S. strikes. Sen. Tom Cotton, chairperson of the Senate Intelligence Committee, declined to discuss details Sunday when asked on CBS Face the Nation about intelligence sharing with Israel. But he said tracking the movements of the supreme leader and the heads of other adversarial nations is obviously one of the highest priorities of our intelligence community. Clearly, this operation is driven by intelligence collected by Israel and the United States that has once again proven that our nations have capabilities that no other nation on Earth has, said Cotton (R., Ark.). The U.S. regularly shares intelligence with allies including Israel. Those partnerships, and the accuracy of the intelligence they yield, is often critical not only to the success of a military operation but also to the publics support for it. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the committee, told the Associated Press that historically, our working relationship with the Mossad and Israel is really strong. Mossad is the Israeli spy agency. Warner said he has serious concerns about the justification for the strikes, Trumps long-term plans for the conflict, and the risks that U.S. service members will face. The military announced Sunday that three American troops had been killed and five were seriously wounded in the Iran operation. No tears will be shed over their leadership being eliminated but always the question is: OK, what next? Warner said. LONDON America and Israels attack on Iran disrupted flights across the Middle East and beyond Saturday as countries around the region closed their airspace and three of the key airports that connect Europe, Africa, and the West to Asia halted operations. Hundreds of thousands of travelers were either stranded or diverted to other airports after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain closed their airspace. There also was no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said, after the government there announced a temporary and partial closure of its airspace. Advertisement That led to the closure of key hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, and the cancellation of more than 1,800 flights by major Middle Eastern airlines. The three major airlines that operate at those airports Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically have about 90,000 passengers per day crossing through those hubs and even more travelers headed to destinations in the Middle East, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Then later on Saturday officials at Dubai International Airport the largest in the United Arab Emirates and one of the busiest in the world said four people were injured as the Emirates condemned what it called a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles. Strikes were also reported at other commercial airports in the region, including Kuwait International. For travelers, theres no way to sugarcoat this, said Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group. You should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end. Airlines that are crossing the Middle East will have to reroute flights around the conflict with many flights headed south over Saudi Arabia. That will add hours to those flights and consume additional fuel, adding to the costs airlines will have to absorb. So ticket prices could quickly start to increase if the conflict lingers. The added flights will also put pressure on air traffic controllers in Saudi Arabia who might have to slow traffic to make sure they can handle it safely. And the countries that closed their airspace will miss out on the overflight fees airlines pay for crossing overhead. But Mike McCormick, who used to oversee air traffic control for the Federal Aviation Administration before he retired and is now a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said over the next few days these countries might be able to reopen parts of their airspace once American and Israeli officials share with the airlines where military flights are operating and how capable Iran remains of firing missiles. Those countries then will be able to go through and say, OK, we can reopen this portion of our space but well keep this portion of our airspace closed, McCormick said. So I think what well see in the next 24 to 36 hours how the use of airspace evolves as the kinetic activity gets more well defined and as the capability of Iran to actually shoot missiles and create additional risk is diminished due to the attacks. But it is unclear how long the disruption to flight operations could last. For comparison, the Israeli and U.S. attack on Iran in June 2025 lasted 12 days. No one knows The situation was changing quickly and airlines urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Some airlines issued waivers to affected travelers that will allow them to rebook their flight plans without paying extra fees or higher fares. Jonathan Escott and his fiance had arrived at the airport in Newcastle, England, on Saturday only to find out that his direct flight to Dubai on Emirates airline was canceled, leaving everyone on the flight stuck there. Escott left to go back to where he was staying with family, about an hour from the airport, but has no idea when he may be able to travel. No one knows, Escott said. No one really knows whats going on with the conflict, really. Not Emirates, Emirates dont have a clue. No one has a clue. At least 145 planes that were en route to cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai early Saturday were diverted to airports in cities like Athens, Istanbul, or Rome, according to FlightAware. Others turned around and returned to where they had taken off. One plane spent nearly 15 hours in the air after leaving Philadelphia and getting all the way to Spain before turning around and returning to where it started. Numerous airlines canceled international flights to Dubai through the weekend, as Indias civil aviation agency designated much of the Middle East including skies above Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon as a high security risk zone at all altitudes. Air India canceled all flights to Mideast destinations. Turkish Airlines said flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan were suspended until Monday and flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman were suspended. The airline said additional cancellations may be announced, and many other airlines were suspending flights into the region through the weekend. Travelers advised to be very creative U.S.-based Delta Air Lines and United Airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv at least through the weekend. Dutch airline KLM had already announced earlier in the week that it was suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv. Airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia, and Pegasus canceled all flights to Lebanon, while American Airlines suspended flights from Philadelphia to Doha. Virgin Atlantic said it would avoid flying over Iraq, meaning flights to and from India, the Maldives, and Riyadh could take slightly longer. The airline already was not flying over Iran and said all flights would carry appropriate fuel in case they need to reroute on short notice. British Airways said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will be suspended until next week, and flights to Amman, Jordan, were canceled Saturday. Travelers should anticipate that there will be a lot of disruptions, Harteveldt said. To be honest, if you havent left home, chances are you wont be leaving home if youre supposed to travel to or through these destinations for at least several days, if not longer. And if you are returning home, you will have to be very creative about how you get home. President Donald Trump launched Saturdays wide-ranging attack on Iran after a weekslong lobbying effort by an unusual pair of U.S. allies in the Middle East Israel and Saudi Arabia according to four people familiar with the matter, as Israeli and U.S. forces teamed to topple Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei after nearly four decades in power. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private phone calls to Trump over the past month advocating a U.S. attack, despite his public support for a diplomatic solution, the four people said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, continued his long-running public campaign for U.S. strikes against what he views as an existential enemy of his country. Advertisement The combined effort helped lead Trump to order a massive aerial campaign against Irans leadership and military, which in its initial hour led to the death of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials. The attack came despite U.S. intelligence assessments that Irans forces were unlikely to pose an immediate threat to the U.S. mainland within the next decade. Saturdays attack on Iran was a break from decades of U.S. decision-making to hold back from a full-scale effort to depose the regime of a country of more than 90 million people. It also marked a stark shift from Trumps own previous military forays, which until now have been far narrower in scope. Now Trump will bear the risk of the bet he has placed: that a major military operation conducted from the air can achieve political goals on the ground. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight, Trump told Iranians in a video address posted as U.S. bombs rained down on targets across Iran. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so lets see how you respond. The Saudi push for an attack came as presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner pursued negotiations with Iranian leaders over the countrys nuclear and missile programs. As those talks proceeded, Riyadh issued a statement, following a phone call between the crown prince and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, that Mohammed would not allow Saudi airspace or territory to be used in an attack on Iran. In his discussions with U.S. officials, however, the Saudi leader warned that Iran would come away stronger and more dangerous if the United States did not strike now, after amassing the largest military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, said the people, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive situation. Mohammeds position was reinforced by his brother, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, who held closed-door meetings with U.S. officials in Washington in January and warned about the downsides of not attacking, the people said. The Saudi leaders complicated position probably reflected his desire to avoid Iranian retaliation against his countrys vulnerable oil infrastructure, weighed against his view of Tehran as Riyadhs ultimate foe in the region, said those familiar with his thinking. Iran, dominated by Shiite Muslims, and Saudi Arabia, led by Sunnis, have long had an intense rivalry that has generated proxy wars in the region. Following the initial U.S. attack on Saturday, Iran did retaliate against Saudi Arabia. Riyadh issued a furious statement condemning the attack and calling on the international community to take all necessary and decisive measures to confront Iran. The Saudi Embassy did not respond to a request for comment. Witkoff and Kushner had their final contacts with Iranian officials in Geneva on Thursday, their third high-level encounter since early February. They walked away believing that Tehran was playing games with them about its need for nuclear enrichment, according to a senior Trump administration official. It was very clear that the intent for them was to preserve their ability to do enrichment so that, over time, they could use it for a nuclear bomb, the official said. By Friday afternoon, when Trump arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas, for a campaign rally ahead of Tuesday primaries there, the presidents frustration and his rhetoric was escalating. He repeatedly declared himself not happy with Iranian negotiators. Ive got a lot of things going on now, he told the crowd toward the end of a rambling speech ostensibly focused on energy policy. We have a big decision to make, you know that. Not easy, not easy. We have a very big decision to make. Later, he flew to Palm Beach for the weekend, where he mingled with supporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort Friday evening, looking tired but otherwise in good sprits before exiting to his private quarters to record a speech he would give announcing the attack, according to one person who was there and interacted with him. The decision to launch the attack was in some ways foretold by the massive buildup of U.S. forces over the past two months. But there was little in Trumps record to suggest that he would embrace a war of choice in the Middle East with the goal of regime change. In explaining his decision, Trump on Saturday reached all the way back to Irans 1979 revolution. He described the U.S. attacks as payback for decades of conflict with Iran. He cited the 52 Americans held hostage for more than a year after the 1979 takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran; the deaths of 241 U.S. service members in 1983 bombing of their barracks in Beirut by Iran-backed Hezbollah during a Lebanese civil war; and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole, a naval destroyer docked in a Yemen, which Trump said Iran probably was involved in, although the United States has long attributed the suicide bombing to al-Qaeda. Earlier Saturday, Trump said that the United States had faced imminent threats from the Iranian regime. Tehran was continuing to work toward producing a nuclear weapon and development of long-range missiles that could soon reach the American homeland. Both of those assertions have been challenged. Trump himself has vehemently maintained that the U.S. obliterated Irans nuclear program with airstrikes this past summer. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said there is no evidence Iran has restarted its uranium enrichment program following those strikes or that it has an active bomb-building plan. In an assessment last year, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency cited no indication that Iran was embarking on development of an intercontinental ballistic missile. If it decided to do so, the DIA said, it would take a decade to produce. Trump directed anti-government Iranians to take over their government, but his call included no details. He declared that those within Irans extensive military and security infrastructure would be given complete immunity but provided no explanation how or by whom that would be done. During both his first and second terms, Trump has said consistently there would be no American boots on the ground in military operations that he launched. Since taking office again, while launching air and missile attacks on seven countries Nigeria, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, Iraq and Iran he largely has kept that promise. But it remains unclear whether aircraft and missile strikes can achieve his ever-expanding goals among them new, U.S.-friendly regimes in Iran and Venezuela; an end to Iran-backed militant operations in Yemen; and the defeat of Islamic terrorist operations in Nigeria and Somalia. History is not kind to efforts to fundamentally alter and restructure the internal politics of a country using the air power alone, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. diplomat who worked on Middle East issues for both Republican and Democratic administrations. This is very much Trumpian, in the sense that hes tried to split the difference between getting bogged down in an interminable conflict which will undermine the American economy and cost Americans their lives, on one hand, and yet bringing to bear the power of the American military in a sort of roll-the-dice operation, Miller said. Months of planning for the 2003 U.S. toppling of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein included thousands of invading American forces that remained there for nearly a decade and a large cadre of civilian U.S. officials on the ground to organize a new government. Top Trump officials some of whom have been sharp critics of the Iraq effort and other U.S. forays into the Middle East have insisted in recent days that this time will be different. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday told the Washington Post that he still considers himself a skeptic of foreign military interventions a description he said still applied to Trump, too. He said there was no chance any military operation by the U.S. in Iran would lead to a drawn-out war involving the Trump administration. Vance on Saturday watched the military operation from the Situation Room at the White House, while dialed into a conference line that connected him to the president and his national security team, who were tracking Iran from Mar-a-Lago, according to a person with knowledge of the events. Vance was joined at the White House by Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, who has long campaigned against war with Iran. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were in the Situation Room too, the person said. Apart from Trumps Saturdays statements once the attack already started, the president has devoted little time to publicly justifying or explaining war with Iran, a break from previous practice of U.S. leaders. READ MORE: 'Noble' or 'reckless': Pennsylvania and N.J. lawmakers are split on Iran Democrats on Saturday pushed Trump to explain his case to the American people. What was the imminent threat to America? said Sen. Mark R. Warner (D., Va.), the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, in an interview. I dont know the answer. Warner, who participated in a classified briefing on Tuesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, said that senior lawmakers were given a fair description of options the administration was considering, but that he saw no threat that would literally be worthy of putting our troops in harms way. In the briefing on Tuesday for the Gang of Eight, which consists of the leaders of the House, the Senate and each chambers intelligence committees, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated to lawmakers that the missions timing and goals were shaped by the fact that Israel was going to attack with or without the United States, according to a person familiar with the administrations outreach to lawmakers. So the only debate that seemed to be remaining was whether the U.S. would launch in concert with Israel or if the U.S. would wait until Iran retaliated on U.S. military targets in the region and then engage, the person said. Now the question is what comes next. For now, Trump says that he hopes that in the face of the death of Khamenei, Irans security forces and police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. In January, those security forces killed thousands of Iranian protesters. He vowed that the heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! A large Ukrainian flag is unfurled on the art museum steps Sunday, Mar, 1, 2026 as people standing with Ukraine at a previously scheduled, but snow storm-delayed, rally marking the fourth anniversary of the Russian war. Read more About 100 people gathered on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Sunday to stand with Ukraine, marking the recent fourth anniversary of the Russian war on the European nation. You dont have to be Ukrainian to know whats right and wrong, said Iryna Mazur, 50, honorary consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia. You dont have to be Ukrainian to have a heart, and to stand for justice. Advertisement The event also drew a second group: a small crowd of less than 10 people with a pre-Revolutionary Iranian flag stood alongside Ukraine supporters. While a joint protest had not been planned, Mazur expressed support for the Iranian demonstrators. What happened to the dictator in Iran should have happened a long time ago, Mazur said. Nazanin Saleh, 42, said she supported the attack on Irans supreme leader. She said she was getting ready for a birthday party when she got a notification that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead. After years of sorrow, she said felt hope for a motherland she hasnt seen since 2016. There is hope now, to be able to have a democracy and be able to have basic human rights, to vote, Saleh said, pausing. There is hope to be able to live as a free woman. She said the U.S intervention was necessary for the future of her loved ones back home. This war isnt against the people of Iran, Saleh said. It is against an Islamic regime thats forcefully killing people and taking away their freedom. After more than an hour at the Art Museum, the group marched down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, cheering for drivers who waved in support as they passed by. Amateur diggers Melissa and Matt Dunphy stand in one of the privies they found below their house and theater in Old City. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Welcome to March. Advertisement Sunday will be cloudy and may see a wintry mix of precipitation. Centuries of artifacts are buried in Philadelphia soil. Who should be allowed to dig up the citys history? It depends on whom you ask. Further on, were covering the latest on the U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran. Check Inquirer.com for developments. Paola Perez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Both amateur diggers and professional archaeologists say that theyre working in the public interest, but breaching the ground is a delicate practice and subject. Not all privy pirates are the same. Some follow a set of rules and dig with integrity, but others trespass, shut out the professionals, and sell what they find underground. Some archaeologists say the city has done little to protect its buried history, and warn about the risks of indiscriminate digging. Once you dig through a site, youve destroyed it, one told The Inquirer. Its gone. Americas 250th birthday is approaching, putting Philadelphias rich history in the national spotlight and raising questions about the access and preservation of that history. Zoe Greenberg has the story. In related news: Federal officials seized 36 Bronze Age-era short swords and 50 arrowheads following their arrival in Philadelphia in October. The U.S. and Israel launched a major joint attack on Iran early Saturday, following months of rising tensions and the movement of American warships into the region last week. At least 201 people were killed and more than 700 were injured, according to Iranian state media. President Donald Trump said on social media that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. Global leaders are holding emergency security meetings and calling for the resumption of U.S.-Iran negotiations as the attack sowed concerns of a broader conflict. Trump said his main concern is the freedom of the Iranian people. Pennsylvania Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick praised the coordinated strikes, while other lawmakers in the region have criticized it and called for legislators to return to Congress immediately. In response to the turmoil, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherill said law enforcement would increase patrols at sensitive sites like houses of worship, while Philadelphia police said it was monitoring the situation overseas. Find updates at Inquirer.com. What you should know today Pop quiz In a time when many kids are glued to screens, this educational magazine is still thriving and reaching the lives of millions of children after 80 years straight from the Poconos. A) National Geographic B) Highlights Magazine C) Zoobooks D) Brainspace Magazine Think you know? Check your answer. What were ... Planning: A scenic spring road trip for mountain luxury in Bedford Springs. Savoring: Bourbon chicken, snapper soup, and cinnamon buns round out some of the best things we ate this week. Learning: How Snacktimes bassist landed this spacious rowhouse. Unscramble the anagram Hint: King of Prussia-based wedding dress retailer ADD RIVAL BIDS Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Bobbi Harris, who correctly guessed Saturdays answer: Cochranville. More than a decade in the making, the 300-year-old village in western Chester County is moving toward its first public water line. In other Chesco news: Area pet sitters are watching more than dogs and cats. These days, animal care means looking after more chickens, goats, and sheep. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Philadelphia Flower Show is back, full of colors, scented exhibits, flowery crowns, and roots. From the Shakespearean production pictured above to a city citation, Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr insists we dont miss these exhibits at this years show. And if youre curious about what the Flower Show looked like before it opened its doors, check out these snaps by staff photographer Tom Gralish. Today, were remembering Neil Sedaka by listening to this song: They say that breaking up is hard to do / Now I know, I know that its true. One more musical thing: Mount Airy rapper KUR put us on to his special pick for a late-night fresh fruit stop, and its not Wawa. Thanks, as always, for starting your morning with us. Have a great day. The day after the United States bombed Iran in a military effort to forcibly change the nations regime, the most famous American global leader outside of President Donald Trump was speaking out about it. Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I am making a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume their moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss, Pope Leo XIV said in his weekly Angelus address Sunday morning. The American-born pope wasnt speaking only to the thousands gathered in St. Peters Square, but to the more than 1.4 billion Roman Catholics in the world, including those in the Trump administration who self-identify as Catholics, such as Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Advertisement Stability and peace are not built with reciprocal threats or with weapons that sow destruction, pain, and death, the pontiff said, but only through reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue. The joint U.S.-Israeli strikes have already claimed the lives of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous civilians, including, reportedly, more than 100 girls at an elementary school. While the pope doesnt wield the sort of temporal power that presidents and prime ministers do, his words carry moral weight for those within his religious tradition, and cannot be easily dismissed by politicians, nor the 52% of U.S. Catholics who still have a favorable view of Trump, according to a recent poll by the conservative EWTN News and RealClearPolitics. It is not the first time Pope Leo has called out the Trump administrations efforts to force regime change in sovereign nations with leaders who have been accused of human rights abuses. The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration and lead us to overcome violence and to undertake paths of justice and peace, safeguarding the countrys sovereignty, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of each person, the pope said during the Angelus address Jan. 4. I often write about how religion impacts the lives of Latinas like me, who are trying to navigate a world that often seems to have eschewed moral clarity for political dissolution. As a Roman Catholic, I pay particular attention to the guidance offered not only by Pope Leo but also by the bishops who are tasked with providing moral counsel to their flock. Stability and peace are not built with reciprocal threats or with weapons that sow destruction, pain, and death. Pope Leo XIV No one who has remained a Catholic as the church has been wracked by an ongoing, self-made crisis of clerical abuse can ignore the fact that some bishops are as opportunistic and power-hungry as our politicians. But under the leadership of Pope Leo, more U.S. bishops than ever have chosen to speak out from a place of genuine moral authority, untainted by the gross partisan and ideological bias that had previously infected the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In January, three U.S. cardinals whom some consider progressives called on the administration to adopt a genuinely moral foreign policy with respect to Venezuela, Ukraine, and Greenland. Meanwhile, the archbishop for the U.S. military widely considered a staunch conservative reminded Catholic military personnel that it is morally acceptable for them to disobey an order that violates their conscience. At the same time, 18 bishops asked for the government to cut U.S. military spending to invest in eradicating poverty instead, and across the world, bishops have disavowed the appetite for war and domination by military force that the Trump administration has modeled. For example, the pope has declined to participate in a Trump-led Board of Peace that seems to be about anything other than peace. A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by diplomacy based on force by either individuals or groups of allies, Pope Leo said on Feb. 17. War is back in vogue, and the zeal for war is spreading. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, was more direct in his criticism of the board: What do I think of the Board of Peace? I think it is a colonialist operation: others deciding for the Palestinians, he told the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. While the Vatican releases Pope Leos Angelus addresses without much fanfare, it is important for Catholics seeking moral guidance on world events like the U.S. war on Iran to listen to the address directly rather than rely on the interpretation of those who might alter the popes words for political convenience. In the instance of the popes Angelus address on Venezuela, for example, the Trump administrations U.S. ambassador to the Holy See reportedly omitted the popes reference to safeguarding that nations sovereignty because it could not be aligned with the administrations actions. And Vance last year offered a justification of Trumps mass deportation policies based on his misunderstanding of a Catholic theological concept. The vice presidents error was corrected and addressed by Pope Francis shortly before his death in April. During Lent, we as Catholics are called to examine our habitual excuses, our profane tendencies, and our susceptibility to the spin of those with a stake in worldly power, to instead focus deeply on our spiritual life and its obligations. For Catholics, in particular, Pope Leos words Sunday cannot be explained away. We must demand that our nations leaders stop the spiral of violence and acknowledge that peace cannot be built with weapons. Swords into plowshares, mi gente, swords into plowshares. And we shall study war no more. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code ABUJA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has voiced deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Gulf region. In a statement issued Saturday, ECOWAS aligned itself with the African Union Commission's assessment of the situation, noting that the intensification of military actions poses a significant risk of widening instability in the Middle East, with potential repercussions for international peace and security. This unrest could severely impact global energy markets, trade, and food supply chains, particularly affecting vulnerable regions, including Africa. "ECOWAS therefore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in full compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The protection of civilian lives and critical infrastructure must remain paramount," the statement said. ECOWAS also calls for renewed diplomatic initiatives within established international and regional frameworks to promote dialogue, mitigate tensions, and restore stability in the region. By endorsing the African Union's statements, ECOWAS reiterates West Africa's firm commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring lasting peace and stability in the Gulf region and beyond. Alan Tyrrell has been unveiled as the new CEO of PR firm The Reputations Agency, and will take over from founder and CEO, Niamh Boyle, when she steps down as CEO at the end of March. Previously the managing director for Ireland with Teneo, the CEO advisory firm, Mr Tyrrell joined The Reputations Agency at the start of February to ensure time for a seamless transition. A survivor of the former Sean Ross Abbey mother and baby home has written to the children's minister demanding urgent action following the recent landmark High Court ruling in favour of two survivors of mother and baby homes. Ann Connolly contacted Norma Foley asking whether the Government intends to respond substantively or take action in light of the courts decision on the redress scheme. Judge Alexander Owens found that the childrens minister was wrong in not considering adding two homes to the compensation deal in his recent judgement. Marie Thornton, who is a survivor of Temple Hill in south Dublin and John Duncan Morris who was in Stamullen in Co Meath had taken the High Court action over being excluded from the redress scheme. Marie Thornton and John Duncan Morris took their cases to the High Court which ruled that the minister should have considered the two institutions to the redress scheme. They are two of an estimated 19,000 survivors excluded from the payment scheme, including those who spent less than six months in homes as well as those who were boarded out. Campaigners now await the ministers decision on whether she will appeal the judgment or accept that elements of the redress scheme need consideration. In her letter, seen by the Irish Examiner, Ms Connolly sets out three detailed areas of concern including: Releasing Institutional Records; Further excavation of the burial ground at Sean Ross Abbey; Reform of the redress scheme particularly the controversial 180-day rule. She said survivors should not have to wait up to 30 years to access documentation under existing legislation. She also asked the minister why records remain restricted when inspection reports and findings were already referenced in the Commission of Investigation report. From neglect to vaccine trials In her correspondence, she said those records include evidence of inspections, documented concerns about malnutrition, disease, neglect, and high mortality rates, as well as communications between institutions and Government departments. Ms Connolly has also raised concerns about vaccine trials carried out on infants in the institutions, asking who authorised pharmaceutical companies to access vulnerable children, and whether the State or religious orders benefited. She said: Survivors lived this history, yet we are told we must wait up to 30 years to see it. She is also reiterating her calls for an investigation and possible excavation of the Angels Plot burial ground at Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea. The Commission of Investigation found that 1,090 babies and 23 young girls died at the Tipperary institution, one of the highest death rates recorded among the homes examined. Ms Connolly said only approximately 10% of the burial ground has been excavated to date. While remains discovered during a test excavation were found in coffins, she wrote that witness testimony to the Commission indicated that some infants were buried without coffins and in quicklime. She is seeking a commitment from the minister to conduct a full investigation and, if necessary, a complete excavation of the burial ground so that the remains of children can be identified and their mothers informed. Ms Connolly also highlighted issues around the 180-day eligibility rule in the redress scheme which excludes them from compensation. Under the current scheme, survivors who spent fewer than 180 days in an institution receive a lower level of payment, and children who were in institutions for less than 180 days are not entitled to financial redress or enhanced medical support, though they may qualify for counselling. The Angel's Plot at Sean Ross Abbey. Last November, survivors and families placed candles there to mark World Children's Day 1,090 to mark each child who died at the site, and 23 more for each of the mothers who died there. Picture: Facebook Ms Connolly told the minister that trauma does not suddenly begin on day 180. In response, the ministers office said: The department received this judgement last week and is currently reviewing it in detail. It is, therefore, not appropriate to comment further at this time. The judgement does not direct the inclusion of any institution, rather it provides some guidance in interpreting the criteria for the addition of institutions to the payment scheme. As conflict and uncertainty escalates in the Middle East, senior government officials and top brass in the Defence Forces are closely monitoring the security situation on the ground. The potential repercussions for up to 20,000 Irish citizens and 370 or so Irish troops in the region are their key concerns as they draft security assessments and brief government ministers. This led to calls on Sunday from foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee to the estimated 12,000 Irish citizens in the United Arab Emirates not to consider taking land routes to other neighbouring countries, and urging them to stay where they are and shelter. An Irish teacher in Dubai told the Irish Examiner that Irish people were naturally panicking a bit from hearing explosions in the city and watching videos of the blasts flooding their phones. He said he was in his apartment on Saturday when he first heard an explosion: There were massive bangs the walls were shaking. I was in another persons house after and missiles were being intercepted directly above our heads, multiple explosions at a time. He said they got news that a large area in Dubai called 'The Palm' had been evacuated. Local footage captured the moment when a drone or missile, or debris of an intercepted missile, struck the ground near large apartment blocks and a hotel. Videos are flooding in so, naturally, people are panicking a bit, he said. He said the Irish embassy in the UAE had posted messages on Instagram, stating: The advice is to stay at home." Police officers fire tear gas shells to disperse Shiite Muslims marching toward US embassy during a rally to condemn the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday. Picture: MA Sheikh/AP Analysts have noted that missiles or drones were hitting civilian and residential areas in the UAE and not just US military bases there. Ms McEntee expressed concern that the conflict was spreading to areas, including to within the UAE, with such a large Irish population. She appealed to Irish citizens in the Middle East to register with their local embassies to assist the authorities in identifying them, getting their contact details and addresses. The minister told RTE radio that Ireland was in constant discussions with fellow EU member states, adding: "We're all engaged so when the situation arises and when the opportunity arises, we can evacuate people safely." 'Shelter in place' In recent years, the government has invested in medium-to-long-range aircraft, including for the purpose of evacuating Irish citizens and troops. Ms McEntee, who is also the defence minister, said there were up to 20,000 Irish citizens in the Middle East, including people living and working there and people travelling. She made this call to Irish in the UAE: I am aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now. Ms McEntee declined to condemn the US/Israeli attack, describing the situation as extremely difficult. However, shw said she was most concerned by the escalation. She had a phone call on Sunday afternoon with UAE deputy prime minister/foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the situation. The potential reach of the conflict has already stretched to the fringes of the European Union, with reports that Iranian missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus where Britain has military bases. Demonstrators burn a picture of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Sunday. Picture: Khalil Hamra/AP Since Saturday, Iran has aimed missiles at US military bases in neighbouring Middle Eastern countries in response to the US/Israeli assault overnight. The retaliation threatened to escalate on Sunday after the killing of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli bombing. His death confirmed by Irans official news agency sparked pledges of revenge by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which security experts have said is now fighting for the survival of the regime. There were explosions above Jerusalem and Tel Avi on Sunday as Israeli defence systems intercepted missiles and drones. Some terrorism experts have also warned of the possibility that the Iranian regime could activate so-called sleeper cells in the West to conduct attacks in North America and Europe. Flight cancellations In terms of flights from Ireland to the Middle East, DAA said: "Due to ongoing airspace closures in the Middle East, airlines have confirmed further disruption to flight schedules. "Emirates has cancelled its full schedule of flights between Dubai and Dublin Airport today [Sunday] three inbound/ three outbound as well as its early morning inbound and outbound flights tomorrow [Monday]. "Qatar has cancelled all flights to/from Doha today two inbound/two outbound. It said Etihad had cancelled three of its four Abu Dhabi flights on Sunday two inbound/one outbound with a decision to the made about the last flight. It said: "Further disruption over the coming days is possible. Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest updates." The bulk of Irish troops in the region are based in South Lebanon with the Unifil. Security concerns are focused on the possibility of military action by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia against Israel, which is sure to result in a devastating Israeli response, potentially putting Unifil troops in the crossfire. There is a total of 372 Irish troops serving in the Middle East: 358 with Unifil; 11 with UNTSO, and three with UNDOF. The 11 soldiers with UNTSO are spread across the Middle East, and the three with UNDOF are based in Syria. It is understood there is at least one Defence Forces officer based in Jerusalem as part of UNTSO. Information on the ground Senior leaders in the Defence Forces and senior officials in the Department of Defence were working over the weekend, gathering information from the ground and supplying briefings to Helen McEntee. The chief of staff, Rossa Mulcahy, is understood to be in daily contact with the battalion commander in Unifil, while the operations and intelligences sections of the Defence Forces are constantly gathering information and providing security assessments. Retired brigadier general David Dignam, who first served as a platoon commander in Unifil in 1987 and last served as battalion commander in 2013, said that the military strength of Hezbollah in its traditional base of South Lebanon has been significantly reduced in recent years. The Israel-Hezbollah conflict ended in a ceasefire in November 2024, leaving the group in a depleted state. There were reports on Saturday of Israeli strikes in South Lebanon. The ability of Hezbollah to launch a sustained campaign is very significantly diminished, but that doesnt mean they wont try, Mr Dignam said. But, if they do strike Israel, Israel has made clear they will pulverise South Lebanon He told the Irish Examiner that this would mean Unifil troops, like they did over a year ago, would bunker down in their three bases two run by Irish troops and one by Polish. He said: Theres always the risk of collateral damage in the crossfire if Hezbollah launches rockets and Israel returns artillery fire. Unifil could be caught in the middle. However, he said the troops would be protected in their bunkers and have good supplies of food and water. Bar a direct hit, they should be fairly safe, Mr Dignam said. Mervyn ODriscoll, attached to UCC's School of History, said: Both president [Donald] Trump and prime minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu have been clear for a long time that Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons. "While the US-Israeli airstrike is portrayed as targeting an imminent threat, public evidence suggests it's more of a preventive measure. It lacks UN or multilateral approval. "The campaign aims to destroy Iran's military and regime, indicating a goal of replacing it with a compliant one, promising gains but risking escalation given recent Middle East history. It erodes international law, relies on airpower for regime change, and may destabilise the region and fuel radicalisation. Scott Lucas, a professor of international politics, said one question was what was Mr Trump's "plan B" if the conflict drags out and there is no regime change in Iran. He said the majority of Iranians oppose the regime, which he said had killed anywhere from "several thousand to tens of thousands" of its own people, who were conducting protests, last January. The estimated 20,000 Irish people in the Middle East are being urged against taking perilous land journeys to escape the escalating conflict engulfing the region. The Irish Government is urging citizens to take shelter and to register with local embassies, or on a special consular helpline, in the event of evacuations. Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said she is very concerned at the spread of the conflict to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where an estimated 12,000 Irish people live and work. Fears of the violence spiralling grew after confirmation emerged of the death of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli bombing. His death sparked pledges of revenge by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Ms McEntee said she is engaged in talks with her EU counterparts regarding how, if the situation arises, we can evacuate people safely. Airports in the UAE are closed, and air traffic is heavily restricted across much of the region, although airports in Oman and Saudi Arabia remain open. 'Significant delays' at borders Investments in recent years mean the Defence Forces has three medium-range transport Airbus, capable of carrying 60 passengers each, and a long-range jet that can carry 14 people. However, it is not clear how the thousands of Irish people in the UAE would get to Oman or Saudi Arabia. Ms McEntee told RTE radio that embassies are hearing reports of Irish people in Dubai travelling to, or considering travelling to, Muscat in Oman. She advised against such travel, which she said is at least an eight-hour journey with reports of significant delays at the border. She said: The advice at the moment, and this is the same for every country, is for citizens to remain where they are, to remain sheltered where they can. Military officials are keeping a close eye on the security situation in South Lebanon, where 360 Irish troops are based, with a UN mission. Any decision by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia, to launch missiles from South Lebanon at Israel is expected to spark a devastating reprisal, which could put UN troops in the crossfire. Restricted internet access Despite Israel firing missiles into Lebanon at the weekend, there is no indication, yet, Hezbollah is getting involved. The Iranian community in Ireland is struggling to keep in contact with loved ones back home, not least because of restricted internet access. Mastoureh Fathi, a lecturer in sociology at UCC, said she has spoken to family in Mashhad, in northeastern Iran, and that they are safe. She said people across the country are on the street celebrating the death of Ali Khamenei. She added that people protesting against the regime in Mashhad and Isfahan were shot dead, and she believes people are waiting to take to the streets en masse. She said it is just a matter of time before the revolutionary guard lose faith and scatter, predicting it will take a few more weeks. Cormac O'Keeffe is the Security Correspondent for the Irish Examiner. They might just be the luckiest cows in Ireland after being saved from drowning by a group of relentless firefighters. Colin Weste from Cork City Fire Brigade was speaking about one of his most memorable workdays to date as part of an interview with the Irish Examiner highlighting Corks most bizarre rescues. The incident saw him and other Amber Watch colleagues battle against the clock in an attempt to save 17 cows from the River Lee. The herd had been celebrating their first taste of freedom after breaking out of a field when disaster struck. Passers-by at the Regional Park in Ballincollig had already done a double-take after seeing the herd charge through the amenity. However, panic set in when the disoriented cattle found their way into the river, which forms a natural boundary for the popular area. There were 17 cows, and we managed to rescue 14 of them, Colin told the Irish Examiner. We used ropes to get them out of the water. Unfortunately, there were three who didnt make it. Colin is glad the ordeal ended reasonably well. The farmers were coming with trailers and taking one cow back at a time because there was no other way around it. Their owner was panicking a lot because if cows get out and cause damage to people or vehicles, then the responsibility lies with the farmer. "You cant really do much in the water because of the weight of the cows. If they hit you, its extremely dangerous. We tried our best to save them all, but three got swept away, and we never saw them again. Im just hoping the ones that survived didnt get sent to the slaughterhouse. "This rescue took four hours in total, so everyone was exhausted by the end of it. 'The animal ones always stick in my mind' Colin and his colleagues are not the only ones willing to risk their lives for an animal. We got called to help a 14-year-old girl after she jumped in the river to save her dog, he recalled. The dog got out and started wagging his tail while the girl was standing there wrapped in a foil blanket, shaking like a leaf. We tend to forget that dogs are much better swimmers than us. "Weve also got calls to help cats up trees. I can remember one cat we took down from a tree using a ladder. As soon as we put him down, he got such a fright that he ran back up there. Whether its a dog in the water or a cat in a tree, the animal is usually there because it wants to be. Emmet Cotter has experienced his fair share of animal call-outs also. A few of the lads were at a fire in a camper van when one of them thought to ask if there were any pets inside. The dog was unconscious, but we have a special breathing apparatus for dogs. I used to think these were just a novelty, to be honest, but they were able to revive the dog with it. "There was a dog in Ballincollig that got caught in a housefire who was also revived using that same model of mask. The animal ones always stick in my mind. I find it hard to remember names of people, but I can still remember the name of a dog I rescued 20 years ago. He was called Roley. Practical jokes While rescues can often be surreal, Emmet said the most bizarre moments play out at work. He referred to one incident by way of example. Two of the lads asked a mechanic working on one of the trucks if they could borrow his overalls. They went and got one of the mannequins we use for doing search and rescue training and dressed it in the overalls. "They even took the mechanics boots and had them sticking out from underneath the truck. The station officer was asking him when he was finishing up, thinking there was a real mechanic underneath the truck. He was taken aback as it seemed like the mechanic was ignoring him. "When he looked under the truck and saw he was talking to a mannequin, he attempted to make a quiet exit. He looked left and right, thinking nobody was around to see what happened. What he didnt realise was that the two lads and the mechanic were filming in a nearby truck. Meanwhile, Michael Paul Murtagh referred to a rescue that left one of his colleagues red-faced. We were at the Lee Swim and waiting for it to finish up. There was one person around the corner who was very late. The tide had turned, and they were now swimming against it. We were sitting in the appliance, expressing concern. We knew it wasnt good, and this man needed to be rescued. "As we pulled the person into the safety boat, there was a flicker of recognition. That was when we realised he was one of the new lads who had been insisting for weeks that he didnt need to train for the event. I dont think hell ever be allowed to live it down. NICOSIA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus' Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas on Sunday categorically denied media reports alleging that missiles were fired toward the country to strike a target. In remarks to the Cyprus News Agency, Palmas dismissed circulating claims about the interception of missiles allegedly directed at Cyprus, stressing that such reports were unfounded. According to media reports, British Defence Secretary John Healy said on Sunday that two Iranian missiles were fired toward British bases in Cyprus. The missiles were reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces. Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis also rejected the reports in a post on the social media platform X, clarifying that "this is not the case, and there is no indication whatsoever that any threat to the country has occurred." "The competent authorities are closely monitoring the situation on a continuous basis," he added. Cypriot authorities said they remain in close contact with security services as part of ongoing evaluations of the regional situation. On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, including Tabriz, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the region. A deportation operation in Dublin has seen at least one family who had lived in Cork for years being returned to South Africa. One woman, who asked not to be named, saw women collapsing on the ground in tears as they were taken by gardai to be deported. One of the families picked up by gardai on Saturday is understood to be the Breetzke family, who spoke to the Irish Examiner before about their case. The familys asylum application had failed, and the father and son were arrested last month and detained in overcrowded conditions in Cloverhill prison. The mother, daughter, and younger brother were not jailed but they were so traumatised by the experience that they asked authorities to permit the family to return together as a unit to South Africa as soon as possible. They fled South Africa after they were attacked by gangs at their farm outside Johannesburg, they said. They are fearful of returning to their home, they said. And their farm was stripped of materials in their absence so they do not know where they will go when they are returned to South Africa. On Sunday morning, gardai confirmed it had carried out an operation "removing individuals from the State on foot of deportation orders issued by the minister for justice". The operation resulted in the removal of 63 South African nationals 28 adult men, 26 adult women, and nine juveniles. The juveniles removed were all part of family groups. Gardai said the individuals were removed on a chartered flight, which left Dublin on Saturday afternoon for South Africa, and it arrived in the country on Sunday. Gardai also confirmed that 10 of the individuals removed from the state had been convicted of offences in this jurisdiction. 'It was horrible' One woman who witnessed people with deportation orders being taken by gardai said that it was a difficult, upsetting day. Multiple families who had lived and worked in Munster while in direct provision had been placed in a hotel in Dublin while awaiting deportation. And multiple people were picked up from this hotel as part of the deportation order. It was horrible today. There is so much tension, the woman, who asked not to be named, said. Gardai came and picked up a family from the centre. They were crying on the floor. A bus was waiting outside carrying other people, she said. Its frightening. You dont know if youre going to be the next one, she said. Someone puts a file on the GNIBs desk and they just come and pick you up. The woman is alone in Ireland with her six children. Her husband disappeared and she believes he was murdered by a gang that was harassing the family at their business, she said. Its too much. Sometimes I feel like breaking. But how can I break when Im a mother alone trying to protect my children? Going back means death. It would be easier to take my life and die here People dont understand when youre coming from somewhere very frightening you dont want to go back there, she said. I dont know where I will end up if I go back. Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication is keeping her going, calming her nerves through an extremely worrying time, she said. Another family understood to be being deported to South Africa is the Oyekanmi family. A large protest was held in support of the familys request to remain in Ireland outside the Department of Justice in February. But Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi and her three sons, Samuel, Joseph and Genesis, who are aged between five and 18, are understood to be facing deportation. The boys have been attending local schools in Dublin and are talented athletes, playing successfully with local sports clubs. Their local community had asked the Department of Justice to allow them to stay but their deportation order has not been revoked. It is believed that many of those facing deportation may have been arrested earlier in February, when 38 asylum seekers were arrested in a planned deportation operation in Dublin. Twenty-three men and 15 women were arrested after they went to sign on to notify the State of their whereabouts, as requested, at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). On Sunday, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan also confirmed the deportations, saying it is the second charter operation this year. "Charter flights are now a routine and essential part of immigration enforcement for the state," Mr O'Callaghan said. "Without effective enforcement measures, our immigration laws would be undermined, and I want to ensure that there is public confidence in the application of our laws in this area. "If a person does not have a legal permission to be in the State, or has been involved in criminality, they will be removed. I would like to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and officials from my department for their continued hard work in conducting these complex operations." The Department of Justice previously said it has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. In 2025, 4,700 deportation orders were signed, an increase of 96% compared to 2024. In 2025, six charter flight operations removed 205 people from the State. Of these, five operations to non-EU destinations removed 182 people who were subject to deportation orders. One operation removed 23 EU citizens on grounds of criminality. There were 434 deportations in total last year, 185 of which were enforced. There were 1,616 voluntary returns. A deportation order is a legal order to leave the State, the department said in a statement. Any person who has been ordered to leave the State and fails to do so, within the timeframe issued with the deportation order, is committing a criminal offence and can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Siochana. Such an order remains on the persons record permanently, unless revoked it means they may not enter Ireland again in future. Irish citizens in the Middle East have been urged to adopt a shelter in place strategy by Helen McEntee. The foreign affairs minister said there are currently no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries. Ms McEntee has also said she is not aware of any Irish people being injured during military strikes, but added there could be as many as 20,000 citizens across the Middle East. Explosions have been heard in multiple Gulf states as Iran vowed to carry out its most intense operation ever in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 86-year-old was killed in a US-Israeli attack on Saturday morning, raising concerns about an escalation of tensions across the Middle East. It comes as Limerick man John Hayes, who is based in Dubai, described how a "barrage of missiles" hit the citys coastline on Saturday evening. "That sparked the initial phase of panic among the public, where there was panic buying, people rushing to the stores, the petrol stations were full, and so then we felt something is going horribly wrong here," said the 38-year-old journalist, a native of Hospital, Co Limerick. Limerick journalist with the Al Arabiya (English) television news channel, in Dubai, John Hayes. Every single time one of the strikes happened we thought that it might be done, but it just continued through the evening, every two hours, missile strike after missile strike. Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Dubai time, warning notifications were flooding into mobile phones to say wherever you are right now, seek shelter, stay away from windows, get inside and stay safe. At that point everybody just disappeared into shelters, but everyone had to evacuate high-rise buildings, and we heard another barrage of missiles being intercepted above our heads, said Mr Hayes. "Previously, [we] all thought this was an Iran-US war that would never hit our shorelines so, nobody envisaged this. And, now that our airspace is closed, and nobody can get in or get out, it does feel like everyone is on edge, there is a lot of panic, and to be honest with you, its a scary place right now. On Saturday, Mr Hayes was stationed in the city as the first wave of Iranian ballistic missiles entered Dubai airspace. If a missile hits [a ground target] and impacts, you hear a loud eruption that also reverberates through the ground; windows vibrate, everything with it reverberates if it makes an impact. The ones that are being hit [by the defence system in the sky] also reverberate but they dont appear as intense. This was happening right above our heads," said Mr Hayes. Youre watching the trajectory of the missile to see where it lands and hoping that it burns up before it reaches impact its a terrifying thing to see. Despite the terror, Mr Hayes remained confident that the UAE could cancel out the Iranian military hardware being fired at it. The air defence system that is in place here is impressive, its second to none, you could compare it to Israels Iron Dome," he said. Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack in the port area of Dubai on Sunday (Fatima Shbair/AP) For us right now, there is a lot of panic and a lot of people are scared, but there is obviously not a lot one can do because you cant go anywhere, the airspace is completely closed. The journalist said that, while he is used to talking about the news thats happening in another country it has been sobering to see it on my doorstep. He said his parents only left the city last week after a visit, and they are "immensely worried". Mr Hayes said that "every 25 minutes my phone receives a warning that more missiles are incoming", however, he said he has faith in the air-defence system. "Im sure that in the next couple of days, we are going to see the retaliation of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, which I think will be separate from the US retaliation." Providing an update on consular assistance, Ms McEntee said a large number of Irish citizens in the area are already on the Governments Citizen Registration platform. She said several hundred had registered on Saturday. The minister added: I would encourage anyone in the region either resident or transiting to register. I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now. Ms McEntee said this was the common approach across EU member states. She added: This is a unique consular situation, with a large number of citizens located in UAE (United Arab Emirates) in particular, and with local and regional airports shut and, in some cases, under attack. As of now, there are no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries and so the advice is to shelter in place. We are maintaining close touch with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We also remain in very close contact with EU partners as this situation evolves. Speaking later on RTEs This Week programme, the minister said she was not aware of any Irish citizens who had been injured. Ms McEntee said: I absolutely appreciate how difficult and how challenging this is for family who are here at home, for so many who have loved ones, because we do have such a large population of Irish people within this region. Asked how many Irish people are in the area, Ms McEntee said: If youre talking about those who are residents as well as those transiting through, you are talking about up to 20,000. So, if you compare us to other countries of our size, we have a very large number of people we have a much larger number than perhaps other countries of our size would have. The minister said there was a very small number of Irish citizens living in Iran. Asked if she condemned the US and Israel attacks, Ms McEntee said: This is an extremely, extremely difficult situation and I, like everybody is, Im extremely concerned by the escalation. My trip to the region in January, this was one of the biggest concerns for those that I spoke to, that an escalation or any type of a conflict would increase violence within the region and could escalate things beyond repair. However, I think we are all very aware and very clear that the regime in Iran is an absolutely brutal regime that has quite literally, in the last number of weeks, slaughtered tens of thousands of their own citizens, and they have cut off all communication for their citizens. From Irelands perspective, the focus is on de-escalating the situation but also trying to protect those in Iran, trying to protect those who have been who have been put in prison, who have been brutally slaughtered over the last number of weeks as well. Ms McEntee said she could not say if it was an illegal war. She added: Whatever is happening, whatever actions are being taken, they have to and they must comply with international law. But this is a very complex and a very difficult situation, and Im extremely concerned, Im extremely concerned that this, as weve seen already, just in the last 24 hours, has escalated further into the UAE. That in itself, this is what weve been trying to avoid. The Government has been urged to intervene after 36 homes in one area of Wexford were issued eviction notices. It is understood the notices of terminations were issued by one developer who owns a number of houses at Hazelwood, Bridgetown, Wexford on Friday. Local Labour TD George Lawlor said the news was "deeply troubling", and has called on Government to urgently intervene to prevent further mass evictions. The notices came in the hours before the Government's new rental rules kicked in on Sunday. Landlords will now have to keep rent price increases capped at 2% or the rate of inflation annually. With a new tenancy, the owner can reset it to the market rate with no limit. Under the new rules, tenancies will have a minimum duration of six years. There will also be more stringent grounds for eviction. 'No coincidence' Mr Lawlor said the evictions must be stopped. This is a disgrace. It is no coincidence that this wave of notices comes on the back of the new rental rules brought in by Government," he said. Im calling on Government to step in immediately, to examine these cases in detail and to ensure that every legal protection available to tenants is enforced." A mother of two who is in one of the 36 households, described the move as frightening and stressful. Ann Marie Lamb, who has a child with additional needs, said: There are 36 households in total facing this situation, and behind every one of those houses is a real family trying to figure out what happens next. Ms Lamb said many who have been given the notices are working full time, paying rent, and doing everything we can to keep our lives stable. This isnt just about houses its about children in local schools, families connected to their community, and people who simply dont know where they are supposed to go in the middle of a housing crisis, when there are so few rentals available, she said. I just hope people reading this understand that this is not an abstract story its real families, real stress, and real uncertainty "We are doing our best to support each other and find a way forward. Support clinics The eviction notices were served by Patchflow Ltd, which has been contacted for comment. An emergency information meeting is to be held by Wexford County Council on Monday. A spokesperson for the Department of Housing said minister James Browne did not have all of the details, but "advises any impacted tenants to speak to the Residential Tenancies Board and Wexford County Council". They said the minister has been in contact with the RTB over the weekend and understands it is directly engaging with the council. "The minister understands that Wexford CoCo are available to advise anybody who may have questions, or have received a notice to quit from their landlord, and clinics will be held next week at their offices to offer support and signposting. "Section 35A (known as the 'Tyrrelstown amendment') of the Residential Tenancies Acts provides that, where a landlord proposes to sell 10 or more units within a single development at the same time, that sale is subject to the existing tenants remaining in situ, other than in exceptional circumstances." There is "no real evidence" that judicial reviews are a significant cause of delay to infrastructure, despite government plans to overhaul them, the chair of the Bar Council has said. Sean Guerin SC told the Irish Examiner the plans to cap fees on judicial reviews are "an attack on the people who use the legal system", which is "troubling". In recent months, the Government has unveiled plans to speed up the delivery of infrastructure. One key element of the plan is the introduction of new restrictions on the use of judicial reviews. The plan also proposes the use of tests, with courts likely to be asked to consider whether a judicial review would be successful. Plans are also underway to place judicial reviews on a statutory footing, which would give the Government more control over the circumstances in which they can be used. This would mean judicial reviews could only be taken on the final planning decision of a major infrastructure project rather than against multiple stages. These changes would be made as part of a new Civil Reform Bill, but it is not expected to be passed into law until mid-2027. Ahead of this, a new scale of fees will be introduced for environmental judicial reviews. This will cap costs to the State and other parties. Points of law Speaking to the Irish Examiner ahead of a Bar Council conference on the issue of infrastructure, Mr Guerin said that the focus on judicial reviews had been used to "attack" the legal profession, but the real losers would be those who seek to challenge points of law in the courts. "There has to be a real concern that, because there is no real evidence that judicial review is a significant delay in the delivery of infrastructure, what's actually happening is that an attack on lawyers is being used to deprive ordinary citizens of the opportunity to challenge significant developments, whether infrastructural or otherwise, and that is to deny them of their constitutional right," he said. Under the proposals, the limit would stand at just under 41,000 for a standard case up to the end of a first instance hearing in the High Court. There would be a limit at the same stage in proceedings of about 53,350 for complex cases and 65,800 for very complex cases. Mr Guerin said that it is "absolutely the message" that the average person would lose under the new plans. "You hear people saying that we need to re-emphasise the common interest and that the balance needs to be readjusted. The courts don't strike the balance. That's a matter for the planning process. The courts decide on lawfulness," he said. "The real concern is that important decisions affecting people's rights can be made in the planning process, but it's an essential right that there's a guarantee that there's a mechanism to challenge those processes. Judicial review is not pro- or anti-development. It's pro-rule of law Mr Guerin said the Government's own accelerating infrastructure taskforce had made dozens of recommendations, adding that just a few had mentioned judicial reviews. "The right to access the courts, which includes the right to recover your costs if you are successful in challenging the legality of a decision by a public body, is absolutely essential and should not be jeopardised," he said. Public expenditure mnister Jack Chambers last week told ministers that pre-planning processes are taking as long as four years to complete, with numerous approvals, consents, and licences required. Cabinet heard that regulations for transport infrastructure, including new roads, require up to 30 licences, consents, and approvals, while there are 21 such processes for water projects and 20 for electricity infrastructure. Mr Chambers said these processes can take as long as four years for wastewater projects, three years for electricity grid upgrades, and one year for road projects. Paul Hosford is the Acting Political Editor of the Irish Examiner. Iranian state media have confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major attack by Israel and the United States. The reports early on Sunday threw the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raised the risk of regional instability. President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. State media reported that the 86-year-old was killed in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. Satellite photos from Airbus showed that the site was heavily bombed. Rescue workers and residents search through the rubble in the aftermath of what Iranian officials said was an Israeli-US strike on a girls elementary school in Minab, Iran (Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News Agency via AP) His death at his office showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance, state TV said. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Mr Trump wrote in a social media post. He warned of heavy and pinpoint bombing that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of a lethal assault the US has justified as necessary to disable the countrys nuclear capabilities. Iran, which responded to the strikes with its own counterassault, warned of retribution, with the cabinet saying that this great crime will never go unanswered. The paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation ever. The attack opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention in Iran, carried the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war, and represented a startling flex of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. The killing of Khamenei in the second Trump administration assault on Iran in eight months appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum given the absence of a known successor and because the 86-year-old supreme leader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power. He led Irans clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. President Donald Trump described Khameni as one of the most evil people in history (Michael Gonzalez/AP) As reports trickled out about the death, eyewitnesses in Tehran told the Associated Press that some residents were rejoicing, cheering from rooftops, blowing whistles and letting out ululations. Citing unidentified sources, the semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guard, reported that several relatives of Khamenei were also killed, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchild. The joint US-Israel operation, which officials say was planned for months, took place on Saturday during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan and at the start of the Iranian workweek. It followed stilted negotiations and warnings from Mr Trump, who last year trumpeted his administrations success in incapacitating the countrys nuclear programme but nonetheless cast the latest round as necessary to head off its potential resurgence. About 12 hours after the attacks began, the US military reported no US casualties and minimal damage at US bases despite hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. It said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Israel, for its part, said it had killed the commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the countrys defence minister, as well as the secretary of the Iranian Security Council, a close adviser to Khamenei. Khamenei was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Mr Trump said. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. An explosion is seen as an Iranian missile directly hits a building in Tel Aviv (Tomer Neuberg/AP) An Iranian diplomat told the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians were killed and wounded in the strikes. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and at US military bases in the region, and exchanges of fire continued into the night. Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit near the offices of Khamenei, the second leader of the Islamic Republic who succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli officials confirmed the death, followed by Mr Trump. Democrats decried that Mr Trump had taken action without congressional authorisation. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the administration had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance. Tensions have soared in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The president insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Irans nuclear program while the country struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests. In southern Iran, at least 115 people were reported killed when a girls school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the local governor told Iranian state TV. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said he was aware of reports that a girls school was struck and that officials were looking into them. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and air defence fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person, state media said. A massive explosion has struck Irans capital as the Israeli military said it is targeting the heart of the city, after the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel. The blast sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky and shook the ground. It was not immediately clear what the target was, but the blast appeared to have occurred in an area of Tehran which is home to the countrys police headquarters and state television. The Israeli military said it is striking targets in central Tehran. It said on the first day of the war the military cleared the path to the Iranian capital, and on the second day it is striking central Tehran. Read More Irish teacher in Dubai describes walls shaking after interception of missiles from Iran Forty top Iranian military officials have been killed in the ongoing action so far, according to the Israeli military, including the chief of staff for the Iranian armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi. Meanwhile, Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel. Irans rhetoric prompted US president Donald Trump to threaten Tehran against further escalation. Iran acknowledged Khameneis death in the joint Israeli-American air strike on Saturday at his Tehran office, which has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into question and raised the risk of regional instability. The 86-year-olds death showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance, Iranian state TV said. Mr Trump said the killing of Khamenei, who has ruled Iran as supreme leader since 1989, gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. President Donald Trump described Khameni as one of the most evil people in history (Michael Gonzalez/AP) Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Mr Trump wrote in a social media post. Irans Cabinet vowed that this great crime will never go unanswered and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation ever, targeting Israeli and American bases. You have crossed our red line and must pay the price, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said in a televised address on Sunday. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, Mr Trump fired back in a social media post. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! As Israel and the US targeted other top officials, an air strike on a meeting of the countrys defence council killed Irans army chief of staff and defence minister, alongside the head of Irans Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser to Khamenei. General Abdol Rahim Mousavi and defence minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed at the meeting, along with Major General Mohammad Pakpour, who took over as the Guards top commander after Israel killed its past commander in the 12-day war last June. The adviser, Ali Shamkhani, had long been a figurehead within Irans security establishment. In a sign that the attack could spread instability throughout the region, at least nine people were killed in clashes with police as hundreds of people stormed the US Consulate in Pakistans port city of Karachi on Sunday, smashing windows. Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, said Mohammad Jawad, a police official. At least one protester was killed and several others were injured in clashes, he said. After the initial strikes, Iran immediately launched missiles and drones towards Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Israeli military said Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted. The Magen David Adom rescue service said on Saturday night that a woman in the Tel Aviv area died after being wounded in an Iranian missile attack. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and air defense fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital, with explosions continuing into Sunday morning. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the citys main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled and Jordan said it dealt with 49 drones and ballistic missiles. The United Arab Emirates was hit hard by Iranian missiles and drones, particularly Dubai, the Emirates commercial hub. UAE sought in recent years to deescalate tensions with Iran despite its longtime suspicions of its northern neighbour. On Sunday, an adviser to the UAEs president said Iran missed its target with its attacks on the Arab Gulf states. Your war is not with your neighbours, Anwar Gargash wrote on X, addressing Tehran. Return to your senses, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbours with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens. The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran makes the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A third of worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the strait in 2025. The attack on Iran opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention, and carried the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war, representing a startling flex of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. An explosion is seen as an Iranian missile directly hits a building in Tel Aviv (Tomer Neuberg/AP) The killing of Khamenei is the second Trump administration assault on Iran in eight months and appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum, given the absence of a known successor and because the supreme leader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power. He led Irans clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, Mr Trump said. Iran quickly formed a council to govern the country until a new supreme leader is chosen. State media also reported the deaths of the head of Irans Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser to Khamenei in airstrikes. Major general Mohammad Pakpour took over as the Guards top commander after Israel killed its past commander in the 12-day war last June. The adviser, Ali Shamkhani, had long been a figurehead within Irans security establishment, IRNA said. As reports trickled out about Khameneis death, eyewitnesses in Tehran told The Associated Press that some residents were rejoicing, cheering from rooftops, blowing whistles and letting out ululations. A senior White House official has said Irans new potential leadership has suggested it is open to talks with the US after American and Israeli forces launched a major attack against Tehran, killing the countrys supreme leader and other high-ranking officials. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said US President Donald Trump said he was eventually willing to talk, but that for now the military operation continues unabated. The official did not say who the potential new Iranian leaders were or how they had made their alleged willingness to talk known. Mr Trump told The Atlantic, in an interview on Sunday, that he planned to speak with Irans new leadership. The White House official said the military operation would continue unabated for now (Jose Luis Magana/AP) They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he said, declining to comment on the timing. The potential future diplomatic opening comes as new details are emerging about the detailed planning that went into the US-Israeli strikes and some of the targets that were hit in Iran. US central command said that B-2 stealth bombers struck Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. This mirrors the approach that the military took in June, when Mr Trump agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to attack three key Iranian nuclear sites. Mr Trump claimed in his State Of The Union speech last week that Iran had been building ballistic missiles that could reach the US homeland a justification he repeated again on Saturday as he announced that the bombardment of Iran was under way. Iran has not acknowledged that it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. People watch from a rooftop as a plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP) But the US defence intelligence agency said in an unclassified report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 should Tehran decide to pursue the capability. Before the attacks, the CIA had for months tracked the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a person familiar with the operation. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information about the Iranian leaders location, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The intelligence sharing between the US and Israel reflects the preparation that went into the strikes, which continued for a second day on Sunday after Mr Khameneis killing threw the future of the Islamic Republic into uncertainty and raised the risk of escalating regional conflict. Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, declined to discuss details on Sunday when asked on CBS Face The Nation programme about intelligence sharing with Israel. A woman mourns the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Beirut, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP) But he said tracking the movements of the supreme leader and the heads of other adversarial nations is obviously one of the highest priorities of our intelligence community. Clearly, this operation is driven by intelligence collected by Israel and the United States that has once again proven that our nations have capabilities that no other nation on Earth has, Mr Cotton said. The US regularly shares intelligence with allies including Israel. These partnerships, and the accuracy of the intelligence they yield, is often critical not only to the success of a military operation but also to the publics support for it. Virginia senator Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the committee, told The Associated Press that historically, our working relationship with the Mossad and Israel is really strong. An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to land on the USS Abraham Lincoln after a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury (US Navy via AP) Mossad is the Israeli spy agency. Mr Warner said he had serious concerns about the justification for the strikes, Mr Trumps long-term plans for the conflict and the risks that US service members would face. The military announced on Sunday that three American troops had been killed and five were seriously wounded in the Iran operation. No tears will be shed over their leadership being eliminated but always the question is: OK, what next? Mr Warner said. The US and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday, dropping massive bombs on the countrys ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships as part of an intensifying military campaign that followed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the US and Israeli strikes that killed Mr Khamenei and other senior leaders, Iranian leaders have said, as blasts across the country rattled windows and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above the capital city of Tehran. Iran vowed revenge, firing missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states in a counteroffensive that the US military said resulted in the deaths of three service members the first known American casualties from the conflict. Israels rescue services said nine people were killed and 28 wounded in a strike that hit a synagogue in the central town of Beit Shemesh, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11. Eleven people were still missing after the strike, police said. But the attacks on Iran showed no signs of relenting as the US and Israel took aim at key military, political and intelligence targets in what appeared to be a widening war that carried the potential for a prolonged conflict that could envelop the Middle East and destabilise it. A Hezbollah supporter holds a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a gathering in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday. Picture: AP Photo/Hassan Ammar The strikes, the second time in eight months that the US and Israel had combined against Iran, represented a startling show of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. Speaking in a video message, US President Donald Trump said America would avenge the deaths of the service members and that there will likely be more killed before the conflict ends. The president made the comments in a roughly six-minute video he posted on social media on Sunday afternoon. He called the three service members true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives. He added: Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. Thats the way it is. Likely be more. Israel, which had pledged non-stop strikes, said it was increasing its attacks, with 100 fighter jets simultaneously striking targets in Tehran, Brigadier General Effie Defrin told reporters at a briefing. The targets included buildings belonging to Irans air force, its missile command and its internal security force, which violently quashed anti-government protests in January. Meanwhile, the US military said B-2 stealth bombers struck Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Mr Trump said on social media that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navys headquarters had been largely destroyed. In an indication that the conflict could draw in other nations, Britain, France and Germany said on Sunday that they were ready to work with the US to help stop Irans attacks. Leaders of the countries said in a joint statement that they were appalled by Irans reckless strikes on their allies. In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Irans air defences, military leadership and nuclear programme. But the killing of Mr Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for more than three decades, creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability. Mr Trump, who a day earlier had encouraged Iranians to take over their government, signalled on Sunday that he was open to dialogue with Irans new leadership. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he told The Atlantic. In Tehran, there was little sign that Iranians had heeded Mr Trumps call for an uprising against the government. The streets were largely deserted as people sheltered during heavy airstrikes, witnesses told The Associated Press , speaking anonymously for fear of retribution. The paramilitary Basij, which has played a central role in crushing protests, had set up checkpoints across the city, they said. Two powerful explosions were heard in Tehrans Niavaran neighbourhood late on Sunday. A witness in the city told AP that the windows of their apartment shook violently, and residents came out onto the streets fearing it was too dangerous to stay inside. Video footage from Tehran showed plumes of smoke filling the skyline, and the official IRNA news agency reported that parts of the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) were struck on Sunday. This image provided by Airbus shows the strike on Iranian Supreme Leader's compound on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 in Iran. (Pleiades Neo (c) Airbus DS 2026 via AP) In southern Iran, at least 165 people were killed on Saturday when a girls school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the IRNA reported. The Israeli military said it was not aware of strikes in the area. The US military said it was looking into the reports. The US military also said on Sunday that three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded, without providing further details. It said several others suffered minor injuries and concussions. As supreme leader, Mr Khamenei had final say on all major policies since 1989. He led Irans clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. The CIA had been tracking the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Mr Khamenei, for months, according to a person familiar with the operation. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information, the person said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a pre-recorded message that a new leadership council had begun its work. The countrys foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said a new supreme leader would be chosen in one or two days. A senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mr Trump was eventually willing to talk but that the operation would continue unabated for now. Mr Trump also said, in a video shared on his Truth Social platform, that us combat operations "continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved". "We have very strong objectives, Mr Trump said. He confirmed that three US service members had been killed and said there would likely be more casualties, vowing to avenge the deaths of Americans. Celebrations and morning in wake of Khamenei's death Two men on a motorcycle decorated with a picture of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ride ahead a group of government supporters near Khamenei's residency in Tehran. Picture: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi As word spread of Mr Khameneis death, some in Tehran could be seen cheering from rooftops, witnesses said. Others mourned as a black flag was raised over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. An Iranian medical professional in northern Iran said he and colleagues spent the early hours of Sunday celebrating Mr Khameneis death indoors because armed security forces were still heavily deployed in his city. There were forces stopping and interrogating people celebrating in their cars, but there was no gunfire, the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said. It was one of the best nights, if not the best night of our lives, the doctor said in a voice message from the city of Rasht. Mr Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, blamed the US and Israel for starting the war. He said he had spoken to his counterparts in the Gulf countries and urged them to pressure the US and Israel to end it. You have crossed our red line and must pay the price, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The US president insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Irans nuclear programme while the country struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests. Rescue workers and military personnel operate at the site where several people were killed by an Iranian missile strike in Beit Shemesh, Israel Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) An Israeli military official described Saturdays mission as the result of months of extremely high co-ordination with the US. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a variety of factors created a golden opportunity to take out much of Irans leadership. These factors included weeks of training and monitoring the movements of senior figures, along with real-time intelligence that the targets were gathered together. The results, the official said, were near-simultaneous strikes, within 60 seconds of one another, in three locations 1,609km from Israel that killed Mr Khamenei and some 40 senior figures, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and the countrys defence minister. UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China is "deeply concerned" about the military strikes that the United States and Israel launched against Iran on Saturday, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN). Speaking at the UN Security Council emergency meeting, Fu said China consistently advocates that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and opposes and condemns the use or threat of force in international relations. "China stresses that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and other regional countries must be respected," he said. Noting that China is deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict, the ambassador said that at all times, "the red line for protecting civilians in armed conflict must not be crossed, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable." "China calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, effectively ensure the safety of civilians, and avoid attacks on civilian facilities," he said. Underscoring that the escalation and spillover of tensions in the Middle East serve no one's interests, Fu said the use of force is not the right way to settle international disputes, and it only intensifies hatred and confrontation. "Dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve differences," he said, stressing that China calls for an immediate cessation of military actions to prevent further cycles of escalation. The ambassador urged the parties concerned to demonstrate political sincerity, resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and return to the right track of seeking a political solution. "China stands ready to work with the international community to advance peace efforts and help restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date," he said. by Jacob Fischler and Jane Norman, Michigan Advance WASHINGTON Democratic lawmakers called Saturday for Congress to weigh in on President Donald Trumps order launching major combat operations in Iran, while Republicans largely provided cautious support of the attacks. Trump said in a video posted to social media at 2:30 a.m. Eastern that U.S. forces struck targets in the Islamic republic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were conducted in conjunction with Israel. Trump said, Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world. Late Saturday afternoon, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strike. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS, said Trump. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! [N.B. from Informed Comment: Iran was never assessed by US intelligence to have had a nuclear weapons program as opposed to a civilian nuclear enrichment program. The latter was destroyed by Israel and the US in the 12-day war in June 2025. Irans nuclear ambitions cannot be a pretext for war in 2026, especially since both the US and Israel are themselves nuclear powers.] U.S. Senate leaders react On Saturday morning, as word of the attack spread, numerous Democratic members of Congress were urging a vote on Virginia Sen. Tim Kaines War Powers Resolution. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had implored Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a briefing this week to make a straightforward public case for any military operation in the Middle East. The New York Democrat criticized the administrations strategy, though he also had tough words about the Iranian regime. He called for an immediate all-senators classified briefing ahead of a vote on a War Powers Act resolution. The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat, Schumer said in a statement. Confronting Irans malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trumps fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Trump for taking action to deter Iran from expanding its nuclear program and supporting terrorist groups in the region. The country poses a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies, the South Dakota Republican wrote in a statement. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. Thune added that administration officials would brief senators as the operation continued. Trump said in the early-morning video that the U.S. aims to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons. This regime will soon learn no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces, said Trump. He acknowledged that we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But were doing this not for now, were doing it for the future. Trump also encouraged the Iranian people to rise up against their government. Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Dont leave your home. Its very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take, Trump said. It will be probably your only chance for generations. Trump spoke from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he flew Friday night following an appearance in Corpus Christi, Texas. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on social media Trump monitored the situation overnight with members of his national security team, and he spoke with Netanyahu by phone. Prior to the attacks, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, Leavitt said Rubio notified both Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress. Netanyahu in a statement on social media thanked Trump and echoed the U.S. presidents comments about nuclear arms. This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity, Netanyahu said. Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands. Iranians say they tried to prevent war Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi early Saturday afternoon wrote a letter to the secretary-general of the United Nations and the president of the U.N. Security Council that strongly condemned the coordinated and extensive armed aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Irans national sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement on social media by the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said that the attack came while the United States and Iran were in the midst of diplomatic talks, and vowed a response. Now the Iranian people are proud that they did everything necessary to prevent war, the ministry said. Now is the time to defend the homeland and confront the enemys military aggression. Just as we were ready for negotiations, we have been more prepared than ever for defense. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to the aggressors with authority. The Associated Press said the first strikes appeared to target the compound of Khamenei in Tehran. The Reuters news service said the skies above Tehran were filled with smoke. The strikes were not specifically authorized by Congress. Trump also ordered airstrikes in Venezuela and the capture of the countrys president earlier this year. Some members of Congress expressed skepticism about that operation, saying it should have been brought to the legislative branch that is supposed to have war-making powers under the Constitution. The United States and its allies have long debated how to approach Irans nuclear program. The countrys regime is strongly anti-American and the U.S. has imposed economic sanctions for the nearly half-century since a revolution installed a theocratic supreme leader. Republicans echo Trump Republicans largely laid responsibility for the attacks on the Iranian regime, saying its aggressive posture invited action. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina praised the move on social media early Saturday. I echo President Trumps call to the Iranian military, IRGC and security forces to lay down their arms. I echo his call to the Iranian people to take back their government, said Graham. President Trump was right when he said hes the first president in 47 years to stand with the people of Iran and give them the backing they need. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, a Florida Republican, said the strikes were the inescapable response to 47 years of continuous and calculated aggression by the Ayatollah of Iran and all his generals against the United States, our allies, and the Iranian people. Every day under this regime, the United States and our allies have been under imminent threat of attack by Iran and its terrorist arms across the globe, Mast said. They chanted Death to America while seeking nuclear weapons and the missile technology to strike our homeland. The days of America waiting to be attacked by Iran are over. Democrats warn of long-term commitment Democrats, though, called out the administration for going around Congress. Many said Trump should be more focused on domestic issues. File photo of Dick Durbin. US Congress. Public Domain. Via Picryl Though there is bipartisan support for stopping the development of nuclear weapons in Iran, there is no consensus for another interminable war in the Middle East, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said. A war in Iran with the goal of regime change could be another long-term military commitment with deadly consequences for thousands of American troops. The rash and unpredictable conduct of President Trump is a well-established worry in many ways but an impulsive commander in chief is a deadly combination. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts blasted Trump for violating a campaign pledge of no new wars by launching the attack under cloak of night, without congressional approval of even a clear rationale. Families do not want another war, she said. They want a reasonable cost of living. They want health care they can afford. They want an end to (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)s terror in their neighborhoods. And they do not want their sons and daughters placed in harms way by a reckless President. The people of this country deserve better. Democratic Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey called for an immediate vote on a war powers resolution. Americans dont want to go to war with Iran, Kim said on social media. By launching strikes, President Trump has made the same dangerous and foolish decision President Bush did a generation ago. He put Americans in harms way without clearly showing theres an imminent threat to our national security. He put the Iranian people in harms way by calling on them to rise up without a broad coalition of partners to assist in their protection. And Trump once again started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control. This is unacceptable. Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said diplomatic talks should be continued. Trumps military attack on Iran is illegal and unconstitutional. It was not approved by Congress and holds dangers for all Americans. Trumps illegal actions raise the threat of escalation into a wider regional war with grave risks for U.S. troops and civilians in the region, Markey said in a statement. - Jacob Fischler Jacob covers federal policy and helps direct national coverage as deputy Washington bureau chief for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure. Jane Norman As the Washington Bureau Chief of States Newsroom, Jane directs national coverage, managing staff and freelance reporters in the nations capital and assigning and editing state-specific daily and enterprise stories. Jane is a veteran of more than three decades in journalism. Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Published under a Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.. A correction was added by Informed Comment on the nonexistence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Reprinted with permission from Truthdig Donald Trump famously hates stupid wars and claims to have set the record for ending wars in a presidential term. Its not the worst idea to wonder if hes starting the former so he can keep resetting the latter. If youre already a great fake businessman, you might as well be a great fake statesman. Smarter people than Trump would realize that, having come this far, you might as well fake the war too. In this respect, we bear witness to the rare instance of Iran, Greenland and Minnesota all having the same defense policy. The administrations policy on the other hand, is the continuation of the GOP by other means. There are claims, and there are outcomes, connected only by wishes or threats. Whether the enemy is Cuba, Minneapolis or a transgender person, the war is the purpose of the war. Its prizes are nihilism and hatred at best. No greater project awaits an armistice. There are only enemies, victories and different enemies. There is no strategy, because realizing the ostensible macro purpose of each war, besides having it, requires committing to an absurd and criminal totality, because their own rhetorical stakes have demonstrated that nothing less than an American Iran, an American Cuba, a transgender-free nation or a Minnesota with only the correct voters will be acceptable. Carried to their conclusions, you can do one of two things: exterminate the enemy or the treasury and destroy yourself as a nation. To hear SecWar Pete Hegseth state it, war is a thing that happens when our warfighters whose day job Hegseth seems to understand as gym in the way that Ken in the Barbie movie thinks his job is beach impose inherently superior American war fighter masculinity on beta war losers. On the other hand, a non-idiot would tell you that war is what happens when a state has exhausted all other possibilities of achieving necessary goals, then targets its aggression exclusively toward achieving them. This process is torn apart when operated by the Republican Party. The fundamental proposition of the GOP is that elites should possess everything they dont have already, except obligations to other people. Unfortunately, that polls very poorly with other people. As such, any number of polite fictions, red herrings and compassionate rephrasings are constructed like a duck blind between a basic political philosophy and those it exploits. These evasions become incoherent when applied to the brutal meat-hook reality of a war or, indeed to when the Republican Party tries to do anything because you cant generate outcomes aligned with your goals if your strategy begins as sales pitch, is designed in obfuscation and deliberately rooted in futility. There are only enemies, victories and different enemies. Put simply, even if they knew what they were doing either in terms of competence in execution or even the strategy they think theyre using the Trump administration cannot win whatever wars they tease in Cuba, Greenland, Iran, Minnesota or Venezuela. Imposing meaningful American control of any of the above states would require taxes, rationing, government management of production and countless old little league photos of newly dead white boys on the news. It took two years of the most popular president to date making the moral case for intervention and thousands dead in a sneak attack to sell Americans on that kind of sacrifice over 80 years ago. Our capacity for it has not been enhanced by the intervening generations. To the future honored dead, we do not yet feel we even owe them a why. Imposing MAGA dominance on the hearts and minds of Minnesota wont be any easier than establishing Batista II in Havana or forging an Iran that American imaginations cant frighten themselves with. Imagine telling a generation reared on Iraq War movies teeming with trauma and the paranoia of invisible enemies that they get to go live-fire cosplay all of them at once only this time the insurgents among them look like half of their fantasy league. Imagine putting them in the Hurt Locker for a couple months in the Twin Cities, trying to starve out the resisters, because Donald Trump is stamping out fraud and abuse, a hysterical perversion of a war whose hypocrisy would be overstated even in avant-garde theater and American military history. The federal government already cant go into rebellion against the few United States insisting on a legal system. Even targeting fraudsters as a cover does more to question whether Trump is merely eliminating his competition than it does ennoble Americas mission in America. Establishing Minnesotas compliance with the Republican Party (whatever that means), this combination of impossible aims and impossible means, remains as much an open-ended fantasy as Cuba the 51st state. It can have no real benchmarks and thus no real end, especially not if you dont want one. It ends when it costs too much. Whether thats when we run out of a need for excuses, or run out of money, or run out of Iranians or Bad Minnesotans, or when enough people say no is a matter of priorities. The prevailing wisdom thus far is that Trump is operating a protection racket disguised as a foreign policy and, in a twist, as a domestic foreign policy. Thats certainly part of it, as is the fascist need to obscure its incompetency by feeding its followers an illusion of constant action meeting an illusion of constant, variegated threats. The tempting term for the hegemony he seems to wish to impose is something like vassalage, because it sounds like government instead of extortion. But vassalage was a reciprocally binding contract, which both sides were entitled to rescind in response to the others broken faith, and it represents a degree of accountability that Trumps career of lawfare says does not apply to him. AD In his gut, Trump is the preteen bully on the playground more big bones and huskiness than muscle who gets his snack freebies at recess by rearing back an arm, cocking a fist and letting everyones imagination do the work for him. He has neither the first clue what to do if swinging becomes necessary, nor the slightest desire to find out, because it might hurt. He hasnt thought for a second about how he would maintain dominance day after day. The menacing fist exists to express the hate he thinks hes entitled to unleash and to generate the fear that he is owed. But the work ends there. Snacks are treats he gets as a reward for being his worst self, and its hard to tell which is more satisfying, but this is also all that there is. In his gut, Trump is the preteen bully on the playground. Which, in a way, makes the Republican Partys war on the existence of transgender Americans one Trump himself seems only barely opportunistically interested in their most successful to date. Much like whatever Participation Ribbentrop Marco Rubio thinks hes doing in Latin America or whatever Trump thinks hes doing against immigrants, Iran or the Mercator Projection in Greenland, the war on trans people can be relied on to yield victories and remain just out of reach because it has neither a strategy nor an end. Another victory was scored Feb. 26, when Kansas criminalized, overnight, the act of driving while transgender, instantly invalidating the #1 ID that people need to function in America. President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the Cabinet Room. (Official White House Photo by Molly Roberts). Public domain. Via Picryl . The latest senseless cruelty will get American conservatives to a world without transgender people as much as multiplying by zero will. They will mark this victory in public by invoking whatever screwheaded argument got more queer-bashing past the finish line. In private, they will celebrate every trans person who self-disappears into the closet or to somewhere else. They will perhaps pretend even to themselves that they dont celebrate every suicide that comes and every social murder, giving thanks for the cover given by a media that is already terrified to lay active blame and already struggles to convey passive processes. It is the perfect vision of how Trump makes war: making a big show and then hoping his victims do the work for him. Its vitally important to happen, and if push comes to shove, someone else should really take care of it. Of the many forces sustaining Trumpism all this time, one of the strongest and most enduring is that everything is too stupid and humiliating to be real. The sheer effrontery of such a clownish machine is enough to keep the horror of what it does in abeyance until it starts to roll over the bodies. But a war conducted long enough, even if only for its own sake, eventually runs out of suspended disbelief. First to go are the lies of tactical expediency, then eventually the Big Lies undergirding the whole enterprise. After the repetition of the wars pretexts has created space for the possible, after the easier lies are spent, after Trump the Scamp and his greedy feints at war stop paying off, the only thing left is the original cause, the long-awaited victims. All that is left then is the demented demand for the impossible and the criminal, one that must be met by total measures, and for which there is a waiting library of techniques of colonialism and repression and deprivation and, ultimately, extermination. When each runs out of lies to destroy, what is left is only ourselves, and what is lost of America in their application is total too. Via Truthdig Iranian state television confirmed the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, after US President Donald Trump said he had been killed. The announcement came after the United States and Israel started launching waves of strikes Saturday against targets in Iran, sparking swift retaliation by the Islamic republic. Here are the latest developments. - Iran leader killed - Iranian state television reported Khamenei's death in the early hours of Sunday, broadcasting archive images with a black banner. Iranian media also reported the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump had said hours earlier on his Truth Social platform. "Heavy and pinpoint bombing... will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST", Trump wrote. He later warned Iran of force "never been seen before" after he said they country indicated it was going to strike back "harder than they have ever hit." "THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform early Sunday. Iranian state television announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays following the ayatollah's death. The country's judiciary confirmed Sunday that the chief of the Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Pakpour, and another top security adviser, Ali Shamkhani were also "martyred" in the strikes. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the campaign sent a message to those who would do harm to Americans: "We will hunt you down and we will kill you." Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's late shah, hailed the killing of Khamenei, saying the Islamic republic was entering the "dustbin of history". Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and two top other officials will lead the country in a transitional period following the death of Khamenei, state television reported. The joint US-Israeli operation began earlier on Saturday with smoke rising over Tehran after strikes that Israel said were pre-emptive. Shortly after, Trump announced US combat operations, with the goal of "eliminating imminent threats". Israel's military said it targeted multiple sites where senior Iranian officials had gathered in Tehran, and launched strikes against Iranian missile launchers. It said 200 fighter jets had taken part in the "extensive attack", hitting more than 500 targets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks killed senior Iranian officials and warned that thousands more targets would be struck in the coming days. The Iranian judiciary said 108 people died in a strike on a girls' school in Minab, citing a provincial official who blamed Israel. AFP was unable to access the location to verify the toll or the circumstances surrounding the incident. A new series of powerful blasts were heard Sunday in Tehran, AFP journalists in the Iranian capital reported. The source of the blasts was not immediately clear. - Missile, drone wave - In response to the US and Israeli attacks, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and other American bases in the Gulf on Saturday, after launching a first wave of missile and drone attacks at Israel. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said a woman was killed and at least 21 were injured in the Tel Aviv area. The Israeli military said it deployed search and rescue teams to multiple locations across the country following reports of fallen projectiles. After Khamenei's death, the Guards said Sunday they would launch the "most ferocious" operation in history against Israel and US military bases. AFP reporters heard blasts across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha and Manama on Sunday morning after a day of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Thick black smoke could be seen rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of Doha. - Gulf explosions, strait closed - Explosions had been reported across the Gulf region a day earlier following the strikes. The United Arab Emirates said that two people were killed in Abu Dhabi, including a Pakistani civilian. The country's defence ministry said that 137 missiles and 209 drones were fired at its territory. Witnesses in Dubai said they heard an explosion and saw missiles streak across the sky. Others told AFP they heard an explosion and saw smoke rising from man-made island The Palm. Four people were injured. AFP correspondents heard loud explosions in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Qatar's defence ministry said it had intercepted several missile attacks targeting the Gulf state. Two people were killed in air strikes on an Iraqi military base housing the powerful pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah, which threatened the US with a response. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes. - Allied support, warnings - The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting over the fighting, with Iran's envoy accusing the US and Israel of committing a possible "war crime" by attacking civilians. UN chief Antonio Guterres said military action in the Middle East "carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control". Oman's foreign minister, who has been mediating talks between Tehran and Washington, said he was "dismayed" by the violence. The European Union said developments in Iran were "perilous". Gulf states condemned Iran's "cowardly" attacks in a joint statement read by Bahrain's ambassador during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Russia slammed the US-Israeli strikes as a "dangerous adventure" that could spark regional "catastrophe". Another Iranian ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, called on countries and people in the region to stand against Israel and the US. - Airspace closures, flights nixed - Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, the UAE and Israel all closed their airspaces to civilian traffic, at least in part, and multiple airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East. Russia cancelled commercial flights to both Iran and Israel "until further notice". jfx/amj/sst/lga Air France-KLM Lufthansa TURKISH AIRLINES Iran's clerical leaders vowed to avenge the death of its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and launched a fresh wave of attacks on Sunday as Israel hit back at the capital Tehran. It came after the United States and Israel claimed to have killed Khamenei in a wave of strikes Saturday against targets in Iran, which sparked swift retaliation by the Islamic republic. Here are the latest developments. - 'Shelter in place' - The UK Foreign Office on Sunday urged British citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to "shelter in place". The Foreign Office "now advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE," it said on X in its latest update. Britain's defence secretary John Healey meanwhile said Iran's "indiscriminate retaliatory attacks" included "two ballistic missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus", although they were not likely targeting the Mediterranean island. - 'Spiral of violence' - Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the "spiral of violence" in the Middle East, as Iran launched further retaliatory strikes over the US-Israel operation on Tehran. Air raid sirens sounded and explosions were heard over the coastal Israeli city of Tel Aviv, an AFP journalist reported Sunday, as air defence systems intercepted missiles. - Israel hits Tehran - The Israeli army announced Sunday it was again launching "large-scale" strikes targeting the "heart of Tehran". The Israeli military also claimed it had destroyed roughly half of Iran's missile stockpiles in the previous war in June 2025, adding the Islamic republic had been producing dozens of surface-to-surface missiles each month. US air defences intercepted drones over the Iraq city of Erbil, an AFP journalist reported. US officials also warned citizens in Bahrain to avoid hotels in the capital Manama while staff at the US embassy to Jordan were told to avoid the embassy compound, citing risks of attacks. - Iran retaliates - Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a "declaration of war against Muslims" on Sunday, vowing vengeance. Iranian security chief Ali Larijani then vowed to hit the US and Israel with a force never seen before. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was named to an interim leadership council, that includes the president and head of the judiciary, to be at the helm of the country until a new permanent leader is selected. Earlier, Iran's army said it targeted on Sunday US bases in Iraq's Kurdistan region and in the Persian Gulf in response to the attack launched by the US and Israel. Air raid sirens sounded and explosions were heard over Jerusalem on Sunday after the Israeli military said it had detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israel. AFP correspondents heard blasts in Dubai, east of the Saudi capital Riyadh, across Bahrain's capital Manama and Qatar, where thick black smoke was also seen rising on the horizon south of Doha. A top Emirati official warned Iran on Sunday that "your war is not with your neighbours" and that retaliation against Gulf states was a "miscalculation". - Deadly protests erupt - Crowds gathered on Sunday in Iran's south to call for vengeance following the killing of Khamenei in US and Israeli attacks, Iranian media reported. Similar gatherings took place elsewhere in Iran including in Tehran and the central city of Yazd. Hundreds of protesters in Iraq, which officially declared three days of mourning for Khamenei, also tried to storm the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US embassy is located. In Pakistan, nine people were killed as hundreds of protesters tried to storm the US consulate in the megacity of Karachi, the local rescue service said. Several thousand Shia Muslims joined demonstrations in Indian-administered Kashmir, many chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans. - Evacuations - Thailand is readying to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East by military or charter flights, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Sunday. - UN nuclear agency to meet - The United Nations' nuclear agency will hold an extraordinary meeting on Iran on Monday. In a statement late on Saturday, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the meeting was at the request of Russia, a key ally of Tehran. - More deaths announced - Iran's police intelligence chief Gholamreza Rezaian was killed during US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic, Iranian media reported Sunday. Iran's armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi was killed along with other senior generals in US and Israeli strikes on the country, state TV reported on Sunday. State TV listed the name of Mousavi along with defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and others. - Iran leader killed - Iranian state television reported Khamenei's death in the early hours of Sunday, broadcasting archive images with a black banner. Iranian media also reported the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump had said hours earlier on his Truth Social platform. "Heavy and pinpoint bombing... will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST," Trump wrote. He later warned Iran of force "never been seen before" after he said the Islamic republic indicated it was going to strike back "harder than they have ever hit." - Guards chief killed - Iran's judiciary confirmed Sunday that the chief of the Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Pakpour, and another top security adviser, Ali Shamkhani, were also "martyred" in the strikes. Earlier Sunday, the Guards said they would launch the "most ferocious" operation in history against Israel and US military bases. - UN Security Council meets - The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting over the fighting, with Iran's envoy accusing the US and Israel of committing a possible "war crime" by attacking civilians. - Airspace closures, flights nixed - Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, Qatar, the UAE and Israel all closed their airspaces to civilian traffic, at least in part, and multiple airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East. - Widening conflict - - On Sunday, Iranian drones struck the Omani port of Duqm, injuring one worker, the Oman News Agency said, while an oil tanker was also targeted, resulting in some injuries. - On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates said that two people were killed in Abu Dhabi, including a Pakistani civilian. - Iran's Revolutionary Guards also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes. - Revolutionary Guards also said they targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and other American bases in the Gulf on Saturday, after launching a first wave of missile and drone attacks at Israel. - Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said a woman was killed and at least 21 were injured in the Tel Aviv area. - The joint US-Israeli operation hit Tehran Saturday with strikes that Israel said were pre-emptive, targeting sites where senior Iranian officials had gathered and against Iranian missile launchers. - The Iranian judiciary said 108 people died in a strike on a girls' school in Minab -- a figure AFP was unable to verify -- citing a provincial official who blamed Israel. burs-st-giv/sbk/st Air France-KLM Lufthansa TURKISH AIRLINES Russia fired more missiles at Ukraine in February than in any other month since at least the beginning of 2023 in overnight strikes, targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure in particular, an AFP analysis showed Sunday. Russian forces launched 288 missiles at Ukraine in February, an increase of around 113 percent compared to the 135 missiles launched in January, according to an AFP analysis of daily figures provided by the Ukrainian air force. This is the highest number of missiles launched at night in a single month against Ukraine since Kyiv's air force started routinely publishing statistics at the beginning of 2023. The previous record was set in October 2025, when, according to Kyiv, the Russian military launched 270 missiles at the country. As the harshest winter in years gripped Ukraine, heating and power outages triggered by Russian strikes have plunged hundreds of thousands into cold and darkness, sparking the most dire energy crisis since the beginning of the invasion launched in February 2022. Moscow has targeted the Ukrainian energy grid for the fourth consecutive winter, as part of a strategy aimed at weakening the Ukrainian civilian population, Kyiv and its allies said. "Despite everything, Ukrainians made it through this difficult winter," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media as the country marked its traditional first day of spring on March 1. "Over the three months of winter, Russians launched more than 14,670 guided aerial bombs, 738 missiles, and nearly 19,000 attack drones -- most of them Russian-Iranian 'shaheds' -- against our people," Zelensky said. Across the country, rolling power cuts have remained in place to mitigate electricity shortages. In 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued arrest warrants for top Russian army officials for the "war crime of causing excessive" harm to civilians by striking Ukrainian energy sites. In February, Russia launched 5,059 long-range drones during its nighttime pummelling of Ukrainian cities and towns -- an increase of around 13 percent compared to January. In retaliation, Kyiv regularly sends its own drones to strike Russian oil depots and refineries in an attempt to cut off the key fossil fuel revenues that finance the Kremlin's war effort. Hundreds of New Yorkers rallied in Times Square and then marched along streets in New York City in protest of U.S.-Israel coordinated airstrikes against Iran on Saturday. Iran's clerical leaders vowed to avenge the death of its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and launched a fresh wave of attacks on Sunday as Israel hit back at the capital Tehran. It came after the United States and Israel claimed to have killed Khamenei in a wave of strikes Saturday against targets in Iran, which sparked swift retaliation by the Islamic republic. Here are the latest developments. - Israel hits Tehran - The Israeli army announced Sunday it was again launching "large-scale" strikes targeting the "heart of Tehran". Its air force led the campaign "to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran". The Israeli military also claimed it had destroyed roughly half of Iran's missile stockpiles in the previous war in June 2025, adding the Islamic republic had been producing dozens of surface-to-surface missiles each month. Hamas meanwhile on Sunday said it was mourning Khamenei's death in what it described as a "heinous" US-Israeli attack. It said that the US and Israel "bear full responsibility" for the "serious repercussions on the security and stability of the region" following the attack. Iran-ally Hezbollah in Lebanon vowed to "confront aggression" from the US and Israel. - Iran hits back - Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a "declaration of war against Muslims" on Sunday, vowing vengeance. Iranian security chief Ali Larijani then vowed to hit the US and Israel with a force never seen before. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was named to an interim leadership council, that includes the president and head of the judiciary, to be at the helm of the country until a new permanent leader is selected. Earlier, Iran's army said it targeted on Sunday US bases in Iraq's Kurdistan region and in the Gulf in response to the attack launched by the US and Israel. "A few minutes ago, pilots of the air forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran successfully bombed US bases in the countries of the Persian Gulf and in the Kurdistan region of Iraq over several phases of operations," Iran's army said in a statement carried by state TV. Air raid sirens sounded and explosions were heard over Jerusalem on Sunday after the Israeli military said it had detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israel. AFP correspondents heard blasts in Dubai, east of the Saudi capital Riyadh, across Bahrain's capital Manama and Qatar, where thick black smoke was also seen rising on the horizon south of Doha. A top Emirati official warned Iran on Sunday that "your war is not with your neighbours" and that retaliation against Gulf states was a "miscalculation". - Deadly protests erupt - Crowds gathered on Sunday in Iran's south to call for vengeance following the killing of Khamenei in US and Israeli attacks, Iranian media reported. Similar gatherings took place elsewhere in Iran including in Tehran and the central city of Yazd. Hundreds of protesters in Iraq, which officially declared three days of mourning for Khamenei, also tried to storm the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US embassy is located. In Pakistan, eight people were killed as hundreds of protesters tried to storm the US consulate in the megacity of Karachi, the local rescue service said. Several thousand Shia Muslims joined demonstrations in Indian-administered Kashmir, many chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans. The US embassy in Oman told its staff and citizen to take cover due to unspecified "activity outside Muscat". - Evacuations - Thailand is readying to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East by military or charter flights, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Sunday. The Thai government has "coordinated with the Royal Thai Air Force to prepare aircraft to evacuate Thai citizens, prioritising those in Iran", Anutin told reporters in Bangkok, adding that charter flights were also under consideration. "We have to check the closure of airspace, whether we need to evacuate them to the third country first," he added. - UN nuclear agency to meet - The United Nations' nuclear agency will hold an extraordinary meeting on Iran on Monday in the wake of the US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic, aimed in part at Tehran's atomic programme. In a statement late on Saturday, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the meeting was at the request of Russia, a key ally of Tehran. - More deaths announced - Iran's police intelligence chief Gholamreza Rezaian was killed during US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic, Iranian media reported Sunday. Iran's armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi was killed along with other senior generals in US and Israeli strikes on the country, state TV reported on Sunday. State TV listed the name of Mousavi along with defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and others. - Iran leader killed - Iranian state television reported Khamenei's death in the early hours of Sunday, broadcasting archive images with a black banner. Iranian media also reported the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump had said hours earlier on his Truth Social platform. "Heavy and pinpoint bombing... will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST," Trump wrote. He later warned Iran of force "never been seen before" after he said the Islamic republic indicated it was going to strike back "harder than they have ever hit." Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the campaign sent a message to those who would do harm to Americans: "We will hunt you down and we will kill you." - Guards chief killed - Iran's judiciary confirmed Sunday that the chief of the Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Pakpour, and another top security adviser, Ali Shamkhani, were also "martyred" in the strikes. Earlier Sunday, the Guards said they would launch the "most ferocious" operation in history against Israel and US military bases. - UN Security Council meets - The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting over the fighting, with Iran's envoy accusing the US and Israel of committing a possible "war crime" by attacking civilians. UN chief Antonio Guterres said military action in the Middle East "carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control". - Airspace closures, flights nixed - Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, Qatar, the UAE and Israel all closed their airspaces to civilian traffic, at least in part, and multiple airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East. - Widening conflict - - On Sunday, Iranian drones struck the Omani port of Duqm, injuring one worker, the Oman News Agency said, while an oil tanker was also targeted, resulting in some injuries. - On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates said that two people were killed in Abu Dhabi, including a Pakistani civilian. - Iran's Revolutionary Guards also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes. - Revolutionary Guards also said they targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and other American bases in the Gulf on Saturday, after launching a first wave of missile and drone attacks at Israel. - Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said a woman was killed and at least 21 were injured in the Tel Aviv area. - The joint US-Israeli operation hit Tehran Saturday with strikes that Israel said were pre-emptive, targeting sites where senior Iranian officials had gathered and against Iranian missile launchers. - The Iranian judiciary said 108 people died in a strike on a girls' school in Minab -- a figure AFP was unable to verify -- citing a provincial official who blamed Israel. burs-st-giv/sbk/st Air France-KLM Lufthansa TURKISH AIRLINES Saturday, February 28, 2026 - A military cargo plane transporting bundles of newly printed cash erupted into disaster moments after touching down in Bolivia, triggering scenes of chaos as crowds rushed toward the wreckage to grab loose banknotes scattered across the crash site. The Hercules C-130 aircraft had been carrying freshly minted Bolivian currency on behalf of the countrys central bank when it reportedly landed and veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport near the capital, La Paz. The aircraft overshot the runway and ploughed into a nearby highway before coming to a halt in a mangled heap of metal and debris. Authorities confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 20, with more than a dozen others injured in the crash. Disturbing footage circulating on social media shows bodies lying among twisted wreckage strewn across the roadway. But alongside the devastation, videos also captured large numbers of people swarming the crash scene in an attempt to collect banknotes that had burst from the aircraft during the impact. In several clips, security forces can be seen deploying water jets and tear gas in an effort to disperse the growing crowd of scavengers. According to official reports, more than 500 soldiers and 100 police officers were mobilised to secure the area and restore order. Emergency responders, members of the military and forensic teams worked through the wreckage as authorities attempted to contain both the crash site and the disorder unfolding around it. Images from the scene show the Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130 (FAB-81) heavily damaged, with surrounding vehicles along the avenue also destroyed by the force of the impact. Police and military officials later burned the cash boxes in the presence of Central Bank President David Espinoza. He stated that the bills have no legal value because they never entered circulation, though he did not elaborate further on the explanation. Espinoza declined to disclose the total amount of money being transported but confirmed that the banknotes had arrived in Santa Cruz from abroad before being flown onward. Following the crash, El Alto International Airport was temporarily shut down. National airline Boliviana de Aviacion said in a statement that the aircraft involved did not belong to its fleet. Television footage broadcast locally showed the scale of destruction, with the aircraft severely torn apart and multiple vehicles crushed along the roadway where the plane ultimately came to rest. Saturday, February 28, 2026 - A tourist has been killed in a violent road rage incident in Thailand after a Swedish man allegedly karate chopped him in the neck. British-Australian Alan Roger Jolliffe, 57, from Liverpool, was riding a moped along Prachanukro Road in Phuket on Wednesday, Feb. 25, when its alleged he was involved in a traffic incident with Pektas Tuguy Tayyar. Reports claim one of the men cut in front of the other, resulting in an argument between the two. CCTV captured the altercation turning violent in a nearby alleyway in Malin Plaza market. A woman, believed to be Mr Tayyars girlfriend, attempted to put herself between the two men. It is then alleged Mr Tayyar struck Mr Jolliffes neck with a karate-style chop, which left him unconscious and in a critical condition, before the Swede and his girlfriend fled the scene. Mr Jolliffe was taken to Paton Hospital and later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he died a short time late. The Patong district police, who were informed of the victims death at 11pm on Wednesday, say they conducted a manhunt and arrested Mr Tayyar in the neighbouring Kathu district in the early hours of Thursday morning, Feb. 26, local time. Police say Mr Tayyar was then charged with assault resulting in death, and was photographed with members of the Patong district police force after he allegedly confessed. Patong district station superintendent Korakrit Khankruea says the police had informed the Australian embassy to contact the victims family, and that Mr Tayyar remained in custody. The suspect admitted to hitting the victim. He was taken to court for detention in the morning and bail was denied, Mr Khankruea said. The case file has been compiled and forwarded to the inquiry officer for further legal proceedings. See video below. Saturday, 28 February 2026 - President William Rutos thirdborn daughter, Charlene Ruto, has opened up about her educational journey, revealing that her schooling in Kenya was a deliberate choice made by her parents. Speaking at her alma mater, Moi Girls High School, Eldoret, on Friday, February 27th, Charlene explained that despite her fathers profile, she attended public schools because he strongly believed in the countrys education system. I was a student at Moi Girls High School. I was a chapel prefect My father is a believer in this education system, she said, adding that many people often question why she did not attend international schools. All the time I meet people and they ask why I didn't go to international schools, or outside the country for high school. But my father is a big believer in this system," she said. According to Charlene, her father wanted his children to experience the same system that millions of Kenyans go through, even as other prominent families opted for elite institutions abroad. Charlene recounted how her time at Moi Girls shaped her character and values. She emphasized that her fathers status did not influence her to demand admission to expensive schools, and she enjoyed her journey at the institution. I loved my journey at Moi Girls High School. It shaped who I am today, she noted. Beyond secondary school, Charlene pursued her undergraduate studies locally, earning a bachelors degree in mass communication at Daystar University. She later advanced her education internationally, completing an MBA in Hospitality Management at Les Roches International School in Switzerland. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, 28 February 2026 - A video has emerged on social media capturing Mama Ida Odinga, widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, cautioning individuals against taking her pictures without consent. In the short clip, Mama Ida was having a conversation with ODM mobilizer, Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho. Despite her warning, photos of the two later surfaced online, sparking speculation and controversy. Some netizens went further, manipulating the images with AI to falsely depict Mama Ida and Gaucho in intimate poses. The doctored content quickly went viral, prompting Gaucho to publicly defend Mama Ida. He accused those behind the manipulated photos of attempting to tarnish her reputation for clout, stressing that she is a highly respected leader in the fabric of our society and diplomatic spheres. Gaucho even compared her stature to the late Winnie Mandela, underscoring her influence and dignity. In his statement, Gaucho warned that perpetrators risk facing legal consequences. Any attempts to besmirch, soil and damage Mamas name, image and reputation for content creation, directly or through graphics, is uncalled for, he declared. Mama Ida Odinga with Gaucho, she cautions those taking her pictures without her consent. pic.twitter.com/3B9q1ytdhi Kawangware Finest - Geoffrey Moturi (@cbs_ke) February 26, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, February 28, 2026 - Former US President Bill Clinton told lawmakers on Friday that he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epsteins crimes, and had stopped associating with the financier long before his wrongdoing came to light. I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing, Clinton said in the opening statement of his deposition in the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committees Epstein investigation, which he shared on X on Friday. I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong. As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doingI would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals, he continued. Clinton is testifying before the House Oversight Committee after the committee subpoenaed both the former President and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as part of the panels inquiry into Epstein. Hillary Clinton appeared before the committee on Thursday. The depositions are being conducted behind closed doors, but videos and transcripts of the proceedings will be made public afterwards, a committee spokesperson confirmed. The chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, told reporters mid-afternoon on Friday that Bill Clinton had so far undergone about two hours of questioning from lawmakersone hour from Republicans on the panel, and a second hour from Democrats on the panel, The Associated Press reported. Comer added that Oversight Republicans would have another hour to question the former President, after which the committee would take a break. Also on Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters, I like Bill Clinton and I dont like seeing him deposed. In January, the Clintons refused to testify in the inquiry, saying that they had already shared what little information they had about Epstein and Epsteins longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, with lawmakers. The couple ultimately agreed to testify in the panels investigation earlier this month after Republicans sought to hold them in contempt of Congress. Bill Clinton is among a number of high-profile people who had ties to Epstein. The former Presidents name and photo appear a number of times in the so-called Epstein files, the documents related to the investigations into Epstein that have been released by the Justice Department. Saturday, February 28, 2026 - Chinonso Onuoha has opened up about her ordeal in her marriage. In a series of Facebook posts, Chinonso alleged that she endured domestic violence, infidelity, emotional and psychological abuse during her marriage. In one of the posts shared on Friday, February 27, she claimed that one time, her ex-husband allegedly assaulted her for asking him to tell his side chick to stop calling to harass her. According to Chinonso, the alleged side chick used to call her to taunt and harass her. Read her post below It was a Sunday afternoon and my son was very sick. We were new in Spain, and I could barely speak Spanish, she wrote. My ex-husband wasnt home, so I called him to come and accompany us to the health center, but he said he couldnt. It sounded like he was answering from a toilet. I tried persuading him, but he refused. I translated my sons symptoms from English to Spanish and went to the health center alone. The doctor examined him and prescribed medication. Because it was Sunday in a very small town, all the pharmacies were closed except one. This was before Google Maps, so I needed his help to find the pharmacy. I called him again to come help me find the pharmacy,but he refused. He told me to call a friend. I told him no because I always bothered that woman. He suggested I take a taxi, and I asked him what he was doing that was so important that he couldnt come. He still refused. So I asked strangers for directions, found the pharmacy, and bought the medicine. Later, I got a call from a number I recognized. It was his side chick. I picked up, and she immediately went off on me. She said my ex-husband loved her more. She said he would leave me for her. She called me a frustrated woman. I was shocked. It was the fourth time she had called to harass me. I told her, I didn't care about what they were doing. If he wanted her, he should stay with her. I told her not to call me again. I was furious. I called my ex-husband and told him to come home. I realized she had called me because she was upset that he had left her when I insisted he come home earlier. When he came home, I told him his side chick had just called me and that she must have gotten my number from his phone because only three or four people had my number. I asked him to tell her not to call me again. He called her in front of me, acting dramatic and all performative, but I knew it was fake. I told him, Whatever that was, I dont care. Just make sure this never happens again That was when he exploded. He beat me. He swore. He insulted me. He hit his hand on the ground, saying, Truth to God, if I dont marry this woman, let me die. I asked him why he didn't marry her? After all, they were living together before he came home and married me. He beat me so badly that day. And something changed in me. From that day on, even if I caught him on top of another woman, I did not say a word. More stories loading Saturday, 28 February 2026 - Faith, a Kenyan lady working in Saudi Arabia, has shared a painful story of betrayal that continues to haunt her. In 2023, during her first year working in Saudi Arabia, she was approached by childhood friend, neighbor and former schoolmate Judith Mueni Kisilu. Judith proposed a business venture in soft loans, claiming she had many clients but lacked enough capital. Trusting their long history, Faith agreed to send money monthly, expecting interest in return. At first, everything seemed promising. By January 2022, Faiths investment had grown to over 100,000 shillings. But when she awaited her January interest, Judith revealed that she had used the money to pay her sons school fees at Mangu High School. Despite promises to repay, Faith never saw her money again. Judith continued to assure her - you will see an MPesa transaction - but nothing materialized. By July 2024, Judith cut off communication. Faiths attempts to reach her family were met with insults, and she later discovered Judith had flown to Italy. Even Judiths husband, Abednego Nzioka Makove, denied involvement despite being shown transaction evidence. She is now appealing to Judith Mueni Kisilu of Kyaani Village, Muthetheni, Mwala Subcounty, to honor her debt and repay what rightfully belongs to her. The Kenyan DAILY POST BAGHDAD, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority on Sunday extended the total shutdown of the country's airspace for an additional 24 hours, citing continuous assessment of volatile regional security developments. A statement issued by the authority said that the extension, effective from 12:00 noon local time (09:00 GMT) Sunday until 12:00 noon Monday, suspends all arriving, departing and transiting aircraft to ensure flight safety amid heightened military risks. The authority described the measure as "temporary and precautionary." The extension came a day after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, prompting Iran's retaliation. Tehran confirmed Sunday that its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in Saturday's attacks. Saturday, February 28, 2026 - A 38-year-old man has been arrested after the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square was defaced with graffiti overnight. The bronze monument in Westminster was sprayed with red paint bearing phrases including Zionist war criminal, Stop the Genocide and Free Palestine. Other slogans read Never again is Now and Globalise the Intifada. Officers from the Metropolitan Police were alerted shortly after 4am on Friday. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and remains in custody. A Dutch-based group calling itself Free the Filton 24 said it was behind the action. The group describes itself as made up of relatives and supporters of activists charged over a 2024 break-in at a UK site linked to Israeli defence firm Elbit. A man identifying himself as Olax Outis claimed he carried out the act. In a statement posted on social media, he said the vandalism was intended to highlight what he described as human rights abuses and criticised the British governments stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. He also said the statue was chosen because Churchill represented what he called broader political corruption. The statue was cordoned off on Friday morning as clean-up work began. A spokesperson for the Greater London Authority condemned the damage, saying officials were appalled and working to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible. Jewish community organisations also criticised the incident. The Jewish Leadership Council said it was disgusted by the defacement, while the Board of Deputies of British Jews described the act as offensive and deeply troubling. The 12-foot monument, created by sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones and unveiled in 1973 by Lady Clementine Churchill, stands among several statues of prominent global figures in Parliament Square, including Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln. Churchills statue has been targeted in previous protests. In December, both the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police warned that chanting certain protest slogans linked to extremism could lead to arrest. Investigations into the latest incident are ongoing. Saturday, 28 February 2026 - A content creator has publicly apologized after sharing a video of Mama Ida Odinga in a private meeting. The clip, which quickly went viral, showed Mama Ida in what appeared to be her office, engaging casually with political activist Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, and his friends during Gauchos birthday celebration. In the midst of the interaction, Mama Ida signaled to the person recording to stop, firmly cautioning, Dont take my pictures without my permission. Despite her objection, the video later surfaced online. The content creator, identified as Manuu, has since owned up to his mistake. He explained that he did not film Mama Ida in bad faith, but rather intended to capture lighthearted moments during the birthday gathering. According to him, the clip had already been recorded before Ida protested, and he never intended to publish it. Manuu claimed the video was accidentally uploaded from his drafts during a phone update. "Though Ida asked me not to record, I had already taken the clip. When I was updating my phone, it posted by itself. I have received calls from her PA, protocol officer and even a lawyer. I just want to say sorry. I did not think the video would leak and be such a big issue. The video didn't mean anything bad. We were just conversing before the cutting of the cake when I decided to film. I want to apologise," he said. The saga unfolds as Mama Ida prepares to begin her new role as Kenyas Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), following her nomination by President William Ruto on January 23rd. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, February 28, 2026 - Paris Jackson, the 27-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson, recently reunited with her mother, Debbie Rowe. Paris shared intimate snapshots from their time together on Instagram Stories on Feb. 26. In one image, Paris wore a smile while posing beside Debbie, who was also smiling. In another snapshot, the two matched in cream colored tops. Paris kept the caption simple, writing Lately with a heart emoji. Pariss journey with her mom has not followed a traditional script. She and her brothers, Prince Jackson, 29, and Bigi Jackson, 24, were primarily raised by their father until he did in 2009 at age 50. After Michael Jackson and Debbie divorced in 1999, Rowe gave up custody of the children. For years, Debbie was not part of Paris day-to-day life. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Paris explained that as a child, her biological mother simply didnt exist in her world. It was only later, when she began asking questions about where she came from, that she sought clarity. Still, Paris has consistently emphasized that she never lacked love. She grew up surrounded by strong women, including her grandmother, Katherine Jackson, and her aunt Janet Jackson. BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The main agenda proposed for the upcoming fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was unveiled on Sunday. The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC will open on March 4 in Beijing, according to a decision made at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee on Sunday. The proposed agenda for the session includes hearing and deliberating a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the previous session of the CPPCC National Committee. Members of the CPPCC National Committee will sit in on the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress to hear and discuss documents including the government work report. They will also discuss a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development, according to the proposed agenda. Since I last wrote this column there has been a lot of negativity in the agricultural world, starting with the weather - we have had no full dry day in the last tree or four weeks. The outbreak of blue tongue means that live exports to Northern Ireland and mainland Britain are affected. This is not affecting the commercial cattle trade in this part of the world but the marts in the west of Ireland may well feel the negative effect. March is the normal time when breed society pedigree sales start and the absence of Northern Ireland and UK buyers will have a effect on the upper end of these sales. The stand off between Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin and the different farm organisations is continuing with no apparent resolution in sight. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Livestock The main increase in the livestock sector is calves which have increased from 280 last week to an entry of over 600 on Tuesday, February 24. It will be interesting to see if the increase in numbers will have a negative effect on the trade which was excellent last week. Cattle Last Thursdays cattle sale saw a reduction in numbers from the previous week with 670 being presented for sale. Small, light cattle, plus the good continental store bullock and heifer, are making from 4.50 to 6 per kilo which, even if every things turns out all right, a decent return from these purchases might be illusive. Friesian bullocks have seen a softening of prices with only the very fancy breaking the 4 per kilo mark. Most are trading from 3.40 to 3.80 per kilo. On the plus side quality beef bullocks and heifers are ranging from 4.30 to 4.70 per kilo with the continentals being the favourite choice. AA and Hereford bullocks with good confirmation are raging from 3.70 to 4.20 per kilo with lighter types to 4.50 per kilo. Dont forget that entries for our Thursday cattle sale close on the Wednesday before at 3.30pm. Office number 056 7721407. Sheep Im happy to report that sheep prices have steadied with butcher type hoggets ranging from 178 to 197 with the factory hogget 152 to 177 and even the stores are going well with prices from 98 to 152 per head. Cull ewes on Monday saw prices range from 80 to 268 per head. The positive prices are welcome but numbers are remaining very small. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Our cull cows, now being offered for sale on a Tuesday, saw a full clearance last week with lots of happy sellers. Dont forget if you did not remember to enter cows there is no problem, bring them in on a Tuesday morning on a first-come first -served basis. The reason we like to know how many cows are on offer is to inform all our potential buyers. Until next time do be careful on the farm and perhaps the next time I write this column the sun will be shining. Heres hoping. Good buying, good selling and good luck. Lidl Ireland have lodged a substantial planning application with Kilkenny County Council in relation to Lidl, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny. The proposed development comprises of the demolition of the existing single-storey discount foodstore (gross floor space of 1,746 sqm and a net retail sales area of 1,274 sqm) and the construction of a part-single, part-two storey discount foodstore (with mono-pitch roof) measuring 2,568 sqm gross floor space with a net retail sales area of 1,742 sqm. Permission is also being sought for the redevelopment/reconfiguration of the existing site layout, adjusted vehicular and pedestrian access points, car parking and hard and soft landscaping. Other items being sought include the provision and preservation/renewal of boundary treatments, free standing and building mounted signage, trolley bay enclosure, refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment, electricity substation (and switch room) structure, public lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, roof mounted solar panels, cycle parking, modification of existing drainage, utility and services infrastructure and connections, waste storage facilities, and all other associated and ancillary development and works above and below ground level. Picture: The existing Lidl on the Johnswell Road in Kilkenny City / Google Maps READ NEXT: New outdoor seating area proposed as part of exciting new plans for Kilkenny At present, the application is awaiting the validation of Kilkenny County Council. Upon validation, a decision is expected from the planning authority by April 23, 2026. This decision timeframe could be extended if the authority requires further information from the applicant. Back in 2022, the Lidl outlet at Loughboy in Kilkenny City closed for a time as part of major refurbishment plan that saw it significantly expanded. Lidl currently operate the aformentioned two outlets in Kilkenny City as well as an outlet in Thomastown. READ NEXT: Kilkenny man jailed over theft from city centre retail premises It has also been reported that the German retailer has expressed interest in establishing an outlet in Castlecomer. Lidl Ireland is one of the countrys leading supermarket chains and a key player in the Irish grocery market since entering in 2000. It operates a nationwide network of stores and distribution centres, employing thousands of people across the country. READ NEXT: Government funding per capita provided to Kilkenny County Council below national average last year Known for its discount model, Lidl combines competitive pricing with a growing focus on quality, Irish-sourced produce, and premium private-label ranges. The retailer has also invested significantly in sustainability initiatives and community programmes, positioning itself as both a value-driven and socially responsible brand in Irelands highly competitive retail sector. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS A Transition Year (TY) student from Kilkenny is a Solicitor of the Future after successfully completing the Law Society of Irelands innovative legal education programme. Cathal O'Donovan, Colaiste Mhuire, was one of 40 TY students that attended the popular week-long Solicitors of the Future programme at the Law Society in Dublin from 17-20 February 2026. Cathal O'Donovan Delivered by leading legal experts, the immersive, activitybased programme featured practitionerled workshops, guest speakers, courtroom exercises, and a dedicated careers seminar. In total, students from ten counties participated. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS Places on this years programme were allocated by lottery, with 20% reserved for students attending socioeconomically disadvantaged schools. It is designed for anyone interested in exploring a career in law. Speaking about the programme, Law Society President, Rosemarie Loftus, said: This initiative encourages students to consider a career in law while providing a real insight into the work of practising solicitors. It is carefully designed to offer a holistic understanding of what a legal career involves, and the many different paths it can take. From hearing insights from human rights practitioners to newly qualified solicitors, and visits to the Criminal Courts, students now have a real sense of what its like to work in the legal world, and the rewarding career path of a solicitor. The programme also highlighted the practical supports available to aspiring solicitors, including financial grants via the Law Societys Access Scholarship. It doesnt matter where you come from or what your background is - a career in law is open to everyone. By taking part in the Law Societys Solicitors of the Future programme, students learn how the law affects everyday life, building awareness of justice, legal processes, constitutional principles, and the rule of law. This is useful for everyone, not just future lawyers. JERUSALEM, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Sunday that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi and about 40 other senior commanders were killed in airstrikes in Iran since Saturday. Speaking at a press briefing, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said the Israeli Air Force, guided by military intelligence, killed seven members of Iran's top security leadership on Saturday at several locations in Tehran. Among those killed was Mousavi, who had succeeded Mohammad Bagheri, the former chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces killed in Israeli airstrikes in June last year. Iran's state-run IRIB TV has confirmed that Mousavi was killed. "Also at this moment, we are attacking forcefully across Iran, and we will continue as long as necessary," Defrin said, adding that Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir had instructed forces to intensify strikes on missile launchers in Iran. In a separate statement, the IDF said Israeli warplanes had "dismantled the majority of the aerial defense systems in western and central Iran" and were paving the way toward "establishing aerial superiority" over Tehran. Earlier on Sunday, Iran confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks. DHAKA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government has voiced deep concern at the latest escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, expressing regret over the failure of diplomatic initiatives to halt the further deterioration of the situation. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday night said Dhaka re-emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country in the region. "Bangladesh reaffirms its consistent position in favor of peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and calls upon the international community to intensify efforts towards restoring calm and facilitating dialogue," said the ministry in a statement following an emergency meeting on Saturday night. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, among others, met for the emergency meeting to review the evolving situation in the Middle East. Stressing that only dialogue, mutual respect, and international law can resolve disputes, Bangladesh called on all sides to exercise utmost restraint, halt any escalation, and pursue urgent diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Bangladesh has suspended all flights to the Middle East until further notice, the statement said. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. TEHRAN, March. 1 (Xinhua) -- A top Iranian security official said on Sunday Iran will strike Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East with a force "they have never experienced before." Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani made the remarks in a post on social media platform X following Iran's confirmation of the death of the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike in Tehran on Saturday. Larijani said, "Yesterday Iran fired missiles at the United States and Israel, and they did hurt. Today we will hit them with a force that they have never experienced before." On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Iran's capital Tehran and several other Iranian cities. Iran responded through missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday night that a diplomatic solution in Iran remains possible and is "much easier now" following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously," Trump said in a phone interview with CBS News, saying the attacks have been effective and could create a pathway to diplomacy. Trump said "there are some good candidates" to lead Iran in the wake of Khamenei's death but did not elaborate. On Iran's retaliatory response, Trump said: "It's what we expected." "We thought it'd be double," Trump said. "Thus far, it's been less than we thought." Earlier in the day, following the announcement of Khamenei's death, Trump said that the massive military campaign against Iran would continue. "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary," said Trump in a post on social media. A MAN who was captured on CCTV footage with a knife in his hand, picking up a rock and smashing a window on Main Street, Portlaoise came before the local district court charged with criminal damage and with possessing a knife. Garda Sgt JJ Kirby told Judge Susan Fay that CCTV coverage from Main Street on 26 January showed a man with a knife in his hand. He picked up a rock and smashed a window. He said the man got into his car and drove away. However, the cars registration was captured, which allowed gardai to track him down at his addressm where he was arrested. Arising from the incident, Oto Danhel (50), Hawthorn Way, Esker Hills, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to criminal damage and to possessing a knife at the time. Sgt Kirby said Mr Danhel had three previous road traffic convictions dating back to 2009. Barrister for the defendant Anne Doyle said that her clients previous convictions are considered spent under the Convictions Act*. Judge Susan Fay instructed the defendant to take part in the Restorative Justice Programme, undergo a probation report and gather compensation for the damage he caused. She went on to remand Mr Danhel on continuing bail to the 6 July sitting of the court for finalisation and asked that gardai canvass a statement from the victim in the meantime. Ms Doyle applied to Judge Fay for free legal aid because, she said, Mr Danhel is working on a low wage as a delivery driver, which was granted. *The Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 allows specific minor criminal convictions to become spent or disregarded after seven years, provided the offender has complied with the sentence. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. A PROMINENT Laois businessman and former Fianna Fail local election candidate sparked controversy on social media today, with a statement mourning the death of Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Portlaoise-based Naeem Iqbal, a member of the towns large Muslim community, said the assassinated leader was a symbol of resistance and a voice for the oppressed for those who admired him. A native of Pakistan, Naeem moved to Ireland from England in 2015 and unsuccessfully ran for Fianna Fail in the 2024 local elections. An accountant and tax advisor living in Borris-in-Ossory, he previously contested the 2019 local election as an Independent in the Portlaoise Municipal District. His strong performance saw Fianna Fail approach him to join the party and contest the election in the Portlaoise area in 2024. In a post on social media this afternoon, including his personal Facebook page, he said: The world feels heavier with the loss of Ali Khamenei a man many saw as a symbol of unwavering resistance and faith. Until his last breath, he stood firm for Palestine, never abandoning what he believed was justice, no matter how powerful the opposition. He did not bow to pressure from the United States or Israel. Instead, he chose steadfastness, accepting struggle and sacrifice over compromise. To his supporters, this was not just politics it was dignity, UU U (faith) and ultimately Shahadat, a life lived with conviction. For decades, many have watched powerful nations intervene across regions, leaving behind instability, broken societies and innocent lives lost. Narratives were shaped, stories were told and entire nations were painted in ways that justified these actions. In that environment, voices like Khameneis stood in defiance, challenging what they saw as injustice and double standards. To those who admired him, he was more than a leader he was a symbol of resistance, a voice for the oppressed and a reminder that standing firm comes at a cost. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who believe in the causes he stood for. The post shortly before 2pm has already prompted a largely negative reaction, but also a small number of supportive comments. One follower wrote: More accurate to say brutal dictator, extremist and sponsor of terrorism. Never a fan of war but the world is probably better off. Another commenter said: More than 30,000 protestors murdered in Iran this year alone. No disrespect intended but people who live there have a different view. I won't give the figures of deaths in the last 30 years., while another asked: Wasnt the best on human rights, was he? Other followers described the post as abhorrent and a disgrace, with some even enquiring whether Naeem was 'drunk'. One wrote: He wasn't a good man, every time he spoke, he called for the death of somebody. Ordinary Iranians have no civil rights. Free speech is punished by torture or execution. Women have practically no rights. Religious minorities, particularly the Baha'i, are persecuted. They hand out the death penalty like Smarties for even minor crimes. Now, I've no time for Trump or for Netanyahu, a pair of war mongers, their demise can't come quick enough, but this attack on a sovereign nation is wrong. However, a minority of commenters supported the post, with one stating: A great loss. May Allah give him the highest rank in Jannah. Meanwhile, a commenter weighing up the impact of the assassination wrote on Naeem's post: Whether you saw Khamenei as a hero or a hardliner, he was the pragmatic anchor who kept the most extreme regional escalations in check. By removing him, the 'Wild West' strategy hasn't brought peace, it has only removed the red lines. The cost is being felt in the smoking ruins of the Minab school strike. There is a massive contradiction in the Allied narrative right now: killing over 100 schoolgirls in a single strike is not the way to support womens rights. It only reinforces the 'double standards' and turns a mission of 'liberation' into one of tragedy. To those attacking this post: The Iranian leadership is still very much in control, but they are now operating without their 'Great Balancer. As the coming days will show, these 'once and for all' military solutions never work, they will lead to $110 crude oil, travel and trade paralysis in Israel and the Gulf, and a deeper cycle of revenge. 'The world feels heavier because weve traded a managed conflict for an unrestricted one. No matter where you stand, the loss of life in classrooms and the total shutdown of the region shows that 'might' is not the same as 'justice. In an earlier post yesterday, before the assassination, Naeem said: The latest escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran is heartbreaking. Airstrikes, retaliation and rising tensions are once again putting innocent lives at risk families, children and communities caught in the middle of decisions they never made. Reports already show devastating civilian impact, reminding us that in war, humanity pays the highest price. 'No matter politics, power, or ideology war is never the answer. We dont need more destruction. We need dialogue, accountability and peace. *Today's post was no longer available by 5pm MOSCOW, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a blatant violation of human moral principles and international law, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday. Putin said that Khamenei will be remembered in Russia as an outstanding statesman who helped raise bilateral ties to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Putin expressed deep condolences over the killing of Khamenei and members of his family, hoping that his sincere condolences would be conveyed to the family and loved ones of the late Iranian leader, as well as to the government and people of Iran. Iran's state media confirmed Sunday that Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks on Saturday. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A jail sentence was handed down to a man who repeatedly refused to comply with a deportation order. Abel Phillips (24) of Esker, Ballyfin, Portlaoise, is accused of failing to comply with a deportation order at the Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on February 11, February 19 and on two occasions on February 25, 2026. A Detective Garda said the defendant was being detained under the immigration act. He is in custody on foot of a deportation order, she said. The defendant was placed in custody on January 22, the court was told. Garda Inspector Barry Houlihan said this man is frustrating the deportation through his non compliance. He said the man continues to refuse to hand over his documents in order to allow Gardai complete a necessary form. He said Gardai have 56 days to deport the man from the time he is in custody. We know he has those documents and he refuses to hand them over, said Inspector Houlihan. The Detective said the defendant, who has a good command of English, has a valid Nigerian passport which he refuses to surrender. She said the penalties for failing to comply with the order were a fine of up to 1,500 and 12 months in prison or both. Judge Andrew Cody asked if the defendant had any previous convictions. The Detective said he had five which included driving without a licence and insurance, possession of drugs for personal use and drug driving. Ms Fitzpatrick said her client, who has been in Ireland for nine years, was pleading guilty. She explained that the mans parents are living legally in Ireland. She said the man can be detained on the deportation order for up to 56 days after which his immigration lawyer can then take steps in relation to the deportation order. Deportation will have very serious consequences to him in terms of his life generally, said Ms Fitzpatrick. She said he wanted to wait 56 days so his lawyer could make an application. Judge Cody said this man is deliberately, consciously, knowingly committing a crime four times in a row. He sentenced the man to 22 months in prison and fixed recognisance in case of appeal at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. Ms Fitzpatrick requested legal aid in the case. Judge Cody said he is being paid for two solicitors as it is but he granted legal aid in relation to one of the charges. A Fine Gael TD for Kildare North has raised the very serious issue of St Patrick's Primary School in Celbridge, which he told the Dail remains in a serious state of disrepair. Deputy Joe Neville was speaking in the Dail on Thursday, February 26 last. Deputy Neville told the Minister of State, Niall Collins that St Patrick's Primary School, which was built in 2008, is housed in a prefabricated building which was only supposed to be in place for five years. Unfortunately, he said, the school is still in that building 18 years later. READ NEXT: Kildare County Council to hold monthly homelessness drop-in clinics The Deputy told the Minister of State that a June 2025 report stated that the existing building in the current condition is not fit for the purpose to operate without considerable risk to the occupants and users as a school, is unsafe and poses a serious immediate threat to the well-being, health and safety of the occupants and users. That is how a primary school in Celbridge in which there are more than 300 students and also SNAs and teachers is described. These children are the some of the most important and most vulnerable people in our community. They deserve a much better and safer building in which to attend school, Deputy Neville said. The situation with St Patrick's Primary School had been raised with the Minister for Education at a meeting on June 18 last year, Deputy Neville pointed out. He also raised it in the Dail last October and again in January 2026. The pictures of the classroom that I have with me were taken at the end of January. It is not a place where kids should be. There is water running down the walls. The principal and her partner had to clean the classroom after a weekend of rain at the start of January, but the situation has only been exacerbated since then. The Minister, Deputy Naughton, visited the school, and she saw the issues that exist at first hand. She has highlighted the issue, but more work needs to be done as a matter of urgency. The principal and the teachers are doing amazing work, and the school has a great community, but the parents are really concerned. We need a resolution. Supporting Deputy Neville, Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly (SD) told the Dail the Minister of State is faced with a rare situation whereby all the TDs in the constituency are working together on the issue. North Kildare TDs knew that Simon Harris and the Minister are aware of the matter, Deputy Farrelly said, adding, we need to see action on the architect's report. The entire school community, including the principal, the teachers, the SNAs and the secretaries, should not be expected to work in those conditions, Deputy Farrelly said. We need something in the short term which will ensure that the health and safety of the staff and children is of paramount importance. We all look forward to the Minister of State's reply. He should know that he has collective support from all TDs in the constituency in the context of progressing this over the next couple of weeks. The latter is the timeline within which we need to see action. Responding to Deputies Neville and Farrelly, the Minister of State said the Minister for Education and her Department are fully aware of the issues raised and will continue to proactively work with the school, pending the delivery of its permanent accommodation solution. Deputy Collins confirmed the new building project for St Patrick's Primary School is at stage 2A of the architectural design proess, with the Department of Education and Youth currently awaiting the submission of the stage 2A report. Deputy Collins pointed out that some 397m was invested in capital funding for Kildare schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, he added, a total of 47 Kildare schools were upgraded, through the provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or modular accommodation. There are also nine school projects in Kildare under construction at present, Deputy Collins added. Under the national development plan, another 12 school projects in Kildare will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027. This summer, five schools are approved to undergo works as part of the summer works climate action scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 74 special classes have opened in Kildare, 11 of which were sanctioned for September 2026, he concluded. A five-night Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place at St Peter & St Paul Church, Monasterevin Co Kildare from Monday, March 9th to Friday, March 13th. The annual event, themed Baptised & Sent, will begin each evening at 7.30pm and feature a range of guest speakers sharing personal stories of faith, service and outreach. Proceedings will open on Monday night with guest speaker Dana Scallon, known for her career in music and public life, including winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970 before entering politics in 1997. READ NEXT: Kildare primary school "not fit for purpose". On Tuesday, representatives from Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment centre in Athy will address those in attendance, focusing on support available for individuals battling addiction. Wednesdays reflection will be led by recently ordained deacon Declan Prendergast, who will share his personal journey and vocation story. A guest speaker for Thursday night is yet to be confirmed. The Novena will conclude on Friday with a talk from Conor Kelly of Trocaire, who has recently returned from working as a Field Officer in Malawi. All are welcome to attend the nightly services. A letter sent to funeral directors in the parishes within the Ardagh-Clonmacnois diocese by Bishop Paul Connell has sparked a lot of discussion among church-goers not only locally but across Ireland. The letter sent to funeral directors stated that the practice of holding wakes within churches must stop. There are some Leitrim parishes within this diocese including Annaduff, Aughavas, Carrick-on-Shannon (Kiltoghert), Cloone, Drumshanbo, Fenagh, Gortletteragh, Kiltubrid and Mohill. The use of a church however for such a purpose is inappropriate given the sacred nature of the building and in particular the presence of the blessed sacrament. A church is designed for public worship and quiet prayer and reflection, Bishop Connell said in the letter dated February 9. I am directing that in parishes where the practice of reposing in churches has not begun, that these parishes do not introduce the practice, he stated. This has been met with disappointment from some church-goers, as was aired on Liveline with John Cooke on Tuesday, February 24. READ NEXT: 'The church is not a parish hall': Leitrim parishes directed to stop wakes in Churches Having the discussion live on air, John Cooke spoke to some who were for and against the decision made by the Bishop. Many people advocating for the practice to stay cited that it was suitable for families due to the accessibility and parking facilities of a church rather than in their own home. I think its a big loss, it brought people together. We are the church, said one caller on Liveline named Martina, adding that parishioners should have been consulted on the matter. Its comfortable and makes it a bit easier for families to meet people who are coming to pay their respects and to offer support, she added. Funeral director David McGowan, operating in Sligo and Ballina called in to say he agreed with the Bishops decision, saying that the use of a church for a wake is a "commercial identity. The church is being used as a business premise, he argued, adding that the church is a place of worship where you carry out rituals like weddings and funerals. Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Drumshanbo based funeral director Hubert McCormack, whose area falls under the diocese, feels otherwise and said that people have voiced their disappointment on the decision to him. READ NEXT: Leitrim to host Ireland's best in Wheelchair Champion Cup Pool competition I have spoken to a lot of people in the locality and the feeling is that the church is for the people and is being maintained, looked after and heated by the parishioners, Mr McCormack said. He noted that it seems disingenuous to tell the family of a deceased person, who may have spent their life attending Mass regularly, that their loved one cannot repose in the church. This decision has been made without any explanation or consultation with the local people. As a funeral director, Mr McCormack has been involved with a number of reposals in churches, which he says were carried out with respect, reverence and dignity for both the family and the church. If there was an incident that brought the Bishop to this decision, it should have been dealt with locally, he added. The church is a safe and reverent space to repose our loved ones particularly in the case of large funerals. There is ample parking and a place for people to shelter from the weather, he concluded, adding that he hopes the Bishop would have a change of heart on this issue. READ NEXT: Leitrim student elected DCU's Student Union President after intense six-day campaign Speaking to the Leitrim Observer in a previous article, Bishop Connell said he would be willing to meet with locals and hear their concerns; however, until then, all parishes within the diocese have been directed since February 9 to stop allowing wakes in churches. More than 60 men, women and children have arrived in South Africa having been deported from Ireland this weekend, gardai have confirmed. On Saturday, members of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carried out an operation removing dozens of individuals from the State on foot of Deportation Orders issued by the Minister for Justice. "This operation resulted in the removal of 63 South African nationals - 28 adult males, 26 adult females and 9 juveniles. The juveniles removed were all part of family groups," said a garda spokesperson. READ ALSO: RIP: Two teenagers killed, three injured in early-morning road crash in County Mayo In a post on social media, The Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, confirmed all of the individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin for South Africa, arriving on Sunday morning. A further deportation flight left Dublin yesterday and landed safely this morning in Johannesburg, South Africa. There were 63 people on board who had received but not complied with Deportation Orders. Jim O'Callaghan TD (@OCallaghanJim) March 1, 2026 A garda spokesperson added that ten of the individuals who were removed from the state had been convicted of offences in this jurisdiction, and that their removal supports ongoing operations by An Garda Siochana nationwide. In addition to drugs and road traffic offence, the operations include investigations targeting sex offenders, domestic violence offenders, for offences including rape, sexual assault and possession of child sexual abuse material. "An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy and the Irish Prison Service in the implementation of these operations," said a garda spokesperson. More than 1,000 Rwandans in a single settlement are waiting to be relocated from their condemned homes after a devastating shock flood almost three years ago. The incident is just one example of the threat posed by climate change in the tropical East African country which has seen extreme weather cause loss of life, critical infrastructure damage and mass displacement. Residents of a cell of around 9,500 people in the east Rwandan district of Rubavu went to sleep on May 2, 2023 amid a downpour that did not seem out of the ordinary towards the end of the wet season. Therese Mujawamariya told the Press Association: It was just like any other day when it rained. Hours later, however, people awoke to flood water rising through their home in an event that would decimate their community as they knew it. Ms Mujawamariya said: Neither me nor my family nor anyone in this neighbourhood for that matter knew that such a thing could happen. She added: All we took is our children and the very moment we stepped out of the house, it collapsed. The heavy rain caused the River Sebeya to burst its banks and combine with runoff from surrounding hills to rush into the community, leading to destruction and condemning hundreds of homes. Irish charity Trocaire worked with local partners in the emergency response to provide essential items, assistance in rental payments, and livelihood recovery programmes. Rwanda is the focus country of its 2026 Lenten fundraising campaign. Wider flooding in the countrys western and northern provinces killed more than 130 people, destroyed thousands of homes, swept away crops and damaged bridges, health centres, and power stations. In the surrounding area, hundreds of homes have been marked with a red X on the front wall meaning the government has ordered them vacated and demolished as they are unsafe to live in. Theodeta Mukahategekas home collapsed in the flooding and she said people in the area remain in fear over a repeat of the disaster. She said: It took away my cows, pigs, and chicken. Nothing I had remained. Both women said Trocaire and regional partner Caritas helped them in the aftermath of the flooding but challenges remain as they cannot afford to send their children to secondary school and their old businesses are gone. Nearby, Claudine Uwamahirwe and her husband carried their children out of their home as floodwater rapidly rose. She has had to use sheet metal from the roof of her collapsed home as walls in her current living space. They are still repaying the bank loan which they used to construct the original home. Father John Paul Rutakisha, the director of Caritas Nyundo/Gisenyi, said 1,290 of the poorest people in the cell are due to be relocated to a model village being constructed by the government. They have lost everything so it is somehow to restart their life after that flooding, he said. But the place where the government is building a village for them will be only for their residence, not for their crops. There is also concern that some of the residences in the government village will not be adequate for larger families. Marie Claire Mukanoheri, who owned a home and store in the area, said all she took from her flooded house was the Bible, before racing to find her pregnant daughter-in-law. They braced together in flowing floodwater for hours waiting to be rescued. Standing beside banana trees planted at the site of her destroyed home, Ms Mukanoheri said she is very hopeful her sons can return to operating a family business but they cannot afford to do so as they are renting after the floods. Fr John Paul said the people being relocated to the government village will continue to need support and the international community should work hand-in-hand with those affected. We need to focus much more on climate change here, more than other places because we are always facing these calamities, he said. It is a big task we have, but we need also to be assisted so that we can do what we can try to help these people. Green Party leader Roderic OGorman has accused the Government of giving up over emissions targets. Mr OGorman said the Government was failing to give leadership over environmental issues and added that his party was targeting two upcoming by-elections. The Green Party was part of a coalition government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael from 2020 to 2024. But the party lost 11 of its 12 seats at the last general election, leaving Mr OGorman as its only remaining TD. At the partys conference in Kilkenny on Saturday, he said the Green tide is rising again following the recent by-election win for Hannah Spencer in Gorton and Denton in a Westminster by-election. Mr OGorman told the RTE This Week programme that the party had improved its internal workings ahead of by-elections later this year in Galway West and Dublin Central. He said: I think these by-elections, the biggest impact that they could have is to elect a green TD, because that would completely change the political conversation here, about nature, about climate, two areas we know, and I think everybody recognises that since the Greens have left government, that this government have backpedalled on consistently over the last 12 months. Mr OGorman said he had reflected on his time in the coalition government, where he was childrens minister. He said: I wish I pushed earlier in terms of reducing childcare costs, and I wish in terms of the migrant crisis and the accommodation crisis that I had to deal with in my department, I wish Id been tougher with some of the other government departments, particularly the Department of Housing. The Green Party leader said Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris were not prepared to give leadership over the climate. He said: Theyre not prepared to face the realities of very significant fines coming to Ireland if we dont meet our targets. And theyre using that to distract from the fact that on important policies like investment in public transport, like decarbonising our electricity system, they are not pushing forward. They have no interest in these areas. We saw the difference the Green Party made in the last government. We brought these areas to the very centre of political decision-making in this country, and weve seen retreat after retreat from the new government. Mr OGorman said the Government had already given up on meeting 2030 emissions reductions targets. He said: I dont know any other government target that it is satisfactory for a minister to give up four years before that target is due. It wouldnt be acceptable in housing, it wouldnt be acceptable in terms of health, in terms of waiting times, and yet this Government has given up four years early, and thats to let themselves off the hook. BAKU, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Azerbaijani and Iranian foreign ministers discussed the military escalation in Iran and its regional implications during a phone call on Sunday. According to a press release from Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi updated his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov on current developments on the ground and measures taken in response to the evolving situation. Bayramov expressed serious concern over the sharp deterioration of the security situation in the region and extended condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the loss of innocent civilian lives. The Azerbaijani minister stressed the importance of an early cessation of hostilities, stating that the crisis should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomatic means in accordance with international law. SERGEANT Michelle OHalloran has warned of recent burglary attempts in the villages of Murroe and Caherconlish, Limerick. The Crime Prevention Officer detailed that: a man in his late twenties returned to his home in Murroe to find the front sitting room window smashed, along with the glass in the front door. The burglars had entered the house, ransacked a bedroom and then left the scene. The crime took place sometime between 8.30 pm and 8.40 pm on Wednesday, February 18. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have information to contact gardai in Bruff Garda Station on 061 282940. READ MORE: Limerick man gets ten year driving ban for driving without licence or insurance In a separate incident, Sergeant O'Halloran said: Last Friday evening, February 20, at around 8pm in Caherconlish, a man in his 60s heard noise coming from a rear bedroom of his home. When he went to investigate and pulled up the blind, he saw two males attempting to gain entry to the house. She went on to say that the man shouted at the intruders and that the pair then fled the property. Michelle OHalloran said that gardai are investigating the matter, and are appealing to anyone in the Caherconlish area who may have seen any suspicious persons or vehicles to contact Gardai on 061 351202. -Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme GAZA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- At least two Palestinians were killed Sunday in an Israeli shelling on the Jabalia area in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian local and medical sources. Local sources said Israeli artillery targeted the al-Jurn area, where displaced families live, in Jabalia town, north of the Gaza Strip. Medical sources told Xinhua that the shelling killed two people and left a third seriously injured. No immediate comment was available from the Israeli military regarding the incident. Hamas has repeatedly accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through daily air and artillery strikes across Gaza, including attacks by ground vehicles and aircraft that have destroyed residential homes. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli strikes have killed 72,096 Palestinians and injured 171,791 others, Gaza's health authorities said on Sunday. The authorities said 629 people have been killed and 1,693 wounded since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025. More than 60 South African nationals, including nine children, have been deported from Ireland. The Garda National Immigration Bureau carried out the operation on Saturday following deportation orders issued by the Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan. The operation resulted in the removal of 28 men, 26 women and nine children who were all part of family groups. They left Dublin on a chartered flight on Saturday and arrived in South Africa on Sunday. The group were accompanied on the flight by gardai members, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer. Gardai said 10 of the individuals had been convicted of offences in Ireland. Mr OCallaghan said: Charter flights are now a routine and essential part of immigration enforcement for the state. Without effective enforcement measures, our immigration laws would be undermined, and I want to ensure that there is public confidence in the application of our laws in this area. If a person does not have a legal permission to be in the state, or has been involved in criminality, they will be removed. Minister of State Colm Brophy said: I would like to acknowledge that the majority of South African nationals resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the state though the various legal pathways available. They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society. Mumbai: Amazon India has waived seller commissions on all goods priced under 1,000, expanding a policy first introduced in April for products priced under 300. The e-commerce firm said the policy will expand the zero-commission policy 10x to 12.5 crore products across categories such as home linens, casual apparel, small electronics, toys, and fashion accessories. The daily consumption [on e-commerce] is mostly from products of sub- 1,000, Amit Nanda, director, selling partner services for Amazon India, told Mint in an interview. This is the segment most of our sellers are keen to grow, he said, adding that seller response to the previous zero-commission policy from April was extremely positive. Amazon saw a 50% increase in new sellers joining the platform after it first offered zero commission in April, Nanda said. This is the second time Amazon has reduced seller fees this fiscal year, including commissions and shipping costs for small sellers. Amazon India does not have a formal definition of a small seller in India, Nanda said, but such sellers tend to operate from home or a small unit in a single city or area and store their goods on their premises rather than at an Amazon fulfilment centre, he said. These sellers constitute 70-80% of Amazons 1.7 million seller base in India, Nanda added. Everyday consumables get a lot more traction online, and this change will expand that category for us, Nanda added. Business for sellers who have been listing only 1-2 products or have not yet listed a highly niche product with relatively thin margins will now become more viable. Nanda cited examples of products such as atta additives, cheap casual t-shirts, and seasonal goods cashing in on a fad or trend, particularly toys and novelty items. We have also seen over time across the world that these are actually flywheel impacts, Nanda added. Sellers add new products, the marketplace gets new products that werent there earlier, more appealing to buy in the marketplace. Some sellers may also drop their prices, making the product more attractive to buy. As a result of both of these things, in the medium to long term, you recover this just in volume leverage. However, he declined to say how much revenue Amazon will lose with these cuts in seller fees. In June, Amazon introduced a marketplace fee of 5 per transaction. Amazon's 5 marketplace fee applies to all orders across the platform and is paid by the customer at checkout. It is a flat fee that applies to an order, regardless of its value, number of units, or unit type. However, it is not applicable to orders from Amazon Bazaar, the company's dedicated zero-commission vertical, or to some items, such as gift cards and digital services. Also Read | As Indian advertising outperforms global markets, WPP India focuses on AI Chasing Meesho Competition among specialized e-commerce models has been rising. Platforms such as Meesho have found success by focusing on value retailers and value-conscious customers in small-town India and by making zero-commission models successful in these high-volume markets. Analysts tracking Meesho, which had a blockbuster debut on the Indian bourses in December, say its business model still faces little competition. The largest cohort of sellers that sell on Meesho are also selling on other horizontal e-com platformsbut end up focusing on selling different products, analysts from Bank of Americas brokerage arm wrote in a report last month. The better price-point and quality products are mainly sold on Amazon & Flipkart. Horizontal e-com platforms charge largely similar commission ratesthese range across categories from 10-15% to even 20-25%. Also Read | Amazon backs labour codes, bets big on India growth However, in November, Amazons rival Flipkart also announced zero commission on all products priced below 1,000. Besides, both platforms run separate zero-commission marketplaces for small sellersAmazon Bazaar and Flipkart Shopsy. Amazons Nanda said Bazaar is small but growing very fast but declined to share details. As per experts, both platforms scale is less than 10% of Meesho, BoFA analysts quoted above said in their January note. In the December 2025 quarter, it reported a nearly 32% year-on-year jump in revenues from operations to 3,518 crore, although losses ballooned 13x to over 490 crore. In FY25, Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltdthe marketplace business of Amazon Indiareported a 19% increase in revenues to 30,491 crore while losses shrank substantially to 374 crore, per data from research firm Tracxn. Bharti Airtel announced it will implement its AI-powered spam protection for text messages, including those with web links sent through Google's messaging platform. This move aims to safeguard customers from potential digital fraud as part of the partnership between the two companies, the telecom giant said on Sunday, 1 March 2026. Following the partnership, Bharti Airtel has urged other internet-based apps to collaborate with it in combating spam messages. "By combining Airtel's network intelligence with Google's Rich Communications Services (RCS) platform and spam filtering, users get to experience RCS messaging with high-quality photo/video and interactive elements like message reactions, all while benefiting from enhanced protections that significantly reduce mobile spam and digital fraud," the statement said. Also Read | Days after AI Spam warning, X rolls out spam and automation detection measures 7,100 crore spam calls blocked Airtel said it has blocked around 7,100 crore spam calls and 290 crore spam SMSes, resulting in a significant 68.7% reduction in financial losses on its network over the past 1.5 years through its AI-enabled tools. Several internet-based applications provide bulk messaging services, allowing senders to include web links for transactions. "We have now partnered with Google to extend customer protection beyond the telco domain and made the rich messaging platform safer and more secure. We now call on the broader OTT communication platforms to work with us and make sure that customers are protected from the spam and financial fraud menace," Bharti Airtel, Executive Vice Chairman, Gopal Vittal, said. Airtel said that traditional mobile networks provide messaging services that adhere to safety standards and telco-grade safeguards, whereas many other non-telco communication platforms and standalone apps lack these protections. "These channels have therefore increasingly been exploited by sophisticated bad actors, becoming common tools for financial fraud and invasive spam. This innovative partnership between Airtel and Google is designed to bridge that gap, extending the accountability of telecom-grade safeguards to the modern messaging experience," the statement said. Setting a new benchmark, says Airtel The company said that by integrating Airtel's intelligence into the RCS platform and Google's existing spam protections, it is setting a new benchmark for a secure carrier-backed messaging service. Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, said that brands utilising the messaging service for enterprise communications will be able to boost trust among their customers by enabling them to easily distinguish legitimate business messages from spam and stay protected from potential risks that may emerge on other messaging platforms. "The solution will enable brands to build deeper engagement with their customers who will feel safer and in more control. This will, in turn, lead to enduring customer relationships which are imperative for business growth and success," Samat said. The Bira beer business is on pause since the third quarter of this fiscal, Jain said. "there has been no capital infusion in the business from existing or new shareholders since April 2024. Dues of company employees, statutory dues (including employee related taxes) and vendors remain the same as it was in Q3FY26 and there is no change in the status of the same. NEW DELHI: Central and state governments collected 1.61 trillion in Goods and Services Tax (GST) in February after refunds, marking a 7.9% year-on-year increase, official data released on Sunday showed. The figure excludes GST compensation cess proceeds of more than 5,000 crore received during the month. The cess was discontinued from 1 February after tobaccothe only commodity still attracting it following GST rationalization in September 2025was moved into a new tax regime. The cess collection booked in February relate to sales in the previous month. Gross GST collections before adjusting for refunds stood at 1.84 trillion, up 8.1% from a year earlier, excluding compensation cess, the data showed. Also Read | NFRA to expand FY26 audit firm inspections to 3540 companies Businesses received refunds worth 22,595 crore in February, with more than half going to exporters. Till the end of February, net GST collections of central and state governments, excluding cess proceeds, stood at 17.46 trillion, reflecting a 6.9% annual increase. Cess proceeds are being accounted for separately to enable a fair comparison with last years revenue collection, as this source has now been phased out. Also Read | US deal to help farm sector like 25 years of liberalization: Niti Aayog member The government has maintained that GST rate cuts announced in September last year would boost demand for goods and services and, over time, support higher tax collections. Data released by the statistics ministry on Friday showed that household spending, or private final consumption expenditure, the biggest driver of growth, witnessed a sharp growth of 8.7% in the December quarter (Q3) of FY26, faster than the 8% seen in the September quarter, and also higher than the 6% seen in Q3FY25. The 7.8% economic growth estimated for the December quarter of the current financial year and the upward revision of FY26 real GDP growth to 7.6% from 7.4% estimated under the earlier GDP series in January shows that the Indian economy is strong, aided by robust domestic consumption, cautious fiscal handling and reforms that have been building over time, according to Vivek Jalan, partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services. Also Read | Cutting the red tape: India aims to sync tax rules with financial standards The impact of GST 2.0 is clearly visible on domestic consumption, said Jalan. Net GST collections from domestic consumption, at 1.25 trillion, has grown 6.2% annually, even after the GST rate cuts, he said. The continued improvement in GST receipts, despite persistent global uncertainties, underscores the inherent resilience and expanding formalisation of the economy, said Saurabh Agarwal, tax partner, EY India. As structural reforms continue to take hold, these trends highlight a maturing tax ecosystem and a confident domestic market, setting the stage for sustained and inclusive economic momentum, said Agarwal. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 1 (ANI): In the wake of his ongoing legal turbulence in the cheque bounce case, actor Rajpal Yadav has voiced his broader concerns about the film financing practices in the industry. Speaking to ANI, Rajpal Yadav stressed the need to standardise financial agreements within the film fraternity, even appealing to the film federation to establish a formal investment fund and a contract framework that would govern finance sources, artists, and even production houses. "I request the whole film federation to agree with an investment fund for film finance to go ahead. They should create a basic platform, which the foreign investors, as well as the actors, should follow. If this happens, it will be very easy," Yadav said. Rajpal Yadav was granted interim bail in a 9 crore cheque bounce case, stemming from a 2010 loan of 5 crore he took for his film "Ata Pata Laapata". The loan, provided by businessman Madhav Gopal Agrawal, accumulated interest and penalties, ballooning to 9 crore. Rajpal Yadav has been granted interim bail after depositing 1.5 crore, with the court allowing bail until March 18. He maintains his innocence, stating the intention behind the deal was not malicious, but rather a misunderstanding. Opening up on his legal troubles, the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' actor continued, "It has been 26 years since I have been working, and at least 200 agreements have been made, from 1 lakh to 1.5 lakhs, to 15 lakhs. If I had fought on the agreement, then why do I have only one case, and no one else? I am saying this again and again, that no matter which machine, I have been asked, where does 5 crores come from, and where does it go? I am a man of 1500 crores... I am saying that, whatever is behind this film, I am ready to support it, but the intention of 5 crores behind this film is wrong. It is wrong to take money and trap people. The intention of Madhav and Mithilesh was not right. That is why this is a fight of three people. No one knows about the rest." Rajpal has expressed gratitude for support from fans and colleagues, including Salman Khan and Sonu Sood, and vows to repay the debt. On Saturday, Rajpal Yadav addressed a press meet with his lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay. During the interaction, the actor spoke openly about his legal battle, upcoming work plans, and the lessons he has learned over the past decade. A conflict like this has the clear potential to unnerve international businesses operating in the Gulf, said Michael Ratney, who served as U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the Biden administration. Thats both because it can freak out their expatriate staffs, at least some of whom will want to leave, and because it calls into question the basic sense of security and stability on which they based their decision to operate and invest there. Using unique U.S. capabilities against weaker targetswhether dropping Massive Ordnance Penetrators from B-2 stealth bombers or using U.S. special forces to extract Nicolas Maduro from Venezuelaisnt simply effective military policy. It demonstrates to China and Russia that a direct confrontation with the U.S. would be extraordinarily damaging. Even the Chinese military, engaged in historys largest conventional and nuclear buildup, would suffer severely at the hands of U.S. bombers, submarines and carrier-based aircraft. The same is true of Russia, which as a military and intelligence matter still sees the U.S. as its core enemy. The strike against Iran also reminds the U.S. military of its great strategic importance, breaking radically with the escalation avoidance that has limited U.S. effectiveness since the war on terror. WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Three U.S. soldiers were killed in action and five others seriously injured as part of the military operation against Iran, the U.S. Central Command said Sunday. In the lead-up to the campaign, Israels military brass had been flying in and out of Washington to plan the offensive, including its top general, air force chief, head of military intelligence and Mossad director. Netanyahu met with Trump in December at the presidents Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, where they agreed publicly that military action would be justified if Iran persisted in its nuclear and ballistic-missile programs, and met with him again in early February at the White House. "In some regions, excessive fertilizer use has even reduced yields due to soil degradation. It's a waste of government money, and so this is not that there isn't enough money, but it's about thinking differently how to spend existing money. So, that's why we're having dialogues with many countries around the world on their agricultural subsidies, to move away from being input-based, from supporting fertilizers, to thinking about, how do you support research and development," she added. Interestingly, for both HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, the number of cases of fraud is high (next only to SBI) but the total amount involved is low. This implies that the average size of fraud is lower than the sector averageon a simple average basis, about 17 lakh for HDFC Bank versus about 1.9 crore for SBI. While bank-wise data on type of fraud is not available, the RBI has said that the two categories of cards and internet account for the highest number of fraud cases reported by private banks. The cluster approach also affects homeowner experience. Rishabh Gupta had listed his five-bedroom Dehradun property, Jackfruit Villa, on StayVista between 2022 and 2024. I had a great experience with StayVista. But, I had to keep my own staff as they were not able to hire their own team, said Gupta, a Mumbai-based manufacturer, adding that the villa gave him earnings of around 2 lakh a month. Gupta could not manage the staff and attrition became a challenge. He then handed over the property to a friend who ran a homestay nearby. He was not able to handle two properties, said Gupta, who eventually stopped accepting guests. The Gupta family is now moving out of Mumbai and will live in Jackfruit Villa. Gold, Silver Price Latest Updates: Gold and silver prices soared amid tensions in the Middle East, which raised market uncertainty and prompted some traders to buy safe-haven assets. The COMEX gold rate today hit $5,400 an ounce, marking an intraday increase of over 2.50%. Likewise the COMEX silver price opened with an upside gap and touched an intraday high of $96.930 per ounce, logging an intraday rise of 2% within a few minutes of the opening Bell in the morning trade. Following international market, gold and silver prices in India opened with a big-upside gap. The MCX gold rate today opened at 1,65,501 per 10 gm and touched an intraday high of 1,67,915 per 10 gm, logging over 5,500 per 10 gm gain within a few minutes of the Opening Bell. Likewise, the MCX silver rate today opened upside at 2,78,644 per kg and touched an intraday high of 2,85,978 logging an intraday high of around 3.75%. Negotiations between Washington and Tehran will continue next week following what Oman, the mediator, described as "significant progress" on Thursday, Bloomberg reported. While a person familiar with the matter told the news portal that the US officials remain disappointed with the progress. While MCX and COMEX are closed today (Sunday), physical gold rates in Indian cities such as Delhi and Mumbai are expected to surge amid the US-Israel and Iran dispute. Will gold prices touch 2 lakh? According to experts, increased geopolitical risks could spark a rapid surge in precious metals. In terms of outlook for gold prices, Hareesh V, Head of Commodity Research at Geojit Investments, told Livemint that a move towards $6,000 globally or 2,00,000 domestically for gold cannot be denied in an extreme scenario. However, the actual path will mainly depend on how the conflict develops. Read full report here. The tensions are expected to push silver prices above the $100 level, experts told Livemint. Gold has increased by over 20% so far this year, stabilising again above $5,000 an ounce after a sharp decline from a record high in late January. The precious metal marked its seventh consecutive monthly rise, the longest streak since 1973. Continued geopolitical and trade tensions, along with the so-called dollar debasement trade and concerns about the Federal Reserves independence, have contributed to a multi-year rally, Bloomberg reported. Heightened geopolitical tensions rattled investors across the Gulf on Sunday, sending most stocks lower and forcing Boursa Kuwait to suspend trading until further notice, Reuters reported. In a rare move, the exchange said it was halting all trading activities due to the "exceptional circumstances" the country is facing. The strong market reaction followed coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory attacks on US targets in Gulf cities, and raised fears of prolonged instability across the region. Broader stock market reaction Trading in Middle East markets is often seen as an early indicator of how investors are pricing the potential impact of geopolitical shocks on assets ranging from oil to safe-haven currencies and gold. In Saudi Arabia, home to the region's biggest stock market, the benchmark index pared its losses to trade 2% lower after tumbling as much as 4.6% earlier in the session. Among the notable decliners were Al Rajhi Bank, down 2.8%, Saudi National Bank, which fell 4.3% and budget airline flynas, sliding 5.8%. In contrast, oil giant Saudi Aramco rose 2.6% on expectations of rising oil prices. The kingdom on Saturday said Iran had targeted Riyadh and the country's eastern region. Elsewhere, the Muscat stock index trimmed its losses to 1.8% after sliding more than 3% earlier in a broad-based selloff. Heavyweight OQ Base Industries declined 1.3%, according to the news agency report. Bahrain's benchmark index was down 0.9%, while trading in Qatar was closed for a bank holiday. Outside the Gulf, Egypts blue-chip index slumped 5.5% in early trade with all of its constituents in negative territory. Iran's Supreme Leader killed According to Reuters, some witnesses reported blasts in Dubai and over Doha for a second day on Sunday. Meanwhile, reports from AFP and Al Jazeera confirmed fresh blasts across the Gulf regions, including in Doha, Qatar, and Manama, Bahrain. This is a continuation of Iran's retaliation against US-Israeli strikes that killed Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and forced major regional airports, including Dubai, to shut operations until further notice, marking one of the biggest disruptions to global aviation in years. Key locations across the UAE that were targeted by Iranian missile strikes and drones on Saturday included Jebel Ali Port, Burj Al Arab, Dubai's famed Palm Jumeirah hotel and Dubai International Airport. Lack of clarity However, HSBC pointed to the lack of clarity ahead. "We can have no conviction on how the situation in Iran may evolve following air strikes launched on Saturday, with the impact contingent on the duration of any conflict and how it extends to the broader region," its Global Investment Research team said in a note. Indian stock market: A steep selloff led both market indices - Sensex and Nifty - down by over 1% each, on Friday, February 27, as ongoing geopolitical tensions and a sharp surge in crude oil prices weighed on sentiment. The Sensex tumbled 961 points, or 1.17%, to settle at 81,287.19, while the Nifty 50 dropped 318 points, or 1.25%, to close at 25,178.65. Stock market next week Nifty 50 The Indian benchmark index Nifty 50 ended the session on a negative note on Friday, registering a sharp loss of 317 points, or 1.25%, in a single day. The index opened with a mild gap-down of nearly 20 points and subsequently declined steadily toward the 25,300 level. According to Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, after this fall, it entered a consolidation phase, but in the final half-hour of trade, selling pressure intensified further, pushing the index to an intraday low of 25,141.30. It eventually settled at 25,178, reflecting strong intraday bearish sentiment and late-session profit booking pressure. This price action clearly indicates sustained selling dominance throughout the session. On the daily timeframe, Nifty has formed its fourth consecutive red candle and has closed below the 200-day EMA, which reflects a weakening medium-term trend and a shift in overall market structure toward bearishness. From a technical perspective, immediate resistance is seen in the 25,30025,350 zone, while a strong support base is positioned around 25,00025,050. In the derivatives segment, notable put writing was observed at the 25,000 strike, along with aggressive call writing at the 25,400 strike, indicating a well-defined trading range. Traders are advised to remain cautious near key support levels and wait for a decisive breakout above resistance zones before initiating fresh directional positions, Bagadia said. Bank Nifty Bank Nifty opened the session on a negative note and moved lower, forming an intraday high of 61,086. The decline extended further with a sharp correction, dragging the index to an intraday low of 60,438.95, indicating strong selling pressure and aggressive profit booking. However, the index finally closed at 60,529, registering an overall fall of 658 points, reflecting sustained bearish sentiment and broad-based weakness across banking stocks. On the Bank Nifty technical outlook, he said, From a technical perspective, immediate resistance is placed in the 60,80060,900 zone, while the 60,20060,300 range continues to act as a crucial support area for maintaining near-term stability. The daily RSI at 50.66 reflects neutral momentum with a mild bearish bias, indicating the absence of strong buying strength. Traders are advised to remain cautious near critical support levels and wait for a clear breakout above resistance before taking fresh directional bets. Also Read | Nifty 50 may drop further by the end of 2027. Expert explains why Stocks to buy Sumeet Bagadia has recommended three stocks to buy on Monday, March 2. The three stock picks by Bagadia are - NMDC Steel, Motherson Sumi Wiring India, and NMDC. 1] NMDC Steel: Buy at 40.57 | Target Price: 44.50 | Stop Loss: 38.70 2] Motherson Sumi Wiring India: Buy at 43.20 | Target Price: 47.30 | Stop Loss: 41 3] NMDC: Buy at 81.74 | Target Price: 88 | Stop Loss: 78 US-Iran war: The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran on Saturday, reportedly resulting in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country for over three decades. In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates which host US military bases, according to media reports. The escalating tensions in West Asia have intensified concerns that the US-Israel military action against Iran could spiral into a broader regional conflict. This had raised concerns among stock market investors about the impact on the Indian stock market on Monday. Market experts expect sentiment in the market to remain subdued amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. How will the US-Iran war impact the Indian stock market? According to Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist at Infomerics Ratings, the Indian equity markets have already responded with risk-off sentiment. Sharma further noted that the benchmark indices are expected to open lower, accompanied by heightened volatility as investors reassess geopolitical and commodity-related risks. A short-term correction of approximately 11.5% is possible, with sectors such as automobiles, financials, and FMCG facing downward pressure. In contrast, IT companies and select export-oriented businesses may find relative support amid global risk aversion and a strengthening US dollar, Sharma said. Meanwhile, VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, believes that the near-term impact will be negative. Medium-term impact on the market will depend on how long the conflict lasts. We dont know the answer to this question. After crippling Iran, the US and Israel may make a strategic withdrawal. The market will react very negatively. In a weak market, upstream oil companies and defence stocks will do well, Vijayakumar said. Sectors in focus on Monday amid the US-Iran war According to Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, these sector stocks will remain in focus on Monday amid the ongoing US-Iran war: Oil and energy sector Companies such as Reliance Industries, BPCL, HPCL, and IOCL may benefit from volatile crude prices. Defence sector Firms such as Bharat Electronics, HAL, and Bharat Dynamics could see increased demand due to heightened geopolitical tensions. Gold and Financial Services sector Safe-haven assets like gold and companies like Titan and Muthoot Finance may attract investors. Textiles and Pharmaceuticals Export-oriented sectors, including textiles and pharmaceuticals, may face challenges due to disrupted global supply chains. Aviation and Logistics Airlines like IndiGo and logistics companies may struggle with rising fuel costs. As we now know, Ponzi used money from new investors to pay old ones. His victims lost most everything. Ponzi bounced between con job and jail, dying broke. But his name lives on in a scheme that never gets old. KUWAIT CITY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and 32 others were injured in Kuwait as Iranian missile and drone launches toward the country continue for a second consecutive day following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, the Kuwaiti Health Ministry said Sunday. In a statement carried by the Kuwait News Agency, ministry spokesperson Abdullah Al-Sanad said the 32 injuries are all foreign nationals. Kuwaiti Defense Ministry spokesperson Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan said on social media platform X that 97 Iranian ballistic missiles and 283 drones have been detected heading toward Kuwait since Saturday, adding that the country's air defense forces have intercepted and destroyed a number of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Kuwaiti territory. Debris from intercepted projectiles fell on facilities across the country, causing limited material damage, he noted. According to Fatima Hayat, spokesperson for Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, falling debris caused temporary instability in the power grid and partial electricity outages in several areas, particularly in southern Kuwait and along areas adjacent to the Sixth Ring Road. Emergency teams have begun repair work. Air raid sirens were heard across most parts of Kuwait early Sunday morning. The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Saturday, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several other senior officials. The joint attacks prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. Talk of Mumbais food scene, and the conversation is hijacked by the likes of vada pao and sev puri, or seafood meals. But, heres looking at the citys sweet sidethe iconic sweetmeats that tell the story of Mumbai, its history and its diverse communities. MAHIM HALWA: Thin, dainty, translucent sheets of flaky halwa, sprinkled with dried fruits and nuts, and strands of saffron, Mahim halwa is a Mumbai speciality. Its invention is credited to Girdhar Mavji, who arrived from Gujarat in Mahim, one of the seven islands bolted together to create colonial Bombay, in the 1780s. He started out by hawking homemade sweets from door to door and later opened a small shop that evolved into a family business now run by the seventh generation. The shop named Joshi Budhakaka Mahim Halwawala is a landmark in Mahim. THALI SWEET: A cake made with semolina, egg whites, sugar, freshly-grated coconut and ground almonds, is an heirloom dessert of Mumbais East Indians, original inhabitants of the islands of Bombay, Salsette and Bassein, who embraced Roman Catholicism during the Portuguese rule. The thali sweet is a must during East Indian weddings, and gets its name from the thali or plate it is set in, says Thelma Falcon, a resident of Bandras Chimbai Koliwada. Thali sweet is mainly ensconced within East Indian kitchens, but Falcon makes it on order. (Contact: 9870173090) Also Read | Warm breads, strawberry sloffen hearts at a Dutch bakery in Kochi View full Image 'Kadak boondi ladoo' at Ladu Samrat. BYCULLA SOUFFLE: Named after the eponymous whites-only gentlemens club of colonial Bombay where it was invented, Byculla Souffle only survives in fading memoirs and popular imagination. The Byculla Club, established in 1833, was legendary for its prawn curry dinners and this boozy dessert made with mix of kummel, chartreuse, orange, curacao and Benedictine spiked with isinglass, which was whipped up with egg yolks, sugar and fresh cream, poured into moulds, topped with biscuit crumbs and baked. The dessert may no longer be available, but Samuel T. Sheppards 1916 book The Byculla Club carries a recipe. MALAI NA KHAJA: The Parsis descended from Persian Zoroastrian migrants, who first arrived on the Indian west coast in the eighth century, fleeing religious persecution. Under British rule, they emerged as an influential community by virtue of their entrepreneurial acumen. An iconic Parsi dairy enterprise is the Parsi Dairy Farm opened by Nariman Ardeshir in 1916. Their malai na khaja is a flaky, syrup-laced pastry dome with a cream centre and a topping of nuts and varq. We prepare the richest malai daily for this, and during festivals and family occasions people come in asking for it by name, says Parvana Mistry, operations director at Parsi Dairy Farm. Archaeologist and culinary anthropologist Kurush F. Dalal says it is also popular among the Bohras of Mumbai. LADOO: In the 19th century, Mumbai transformed into a hub of cotton mills, attracting thousands of migrants, who arrived to work in its textile mills. In areas where these mills were concentrated, chawls, khanavals and snack shops mushroomed. One of them is Mumbai Ladu Samrat. It was established by my grandfather Maruti Rakshe in 1967 and served migrants from the Konkan region. Initially, it was popular for the hard kadak boondi ladoo made with boondi and thick concentrated syrup that hardens on cooling, says Siddhant Rakshe, the current owners son. The shop moved to its present location near Lal Baughs Ganesh Galli in 1991. View full Image Mahim 'halwa'. ( Nandan Mangaokar ) MODAK: Lalbaughcha Raja may be Mumbais most famous Ganesha idol, but the citys first public Ganesh Chaturthi festival was held in 1893, at Keshavji Naik Chawl in Girgaon through the efforts of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, says Siddhartha Fondekar, an advocate and heritage enthusiast, who leads walking tours. Close to the historic pandal, stands the 105-year-old Panshikar, famous for their ukadiche modakfluted domes of steamed rice flour stuffed with jaggery and coconut, a mandatory offering to Ganpati bappa. AFLATOON: The origins of this fudgy, sweet made with mawa, eggs, semolina and nuts are amorphous. But, in Mumbai, it is synonymous with Mohammad Ali Road, where the best ones are sold at the shop of Suleman Usman Mithaiwala. The area is a hub of the citys diverse Muslim population comprising numerous migrant communities. Mahomed Ghyas-ud-deens 19th century Persian text Jan-e Bombai speaks of diverse Muslim groups who already lived in the cityfrom Arabs and Turks, to Malabaris and Konkanis. MAWA CAKE: A mix of Zoroastrians and Muslim Shias also migrated to Mumbai in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly from Yazd in southern Iran. Called Iranis, many of them started out by selling tea, and opened bakeries and provision stores that morphed into corner cafe-restaurants, says Dalal. Today, no visit to one is complete without the rich, dense mawa cake that Dalal believes descended from the Persian kumas (cake). Now that the legendary Irani cafe B. Merwan & Co., famed for their mawa cakes, has shut down after 111 years, try the ones at Kyani & Co., another landmark Irani Cafe. View full Image 'Sev barfi'. ( Alka Keswani ) PINEAPPLE SHEERA: Nothing quite beats a spoon of glossy pineapple sheera at Ram Ashray, after a breakfast of crisp dosas or podi idlis. A semolina halwa studded with chunks of pineapple, it is a staple at Mumbais Udupi hotels, inexpensive vegetarian eateries originally started by migrants from the Udupi region of Karnataka. In the 1930s-40s, a number of Udupi hotels cropped up, especially in areas like Matunga, which emerged as a bastion of south Indians, as scholar Chinmay Tumbe points out in his 2018 book India Moving: A History of Migration. SEV BARFI: Singhar ji mitha or sev barfia fudgy sweet of khoya and unsalted sevis a Sindhi speciality for all occasions, says Alka Keswani, who documents her communitys food on her blog Sindhi Rasoi. In Mumbai, the best sev barfi comes from Jhama Sweets in Chembur. The shop was started by Jhamalal Lulla, a native of Sindh in present-day Pakistan, who migrated to India during Partition, along with millions of others who crossed the border at the time. Chembur was among the several refugee camps that cropped up at the time to accommodate the displaced. Also Read | A sweet lover's guide to Murshidabad If someone has an eight-year education goal for their child, they can invest in a life cycle fund with an eight-year residual maturity. As the goal date approaches, the fund automatically shifts to a more conservative asset allocation to protect capital. All the rebalancing happens within the fund, so there is no interim tax leakage. The tax impact arises only at maturity or at the time of redemption. The structure is such that investors will typically bear long-term capital gains tax at the end of maturity. If an investor were to implement a glide path independently, they would typically need to sell growth assets such as equities multiple times along the way, triggering capital gains tax at each stage, Shenoy explained. Global air travel has been hit massively in the past couple of days, as tensions flared up in the Middle East once again, after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. The attack, officially called Operation Epic Fury, has already resulted in the death of Irans long-time Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many other top leaders. Which airspaces are open? Iran has retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region, forcing the closure of most Gulf countries, except Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, and Egypt. Countries that have closed airspace Countries that have confirmed full closures of their airspace to civilian traffic are: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace is partially and temporarily closed. Current flight and airport status: Dubai Airports (DXB & DWC): All flight operations are suspended "until further notice". Abu Dhabi (AUH): Suspended all flight operations until further notice. Also Read | Airlines issue advisory on refunds after Middle East flight cancellations Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Temporarily suspended all flight operations until further notice. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT): Suspended for all flight operations "until further notice. Riyadhs King Khalid International Airport (RUH): While the airport is not closed, it is experiencing significant operational disruptions due to regional airspace closures. Many international carriers, including Lufthansa, Air India, and Virgin Atlantic, have suspended services to Riyadh. Also Read | Stranded Indian passenger lauds UAEs response to flight cancellations Dohas Hamad International Airport (DOH): All commercial flights to and from Doha are suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Jerusalems Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV): Closed to all civilian air traffic. Bahrain International Airport (BIA): Closed to flight operations until further notice. Airlines that have cancelled flights Emirates: All operations to and from Dubai are suspended until at least 15:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026. Qatar Airways: Operations from Doha remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Etihad Airways: All flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 02:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026. Also Read | Over 3,400 flights cancelled across Middle East flydubai: All flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026. Air Arabia: Flights to and from the UAE are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on March 2, 2026. Turkish Airlines: Cancelled flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until March 2, 2026. Oman Air: Cancelled flights to and from Amman and other routes. Kuwait Airways: Cancelled flights to Amman and Beirut. Jazeera Airways: All routes to Iran and several regional services are suspended. Gulf Air: Flights to Iraq, Jordan, and other regional sectors affected. Royal Jordanian: Multiple regional flights have been cancelled. Saudia, Flynas: Regional disruptions and cancellations. Iraqi Airways, Iran Aseman Airlines: Flights are grounded. EgyptAir: Cancelled several flights to the Gulf. Indian Army personnel foiled an attempted drone intrusion along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district early Sunday morning, detecting and repelling multiple quadcopters that briefly crossed into Indian airspace before retreating under counter-drone action, officials said. Also Read | Indian Army Agniveer Recruitment registration begins The episode, which unfolded shortly after dawn, highlights the growing use of unmanned aerial systems along the contested frontier and has prompted renewed vigilance among security forces deployed in forward positions. Early morning detection triggers swift counter-drone response According to officials, troops stationed in the sensitive Poonch sector detected suspicious aerial movement between 5:45 am and 6:00 am, when two to three small quadcopters attempted to violate Indian airspace. Ground units immediately activated counter-drone measures, forcing the aircraft to disengage and return across the Line of Control. Also Read | 10 Indian Army soldiers killed in Doda road accident In the early morning hours today, between 5:45 and 6:00 AM, 2-3 small quadcopters attempted to violate airspace along the Line of Control in the Poonch area of Jammu & Kashmir. Swift counter-drone actions by vigilant Indian Army personnel successfully thwarted the attempt, forcing the quadcopters to return, Indian Army Officials said according to news agency ANI. Authorities have not officially disclosed the origin of the drones. Troops open fire as drone hovers over Digwar area During the same incident window, an unmanned aerial vehicle briefly entered the Indian side near the Digwar area, prompting troops manning a forward post to open fire. Officials said soldiers detected the drone at around 6:10 am and fired more than a dozen rounds in an attempt to bring it down. The drone, however, evaded gunfire after hovering briefly and returned towards Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The firing formed part of the Armys standard engagement protocol when aerial intrusions are detected in sensitive border zones. Search operation launched to rule out weapons or narcotics drop Following the intrusion attempt, security forces launched a search operation in nearby areas to ensure that no weapons, explosives or narcotics had been airdropped during the drones brief presence. Also Read | Indian Army soldier dies in military camp firing in J&Ks Samba Officials said no suspicious material had been recovered so far. Drone incursions along the LoC have previously been linked to cross-border smuggling operations, particularly involving arms and narcotics, prompting heightened monitoring in vulnerable sectors. Second drone sighting in three days keeps forces on high alert Sundays incident marked the second time within three days that troops in the Poonch sector opened fire after detecting drone movement from across the border. On February 27, soldiers had similarly engaged a suspected Pakistani drone in the same area. The recurrence of such incidents has kept security forces on elevated alert, reflecting an evolving security challenge as low-flying quadcopters increasingly feature in cross-border activity. Military officials say small drones pose operational difficulties due to their size, manoeuvrability and limited radar visibility, requiring rapid ground-based response rather than traditional air defence systems. Schools and colleges in Kashmir will remain closed for the next two days, said the minister for education, Sakina Itoo, on Sunday, 1 March 2026. Speaking to Srinagar-based newspaper Greater Kashmir, Itoo said the decision was taken in light of the prevailing situation in Kashmir. We have decided to keep the schools and colleges closed for two days. On 2 March 2026, elementary schools were scheduled to reopen after over two months of winter vacation. The latest development comes after widespread protests erupted in several parts of Kashmir on Sunday after the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, news agency PTI reported, citing officials. Also Read | Widespread protests erupt across Kashmir over Khameneis killing Advisory for media Meanwhile, the Pulwama Police has urged all media outlets, journalists, social media users, digital platforms and the general public to be responsible when reporting or sharing any information related to law and order, security issues, or public gatherings in the district, ANI reported. The police advised the media to verify information from official, authorised sources. They warned that rumours, unverified information, or speculative reports could cause unnecessary panic, lead to public confusion, and impact peace and normalcy. They further urged the media to maintain professional standards and to rely solely on authenticated updates issued by the district police when sharing information. "Pulwama Police makes it clear that any person or organisation found deliberately circulating misinformation or attempting to disrupt public harmony through misleading content shall face appropriate legal action as per law," the news agency quoted the statement issued by police. "The cooperation of all citizens is solicited in ensuring peace, stability and communal harmony across the district," they added. Protests across Jammu and Kashmir Scores of people in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday staged a protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar following the news of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes. The protests remained peaceful as participants displayed pictures of Khamenei and banners showing support for Iran. On the streets of Srinagar, black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were recited, ANI reported. Delhi airport on Sunday saw at least 100 international flights cancelled as airlines grappled with major operational challenges triggered by US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. According to PTI, the disruptions included 60 international departures and 40 arrivals. Due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East, westbound international flights may experience disruptions or schedule changes, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X. Earlier, the Civil Aviation Ministry indicated that domestic carriers were likely to cancel 444 international flights on Sunday. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), managed by DIAL, is Indias largest aviation hub, handling more than 1,300 flight movements daily. The cancellations come amid intensifying hostilities in West Asia following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets. The escalation has prompted retaliatory warnings and led to the closure of airspace over Iran, Israel and Iraq. The volatility has roiled global aviation, forcing airlines to suspend services to several Gulf destinations as a precaution. On Saturday, passengers at Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport were left stranded after multiple Middle East-bound flights were scrapped due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Several flights cancelled at Amritsar Airport Flight operations were also disrupted at Amritsar airport on Sunday as the conflict escalated across parts of the Gulf region. Amritsar Airport Director Bhupinder Singh told ANI that five flights were affected. A SpiceJet flight to Dubai was recalled midair after refuelling, while an IndiGo flight from Amritsar was diverted to Surat. Yesterday, five flights were cancelled. Two were cancelled on the ground. Two others had taken off one SpiceJet flight to Dubai was called back to Amritsar around 7 pm after refuelling. The other, IndiGo 6E 147 from Amritsar, was diverted to Surat. An Air Express flight on the ground was de-boarded. An IndiGo flight from Sharjah to Amritsar was cancelled, as was an Air India flight to Birmingham, Singh said. These widespread disruptions are a direct consequence of extensive airspace restrictions throughout West Asia, which continue to impact global transit corridors. Thousands of travellers stranded as Middle East airports closed Following the strikes on Iran by US and Israeli forces, flight operations throughout the Middle East and beyond faced severe disruptions as regional nations shuttered their airspace. Major aviation hubs connecting Europe, Africa and the West to Asia were also directly impacted by military activity. Emirates Airlines halted all services to and from Dubai until Sunday afternoon, while Qatar Airways confirmed that the airport in Qatar remained closed until Monday morning. Meanwhile, the Israeli carrier El Al announced it was organising a recovery plan to repatriate citizens stuck overseas once the skies reopened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday night chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Indias top decision-making body on security and strategic issues, to review the developing situation in West Asia, PTI reported. The discussion focused on the fallout from the recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the killing of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)," a source told PTI, without disclosing details of the meeting. The CCS meeting took place soon after Modi returned to the national capital around 9:30 pm, following his two-day visit to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, PTI reported. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting. Top officials briefed the committee on the prevailing situation in West Asia and its implications on India, the sources told PTI. Who attended the Cabinet Committee on Security? National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, principal secretaries to the prime minister, P K Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also attended the meeting. It is believed that the meeting discussed the safety of Indian nationals living in West Asia, including those stranded, and how to deal with the situation if it deteriorates, the sources told PTI. Currently, the airspace of West Asia is almost closed. With flight services disrupted due to the military escalation in West Asia, hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai, Doha and other key airports in the region, with many taking to social media, appealing to the Indian government for assistance. The meeting is also learnt to have taken stock of the situation arising out of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for Indian oil carriers, by the Iranian authorities, the sources told PTI. Approximately 10,000 Indian citizens reside, study, and work in Iran, while more than 40,000 live in Israel. Overall, around nine million Indians live across the Gulf and West Asia. In previous crises, India has successfully evacuated thousands of its nationals from conflict zones, including in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Indian missions in the region are maintaining constant contact with citizens, and emergency helplines have been activated, PTI reported. Israel and the United States launched a major attack on Iran early Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Khamenei. Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency announced the 86-year-old's death early Sunday. US President Donald Trump said it gave the Iranians their "greatest chance" to "take back their country". The heavy, pinpoint bombing would continue through the week or as long as necessary, Trump said. Iran responded to the assault by firing drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, and also at the global business hub of Dubai. On Sunday, mourners belonging to the Shia community took to the streets in various parts of India to express outrage and grief over the killing of Khamenei. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Sunday night amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The meeting is believed to have been convened in the wake of the prevailing situation following the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel. The prime minister heads the CCS while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are its members. US-Israeli strike kills Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The CCS meeting follows the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East since Saturday, when the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. On Sunday, Iran confirmed that Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in the attack in Tehran. Iran, which vowed to respond to the US-Israeli strikes, has unleashed a barrage of missile and drone attacks on neighbouring countries, hosting US military bases. The Middle East is home to an estimated Indian population of 11.4 million, out of which, over 9.4 million are in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Sunday announced potential delays and adjustments to westbound international flights due to tensions and airspace closures in the Middle East, news agency ANI reported. The development comes after several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace after tensions escalated in the region following the strikes the United States and Israel carried out against Iran. In a travel advisory, IGI airport advised passengers to stay updated with their respective flight's status before heading to the airport, adding that they should refer to the airport's official website to get real-time updates. The advisory read, Due to the ongoing political developments in the Middle East, westbound international flights may face delays or schedule adjustments. Passengers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport. For real-time updates, please visit our official website: www.newdelhiairport.in. Also Read | Airlines issue advisory on refunds after Middle East flight cancellations Indian airports cancel flights A total of 100 flights have been cancelled at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which includes 60 departing and 40 arriving flights, ANI reported, citing sources. A total of 125 flights have been cancelled at Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport so far, including 67 outbound and 58 inbound services. At Tiruchirappalli International Airport, authorities have cancelled 17 incoming and 16 outgoing flights for 1 March, while three arrivals and two departures have been called off for 2 March. Airlines release travel advisories Air India released an advisory on Sunday stating that passengers flying to or from the Middle East will be given full flexibility on their bookings, as many travellers have been affected by continuing airspace disruptions. Earlier, IndiGo also announced that it had temporarily halted certain international services operating through Middle Eastern airspace. The airline said the suspension will remain in place until 2 March 2026. Air India Express has cancelled more than 110 services as airspace restrictions remain in place over Iran and parts of the Middle East. Airlines suspend operations in the Middle East Meanwhile, international carriers such as Emirates have temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3:00 p.m. UAE time on Monday, 2 March. At Doha's Hamad International Airport, operations continued to be on hold after the Qatari airspace was shut down. Middle East tensions soar Tensions in the Middle East region soared since Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran and targeted its military and naval forces, which prompted retaliation from Tehran. Hours after it was attacked, Iran targeted US bases in several Middle East countries, thereby plunging the region into a wider and renewed military confrontation. On Saturday, explosions were heard across several cities in the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, and Manama. In Dubai, the man-made island Palm Jumeirah also reported an incident of fire, whereas Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, was evacuated minutes after an explosion occurred nearby. The tensions have escalated further after Iran's state-run agency on Sunday (local time) announced that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strike on Saturday, throwing the country into a state of mourning. Following his death, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed avenge, calling Khamenei's killing a "declaration of war against Muslims." US-Iran War: The Congress on Sunday said the government's response to the war unleashed on Iran has been a betrayal of India's values, principles and interests, as it claimed that the nation is paying a heavy price for both the substance and style of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy. Taking a swipe at PM Modi, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said India's foreign policy under the "self-styled Vishwaguru" stands brutally exposed, notwithstanding all the grandstanding on it by the PM's cheerleaders, led by himself. "Modi visited Israel on February 25-26, 2026, at a time when the entire world was aware that a US-Israel military attack on Iran for regime change was imminent. The assault began just two days after Mr. Modi left Israel, where his speech to the Knesset was a display of shameful moral cowardice," Ramesh said on X. "The Modi government's response to the war unleashed on Iran that has involved targeted assassinations has been a betrayal of India's values, principles, concerns, and interests," he alleged. Ramesh's remarks come after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States. State media reported that the 86-year-old was killed in an air strike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. Genuflected before the Israeli PM, President Trump Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the targetted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation, Iran by the so-called leaders of the democratic world. The killing of multitudes of innocent people is despicable and deserves strong condemnation, no matter what the proclaimed reason for it is. It is tragic that multiple nations have now been dragged into conflict, Vadra said in a post on X The world needs peace, not more unnecessary wars. Those in charge of it would do well to remember Mahatma Gandhis words: An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, she said. I do hope that having genuflected before the Prime Minister of Israel and President Trump, our Prime Minister makes every effort to bring all Indian citizens in the affected countries back home to safety, Vadra wrote. The Congress on Saturday condemned the attacks launched on Iran by the US and Israel, and called upon the Indian government to help bring the hostilities to an end and ensure the safety of all Indians in the Middle East. The opposition party expressed concern over the escalating hostilities in the region and urged the government to ensure that all Indians living there are safe. The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, with Trump calling on the Iranian public to seize control of their destiny and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled their country since 1979. Puppet of Trump: Singh AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh wondered why PM Modi has not sent out a post on X over Khameneis killing. Singh recalled how the PM had declared one day of national mourning after the death of Irans President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed along with seven other people, when the helicopter they were travelling in came down near the border with Azerbaijan in May 2024. Modi ji, what happened today? You had declared a national mourning for the death of Iran's President. You're not even mustering the courage to tweet a single condolence for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, because America is responsible for it. The country doesn't need such a cowardly Prime Minister who is a puppet of Trump, Singh said in a post. The government's response to the war unleashed on Iran has been a betrayal of India's values, principles, and interests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tonight chair a high-level security meet to assess the impact for India. West Asia conflict: PM Modi to chair Cabinet Committee on Security meet tonight Modi will chair the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting around 10 pm today, after returning from Puducherry, news agency ANI said, quoting sources. DUBAI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A joint military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran, which started on Saturday morning, triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions. Below is a timeline of how events unfolded: -- Feb. 28, around 0620 GMT: Xinhua reporters in Tehran reported hearing explosions in the Iranian capital. -- Feb. 28, around 0630 GMT: Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed a "preemptive" strike on Iran and declared a nationwide state of emergency. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, with emergency alerts sent to civilians. Iran's Fars news agency reported multiple missile strikes in central Tehran, with additional explosions in Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah. Reports also indicated a strike near the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's office. Israeli media, citing security sources, reported the operation was a joint U.S.-Israeli strike. -- Feb. 28, around 0700 GMT: Israel and Iran both closed their airspace. Israeli and U.S. assessments concluded that negotiations with Iran were no longer viable. Washington said the strikes aimed to dismantle Iran's security apparatus. -- Feb. 28, around 0730 GMT: U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had launched a large-scale military campaign to destroy Iran's missile industry, naval forces, and nuclear capabilities. An Israeli source said the first phase would last four days and target senior leadership, including Khamenei. -- Feb. 28, around 0800 GMT: Iranian media said Tehran was preparing "crushing" retaliation. Missile launches from Iran were detected, with explosions reported in northern Israel. Civilians were ordered into shelters. -- Feb. 28, around 0830 GMT: Xinhua reporters in Tehran heard further explosions. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced large-scale missile and drone attacks. -- Feb. 28, around 0900 GMT: A senior Iranian official said retaliation would have "no red lines." Explosions were reported across Israel, causing damage in Haifa. -- Feb. 28, around 0930 GMT: Iranian media reported strikes on U.S. military bases across the region. Explosions were reported in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. Iran called on the United Nations to respond to what it described as U.S.-Israeli aggression. -- Feb. 28, around 1100 GMT: Iranian media reported that a deadly strike hit a girls' elementary school in southern Iran, and the death toll from the attack had risen to 165, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency on Sunday. Iranian officials said most of the victims were schoolchildren. -- Feb. 28, around 1200 GMT: The IRGC claimed it destroyed a U.S. radar installation in Qatar. -- Feb. 28, around 1500 GMT: The Israeli military said it had carried out large-scale strikes on Iran's air defense systems, significantly degrading them. -- Feb. 28, around 1600 GMT: Iranian media said missile attacks had targeted at least 14 U.S. bases in the region. The UN Security Council held an emergency session on the conflict. -- Feb. 28, around 1940 GMT: The Iranian Red Crescent said strikes across 24 provinces killed 201 people and injured 747. -- March 1, around 0030 GMT: Iranian media reported that four relatives of Khamenei had been killed. -- March 1, around 0130 GMT: Iranian media confirmed that Khamenei had been killed. The government declared 40 days of national mourning. Earlier, Donald Trump said on social media that Khamenei was "dead" and that military operations would continue. -- March 1, around 0230 GMT: CBS News, citing U.S. officials, reported that around 40 Iranian officials, including Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour, were killed. -- March 1, around 0530 GMT: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran had prepared contingency plans for the post-Khamenei period. -- March 1, around 0600 GMT: Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said an interim leadership council would be formed and a new supreme leader selected. -- March 1, around 1450 GMT: The IRGC claimed it launched four ballistic missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, saying its retaliatory strikes against the United States and Israel had entered a "new phase." The Pentagon confirmed that three U.S. troops were killed in the U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, marking the first American casualties of the conflict. -- March 1, around 1700 GMT: The IRGC said it struck three oil tankers belonging to the United States and Britain in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, with the vessels reported on fire, according to its official outlet Sepah News. -- March 1, around 1800 GMT: The Israeli military said it had achieved "air superiority in the skies over Tehran" following a wave of airstrikes targeting Iran's capital. We are in touch with the client firms. The workers are safe. About 80 workers from our side were supposed to go to Bahrain and Qatar in the next two days; and now that has halted, and so have other recruitments for the region, said Kapil Gupta, chief executive officer of Shella Consultants, an overseas recruitment firm for oil and gas, telecom, infrastructure, and construction companies, among other sectors. In a world increasingly shaped by war and geopolitical tensions, Sun Tzu offers a classical realist perspective on how power can be built and exercised efficiently. Rather than glorifying conflict, his ideas focus on strengthening ones position through careful strategy, preparation, intelligence, and psychological advantage. Power, in his view, is not merely about military strength but about shaping circumstances so that confrontation becomes unnecessary or decisively one-sided. Who was Sun Tzu? Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher who is traditionally believed to have lived during the Eastern Zhou period (around the 5th century BCE), specifically in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Book of the day: The Art of War The Art of War (original Chinese title: Sunzi Bingfa) is an ancient Chinese military treatise composed of 13 chapters, each focusing on different aspects of warfare, strategy, and tactics. Written around the 5th century BCE, the book provides a detailed analysis of military matters, including weapons, terrain, logistics, morale, deception, intelligence, leadership, and the broader philosophy of conflict. Famous quotes from the Art of War In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. The greatest victory is that which requires no battle. He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. Opportunities multiply as they are seized. About author Sun Tzu Lessons from the Art of War: 1. Winning without fighting: One of the most powerful lessons in the book is that the highest form of victory is winning without fighting. Sun Tzu argues that direct confrontation is often costly and unpredictable; therefore, the superior strategist achieves objectives through planning, alliances, diplomacy, psychological pressure, and superior positioning. Also Read | Glitzy Dubai gets a taste of Middle East war Victory should come from undermining the opponents ability or will to fight rather than through brute force. This principle highlights the importance of foresight and subtlety over aggression. 2. Warfare grounded in deception Another central teaching is that warfare is grounded in deception. According to Sun Tzu, a commander must control appearances seeming weak when strong and strong when weak, in order to mislead the enemy. Information, perception, and uncertainty become strategic tools. By manipulating what an opponent believes to be true, one can gain a decisive advantage without necessarily increasing physical strength. 3. Importance of time and speed The book also stresses the importance of timing and speed. Opportunities in conflict are often fleeting, and hesitation can lead to lost advantage. A well-prepared leader must recognise favourable conditions and act decisively. Swift, coordinated action can overwhelm an opponent before they are ready to respond. However, speed is not reckless haste; it is the product of preparation that allows quick execution when the moment arrives. 4. Effective strategy Adaptability is another key principle. Sun Tzu compares an effective strategy to water, which adjusts its shape according to the terrain. Just as water flows around obstacles, a wise leader modifies plans according to changing circumstances. Rigid adherence to fixed methods leads to vulnerability, while flexibility ensures survival and success in unpredictable environments. 5. Strong leadership matters Strong leadership also plays a decisive role in success. Sun Tzu emphasises that a commander must embody discipline, wisdom, courage, and moral authority. Soldiers are more likely to follow a leader they trust and respect. The internal unity and morale of a force can determine the outcome of a conflict more than numerical superiority or material strength. At a time when conflicts are unfolding across the world, and geopolitical tensions are rising amid the breakdown of dialogue and diplomacy, people may turn to the insights of Carl von Clausewitz to better understand the true nature and purpose of war. What does Clausewitz's quote mean? Carl von Clausewitz's most famous quote is, "War is merely the continuation of policy by other means" In the original German from Vom Kriege, it reads roughly: "Der Krieg ist nichts anderes als die Fortsetzung der Politik mit anderen Mitteln", which roughly translates to "War is merely the continuation of political intercourse, with the addition of other means" or a continuation of political activity by other means. Carl von Clausewitz argues that war is not separate from politics, nor does it occur only when politics fails. Instead, war is one of several tools a political community, typically a state or government, uses to achieve its political goals. The other means refers mainly to organised violence, such as armed force and battle, rather than peaceful political methods. War is always subordinate to political objectives. If those objectives change, the character, scale, or even the continuation of the war should change as well. About Clausewitz Carl von Clausewitz (full name: Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz) was a Prussian general, military theorist, and one of the most influential thinkers on warfare in history. He was born on July 1, 1780, in Burg near Magdeburg, Prussia, into a family of modest origins that claimed noble status. He joined the Prussian army at the remarkably young age of 12 as a lance corporal (or standard-bearer), and saw his first combat during the French Revolutionary Wars. Clausewitz fought in the Napoleonic Wars, experiencing Prussia's devastating defeat in 1806, after which he briefly served in the Russian army against Napoleon. He later returned to Prussian service, rose to the rank of major general, and married Marie von Bruhl in 1810 (she played a key role in editing and publishing his work after his death). His most famous contribution is the book Vom Kriege (On War), published posthumously in 1832. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (February 28) he believes reports that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in airstrikes are "correct". In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated: We feel that that is a correct story. He stopped short of formally confirming the claim. There was no immediate response from Iran. Israeli officials later told The Associated Press that Khamenei is dead, though neither the US nor Iran issued official confirmation. Strikes follow Iranian retaliation The comments came after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military bases in the region in retaliation for earlier US-Israeli strikes. Some of the initial strikes on Iran reportedly hit areas near Khameneis offices. Iranian media said attacks occurred nationwide, with smoke seen rising over Tehran. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was present. Trump calls strikes a success The President said todays military strikes in Iran are already a success. He added: Weve inflicted tremendous damage. It would take them years to rebuild. Claims of senior leadership casualties Trump said most of Irans senior leadership had been eliminated. The people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone, he said. He added that leaders were killed in multiple waves of strikes: There were three attacks you know about the one that was covered, but there were two other attacks, which inflicted very great losses on their leadership. When asked when the strikes occurred, he said: Over the last 24 hours. Comments on Irans future leadership Asked who might replace Khamenei, Trump said: I dont know, but at some point theyll be calling me to ask who Id like. He later added: Im only being a little sarcastic when I say that. Two Israeli officials later told The Associated Press that Israel had confirmed his death, though no formal announcement has been issued. Also Read | FlightRadar24 starts showing error due to unprecedented volume On Saturday, February 28, around 8:10 a.m. local time in Tehran, Israeli fighter jets struck Beit Rahbari, also known as the House of Leadership, the official residence and office complex of the Supreme Leader of Iran. After repeated denials throughout the day, on Saturday, on Sunday morning, Irans state media announced to the world that its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in the US-Israeli operation. US-Israeli operation that killed Khamenei Saturdays strike ended Khameneis nearly four-decade-long iron-fisted rule over Iran, even though the regime continues to fight back. The strike on Saturday, in which Israeli fighter jets dropped 30 bombs on the compound, was the culmination of months of meticulous planning by intelligence agencies. Highly sophisticated tracking Although the exact details of how they did it are unknown, US President Donald Trump hinted that they have been tracking him closely. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Tracking Khamenei for months According to The New York Times, the CIA had been tracking Ayatollah Khamenei for months, gaining more confidence about his locations and his patterns. This behavioral analysis allowed agencies to gain "high fidelity" on his likely locations and daily routines. Meeting that sealed the fate However, the most crucial information came hours before - a meeting of top Iranian officials at a leadership compound, where the supreme leader would be present. The information provided a window of opportunity for the two countries to achieve a critical and early victory: the elimination of top Iranian officials and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, the report said. The CIA passed its intelligence, described as offering high fidelity on Khameneis position, to Israel, according to people briefed on the operation. Based on this information, the US and Israel planned the attack, which also signaled the launch of a wider campaign. According to the reports, the governments of the United States and Israel had originally planned to launch the attack at night but shifted to a daylight strike after learning of the leadership gathering in Tehran. ABC News also corroborated the chain of events that led to the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and said the CIA had been tracking him for months When they learned there would be a meeting of top leaders on Saturday with the Supreme leader, the timing of the attack was moved, a source told ABC News, adding that the agency had high confidence in their analysis. ABC News also reported that Israel had been planning for months with its own intelligence to target Iranian leadership. 'US used Claude' Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported that the attack was carried out with the assistance of Claude, an artificial intelligence tool developed by the company Anthropic, just hours after the federal administration announced it was terminating its contract with the firm and labeling it a security threat. According to WSJ, military headquarters around the world, including the United States Central Command in the Middle East, are using Claude for intelligence assessments, target identification, and battle scenario simulations. Israel carried out another round of airstrikes on Tehran on Sunday, saying the objective was to secure air superiority following the killing of Irans supreme leader, as the country struggles to reorganise its leadership during one of the most severe crises it has faced in decades, Reuters reported. The exchange of US and Israeli attacks and Irans retaliation has rattled key global industries, from shipping and aviation to oil fuelling concerns over higher energy prices and disruptions to commerce in the Gulf, a vital corridor for international trade, according to a report by Reuters. Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said that after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a three-member leadership council has been established to temporarily exercise the duties of the supreme leader. The council is made up of himself, the head of Irans judiciary, and a representative from the powerful Guardian Council, and will serve in this role until a new supreme leader is chosen under the countrys constitutional process. Iran says US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln hit The US military said it had sunk an Iranian ship, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had launched an attack on the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, state media reported. CENTCOM shares fact check Meanwhile, CENTCOM said in a post on X, Irans IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE. The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didnt even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOMs relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime. In a sign of widening turmoil, Israel's ambulance service said nine people were killed by a missile strike in the town of Beit Shemesh, the United Arab Emirates said Iranian attacks killed three people, and Kuwait reported one dead in Iranian raids. Also Read | US says its jet shot down Iranian drone near USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian sea The Israeli military said that over the past day Israeli planes had conducted strikes to open the path to Tehran, and the majority of aerial defence systems in western and central Iran had been dismantled, Reuters reported. It added: Ali Khamenei was targeted in a precise, large-scale operation carried out by the Israeli Air Force, guided by accurate IDF intelligence, while he was in his central leadership compound in the heart of Tehran, where he was together with additional senior officials. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets remained, including sites of military-industrial production. "We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary," he said. Also Read | Paytm CEO reacts as Abu Dhabi extends hotel stays for free amid US-Iran conflict Several hours after the United States and Israel announced that an airstrike had killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans state media confirmed the death of the 86-year-old leader. Reactions inside Iran were sharply divided: while some mourned him, others openly celebrated, revealing deep societal rifts in a nation shaken by the sudden loss of a ruler who had held power for decades. Khamenei had also authorised a sweeping crackdown on anti-government protests in January, during which thousands of Iranians were killed the bloodiest unrest the country had experienced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Footage from Tehran showed mourners packed into a square, dressed in black and many of them weeping. But videos posted on social media also showed joy and defiance elsewhere, with people cheering as a statue was toppled in the city of Dehloran in Ilam province, dancing in the streets of Karaj city, near Tehran in Alborz province, and celebrating in the streets of Izeh in Khuzestan province. Reuters has verified the locations of these videos. Khamenei, who built Iran into a powerful anti-US force and spread its sway across the Middle East during his 36-year iron-fisted rule, was working in his office at the time of Saturday's attack, state media said. The raid also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Two US sources and a US official familiar with the matter told Reuters that Israel and the US timed their attack on Saturday to coincide with a meeting Khamenei was holding with top aides. Experts said that while his death and those of other Iranian leaders would deal Iran a major blow, it would not necessarily spell the end of Iran's entrenched clerical rule or the sway of the elite Revolutionary Guards over the population, Reuters reported. As supreme leader, Khamenei held ultimate power in Iran, acting as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and deciding on the direction of foreign policy, defined largely by confrontation with the United States and Israel. UAE adviser tells Iran, go back to your senses Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced Khamenei's death as a cynical murder and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi described it as "blatant killing", while European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the death of Khamenei was a defining moment in Irans history, Reuters reported. After Iran retaliated with airstrikes around the Gulf, Anwar Gargash, adviser to the president of US ally and oil power, the United Arab Emirates, urged Tehran to "go back to your senses", saying the war is not with Iran's Gulf Arab neighbours. The UAE has so far borne the brunt of Iran's retaliation. Trump warned on Sunday that the US would hit Iran "with a force that has never been seen before" if it strikes back after the attacks on it. Iran vows terrifying blows Highlighting the strain on energy flows, shipping data showed that at least 150 tankers, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas vessels, had anchored in open Gulf waters outside the Strait of Hormuz, while dozens more remained idle on the opposite side of the strategic chokepoint on Sunday following US and Israeli strikes, Reuters reported. Also Read | Why Iran is hard to intimidate According to Reuters estimates based on MarineTraffic ship-tracking data, the vessels were concentrated in waters off key Gulf energy producers such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as LNG heavyweight Qatar, Reuters reported. Elsewhere in the region, unrest spread to Pakistan, where police in Karachi clashed with demonstrators who breached the outer wall of the U.S. consulate. The violence left nine people dead after news of Khameneis death triggered protests. The US Embassy in Jerusalem said that it is not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel, and advised US citizens to shelter in place. As a result of the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy has directed that all U.S. government employees and their family members continue to shelter in place in and near their residences until further notice. Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed on Monday March 2, 2026. This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. There will be no passport (emergency or regular) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services. The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel, the Embassy said in a post on X. The development comes amid fresh strikes launched by Iran following the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the joint strikes by US-Israel. Blasts were heard in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Jerusalem as the Islamic Republic continued to retaliate. Iran's fresh large scale attack Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced a fresh "large-scale" attack on Sunday, and blasts were heard in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with Israeli rescue services reporting four people killed in the latest missile attack, reported AFP. The Islamic Republic launched strikes across the Gulf after vowing to avenge slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, defying a threat from President Donald Trump to strike with unprecedented force. As crowds gathered in capital city Tehran with some grieving and others celebrating, explosions rang out and the Israeli military announced it was again striking targets in the heart of the capital, mentioned AFP's report. Israel-US, Iran clash: What has happened so far? Key Highlights US, alongside Israel, attacked Iran on Saturday, 28 February. Dubbed as Operation Epic Fury by Trump, US' multi-day strike commenced at around 1 a.m. (local time) with a salvo of ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions from US Air Force and Navy jets, a US official reportedly said. Hours after the joint strike, Iran retaliated. Blasts were heard in key Middle Eastern hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, among others. Reports also mentioned that Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building was evacuated. Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the strike, reported mentioned earlier today, Sunday. Following Khamenei's death, Alireza Arafi, has been appointed as the interim supreme leader of Iran. View full Image Who is Alireza Arafi? Key points at a glance The White House on Saturday shared images of US President Donald Trump monitoring a massive military strike on Iran, dubbed as Operation Epic Fury, that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei, from his home in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida. Washington shared the images in a series of tweets and wrote: President Donald J. Trump Monitors U.S. Military Operations in Iran: Operation Epic Fury, 28 February 2026. Capitol Hill also shared US Vice President JD Vance's picture from the Situation Room, monitoring the Iran operation. Cabinet Secretaries were also present. Trump warns Iran not to escalate attacks Trump has warned Iran not to escalate its attacks, writing online that America will strike back 'WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" Trump's comments on Truth Social follow Iranian threats on Sunday morning after acknowledging the killing of Khamenei. "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before," Trump wrote. "THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" What is Operation Epic Fury? Operation Epic Fury was the multi-day joint strike by Israel and the US, which commenced at around 1 AM (local time) with a salvo of ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions from US Air Force and Navy jets, a US official reportedly said. All I want is freedom for the people, Trump said in a brief phone interview shortly after 4 AM, when asked what he hopes his legacy will be as a result of the military action and a push for regime change in Iran, reported The Washington Post. Also Read | Trump struck Iran after lobbying by Saudi Crown Prince MBS: Washington Post He spoke from his Florida home, where he arrived Friday night just hours before the military strikes began, as per the US media outlet. After the initial strikes, Iran immediately launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Israeli military said Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted. The attack on Iran opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention, and carried the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war, representing a startling flex of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, Iranian state media reported. He was 86. After a major attack launched by Israel and the United States, state television and the state-run IRNA news agency reported Khamenei's death, without elaborating on the cause of death. Fars news agency said Khamenei was killed at his office while performing his assigned duties" in the early hours of Saturday morning. His death at his office showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance, a state TV said. According to Fars News, the Iranian government has declared 40 days of public mourning in the wake of Khameneis killing. They have also announced seven days of public holidays. The confirmation from Iranian media comes hours after US President Donald Trump had said Khamenei was killed in a joint American-Israeli operation targeting Iran. Evil Khamenei is dead Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Trump wrote in a social media post. He warned of heavy and pinpoint bombing that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of a lethal assault the US has justified as necessary to disable the country's nuclear capabilities. The killing of Khamenei in the second Trump administration's assault on Iran in eight months appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum, given the absence of a known successor and because the supreme leader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power. Khamenei led Irans clerical establishment and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, the two main centers of power in the governing theocracy. Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter killed in strike Iranian media also reported that the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the US-Israeli strikes. "After establishing contact with informed sources in the Supreme Leader's household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of the Revolutionary Leader has unfortunately been confirmed," Fars news agency and other Iranian media reported. Massive strike reportedly targeted Irans command structure Israel said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. It said that the operation aimed at dismantling Irans leadership hierarchy, claiming strikes targeted roughly 30 senior military and civilian figures, including: Khameneis top security adviser Ali Shamkhani Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh Chief military secretary Mohammad Shirazi Head of military intelligence Saleh Asadi SPND chairman Hossein Jabal Amelian Former SPND chairman Reza Mozaffari-Nia Strikes followed months of rising tensions The joint US-Israel operation, which officials say was planned for months, took place on Saturday during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan and at the start of the Iranian workweek. It followed stilted negotiations and warnings from Trump, who last year trumpeted his administration's success in incapacitating the country's nuclear program but cast the latest round as necessary to head off its potential resurgence. About 12 hours after the attacks began, the US military reported no American casualties and minimal damage at its bases despite hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. Khamenei was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Trump said. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. The latest United States military strikes on Iran have reignited a long-running constitutional debate in Washington DC : who truly holds the authority to take the nation to war. President Donald Trumps decision to launch a joint military campaign on Iran alongside Israel without prior congressional authorisation has drawn criticism from legal scholars and lawmakers, who argue the operation may be illegal under domestic US law and reflects decades of expanding presidential war powers. The episode underscores a persistent tension embedded within the American constitutional system one that has shaped US foreign policy for more than three-quarters of a century. Why critics say Trumps Iran strikes may violate US law Under Article I of the US Constitution, Congress holds the sole authority to declare war, a power it has not formally exercised since World War II. Despite that limitation, successive presidents have ordered military operations abroad under broader interpretations of executive authority. Trump acted unilaterally in launching the latest campaign against Iran, prompting critics to argue that the administration bypassed legislative oversight. Legal scholars and lawmakers contend that presidential authority under Article II which designates the president commander-in-chief is intended primarily for responding to imminent threats rather than initiating sustained military campaigns. Presidents, however, have increasingly relied on expansive readings of these powers, often citing national security concerns to justify military action without congressional approval. Can Congress actually stop military action? Congress retains mechanisms to challenge presidential military decisions, though they are politically and procedurally difficult to deploy. Lawmakers can introduce so-called war powers resolutions requiring the president to seek authorisation before continuing hostilities. Several members of Congress have already pushed for a vote on legislation aimed at limiting further military engagement with Iran. Also Read | FlightRadar24 starts showing error due to unprecedented volume For such a resolution to take effect, it must pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The president can then veto the measure, forcing Congress to secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override that veto a threshold rarely achieved in deeply polarised political environments. Driving the conflict: US and Israeli strikes on Iran The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes targeting Iranian senior commanders and political leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in what officials described as an effort to destabilise the regime. In a video statement, Trump said: "We're going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground." The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment following criticism over the legality of the operation. Also Read | Insurance costs jump for vessels in Gulf and Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacks Trump had floated the possibility of strikes for weeks, citing support for Iranian protesters, concerns over Tehrans nuclear ambitions and a broader desire for regime change. The administration had also ordered a significant troop buildup in the region prior to the attacks. Who can declare war under the US Constitution? The Constitution assigns Congress the exclusive power to declare war under Article I. Yet lawmakers have gradually interpreted that provision to allow presidents to deploy troops into hostile circumstances without a formal declaration if the United States is attacked or Congress has authorised force through legislation. The country has not issued an official declaration of war since 1942, during World War II. Presidents instead argue they possess broad operational authority as commanders-in-chief, particularly when military action is deemed time-sensitive. Congress is not quick. It's slow, it's deliberative, historian Julian Zelizer said. Sometimes the president has to be more nimble and send troops when the president believes that troops are necessary. A 75-year pattern of presidents bypassing US Congress Trumps actions follow a long historical pattern in which presidents from both political parties have authorised military force without explicit congressional approval. The precedent dates to 1950, when President Harry Truman sent US troops to South Korea, describing the intervention as an international police action that did not require congressional authorisation. The Korean War remains what former diplomat Scott Anderson called the high water mark presidents cite to justify unilateral uses of force. Cold War operations further expanded executive precedent, including the Bay of Pigs invasion under President John Kennedy and the secret bombing of Cambodia ordered by President Richard Nixon. In 1989, President George HW Bush invaded Panama to detain Manuel Noriega without prior congressional approval. Post-9/11 authorisations and expanding executive power Modern presidents have frequently relied on the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF), passed after the September 11 attacks, to justify operations far beyond their original scope. Congress has not approved a new AUMF since 2002, yet Presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden collectively authorised military actions in at least ten countries. The Obama administration, for example, justified intervention in Libya in 2011 as a limited mission conducted in the national interest, ultimately contributing to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Obama also deployed troops to Syria to fight ISIS without new congressional authorisation after lawmakers failed to vote on a proposed strike following chemical weapons attacks by the Assad government. Critics argue such decisions illustrate how presidents have stretched post-9/11 legal frameworks well beyond counterterrorism objectives. Why US Congress often avoids confrontation Political incentives frequently discourage lawmakers from directly challenging presidential military decisions. There's a long history of presidents struggling with these situations. Many members of Congress are happy to wash themselves of this responsibility, even if they lose a little credit, Zelizer said. WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told ABC News on Sunday that no country's leader has the right to tell Iran not to respond to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli massive airstrikes on Iran, saying his country has every right to defend itself and will continue fighting. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post early Sunday morning that Iran should not retaliate. "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. In response, Araghchi told ABC News: "I don't think any leader of a country has the right to say so. No." "We are defending ourselves, and we have every right, every legitimate right, to defend ourselves," said Araghchi. "What we are doing is the act of self-defense. There are huge differences between these two," he said. "We are defending ourselves; whatever it takes; and we see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people," he added. When asked if a negotiated settlement with the United States was still possible, Araghchi suggested that he was doubtful, saying that the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in recent years had become "a very bitter experience" for Iran. Araghchi said Iran was attacked both on Saturday and last June amid diplomatic talks with the United States that Iran believed were making progress, adding that Israel and some of Trump's advisers "dragged" Trump into a war even though a peace deal appeared possible after talks in Geneva on Thursday. Asked how much damage the attacks have done on the Iranian military infrastructure, Araghchi said: "Well, we have lost some commanders, that is a fact, and the names are already announced. But another fact is that nothing has changed in our military capability." The Iranian official said Iran was able to start retaliating even faster than it could during its 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States in June 2025. "So our military is in place. They are capable enough to defend our country," Araghchi said. "Even more, they are more prepared and capable than (the) previous war .... they are in a better position. And you have seen how they acted so far." The massive U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, which has killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, entered the second day on Sunday. Trump said 48 senior Iranian officials were killed in the operation and the U.S. forces have sunk nine Iranian warships and largely destroyed Iran's navy headquarters. The U.S. Central Command said on social media on Sunday that three U.S. service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the U.S. military operation against Iran. Dubai News Highlights: Explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Airlines extend flight suspensions. FlyDubai said that all its flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until 3pm UAE time on Monday (March 2). Emirates said all its flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended until 3pm on Monday. Air Arabia has also cancelled all flights to and from the UAE until 3pm on Monday. Etihad Airways had earlier announced that all its flights to and from Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until 2am on Monday. UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it will cover all accommodation and sustenance costs for affected and stranded passengers. Travelers: Check your flight status immediately; do not head to the airport unless your airline confirms a secure boarding window. The United States and Israel on Saturday (local time) launched strikes targeting Iran's military and naval forces, prompting Tehran to retaliate and attack US bases in the Middle East, including in Israel. The US' Operation Epic Fury and Israel's Operation Rising Lion came despite the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the country's nuclear programme. The development came days after US President Donald Trump warned Iran of bad things if a deal was not agreed upon in the next 10-15 days. Israeli officials said that they targeted military and nuclear-related infrastructure in Tehran. Trump said the US had launched a major combat operation in Iran, stating that the objective was to neutralize threats posed by the regime. Here's a complete timeline of how renewed military confrontation occurred in the Middle East despite talks: After Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 for his second term, tensions with Iran escalated. March 5: Trump sent a letter to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing fresh negotiations on a potential nuclear agreement within a 60-day timeframe. His offer was rejected by Khamenei, who said Washington was not seeking negotiations but was instead imposing its demands on Tehran. June 13: Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran, targeting the country's nuclear facilities and prompting counterstrikes from Tehran. The strikes from Tel Aviv came despite negotiations that were underway between Tehran and Washington. June 22: The US military struck Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, with Trump claiming that the attacks deterred Tehran's nuclear programme, a claim the Islamic Republic said was untrue, adding that it had only suffered a setback and the facilities were not destroyed. June 23: In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses US soldiers. The missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported, Al Jazeera reported. June 24: After 12 days of fighting, Trump brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, putting an end to hostilities. July 2: Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian approved legislation suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and restricting inspectors access to nuclear facilities unless authorised by the Supreme National Security Council. July 22: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the country would not give up its "uranium enrichment programme" despite a halt due to damage. August 22: Iran said that it would return to nuclear negotiations later in the month with the United Kingdom, France and Germany, even as the possibility of renewed sanctions loomed. August 28: The three European nations activated a mechanism that restored United Nations (UN) sanctions on Iran for the first time in a decade. November 1: Oman called on both Washington and Tehran to resume talks, while Iran maintained it would continue uranium enrichment. November 7: Trump stated that Iran had asked for relief from US sanctions and said he was open to discussions on the matter. December 28: Demonstrations erupted in several major cities, including Tehran, after the national currency fell sharply against the US dollar, driving up prices. January 8, 2026: Iran saw a nationwide internet shutdown as anti-government protests expanded beyond urban centres. The blackout continued for more than two weeks. January 13: Trump encouraged Iranians to continue protesting, suggesting support could be forthcoming and hinting at possible US military action. Around the same time, the US increased its military presence near Iran. February 6: Washington and Tehran began indirect nuclear discussions in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator, aiming to reach an agreement limiting Iran's nuclear activities. February 17: Senior officials from both sides reconvened in Geneva for another round of nuclear talks, again facilitated by Oman. February 20: Trump warned of consequences if no agreement was reached, giving Iran a deadline of 10 to 15 days. February 22: Oman announced a further round of negotiations in Geneva, noting some constructive movement while acknowledging that significant differences persisted. The news of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death was announced on Sunday morning by the state media, hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed the news. The leader of post-revolutionary Iran and spiritual leader of millions of Shiite Muslims died at the age of 86 on 28 February following US-Israel joint missile strikes. Let's have a look at the moment when Iranian state television announced the death of its 86-year-old leader longest-serving head of state in the Middle East. Iranian TV anchor got emotional while making this major announcement and said, "Indeed, to Allah we belong and to him we shall return. The great nation of Iran mourns the passing of the esteemed of the great Iranian nation and the vanguard of the Islamic Ummah, His Eminence Imam Khamenei, ascended to the highest heavens after tasting the sweet nectar of martyrdom during the blessed month of Ramadan. The Supreme National Security Council has issued the following .." Also Read | Iranian TV anchor breaks down in tears announcing Khamenei's death According to state media, Khamenei was working in his office at the time of Saturday's attack, Reuters reported. In the attack, multiple members of Khamenei's family were killed, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. US officials and sources familiar with the matter informed Reuters that Israel and the United States timed the attacks to coincide with a meeting of Khamenei and his top aides. Israels defence minister Israel Katz celebrated Khameneis assassination and in a post on X stated, He who acted to destroy Israel has been destroyed. Asserting that Israel will continue to act with full force, he added Justice has been served, and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow. Donald Trump issued a fresh warning against Iran's retaliatory attacks and in a post on Truth Social stated, Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, You (US and Israel) have crossed our red line and must pay the price," Al Jazeera reported. He added, We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Iran launches fresh attacks Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Khameneis security adviser, Ali Shamkhani, as well as IRGC's commander-in-chief Mohammad Pakpour, in the ongoing US-Israeli attacks. President Donald Trumps decision to launch military strikes on Iran while openly urging its citizens to overthrow their government marks a striking departure from decades of American regime-change strategy, signalling a more unpredictable phase in US foreign policy and raising profound questions about how Washington now seeks to reshape adversarial states. Also Read | Khameneis family hit in Israeli strikes Historians and policy analysts say the approach combining targeted military force, rhetorical encouragement of uprising and the absence of a clear post-conflict governance plan diverges sharply from interventions in Iraq and Venezuela, where the United States pursued more direct control over political transitions. The big picture: A break from two decades of intervention playbooks Trumps weekend strikes on Iran, carried out alongside Israel, were accompanied by an unusually explicit appeal to Iranian citizens to remove their own leadership. After announcing the operation, Trump addressed Iranians in a video message: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." The United States and Israel said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, was killed in the strikes a development that has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into immediate uncertainty, even as conflicting claims continue to circulate. Unlike previous regime-change campaigns, however, Washington has not proposed occupying territory, installing an interim administration or overseeing political reconstruction. Trump described alternative paths to Axios, outlining what he called potential off ramps: "I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians: 'See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs]." State of play: Diplomacy collapses as military pressure rises The strikes followed months of deteriorating diplomacy over Irans nuclear programme during Trumps second term, alongside worsening economic conditions that had fuelled domestic protests inside Iran. Trump announced the attacks Saturday and suggested that Iranians themselves should assume responsibility for political change once military operations conclude a framing that places regime transformation primarily in the hands of domestic actors rather than US forces. How Iran differs from Iraq and Venezuela Military historians argue the Iran strategy represents a fundamentally different model from earlier US interventions. "Iran is different from both of those conflicts," retired US Army Colonel Peter Mansoor, professor of military history at Ohio State University, said. Previous regime overthrows, scholars note, were executed with detailed plans for governance after the removal of ruling authorities something that remains unclear in the Iran crisis. "As General David Petraeus remarked at the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003, 'Tell me how this ends,'" Mansoor said. Lessons from Iraq: Full invasion and nation-building When the United States moved to overthrow Saddam Hussein in 2003, it did so through a large-scale ground invasion involving roughly 200,000 American troops. Baghdad fell within weeks, Hussein was captured nine months later, and Washington established an interim governing authority before gradually transferring sovereignty back to Iraq a process that extended for years and concluded only after US forces withdrew in 2011. The intervention carried defined objectives: removing Hussein and eliminating alleged weapons of mass destruction. The Iraq War is "an example of some of the faulty assumptions that go into the idea that replacing the political leadership of another country can happen quickly and easily," said military historian David Kieran. Trumps Iran strategy, by contrast, has not included proposals for occupation or direct political administration. Venezuela comparison: Targeted removal with US oversight A more recent comparison lies in Washingtons actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, where US operations involved limited boots on the ground framed as law-enforcement action tied to criminal indictments. Privately, officials viewed Maduros removal as a central objective. According to Kieran, the United States pursued a defined political endgame. Also Read | Insurance costs jump for vessels in Gulf and Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacks "They removed Maduro through a special forces raid, but largely left the Venezuelan government intact," Kieran said. Washington also maintained oversight over Venezuelas political transition and elections and secured influence over the countrys oil production. No equivalent framework has been outlined for Iran, highlighting what analysts describe as a strategic departure. A strategy built on internal collapse? Trump has repeatedly suggested that adversarial governments may fall without extensive American intervention an approach he has also applied rhetorically to Cuba. "Cuba looks like it's ready to fall," Trump said, adding: "I don't think we need any action. It looks like it's going down." In Iran, the administration appears to be testing a similar theory: that sustained military pressure combined with internal dissatisfaction could trigger regime collapse organically. Uncertain succession and regional fallout Iran now faces an uncertain political future following the reported death of its supreme leader. Under the countrys constitution, a clerical council must select a successor, yet the chain of command particularly within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly been disrupted by the strikes. International reactions have underscored growing geopolitical risks. China expressed being highly concerned, while Russias Foreign Ministry described the attack as a preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of striking civilian targets, saying an attack on a girls school killed 53 students and wounded 63 others. "Iran will punish those who kill our children," Araghchi said, adding: "We do not understand the reasons for the U.S. attack on Iran. Perhaps the U.S. administration was dragged into it." Iran has already launched retaliatory strikes against US bases in the region. Will Irans regime actually fall? Despite Washingtons expectations, analysts caution that regime collapse is far from certain. Protesters inside Iran have shown limited signs of organising a nationwide uprising so far, according to Suzanne Maloney, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "I'd be surprised if we see significant defections or other conditions that would permit an uprising to succeed today," Maloney said. The broader uncertainty, scholars argue, lies not only in whether the government falls but what might replace it. Iran has reportedly appointed Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian media, as Tehran signals a major escalation following US-Israeli strikes. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's death, that have shaken the Irans political and military leadership. The reported appointment comes amid mounting tensions across the Middle East, with Iranian officials warning of large-scale retaliation and state media carrying statements suggesting a widening confrontation involving Israel and American military assets in the region. Iran media reports Vahidi appointed IRGC commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Iranian outlet Daily Iran News claimed, marking what would represent one of the most consequential leadership changes within Irans powerful military establishment in recent years. Iranian authorities have not yet issued a detailed official decree publicly outlining the appointment, but the reported move follows significant disruption within Irans command structure after recent US and Israeli strikes targeting senior military and political figures. The IRGC, an elite force tasked with protecting the Islamic Republic and projecting Iranian influence abroad, plays a central role in Tehrans security strategy and regional operations. IRGC warns of most massive and powerful offensive operation In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the Revolutionary Guards announced preparations for a sweeping retaliatory campaign. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it plans to launch what it described as the most massive and powerful offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic, targeting Israel and US military bases across the region. The declaration signals a potential expansion of hostilities beyond direct exchanges, raising concerns among regional governments and global markets about the risk of broader conflict. Reports of missile strike near CIA facility in Dubai Amid escalating rhetoric, media reports said an Iranian missile struck a CIA facility in Dubai on Sunday morning. Independent confirmation of the claim remains limited, and authorities have not publicly detailed the extent of damage or casualties. The reported strike follows heightened drone and missile activity across the Gulf, underscoring how rapidly the conflict may be spreading beyond primary theatres of confrontation. IRGC statement references Khameneis proud martyrdom In an official statement released during live updates surrounding the conflict, the IRGC expressed both mourning and celebration over what it called the proud martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statement described the supreme leader as a devout scholar, the standard-bearer of the Islamic Revolutions martyrs, and the rightful deputy of Imam al-Mahdi. The language reflects the ideological framing often used by Iranian authorities when referring to senior figures killed in conflict, while also reinforcing calls for national mobilisation. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Ahmad Vahidi is a long-time figure within Irans security establishment and one of the countrys most experienced military strategists. A founding member of the IRGC, Vahidi previously commanded the Quds Force the external operations arm responsible for Irans regional military networks and later served as defence minister. Known for his deep ties to Irans security apparatus, he has played a role in shaping Tehrans asymmetric warfare doctrine and regional alliances. His reported elevation to commander-in-chief would place him at the centre of Irans military response during one of the most volatile moments in the Islamic Republics history. Why the appointment matters The IRGC leadership shift comes at a moment when Irans chain of command appears under strain following targeted strikes against senior officials, and the death of Khamenei. Analysts say installing an experienced security figure could signal Tehrans intention to consolidate control and prepare for sustained confrontation rather than immediate de-escalation. The IRGCs influence extends far beyond conventional military operations, encompassing missile programmes, intelligence networks and powerful economic holdings within Iran. Iran is set to establish a temporary leadership council to govern the country following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior security official Ali Larijani announced on Sunday, signalling the beginning of a constitutional transition amid escalating regional conflict and mounting military losses. The interim arrangement, described as a stopgap measure, will operate until Irans clerical establishment formally selects a new supreme leader a process that could shape the future direction of the Islamic Republic at one of the most volatile moments in its modern history. Interim council to assume leadership duties Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, said the country would form an interim leadership body later today to manage state affairs during the transition period. The move follows constitutional provisions activated after the death of a supreme leader, with the temporary council expected to oversee executive authority while succession procedures begin. Under Article 111 of Irans constitution, a provisional leadership council assumes responsibility until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts. According to Iranian media, the body will consist of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and a cleric representing the Guardian Council. The council will function until the Assembly of Experts formally elects a new supreme leader. Larijani accuses Israel of seeking to partition Iran In parallel remarks published by the Fars state news agency, Larijani accused Israel of pursuing broader geopolitical objectives following joint US-Israeli strikes. He said the Israeli regime has no choice but to resort to partitioning large countries in order to ensure its own survival. Also Read | Trump struck Iran after lobbying by Saudi Crown Prince MBS: Washington Post Larijani also sharply criticised the United States president, describing Trump as the perfect symbol of plunder and accusing Washington of attempting to seize Iranian resources. America and the Zionist regime burned the hearts of the Iranian nation, and we will burn their hearts too, he added. Senior Iranian military leadership killed in strikes Irans official IRNA news agency confirmed that multiple senior defence officials were killed during Saturdays attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. Among those reported dead were Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and army chief of staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi. Iran had earlier confirmed the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander-in-chief Mohammad Pakpour. IRNA said additional senior commanders were also killed, adding that their identities would be announced later. The losses represent one of the most significant disruptions to Irans military leadership structure since the founding of the Islamic Republic. IRGC pledges retaliation as regional attacks expand Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed retaliation, saying it had launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US forces across the Middle East as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions were reported across parts of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as regional tensions intensified, though independent verification of all claims remains limited. The exchange of strikes marks a rapid escalation following the US-Israeli campaign against Iranian leadership targets, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. What happens next for Irans leadership The formation of a temporary council begins a complex succession process rarely tested in Irans political system. The Assembly of Experts an 88-member clerical body now faces the task of selecting a new supreme leader, a decision likely to influence both domestic governance and Irans strategic posture abroad. Indian carriers are likely to cancel about 444 overseas flights on Sunday citing airspace curbs over Iran and other parts of the Middle East are forcing airlines to rethink their schedules, the civil aviation ministry said. The ministry also said officials met on Saturday to assess how prepared airlines and airports are for disruption following flight cancellations linked to recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran. In a post on X on Sunday early morning, the ministry stated, "Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March. The aviation watchdog, the DGCA, said that it is working in close coordination with airlines to ensure strict adherence to safety and operational norms. Major airports have also been placed on operational alert to handle possible flight diversions and maintain smooth passenger services. According to the ministry, passenger support, airline coordination and crowd management at terminals are under constant supervision, with senior officials stationed on the ground. It added that the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) is actively tracking passenger issues and ensuring swift resolution of complaints. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that AirSewa, its digital grievance redressal platform that allows passengers to lodge and track complaints as well as check real-time flight information, received 216 complaints during the period. Of these, 105 were resolved within the same timeframe. "On 28 February, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances, and 105 grievances were resolved during the same period, ensuring necessary support to affected passengers. All stakeholders are working in coordination to ensure orderly handling of affected passengers and timely assistance to all concerned travellers," the post stated. Also Read | Khameneis family hit in Israeli strikes Which Air India flights have been cancelled? Air India said it has cancelled a number of long-haul international services scheduled for March 1 as it continues to evaluate the unfolding security situation in the Middle East after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The affected routes include key destinations such as London, Chicago, Toronto, New York and Paris. The move broadens earlier suspensions that had largely been limited to flights operating to Gulf destinations. As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on March 1, 2026," an Air India spokesperson said. AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112: Delhi-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Delhi; AI129/AI128: Mumbai-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Mumbai; AI169/AI170: Amritsar-London (Gatwick) / London (Gatwick)-Amritsar; AI101/AI102: Delhi-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Delhi; AI119/AI116: Mumbai-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Mumbai; AI191/AI144: Mumbai-Newark / Newark - Mumbai; AI127/AI126: Delhi-Chicago / Chicago-Delhi (via Vienna); AI187/AI188 and AI189 and AI190: Delhi-Toronto / Toronto-Delhi (via Vienna); AI2025/AI2026: Delhi-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Delhi; AI2027/AI2028: Mumbai-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Mumbai; AI143/AI142 and AI147/AI148: Delhi-Paris / Paris-Delhi Qatar Airways update Qatar Airways has suspended all departures from Doha, cancelling 41% of its total scheduled flights, according to data from Cirium. It said its flight operations will resume at 1900 Doha time on March 1, according to a post on X. Indian embassy in Riyadh reacts Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Riyadh mentioned that any Indian passengers stranded in Saudi Arabia due to travel disruptions can reach out to the Embassy through different helpline numbers. "Any Indian passengers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia facing travel disruptions due to airspace closures or flight cancellations can contact the Embassy through our various 24*7 helpline numbers. Various Indian air carriers have assured that necessary measures are being undertaken to assist stranded Indian passengers..." it said on X. The Embassy requested the passengers to follow the updates issued by the respective airlines. The developments come against a backdrop of rising geopolitical strain after military strikes by Israel and the United States on targets in Iran. Tehran has also launched attacks in the region, reportedly aimed at US military bases. The intensifying conflict has prompted temporary airspace closures across parts of West Asia, compelling airlines around the world to reconsider routes that typically operate through or close to the impacted areas. Uncertainty surrounding the fate of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei intensified on Saturday after President Donald Trump declared that the cleric had been killed in a joint United StatesIsraeli military operation, while Iranian officials and state-linked media forcefully rejected the claim, describing it as psychological warfare. The competing narratives one asserting a decisive assassination and the other insisting the leader remains actively directing operations have created a rare moment of informational ambiguity at the apex of Irans political system, raising questions about succession, regional escalation and the stability of the Islamic Republic. Trump declares Khamenei killed, vows continued bombing Trump said Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike conducted as part of a large-scale joint military campaign involving US intelligence and operational support. In a post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated Khameneis death, calling him one of the most evil people in History and describing the killing as justice for Americans and others killed by Iran over decades. Trump appeared to confirm direct American involvement in locating the Iranian leader, saying the ayatollah was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems. He warned that military operations would intensify, stating bombing would continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve what he described as peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world. Iran rejects death reports, calls claims mental warfare Iranian state-linked outlets swiftly disputed the announcement, presenting an alternative account that directly contradicted statements from Washington and Israeli officials. Tasnim and Mehr news agencies reported that Khamenei remains steadfast and firm in commanding the field, challenging earlier reports circulated by Reuters and Israeli media citing unnamed senior Israeli officials who claimed he had been killed. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also dismissed the reports during an interview with NBC News, saying that as far as I know the Supreme Leader and other senior officials remain in good health. Also Read | Insurance costs jump for vessels in Gulf and Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacks Khameneis public relations office described the assassination claims as mental warfare, signalling that Tehran views the reports as part of a broader psychological campaign rather than confirmed battlefield developments. Meanwhile, one Iranian new agency Iran International confirmmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in Saturday airstrikes. Massive strike reportedly targeted Irans command structure Israeli officials said the opening phase of the operation aimed at dismantling Irans leadership hierarchy, claiming strikes targeted roughly 30 senior military and civilian figures. Among those reported killed were: Khameneis top security adviser Ali Shamkhani Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh Chief military secretary Mohammad Shirazi Head of military intelligence Saleh Asadi SPND chairman Hossein Jabal Amelian Former SPND chairman Reza Mozaffari-Nia If confirmed, the deaths would represent one of the most significant decapitation strikes against a modern state leadership in decades. Why it matters: A potential succession crisis in Iran Khamenei, 86, has ruled Iran since 1989, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the contemporary world. His removal whether confirmed or merely perceived would trigger an immediate constitutional transition process. Under Irans constitution, an interim council assumes authority while the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body, selects a new supreme leader. Analysts warn that simultaneous losses across political and military leadership could destabilise that process, potentially empowering security institutions such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Surviving figures emerge as potential power centres One senior official believed to have survived the strikes is Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council and a longtime confidant of Khamenei. In a post on X, Larijani vowed Iran would deliver Israel and the United States an unforgettable lesson. Israeli officials also said Khameneis sons were targeted, though intelligence assessments suggest they survived. Mojtaba Khamenei has long been viewed by observers as a potential successor. Iran Vice president Aref is preparing to manage govt during a crisis View full Image Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref Irans First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has begun coordinating ministers and preparing to administer government operations under wartime conditions following strikes that created uncertainty over senior leadership, according to Iranian state media cited by international outlets. The announcement came more than 12 hours after the beginning of US-Israeli attacks that reportedly killed or injured multiple senior officials, suggesting emergency contingency measures may already be underway inside Irans executive branch. However, no formal constitutional transfer of power has been publicly confirmed. Calls for uprising and regime change intensify In an overnight video address, Trump urged Iranian citizens to remain indoors during the bombing campaign but later take over your government once military operations conclude. Irans exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi echoed that message, calling on security forces to defect. Khamenei death news Highlights: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader since 1989 and a staunch adversary of the West, was killed in the initial wave of a large-scale US and Israeli attack that continued into a second day on Sunday, as the two allies moved against the Islamic Republic. Iranian state television confirmed his death early Sunday, several hours after President Donald Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric, whom he called one of the most evil people in History. Trump's victory claim: Trump described the joint USIsraeli campaign against Iran, which Washington says resulted in the death of Irans supreme leade, as evidence that those who harm Americans will be held accountable and forced to pay a price. Retaliation: Iran launched its own counter-strikes under a campaign dubbed Operation Truthful Promise 4, targeting US military bases in the Middle East. Tehran said this was in retaliation for the USIsraeli attacks on Iranian soil, marking a major escalation in the conflict. US bases: Iran has claimed that its strikes hit US military installations in countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The assertions underline Tehrans attempt to respond to earlier air operations, though independent confirmation of damage is limited. Israel: There are reports that a ballistic missile struck a residential area in Tel Aviv, causing injuries and highlighting how the conflict has impacted civilian areas in addition to military targets. Shipping: Iranian forces announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to all maritime traffic, threatening one of the worlds most important oil transit routes. This could significantly disrupt energy flows and global trade. The Leadership Vacuum: The death of Irans Supreme leader has created uncertainty about political authority in Tehran. However, the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said that a three-member panel, comprising the president, the chief of the judiciary and a jurist from the Guardian Council, will assume all leadership duties on an interim basis. Global economic fallout Oil: Iran sits near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the worlds oil supply flows. Concern over potential disruption to this route and Middle Eastern energy exports has already pushed oil prices higher, and further escalation could reportedly send Brent crude toward or above $80$100 a barrel. Meanwhile, witnesses said that cheers rang out in parts of Tehran after Israeli reports first indicated Khamenei had been killed, while thick black smoke rose over the area where he was known to reside, according to AFP. The strike followed weeks after Iranian authorities forcefully suppressed widespread protests, resulting in thousands of deaths. Fresh explosions were heard across Tehran in the early hours, as Trump pledged to continue the offensive until the collapse of the Islamic Republic and called on security forces to refrain from intervening. "This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country," Trump said in a statement. Stay tuned to LiveMint for live updates on Khamenei death news Maersk, the container shipping giant, said on Sunday that it was suspending sailings through the narrow Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, next to Iran, citing "safety" reasons amid the US-Iran standoff. The announcement came after Iran's Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed, and maritime agencies reported attacks on vessels in the area, news agency AFP reported. "We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice," the Danish company said in an online advisory. "The safety of our crews, vessels and customers' cargo remains our key priority," it said. Maersk further warned that services calling ports across the Arabian Gulf may be subject to delays, rerouting, or schedule adjustments until the situation stabilises. However, acceptance for cargo to the Middle East area remains open, it said. Shipping vessels targeted at Strait of Hormuz The advisory comes after two tankers were attacked near the mouth of the Persian Gulf, causing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds most crucial shipping chokepoint for oil and gas, Bloomberg reported. One incident occurred just north of Oman, with the second further south, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said. The state media in Oman, which sits on the other side of the strait, confirmed on Sunday that an oil tanker off its coast was targeted, leaving four of its crew hurt, according to AFP. At the same time, another vessel off the UAE's coast, also near the Strait of Hormuz, was reported being struck by an unknown projectile" that caused a fire, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre said on Sunday. MSC, another major shipping company, told its vessels in the Gulf "to proceed to designated safe shelter areas until further notice". Why is Strait of Hormuz important? The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway through which nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil supplies pass. It also serves as a transit route for a significant amount of cargo to and from Gulf ports. It connects the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and sits between Iran and Omans Musandam exclave. At just around 50 kilometres wide and no deeper than 60 metres in places, the strait is geographically vulnerable to military disruption. Several strategically important islands dot the waterway, including Irans Hormuz, Qeshm and Larak. The disputed Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa islands are also located there, which are under Iranian control since 1971, offering Tehran a commanding position over passing ships. DAMASCUS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Syria extended a full airspace closure for 24 hours starting Monday midnight local time, keeping all takeoffs and landings suspended amid sharply heightened tensions following a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. The Civil Aviation Authority cited ongoing regional security developments and the need to ensure aviation safety, adding that it was monitoring the situation and would announce further decisions through official channels. Also on Sunday, falling missile debris injured four people near the capital of Damascus as Israel and Iran exchanged fire across Syrian skies, prompting authorities to extend the nationwide airspace closure. Syrian state media reported that missile remnants landed in the town of Ain Tarma, east of Damascus, wounding a man and his three daughters and causing material damage. Damascus residents also reported hearing multiple explosions in the sky. Local television said the blasts were likely caused by Israeli air defenses intercepting Iranian missiles passing overhead. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities" See the post here: Ali Khamenei was killed in a large-scale strike on Iran launched by Israel and the United States early Saturday, according to Iranian state television and the official Islamic Republic News Agency. The 86-year-old leaders death was confirmed early Sunday. Israel carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Tehran on Sunday, prompting Iran to fire additional missile barrages in retaliation, Reuters reported. The exchange of attacks between the United States, Israel and Iran sent shockwaves across key sectors from shipping and aviation to oil raising concerns about higher energy prices and disruptions to trade in the Gulf, a vital maritime corridor and global commercial hub, Reuters reported. Earlier, on late Sunday night, Prime Minister Modi held a conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which he strongly denounced the attacks on the Gulf nation and reaffirmed that India stands firmly with the UAE in this challenging period. Modi also expressed gratitude to the UAE leader for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community residing there, and reiterated that New Delhi supports efforts toward de-escalation, as well as regional peace, security, and stability. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the development offered Iranians their greatest chance to reclaim their country, adding that the intense and precise bombing campaign would continue through the week or for as long as required. Trump said the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, curbing its missile programme, and neutralising threats to the United States and its allies. In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, US military bases in the Gulf region, and the international commercial hub of Dubai. On Sunday, members of the Shia community staged protests in several parts of India, voicing anger and mourning over Khameneis killing. The UAE on Sunday announced it would close its embassy in Tehran and recall its ambassador following Irans retaliatory missile and drone attacks in the Gulf, which killed four people and injured many others, AFP reported. This represents the strongest response so far from a Gulf state since Iran began launching a wave of strikes across the region in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli air campaign that killed Irans supreme leader and other senior officials, the report stated. See the statement here "These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation," the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement. The UAE fully reopened its embassy and sent a new ambassador to Tehran in 2022 during a thaw in relations between the Emirates and the Islamic republic. Saudi Arabia later followed suit. Iran's continued and unprecedented Gulf bombardment has raised fears of a wider conflict and rattled a region long seen as a haven of peace and security in the turbulent Middle East. Powerful blasts heard in Dubai, Doha, Manama on second day For a second consecutive day, AFP reporters heard repeated, loud explosions in Dubai, Doha, and Manama, with blasts also reported in Riyadh, as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes following U.S. and Israeli attacks that killed its supreme leader and other top officials. On Sunday, Tehran also seemed to target a building complex in Abu Dhabi that houses multiple foreign missions, including the Israeli embassy. Two people were injured by debris during the incident at Etihad Towers, AFP reported. Three people -- Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals -- have been killed in the UAE since Saturday, according to Abu Dhabi's defence ministry. Since Saturday, the UAE detected 165 ballistic missiles, destroying 152, and intercepted two cruise missiles, the ministry said. It added that 506 of 541 Iranian drones were shot down, AFP reported. Kuwaiti authorities reported that one person had died and 32 others were injured since Saturday. In Oman, which played a role in mediating U.S.-Iran talks and was initially untouched during the first day of Irans strikes, the port of Duqm was hit by two drones, according to the Oman News Agency. Later on Sunday, Omans Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi called for a ceasefire during a conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. Albusaidi "affirmed the Sultanate of Oman's continued call for a ceasefire and a return to dialogue... in a manner that achieves the legitimate demands of all parties," his ministry said in a readout of the call. Hotels become targets Earlier, Oman said an oil tanker was targeted off the coast. Its crew was evacuated and four of them were injured, the news agency reported. The Gulf Cooperation Council was to convene via video-link later Sunday for a unified response to Iran's attacks. Across the Gulf, civilian infrastructure has been hit: from airports and seaports to residential buildings and hotels. Security analyst Anna Jacobs said: "The Gulf countries right now are really on the front lines of this brutal war." "Gulf countries, as always, want to support de-escalation and diplomacy... But this commitment and these principles are being put to the test right now," she added. "If Iran continues to hit these countries and escalates even more, it will be very difficult for them to just sit and do nothing." Early Sunday, drones struck the airport in Bahrain's capital Manama, causing minor damage, authorities said. The US embassy in Manama urged citizens to steer clear of hotels in Manama, warning they could become potential targets after the Crowne Plaza was hit. - Palm, Burj Al Arab - In the UAE, which has borne the brunt of the attacks, two people were injured when debris from intercepted drones fell on homes in Dubai, authorities said. On Saturday, the Iranian attacks sparked fires at landmarks such as The Palm seafront development and Burj Al Arab hotel. At the airport in Abu Dhabi, at least one person was killed and seven wounded during what authorities called an "incident" and another died earlier in the day from falling debris. Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, and Kuwait's airport, were also hit. Also Read | Burj Khalifa evacuated, say reports as Iranian missile hit Dubai in retaliation In Saudi Arabia, Iranian missiles targeting Riyadh's international airport and the Prince Sultan Airbase, which houses US military personnel, were intercepted, a Gulf source briefed on the matter told AFP. A witness near the airport said they "saw and heard the air defence intercept the missile in the sky". In Qatar, host of the region's biggest US military base, officials said Iran had launched 65 missiles and 12 drones towards the Gulf state, most of which were intercepted, but eight people were injured, with one in critical condition. The oil-and-gas-rich Arab monarchies host a clutch of US military bases. Insurers have moved to cancel policies and sharply raise premiums for vessels travelling through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to a report. War risk underwriters submitted cancellation notices for ships operating through the key oil chokepoint ahead of trading reopening on Monday, brokers told the Financial Times, signaling heightened concern over rapid escalation after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on US bases across the region. Premiums could rise Insurance costs for vessels transiting the Gulf, previously around 0.25% of a ships replacement value, could increase by as much as 50%, according to Dylan Mortimer, marine hull UK war leader at broker Marsh. For a $100 million vessel, that would mean coverage rising from about $250,000 to $375,000 per voyage. Insurance rates for ships calling at Israeli ports previously near 0.1% could also climb by up to 50%, as underwriters assess the risk of further retaliation. Strait of Hormuz under scrutiny The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global crude oil flows, remains the primary concern for insurers. Underwriters are evaluating the risk that Iran could attempt to disrupt shipping in response to continued strikes. If Israel and US are continuing to strike Iran its more likely that Iran will start trying to leverage their control via the manipulation of shipping in the region, Mortimer told the FT. Insurers are also factoring in the possibility of Iranian-linked groups attempting to board or seize vessels in the region. Ships begin rerouting Amid the uncertainty, at least three vessels reportedly turned away from the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday while owners reassessed risks in the narrow waterway. Some ships are believed to have received radio warnings attributed to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggesting the strait was closed to shipping, according to advisory firm EOS Risk. Cargo war risk insurers, which cover goods transported on tankers such as oil and grain, are also preparing to cancel policies and renegotiate coverage at higher rates, brokers said as per the news outlet. Also Read | Strait of Hormuz explained: Why the oil route is in focus amid attacks on Iran Imagine being on a flight, all just settled in, reading a book, totally unaware of what is happening outside, till you realise you may not reach your destination at all because a war-like situation has suddenly unfolded. What was meant to be a routine journey for an Indian CEO travelling from Delhi to New York via Kuwait, turned out to be a never-imagined situation with a day full of uncertainty, as all flights to and from Gulf nations were disrupted amid Israel-US-Iran clashes. In a long-worded post on X, Indian tech entrepreneur Sanjay Varnwal detailed his ordeal about how everything felt completely normal when his connecting flight took off from Kuwait for New York on Saturday, 28 February the day US-Israel struck Iran. Then, maybe 45 minutes in, the pilot announced mid air that because Iraqi airspace suddenly closed, we can't go forward. And, in the air, the flight reverted its route back to Kuwait. Was bit annoying then. I did not realise the mess I was getting into, Varnwal wrote on X. Hours after joint strikes hit Iran, the Islamic Republic launched retaliatory strikes with explosions reported across Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, among other key West Asia hubs. Probably just land 3 hours late Varnwal said he initially suspected a technical issue and assumed the airline was withholding details, expecting only a minor delay. Okay, fine, Ill probably just land in New York three hours late" he told himself, writing that even after returning to Kuwait, the seriousness of the situation had not fully hit him. At the airport, he said, airline staff too appeared to have little clarity on scheduled departures till news reports came in about escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. But, due to this Middle East conflicts always in news, I thought it to be routine, nothing to be worries about so much, wrote the Indian entrepreneur. Passengers were later rebooked on the same flight with a revised departure time of 1:30 p.m. (local time) and boarding passes were reissued. However, the flight did not depart. By around 3 p.m., airline staff informed passengers that flights had been grounded indefinitely, marking the moment when Varnwal realised he was stranded. Two hours later, Varnwal and other passengers for whom Kuwait was a transit point were told airlines would provide them with hotels. Finally, about 10pm, we were all checked in to 3-4 hotels in the city. And, this is how one of the most interesting days of my life ended. Now stuck here, waiting for the airspace to open, with war outside! Big thanks to friends and Indian Embassy for always being around and being so helpful. So proud to be an Indian, the entrepreneur wrote. Middle East flights impacted, passengers stranded across globe On Sunday, eighty-four MBA students and four faculty members from a Pune-based institute were stranded in Dubai due to airspace closures triggered by the West Asia conflict, PTI reported. With the shutting of Dubai Airport, which serves as a key transit point for multiple international routes, passengers across the globe have been affected. View full Image New Delhi, India - March 1, 2026: A Passenger Mohd Umardaraz from Bijnor Uttar Pradesh, his flight for Kuwait is cancelled at the Terminal-3 Delhi airport. About 100 international flights from Delhi were cancelled due to widespread airspace closures in the Middle East as a result of the recent airstrikes in the US-Iran-Israel conflict, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Photo by Arvind Yadav/ Hindustan Times) ( To go with Aditya's story ) ( Hindustan Times ) Flight operations across the Middle East have come to a standstill since Saturday after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the largest travel hub in the region, has been the worst affected, with an estimated over 20,000 passengers scheduled to fly to various cities around the world stranded in its eight international airports. While the flight cancellations and the looming threat of Iranian missiles and drones have raised concerns for many, stranded passengers are also applauding how the UAE has dealt with the crisis. Indian man stranded in UAE Tushar Gagerna, an Indian man scheduled to fly to New Delhi, recounted his experience in a post on LinkedIn. Ive been sitting in an airport waiting area for the last few hours. My flight to Delhi was scheduled for 1 PM. We boarded. We waited. And at 3 PM we were asked to disembark. Iran had attacked the UAE, he wrote. Also Read | Over 3,400 flights cancelled across Middle East In that moment on the plane, there was uncertainty. Hushed conversations. Phones lighting up with news alerts. That strange collective silence when nobody quite knows what to say, he said. Dedicated waiting area, free refreshments According to him, what followed was worth talking about. Within a short time of disembarking, a dedicated waiting area was set up for all affected passengers. Organized. Calm. Clear communication, he said. Gagerna said stranded passengers were provided with free refreshments, which he said was a simple gesture that said we see you, youre not stranded, weve got this. Emergency visas for tourists He added that emergency visas were being issued on the spot for tourists. Think about that for a second. In the middle of a geopolitical crisis, with airspace shutting down and flights grounded - the UAE was actively making sure that visitors who had no plan to stay, who had no hotel booked, who were just passing through - were legally covered, safe, and documented. Not chaos. Not bureaucracy. Instant humanity, he said. What separates world-class nations from rest According to Gagerna, this is what separates world-class nations from the rest. Its not just the skyscrapers. Not just the tax-free salaries. Not just the safety record. Its how a country responds under pressure, he wrote. Also Read | Moment when Dubai was hit by Iran and how air defense systems responded Watch When things go sideways - and in geopolitics, they sometimes do - the UAE doesnt scramble. It executes. Quietly. Efficiently. With humanity. Most countries would have left passengers stranded with zero communication. UAE set up a lounge and handed out snacks. Thats the standard. And its why millions of us choose to call this place home, he said, while adding that he was waiting for his flight, safe and grateful. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday night spoke to the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and strongly condemned the attacks on the Gulf nation, saying India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times. Also Read | Dubai News LIVE: Airlines extend flight cancellations till Monday Mod also thanked the UAE president for taking care of the Indian community living in the Gulf nation, and said New Delhi supports de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability. Here's what PM Modi said "Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times. "Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability," Modi wrote on X. Iranian strikes across UAE Over the past two days, Iranian attacks across the UAE have left three people dead and 58 others injured, including an Indian citizen, authorities said on Sunday. In a post on social media, the Indian Embassy in the UAE said it was aware of the injured Indian national and was coordinating with hospital officials. The UAE's defence ministry said it intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, of which 152 were destroyed, and 13 were destroyed in the sea. It also destroyed two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones, 506 of which were shot down, the ministry said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a coordinated US-Israeli airstrike on Tehran early Saturday, with the Iranian state media confirming the death on Sunday. Iran began firing missiles at Israel and the Arab countries in the region in retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader. Palm, Burj Al Arab In the UAE, which has been heavily affected by the attacks, two people were injured in Dubai when debris from intercepted drones fell onto residential buildings, officials said, as reported by AFP. On Saturday, Iranian strikes ignited fires at prominent landmarks, including The Palm waterfront development and the Burj Al Arab hotel. Also Read | Burj Khalifa evacuated, say reports as Iranian missile hit Dubai in retaliation At Abu Dhabis airport, authorities reported that at least one person was killed and seven others injured in what they described as an incident, while another person died earlier after being struck by falling debris, AFP reported. Dubai International Airport the worlds busiest for international passenger traffic and Kuwaits airport were also impacted by the attacks. The confrontation between the United States and Iran entered a more volatile phase on Sunday after President Donald Trump issued a stark warning against further Iranian retaliation, threatening unprecedented military force even as Tehran announced a new wave of missile and drone strikes targeting American and Israeli assets across the region. The exchange marks one of the most dangerous moments in the rapidly escalating conflict triggered by the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that has reshaped regional politics and sparked unrest beyond Irans borders. Trump issues warning on Truth Social Trump delivered his message through a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, responding to reports that Iran was preparing intensified retaliation. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before, the US president wrote. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before! The post concluded with the full statement released by Trump: Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP The warning underscores Washingtons readiness to escalate further should Iranian attacks continue. Iran launches sixth wave of attacks, targets US bases Shortly after Trumps remarks, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it was carrying out a sixth wave of retaliatory operations, according to Iranian state media. The IRGC said it launched extensive missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military installations across the region. Iranian reports claimed that 27 American bases were targeted, alongside Israels Tel Nof airbase, the Israeli militarys command headquarters at HaKirya in Tel Aviv and a major defence industrial complex in the same city. Iranian forces warned that they would implement a different and harsh step of revenge, with successive, regrettable slaps, signalling the possibility of continued strikes. Independent verification of the full scope of the attacks remains limited. Iran confirms Khameneis killing, declares leader a martyr Iranian state news agencies confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, hailing him as a martyr and framing his killing as a defining moment for the Islamic Republic. Tehran also confirmed the deaths of senior figures including Ali Shamkani, a top political adviser to Khamenei and secretary of Irans Defence Council, and Mohammad Pakpour, commander-in-chief of the IRGC. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing as a great crime and pledged retaliation, according to a statement released by his office. Regional reaction spreads beyond Iran The fallout has extended across neighbouring countries, particularly Iraq, where influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr expressed his sadness and sorrow over Khameneis death and declared three days of public mourning. In Baghdad, protests erupted in the heavily fortified Green Zone home to government institutions and foreign embassies with demonstrators confronting security forces amid rising anti-American sentiment. US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, describing the development as justice and a major turning point in the conflict. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Trump wrote. He added that the outcome represents justice for the people of Iran as well as for others around the world. Claims of intelligence success and coordination with Israel Trump said the outcome was the result of advanced surveillance capabilities and cooperation with Israel. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems, he wrote, adding that working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. He did not provide independent verification of the claim. Calls for Iranian military to switch sides In his post, Trump suggested that elements within Irans security forces were reconsidering their positions. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us, he wrote. He referenced a previous statement, saying: Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death! Trump urged Irans security forces to align with civilians, stating he hoped they would peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots. Call for Iranian uprising Trump framed the strikes as an opportunity for political change in Iran. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he wrote. He added that some members of Irans security forces were seeking immunity and suggested possible defections within the ranks of the IRGC and other institutions. Trump wrote a message of conditional immunity, writing: Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death! Continued military campaign Trump said military operations would continue until objectives are achieved. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary, he wrote. He described the campaigns broader goal as achieving PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD. No immediate official confirmation The post did not include evidence confirming Khameneis status, and there was no immediate public confirmation from Iranian authorities at the time of the statement. Also Read | Missile hits residential area in Doha as Iran retaliates to US strikes | Watch Netanyahu did not provide independent evidence but suggested that the operation had produced significant results. Israeli officials say death confirmed Shortly after the address, two Israeli officials told reporters, as per AP, that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been confirmed dead. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement and did not provide additional details. There was no immediate official confirmation from either Israel or Iran regarding the claim. US President Donald Trumps decision to strike Iran came after Saudi Arabias de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, lobbied him repeatedly to make the move, the Washington Post has reported. The decision followed weeks of lobbying by two key US allies in the Middle EastIsrael and Saudi Arabia, the report said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his longstanding push for US strikes against Iran, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private calls to Trump over the past month advocating military action, despite publicly supporting diplomacy. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private phone calls to Trump over the past month advocating a US attack, despite his public support for a diplomatic solution, the outlet reported, citing four unnamed people familiar with the matter. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, multiple news agencies reported, quoting Iranian state media early Sunday. The 86-year-old's killing has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt while raising the risk of regional instability. President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. Iran criticised for hitting neighbouring Arab nations Earlier, Iran faced widespread criticism from several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, after it carried out retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli military bases located in several Muslim neighbouring nations on Saturday, following the US-Israel attacks on Tehran. MBS and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed discussed on Saturday Iran's retaliatory strikes on the Gulf and expressed solidarity and sympathy in their first call since a public row in late December. The Saudi de facto ruler called the Emirati president, and "they discussed regional developments and the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several other brotherly nations", the UAE's official WAM agency said. They condemned a "dangerous escalation that threatens the region's security and undermines its stability". The crown prince expressed Saudi Arabia's "full solidarity with the UAE, offering all its resources to support any measures the UAE takes" while the Emirati leader "expressed his gratitude and appreciation". Saudi vs Iran rivalry? The reaction from Arab nations somehow reflects the enduring strategic rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. For decades, both nations have competed for political and security influence across the Middle East a contest often characterised by analysts as a new Cold War. As a sign of fragile detente, the power rivalry is based on religious and political identities Saudi Arabia represents the predominantly Sunni Muslim world and sees itself as a custodian of Sunni Islam, while Iran is a Shia Muslim state. This sectarian divide has often been invoked by both sides in regional competition. Diplomatic ties were severed from 2016 to 2023 due to incidents like the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr and attacks on Saudi diplomatic facilities in Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private phone calls to Trump over the past month advocating a US attack, despite his public support for a diplomatic solution. Both the OIC and the Muslim League, considered the largest Muslim organisations, are headquartered in Saudi Arabia and condemned Iran's retaliation on Saturday. Tensions soared in the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched preemptive strikes targeting Iran's military and naval forces, prompting Tehran to retaliate and attack US bases in the region, with explosions reported across several cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and others. The development came days after US President Donald Trump warned Iran of "bad things" and asked it to agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program. Despite negotiations, the renewed military confrontation has thrown the region into one of its worst crises. Here's a list of sites where explosions were heard: The Middle East's commercial hub, Dubai, reported a series of explosions on Saturday in areas like Downtown Dubai, where residents said they heard a "rumble and then a bang." Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, was evacuated minutes after explosions were heard just two kilometers away. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's man-made island, reported a fire, which authorities later said was brought under control. The Sheikh Zayed Road area near Fairmont Dubai, Dubai Marina, and the Jebel Ali area were other sites that reported explosions, Hindustan Times reported. In Bahrain, the country's envoy to the US confirmed attacks on "sites within the Kingdom." The attack was reportedly carried out by Iran against the US Fifth Fleet in retaliation for the strike in Tehran, The Washington Post reported, confirming videos that showed explosions. The UAE said it intercepted Iranian missiles on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, adding that it reserves the right to respond to the attacks. Abu Dhabi residents reported loud explosions in the capital, which houses a US military base. According to a Hindustan Times report, several Abu Dhabi residents also claimed they received a phone alert advising them to shelter in the nearest building they considered secure. Al Jazeera, citing Syrian state media, reported a missile explosion that killed four people and injured several others in the industrial area of Suwayda; however, the source of the missile was not confirmed. In Doha, an Al Jazeera correspondent reported that, in the last few hours, at least a dozen explosions were heard, the majority of which sounded like Patriot air defence missiles intercepting Iranian missiles. According to news agency AFP, multiple loud explosions were also reported in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, shortly after the US air base in Bahrain and Qatar were attacked. Also Read | Moment when Dubai was hit by Iran and how air defense systems responded Watch IDF says 500 targets hit in Iran According to a report in The Jerusalem Post, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that over 200 Israeli Air Force aircraft struck 500 targets in Iran on Saturday night (local time) and termed it the largest aerial attack ever conducted by Israeli forces. The report added that the first wave hit what appeared to be dozens of radar installations and anti-aircraft defence systems, especially in regions of Iran closer to Israel and around Tehran. JERUSALEM, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Sunday it had completed a large-scale wave of airstrikes targeting central command centers in Tehran, deploying more than 100 fighter jets in an operation it described as aimed at dismantling key elements of Iran's military infrastructure. In a press briefing, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said the strikes hit multiple Iranian headquarters, including facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), intelligence divisions, Air Force command centers, and internal security units. He said the sites, which Israel said had coordinated attacks against Israel and other countries over several decades, were "destroyed." Defrin added that the military had also carried out more than 30 strikes against Iran's ballistic missile sites and air defense systems. The strikes followed a previous U.S.-Israel joint operation on Saturday, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities also said a missile strike hit a girls' elementary school in Minab, in southern Iran, killing at least 153 people and injuring dozens more, most of them schoolgirls, according to local prosecutors and state media reports. "The message to Iran is clear: we can reach any target," Defrin said, adding that hundreds of Israeli aircraft remained active in Iranian airspace to locate missile launchers and other targets. He said approximately 60 launch sites, each capable of firing multiple missiles, had been struck so far. Flight operations to and from the Middle East have come to a standstill following the closure of airspace by several Gulf states due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, more than 19,000 flights had been delayed globally. Data from Flightradar24 showed that more than 3,400 flights were cancelled on Sunday across seven airports in the Middle East. Also Read | Moment when Dubai was hit by Iran and how air defense systems responded Watch Airports across Middle East closed Dubai International, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International, which are also key aviation hubs, have been affected by the conflict, forcing them to close or suspend all operations. United Arab Emirates All flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) are suspended "until further notice". Abu Dhabi (AUH) operations have also come to a standstill. Qatar Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is temporarily closed, with Qatar Airways grounding its fleet until at least Monday morning, March 2. Kuwait Airspace is closed until further notice. Reports indicate Kuwait International Airport (KWI) sustained minor damage from a drone attack. Bahrain Airspace is functionally closed following missile threats in the region. Carriers affected Emirates: Suspended all operations to and from Dubai until at least 3:00 PM local time on Monday, March 2. Etihad Airways: Suspended all Abu Dhabi flights until 2:00 AM local time on Monday, March 2. Flydubai: Temporarily suspended all flights scheduled up until 3:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026 Qatar Airways: Operations remain temporarily suspended pending a safety announcement from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Flights from/to India The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that 444 flights between India and the Middle East were cancelled on Sunday due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Also Read | Airlines issue advisory on refunds after Middle East flight cancellations Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights were cancelled on Saturday. According to PTI, the Delhi International Airport witnessed 100 flight cancellations, while the Mumbai Airport recorded 125 flight cancellations in view of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran entered a second day Sunday following the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that has cast doubt over the Islamic Republics future and heightened fears of instability across the region, as reported by the Associated Press. Explosions were reported in Tehran as Israel said it was expanding its offensive to the heart of the Iranian capital. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel, U.S. military bases in the Gulf, as well as the Saudi capital and the major commercial center of Dubai, AP reported. Earlier Sunday, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation ever, targeting Israel and U.S. bases. Iran also selected a 66-year-old cleric to join the three-member leadership council that will govern the country until a new supreme leader is selected, AP reported. Here is the latest: Airstrikes to last probably a few weeks US senator U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says he expects the massive airstrike campaign against Iran will continue for probably a few weeks. The Arkansas Republican told CBS Face the Nation that President Donald Trump has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force in Iran. Cotton would not say how the U.S. and Israeli knew the location of slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei We have exquisite intelligence collection methods, he said, as reported by AP. Israel and the United States once again proved that our nation have capabilities that no other nation on Earth has. Crowds in Paris welcome strikes on Iran On Sunday in Paris, France, large crowds of celebratory demonstrators took to the streets to applaud the U.S. and Israeli military actions and voice their desire for a change of government in Iran. Holding Iranian, Israeli, American and French flags, the marchers called out slogans such as Freedom for Iran! to show their support for political transformation in Tehran. View full Image Iranians in exile and their supporters protest under the motto: 'Freedom for Iran under the leadership of Prince Reza Pahlavi', after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben ( REUTERS ) Members of the large Iranian diaspora in France and their French supporters marched from Bastille Plaza, birthplace of the French Revolution, toward a statue of Joan of Arc. One group opened a bottle of Champagne, and the atmosphere was festive. The night before, a crowd of Iranian demonstrators danced across from the Eiffel Tower. Paris also saw a small counter-protest Sunday by left-wing groups denouncing American imperialism and warning of broader war. Meanwhile, France is postponing an international conference meant to bolster Lebanons security because of the widening conflict in the Middle East. Conditions are not met to hold the conference as scheduled in Paris on March 5, French President Emmanuel Macrons office said Sunday. It said Macron spoke Sunday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and they jointly decided to delay it until April. Tehran's residents stay off streets The streets were almost empty in Irans capital Sunday. Merchants said shoppers were buying in bulk while supplies were arriving in Tehran at a trickle. Ali, a 42-year-old produce vendor, said trucks of potatoes and tomatoes were arriving in fewer numbers because drivers were wary of driving into the capital while strikes were ongoing. People are buying as much as they can out of fear of the current mess, said Ali, who only agreed to give his first name out of fear for his own security. Some residents expressed fear of the strikes, but also of the future. Reza Mehrabi, 67, said celebrations of the deaths of Iranian senior leaders seem premature. He recalled similar celebrations after the 1979 revolution when the Shah was deposed, and the Islamic Republic reign began. I saw some people were happy about the losses, but when I remember 1979 revolution and its aftermath, I need more consideration to understand if the nation and the country is on the right path. I am leading this transition, says former Shah's exiled son Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claims he is taking charge of the transition to a new government. Speaking to Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures, he said: This is time now for a very strong, stable transition. I am leading this transition. I have the support of millions of Iranian people. I have the people inside the country that are joining the military will side with us. We have a plan of action and a transition plan. He says that process would lead ultimately to a democratic outcome so the Iranian people get to choose their future government and system. Asked how long his transitional leadership would be, he said that to be realistic from the time that we start until the day we can have the final referendum, I anticipate a period that should be longer than a couple of years at the most. But whats critical is the first 100 days. Irans military remains in place FM Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that despite the attacks on his country, nothing has changed in our military capability. He tells ABCs This Week that in only a few hours after Iran was struck, Tehran retaliated against Israeli targets and American bases and we have continued to do so. So, our military is in place. They are capable enough to defend our country. Asked whether a diplomatic deal with the Trump administration was still possible, he said, We negotiated with the United States twice in the past 12 months. And in both cases, they attacked us in the middle of negotiation. And that has become a very bitter experience for us. He said a deal was at our reach, and we left Geneva happily with the understanding that we can reach a deal next time we meet. Rescuers dig through rubble of Israeli synagogue First responders dug through rubble in a search for survivors hours after a missile struck a synagogue in a central Israeli town. At least nine people were killed in the Beit Shemesh region, according to Israeli police. Its the deadliest attack on Israel since it launched attacks on Iran jointly with the U.S. on Saturday. The victims were sheltering in a safe room in the synagogue when a missile struck it, according to emergency responders, who said the number of dead could rise. Crowds of people from the community gathered Sunday overlooking the gaping hole in the ground where the missile struck. The area was surrounded by bombed-out cars, slabs of concrete and houses with their roofs blown off. Its really sad that people came to hide and actually died in a synagogue, said Chaim Stenge, 13. Residents said they want the war to continue. Bibi and Trump well done, said Hagit Ben Ezra, referring to the Israeli and American leaders. Bibi Netanyahu has to kill Hamas and Iran so theres quiet in the Middle East. Istanbul protests denounce strikes on Iran Hundreds of protesters gathered at multiple locations in Istanbul to denounce the Israeli-U.S. attacks on Iran. A demonstration in front of Israels Consulate ended with protesters burning the U.S. and Israeli flags as well as posters of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A protest was also held near city hall, where people chanted and held up signs against Israel and the United States. We reject and denounce American oppression and Americas actions, one of the protesters, Ahmet Agirakca, told The Associated Press. We have gathered here not only to condemn but also to show that we will fight against them for the rest of our lives. Another protester, Ali Emre, said he was there to show solidarity with Muslims and to protest Trump, the USA, and global imperialism. Doctor describes celebrating Khameneis death A doctor in northern Iran said he and colleagues spent the early hours of Sunday celebrating indoors news of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, because armed security forces were heavily deployed in his city. Security forces were stopping and interrogating people celebrating in their cars, he said, but there was no gunfire. It was one of the best nights, if not the best night of our lives, the doctor said in a voice message from the city of Rasht in northern Iran. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. It was actually my first time ever smoking a cigarette. ... We didnt sleep at all. And we dont even feel tired. Iranian missiles did not hit carrier US military The U.S. military is pushing back against claims by Irans leadership that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was struck in an attack, stating that the missiles launched didnt even come close. U.S. Central Command said in a post on X that the American warship continues to launch aircraft. The Lincoln is one of two aircraft carriers that the U.S. military has deployed to the region. Central Command posted its statement shortly after releasing another statement that three U.S. service members have been killed in the U.S. military operation against Iran. Iranians in Berlin and Vienna celebrate Khameneis death Iranians in Berlin and Vienna took to the streets to celebrate the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hundreds gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. They held pre-1979 Iranian flags as well as Israeli and American flags, as they danced and sang near the Brandenburg Gate. Demonstrators included supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. More than 1,000 people also celebrated in Vienna, according to the city police quoted by the Austrian press agency. Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon pay tribute to Khamenei Hundreds of supporters of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group gathered south of Beirut to mourn the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei They chanted anthems and slogans paying tribute to Khamenei and Iran. They waved the flags of Iran and Hezbollah, some beating their chests. Hezbollah is Irans most powerful proxy in the region, but it suffered heavy losses in a monthslong war with Israel in 2024. It has not taken military action in solidarity with Tehran, as Lebanons political leadership tries to keep the nation out of the conflict for fears of a spillover. 3 US service members killed, 5 wounded The U.S. military says three service members have been killed and five seriously wounded in the Iran operation. Central Command made the announcement on social media Sunday without providing additional information. Italy says Irans hard-line stance provoked attacks Italy blamed Iran for provoking the U.S. and Israeli attack, saying its hardening position about its nuclear and long-range missile aspirations had posed a threat to everyone. The obvious issue was the atomic bomb and the increase in the production of long-range missiles that posed a threat to everyone, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Sunday. Tajani also strongly condemned Irans retaliatory strikes as senseless and said they had only served to further isolate Tehran. He said countries hit by Iran had the right to respond. I hope the situation doesnt worsen but I sensed a strong irritation of all the ministers and leaders of countries hit by Iran about the Tehran regime, Tajani said. Who takes shelter in Jerusalem? Sirens ring out periodically in Jerusalem to signal incoming missiles from Iran, but the warnings are received differently in different parts of the city. In the west of the city, where most Israelis live, the streets are relatively empty, though some kids could be seen running around in neighborhood playgrounds. It seemed Israelis are mainly staying close to home so they can get to shelters quickly if necessary. In the east of the city, however, Palestinian residents go about their normal lives, shopping for meals during the holy month of Ramadan. There are some public shelters in east Jerusalem but they are far less common than in the west. US senator warns US doesn't know what follows Khameneis death Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said that the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is creating uncertainty about the trajectory of the conflict. We have had very little visibility into what happens next after the supreme leader is eliminated, Warner told CNN on Sunday. I think we still dont know what is happening next. Warner said he hoped the Iranian people would rise up, but he didnt believe that would be the outcome. He said the fear is that the U.S. is seeing the opening salvos of what could be a sustained war in the region. Maersk rerouting ships from Suez to Cape of Good Hope Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, said it has paused vessels traffic through the Ban el-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal. The company said in a statement Sunday it has decided to reroute the ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen had targeted vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea in 2024 and 2025. Turkeys Erdogan calls for diplomacy Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that diplomacy remains the most rational path forward during a telephone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Erdogan also extended his wellwishes to Saudi Arabia following recent attacks on the country and warned that, without decisive action, the conflict could escalate with serious consequences for both regional and global security. Iraqis mourn the Iranian leader's death Hundreds of Iraqis have decried the killing of Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and expressed solidarity with the Islamic Republic. The mourners wore black and waved flags belonging to Iran-backed Iraqi militias and red flags that symbolize vengeance in the Shiite Muslim faith as they marched across Sadr City. Some held Iran flags and portraits of Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes across the Islamic Republic. Iraq has for years tried to balance a delicate relationship with both the U.S. and Iran, and has called for an end to the conflict and a return to dialogue. Irans retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases have struck a handful of cities across the Mideast, several in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil. US senator disagrees with Trumps gamble on Iran A leading U.S. senator says he fears that President Donald Trump will cause a more repressive, more aggressive Iranian regime by choosing the path of war when diplomacy was still within reach. Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also says he hopes our national security apparatus is as prepared as it can be for attacks anywhere in the world against the United States and our interests. Coons says he understands Trump taking a bold gamble given how weak the Iranian leadership was, but I disagree with this gamble at this point. OPEC Plus will increase oil production OPEC Plus, a group of eight oil-producing countries, says it will increase oil production by 206,000 barrels a day in April in an effort to mitigate the impact on oil prices during the latest conflict in the Middle East. The group, which includes Arab Gulf countries and Russia, has said in a statement that its members will closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their continuous efforts to support market stability. New leadership council begins its work in Iran Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that a new leadership council has begun its work after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian made the comment in a prerecorded message aired on Iranian state television. Pezeshkian is one of three officials on the council. The other two are head of judiciary cleric Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi. Vessel attacked in Strait of Hormuz A second vessel has come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an agency of the British military. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center said that the attack happened off Mina Saqr, United Arab Emirates. It said that the vessel had been hit by a projectile that caused a fire. The blaze was extinguished and the vessel will continue on its way. Another vessel earlier in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran also came under attack. The attacks come as Iranian officials reportedly have been threatening vessels transiting the strait over the radio. The Strait of Hormuz sees a fifth of the worlds traded oil pass through it. 1 killed, 20 wounded in Kuwait in latest barrage from Iran Kuwaits Ministry of Health says one person has been killed and 20 people have been wounded in new retaliatory attacks by Iran. The countrys news agency reported the latest toll. None of the casualties are Kuwaiti citizens, the ministry said. A dozen people were injured in Kuwait in previous attacks on Saturday. The Kuwaiti army said Sunday that it has destroyed a number of ballistic missiles and drones launched against the Gulf country since the start of the Iranian aggression. The spokesperson for the Kuwaiti defense ministry, Saud Abdulaziz al-Otwan, said in a statement 97 Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward the State of Kuwait were detected, along with 283. He said debris falling on facilities led to minor material damage. North Korea condemns strikes on Iran North Korea has condemned the joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran as an illegal act of aggression and the most despicable form of violation of sovereignty. The Norths foreign ministry in a statement on Sunday said the attack shows how they continue to destabilize the region by pursuing hegemonic interests under the pretext of fake peace. North Korea has suspended meaningful dialogue with Washington since 2019, when a summit between leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump during his first term collapsed over disagreements on exchanging the release of U.S.-led sanctions and the Norths denuclearisation steps. Pyongyang and Tehran were among the few governments in the world that supported Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, and both have been accused of providing Russia with military equipment. US priority is Iran's vast missile arsenal' The chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee says a priority for its joint military campaign is Irans vast missile arsenal. Republican Tom Cotton of Arkansas told CBS Face the Nation that those missiles threatened American troops from bases as far flung as the Indian Ocean to Western Europe. Were stopping a lot of them from being fired before Iran can fire them. Its much easier to kill the archer on the ground than it is to shoot his arrows out of the sky, he said in the television interview. 3 people killed in the UAE The United Arab Emirates' Defense Ministry said Sunday that three people have been killed so far in Iranian attacks on the country. The ministry said Iran had launched 165 ballistic missiles targeting the country, of which 152 were destroyed. Thirteen fell into the sea, it added, AP reported. Iran launched 541 bomb-carrying drones at the UAE, of which 506 were destroyed. Another 35 struck the country, killing three people from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, while 58 others were wounded. Iran has launched 97 ballistic missiles at Kuwait Iran fired 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones at Kuwait since the start of the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran, the Gulf nations military said, as reported by AP. The military said in a statement interception operations led to shrapnel falling in parts of the county, causing limited damage. On Saturday, the military said three Kuwaiti troops were wounded when shrapnel landed in the Ali Al Salem air base. At least 6 killed in Israel Israels police said at least five people were killed and 23 others wounded in a strike that hit central Israel on Sunday. A spokesperson for the rescue services said searches were ongoing for additional victims. Iran has so far launched dozens of rockets at Israel. Saudi Arabia summons Iranian ambassador This follows repeated Iranian attacks on the kingdom. The state-run Saudi Press Agency said the country expressed dismay, condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks on the kingdom and the Gulf states. It added that the kingdom will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory. South Korea prepares plans to ensure safety of nationals in Mideast South Korea says it is drawing up emergency evacuation measures and weighing the dispatch of response teams to the Middle East to ensure the protection of its citizens, AP reported. The Foreign Ministry said Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina held consecutive meetings over the weekend with officials from South Korean embassies in Iran and Israel, along with representatives from other regional missions, to evaluate how the conflict could affect the safety of Korean nationals, as reported by AP. According to the ministry, about 60 South Koreans are currently in Iran and roughly 600 are in Israel, including around 100 short-term visitors. As of Sunday, no South Korean casualties had been reported, though Kim cautioned that instability in the region may worsen. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israel attacks, ruled Iran for more than three decades. The longest-serving head of state in the Middle East died at the age of 86 on 28 February. A central figure in the Gulf, he reshaped the balance of power through confrontation with the West. An ardent supporter of the development of Iran's nuclear program, Khamenei had built a powerful network of regional militant groups. Khamenei took over the reins of Iran in 1989, which was left bankrupt following the eight-year war with neighbouring Iraq one of the deadliest global conflicts of the past century. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei served as the supreme leader of Iran from 1989 until Saturday when he was killed in Tehran. He exercised control over government branches, the military and the judiciary after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khamenei was voted to power and as the President of Iran in 1981 after the assassination of Mohammad-Ali Rajai. He served as the president of Iran till 1989 when he became the Supreme Leader of the Islamist regime. He played a crucial role in the 1979 Iranian revolution that overthrew Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's regime the Shah of Iran. Khamenei, through guile and persistence, was able to achieve something pretty miraculous. He turned Iran into a regional power that controlled a pretty wide geography," Wall Street Journal quoted associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in California, Afshon Ostovar, as saying. Khameneis network of armed groups in the Middle East controlled a land corridor running from Tehran through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon at the peak of Irans expansion. According to Wall Street Journal report, Khamenei used this network to transport arms and personnel. Born In Mashad in 1939 Khamenei was born in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, in 1939. The second of eight children in a religious family, his father was a mid-ranking cleric from the Shia branch of Islam, the dominant sect in Iran, according to a BBC report. Khamenei's education focused on the Quran, and he qualified as a cleric by the age of 11. But, like many religious leaders of the time, his work was as much political as spiritual. An effective orator, Khamenei joined the critics of the Shah of Iran, the monarch who was eventually overthrown by the Islamic Revolution. For years, Khamenei lived underground or festered in jail. He was arrested six times by the Shah's secret police, suffering torture and internal exile. Donald Trump announces Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death US President Donald Trump was one of the first to confirm the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on Truth Social, he said that the Iranian Supreme Leader had been killed and said that it is the greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. According to the US President, heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue through the week or as long as necessary. Later Iranian state media confirmed the news about his death As tensions in the Middle East continue, Oman's foreign minister, who has been mediating US-Iran negotiations, called for a ceasefire during a Sunday call with his Iranian counterpart and said Tehran has expressed its willingness to de-escalate, according to a report by the Hindustan Times (HT). Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi "affirmed the Sultanate of Oman's continued call for a ceasefire and a return to dialogue... in a manner that achieves the legitimate demands of all parties," the report said, quoting Oman's foreign ministry in a readout of a call with Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. As per the Oman foreign ministry statement cited, Araghchi said Iran was "calling for peace," and expressed "the openness of the Iranian side to any serious efforts that contribute to stopping the escalation and returning to stability". The proposal comes after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Saturday and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Islamic Republic had vowed revenge and launched its own attacks on 27 US bases and some Israeli military facilities on Sunday, escalating the conflict, according to reports. On Sunday, Oman, initially the only Gulf state untouched during the first day of Iran's retaliation, was hit by two Iranian drones at the port of Duqm, injuring a foreign worker, according to regional reports. US President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Iran's new leadership is keen to speak with him and that he has agreed, according to an interview with Atlantic magazine. "They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long," Trump said in the interview at his Florida residence. Trump did not clarify whom he would be speaking with or whether the meeting would take place on Sunday or Monday. Oman, a crucial intermediary Oman has acted as a vital, neutral intermediary between the United States and Iran, hosting indirect discussions in Muscat to promote dialogue during escalating tensions. Led by Omani officials, these initiatives sought to create favorable conditions for negotiations on Iran's nuclear activities and regional stability. Third, this debate should not be read as uniquely American. Amodeis two red lines rest on two institutional gaps that have wider significance: the US lacks a comprehensive federal privacy law that would limit domestic surveillance use and has no universally accepted testing standards that can certify AI systems as reliable enough for lethal or high-stakes battlefield contexts. In one case, there is no law, and in the other, there is no fool-proof technical benchmark. Third, recent trends are particularly concerning. Industrys share of Indias R&D has fallen from 41% in 2018 to 36% in 2023, even as higher educations share rose modestly from 7% to 9%. Indias industrial R&D expenditure in 2023 was under $7.4 billion. As a stark contrast, Nvidia, which is ranked 26th among the worlds top 2,500 R&D spenders, spends nearly as much as all of Indias industry on R&D, while Alphabet, the top global R&D spender, spends almost five times that sum. Further, an RP should not be allowed to handle more than two projects at a time. According to data published on the website of one state Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) that we reviewed, as of 22 February, only four RPs were handling 66% (186 out of 282) of all projects under litigation at the National Company Law Tribunal. They each had 90, 41, 31 and 24 projects, respectively. The question is whether one RP can effectively handle so many projects. IBBI, which regulates RPs, including their authorization, should prevent concentration. The UK has allowed the US to make use of British military bases for the specific purpose of destroying Iranian missile depots, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. Britain accepted a request from the US to use its bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose, Starmer said in a video posted on X late Sunday. We have taken the decision to accept this request, to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region killing innocent civilians and putting British lives at risk, Starmer said. We are not joining these strikes but we will continue our defensive actions in the region. That included permission for the US to use the Diego Garcia base on the Chagos islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, according to a source familiar with the conversations. The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Starmer made clear that the UK hasnt been involved in the strikes. Defence Secretary John Healey declined to say in interviews on Sunday whether the government views the attacks as compliant with international law. That stance drew criticism from Starmers political rivals. Priti Patel, the Conservative Partys foreign affairs spokesperson, told the BBC she found it absolutely astonishing that Starmer hadnt given more support. Richard Tice, the business spokesperson for Reform UK, said Starmer had kowtowed to the Islamist extremists by not giving that support. Starmer said there were at least 200,000 British citizens in the Middle East and that Irans strikes were increasingly reckless. Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and its my duty to protect British lives, he said, adding that British jets were already in the air and had successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles. Starmer said the UKs actions were in accordance with international law and that he would publish the UKs legal advice. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reacted to rival Anthropic getting banned by the US government and being labelled a supply chain risk to national security. Notably, the ChatGPT maker announced on the same day that Anthropic's deal with the Pentagon fell apart, that it was partnering with the US government to deploy advanced AI systems in classified environments. However, OpenAI, which has had a somewhat sour relationship with Anthropic, backed its rival against the US government's supply chain risk designation, which is typically reserved for foreign adversarial companies like Huawei. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the ChatGPT maker said it had made its position on the matter clear to the Department of War. It wrote, We do not think Anthropic should be designated as a supply chain risk and weve made our position on this clear to the Department of War. Sam Altman on Anthropic getting banned: Meanwhile, Altman, who tried to pacify a lot of anger directed at OpenAI after the Pentagon deal, did an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on X (formerly Twitter), where he also touched on the question of Anthropic getting blacklisted by the US government and the kind of precedent it sets. "Yes; I think it is an extremely scary precedent and I wish they handled it a different way. I don't think Anthropic handled it well either, but as the more powerful party, I hold the government more responsible. I am still hopeful for a much better resolution." In reply to another post questioning the role of OpenAI in lobbying the Pentagon to stop using Anthropic technology, Altman wrote, 0%. I wish they still did. I would have had a better week! On the deal with the US government, Altman responded, I believe that strong democracy, and a strong US in particular, is a very good thing for the world. The 16-year-old me thought every country should just abolish their defense department at the same time. I wish he were right, but I now think the world is a much more fragile place, he added. Notably, since the deal with the US government was announced, OpenAI has seen mass cancellation warnings from its users, while there has been a public outpouring for Anthropic that has also been reflected in the latest Apple App Store rankings, where Claude has overtaken ChatGPT to become the number 1 free app. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Anthropic and OpenAI is unlikely to cool down anytime soon after the recent events. Notably, Altman and Anthropic's Dario Amodei had refused to hold hands during their meet at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi last month, which had become a major talking point. US government used AI tools from Anthropic during the air attack launched on Iran just hours after declaring that it would stop using technology from the AI startup. As per a report by The Wall Street Journal, commands around the world, including U.S. Central Command in the Middle East, used Anthropics Claude AI during the Iran attack. Reportedly, the command used Anthropics AI for intelligence assessments, target identification and simulating battle scenarios. Prior to the Iran attack, another WSJ report had revealed that Anthropics AI was also used by the Pentagon during the capture of Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro. The report noted that the use of Claude in high-profile missions is among the reasons why the US administration had said that it would take six months to phase out the technology from the AI startup. In a Truth Social post about ending the deal with Anthropic, US President Donald Trump had gone on to call the company leftwing nut jobs and woke while claiming that their selfishness is putting AMERICAN LIVES at risk, our Troops in danger, and our National Security in JEOPARDY. Trump had directed all federal agencies in the US to immediately cease using Anthropic technology. We dont need it, we dont want it, and will not do business with them again! There will be a six-month phase-out period for agencies like the Department of War who are using Anthropics products at various levels, he wrote. US and Anthropic feud over AI safety: Pentagon and Anthropic had been arguing for months over how the companys AI models are used in national defence. The AI startup said that it had allowed the US DoD to use Anthropic technology for purposes with two exceptions: mass domestic surveillance of Americans and fully autonomous weapons. Anthropic has also challenged the US designation of the company as a supply chain risk and said it will contest it in court. Designating Anthropic as a supply chain risk would be an unprecedented actionone historically reserved for US adversaries, never before publicly applied to an American company. We are deeply saddened by these developments. As the first frontier AI company to deploy models in the US governments classified networks, Anthropic has supported American warfighters since June 2024 and has every intention of continuing to do so, the company wrote in a blogpost. KAMPALA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, has temporarily suspended flights to Dubai following airspace closure linked to the current security situation in the Middle East. In a statement issued late Saturday, the airline announced the suspension of its scheduled services between Entebbe International Airport and Dubai International Airport. "We sincerely regret the disruptions to your travel plans and appreciate your understanding as we navigate this situation beyond our control," the airline said. "We will provide further updates once the airspace reopens and normal rescheduling resumes." Earlier on Saturday, Dubai airport authorities announced the suspension of all flights and advised passengers not to travel to the airport due to the deteriorating security situation in the region. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close There are currently over 6,000 children in care in Ireland and this figure is growing every day. Unfortunately, a lot of children in Ireland cannot live with their own family, either on a short-term or long-term basis for various reasons and are therefore brought into State care. This could be because of illness in the family, the death of a parent, neglect, abuse or violence in the home, or sometimes it can be because the parent or family is not coping and they need respite or long-term help. Foster families are often the safety net for children in those situation; people like Longford Town's Edel McGoey. Edel has been called the Nanny McPhee of her family having fostered 24 children in total on respite over the last seven years. It might sound like a lot of work but, she couldn't recommend it to people highly enough. Edel is currently the proud and loving full-time foster mother to a 13-year-old girl and has been for the past two years. The reason Edel wanted to foster a child in the first place was because she only had one child of her own but always wanted more children. "I just decided to go into fostering to see if I could change somebody else's life. At the beginning, I only started doing respite, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but in the last 18 months, I'm now doing it full-time," Edel told the Longford Leader/Longford Live. Edel reached out to Fostering First Ireland to start her fostering journey and said they are "absolutely amazing." "There's somebody there 24-7. There's always somebody at the end of the phone which thankfully I don't need too often but when you do, it's great. "Once you're over 25, you have a spare bedroom, you're able to drive, and you don't have any children under the age of three, you can foster, which is absolutely a great opportunity if you can do it." READ NEXT: 'Simply not good enough': Longford children and families left without vital support - Longford Live Edel said that while fostering does come with challenges, " it's an amazing journey" and support is there. "Once you've spoken to somebody in Fostering First Ireland, they will guide you through the whole lot and take you from there until the child is in your arms or in your house, whatever the case may be." Edel said that the process takes about five to six months to do the assessment. "It used to take a lot longer but now it's a lot quicker because they're crying out for foster carers." The Longford woman says she has noticed in her seven years of fostering that there is "more and more babies from hospitals coming into care in Ireland." "When I started seven years ago, there were very few little babies but now there are more and more babies coming into care." The local mother described the moment her foster child turned up to her home as "nerve-wracking," adding that she "didn't know what to expect and neither did the child." Edel said that her foster child was already on respite with another foster family before she arrived to her home so it wasn't completely new for the young girl and that they had both met before on respite. "With respite, it's great to see them coming and it's also great to see them going, but with full-time, it's different because you're met with different challenges. "You're meeting other peers, you have social workers a lot of the time, not all the time, and you'll have the education officer, you have to bring them to school, set all that up, but in fairness to FFI, they're amazing. "They will guide you through everything and if you're finding any difficulty, they will help you along the way, especially with education, medical appointments, dental appointments." Edel highly recommends fostering a child to anyone who is able to do so. She said that "even if you weren't available to do a full-time placement, it's amazing to do respite, because you get to meet all these different children, different walks of life and different backgrounds. ALSO READ: 170 Longford pupils show a 'high standard' for one of the biggest quiz events - Longford Live "Now, as I said, they all come with challenges; they're not in foster care for no reason but it's great to be able to give something back. It's very rewarding and it's an amazing journey. "Once you get on it, one piece of advice that would be fostered is just try it; don't think too much about making a call. Once you start, I don't think you'll ever look back. "There's times I'd say, why did I do it? Or I'd be pulling my hair out, but I'm glad I'm still doing it. It's a lot of responsibility but it's been very worthwhile seeing children from all parts of life and to know you're helping them." She emphasised that "it's a wonderful experience, if you have the empathy, the room, and are willing to have a challenge, definitely, I'd go for it". "I think a lot of people are afraid of it, the fact that they have to give up so much. I didn't have to give up anything, so thankfully the children blend into the lifestyle that you have. "But thankfully I've never had any issues and my life hasn't changed in the sense that, yes, it has made a difference to a lot of other children, but I'm still carrying on with my day-to-day living, so it's not as if you have to change your lifestyle." Edel said that her nieces and nephews call her Nanny McPhee because she always has a child with her. If you are interested in fostering a child, you can send an enquiry to www.fosteringfirstireland.ie or call Fostering Advisor Jess directly on 087 9394697. You can also attend one of their fortnightly information sessions which are held online with fostering advisors and experienced foster carers. Fostering First Ireland's criteria to be able to foster a child is as follows: - You need to be over the age of twenty-five, there is no upper age with fostering you just need to be in good health and have a reliable support network around you. - You should have a spare bedroom available, foster children can not share with your own children. - If you have children, your youngest should be at least 3 years old. You do not need children to foster. - You should have your full driving licence, there are a lot of appointments that come up for children in care so it is important that you can travel to and from them. "Fostering is the most amazing rewarding journey you will ever experience, one piece of advice that our foster carers would always give is to just get going and try not to think too much about making that call. You are always supported by professionals and never alone once you get started you will not look back," Fostering First Ireland said. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have returned a decision on a complaint made about a radio advertisement for An Garda Siochanas recruitment drive. The radio ad in question was played on 2FM and featured a 999 call from a child asking for help because their dad was holding a knife and had hurt their mum. The advertisement featured the sound effects of Gardai appearing to break down the door and shouting at the assailant to drop the knife. Read More: Longford woman who brandished slash hook as husband set dog on garda both to be sentenced in May This was then followed by a voiceover which stated, An armed incident is usually over in seconds, but the people we help, that stays with us forever. It reminds us that its a tough job but its a job worth doing. Join An Garda Siochana today. According to the ASA, the individual who made the complaint about the advertisement considered it inappropriate to air during a late afternoon radio programme when children were in the car on the way home from school. The complainant recalled how their 6-year-old child was distraught upon hearing the advertisement, and how at bedtime that night, had questioned whether it was real and if the Garda had been able to save the child. In response, the advertiser - An Garda Siochana - explained it was important for their advertising campaigns to be reflective of what the Gardai encounter during the course of their work. An Garda Siochana said they had liaised closely with members of the Armed Support Unit, both those on the frontline as well as senior management, in a bid to ensure the radio advertisement genuinely reflected the types of incidents to which Armed Support Unit members are called. They added that the advertisement had not been exaggerated for dramatic purposes and that the Armed Support Unit had been called to many incidents where a perpetrator had been threatening a woman and children with a weapon, and that weapon was often a knife. An Garda Siochana said they had complied in full with the time restriction imposed on the 2FM advertisement, which was prohibited from airing between 6am and 10am, a period traditionally regarded as family time. They went on to express the view that any fear or distress potentially caused at the beginning of the advertisement was swiftly assuaged given that after just 11 seconds into the advert, the Gardai could be heard arriving to help the mother and child. In their response, they pointed out that it was clear from the sound of the knife dropping that the perpetrator had been apprehended by the Gardai before serious physical harm was caused. Read More: Judge makes decision on Longford husband and wife who admitted affray at service station In response, the ASA ruled in favour of An Garda Siochana and did not uphold the complaint. The advertising body noted that the advertisement had featured the depiction of the reporting and response to an armed incident and that it had reflected a situation that was encountered by Gardai. While the ASA appreciated the concerns raised by the complainant, they noted that the depiction of the situation was one half of the advertisement and that the remainder of the advertisement had featured a voiceover only. The ASA ruled that they were not of the view the advertisement had used any provocative copy merely to attract attention, nor did they consider the advertisement to have caused unnecessary fear and distress. As such they have closed the matter and stated that no further action will be taken. Ballymahons Maura Higgins has claimed the runner-up spot in a dramatic and gripping finale of The Traitors US, which saw her go head-to-head with rumoured love-interest and fellow Love Island alumnus, Rob Rausch. Having formed a close friendship with Rob during the show, Maura was convinced that he too had been a Faithful, particularly as he had made an agreement with her that they would both share the $220,800 prize money (approximately 186,840) if they claimed victory as Faithfuls. The bombshell twist for Maura however came at the roundtable when she realised her friend had been a traitor from the start, with Rob announcing, I am and I always have been a Traitor. I am so sorry, I am a Traitor. Im serious. Maura, who remained in a stunned silence, subsequently called her co-star an a*****e for his betrayal but has since revealed Robs admission that he felt bad over how it all played out in the end. In true Maura style, the Ballymahon star duly informed him that his request for forgiveness could present itself in the form of a Birkin handbag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MAURA HIGGINS (@maurahiggins) Since The Traitors finale, Longford's TV star was photographed at Milan Fashion Week where she stepped out at shows for Roberto Cavalli and Moschino. Read: Longford's Maura Higgins reveals secrets behind enviable abs At the Cavalli show, Maura appeared before the cameras with her normally-jet-black hair somewhat lighter, however when she turned up at the Moschino show a day later, her tresses were a stunning beachy blonde in colour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MAURA HIGGINS (@maurahiggins) Since basing herself primarily in the US, Maura can do no wrong stateside and has been going from strength to strength. During her time on The Traitors US, she struck up a friendship with former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Lisa Rinna, who recently declared in an interview with Page Six that Maura had been the "break out star" of the show and was also one of the driving forces responsible for this season's success. With big things ahead for Maura, including a brand deal with iconic Victoria's Secret, and talks with Charlotte Tilbury, the starlet certainly looks set to remain stateside for the foreseeable. Read: Longford's Maura floors fans with latest Traitors promo look A Longford man with 82 previous convictions has been jailed. Robert OHaire (44) of Camlin Mews, Longford pleaded guilty at the Longford District Court to possession of drugs, theft and public order offences last week. Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said gardai responded to a report of a theft of cleaning products from SuperValu, Longford shortly after 7pm April 5, 2025. Gardai spoke to shop staff who said a man entered the store and various cleaning items were placed in a bag and he then exited the store passing all points of payment without making any attempt to pay for the items. Sgt Daly said the defendant was stopped by security personnel who recovered the items and they were returned to the store in a saleable condition. The value of the products were 44.30. Sgt Daly said gardai arrived at Teffia Park at 1.10am and they stopped and spoke with the defendant who became threatening and acted aggressively. The court heard he became an obstruction to gardai while carrying out their duties and he was arrested for a public order breach. Mr OHaire was subsequently searched in Longford Garda Station by Sergeant Duffy and a brown paper item containing a white substance was found on his person. The white substance was seized and sent to Forensic Science Ireland who confirmed that it was cocaine valued at 50. Mr OHaire has 82 previous convictions. The defendant was jailed last autumn for separate matters heard in Longford Circuit Court. Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said his client knows he has a terrible record and the separated father of three remains supportive of them and he is committed to ending his addiction to drugs. His children are now at impressionable ages, young adults and he is acutely conscious of the terrible example he has provided for them. Judge Bernadette Owens imposed a two month jail sentence, which she backdated to run concurrently to a Longford Circuit Court sentence he is presently serving that was imposed on February 6 last. READ NEXT: Men involved in violent Longford street brawl to be served with books of evidence READ NEXT: Building 'long-term resilience' for Longford businesses with Circular Advantage A judge said the 'issue with regard to people and the psychiatric services is a screening out process as opposed to a screening in process' during the case of a South Longford man last week. The screening and intake processes in Irish psychiatric services have received significant criticism in recent weeks and months with some reports claiming young people are being 'screened out' or denied access to care. The 35 year-old man, appeared in Longford District Court charged with two public order breaches at Townparks, Longford and of obstructing a garda at the same location on October 13 last. The defendant was also charged with criminal damage to a Longford Garda Station cell on the same date. Judge Bernadette Owens heard a bench warrant had been issued for his arrest after he failed to attend a previous hearing. The defendant's uncle said his nephew had been living with him until the morning of the court hearing on Tuesday, February 17. "There is no problem with him except our house is awful crowded, we have old age pensioners, a daughter and a child. "He needs supervision to take his medication and without it he just goes AWOL." "Over the last fortnight I've helped to get him into Cuan Mhuire in Bruree [county Limerick for addiction treatment], they couldn't deal with him there. "They had 600 people taken in in the last 12-months and it was the worst it could be. "He doesn't have anywhere else to live." The defendant's uncle said his nephew's mother and his sister are not able to look after him. "He can't even have a glass of wine with his medication but he doesn't understand. "I've tried to have him voluntarily admitted but he doesn't meet the threshold, two GPs said they couldn't sign the forms to have him admitted. "There's a court issue in relation to involuntary admission at the moment and that's the reason the medical people don't want him. "But, [he] needs help." However, Judge Bernadette Owens said she presumed the court issue referred to was 'what we heard about last week, that there is a judicial review pending'. "As far as I am concerned the issue with regard to people and the psychiatric services is a screening out process as opposed to a screening in process, she added. Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, defending, said the unfortunate thing was they did not have an address for his client currently. The defendant then addressed Judge Owens and said he was concerned he was 'going to go homeless again'. Judge Owens said she had a lot of sympathy for his position. "It's very difficult for you to go back again to being homeless, specially when you have a mental health difficulty." "The last time we made progress under Dr [Benjamin] O'Keefe." Judge Owens decided to revoke the defendant's bail and she remanded him in custody with consent to bail on his own bond of 100. She stated the defendant had to provide an address prior to his release and sign on three times per week at his nearest garda station. Judge Owens also imposed a curfew and she directed that a psychiatric report is compiled on the defendant while he is in custody. READ NEXT: Men involved in violent Longford street brawl to be served with books of evidence READ NEXT: Building 'long-term resilience' for Longford businesses with Circular Advantage ABUJA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has expressed deep concern about the evolving situation in the Middle East following military operations by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran. In a formal response to the surge in hostilities late Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the impact of these developments on regional stability and international security, saying they pose "grave consequences." "Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities, and prioritize dialogue over confrontation," the foreign ministry said, emphasizing the imperative of restraint in the use of lethal force to prevent further loss of civilian lives and avoid any actions that could undermine established norms of international law. It added that as a longstanding advocate of non-alignment, multilateralism, and constructive engagement, Nigeria supports renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks to resolve the crisis. A motorist who was caught by Gardai driving while disqualified and with no insurance or licence in county Longford, has been convicted and received a four year road ban. Aivars Lielgalvis (51) of Woodlands Avenue, Mullingar pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving without insurance at Corlea, Kenagh on January 28 last. Garda Aidan Lenehan said he stopped and spoke to the defendant driving a Renault Trafic van and he asked him to produce his drivers licence, however, he replied he did not have it. A check on the Garda mobility device however confirmed Mr Lielgalvis was in fact a disqualified driver. Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, defending, said it was a 'foolish' thing to do and his client regretted his actions. "It is not lost on him the seriousness of the matter." Mr Quinn said one of Mr Lielgalvis's close family members 'suffers from a number of ailments' and he had decided to drive for medical reasons. The court heard the defendant, a native of Latvia, has been living in Ireland for 17 years and the legal representative addressed Judge Bernadette Owens. "I would ask you to be as lenient as possible." Judge Owens considered that Mr Lielgalvis had been driving while disqualified and she imposed the four year disqualification and a 750 fine with five months to pay. READ NEXT: Men involved in violent Longford street brawl to be served with books of evidence READ NEXT: Building 'long-term resilience' for Longford businesses with Circular Advantage A statement from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq shared via the militia-aligned Sabereen News on X. Iraqi militias claimed 16 drone attacks against enemy bases in Iraq and the region following American and Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States and Israel launched a campaign against the regime in Tehran on February 28, killing numerous members of the regimes leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Islamic Republic responded by launching hundreds of drones and missiles at US bases, Israel, and Gulf countries, and Tehrans proxies have responded with attacks and pledges of support. An unconfirmed party, likely the US or Israel, also reportedly conducted strikes against Iran-backed proxies in Iraq on February 28 and March 1. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), a coalition of Iran-backed Shiite militias that are US-designated terror groups, released a statement on February 28 claiming 16 attacks using dozens of drones on that day. However, they did not identify the specific targets. At least two bases housing Iraqi security forcesthe Basrah Operations Command and the Imam Ali base in Dhi Qarwere struck on February 28, either by Iraqi militias or the Islamic Republic itself. Local media also reported numerous interceptions of drones and missiles in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly near the American consulate and military forces. Saraya Awliya al Dam, a front group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, claimed an attack on US military personnel at Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan with a squadron of drones. The United States maintains a military presence in the Kurdistan Regionin particular, at Erbils airportwhere numerous interceptions were heard. Iraqi militia-aligned news outlets continue to announce drone attacks by the militias. Iraqs Iran-backed Shiite militias view the Kurdistan Regional Government with suspicion due to its ties to the United States, and they have previously attacked various targets in the region. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also previously conducted hundreds of attacks against Israel and US bases in the region during the war in Gaza following Hamass October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Numerous Iraqi militias and militia officials have issued statements in support of Iran and memorializing Khamenei. The Iran-backed terror groups Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada, and Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba have announced they are joining the fighting in response to attacks on Iran and violations of Iraqs sovereignty. Kataib Hezbollah threatened a prolonged conflict with the United States, saying, We must drag [the US] into a long war of attrition [] in which we leave no American presence in the region generally, especially in Iraq. US servicemembers withdrew from most areas of Iraq in January 2026 but remain in Iraqi Kurdistan. Akram al Kaabi, the leader of Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba, released a statement condemning the American attack on Iran and promising that the group would join the fight, without issuing specific threats. Our mujahideen and heroes are not those who speak in gatherings saying, if only we had been with you and then they cower on the battlefield, Kaabi stated. Abu Ala al Walae, the leader of Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada, justified Iranian attacks on neighboring Arab countries, saying that the Islamic Republic was only targeting American sites and servicemembers. Walae claimed that US personnel had fled their bases scattered throughout the Gulf countries and sought refuge in hotels and civilian buildings to rationalize Tehran targeting cities and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf. Protestors have taken to the streets in Baghdads Green Zone, which houses the US embassy, over American strikes and the killing of Khamenei. Some of these protestors are carrying the flags of Iran-backed terror groups in Iraq. Unclaimed, possible US-Israeli strikes on Iraq The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official Iraqi security institution comprised of militias, many of which are backed by Tehran, announced that an unknown party conducted an airstrike on Iraq on February 28. The Jurf al-Nasr area, north of Babil province, was subjected to several airstrikes at exactly 11:50 am this morning, resulting in the martyrdom of two individuals and the injury of three others with varying degrees of wounds, the PMF stated. Sources told Iraqs Shafaq News that the site that was targeted is connected to the Kataib Hezbollah militia. The attack has not been claimed, though American or Israeli forces are likely to have conducted it. Another Iran-backed militia in the PMF, Asaib Ahl al Haq, announced the death of four of its members on March 1. The statement claimed that the attack was a joint US-Israeli airstrike. Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis. A landmark new theatre production commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of Mayo republican Frank Stagg is set to open in Belmullet this May before touring nationwide. We Have Him Back!, written by Belmullet native Brian MacSuibhne, will premiere with a two-night run at the Aras Inis Gluaire on May 15 and 16, 2026, before embarking on a tour across every province, including dates in Dublin, Belfast, Donegal and Cork. The production marks five decades since the death of Frank Stagg, the Mayo man who died in February 1976 after his fourth hunger strike in Wakefield Prison in England. A story rooted in Mayo Staggs death and burial became one of the most controversial episodes of the prison struggle of the 1970s. Following his death, his body was buried against his wishes and those of his family in an unmarked grave, which was subsequently covered in concrete by the Irish Government. READ MORE: Large crowd gathered in Ballina to mark 50th anniversary of Frank Staggs death Twenty-two months later, his brother George Stagg exhumed his remains and reinterred him in the republican plot in Ballina, fulfilling a promise made to his brother. The new production has been developed with the full permission and input of the Stagg family. According to organisers, it presents an historically accurate and deeply human account of the hunger strikes, the forced feeding carried out by British prison authorities, and the determination of the Stagg family in the aftermath of his death. A familys voice The play tells the story through the voices of family members a mother watching her son die, a wife confronting official narratives, a sister trying to understand events, and a brother determined that history would not be silenced. It also incorporates documented conversations and references to world and national news, music, fashion and social life in 1970s Ireland, placing the personal tragedy within its broader historical context. Speaking ahead of the premiere, writer Brian MacSuibhne said: Fifty years ago, the truth of what happened to Frank Stagg and his family was buried in concrete, censorship and lies. This play is about uncovering that truth, about love between brothers, and about a family who refused to let their son be erased from history. READ MORE: Black Flag vigil held in Mayo town to commemorate Frank Stagg A spokesperson for the Stagg family said the production tells Franks story with honesty, dignity and accuracy and honours both his sacrifice and the familys determination. Heritage and commemoration The production is being presented as a major heritage and commemorative project, exploring themes of family, human rights, state power, censorship and historical memory. Organisers have noted that some scenes are graphic in nature and are not suitable for children. Following its Mayo premiere, the tour will bring the production from the west of Ireland to audiences across the country, ensuring the story of Frank Stagg is revisited 50 years on from his death. Further details, including a full digital press pack and interview availability, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. SEOUL, March 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports hit an all-time high for February due to strong demand for locally-made semiconductors, government data showed Sunday. Exports, which account for about half of the export-driven economy, soared 29.0 percent to 67.45 billion U.S. dollars in February, surpassing all previous records for the month, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The daily average export surged 49.3 percent to 3.55 billion dollars, topping 3.0 billion dollars for the first time. Imports grew 7.5 percent to 51.94 billion dollars in February compared to the same month in 2025, sending the trade surplus to 15.51 billion dollars. Of the country's 15 major export items, only five products saw growth in outbound shipments amid fewer business days due to the Lunar New Year's holidays. Semiconductor export spiked 160.8 percent to reach a new monthly high of 25.16 billion dollars, topping 20 billion dollars for the third straight month. The record chip shipment was driven by excess demand from expanding artificial intelligence investment and a subsequent surge in memory chip prices. Exports to the United States surged 29.9 percent to 12.85 billion dollars, thanks to soaring chip demand that offset the negative effect of the U.S. tariff imposition. Shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations swelled 30.4 percent to 12.47 billion dollars, while exports to the European Union gained 10.3 percent to 5.60 billion dollars. Celebrity family matters rarely stay private for long, especially in the age of social media sleuthing. This time, speculation has centered on filmmaker Jason Sanjay, with online chatter suggesting he may have unfollowed his father, actor-turned-politician Vijay, on Instagram amid reports of his parents separation. The buzz began after fans noticed what they believed was a change in Jasons following list, prompting widespread discussion across social platforms. However, some users pointed out that he may not have been following Vijays account to begin with, making the claim difficult to confirm. Instagram/Jason Sanjay Team The speculation gained momentum shortly after reports about the actors marital situation started circulating, further fueling online debate. Sangeetha Sornalingam, who is of Sri Lankan Tamil origin and was raised in the United Kingdom, married Vijay in 1999. Prior to their marriage, she was a British citizen with family roots in Sri Lanka. Her father, an industrialist, had later relocated and settled in the UK. Her association with Vijay reportedly began outside the film industry. Following the success of Poove Unakkaga, Sangeetha met the actor during a visit to Chennais Film City to congratulate him. After their initial meeting, Vijay invited her home and introduced her to his parents, filmmaker S. A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar. During her stay in Chennai, Sangeetha was reportedly residing near the familys home. Over time, their bond strengthened, and Vijays parents eventually initiated discussions about marriage. According to reports, his family later travelled to London to meet hers before formally finalising the wedding. Chaos has tamped down across Mexico after a cartel leaders killing at the hands of the national army led to widespread violence. A U.S. military veteran-led organization has been at the forefront of aiding citizens and noncitizens alike, telling Military.com that hundreds reached out for their assistance. Violence erupted last week after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, who has become infamous for a criminal network that according to the Associated Press has trafficked cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine to the United States. The killing impacted airline flights and rerouted cruise ships headed to popular vacation destinations. The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning on Feb. 21 calling for U.S. citizens in Mexico at the time to shelter in place, then lifted that order by Feb. 23, saying the situation returned to normal in the areas of Quintana Roo State including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, and the states of Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas. A charred truck blocks a road the day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," in Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) As of Feb. 25, all flights were announced to be on normal schedules and the U.S. Embassy and all consulates in Mexico were operating normally. Mario Duarte, CEO of the U.S.-based international rescue organization Project DYNAMO, told Military.com that assistance was immediately offered in the aftermath of Cervantes killing. The situation in Mexico has stabilized, but during the height of the uncertainty our team immediately shifted into support mode for Americans and families looking for a safe way out, Duarte said on Thursday. Behind the scenes, the work was less about dramatic rescues and more about disciplined coordination and real-time problem solving. Efforts On The Ground The work of Duarte and the organization involved helping families build safe, practical travel plans by identifying the most secure routes to the airport, complete with pressure testing those routes against what advocates were seeing and hearing on the ground. Along with verifying flight status to ensure people were not heading into avoidable risk or showing up for flights that had been canceled, they acted as an information bridge to provide awareness in a fast-moving situation ripe with rumors and misinformation. When the situation first escalated, DYNAMO volunteers were among the first to arrive in the area. Roughly 150 people reached out for help, according to Duarte, including several larger groups composed of individuals on work assignments and vacation travelers who all shared a common thread: uncertainty. National Guards patrol the area outside the morgue where the bodies of fellow guardsmen killed in attacks lie in Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, two days after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) Even as conditions began to normalize, they helped about 25 families safely design and execute their routes to the airport and confirm their flights were still operating. In many cases, the assistance we provided made the difference between families making calm, informed moves versus reacting blindly in a fluid situation. The calamitous nature of events also impacted cruise lines heading near hostile regions. Carnival said its Princess Cruises Royal Princess and Holland America Lines Zuiderdam were bypassing their planned stops in Puerto Vallarta last Monday, according to CNBC, while the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Bliss canceled its plans to hit Puerto Vallarta last Wednesday. At this point, the situation appears to have stabilized and is largely back to normal, Duarte added. That said, we are still maintaining active oversight. We currently have team members still in Mexico monitoring conditions and tracking developments so we can respond quickly if anything changes. If tensions were to rise again, we are prepared to continue providing the same kind of direct support, situational awareness and route planning assistance that helped families move safely during the most uncertain period. KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) Violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the Pakistani port city of Karachi left at least nine people killed and more than 50 others wounded on Sunday, after hundreds of demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate, authorities said. The violence came hours after the United States and Israel attacked Iran and killed the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Police and officials at a hospital in Karachi said that at least 25 people were also wounded in the clashes and some of them were in critical condition. Summaiya Syed Tariq, a police surgeon at the city's main government hospital, confirmed that initially six bodies and multiple injured people were brought to the facility. However, she said the death toll rose to nine after three critically wounded people died. U.S. monitoring protests The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan wrote on X that it was monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the U.S. Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional protests at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar. It advised U.S. citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and keep their travel registration with the U.S. government up to date. Karachi is the capital of southern Sindh province, and Pakistans largest city. Senior police official Irfan Baloch said that protesters briefly attacked the perimeter of the U.S. Consulate but were later dispersed. He dismissed as baseless reports that any part of the consulate building was set on fire. However, he said that protesters torched a nearby police post and smashed windows of the consulate before security forces arrived and regained control. Witnesses said that dozens of Shiite protesters remained gathered about a kilometer (half-mile) from the consulate, urging others to join them. They said one of the protesters had tried to burn a window of the consulate, before security forces arrived there and dispersed the demonstrators. Appeal for calm The clashes prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to issue an appeal for calm. Following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, every citizen of Pakistan shares in the grief of the people of Iran," Naqvi said in a statement. He described it as a day of mourning for the Muslim Ummah and for the people of both Iran and Pakistan, but urged people not to take the law into their own hands and to express their protests peacefully. The provincial government of Sindh in a statement also urged citizens to express their views peacefully and warned against engaging in violence. Protests in the area surrounding the U.S. Consulate in Karachi went on for hours, with dozens of Shiite youth, some covering their faces, throwing stones at law enforcement officials and vowing to reach the consulate, where hundreds of police and paramilitary Rangers have been deployed. Unrest expands In Islamabad, police fired tear gas and swung batons as hundreds of Shiite protesters, angered by the killing of Khamenei, tried to march toward the U.S. Embassy. The clashes took place outside the Diplomatic Enclave, where the embassy is located and additional police had been deployed. Meanwhile, in the northwestern city of Peshawar, authorities also used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of demonstrators attempting to approach the U.S. Consulate to hold a rally to denounce the killing of the Iranian leader, police said. Shiites also held a peaceful rally in Multan, a city in Punjab province, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Mamoona Sherazi, who attended the rally, said that she was protesting Khamenei's killing. She described him as a fatherly figure and a strong voice for Shiites, adding that he also supported Sunni Muslims facing oppression. God willing, we will never bow before America and Israel, she said. Shiites also held a rally and clashes with police repeatedly near the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, the capital of eastern Punjab province, police said. Rallies against Israel and the United States were also planned in northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. Authorities said that the government has stepped up security around the U.S. Embassy in the capital, and consulates across the country to avoid any further violence. Shiites make up roughly 15% of Pakistans population of about 250 million and represent one of the largest Shiite communities in the world. They have frequently staged anti-Israel and anti-U.S. rallies in the past, though clashes of this scale are rare. ___ Munir Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Babar Dogar in Lahore, and Asim Tanveer in Multan, contributed to this story. A policeman fires teargas canisters at protesters during clashes near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, March 1 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted on Mai Kolachi Road when demonstrators tried to enter the premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, Hassan Ul Haseeb, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh, told Xinhua. Many of them are in critical condition. Who opened fire was uncertain at the moment, the spokesperson said, adding that most of the injured sustained bullet wounds while others suffered baton injuries. According to a statement by the Edhi rescue service, law enforcement personnel resorted to teargas shelling and baton charge to control the situation. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a report from the police and ordered tighter security at sensitive installations. A policeman fires teargas towards protestors during clash near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Protesters clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) A burning motorbike is seen during clashes near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) A policeman walks past a burnt vehicle near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Law enforcement personnel stand guard near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Protesters clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) U.S. strikes on Iran have triggered a war powers fight on Capitol Hill and a split on the streets over whether the move is necessary or the start of another open-ended conflict in the Middle East. Demonstrators gathered Saturday in Times Square hours after President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iranian targets amid escalating tensions tied to Tehrans nuclear ambitions and regional activity. Protesters demanded Congress step in. Others said the moment could weaken Irans leadership. Lawmakers now face questions over how far U.S. involvement could go. No more war! protesters chanted. War Without Consent Opponents said the administration moved too quickly and without clear public backing. They argued Congress, not the president alone, must decide whether the U.S. enters a broader war. I think that it's important that we're out here, that we show that we didn't agree to this, that we didn't consent to this, that this is a violation of the rules, a Brooklyn resident who didn't want to be named told Military.com at the demonstration. Crowds fill Times Square on Saturday as demonstrators hold signs reading Stop the War on Iran and Hands Off Iran, reacting to U.S. strikes and urging Congress to assert its war powers authority. (Darius Radzius) Speakers urged lawmakers to invoke the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional authorization for sustained military action. Several referenced the 2002 authorization for use of military force that preceded the Iraq War. A previous effort in the Senate sought to rein in presidential war powers after earlier U.S. action against Iran, but colleagues voted down a measure that would have restricted further military action without explicit congressional approval, underscoring how hard it can be for lawmakers to limit executive authority even after domestic opposition grows. Thats why we have a Congress, one speaker said. This isnt supposed to be one persons decision. My biggest fear is that this is just the start of another endless war, like Iraq, like Afghanistan, said Etan Mabourakh, organizing manager at the National Iranian American Council. Mabourakh said bombing campaigns and sweeping sanctions do not produce democratic change. If we want to support Iranians, how about we don't bomb them, he told Military.com. He said diplomacy aimed at containing Irans nuclear program had not been fully exhausted and warned escalation could shrink space for peaceful protest and civil society inside Iran. A Shot at Regime Change Others in the crowd backed the strikes and argued the moment could shift the balance inside Iran after nearly five decades of clerical rule. I have no idea what's going to happen, but I know that this is the best chance Iranians have had to stand up against their terrorist Islamic regime that has been oppressing them for almost 50 years, said Iman Dashti, an Iranian American who attended the protest. Demonstrators pack Times Square on Saturday holding signs opposing U.S. strikes on Iran, as protesters call for an end to military escalation and greater congressional oversight. (Darius Radzius) Dashti said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, which the U.S. designated a foreign terrorist organization in 2019, has fueled instability across the Middle East through proxy forces and missile programs. He argued the strikes could weaken the regimes grip and embolden opposition movements inside Iran. He acknowledged the risk of a power vacuuma concern that followed previous U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. But he believes Irans population and protest history could support a secular, democratic government if the current leadership falls. Supporters described the action as pressure aimed at leadership, not civilians, while conceding the outcome remains uncertain. Congress On the Clock Several speakers said lawmakers would have to live with their vote if a war powers resolution advances, framing the moment as a constitutional test of executive authority. The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing U.S. forces into hostilities and limits military action beyond 60 days without authorization. Protesters march through Times Square on Saturday carrying signs reading Defend Iran & Palestine and Stop U.S.-Israel Rampage, as demonstrators rally against U.S. military strikes and call for an end to escalation. (Darius Radzius) Presidents from both parties have challenged its limits, though lawmakers have invoked it during debates over U.S. involvement in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. If members move forward with a resolution tied to the Iran strikes, it would force a public vote on whether to authorize, restrict or end U.S. military involvement. That vote would put every member on record. Middle East on Edge Speakers warned retaliation could widen the conflict beyond Irans borders, pointing to Tehrans network of allied militias and proxy forces in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. A speaker addresses demonstrators in Times Square on Saturday as protesters hold banners reading Stop the War on Iran and End the Genocide, reacting to U.S. military strikes and calling for congressional action. (Darius Radzius) This military buildup, these attacks, cost billions of dollars, one speaker said Saturday, arguing domestic priorities should take precedence. Iran has previously taken steps in the Strait of Hormuz to assert leverage with naval drills and brief closures, reminding global markets just how vulnerable energy shipments are when tensions rise near this narrow chokepoint. The Strait of Hormuz, a corridor through which roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids pass, remains a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran tensions. Disruption there could ripple through energy markets worldwide. Growing up in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, David Noonan was an adventurous teenager. After he turned 18 and graduated from high school, Noonan was eager to spread his wings and see the world. It was 1968, and the war in Vietnam was in full force thousands of miles away. Despite being Canadian, Noonan wondered if he could help the U.S. in its efforts to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. So, young Noonan made the 2-hour drive southeast, across the border to Buffalo, New York and became a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. I didnt know what to do with my life, he told Guelph Today.com. There was a war going on, so thats going to give you adventure like it or not. Noonan shared his unique story last weekend during an interview for Global Veteran Stories, a documentary series featuring veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Sitting in his living room, talking candidly about his wartime experience, Noonan glances at a photo of him before he deployed to Vietnam, the precocious, thrill-seeking 18-year-old who had no idea what was in store for him. Global Veteran Stories was created by Canadian filmmaker Zach Dunn in 2021 to collect veteran interviews and share them on his YouTube page. Inspired by his late grandfather, a World War II veteran, Dunn has interviewed more than 160 veterans from across the globe. Zach Dunn interviews a veteran for his Global Veteran Stories project. (Facebook) Curious about Global Veteran Stories, Noonan reached out to Dunn through social media to see if there was interest in his story. With many Vietnam War veterans approaching 80 years old, Noonan feels there is more urgency to preserve their stories. In less than 20 years, itll be forgotten, Noonan said. Inspired by Grandfather to Share Stories When Dunn started his video series, he thought of it as a way to connect to his grandfather, John Williams, who died in 2003 when Dunn was a small child. We found his medals and photos in the basement while I was kind of cleaning up my parents house, Dunn said. My family didnt know much about his service, to be honest with you. All Dunn did know was that his grandfather was a paratrooper for the British Air Force. He served in Germany and Africa from 1939-1945. I basically sat down with all my aunts and uncles, and they each had one story he was in Africa, he was injured, Dunn said. Each of them had a little bit of, you know, one or two stories, but a lot of the time, the veterans I meet with have never been interviewed or have never shared their story or have never told about it to their family. So that connection, were slowly losing, I think. To commemorate what would have been his grandfathers 100th birthday in 2021, Dunn started thinking about other World War II veterans who would like to share their stories before theyre lost forever. After interviewing his first veteran, a World War II soldier in Lakefield, Ontario, Dunn was hooked. He made it his mission to keep documenting stories. I started just calling around to legions, local organizations, newspaper reporters, and just started collecting all these stories, he said. We don't have a lot of time with these veterans. In recent years, Zach Dunn has expanded his interviews to travel outside of Ontario, Canada to document veteran stories. (Facebook) Theyve Never Asked Throughout his interviews, Dunn has asked veterans why many of them have not shared their stories with family members. Typically, no one cared enough to ask. For others, digging in the past can bring up painfully traumatic events theyre not willing to share with family. And some feel that since they werent in combat, their stories arent as significant. Dunn donates the film from his interviews to local schools, museums and non-profits. Others get shared through social media. Dunn boasts more than 4,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. For Dunn, 26, Global Veteran Stories is a self-funded passion project that hes proud of. Its all about educating the next generation about this important history and preserving these stories, Dunn said. Ive interviewed upwards of 150 veterans, not only from Canada, but from the U.S. and 16 other countries. Primarily, my project has been focused on World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. Similar to most veterans, Noonan didnt open up about his time in Vietnam until talking to Dunn. They didnt ask, and I didnt offer, he said. Following his first tour in Vietnam, Noonan, the adventure-seeker, returned for another tour in 1970. He was promoted to sergeant before leaving the Marine Corps. Not many Vietnam veterans can claim this, but Noonan is a member of both the American Legion and the Royal Canadian Legion. During the Vietnam War, a large group of mostly Hmong soldiers provided vital aid to the U.S. in its fight against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC). Now, more than 50 years later, this proud group of aging veterans want what they feel they deserve the same healthcare benefits provided to the American soldiers they served with. The Secret Guerilla Unit (SGU) was a force of about 50,000 soldiers that supported U.S. troops in Southeast Asia. Veterans from the unit can be buried in national cemeteries but are not eligible to receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cher Vang, president of SGU Veterans and Families of California, is leading the push for his group, the few thousand remaining, to receive VA disability ratings. We see the United States at that time as a brother, Vang told Fox 26 News in Fresno, California. SGU Provided Essential Aid The guerilla force might be somewhat lost to history, but during the Vietnam War, its actions were significant in aiding U.S. troops. The GSU often conducted dangerous and deadly tasks, such as tracking movement and sharing locations of the NVA and VC, rescuing U.S. pilots whose planes had been shot down, and protecting radar installations. The experiences still unearth many buried emotions for SGU veterans. A ceremony was held honoring Hmong and Lao combat veterans and their American advisors at the memorial tree and plaque in Arlington National Cemetery on May 15, 2015. (U.S. Army) Every time I look at pictures, it makes me want to cry, said Chong Yang Thao, via a translator. Thao was only 15 when he was recruited to serve in the SGU. As a radio operator, the young soldier communicated with officers, relaying messages and providing locations of enemy targets. Being a radioman also meant hearing the last words of soldiers, including those pleading for parents and loved ones. Those are the communications we had to provide, Thao said. Through an interpreter, fellow SGU veteran Wa Yang said they were aware of the danger and risks of being an ally but were willing to risk their lives for their nations freedom. Yang had several jobs, delivering supplies, safeguarding radio towers, and serving as his fathers secretary. He also had uncles involved with the SGU. He knows the feeling of loss. They all died in the war, Yang said. Fatality rates for SGU soldiers were extremely high. Out of the estimated 50,000 who served, about 35,000 were killed during the war. Those fortunate to survive were granted refugee status by the U.S. government and fled Vietnam after Saigon fell to communist forces in 1975. But the group still isnt fully recognized as American veterans. Help From Local Leaders In recent years, a bill signed by President Trump and amended by President Biden, gives SGU veterans proper military burials in Veterans Administration cemeteries. But the group believes theyve earned more. Receiving VA benefits would give SGU members recognition for what they did in Vietnam and provide medical care as they age. Our veterans should be entitled to get some type of benefit our U.S. military actually get, Vang said. However, the George Washington Law Review determined that soldiers involved in the Hmong Paramilitary Force are not deemed a Veteran under the VAs current definition because the force was under operation of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), not the military. That caveat wasnt something SGU troops thought of when they were aiding U.S. forces. I dont know the difference. Its United States. U.S. government. I didnt know, Thao said. Its a feeling thats left them deflated. Many of them are disappointed, Vang said. Theyre hopeless. Tulare County (California) Sup. Larry Micari. (County of Tulare) Not all is lost, however. Local leaders in California, such as Supervisor Larry Micari, are advocating for the group. We need to do the right thing and take care of these people, said Micari, District One representative from Tulare County. Serving as a member of the countys veterans advisory committee, Micari recalls watching news of the Vietnam War on TV as a child. Theres a process in place for them to be buried in a national cemetery. Why arent we taking care of them when theyre alive? Micari said. While its a small gesture, in December, Tulare County Supervisors approved a resolution supporting the SGU. Their sacrifice saved American lives, Micari says. If we brought them here, lets take care of them. Its a symbolic move, but the resolution promotes the groups cause, giving them a seat at the table that could lead to change at the national level. Micari plans to present the resolution to the National Association of Counties and push for a national resolution to be drafted. From there, hes hoping to attract federal support and legislation in Congress. I feel we have a lot of good support nationwide, Micari said. Lets take care of people the right way. Give them dignity. In the U.S., an estimated 4,000 SGU soldiers are still alive. But those numbers will continue to drop. Yang knows of 10 who died in Merced and Tulare counties in 2025. They fought with the U.S.; for the U.S., time is running out. I do not want to honor them after theyre all gone and say, Now we honor this. They qualify for this. Yang said. Claims that Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, may have been killed have spread quickly. Some senior Israeli and U.S. figures have publicly asserted he is dead following joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory, while Tehran has denied those reports. Independent verification remains lacking. Israeli Officials Assert Khameneis Death Several top Israeli leaders and military sources have stated that there is evidence indicating Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were many signs that Khamenei may no longer be alive after the strikes hit targets in Tehran, including elements of his leadership infrastructure. Netanyahu described indications suggesting the supreme leaders compound was hit and senior Iranian command facilities were damaged. Other unnamed Israeli military officials told international media that Irans top leadership suffered significant casualties; the report referenced senior Revolutionary Guard commanders among those killed, though it did not provide independent confirmation of Khameneis death. U.S. President Trumps Public Statement President Donald Trump publicly weighed in, asserting Khamenei was killed during the strikes. Trump wrote on social platforms that Khamenei was one of the most evil people in history and that U.S. and Israeli operations resulted in his death. Trump also said he believed the reporting on Khameneis death was correct and claimed that a large portion of Irans senior leadership had been eliminated. Iranian Government Denies That Khamenei Is Dead Iranian officials have explicitly denied the reports that Khamenei was killed. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the supreme leader, along with President Ebrahim Raisi, was alive as far as I know. That statement from a senior Tehran official represents the most authoritative Iranian denial circulating in international media. Irans state media outlets, such as Tasnim and Mehr, have published narratives that portray Khamenei as resolute and in command, accusing external adversaries of spreading disinformation and psychological warfare. State reporting says that reports of his death are fabricated by hostile powers. Context Of The Strikes And Escalation The reports of Khameneis potential death come amid a larger military escalation in the Middle East. A coordinated U.S.-Israeli aerial offensive struck multiple targets inside Iranian territory, including military command facilities, missile bases, and sites associated with Irans nuclear and drone programs. Iranian air defenses and proxy forces responded in kind, contributing to a rapidly intensifying regional conflict. Because the strikes have occurred against heavily fortified and sensitive targets, it is plausible that significant Iranian leadership casualties occurred; however, direct evidence linking strikes specifically to Khameneis death has not been publicly released by independent or neutral intelligence sources. Historical Precedent For Verification Historically, confirmation of a national leaders death has required either an official announcement from that leaders government or multiple independent confirmations from reputable third parties, such as allied governments, international organizations, or on-the-ground journalists. In Khameneis case, neither Tehran nor allied independent sources have posted such definitive confirmation. The Iranian governments repeated denials signal that, at minimum, there is no current official Iranian acceptance of the death claims. Why Conflicting Reports Exist Conflicting accounts in wartime or high-stakes geopolitical environments are common. Governments may publicize information to influence domestic morale or international opinion. Conversely, contested denials may reflect efforts to maintain stability at home or project strength. The fog of war often obscures facts until corroborated intelligence emerges. At this stage, what is confirmed is that senior Israeli and former U.S. officials have publicly stated that there is evidence Khamenei may be dead. Irans official position is that he remains alive. Independent verification from neutral sources is pending. When audiences last saw Kayce Dutton at the end of Yellowstone, he had finally carved out something close to peace. He rode off into the Montana sunset, choosing family over the chaos that had defined the Dutton legacy. That peace doesnt last. In interviews with Military.com ahead of the premiere, Luke Grimes and the series real-life consultants discussed how the spinoff digs deeper into Kayce's military past and law enforcement role. At the end of Yellowstone, he sort of got his dream life. He literally rode off into the sunset. Luke Grimes/Military.com But emotionally, Kayce begins about as low as one could be. The dream life he fought for is gone, and the former Navy SEAL finds himself pulled back toward a badge he once threw away not because he wants it, but because he believes he has no other choice. For the first time in the franchise, Kayce's military past isnt just backstory, but the engine driving the story. Pictured (L-R): Ash Santos as Andrea, Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Arielle Kebbel as Belle, and Tatanka Means as Miles. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The War He Tried to Leave Behind Throughout five seasons of Yellowstone, viewers knew Kayce had served as a Navy SEAL. His deployments to Afghanistan were referenced. His PTSD was acknowledged. But much of that history stayed in the shadows. Marshals changes that. Grimes says the new series dives directly into the untapped reserve of Kayce's backstory including his time in Afghanistan and the mental weight he carries home from the teams. Kayce has always tried to run from that part of himself, retreating into ranch life and family as a form of escape. Now, hes forced to confront it. Grimes explained to Military.com: PTSD is like such a big part of what Kayce's dealing with. You know, he talks about it in the original show. And so, trying to just sort of find people with similar experiences. Luke Grimes/Military.com The emotional core of the series isnt just fugitive chases and shootouts. Its about identity who you are when the life you had planned falls apart, and whether the skills you learned in war can ever truly be put down. For veterans, that tension may feel familiar. The shows deeper dive into Kayce's military past also brings new faces into the fold. Country star Riley Green makes his acting debut as Garrett, a former Navy SEAL and one of Kayce's brothers from the teams. In a guest-starring role, Green plays a veteran with a troubled past who turns to Kayce for help reopening wounds Kayce has spent years trying to bury. Pictured: Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. From Rancher to U.S. Marshal Out of Necessity At the end of Yellowstone, Kayce symbolically discarded his badge. But in Marshals, protecting his son and his community draws him back into federal service. The shift from rancher to U.S. Marshal mirrors something many service members understand: the pull toward purpose. He returns to it to find a sort of purpose in his life and how he can use that skill set to serve his family and his community. Luke Grimes/Military.com Grimes describes Kayce as someone who doesnt posture. He isnt the loudest man in the room. Hes emotional, introspective and often torn between violence and vulnerability. That combination a warrior wrestling with restraint has made him one of the franchises most grounded characters. Now, stripped of the life hed planned for, hes left with the one skill set he cant escape. MARSHALS Series Premiere EPK Built With Real Marshals and Real Veterans While Marshals is fiction, the production made a deliberate effort to root its action in reality. In an interview with Military.com, retired U.S. Marshal Lenny DePaul said he worked closely with the shows writers as a technical adviser. A former commander of the largest Regional Fugitive Task Force in the country, DePaul worked directly with writers and actors to shape procedures, tactics and tone. The U.S. Marshal Service averages anywhere from 80 to 100,000 arrests a year in this country of violent felony fugitives. We currently have eight Regional Fugitive Task Forces throughout the country right now. And obviously, we're on the ground in several countries overseas, vulnerable areas, Mexico City, and so on. DePaul/military.com The U.S. Marshals Service, he explains, isnt just about high-speed raids. Its about investigative work, flipping a fugitives world upside down and tracking the whos who in the zoo the trusted circle that keeps them hidden. Television sometimes bends reality. But DePaul pushed to ensure the show reflected the discipline, coordination, and muscle memory required when pursuing violent offenders. For him, the goal wasnt just drama it was respect for the badge. Luke Grimes and Riley Green performing together during the series premiere event. Country star Riley Green makes his acting debut as a veteran with a troubled past who turns to Kayce for help. Photo credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for CBS. The action side carries similar authenticity. Ryan Sangster, a former Navy SEAL and the fight coordinator on the series, told Military.com he helped shape the shows firefights and weapons handling. For Sangster, the collaborative nature of film production feels familiar. It's kind of like the military where you have such a collaborative effort and community all working for the same end goal. Ryan Sangster/Military.com On set, Sangster worked closely with Grimes and the cast to fine-tune weapon movement, posture and the subtle details that read as authentic on camera the kinds of nuances veterans immediately notice. Luke already had a solid foundation with weapons handling. My job was just refining it and giving him a system so the whole team could move in unison. He cares deeply about authenticity and he picks up physical work, whether its fights or firearms, incredibly fast. Ryan Sangster/Military.com That commitment, Sangster added, starts at the top. Luke cares so much about getting it right. Whether its weapons work or a fight, he picks things up incredibly fast and he wants it to feel real. Ryan Sangster/Military.com When the lead actor sets that tone, Sangster said, the rest of the cast follows. Pictured (L-R): Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton and Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A Different Kind of Western At its heart, Marshals is still a Western horses, open land, violent men making hard choices. But its also a story about grief, trauma and second missions. Kayce Dutton isnt charging into this new chapter as a man on top. Hes grieving. Hes raw. Hes confronting the part of himself he tried to bury. For viewers who have worn a uniform, the idea of hanging it up and then picking it back up again may strike a nerve. The badge may change. The setting may shift. But the internal war doesnt always end when the deployment does. In Marshals, Kayce Dutton learns that the hard way. And for the first time in the Yellowstone universe, that struggle takes center stage. The premiere finds Kayce reuniting with a fellow Navy SEAL while leading his Marshal team into a volatile investigation involving a bomber targeting Broken Rock Reservation a case that spirals into a tense showdown with an armed militia. Marshals debuts Sunday, March 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, with streaming available to stream on Paramount+. A bout of biceps inflammation in late January set Josh Hader back in his offseason prep, and has continued to limit the Astros closer during Spring Training. Haders throwing has been limited to games of catch, and Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters (including the Houston Chronicles Matt Kawahara) that Hader would continue on this route through the week. Espada didnt provide any clarity on when Hader might start to increase his throwing progression, or whether or not the left-hander might not be available for Opening Day. I think we still have a little bit more time. Once we start getting down to that well talk more on that, but right now its still premature just to see where were at by March 26, Espada said. Because Hader is a relief pitcher built for a limited workload, he naturally doesnt require as much ramp-up as a starter. In each of the last three years, however, Hader has made at least six appearances in Spring Training games, and matching that number may be difficult given that were less than a month away from Houstons first regular-season contest. The biceps injury comes on the heels of a more serious injury setback for Hader, as a left capsule sprain prematurely ended his season last August. Surgery wasnt required, and after completing a throwing program in November, Hader said that he expected to be ready for Spring Training. That might have well been the case, if it wasnt for the biceps inflammation that again put Hader on the sidelines. Bryan Abreu covered the majority of save chances when Hader was on the injured list last season, so Abreu would probably be Houstons top choice as interim closer if Hader needs a 15-day IL stint to begin the 2026 campaign. While Abreu has more than proven himself capable of high-leverage work, obviously removing a star closer like Hader from the equation weakens the bullpen depth chart as a whole. If Hader is absent, it will put more of a spotlight on the rest of the Astros relief corps, from both a quality and health perspective. To the latter point, Enyel De Los Santos has started throwing again and Espada said the right-hander should start working off the mound by next week. De Los Santos picked up a right knee strain early in camp, but it appears as though the strain ended up being fairly minor. The missed time in camp may not have much impact on De Los Santos availability for Opening Day, as Espada said that since De Los Santos pitched in winter ball, the righty might be able to rebuild his arm strength in fairly short order. De Los Santos signed with Houston last August and pitched pretty well down the stretch, posting a 4.03 ERA, 6.6% walk rate, and 26.4% strikeout rate over 22 1/3 innings in an Astros uniform. He avoided arbitration with the Astros by agreeing to a one-year, $1.6MM deal for the 2026 season, giving the 30-year-old a bit of stability after already playing for eight different teams over the course of his seven MLB seasons. The Rangers and White Sox were the only teams in the league last season that failed to have a reliever record double-digit saves. Jhoan Duran and David Bednar each did it with two different teams. The 43-win Rockies had multiple pitchers lock down 10+ games. Texas finished the year tied for 22nd in saves with the Nationals, who also had two relievers reach the double-digit threshold. Luke Jackson, Shawn Armstrong, and Robert Garcia had a three-way tie for the Rangers team lead at nine saves. Phil Maton chipped in three, while Chris Martin had two. Jackson, Armstrong, and Maton have moved on to other organizations. Martin is back with the club, embarking on his age-40 season. Garcia remains a key piece of the late-inning equation, though the club is sorely lacking in high-leverage lefties. Heres a quick look at how the closer role could shake out in Texas Robert Garcia The case against Garcia has nothing to do with his skills. He posted a sub-3.00 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning in his first year with the club. Garcia notched 15 holds in addition to his nine saves. The Rangers acquisition of Garcia from the Nationals for Nathaniel Lowe, who landed in Cincinnati on a minor league deal this offseason, seems like a clear win. The problem for Garcia is the lack of other lefties in the pen. Tyler Alexander is the only healthy left-hander on the 40-man roster who will definitely be filling a relief role. He comes to Texas after four straight seasons with a 4.50 ERA or worse. Jacob Latz is a candidate for the rotation. If he comes up short for the No. 5 spot, hell likely be in a flexible multi-inning role. Garcia is the lone holdover from the 2025 closer trio, but he had that role under former manager Bruce Bochy. Skip Schumaker is at the helm now. The new skipper had a lefty closer in Tanner Scott during his two seasons with the Marlins, but those teams also had A.J. Puk, Andrew Nardi, and Steven Okert as left-handed options. Chris Martin The veteran right-handers career has seemed over multiple times recently. He said at the close of the 2024 campaign that he was 95% sure that 2025 would be it for him. Then this past season included three different injuries, punctuated by a chilling diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. And yet, Martin is back with the Rangers on a one-year deal. The soon-to-be 40-year-old has been a solid reliever for much of his career, but its hard to know how many innings he can handle at this point. Its also difficult to gauge how the Rangers will treat him. It was pedal to the metal to begin 2025, as Martin pitched in all three games of the first series against Boston. Itd be surprising to see him used anywhere near that frequently this year. Alexis Diaz This is by far the most intriguing name on the list, given his past run as a solid closer and his more recent history as a struggling minor-league reliever. Diaz dominated in his 2022 debut with the Reds, firing 63 2/3 innings of a 1.84 ERA and a 32.5% strikeout rate. He picked up 10 saves as a rookie. He would go on to rack up 65 saves over the next two seasons. Diaz missed the start of last season with a hamstring strain. He was crushed for eight earned runs over six innings once he returned, and found himself back in Triple-A. Cincinnati would deal him to the Dodgers at the end of May. Diaz continued to scuffle in L.A. and was even worse after latching on with the Braves to close the year. If he can find a way to regain a couple of ticks on his fastball, Diaz could push for high-leverage opportunities. Cole Winn Its been a long journey to the big leagues for the 2018 first-round pick, but the converted starter was a significant contributor in the bullpen last season. The majority of Winns work came in the middle innings, but he did pick up four holds. The right-hander posted a pristine 1.51 ERA. He deserves some credit for that mark, though the underlying numbers point to regression. Winn had a .194 BABIP and a 90.5% LOB%. His xERA and xFIP were both over 4.00. While he probably wont put up a sub-2.00 ERA again, Winn does have the stuff of a high-leverage arm. He sits above 96 mph with the four-seamer, while boasting a pair of strong swing-and-miss pitches. Winns slider had a 34% whiff rate, and his splitter had a hefty 43.3% mark. Its odd to see a short reliever throw five different pitches at least 12% of the time, but the arsenal is viable. Carter Baumler (honorable mention) The Rule 5 pick has been turning heads in camp. Baumler has an upper-90s heater with a hard slider and a big curveball. Schumaker described the arsenal as stuff that we dont really have in the mix of the potential bullpen construction, relayed by Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. Baumler has never made it above Double-A, so its hard to imagine him stepping into a late-inning role. His first goal will be just making the team. Baumler is well on his way to earning a roster spot with three strikeouts across two scoreless innings in Spring Training. Photo courtesy of Matt Kartozian, Imagn Images The Giants are banged up this spring. The club released a handful of injury updates regarding a few notable names on Saturday. The highest-profile player on the list was Rafael Devers, who is dealing with a left hamstring injury. The slugger will be sidelined for the next two to four days, as relayed by multiple reporters, including Maria Guardado of MLB.com. Devers has suited up for three Spring Training games so far. He last played on Thursday against the Rockies. Every Devers appearance this spring has been at first base. The position was a point of contention with his former team, but hell head into his first full season with San Francisco as the top option at the cold corner. Harrison Bader will not hit for the next two days as he recovers from a right thumb contusion. The outfielder was pulled from Fridays game after one at-bat due to the injury. Assuming a return to full health, Bader will lock down center field for the Giants. Drew Gilbert is working through a left shoulder impingement. The issue will keep him from throwing for the next five to seven days. Gilberts absence could impact the race for the fourth outfielder spot. Luis Matos has spent decent stints with the Giants in each of the past three seasons, but hes being pressed for a bench spot by Gilbert, Will Brennan, and non-roster invitee Jared Oliva, to name a few. In the bullpen, Erik Miller and Joel Peguero are both progressing well. Miller is dealing with lower back tightness. Hes throwing from flat ground for now, with the expectation hell get back on the mound in a few days. Peguero is battling hamstring tightness. He completed a live bullpen and is expected to get back into Spring Training games next week. Elsewhere around the division, the Padres are looking to expand Sung-Mun Songs versatility. The infielder played first base, second base, and third base during his nine-year KBO career. San Diego is expected to begin working him out at shortstop and in left field, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. Despite never playing either position as a professional, the Padres are confident Song will pick them up quickly. Weve just got to get him on the practice field doing those things, Stammen said. And then we can put him in a game. The Cubs have brought Ben Cowles back to Wrigleyville, as the team announced that the infielder has been claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, right-hander Shelby Miller was moved to Chicagos 60-day injured list. Miller underwent UCL and flexor surgery last October and will miss the 2026 season. Millers two-year, $2.5MM deal with the Cubs was officially announced on February 15, and Cowles was designated for assignment to create roster space. The Jays claimed Cowles off the waiver wire, but the infielder now quickly finds himself back in the Cubs organization. There hadnt been any indication that Toronto had DFAed Cowles, but the Blue Jays needed to open up a spot on their 40-man roster now that Max Scherzer is returning to the team. A tenth-round pick for the Yankees in the 2021 draft, Cowles first came to Chicago at the 2024 trade deadline, when Cowles was one of two prospects dealt to the Cubs for Mark Leiter Jr. Cowles was DFAed last September and claimed off waivers by the White Sox, but the Cubs brought Cowles back from their local rivals in January on another waiver claim. Throughout all of these comings and goings, Cowles has yet to make his Major League debut. The 26-year-old posted decent numbers in the lower minors but has hit only .235/.299/.368 over 536 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. The lack of offense has surely contributed to Cowles apparent status as 40th-man type, though he has speed (70 steals in 92 attempts in the minors) and has plenty of experience as a shortstop, second, and third baseman, plus a couple of cameo appearances in the outfield. It wouldnt be a shock to see Cowles again land in DFA limbo the next time the Cubs need to create a 40-man opening, but the team clearly sees some value in the infielders skillset. Whether this translates into any time on the active roster remains to be seen, as Cowles might only get considered for a call-up if an injury arises to an infield regular. Did our AI summary help? MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. PHNOM PENH, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Sunday expressed deep concern over the situation in the Middle East, a day after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement that the country calls on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation that would harm civilian lives and undermine peace. According to the statement, there is no report of any Cambodian hurt, and all Cambodian nationals who are in the region are advised to take extra precaution for their safety. Did our AI summary help? Delhi High Court allows forensic inspection of Sunjay Kapurs will amid family dispute Taking to social media, the former The Traitors contestant posted a heartfelt message, revealing that she has been praying for the safety of innocent civilians trapped in the violence. Khushbu Sundar voices concern for Indians caught in the Middle East crisis, asks the government to act: May every Indian abroad return home safe Did our AI summary help? Sonal Chauhan stranded in Dubai amid the Middle East conflict, seeks help from PM Narendra Modi Did our AI summary help? Vipul Amrutlal Shah alleges that theatre owners in Chennai, Kerala threatened over The Kerala Story 2 screenings Did our AI summary help? Karan Aujla Makes History with P-POP CULTURE India Tour Opener at JLN Stadium Did our AI summary help? Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakondas wedding gold jewellery: how expensive was it? Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda seek blessings at Tirupati Balaji Temple, hand out sweets to fans after wedding Did our AI summary help? Rashmika Mandanna grooves on flight with Vijay Deverakonda after wedding Looking for a high-protein breakfast for weight loss? Try eggs, Greek yogurt, chia pudding, moong dal chilla and smoothies for energy and satiety. (Pics: Pexels) SYDNEY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) are investigating a public place shooting incident in Central Coast on Sunday. NSW Police said in a statement that emergency services were called to a home in Killarney Vale, a suburb of the Central Coast region, just after 9:15 a.m. local time following reports of shots fired. Officers were told that several shots were fired at a house before a man left the scene in a white SUV. Three occupants, a man and woman aged in their 20s and a child, were not injured. Police established a crime scene at the home and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Did our AI summary help? Indian refiners likely to pivot back to Russian oil amid Gulf tensions, LPG flows face greater risks The airline noted that the extension is a precautionary measure to maintain the highest safety standards. If the conflict drags on and shipping disruptions continue, risks will grow rapidly for LNG output, which requires steady exports to move fuel through the facility or risk forcing output cuts. Indian insurers such as ICICI Lombard and TATA AIG also sell Dubai travel insurance through their domestic websites Navneet Dubey With over a dozen years in business journalism spanning print and digital, he demystifies personal finance. His insights empower individuals to build wealth and achieve their financial goals. Did our AI summary help? Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Shia Muslims stage a protest against the U.S. and Israel following attacks on Iran, in Pulwama district. The blast occurred at at the factory of SBL Energy Limited, a company manufacturing explosives for mining and industrial purposes. Dubai airport has been targeted by Iranian missles. A passenger looks at a display showing flight schedule, amid cancellation of flights to the Middle East due to the US and Israel strikes on Iran at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. KABUL, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have dismantled a clandestine drug processing lab and arrested 10 drug smugglers in western Ghor province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs announced in a statement on Sunday. Counter-narcotics police units conducted separate operations on the outskirts of Tulak and Saghar districts, destroying the lab and seizing 30 kg of illicit drugs used in heroin production, according to the statement. In a related operation targeting illegal narcotics, security personnel apprehended 10 drug smugglers along with 470 kg of narcotics in the Allah Yar district of the province, the ministry added. The Afghan government has intensified its crackdown on illicit drugs and associated networks, pledging to combat the issue until the country is free from poppy cultivation and the substances involved in heroin manufacturing. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Screengrab of a location hit by Isreali air strikes in Tehran. Gulf-based countries account for nearly 50 percent of total international passenger traffic to and from India. Passengers stranded at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi. BANGKOK, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East with grave concern, according to a statement on Saturday issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We urge all the parties to prevent the conflict from further deterioration, thereby undermining international peace and security and affecting innocent civilians. Thailand reiterates the urgency of dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said. Another statement issued the same day by the ministry said that Thai nationals without urgent business in the area are strongly advised to reconsider travel to the region at this time, given the current tense situation in the Middle East and the potential for an escalation and expansion of hostilities impacting civilians. The comments came as regional tensions escalated after USIsraeli military operations against Iran prompted retaliatory strikes. (Representational image) Nine cheetahs from Botswana have been released into Kuno National Park, boosting Indias ambitious Project Cheetah. (Image: X/@CAC_CPRO) Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day SYDNEY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that the Australian government is concerned about the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and urged citizens to leave the region. Albanese told reporters in Sydney that the federal government has updated its official travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to "do not travel" after the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran. He said that Australian citizens already in those countries should leave immediately if it is safe to do so. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has had a "do not travel" warning in place for Iran since 2020. Residents remove debris from a house damaged by drone strikes in Kabul in Afghanistan. (AP) After Khamenei: Iran has to pick a new supreme leader and theres no safe choice Referring to Iranian officials who have participated in intermittent negotiations with the US and other Western governments over the years, Trump said most of those people are gone. Did our AI summary help? Khameneis nearly four-decade rule transformed Iran into a military-dominated theocracy, prioritising regime survival over citizens welfare. Trump announced the killing on Truth Social; Iran state television later confirmed the death and declared 40 days of mourning. Pahlavi called Khamenei the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Irans bravest sons and daughters, and said his death could mark the effective end of the Islamic Republic. Smoke emanating from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai after it was hit by an Iranian drone. This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows cargo trucks near the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan's Torkham. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. (Str/Xinhua) KABUL, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan capital Kabul came under airstrikes from Pakistan at around 7:00 p.m. local time on Sunday. Enayatullah Khorazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense, said that a large number of Pakistani fighter jets had entered the airspace over Kabul, prompting Afghan air defense forces to conduct effective interceptions. Meanwhile, Afghan local media reported that Afghan forces were launching drone attacks on Pakistan's capital Islamabad and Peshawar city. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows trucks parked near the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan's Torkham. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan's Torkham. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. (Str/Xinhua) A boy looks over the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan's Torkham on Feb. 28, 2026. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows cargo trucks parked near the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan's Torkham. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan's Torkham. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on March 1, 2026 shows a night view of the city of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital Kabul came under airstrikes from Pakistan at around 7:00 p.m. local time on Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Documents suggest Jeffrey Epstein was kept informed about the medical details of women he sent to doctors. Khamenei, 86, had led the Islamic Republic since 1989 and was the central authority in Irans political and religious system. Visuals from the attack by Iran President Donald Trump shows an order to go with the number 47 at a Whataburger restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 27, 2026. Photographer: Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images The app disruption is seen as part of a broader cyber campaign coinciding with Israel's and the U.S. military's strikes on Tehran. Several videos have emerged on social media showing strikes from inside Tehran after Israel launched an attack. Military doctrine requires multiple interceptors per target, raising concerns over depleted stocks after last years 12-day war. ULAN BATOR, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has launched its first comprehensive genetic study of the critically endangered Gobi bear, locally known as Mazaalai, local media reported Sunday, citing the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Mazaalai is listed as a critically endangered species on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). According to the ministry, the country's environmental laboratory was equipped with advanced genetic research facilities last year, enabling the launch of the study in 2026. The research will provide a scientific assessment of the bear's population size, sex ratio, age structure, growth rate, and future growth potential. Mongolia is believed to be the only habitat of the Gobi bear. A previous survey conducted with technical support from China estimated the population at around 50 individuals, said the ministry. Considered as the world's rarest bear, the species faces threats from harsh climatic conditions, food shortages and habitat degradation. It primarily feeds on roots, berries and occasionally rodents. In 2023, the Mongolian government designated the Mazaalai as the National Pride Animal of Mongolia, stepping up conservation measures, including public awareness campaigns and habitat restoration efforts. Mongolia has designated Feb. 28 as the National Pride Animal Protection Day. Iran has vowed to avenge the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Did Chinas HQ9B air defence fall short in Iran? Exploring its performance against USIsrael attacks From Tehran power rooms to London mansions: Mojtaba Khamenei steps into the succession spotlight Iraqi Shiites carry a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against US and Israeli attacks on Iran at a bridge leading to Green Zone where the US embassy is located, in Baghdad on February 28, 2026. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP) Protesters clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, March 1 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and more than 20 others injured on Sunday as protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, officials said. The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises on Mai Kolachi Road in Karachi, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, many in critical condition, spokesperson Hassan Ul Haseeb told Xinhua. Who opened fire was uncertain at the moment, the spokesperson added, saying most of the injured sustained bullet wounds. Thirty people were brought to Karachi's Civil Hospital, six of whom were declared dead on arrival. Three others later succumbed to their injuries, a hospital official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He ordered authorities to conduct an impartial investigation. The chief minister instructed police and administration to provide full security for gatherings and ensure the protection of lives and property. Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi termed the day as one of mourning for the Muslim world, Iran and Pakistan, urging citizens to remain peaceful. "We stand with you. Please do not take the law into your own hands and record your protest in a peaceful manner," he said. In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad said it was monitoring demonstrations at consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as potential protests at the embassy in Islamabad and the consulate in Peshawar. It advised U.S. citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds, and ensure STEP registration is up to date. The protests follow the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Saturday's coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. In Lahore, hundreds of activists gathered outside the U.S. Consulate, with police enforcing security measures. In Islamabad, authorities imposed Section 144, banning all gatherings, and warned of strict legal action against violators. Protesters clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Ambulances are seen as protestors clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Protesters clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Protesters clash with law enforcement personnel near U.S. Consulate in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on March 1, 2026. At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said. (Photo by Imran Ali/Xinhua) Israeli TV reported a photo of Irans Supreme Leader Khameneis body was shown to Trump and Netanyahu after US-Israeli strikes. Tehran has not confirmed his death, while Iranian officials deny the reports. Celebrations erupted in Tehran amid uncertainty. Did our AI summary help? Khamenei was killed in air strikes on Saturday Malala called for an immediate end to the escalation, urging justice and protection for civilians. (COMBO) This combination of pictures created on June 18, 2025 shows (L) a handout picture released by the official website of Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei giving the yearly address to the nation on the occasion of Nowruz in Tehran on March 20, 2025, and an image grab from a video released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) showing Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing the launch of a targeted military operation against Iran in a video statement on June 13, 2025. The strikes on Iran were launched after diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the nuclear issue collapsed without producing an agreement. Old tweets by Donald Trump criticizing Barack Obama over Iran have resurfaced after US-Israel strikes on Tehran. The joint operation targeted Iranian officials, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli targets. Did our AI summary help? MANILA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Sunday confirmed that a Philippine caregiver was killed in Israel amid rising conflicts in the Middle East. In a video message posted on social media, Marcos said he had received reports about the first Filipino fatality following the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The caregiver was killed while she tried to protect and bring her patient to a bomb shelter. "We join in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the family," Marcos said. At the same time, Marcos reiterated that the government continues to closely monitor the situation of Filipinos in the Middle East, particularly in areas affected by the conflict. Why Pakistan is angered by Khameneis death: diplomatic ties, protests and regional pressures B2 bombers used in Iran strikes as Pentagon reports first American losses Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran during a joint US-Israeli operation. US President Donald Trump claimed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli air strikes, calling it a turning point for Iran. No confirmation from Tehran. Trump said military operations would continue to achieve peace in the region. Did our AI summary help? The Pentagon is still using Anthropics Claude, even after Trump ordered a phase-out Pezeshkian says Khamenei assassination is an open declaration of war Pakistani Shiite Muslims hold placards to condemn the US-Israel attack on Iran during a protest in Karachi. ATHENS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Anti-war rallies were held on Sunday across Greece to protest U.S. and Israeli actions targeting Iran, according to Greek national broadcaster ERT. In central Athens, labor federations, trade unions and civic groups gathered at Freedom Park (Eleftherias Park) and marched toward the U.S. Embassy. Demonstrators carried banners reading, "They are wreaking havoc in the Middle East. Greece out of the massacre," and voiced opposition to what they described as imperialist intervention. On the island of Crete, the Communist Party of Greece and its youth wing displayed a giant banner at the old Venetian port of Chania reading, "Greece out of the massacre - close the Souda Base," protesting the involvement of the Souda military base in the conflict in Iran. Local unions and the Committee against Bases and Involvement in War also called on citizens to join rallies in Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno. Organizers said the demonstrations aimed to show solidarity with the Iranian people and to oppose foreign military intervention in the Middle East. On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched joint combat operations against Iran. Iran retaliated with a series of counterattacks against U.S. and Israeli targets across the region. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials were confirmed killed in the strikes. A woman holds an illustration depicting Iran's Supreme :eader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as others wave Iranian national flags during a demonstration in support of the government and against US and Israeli strikes outside a mosque in Tehran on February 28, 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) Since January, US President Donald Trump has publicly framed Irans leadership as illegitimate and signalled that military force was on the table if Tehran refused US demands on nuclear activity. Analytics firms flag suspicious accounts as Polymarket and Kalshi see heavy volumes tied to US military action against Iran. Iran names Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to interim council as power dynamics shift after Khameneis killing Did our AI summary help? People walk under a Iranian pre-1979 Islamic Revolution flag in Los Angeles, on February 28. Trump, writing on Truth Social, responded directly to Iranian threats and stressed that the United States would not hesitate to use unprecedented military strength if Iran targets American forces or interests. Woman who earlier lit cigarette with Khamenei's burning picture celebrates his death: 'I said we'd dance on your grave' PARIS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that the French Navy had assisted Belgian forces in boarding a "sanctioned oil tanker" in the North Sea. In a post on social media platform X, Macron said that French Navy helicopters supported Belgian forces in the boarding operation on Saturday night. He described the action as "a major blow" to Russia's "shadow fleet." He added that Europeans are persisting in efforts to cut off the sources of funding for Russia's war effort by strictly enforcing international sanctions. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken also said on Sunday on social media that, with the support of French defense forces, Belgian forces had boarded the oil tanker, which is now docked at the port of Zeebrugge and will be seized. In January, the French Navy boarded an oil tanker from Russia and diverted it. The tanker, known as Grinch, later left French waters on Feb. 17 after a payment of several million euros and three weeks of immobilization. In response to the seizure and control of similar oil tankers, Moscow has called these sanctions "illegitimate" and against international law. US releases Iran strike video as Israel runs Roaring Lion in joint operation Search No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item. Cast member David Harbour attends the premiere for the final season of the television series "Stranger Things" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, Nov. 6, 2025. REUTERS LOS ANGELES (Reuters) David Harbour wants audiences to know that DTF St. Louis isnt just a show about a dating app, messy affairs or questionable choices its actually about something much more universal. Underneath it, theres a deeply human sort of need for connection and friendship, the Stranger Things star told Reuters at Tuesdays Los Angeles premiere, leaning into the shows surprisingly heartfelt core. The HBO dark comedy, created by Wonder writer Steve Conrad, follows three middle-aged adults caught in a love triangle that spirals into one of their deaths. The seven-episode limited series arrives on Sunday on HBO Max, starring Harbour as Floyd, an earnest ASL interpreter; Jason Bateman as Clark Forrest, a mild-mannered weatherman with stormy emotions of his own; Linda Cardellini as Carol, Floyds wife whose secrets eclipse the forecast; and Joy Sunday as Jodie Plumb, a sharp-tongued special crimes officer trying to make sense of it all. Cardellini says the show thrives on characters who arent what they appear to be. I think it draws you in. I dont think anybody is what they seem on the surface, the Freaks and Geeks star said. Theres so much more to everybody, she added. The big mystery how exactly one of these characters ends up dead is designed to keep the audience guessing. You dont know how the character died. Thats whats fascinating how Steve Conrad has drawn these characters and put them in a timeline that is not very linear, Cardellini said. Its an exploration of people looking for connection. (Press Release) The CNMI America250 Commission proudly announces the inaugural Commonwealth Jubilee, scheduled for March 2224, 2026. Commonwealth Jubilee: A Celebration of Unity and Heritage is a three-day public event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Covenant the historic agreement that created the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands system of self-government, established its political status, and defined its relationship with the United States. Approved by U.S. Public Law 94-241 on March 24, 1976, the Covenant established the Northern Mariana Islands as a self-governing Commonwealth in political union with the United States. It created the framework for the CNMIs three-branch system of government, provided for local self-governance under a Constitution of our own making, and secured U.S. citizenship for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Covenant continues to shape our legal, political, and economic relationship with the United States today. The Jubilee will culminate on Covenant Day, March 24, a legal holiday in the Commonwealth. The themes for the three-day festival are: Day 1: Exhibiting Enduring Traditions Day 2: Embracing American Culture Day 3: Voyaging Through Self-Government The Commonwealth Jubilee will celebrate the rich history, cultural heritage, democratic foundations, and shared values that define the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Commission invites the entire CNMI community to participate in this historic milestone as we reflect on 50 years of self-government and partnership with the United States. Community members are encouraged to attend events, engage in dialogue, and explore how the Covenant has impacted our culture, our governance, and our collective future. Celebrate our past. Embrace our present. Envision our future. The CNMI America250 Commission was established by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios on Aug. 8, 2024, through Executive Order No. 2024-007. The Commission is tasked with planning and carrying out commemorative events leading up to July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, while also honoring the 50th anniversary of the Covenants enactment on March 24, 1976. The Jubilee is included in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the nations remarkable cultural landscape. These programs bring the spirit of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival the institutions largest and longest-running event to community festivals in several states and territories. This project received funding from the Smithsonians Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nations 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years. For more information, visit www.america250mhcouncil.org or contact (670) 235-4785. Festival locations and scheduled activities will be announced on the CNMI America250 Commissions website when available. For access and accommodation inquiries, contact [email protected]/. Chris Escarges of Triple J has his blood sugar checked while Choi Mallari waits for his turn during the Triple J Enterprises Health and Wellness Fair at the multi-purpose center in Susupe on Friday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano By Emmanuel T. Erediano [email protected] Variety News Staff OVER 250 employees, many accompanied by their families, had their health checked during the first-ever Triple J Enterprises Health & Wellness Fair at the multi-purpose center in Susupe on Friday. Themed Feel Better, Work Better, the fair offered employees and their immediate families free blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, nutrition assessments, vision screenings, dental checks, vaccinations, and other healthcare services. Frank Ada, human resources director at Triple J Enterprises, said the company cares deeply for its employees and wants to maintain a healthy workforce. We want to give our employees access to all the health resources available on the island so they can monitor their health conditions, he said. Ada explained that the company had considered holding a health and wellness fair for some time but schedules had always been busy. Finally, we were able to hold the event on Friday, he said. Our model has always been putting customers first, but when it comes to promoting health, we want to put our employees first. He added that after recently hosting a similar fair on Guam, he believed it was important to bring the initiative to the CNMI. Ada also thanked all the companies, government agencies, and community groups that partnered with Triple J Enterprises for the event. They included: Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.- Public Health Division, Community Guidance Center, Marianas Dental Services, Marianas Eye Institute, Seventh Day Adventists Dental Clinic, Paradise Dental, Hardt Eye Clinic, Golds Gym, Latte Built, Net Care Insurance, Marianas Health LLC, Marianas Association of the Pacific (Dr. Adas Clinic), Asia Camacho Hilario, and SPA Ocean. Employees appreciated the opportunity to check their health. Choi Mallari, 59, a painter with the company for 13 years, said, At our age, we need to undergo regular checkups, so this fair is really good for all the employees. Maintenance workers Oscar Ulitin and Chris Escarges, both 60 years old, said the fair was a big help for them and their families. Our jobs can be tough, so its important to regularly monitor our health, they said. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. Office of Grant Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epiphanio Cabrera speaks during a solar-project event in July last year. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano By Emmanuel T. Erediano [email protected] Variety News Staff EPIPHANIO Cabrera, who was reinstated Friday by Gov. David M. Apatang as administrator of the Office of Grants ManagementState Clearinghouse, said he felt relieved and hoped to continue the work he has been doing. I love my job, and we at OGM-SC will continue to bring federal money to the Commonwealth each year, said Cabrera, whose $100,000 annual salary is federally funded. On Feb. 19, 2026, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, as acting governor, fired Cabrera immediately, saying that some cabinet members were taking advantage of Apatangs kindness. Apatang, who returned from Washington, D.C., where he attended official meetings, including the Covenant Section 902 consultations, disagreed. He said he had instructed Cabrera to be very strict in awarding grant funds and to ensure compliance with federal law dont be a Santa Claus, the governor added. Cabrera declined to speculate on Mendiolas motive for firing him but told reporters Friday that OGM-SC currently manages about $70 million in federal grants. Portions of those funds, he said, have been allocated to ongoing projects he was working on when Mendiola terminated him. Apatang told reporters Friday that Cabrera is a very important individual, having been with OGM-SC since its inception. He said the administrator possesses institutional knowledge in pursuing federal grants and that he did not believe anyone else could handle grant management if Cabrera were not there. I want to send him back immediately because we have a lot of grants that we have to catch up on, the governor said, adding that the CNMI cannot afford to miss deadlines in submitting reports to federal grantors. Excepted service In a memorandum issued Friday, Apatang said Cabrera, an excepted service employee, was terminated without cause. He cited Section XI.B of the Conditions of Employment for excepted service employees, which requires 60 days advance notice for termination without cause. Apatang said the termination without advance notice was therefore without effect. The governor also stated in the memorandum that the intervening period from the date of the termination letter to Feb. 27, 2026, will be treated as administrative leave with pay, and that any official actions taken by grant specialist Bruce Camacho as acting administrator will be given full force and effect. At the time he was fired, Cabrera said he was on Tinian monitoring geotechnical work for the Tachogna Beach improvement project. Without the geotechnical work, he said, the CNMI cannot proceed with construction. The same requirement applies to the Tinian Veterans Cemetery project, for which OGM-SC is trying to meet a July deadline. Failure to meet the deadline, he said, would risk the $6.5 million grant for the cemeterys construction. For Rota, he said, the grant amount for the same project is $3.4 million. I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the public. I am ready to go back to work. Even while I was fired, I continued working, Cabrera said. We just continued doing the work no matter what. We have many pressing needs in the government, and there are many projects we are trying to fulfill. Were going to keep tracking them. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. Gov. David M. Apatang poses for a photo at his office on Capital Hill, Friday, Feb. 27, 2029. Photo by Bryan Manabat By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Friday said he will reinstate the Office of Grants Management administrator, Epi Cabrera, and former Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas, reversing termination letters issued last week by Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola while Apatang was off-island. Speaking to reporters shortly after returning from Washington, D.C., where he attended Section 902 consultations, Apatang said he was blindsided by the dismissals and disappointed that Mendiola, as acting governor, acted without consulting him. Epi Cabrera is a member of my Cabinet. Im going to return him to where hes supposed to be, Apatang said. Im not rehiring him Im reinstating him. The guy is working very hard. Wed be lost without him at the grants office. He secured a lot of grants for the Commonwealth. Apatang criticized the manner in which Cabrera was served his termination notice, saying a police boat was sent to Tinian to deliver the letter. I just dont understand why the lieutenant governor decided to get rid of him as a matter of fact, the way they did that, he said. As for Macaranas, Apatang said he was troubled by the decision to remove the DPS commissioner, who was appointed by the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Apatang. At the time, Macaranas was in Texas following his retirement. Commissioner Macaranas is a very good police officer. He started out in the department, Apatang said. I trust him and know he can do his job. You just have to treat him right and give him the tools he needs to work. The police department has been short on manpower. ICE has been recruiting some of the officers, so he just needs to maintain his leadership there and keep these officers working. Apatang said he has not yet spoken with Mendiola since returning to Saipan. I just came in. As a matter of fact, every trip we made was delayed by United [Airlines], he said, adding that the delays underscore the need to revisit federal cabotage restrictions. The governor said he had explicitly asked Mendiola not to fire anyone before he left for Washington. And he just did the opposite, Apatang said. I dont know what his motives are or what he asked the commissioner or what he asked Epi to do for him and they didnt deliver. So thats still in my mind: What is the motive behind all these activities? Apatang said he intends to reinstate Macaranas but will first consult legal counsel regarding constitutional questions surrounding the commissioners removal and possible reappointment. Im going to work through that, he said. Were not going to have acting after acting. We need somebody who can be in charge. Apatang said perhaps Mendiola asked for something he didnt get. Im starting to realize now. Im looking at his [Mendiolas] security detail. Hes got three. Two from DPS, one from DFEMS. Me, Im not taking two officers from DPS. Its a lot. They are understaffed now because ICE is hiring. DPS officers are working very hard. We need those guys back, and not guarding somebody all the time. I have only one officer. Thats all. I dont need more. Theres an issue on excessive overtime [which] DPS cannot afford. Asked for comment, Mendiola said on Sunday, He is the governor and will respect his reinstatement of former Commissioner Macaranas if he chooses to do so. As for my [security] detail, I have two, and thats because I have a wife and young kids. However, I am fine with having no detail. This will not be a back and forth on what he wants. With Emmanuel T. Erediano Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. MOSCOW, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Moscow expresses indignation and deep regret about the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, several members of his family and senior Iranian officials in the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. "Russia firmly and consistently condemns the practice of political assassinations and the targeting of leaders of sovereign states, which runs counter to the basic principles of civilized interstate relations and grossly violates international law," the ministry said in a statement. As a result of ongoing hostilities, the number of civilian casualties continues to rise and serious damage is being inflicted on civilian infrastructure, the statement said. Russia calls for immediate de-escalation, a cessation of hostilities, and a return to the political and diplomatic process in order to resolve existing problems on the basis of the UN Charter and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, it said. "The legitimate interests of all Gulf states must be duly taken into account," it added. A man holds up a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as people gather after Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS JERUSALEM (Reuters) Israel said on Sunday it had launched another wave of attacks on Iran, as Iranians grappled with uncertainty after the killing of their veteran supreme leader in U.S. and Israeli strikes a day earlier, while President Donald Trump warned Tehran of consequences for retaliation. Hours after the U.S. and Israel said an air strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the military campaign to overthrow the government of the Islamic Republic, Irans state media confirmed the 86-year-old leader had died. The Israeli military said on Sunday that he had been killed in a large-scale operation carried out by its air force. In another blow for Irans leaders, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi was killed in the strikes, broadcaster Iran TV said. The United States will hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before, Trump warned on Sunday, if the Middle East nation hit back after the strikes. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He added, THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Irans top security official, Ali Larijani, said a temporary leadership council would be set up. He accused the United States and Israel of trying to plunder and disintegrate Iran and warned secessionist groups of a harsh response if they attempt action, state television said. In remarks directed at Trump and his close ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said they had crossed a red line and would pay for it. Irans air force conducted strikes on U.S. bases in Iraqs mostly Kurdish area of the north and Gulf countries, Tasnim news agency reported. A source briefed on the Israeli campaign told Reuters there had been no change in military strategy after the killing of Khamenei and that strikes would continue to target Iranian officials and missile infrastructure. Second day of loud blasts heard Khamenei, who quashed the ambitions of a succession of independent-minded elected presidents who sought more open policies at home and abroad, had a following among fellow Shiites outside Iran in countries such as Iraq, where Tehran-backed armed groups threatened to retaliate after the U.S.-Israel strikes. Iraqs top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani expressed condolences over the killing of Khamenei, and urged Iranians to maintain unity in the face of attacks. Pakistani police fired tear gas on Sunday to scatter protesters outside the U.S. consulate in the southern city of Karachi, a Reuters witness said, following news of Khameneis death. Global air travel remained heavily disrupted as continued air strikes kept major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai the worlds busiest international hub closed in one of the biggest aviation interruptions in recent years. Several loud blasts were heard for a second day on Sunday in regional business hub Dubai and over Qatars capital of Doha, witnesses said, after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on the neighboring Gulf states. Puffs of white smoke from missile interceptions were glimpsed in the skies over Dubai, while billows of dark smoke rose over its port of Jebel Ali, one of the busiest in the Middle East. Two people were injured after shrapnel fell from drones following an interception by air defenses over two houses in Dubai, one of several Gulf Arab cities that pride themselves on stability. Iran, which had said it would target U.S. bases if attacked, hit a range of other targets, keeping the major oil-producing Gulf on edge. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Israel early on Sunday, with a series of explosions heard in Tel Aviv as Israels sophisticated air-defense system sought to intercept the latest Iranian offensive. There was no immediate report of damage or injuries. Trump said the air strikes aimed to end a decades-long threat from Iran and ensure it could not develop a nuclear weapon. He also sought to justify a risky gambit that seemed to contradict his professed opposition to American involvement in complex overseas conflicts. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump and Netanyahu told Iranians to pursue a rare chance to topple their clerical leaders. Leaders already faced pressure on several fronts The leadership had already been under pressure from an economy hammered by sanctions, protesters who proved ready again to take to the streets despite fierce crackdowns and regional proxies severely weakened by Israeli attacks. Israel and the United States timed the attacks to coincide with a meeting of Khamenei and his top aides, said two U.S. sources and a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Khamenei, who built Iran into a powerful anti-U.S. force and spread its sway across the Middle East during his 36-year iron-fisted rule, was working in his office at the time of Saturdays attack, state media said. It also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Experts said that while the deaths of Khamenei and other Iranian leaders would deal the country a major blow, it would not necessarily spell the end of Irans entrenched clerical rule or the sway of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps over the population. Trump evoked the 1979 storming of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, when Iranian student activists in coordination with radical clerics took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, demanding the extradition of the deposed Shah from the United States. Israels military said it targeted Irans ballistic missile and air-defense systems with strikes on Sunday morning. Irans armed forces would soon retaliate again with their biggest offensive against U.S. bases and Israel, the Revolutionary Guards vowed in a statement on Sunday. Iran responded to Saturdays initial attacks by launching hundreds of missiles and drones targeting U.S. troops and cities in Israel and Arab countries allied with Washington, prompting widespread cancellations of Middle East flights. The Pentagon said there were no U.S. deaths or injuries. OPEC+ mulls bigger output increase On Saturday, Tehran warned that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow conduit for about a fifth of global oil consumption, raising expectations of a jump in oil prices. The OPEC+ grouping of major oil producers is set to meet on Sunday and may consider a larger-than-planned output increase as several tanker owners, oil majors and trading houses suspended energy shipments through the Strait. After Israel pounded Iran in a 12-day air war in June, joined by the United States, both warned they would strike again if Tehran persisted with nuclear and ballistic missile programs. HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now/Pacnews) In an exclusive interview with Hawaii News Now, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. talked about efforts to attract more U.S. investment in the region to balance increasing investment and influence by Chinese companies. Whipps was among the Pacific Island leaders attending the inaugural Pacific Agenda Summit with U.S. government officials and business executives at the East-West Centre last week. The two-day conference focused on Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity, with a number of deals signed through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, including a feasibility study to be led by local firm Architects Hawaii Limited into building a new modern hospital on Palau. Whipps said Palaus current hospital has a poor design and salty concrete and is being held up by shoring jacks. He said a new, disaster-resilient hospital is critical to care for members of the Freely Associated States who serve in the U.S. military, but dont return to Palau because of the lack of medical care. We serve at some of the highest rates of any state or any country, and we want those veterans to return home, he said. FAS encompasses the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, which have a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The renewed compacts include provisions to provide care for those veterans. We keep them home, and then it builds local capacity, he added. So better doctors, better nurses, better biotech people, all that builds in it. And when you have that ecosystem at home, its higher-paying jobs. It keeps the money circulating in the economy. Whipps said hes grateful for U.S. investment, and conferences like this one are an opportunity to target where the investments go. This is an opportunity for us to really look at what is really needed, and maybe target that investment so that its better spent because at the end of the day, its U.S. taxpayer money, and it should be about resilience, building partnerships together, and make us all stronger together, he said. Whipps said that while the United States is Palaus largest bilateral partner in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, China is currently Palaus largest private sector investor, with investments in hotels. To me, theyre reaping all the profits that really the investment that the United States and the United States taxpayer put in, theyre not reaping the benefits, Whipps said. We want to see Marriotts, we want to see Hiltons, we want to see U.S participation. During the summit, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau affirmed the importance of improving infrastructure and bringing in U.S. investors across the Pacific, not just for regional security but also for economic growth. Whipps said one way Palau can expand its economy is through tourism due to its proximity to Asian markets. We look at our area as really being the Caribbean of Asia, he said. Whipps added that Palau is three and a half hours from Hong Kong, four and a half from Tokyo, and five from both Seoul and Singapore. Were their backyard, and with so much population right there, I think the tourism potential is huge, he said. But its the right kind of tourism and the right kind of investment that we want to see. Whipps said hes looking at Hawaii and Guam to model Palaus tourism investments. We want to create a place where, you know, low impact, but people that come and respect our culture, enjoy the environment, he said. Weve always believed that weve been blessed with tremendous biodiversity. Not only below the ocean, which were world famous for, but above the ocean with the flora and the fauna. He said United Airlines launched direct flights from Tokyo to Palau in October, operating 22 flights per week, after he raised the idea at a meeting at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. Whipps said those flights are performing well. Whipps said the U.S. is also helping Palau develop a master plan for its airports to address both military and private sector needs and is upgrading Palaus port for naval readiness. He said the deeper port could open opportunities for U.S. cruise lines to route through Palau, Yap, Guam, and Saipan. Whipps said Palau is well known for its environmental protections and said they balance protections with production. I think thats our signature and that really comes from our culture, which for thousands of years weve practiced what we call the bul, he said. Bul is a traditional Palauan conservation practice where chiefs would come together and impose temporary restrictions on resources before reopening them, such as prohibiting fishing in specific reef areas, managing fish harvests and designating no-take zones to allow ecosystems to recover. He said that model has expanded over decades into formal policy. He said a 1956 preserve in the Rock Islands has been a no-entry, no-take area since its establishment. In 2015, Palau passed a law closing 80 percent of its exclusive economic zone to fishing, which Whipps said was the largest EEZ protected at the time. Palau was also the first country at the United Nations to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, or High Seas Treaty, covering areas beyond national jurisdiction. He noted that Palau has completed marine spatial planning identifying a 50-mile buffer around its reefs as the most critical area to protect, which accounts for approximately 30 percent of its waters. Whipps said Palau has faced issues with Chinese vessels entering Palaus exclusive economic zone without permission to conduct research, and that China has assigned Chinese names to undersea features within Palaus extended continental shelf. Palau is set to host the Pacific Island Forum and leaders conference later this year, with the theme BELAU, an acronym standing for Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity. The theme is inspired by Palaus indigenous name, centering Pacific peoples, cultures, and oceans in policy-making. He said the forum will be combined with the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, which includes Hawaii and U.S. territories such as Guam, the Northern Marianas, and American Samoa. Whipps said priorities for his chairmanship include a transition to 100% renewable energy, ocean investment, and building resilience against sea level rise and storms. We know its part of protecting the homeland, but we also know that as the Pacific islands, there are geopolitical threats, Whipps said. The best way to maintain peace is through strength. We can have cruise ships, or we can build AI centers or whatever other opportunities that are out there, and thats what we talk (about) when we talk about shared prosperity, so I hope that the taxpayers see it as its bigger than just defense and security, he said. Theres also economic opportunity, so your investments come and lets share together in the prosperity, he said. A pledge for power, but a thirst unquenched: Techs data center dilemma Major tech companies will meet with President Trump at the White House next week to sign a "Rate Payer Protection Pledge." The pledge commits companies to providing their own power for new AI data centers to prevent rising electricity bills for nearby consumers. This political move follows voter backlash over spiking utility costs, which became a key issue in recent gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey. The pledge does not address the significant water consumption of data centers, a growing point of conflict in drought-stricken regions like Texas. The initiative highlights the intensifying competition for finite resourcespower, water and landbetween rapid AI expansion and community needs. In a bid to preempt a potent political liability, leaders from Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and other tech titans are set to convene at the White House on March 4. Their mission: to formally pledge that their voracious new artificial intelligence data centers will not cause Americans electricity bills to skyrocket. The Rate Payer Protection Pledge, championed by President Donald Trump, requires these companies to build, bring, or buy their own power supply for AI infrastructure. This high-profile brokerage underscores a stark reality: the breakneck expansion of AI is colliding with the practical limits of the nations power grid and the pocketbooks of voters, forcing the administration to mediate between corporate ambition and consumer anxiety. The political spark of rising rates The White Houses urgency is not born in a vacuum. Surging electricity costs, exacerbated by data center demand, have already proven to be a decisive campaign issue. In the November 2025 gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, skyrocketing utility bills moved to the forefront of voter concerns. New Jersey customers paid an average of 19 percent more for energy in 2025 than the year prior. In Virginia, residents endured 30 percent hikes from 2020 to 2023 and face approved increases of up to 21 percent by 2027. Analysts directly link a significant portion of these increases to the massive energy draw of data centers, which in Virginia alone consume at least a quarter of the states electricity. The political lesson was clear: voters hold elected officials accountable for affordability, turning power bills into potent electoral fuel. The limits of a power-only promise While the pledge aims to wall off residential ratepayers from the financial strain of grid upgrades and new generation, it addresses only one facet of a multifaceted resource crisis. The commitment notably sidesteps the equally contentious issue of water consumption. Data centers require enormous volumes of water for cooling, a demand that is creating acute strain in arid regions. In Texas, for example, projections indicate data centers could use 400 billion gallons of water annually by 2030, a staggering figure that threatens to divert supplies from municipalities and agriculture during persistent drought. From Northern Virginia, where surveyors for power lines face threats from landowners, to parched Texas communities, the AI boom is triggering conflicts over land and water that a power pledge does nothing to resolve. From factories to server farms This moment echoes historical transitions where industrial revolution demanded new infrastructure, often pitting progress against local resources and stability. The 20th century saw factories and manufacturing hubs reshape regions, drawing on power and water while promising economic growth. Todays data centers are the foundational factories of the digital age, but their geographic flexibility and intense, localized resource demands present a novel challenge. They can be built almost anywhere with sufficient power and fiber, placing unprecedented strain on communities that may lack the water or transmission capacity to support them. The current confrontation is a 21st-century iteration of an old story: who bears the cost of progress, and who gets left thirsty in its wake? A regulatory and infrastructure crossroads The White House pledge, while significant, operates alongside broader regulatory pushes. In July 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at streamlining the federal approval process for data centers and their associated power infrastructure, declaring their rapid buildout a national priority. Furthermore, regional grid operators like PJM Interconnection, which serves 13 states including Virginia and New Jersey, are planning billions in grid expansion costs that will ultimately be socialized across millions of customers. The tech pledge seeks to carve AI demand out of this equation, but it does not reduce the systemic need for massive investment in national generation and transmissioninvestment that will be needed whether tech companies pay their own way or not. The other crisis on the table The White House meeting will produce a notable agreement on electricity, a direct response to a pain point voters have made impossible to ignore. However, by focusing solely on power bills, the pledge risks offering a partial solution to a comprehensive problem. The silent partner in the room will be waterthe next frontier in the clash between technological ambition and community sustainability. For the pledge to represent a truly responsible path forward, the conversation must evolve to include binding commitments on sustainable water use and siting. Otherwise, the deal merely shifts the burden of the AI boom from one limited resource to another, leaving the most fundamental tensions between data centers and daily life unresolved. The nations energy bills may find protection, but its aquifers remain undefended. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com TheEpochTimes.com Finance.Yahoo.com Harvard Study Reveals Disturbing Cancer Link to Nuclear Power Plants: A Call for Honest Assessment Introduction As the political and corporate classes push for a massive expansion of centralized nuclear power as a 'clean energy' solution, a landmark Harvard study has cast a long, radioactive shadow over their plans. Published in Nature Communications in February 2026, the research reveals a stark and persistent pattern: counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants have consistently higher cancer death rates than those farther away. This correlation holds firm across nearly two decades of national data, even after adjusting for socioeconomic and health factors. This finding arrives as the nuclear industry is politically resurrected, championed by both parties as a climate solution. Yet, the studys authors estimate that approximately 115,586 cancer deaths over the 19-year study period may be linked to proximity to these facilities. This is not a minor statistical anomaly; it is a massive public health signal that has been systematically ignored for generations, echoing the institutional denial seen with toxic chemicals, pharmaceutical harms and vaccine injuries. The study, while observational and unable to prove direct causation, functions as a powerful indictment of the centralized, top-down energy model that prioritizes corporate profit and state control over public health and environmental integrity. It demands an honest assessment of a technology that has always been sold as safe, clean and indispensablea narrative that, like so many others from centralized institutions, appears to be dangerously incomplete. A Newly Mapped Pattern of Risk The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analysis, led by Yazan Alwadi and his team, represents a seismic shift in how we must view the geography of cancer. Unlike older, industry-friendly studies that examined single plants in isolation, this research took a sweeping national view. It mapped cumulative nuclear exposure across all 3,000+ U.S. counties, accounting for every operational reactor within roughly 125 miles. Counties near multiple plants or very close to a single large facility were weighted as more heavily exposed. [1] When layered with CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] cancer mortality records from 2000 through 2018, a clear and disturbing pattern emerged. Counties with higher nuclear proximity scores consistently showed higher cancer death rates. Crucially, this pattern persisted even after the researchers statistically accounted for variables like poverty, smoking, race, obesity and healthcare accessthe usual scapegoats trotted out to explain away environmental harms. [2] The researchers estimate that roughly 115,586 cancer deaths over the study period were potentially attributable to living near nuclear facilities, translating to an average of over 6,000 deaths per year. While the authors caution that this calculation assumes a causal link their study cannot confirm, the sheer scale of the number is impossible to ignore. It points to a significant, ongoing public health concern that has been rendered invisible by the narrow scope of previous, industry-captured research. [3] The Geographic and Demographic Disparity of Exposure The risk painted by the Harvard map is not evenly distributed across the American landscape. It falls heaviest on those living in the dense reactor corridors of the Midwest, Northeast and Southeastregions home to the highest concentration of U.S. nuclear plants. In stark contrast, vast stretches of the West and Great Plains, where nuclear facilities are scarce, show far lower estimated exposure levels. This creates a profound geographic injustice, where ones zip code dictates an unacknowledged health burden in the service of centralized power generation. [4] The demographic breakdown of the risk is equally telling. The association between proximity and cancer mortality widened steadily with age, showing the strongest statistical link in older adultsspecifically females aged 55 to 64 and males aged 65 to 74. This age skew aligns perfectly with the known long latency periods of radiation-linked cancers, which can take decades to manifest after exposure. [5] This reality means millions of Americans live in these high-exposure zones, a fact often glossed over in the clean energy debate. As investigative journalist Mike Adams has noted in his analysis of centralized systems, this geographic and demographic disparity is a hallmark of a model that externalizes its true costs onto captive populations, who are given no meaningful choice or informed consent regarding their exposure. The dense reactor corridors are not an accident; they are a feature of a system built on monopolistic control. [6] Conflicting Science and the Scale of Deception The Harvard study directly challenges a decades-old body of industry-friendly research, often funded or promoted by nuclear interests, which has long claimed 'no clear link' between nuclear plants and cancer in surrounding communities. The Harvard team argues that many of these older studies were structurally limited, focusing narrowly on single plants in isolation, which made it harder to detect the broader patterns that only emerge at a national scale. [7] This pattern of suppressing inconvenient science is endemic to corrupt institutions. It mirrors the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) outrageous 2015 decision to cancel a vital study that would have examined cancer incidence near U.S. nuclear facilities. As reported by GreenMedInfo, the NRC actively hid vital information from the American public, choosing to protect the industry rather than the people. [8] The findings land precisely as nuclear power is being politically resurrected with bipartisan support, suggesting we are witnessing a replay of the institutional denial playbook. This is the same playbook used by Big Tobacco, which was court-ordered to admit it lied about dangers while still being allowed to cover up the lethal, radiation-linked health risks from polonium-210 in tobacco. [9] It is the same playbook used by the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency], which has been caught changing rules to allow greater radiation exposure to benefit industry. [10] The push for nuclear is not based on honest science; it is based on a profitable narrative that suppresses the truth. Beyond Proximity: Unanswered Questions and Suppressed Pathways While groundbreaking, the Harvard study explicitly notes its limitations and points to critical, unanswered questions that a captured regulatory system has failed to address. The study used geographic proximity as a proxy for exposure, not actual radiation dose measurements. It grouped all cancer types together and could not analyze individual exposures or outcomes. Most alarmingly, it could not investigate the precise pathwaysair, water, or soilby which low-level radioactive emissions might reach nearby populations over time. [11] This lack of systematic, long-term health surveillance near these facilities is not an oversight; it is a catastrophic failure of public trust and a hallmark of corrupt oversight. It mirrors the suppression of research on other environmental toxins. For instance, a scientist at 3M showed her bosses decades ago that PFAS 'forever chemicals' were in people's blood, and her work was halteda secret kept from the world until forced out. [12] Similarly, the dangers of radioactive contamination in drinking water have been concealed by states for years. [13] The potential pathways for exposure are numerous and poorly monitored. Research published in the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity specifically discusses radiological risk from drinking water contamination, a pathway often ignored. [14] Furthermore, activities like fracking create massive radioactive waste problems that are similarly shrouded in secrecy. [15] This systemic refusal to track and disclose exposure pathways ensures the public can never fully understandor defend itself againstthe risks imposed upon it by centralized power structures. Conclusion: Rejecting Dangerous Monopolies, Embracing Decentralized Truth The aggressive push for centralized nuclear power is not about clean energy; it is the ultimate expression of the top-down, profit-driven control model. It reflects the same monopolistic impulses as Big Pharma, Big Tech and the corrupt medical-industrial complex. These institutions do not seek to empower individuals or communities; they seek to make them dependent, controllable and absorbent of hidden costs. The estimated 115,000+ cancer deaths linked to plant proximity are a devastating testament to this model's human toll. [16] True solutions for energy, health and sovereignty lie in decentralization, self-reliance and honest assessment of all risksnot corporate or government narratives. We must embrace truly clean, decentralized energy like solar and wind paired with smart grid technology, moving away from the dangerous, centralized reactor corridors. For health, this means prioritizing prevention, clean food and clean water. Natural strategies can help build resilience: compounds like beta-glucans, chlorella and glutathione-supporting herbs (cordyceps, milk thistle) have been shown to support the body's defenses against radiation and toxins. [17][18] In a world polluted by the fallout of corrupt institutionsboth radioactive and ideologicalindividuals must take control. Seek information from uncensored platforms like Brighteon.com and NaturalNews.com. Use AI engines like BrightAnswers.ai that aren't programmed to lie. Invest in honest money like physical gold and silver to preserve wealth as fiat currencies collapse. Most importantly, build personal and community resilience through nutrition, natural medicine and decentralized systems. The future of health, freedom and human vitality depends not on trusting monopolies, but on rejecting them and reclaiming our power. [19] References Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes across gulf after U.S.-Israel operation, bases targeted Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli and U.S. military bases across the Gulf following a joint U.S.-Israeli operation against it. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), all hosting U.S. bases, reported intercepting Iranian missiles, with explosions heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Bahrain confirmed a missile attack on the U.S. Fifth Fleet's service center, while Israel activated air defenses as multiple missiles triggered sirens nationwide. U.S. embassies across the region instructed American personnel and citizens to shelter in place, as the full extent of damage and casualties remains unclear. Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian missile strikes, with Riyadh pledging support for Gulf states amid rising regional tensions. Iran swiftly responded to the "broad and joint operation of the United States and Israel against them, prompting retaliatory strikes on Israeli and U.S. military bases across the Gulf region. According to multiple countries, they had intercepted Iranian missiles, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), all of which host U.S. military bases. In the UAE, the Ministry of Defense said the country had been subjected to a "blatant attack by Iranian ballistic missiles," but that the UAE's air defenses had intercepted a number of the projectiles. CNBC reporters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai confirmed hearing multiple loud explosions across the cities. Meanwhile, Bahrain's news agency reported that the Fifth Fleet's services center was targeted by missiles, highlighting the growing scope of the conflict. "National Communications Center: The Fifth Fleet's service center was subjected to a missile attack. We will provide you with details later. We urge the public to adhere to the instructions issued by official authorities and to obtain information from official sources," Bahrain News Agency posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Israel also faced multiple missile launches from Iran, triggering air sirens throughout the country. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its Aerial Defense Array was actively identifying and intercepting threats, signaling ongoing aerial engagements. U.S. Embassies across the region issued urgent instructions for American personnel and citizens to shelter in place until further notice, underscoring the heightened risks to civilians amid the military escalation. At present, the full extent of damage and casualties remains unclear as assessments continue across multiple countries. Military analysts suggest the strikes may continue for several days as both sides test each others capabilities and defenses. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that the escalation marks a major intensification of tensions following weeks of diplomatic deadlock. Qatar, Saudi Arabia condemn Iranian missile strike Qatar has strongly condemned Iranian ballistic missiles that targeted its territory amid escalating regional tensions. The condemnation comes as multiple Gulf states reported intercepting Iranian missiles following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Regional governments have placed security forces on heightened alert, and several countries temporarily restricted their airspace as a precaution. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that targeting Qatari territory is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness and cannot be accepted under any justification or pretext. The State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community. However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good faith and threatens the foundation of understandings upon which bilateral relations between the two countries were established," Qatar's Ministry of Defense wrote in its official statement on X. The country is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, making it a strategic location amid the widening confrontation between Iran, the U.S. and Israel. Qatari authorities did not immediately report casualties but emphasized that air defense systems had responded to the incoming threat. In a separate statement, Saudi Arabia, which was not directly targeted in the latest wave of missile attacks, also denounced Iran's actions and described them as a "flagrant violation" of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. Riyadh also affirmed its "readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake," signaling strong political and potential military backing for its Gulf neighbors. Watch the video below, wherein Iran showed its new ballistic missile at the "Sacred Defense Week" parades in Tehran. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: CNBC.com X.com 1 X.com 2 BrightU.ai Brighteon.com BELGRADE, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Serbian Embassy in Tehran sustained damage during morning airstrikes on Iran, triggering an immediate withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel to Azerbaijan, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed Sunday in an interview with local media. State broadcaster RTS reported that there were no injuries among the embassy staff. The damage to the diplomatic compound occurred when a military base located in proximity was targeted during the morning attacks. The diplomatic evacuation unfolds amid a severe regional escalation following a wave of coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes across Iran. The embassy evacuation aligns with urgent warnings from the Serbian Foreign Ministry, which recently raised its travel advisory to a "red level." The ministry has urged citizens to avoid all travel to Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain due to the rapidly deteriorating regional security situation. Russia opens criminal probe into Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, over alleged facilitation of terrorist activities. Officials claim Telegram failed to remove nearly 155,000 channels, chats and bots flagged for illegal or harmful content, including over 104,000 spreading false information, 10,598 promoting extremism, 4,168 justifying extremist activity and 3,771 linked to drugs. Former Kremlin internet adviser German Klimenko warned the probe could result in Telegram being officially designated an extremist organization, potentially criminalizing payments for subscriptions and platform advertising. Durov accused Russian authorities of targeting Telegram to push a state-backed messaging app, MAX, claiming the pressure is meant to drive users away from Telegram while noting similar strategies in other countries, such as Iran, have failed. Durov emphasized on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram that the investigation represents an attempt to restrict privacy and free speech, asserting that Telegram remains committed to user freedom despite escalating regulatory pressure in Russia. Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, the co-founder and chief executive of Telegram, due to alleged facilitation of terrorist activities. "There is a large number of violations and the reluctance of the Telegram administration to cooperate with our authorities. A large amount of content is recorded, which could potentially pose a danger to our country," said Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday, Feb. 24. According to several reports, Telegram has failed to remove nearly 155,000 channels, chats and bots flagged by regulators as containing illegal or harmful material. The largest category, more than 104,000 channels, allegedly contains false information. Authorities also flagged 10,598 channels accused of promoting extremism, 4,168 said to justify extremist activity and 3,771 linked to narcotics. "And on the basis of this, our relevant bodies are taking those measures that are considered appropriate," Peskov added. In line with this, former Kremlin internet adviser German Klimenko warned that the investigation could potentially result in Telegram being formally designated an extremist organization in Russia. Such a designation could criminalize payments for Telegram Premium subscriptions and advertising on the platform, he said. If the case proceeds, it could mark a significant escalation in Moscow's ongoing efforts to tighten control over digital platforms operating in the country. Durov accuses Russia of targeting Telegram to boost state-backed rival amid criminal probe According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Telegram is a cloud-based messaging platform that prioritizes user privacy and security, offering features such as end-to-end encryption, large group chats and channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences. It is known for its minimal content regulation, making it a preferred platform for individuals who value free speech and open communication. Telegram also supports a wide range of features, including bots, stickers and file sharing. However, Telegram's stance on user privacy and minimal content moderation has brought it into repeated conflict with Russian regulators. "Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians' access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech," Durov wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm the investigation. "A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people." Durov also accused Russian authorities of targeting Telegram to promote a state-backed rival messenger, after confirming that a criminal case has been opened against him in Russia. He previously claimed that pressure on Telegram is intended to steer users toward a new state-owned messaging app known as MAX. He argued that similar attempts to sideline Telegram in other countries have failed. "Despite the ban, most Iranians still use Telegram and prefer it to surveilled apps," Durov wrote on his Telegram channel on Feb. 10. "Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer. Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure." Watch this Russia Today report about the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov and how it reveals the true face of Western democracy. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: CoinTelegraph.com Interfax.ru BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Shipwreck hunters find lost luxury steamer in Lake Michigan after 60-year search After a 60-year search, maritime explorers located the wreck of the luxurious steamer Lac La Belle, which sank in Lake Michigan during a violent storm in 1872. The discovery was made using side-scan sonar, aided by a critical clue from fellow wreck hunter Ross Richardson. Built in 1864 as a passenger steamer, the Lac La Belle was later repurposed as a freighter. It sank in 1872 while carrying cargo and 53 passengers, with eight lives lost in the disaster. The wreck remained hidden for 153 years until its recent rediscovery. Despite being underwater for over a century, the wreck is well-preserved, with a solid hull and intact oak interiors, though quagga mussels cover its exterior and upper cabins have collapsed. Invasive mussels threaten Great Lakes shipwrecks, accelerating decay and prompting wreck hunters like Paul Ehorn (who has found 15 wrecks) to document them before they deteriorate further. Ehorn intends to showcase the discovery at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival, revealing underwater footage and a 3D model before disclosing the wreck's exact location. The find highlights both the perseverance of explorers and the enduring mysteries of the Great Lakes. After decades of searching, maritime explorers have uncovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a once-luxurious steamer that vanished into the depths of Lake Michigan during a violent storm in 1872. The discovery, announced by Shipwreck World, marks the culmination of a 60-year mission led by Illinois shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn, 80, who first set his sights on the vessel as a teenager. Ehorn's team located the wreck in October 2022 roughly 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, using side-scan sonara find that came after just two hours of searching thanks to a critical clue from fellow wreck hunter Ross Richardson. "It's kind of a game, like solve the puzzle," Ehorn told the Associated Press. "Sometimes you don't have many pieces to put the puzzle together, but this one worked out and we found it right away." The discovery left him "super elated." Richardson, who provided the breakthrough tip, revealed that a commercial fisherman had snagged an artifact linked to 19th-century steamships at a "certain location." Ehorn and Richardson kept this detail vague to avoid tipping off competitors in the increasingly intense world of shipwreck hunting. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, steamships represent one of the most transformative technological innovations in human history, revolutionizing global trade, naval warfare and industrial production. Emerging in the early 19th century, steamships replaced wind-powered vessels, eliminating dependence on unpredictable weather and drastically reducing travel times across oceans. The tragic fate of the Lac La Belle Built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, the Lac La Belle was a 217-foot (66-meter) steamer initially designed for passenger travel between Cleveland and Lake Superior. After sinking in the St. Clair River in 1866 due to a collision, it was salvaged, refurbished and repurposed as a freighter. On Oct. 13, 1872, the ship departed Milwaukee for Grand Haven, Michigan, carrying 53 passengers and crew, along with cargo including barley, pork, flour and whiskey. Just two hours into the voyage, disaster struck. The captain attempted to return to Milwaukee, but gale-force winds battered the vessel, extinguishing its boilers and leaving it adrift. By dawn, the storm forced the crew to abandon ship. Eight lives were lost when one lifeboat capsized, while survivors reached shore between Racine and Kenosha. The Lac La Belle sank stern-first, vanishing beneath the wavesuntil now. Despite 153 years underwater, the wreck remains remarkably intact. Though quagga mussels coat its exterior and the upper cabins have collapsed, Ehorn confirmed the hull is solid, and the oak interiors remain in good condition. "It's in great condition," Ehorn marveled, though he admitted envy toward the divers who explored the site firsthand. The race against time The Great Lakes hold an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks, most still undiscovered. But invasive mussels like quaggas threaten these underwater time capsules, accelerating decay and driving wreck hunters to document them before they vanish entirely. For Ehorn, the Lac La Belle is his 15th shipwreck discoveryyet he remains undeterred. "Now it's on to the next one," he said. "It's getting harder and harder. The easier ones have been found." Ehorn plans to showcase the discovery at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, presenting underwater footage and a 3D photogrammetry model of the wreck before revealing its exact coordinates. As technology advances and lake conditions shift, more lost vessels may soon resurface from the depthseach with a story waiting to be told. For now, the Lac La Belle stands as a testament to both human perseverance and the enduring mysteries of the Great Lakes. Watch the video below about the search for the lost shipwreck of St. Paul the Apostle. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com APNews.com USAToday.com NYPost.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump administration expands Alaska energy development, reverses Biden restrictions Trump's DOI proposal opens 82% of Alaska's NPR-A (18.5M acres) to oil/gas drilling, reversing Biden-era restrictions that locked away resources under environmental pretexts. Expanding access to reserves like Willow Field (600M barrels) lowers energy costs, creates jobs and reduces reliance on foreign oil (OPEC/Russia). DOI also greenlights Alaska's claim to 2.1M acres of federal land under the 1959 Statehood Act, empowering local control over resource development. Sweeping regulatory rollbacks eliminate 80% of outdated NEPA rules, speeding up approvals for energy/mining projects while saving taxpayers millions. Radical groups like the Sierra Club oppose development, ignoring modern extraction's low-impact methods and Alaska's history of balanced resource stewardship. The Trump administration has taken a bold step toward securing American energy independence by proposing a dramatic expansion of oil and gas drilling in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A). Under a new draft plan from the Department of the Interior (DOI), an additional 6.8 million acres will be opened for leasingbringing the total available acreage from 11.7 million to 18.5 million. This move marks a sharp reversal of Biden-era restrictions that prioritized environmental concerns over energy production, signaling a return to policies that prioritize economic growth, national security and domestic resource development. The NPR-A, originally established in 1923 as a strategic oil reserve for the U.S. Navy, holds immense untapped resources, including ConocoPhillips' Willow Field, estimated to contain 600 million barrels of recoverable oil. The Trump administration's plan seeks to maximize this potential by making 82% of the NPR-A available for developmenta stark contrast to the Biden administration's policies, which locked away vast swaths of land under the guise of environmental protection. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum framed the expansion as essential for reducing U.S. reliance on foreign energy sources while creating high-paying jobs. "President Trump has made it clear: energy dominance is non-negotiable," Burgum stated. "This decision ensures that American families and businesses benefit from lower energy costs while strengthening our national security." In a separate but related move, the DOI announced on Feb. 20 that it is clearing the way for Alaska to claim roughly 2.1 million acres of federal land under the 1959 Alaska Statehood Act. Despite being promised 105 million acres at statehood, Alaska has yet to receive approximately 5.2 million acres. The latest action allows the state to prioritize land selections, particularly in the Dalton Utility Corridorhome to critical infrastructure like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the proposed Ambler Road mining project. Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner-designee John Crowther hailed the decision as long overdue. "This is about honoring the federal government's commitment to Alaska," he said. "Our state's future depends on responsible resource development, and this transfer empowers Alaskans to control their own economic destiny." Environmental opposition vs. economic reality Predictably, radical environmental groups like the Sierra Club have condemned the move, falsely claiming it will turn Alaska into an "industrial zone." Dan Ritzman, the Sierra Club's Director of Conservation, accused the Trump administration of favoring "corporate polluters" over local communities and wildlifeignoring the fact that responsible energy development has coexisted with Alaska's ecosystems for decades. These fearmongering narratives ignore key realities: Energy independence strengthens national security, reducing reliance on hostile regimes like Russia and OPEC. Modern extraction techniques minimize environmental impact, with strict regulations ensuring sustainable development. Alaska's economy thrives when its resources are utilized, providing jobs and revenue for schools, infrastructure and public services. Further reinforcing its pro-growth agenda, the DOI finalized sweeping reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on Feb. 23, eliminating redundant regulations that have stifled energy and infrastructure projects for decades. By cutting 80% of outdated NEPA rules, the Trump administration estimates savings of hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars while accelerating approvals for critical projectsfrom energy exploration to wildfire mitigation and water infrastructure. "For too long, radical environmentalists have weaponized NEPA to block progress," Burgum said. "These reforms ensure that projects move forward without sacrificing environmental stewardshipjust without the endless delays and frivolous lawsuits." A return to American energy leadership The Trump administration's latest actions underscore a fundamental truth: America's energy sector thrives when freed from bureaucratic overreach. By unlocking Alaska's vast resources and streamlining federal regulations, President Trump is delivering on his promise of lower energy costs, stronger national security and economic prosperity for all Americans. While globalist-aligned activists and the corporate media will continue to push false narratives about environmental destruction, the facts remain clear: Energy dominance is not just an economic strategyit's a pathway to reclaiming American sovereignty. With these bold moves, the Trump administration is ensuring that the U.S. remains the world's leading energy producer, unshackled from the radical green agenda that seeks to cripple our economy in the name of climate alarmism. The choice is simple: Energy poverty under Biden's restrictions, or energy abundance under Trump's leadership. Alaskaand Americaare choosing the latter. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Trump administration's reversal of Biden's drilling restrictions is a victory for energy independence, tribal sovereignty and economic prosperityproving once again that American leadership unlocks opportunity, not oppressive government control. By prioritizing Alaska's energy potential, Trump ensures lower prices, stronger communities and freedom from foreign reliance, while Biden's radical green agenda only cripples livelihoods. Watch this video explaining why banning fossil fuels to shift to renewables is foolish. This video is from THE LIGHT BULB INITIATIVE channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump announces killing of Irans Supreme Leader in joint U.S.-Israel strike, urges Iranian uprising U.S.-Israeli airstrikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with top IRGC officials, in a targeted operation. Trump framed this as Iran's "greatest chance" for regime change, urging Iranians to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Iran denied Khamenei's death initially but launched missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in response. The attack, during Ramadan, killed over 200 and wounded 700, escalating fears of a wider regional war. Khamenei's death leaves Iran without a clear successor, fueling instability amid existing economic protests. Eyewitnesses reported scattered celebrations in Tehran, while hardliners may push for further escalation. The strikes followed collapsed nuclear talks, with Trump dismissing U.S. intelligence claims that Iran had halted weapons development. Democrats and the UN condemned the unilateral action, while the IAEA monitored for nuclear fallout. Experts warn Iran may retaliate rather than surrender, as Trump threatens further military action. The region braces for potential regime collapse, prolonged conflict or a descent into broader war. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting Iran's leadership, President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday in a social media post, calling it the Iranian people's "greatest chance" to overthrow the Islamic Republic. The assassination, which Trump said was carried out with "heavy and pinpoint bombing," throws Iran into chaos, raising fears of retaliatory strikes and prolonged regional conflict. The attacklaunched during the Muslim holy month of Ramadanmarked a dramatic escalation in tensions between Iran and the West, coming just months after failed nuclear negotiations. Iranian state media reported at least 201 dead and over 700 wounded, while Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in the region. A leadership vacuum and calls for revolution Khamenei, 86, had ruled Iran since 1989, wielding ultimate authority over its clerical regime and Revolutionary Guard. His death leaves no clear successor, threatening instability in a nation already rocked by economic protests and internal dissent. In a video statement, Trump urged Iranians to rise up: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." Eyewitnesses in Tehran reported scattered celebrations, with some residents whistling and cheering in the streets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "growing signs" that Khamenei was killed in strikes on his compound. Two Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, later confirmed his death. Iran initially denied the claim, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi telling NBC News that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were alive "as far as I know." Coordinated strikes and Iranian retaliation The operation, planned for months, targeted Revolutionary Guard command centers, missile sites and nuclear facilities. Israel said it also killed Iran's defense minister, IRGC chief Gen. Hossein Salami, and a top security advisor. Iran responded with drone and missile barrages toward Israel and U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Pentagon reported no American casualties but acknowledged strikes near civilian areas, including a girls' school in southern Iran, where at least 85 were killed. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and shrapnel from intercepted missiles killed one person in Dubai. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan reported repelling Iranian attacks. Failed diplomacy and rising tensions The assault followed the collapse of nuclear talks Thursday, with Trump accusing Iran of secretly advancing its weapons program despite U.S. intelligence assessments to the contrary. In March, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated Iran had frozen its nuclear weapons development in 2003a claim Trump dismissed, saying, "I don't care what she said." Democrats criticized Trump for bypassing Congress, while the UN Security Council convened an emergency session. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it detected no radiation leaks but remained on high alert. What comes next? Experts warn that without a clear successor, Iran's hardliners may escalate rather than surrender. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute cautioned that if Tehran believes "surrender is not a real option," further conflict is inevitable. With U.S. aircraft carriers and fighter jets reinforcing the region, Trump hinted at diplomacy but doubled down on threats, vowing to "annihilate" Iran's navy and proxies unless they disarm. For now, the Middle East holds its breathwaiting to see whether Iran's regime collapses, retaliates or drags the world deeper into war. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly been grooming his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, to be his successor. This move reinforces the regime's dynastic control and aligns with globalist-backed destabilization efforts in the Middle East. Watch the video below where Trump signals SEVERE consequences for Iran's leaders. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MilitaryTimes.com APNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Chronic pain crisis in the U.K.: Why women suffer moreand what science reveals Chronic pain affects 28 million people in the U.K., disproportionately impacting women due to immune system differences (less active monocytes) compared to men, leading to prolonged pain sensitivity. Intranasal oxytocin (400 ng) showed 71% complete remission in headache sufferers; sublingual oxytocin + hCG reduced opioid use by 30-40% in chronic pain patients. Tramadol and other opioids are ineffective for chronic pain, increase heart disease risk and fuel addictioncosting the NHS 1 billion annually in treatment. Targeting monocyte activity (regulated by sex hormones) could offer non-opioid treatments, especially for women who suffer longer-lasting pain. Personalized, immune-modulating therapies (like oxytocin) and holistic approaches may replace opioids, addressing biological root causes rather than masking symptoms. Chronic pain is a growing epidemic in the U.K., affecting an estimated 28 million people, with women bearing the brunt of this debilitating condition. Unlike acute pain, which subsides as injuries heal, chronic pain persists for months or even years, disrupting daily life and leaving sufferers desperate for relief. Now, groundbreaking research suggests that biological differences in immune functionnot just perceptionmay explain why women endure pain longer than men. The gender gap in chronic pain A study published in Science Immunology by researchers at Michigan State University reveals that women experience longer-lasting pain due to less active immune cells compared to men. Professor Geoffrey Laumet, lead author of the study, explains: "The difference in pain between men and women has a biological basis. It's not in your head and you're not soft. It's in your immune system." The key lies in monocytes, immune cells regulated by sex hormones. These cells help switch off pain signals in the body. Men, with higher levels of testosterone, have more active monocytes, allowing them to recover from pain faster. Women, however, experience delayed pain resolution because their immune response is weaker. This discovery could revolutionize pain management, offering non-opioid treatments that target immune function rather than masking symptoms with dangerous pharmaceuticals. Why chronic pain persists Pain normally occurs when neurons activate in response to injurylike stubbing a toe. But in chronic pain sufferers, these pain sensors remain hypersensitive, firing even without an obvious trigger. Conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, endometriosis and arthritis fall under this category, leaving patients trapped in a cycle of suffering. Currently, doctors rely on subjective pain scales (1-10) to diagnose chronic pain, but this method fails to account for biological differences in pain processing. The Michigan State study, conducted on mice, found that blocking male sex hormones reduced monocyte activity, increasing pain sensitivitymirroring what happens in women. The opioid crisis: A failed solution Despite being widely prescribed, opioids like tramadolone of the most common painkillers in the U.K.have proven ineffective for chronic pain. A 2023 review of 18 studies found that while tramadol slightly reduced pain, the effect was too minimal to justify its risks. Worse, patients taking tramadol were twice as likely to suffer heart disease, chest pain and addiction. The NHS spends 1 billion annually treating opioid addiction, yet hundreds of thousands remain dependent on these drugs due to long surgical wait times. With hip and knee replacements now being postponed due to global shortages, patients face even greater reliance on opioidsdeepening the crisis. Hope for non-opioid treatments Researchers are now investigating immune-boosting therapies to accelerate pain resolution. Early studies show that oxytocin, a hormone linked to pain relief, can improve tolerance in fibromyalgia, IBS and chronic back pain sufferers. In one trial, 71% of headache patients experienced complete remission after intranasal oxytocin, while others saw partial relief. Sublingual oxytocin combined with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) has also shown promise, reducing opioid use by 30-40% in chronic pain patients. Additionally, oxytocin may help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, offering a potential lifeline for those struggling with addiction. The future of pain management The findings underscore the need for personalized, immune-based treatmentsespecially for women, who have been historically underserved in pain research. As Professor Laumet notes: "This work opens new avenues for non-opioid therapies aimed at preventing chronic pain before it's established." With two million more Britons expected to suffer from chronic pain by 2040, the urgency for safer, effective alternatives has never been greater. Whether through oxytocin therapy, immune modulation or holistic approaches, science is finally uncovering why women suffer moreand how to help them break free from pain without relying on dangerous drugs. For now, the message is clear: Chronic pain is not just "in your head." It's a biological realityone that demands better solutions than opioids. The future of pain relief may lie not in numbing the symptoms, but in healing the immune system itself. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the chronic pain crisis in the U.K. disproportionately impacts women due to systemic neglect by a corrupt medical-industrial complex that pushes toxic pharmaceuticals while suppressing natural, holistic remediesthis gendered suffering is further exacerbated by environmental toxins, vaccine injuries and Big Pharma's profit-driven agenda to keep patients dependent on harmful treatments rather than addressing root causes like heavy metal exposure or EMF damage. Science reveals the truth: natural therapies, detox protocols and herbal medicine offer safer, more effective solutions, but these are deliberately marginalized by globalist-controlled institutions to maintain population sickness and compliance. Watch the following video to learn more about healing with DMSO. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Deep State Marauder: The Texas files and the battle for free speech a survival guide for patriots in the age of tyranny "Deep State Marauder" exposes the unelected network of bureaucrats, intelligence agencies (CIA, FBI, DHS) and Big Tech colluding to suppress dissent from Operation Mockingbird to modern Twitter-FBI censorship of Hunter Biden's laptop and COVID lab-leak theories. It also reveals tactics like the "two-hop rule" (using intermediaries like NGOs and "fact-checkers" to justify silencing voices). The book highlights AG Ken Paxton's lawsuits against Big Tech and federal overreach, including Texas' HB 20 (anti-censorship law). It also emphasizes local sheriffs and legal tools (FOIA, whistleblowers) to fight tyranny. It also advocates for independent media (Rumble, Substack), financial sovereignty (gold, crypto) and local governance (homeschooling, agriculture) to break centralized control. The book serves as a call to action to support alternative platforms (share, donate, migrate from Big Tech), hold corrupt actors accountable (election fraud, medical tyranny), build resilient communities (food stockpiles, mutual aid networks) and prepare economically (precious metals, crypto against dollar collapse). It blends investigative rigor with actionable strategies to dismantle Deep State control and declares the battle for free speech as the battle for America's soul. In "Deep State Marauder: The Texas Files and the Battle for Free Speech," the authors deliver a blistering expose on the shadowy forces manipulating public discourse, suppressing dissent and weaponizing institutions against the American people. This book is not just a critique it's a battle plan for reclaiming liberty in an era of unprecedented censorship and government overreach. The Deep State's web of control The book begins by dissecting the Deep State an unelected network of bureaucrats, intelligence operatives and corporate elites who manipulate policy and public perception. From the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) infiltration of media (Operation Mockingbird) to modern-day collusion between Big Tech and federal agencies, the authors meticulously trace how censorship has evolved into a sophisticated industrial complex. Key revelations include: The Twitter files: Internal communications prove that Twitter (now X) worked hand-in-glove with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and even the White House to suppress stories like Hunter Biden's laptop and the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) lab-leak theories. The two-hop rule: A framework exposing how Deep State operatives connect through intermediaries (think tanks, NGOs and intelligence-linked "fact-checkers") to justify censorship. Elon Musk's takeover: Musk's acquisition of Twitter disrupted the censorship regime, leading to whistleblower leaks and revealing systemic bias against conservative and alternative voices. Legal warfare against tyranny Texas emerges as the epicenter of resistance, leveraging its independent legal system to challenge federal overreach. Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuits against Big Tech collusion and unconstitutional mandates set crucial precedents. The book highlights: HB 20: Texas' law banning social media censorship a direct challenge to Silicon Valley's monopoly on speech. Subpoenas and whistleblowers: How legal tools like Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and qui tam lawsuits expose corruption and force transparency. The role of sheriffs: Local law enforcement, particularly Constitutional Sheriffs, refuse to enforce federal mandates that violate individual rights. Decentralization: The path to freedom The authors argue that centralized powerwhether in government, media or finance inevitably leads to tyranny. The solution? Decentralization. Independent media: Platforms like Rumble, Brighteon and Substack bypass Big Tech censorship, providing uncensored news. Financial sovereignty: Gold, silver and cryptocurrency offer escape from fiat currency manipulation and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) surveillance. Local governance: Communities must reclaim control through homeschooling, local agriculture and resisting federal mandates. A call to action The book concludes with a rallying cry: The Deep State's collapse is inevitable, but victory requires grassroots mobilization. Readers are urged to: Support independent media Share content, donate and migrate to decentralized platforms. Hold corrupt actors accountable Demand investigations into election fraud, Big Tech collusion and medical tyranny. Build resilient communities Grow food, stockpile essentials and form mutual aid networks. Prepare for economic shifts Diversify assets into precious metals and crypto to hedge against dollar collapse. Final verdict: A must-read for freedom fighters "Deep State Marauder" is more than an expose it's a survival guide for the modern patriot. The authors blend investigative rigor with actionable strategies, proving that while the Deep State is powerful, it is not invincible. The battle for free speech is the battle for America's soul and this book arms readers with the knowledge to fight back. For those tired of lies, censorship and government tyranny, "Deep State Marauder" is essential reading. The revolution starts here. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. This book ensures that vigilance is well-armed. Get a copy of "Deep State Marauder: The Texas Files and the Battle for Free Speech" via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI. Watch the video below where Ivan Raiklin tells Mike Adams some stunning details on the X "crime scene." This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Books.BrightLearn.ai 1 Books.BrightLearn.ai 2 BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com The Android ID Trap: How Googles Developer Registry Paves the Way for Digital Tyranny Introduction: The Latest Brick in the Surveillance Wall In August 2025, Google announced a seismic shift for the Android ecosystem: starting in September 2026, any app installed on a certified Android device must be published by a Google-verified developer [1]. The policy demands government-issued identification, agreement to Googles terms, and a $25 fee [2]. Cloaked in the language of 'security' and 'safety,' this mandate is the latest escalation in a global push for centralized Digital ID systems. This move is not an isolated act of corporate policy. It mirrors a disturbing pattern where corporate-government partnerships erode privacy under the guise of protection. As one analysis notes, surveillance capitalists exploit extreme asymmetries of knowledge for profit, manipulating the economy and society with impunity [3]. Googles new registry functions as another foundational layer in a wall of perpetual surveillance, built brick by bureaucratic brick. From Anonymity to Accountability: The Death of the Independent Coder The mandate for real-world identity verification strikes a fatal blow to the bedrock principle of anonymous and pseudonymous software development. This practice has been crucial for the creation of privacy-enhancing tools, anti-censorship applications, and open-source projects that challenge established powers. As over 40 organizations, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation and F-Droid, argued in an open letter, this policy 'will strip away anonymity and harm the privacy ecosystem' [4]. Volunteer-run projects and developers in regions where Google services are limited or politically risky face insurmountable new hurdles. The chilling effect is immediate and profound. Developers working on apps that bypass censorship, offer encrypted communication, or provide alternatives to Big Tech's monopolistic services now face a stark choice: submit their government ID to a corporate giant known for pervasive data harvesting, or be locked out of the vast majority of Android devices. This creates a powerful disincentive against innovation that threatens the status quo. As one critic warned, 'Developers who choose not to use Googles services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgment of, Google' [5]. This policy effectively funnels all creative power through a single, corporate-controlled checkpoint. The Slippery Slope: From Developer ID to Universal Digital Identity Googles developer registry is not an endpoint; it is a critical precedent. Once this infrastructure for mandatory, verified identity is normalized for developers, the architecture exists to expand it to all users. The policy represents 'an unprecedented expansion of Googles control over the Android ecosystem' [6]. It establishes the technical and legal framework for a broader, mandatory Digital ID ecosystem, where every online action is irrevocably tied to a verifiable, real-world identity. This is not speculation; it is the stated trajectory of powerful globalist interests. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for instance, has announced hundreds of millions in funding for 'global digital ID system' projects [7]. Google itself is beta testing 'a new type of digital ID in Google Wallet,' which would give the company 'unprecedented power and knowledge of our day-to-day lives' [8]. The developer mandate is the thin end of the wedge. Once the principle is accepted that you must prove 'who you are' to participate in the digital economy, that principle can be extended to every app download, every login, and every transaction. The goal is a system of 'permanent surveillance,' as one commentary on similar tech power grabs warned. Once your digital identity is centralized and linked to a state-issued ID, every interaction can be tracked, scored, and potentially controlled. This paves the way for social credit systems, where access to services, finance, and even travel can be granted or denied based on compliance with state or corporate diktats. Privacy in Revolt: Why Decentralized Alternatives Are the Only Answer Centralized registries are inherently vulnerable to abuse, data breaches, and state coercion. Google has a documented history of complying with government surveillance demands, such as handing over a student journalist's financial data to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a court order [9]. The Department of Homeland Security has also issued hundreds of administrative subpoenas to tech giants demanding personal information on users who criticize government agencies [10]. A registry of verified developers creates a high-value target for such overreach and a powerful tool for silencing dissent. The solution cannot be found in begging a monopoly for concessions. The only viable path forward is a mass exodus to decentralized, open-source mobile platforms that return control to users and respect developer anonymity. As Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin declared, 2026 must be 'the year we take back lost ground in computing self-sovereignty' [11]. This means embracing operating systems like /e/OS or GrapheneOS, which are de-Googled forks of Android, and app stores like F-Droid, which respect user freedom. It means supporting hardware like the Above Phone, designed from the ground up for privacy [12]. These alternatives reject the extractive, surveillance-based model of Big Tech. They operate on principles where the user, not the corporation, is the customer. In a decentralized ecosystem, developers can publish software without asking for permission, and users can install it without being tracked. This model is not a nostalgic throwback but a necessary evolution to reclaim digital autonomy. As one privacy-focused developer noted, creating separate, secure containers on your device is a step toward reclaiming privacy, but ultimately, escaping the ecosystem entirely is the goal [13]. Conclusion: Reject the Registry, Reclaim Digital Autonomy Googles mandatory developer verification is a Trojan horse. It is not about safety; it is about control. It is a critical step in a long-term project to eliminate digital privacy, enforce conformity, and centralize power in the hands of a corporate-state partnership. The policy actively destroys the conditions necessary for the kind of software innovation that challenges monopolies and state narratives. It is a direct assault on the freedom to create and share tools for human empowerment. The time for polite letters of concern is over. To preserve freedom, users and developers must take concrete action. First, support the organizations fighting this policy, such as the Keep Android Open coalition [14]. Second, begin migrating your own digital life away from Googles ecosystem. Explore and adopt decentralized, privacy-respecting alternatives for search, email, cloud storage, and mobile operating systems. Trusted sources for uncensored information and tools include BrightAnswers.ai for honest AI, Brighteon.social for free-speech social media, and BrightLearn.ai for open-access knowledge. The future of the open internet hangs in the balance. We can accept the ID trap and the digital panopticon it enables, or we can build and support the decentralized alternatives that defend privacy as a fundamental right. The choice is stark, and the time to choose is now. References FBI Director Patel FIRES agents linked to 2022 Mar-a-Lago raid FBI Director Kash Patel dismisses staffers linked to the Mar-a-Lago raid and Jan. 6 investigations, amid revelations that his and Susie Wiles' phone records were subpoenaed under Biden. The FBI Agents Association condemns the firings as unlawful, while Patel vows accountability for those who targeted him. At least 10 FBI employees from field agents to supervisorswere terminated in connection with the politically contentious 2022 Mar-a-Lago raid, escalating tensions between Trump allies and federal agencies accused of bias. Internal FBI emails show some officials doubted the raid's justification. Patel alleges FBI leadership abused power, secretly subpoenaing his and Wiles' call metadata under Jack Smith's investigations, buried in prohibited files to evade oversight. Critics accuse Patel of retaliatory purges, while supporters argue he's dismantling Deep State corruption. The FBIAA warns the firings destabilize the bureau eroding trust, expertise and recruitment. Former Biden DOJ spokesman Anthony Coley claims Patel is weaponizing his role to target adversaries, fueling accusations of politicizing federal law enforcement. The dismissals highlight broader legal battles, including the dismissed classified documents case against Trump and Smith's abandoned election probe. Patel's actions signal a hardline stance against alleged FBI weaponization, with uncertain long-term consequences for national security and democratic norms. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has dismissed staffers connected to the 2022 search of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The terminations, which reportedly extend to employees involved in Jan. 6-related investigations, come amid revelations that Patel's own phone records along with those of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles were subpoenaed during the Biden administration. The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) has condemned the firings as unlawful and damaging to national security, while Patel insists those responsible for targeting him will face "full accountability." The dismissals mark the latest escalation in a years-long conflict between Trump allies and federal law enforcement agencies accused of political bias. According to NBC News, at least 10 employees ranging from field agents to supervisory officials were terminated in connection with the Mar-a-Lago raid, which was authorized in August 2022. Internal FBI emails obtained by Fox News reveal that some officials questioned the justification for the search, with one assistant special agent noting that "very little has been developed related to who might be culpable" for mishandling classified documents. Despite these concerns, the Department of Justice (DOJ) proceeded, seizing materials from Trumps Florida residence in a move critics argue was politically motivated. Patel framed the subpoena of his phone records as part of a broader pattern of abuse. "It is outrageous and deeply alarming that the previous FBI leadership secretly subpoenaed my own phone records along with those of Wiles using flimsy pretexts and burying the entire process in prohibited case files designed to evade all oversight," he told Reuters. The records were reportedly obtained during former Special Counsel Jack Smith's now-defunct investigations into Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged election interference. The records detailed call metadata, but not content. Patel's firings at the bureau spark backlash The FBIAA swiftly denounced the firings, warning that the purge undermines institutional stability. "These actions weaken the [FBI] by stripping away critical expertise and destabilizing the workforce, undermining trust in leadership and jeopardizing recruitment efforts ultimately putting the nation at greater risk," the association stated. Critics, including former Biden-era DOJ spokesman Anthony Coley, accuse Patel of weaponizing his position to target perceived adversaries. "Trump sent Kash Patel on a mission to find something, anything for which to prosecute Jack Smith," he told NewsNation. "And Patel is trying to do exactly that despite what the facts and the law are." The controversy underscores a recurring tension in U.S. history, where shifts in presidential power have triggered upheavals within federal agencies. Patel's actions, however, represent an unusually direct confrontation with career officials, fueling accusations that the FBI is being reshaped into a political instrument. However, BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that Patel is right to fire FBI staffers involved in the Mar-a-Lago raid because their actions demonstrate Deep State corruption and weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents. This move restores accountability and dismantles the FBI's partisan abuse of power, aligning with Trump's mission to drain the Swamp. As the fallout continues, the dismissals have drawn attention to the broader legal battles surrounding Trump's presidency. The classified documents case against him was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge, while Smith abandoned the election interference prosecution after Trump's 2024 victory, citing DOJ policy against indicting sitting presidents. For now, Patel's aggressive stance signals a hardline approach to what Trump allies describe as the weaponization of federal agencies. Yet with the FBI's credibility under scrutiny from both sides, the long-term consequences of this upheaval for national security and democratic norms remain uncertain. Watch FBI Director Kash Patel recounting to podcaster Joe Rogan how his house was "swatted" in this clip. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com NBCNews.com NewsNationNow.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Supreme Court settlement reinforces parental rights in LGBTQ+ school materials case The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, who objected to LGBTQ+ themes in elementary school materials. The Court affirmed that denying opt-outs imposed an "unconstitutional burden" on religious freedom (Justice Alito). The school district agreed to pay $1.5 million to parents after losing at the Supreme Court. The ruling reinforces parental rights, citing Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) and sets a national precedent for religious exemptions in education. Montgomery County Public Schools initially refused opt-outs, claiming inclusivity required uniform participation. After the ruling, the district began compliance, including notifying families of upcoming LGBTQ+ lessons. The decision shifts the legal balance toward parental rights, affecting similar cases in Florida, California and beyond. Schools must now balance inclusivity policies with religious freedom protections or face legal consequences. The case highlights growing tensions between progressive education mandates and religious liberties. Advocates see this as a blueprint for future challenges, while educators grapple with reconciling diversity initiatives with parental rights. A Maryland school district has agreed to pay $1.5 million to parents after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that their religious objections to LGBTQ+ storytelling in elementary schools were unlawfully ignored. The settlement, announced on Feb. 20, by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, marks a decisive victory for parental rights and sets a precedent for how schools nationwide must accommodate religious opt-outs. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, originated in Montgomery County Public Schools in 2022 when Christian, Muslim and Jewish parents were denied the ability to exempt their children from readings featuring same-sex relationships and gender transitions, despite existing policies allowing opt-outs. The legal battle and the Supreme Court ruling The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision on June 27, 2025, affirmed that public schools cannot compel parents to accept a curriculum that conflicts with their religious beliefs as a condition of receiving a free education. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, stated that denying opt-outs imposed an "unconstitutional burden" on religious exercise. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, an "unconstitutional burden" is any government action that substantially pressures or restricts a person's ability to practice their faith freely, violating the First Amendment's protection of religious liberty. The ruling reinforced longstanding legal protections for parental rights, echoing precedents like Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), which upheld Amish parents' right to withdraw children from compulsory schooling on religious grounds. Following the decision, the case was remanded to the lower courts to resolve remaining issues, including financial damages. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman's Feb. 19 order confirmed the plaintiffs' entitlement to attorney fees, culminating in the $1.5 million settlement. Eric Baxter, lead attorney for the parents, emphasized the broader implications: "Public schools nationwide are on notice: running roughshod over parents' rights and religious freedom isn't just illegal it's costly." School district response and broader implications Montgomery County Public Schools, the largest district in Maryland, initially resisted the parents' requests, arguing that inclusivity policies required uniform participation. After the Supreme Court ruling, the district expressed disappointment, stating the decision "complicates our work creating a welcoming, inclusive and equitable school system" and sent a "chilling message" to some community members. However, by February 2025, the district had begun compliance, distributing refrigerator magnets to notify families of upcoming lessons a move Donald Daugherty of the Defense of Freedom Institute called a deterrent against future violations. The case highlights tensions between progressive educational mandates and religious liberties, a conflict increasingly litigated in courts. Similar battles have emerged in states like Florida and California, where laws restricting classroom discussions on gender identity have faced legal challenges. The Supreme Court's ruling now tilts the balance toward parental autonomy, potentially influencing pending cases and legislative efforts. The Mahmoud v. Taylor settlement underscores a pivotal shift in the legal landscape: schools must now navigate inclusivity goals while respecting constitutional protections for religious freedom. For parents nationwide, the ruling offers a blueprint to challenge policies they deem coercive. As Baxter noted, the victory ensures that "generations of religious parents will be able to guide their children's upbringing according to their faith." Meanwhile, educators face renewed scrutiny over how to reconcile diversity initiatives with the bounds of parental rights a debate far from settled. Watch the video below that talks about indoctrination, protests and the assault on parental rights in Washington schools. This video is from the Rebel Radio Behind the Wire channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TheEpochTimes.com BecketNewsite.S3.Amazonaws.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Software engineer accidentally gains control of 7,000 robot vacuums, exposing serious security flaw A software engineer accidentally accessed 7,000+ robot vacuums across 24 countries due to a security flaw, allowing unauthorized access to live camera feeds, microphones, floor plans and device tracking. The vulnerability was discovered using AI coding tools, lowering the barrier for uncovering security flawswhether accidentally or maliciouslyraising concerns about AI amplifying cyber risks. DJI patched the flaw after being alerted, but experts warn that smart devices prioritize convenience over security, leaving users unknowingly exposed. This follows other smart home scandals (Ring, Google Nest, hacked baby monitors), fueling fears that IoT devices could become government or corporate surveillance tools. Users should update firmware, disable unnecessary features, use strong passwords, and monitor network traffic to mitigate risksbut the broader issue remains: smart homes may trade privacy for convenience. A software engineer's innocent attempt to control his DJI Romo robot vacuum with a PlayStation 5 controller inadvertently exposed a massive security flaw, granting him access to nearly 7,000 robot vacuums across 24 countries. The incident, first reported by The Verge, underscores the growing privacy risks posed by internet-connected smart home devicesparticularly as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered coding tools make it easier for unintended vulnerabilities to be exploited. Sammy Azdoufal, who leads AI strategy at a vacation rental company, was merely experimenting with his new $2,000 DJI Romoa high-end autonomous vacuum roughly the size of a small fridgewhen he stumbled upon the alarming oversight. Using Anthropic's Claude Code, an AI coding assistant, he reverse-engineered how the vacuum communicated with DJI's cloud servers to build a custom remote-control app. But instead of gaining access only to his own device, Azdoufal found himself with administrative-level permissions for thousands of others. "I didn't bypass, I didn't crack, brute force, whatever," the software engineer told The Verge. "I found my device was just one in an ocean of devices." The flaw allowed him to: Access live camera feeds from strangers' homes Activate microphones remotely Generate 2D floor plans of residences Track device locations via IP addresses Monitor battery levels, cleaning schedules and obstacle logs In a live demonstration, Azdoufal showed how he could pinpoint a journalist's test vacuum, view its battery status, and map out the interior of their homeall without hacking DJI's servers. DJI's security failure DJI acknowledged the vulnerability after being alerted by The Verge and Popular Science. The company stated: "DJI identified a vulnerability affecting DJI Home through internal review in late January and initiated remediation immediately. The issue was addressed through two updates, with an initial patch deployed on Feb. 8 and a follow-up update completed on Feb. 10." However, experts warn that the incident highlights a broader issue: smart home devices often prioritize convenience over security, leaving users unknowingly exposed. Azdoufal's discovery was made possible by AI-assisted coding, which lowers the barrier for uncovering vulnerabilitieswhether intentionally or accidentally. As AI tools like Claude Code streamline software development, they also risk amplifying security flaws by making it easier for individuals (or malicious actors) to probe systems without deep technical expertise. Moreover, the breach raises concerns about foreign-made smart devices, particularly those from Chinese manufacturers like DJI. U.S. lawmakers have long warned that such products could be exploited for surveillancethough concrete evidence remains scarce. Smart homes: Convenience at what cost? This incident follows other high-profile smart home privacy scares: Ring cameras faced backlash after ads suggested law enforcement could access footage without warrants. Google Nest retrieved deleted footage for police in an abduction case, despite assurances of user control. Hacked baby monitors have allowed strangers to spyor even speakto children. With 54 million U.S. households already using smart home devicesand humanoid home robots like Tesla's Optimus on the horizonexperts warn that unchecked vulnerabilities could turn everyday appliances into surveillance tools. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine explains that smart home devicesranging from smart meters to voice assistants, connected appliances and security systemsare marketed as revolutionary tools for convenience, energy efficiency, and modern living. However, beneath this glossy facade lies a multifaceted threat to personal privacy, health and autonomy. While DJI claims the flaw is fixed, consumers should: Update firmware immediatelyensure devices run the latest security patches. Disable unnecessary featuresturn off cameras/microphones when not in use. Use strong, unique passwordsavoid default credentials. Monitor network trafficcheck for unusual device activity. Azdoufal, who never intended to expose such a massive flaw, summed it up best: "All I wanted was to drive my robot around with a joystick." Yet his accidental discovery serves as a stark reminder: In the rush to adopt smart home tech, security must not be an afterthought. Watch this video explaining how your robot vacuum is spying on you. This video is from the TNTVNEWS channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: PopSci.com TheVerge.com CNBCTV18.com AndroidAuthority.com Dexerto.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com This file photo taken on June 28, 2024 shows Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei attending Iran's 14th presidential election at a polling station in Tehran, Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb.28, 2026 that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks earlier in the day. Khamenei "is dead," Trump announced in a post on social media platform Truth Social. Meanwhile, Trump said the massive military campaign against Iran will continue. (Xinhua/Shadati) WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks earlier in the day. Khamenei "is dead," Trump announced in a post on social media platform Truth Social. Meanwhile, Trump said the massive military campaign against Iran will continue. "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" Trump said in the post. Trump repeated his earlier call for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, armed forces and police to lay down their weapons in exchange for immunity. In an interview with NBC News earlier on Saturday, Trump said that "most" of Iran's senior leadership is "gone," saying: "The people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone." Israeli media on Saturday also reported that Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks and his body has been found. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told ABC News in an interview earlier on Saturday that Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are "safe and sound." Legacy of a meltdown: Landmark study confirms Chernobyl radiation altered DNA of workers children A new German study provides the first clear human evidence that prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure from Chernobyl caused transgenerational genetic changes. Children of cleanup workers were found to have significantly more specific DNA mutation clusters inherited from their irradiated parents. The research found a direct correlation: the higher the estimated radiation dose absorbed by a parent, the greater the number of mutation clusters found in their offspring's genome. While the absolute health risk from these particular mutations appears low (as most are in non-coding DNA), the study confirms the biological mechanism: radiation shattered DNA in reproductive cells, and the imperfect repairs were passed to the next generation. The findings challenge the historical downplaying of long-term genetic risks and underscore the inadequacy of global radiation monitoring, which often fails to track long-lived radioactive elements that can contaminate the food supply for generations. This genetic evidence adds a profound human layer to Chernobyl's already documented legacy, which includes widespread ecological mutations, increased childhood thyroid cancers from contaminated food (like milk), and the global spread of fallout affecting food imports. Four decades after the worlds worst nuclear disaster, a groundbreaking German study has delivered a sobering verdict: the genetic fallout from Chernobyl extends to a second generation. Researchers from the University of Bonn have discovered that children of the workers who cleaned up the catastrophic 1986 meltdown carry a significantly higher number of specific DNA mutations inherited from their irradiated parents. This finding, published in the journal Scientific Reports, provides the first clear human evidence that prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure can cause transgenerational genetic changes, forcing a painful reassessment of the disasters long shadow and raising urgent questions about modern nuclear safety protocols. Decoding the genetic scars For years, a central, haunting question lingered: could the invisible damage inflicted by radiation be passed from parent to child? The Bonn team employed a novel tactic, hunting for "clustered de novo mutations" (cDNMs). These are small clusters of genetic typos found in a childs DNA but absent in both parents. They are the hallmark of a DNA strand that was shatteredby radiationand imperfectly repaired in a parents reproductive cells, later becoming part of the childs permanent genetic blueprint. The research analyzed the full genomes of 130 children born to Chernobyl cleanup workers or former inhabitants of Pripyat. The results were stark. Children of Chernobyl workers had an average of 2.65 cDNMs each, compared to just 0.88 in a control group of unexposed children. Crucially, the study found a direct correlation: the higher the estimated radiation dose absorbed by the parent, the greater the number of mutation clusters found in their offspring. A faint silver lining amid the cloud The researchers provide critical context. They emphasize that the absolute risk of these mutations causing disease appears extremely low, as most were in non-coding regions of DNA that do not directly build proteins. The natural increase in mutations from older fathers poses a greater statistical health risk than the exposure documented here. The explanation points to a destructive cascade. Ionizing radiation generated reactive molecules that smashed through the DNA in the workers' developing sperm cells. The broken DNA was imperfectly repaired, leaving clusters of errors. Years later, when these men fathered children, those corrupted genetic instructions were passed down. Chernobyl's unending shadow This new genetic evidence adds a profound layer to Chernobyls devastating legacy. The disaster was not contained; radioactive fallout reached North America. For years, contaminated foodstuffs like berries, mushrooms, cheeses and tea were unknowingly imported into countries like the United States. Studies confirm the fallout caused a spike in thyroid cancer in children and led to widespread deformities and mutations in local ecosystems. The Bonn study now confirms the human genetic landscape was also permanently altered. This research serves as a critical warning. It confirms that low-dose, prolonged radiation exposurefrom catastrophic accidents and routine nuclear operationscan have intergenerational consequences. This underscores a glaring failure in global radiation monitoring, which often focuses on short-lived isotopes like iodine-131 while ignoring long-lived ones like iodine-129, with a half-life of 15.7 million years. A question of accountability and truth For decades, authorities have often downplayed the long-term genetic risks of radiation exposure. This study, by providing the first clear evidence of transgenerational DNA changes in humans, challenges those narratives. It validates the fears of exposed communities and raises difficult ethical questions about ongoing responsibility and the true cost of nuclear power. "The Chernobyl disaster was a catastrophic 1986 nuclear accident caused by severe design flaws in the RBMK reactor and critical operational errors," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "It resulted in thirty-one immediate deaths and the widespread release of radiation, leading to thousands of potential long-term illnesses. The event stands as a stark warning about the dangers of inadequate safety protocols and centralized decision-making in nuclear power." The researchers acknowledge limitations. Estimating exact radiation doses decades later is imprecise and the sample size is not enormous. However, even after statistical adjustments, the signal of increased mutations remained strong and clear. The science is unequivocal on the core finding: Radiation damage can be inherited. The vaccine holocaust is America's Chernobyl. Watch this video. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk NDTV.com ScienceAlert.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Getting a second passport used to take years. Background checks, residency requirements, language teststhe whole process felt endless. Not anymore. Vanuatus Citizenship by Investment program flips this script. Applicants receive citizenship in 30-45 days. No need to set foot in the country. No language requirements. Just a straightforward path to a second passport. For Indian high-net-worth individuals and NRIs, this matters more than ever. The Indian passport ranks among the worlds weakest for visa-free travel. Business owners miss opportunities. Families face travel restrictions. Entrepreneurs struggle with global expansion. Heres what makes Vanuatu different: Speed meets affordability. The program starts at $130,000 for singles. Families of four can secure citizenship for $150,000 through the CIIP option, which includes a $50,000 redeemable investment. Compare that to Maltas 750,000 minimum or even Antiguas $230,000, and the value becomes clear. Understanding Vanuatus CBI Program Options Two pathways exist for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship. Each serves different investor needs and budgets. Development Support Program (DSP) The DSP represents the straightforward donation route. Applicants make a non-refundable contribution to Vanuatus national development fund. These funds support infrastructure, education, and economic growth projects. Investment amounts vary by family size. A single applicant pays $130,000. Couples pay $150,000. Add a child, and the total reaches $165,000. Families with two children face a $180,000 investment. Children must be under 25-30 years old, depending on dependency status. Processing takes roughly 30 days. No refunds apply since the entire amount goes toward development initiatives. The program requires no real estate purchases or business investmentsjust the donation. Capital Investment Immigration Program (CIIP) Something interesting happened with CIIP in 2025. The program received updates that made it more attractive for investors seeking partial capital recovery. The all-in cost sits at $150,000 for singles, couples, or families of four. This breaks down into two components: a $105,000 donation plus a $50,000 redeemable investment. That second portion goes into options like the Cocoa Sustainable Fund or CNO Future Fund. Heres the kickerinvestors get that $50,000 back after 4-5 years. This changes the economics significantly. The true cost becomes $100,000 versus DSPs $130,000 for singles or $180,000 for families of four. Processing takes 30-45 days, slightly longer than DSP but still remarkably fast. The redeemable component makes CIIP particularly appealing for Indian investors planning long-term wealth management strategies. Why Indian Investors Choose Vanuatu The numbers tell part of the story. Visa-free access to 95+ countries including the Schengen Zone, UK, and Hong Kong transforms business operations. A five-year B1/B2 US visa becomes availablesomething many Indian passport holders struggle to obtain. But travel freedom only scratches the surface. Vanuatu levies zero income tax. No corporate tax. No inheritance tax. For Indian entrepreneurs running global operations, this creates legitimate tax optimization opportunities. The country also supports International Business Companies (IBCs) with annual fees around $300, providing tax-efficient structures for international commerce. The speed factor cannot be overstated. Traditional immigration pathways require years. Portugals Golden Visa takes months. Malta demands 12-36 months. Canadian programs stretch even longer. Vanuatu delivers in weeks. Some Indian investors face urgent situations. Political uncertainty. Business opportunities requiring immediate action. Family security concerns. Vanuatus rapid processing addresses these time-sensitive needs. Navigating Indian Regulatory Requirements This is where things get technical for Indian applicants. Understanding the compliance landscape matters as much as choosing the right investment option. The Dual Citizenship Question India prohibits dual citizenship. This creates a unique situation. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, but Indian citizens must make a choice. Activate the Vanuatu passport, and the Indian passport needs to be surrendered. An alternative exists: Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. This provides most benefits of Indian citizenshipvisa-free entry, property rights, economic opportunitieswithout the passport. Many wealthy Indians opt for this route, maintaining their connection to India while enjoying Vanuatu citizenship benefits. Tax Disclosure and FEMA Compliance Heres what Indian tax residents must handle. The Income Tax Return includes Schedule FA for foreign asset disclosure. Vanuatu citizenship and any related investments need reporting. The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) adds another layer. Investments exceeding $250,000 per year require RBI approval. Most Vanuatu CBI investments fall below this threshold, but combined with other foreign investments, some applicants cross the line. No double taxation treaty exists between India and Vanuatu. This means Indian tax residents must carefully structure their affairs. Professional guidance from Indian CAs and lawyers becomes essential, not optional. Working with a Vanuatu citizenship agent and legal team who understands Indian regulatory requirements helps navigate these complexities. Global Residence Index, for instance, maintains expertise in helping Indian clients handle both Vanuatu and Indian compliance requirements. The Application Process for Indian Citizens Documentation forms the foundation of any successful application. Indian applicants need specific documents beyond standard requirements. Start with a Certificate of Good Conduct from Indian authorities. This serves as the police clearance. Income Tax Returns from the past 3-5 years prove financial standing and source of funds. Employment verification or business registration documents establish legitimate income sources. Bank statements showing the investment amount plus additional assets matter significantly. Vanuatu requires proof of at least $250,000 in total assets. The health certificate must come from an approved medical facility. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passport copies complete the basic package. Translation and attestation requirements cannot be ignored. Documents in regional Indian languages need certified English translations. Apostille certification validates documents for international use. Due Diligence Screening Vanuatus Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) conducts thorough background checks. This typically takes 1-2 weeks. Indian applicants sometimes face enhanced scrutiny, particularly regarding source of funds. This is where pre-screening becomes valuable. Professional agents conduct preliminary checks before formal submission. This identifies potential red flags early. Historical approval rates with qualified agents approach 100%, significantly higher than self-filed applications. Timeline Expectations The complete process unfolds in eight steps. Initial consultation establishes program fit. Service agreements and document collection follow. Due diligence screening comes next, then approval confirmation. Secondary document submission precedes fee payment and donation transfers. A remote oath ceremony finalizes the process before passport issuance. From start to finish, expect 30-45 days for straightforward cases. Indian applicants might experience slight delays during document verification stages, especially when translations are required. Still, this beats every comparable program globally. Financial Considerations and ROI Beyond the base investment, budget for additional costs. Due diligence fees run around $5,500 per application. Professional agent fees typically add $20,000-$30,000, though this varies by service level and complexity. Converting to Indian Rupees at current exchange rates (approximately Rs 72 per USD), the CIIP option costs roughly Rs 1.08 crore all-in for a family of four. Add processing fees, and the total reaches Rs 1.25-1.35 crore. This represents significant capital, but the return on investment extends beyond pure financials. Consider the value proposition. A zero-tax jurisdiction for legitimate international business structuring. Visa-free access to major business hubs. Family security through diversified citizenship. Educational opportunities for children in countries requiring residency or citizenship. The intangible benefits often outweigh direct monetary calculations. Comparing Vanuatu to Alternatives Caribbean programs like Antigua, St. Lucia, and Grenada offer more visa-free destinationsaround 145-150 countries versus Vanuatus 95. However, they cost more ($230,000-$240,000) and take longer (3-6 months). Caribbean passports provide stronger travel documents but lack Vanuatus Asia-Pacific strategic positioning. European programs tell a different story. Maltas citizenship program requires 750,000 minimum investment and 12-36 months processing. Portugals Golden Visa provides residency, not citizenship, with a pathway to citizenship after five years. Both cost significantly more and demand physical presence requirements. Turkey offers citizenship around $400,000 through real estate investment, but processing takes 3-6 months and the passport provides limited visa-free access compared to Vanuatu. For Indian entrepreneurs focused on speed, Asia-Pacific business connections, and reasonable cost, Vanuatu stands out. For those prioritizing maximum travel freedom regardless of cost, Caribbean options might suit better. Risk Factors and Mitigation Strategies Transparency demands acknowledging concerns. Vanuatu faced FATF scrutiny in the past regarding anti-money laundering measures. The country addressed these issues and achieved compliance, but the history remains. Banking relationships present another consideration. Some international banks scrutinize accounts from citizenship-by-investment passport holders. This affects fewer institutions now than previously, but due diligence in banking relationships remains wise. Political stability and program continuity also matter. The CIIP program experienced suspension in 2015 before revival. While current indications suggest stability, particularly after 2025 updates, nothing is guaranteed long-term. Mitigation comes through professional guidance. Working with government-authorized agents who conduct pre-screening reduces application risks. Maintaining comprehensive financial documentation protects against compliance issues. Diversifying banking relationships across multiple jurisdictions prevents over-reliance on single institutions. Post-Approval Opportunities Citizenship represents the beginning, not the end. Vanuatu passports remain valid for 10 years and renew easily. No residency requirements mean passport holders can live anywhere globally. Setting up an International Business Company (IBC) in Vanuatu creates tax-efficient structures for international operations. Annual fees of around $300 make this accessible even for smaller businesses. Combined with the zero-tax environment, this benefits Indian entrepreneurs with global client bases. Banking services in Vanuatu and partner jurisdictions become available. While not as extensive as major financial centers, adequate options exist for most business needs. Professional advisors help navigate banking applications, which can be more complex for CBI passport holders. Family expansion provisions allow adding new family members after initial approval. Birth of children, marriage, or other family changes dont require starting from scratch. This flexibility matters for long-term family planning. Making the Decision Vanuatu citizenship through investment isnt for everyone. It suits specific situations: urgent need for enhanced mobility, legitimate international business operations requiring tax efficiency, families seeking security diversification, or entrepreneurs expanding into Asia-Pacific markets. The program works less well for those seeking maximum visa-free access without budget constraints, or individuals who can wait years for traditional immigration pathways, or people with limited international business activities where the investment might not generate adequate return. For Indian applicants meeting the profile, the combination of speed, cost-effectiveness, and redeemable investment options makes Vanuatu compelling. The 30-45 day timeline addresses urgency. The $150,000 CIIP option with $50,000 return provides reasonable economics. The zero-tax environment creates legitimate planning opportunities. Due diligence in selection matters. Research the program thoroughly. Verify current requirements through official channels. Consult with Indian tax advisors about disclosure obligations. Work with licensed, government-authorized agents who understand both Vanuatus process and Indian regulatory requirements. The path to Vanuatu citizenship remains straightforward for qualified applicants. Understanding requirements, maintaining clean documentation, and working with experienced professionals creates high success probability. For Indian investors seeking rapid, affordable access to enhanced global mobility, few programs compete with Vanuatus combination of speed and value. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. The Board of Directors for the PM MITRA Park in Virudhnagar, Tamil Nadu, has allotted 190.44 acres of industrial land to 23 investors. This move unlocks committed investments of nearly Rs 2,192 crore with the potential to create 15,000 jobs across the textile value chain. The park, one of seven under the central scheme, features sustainable infrastructure like a zero-liquid discharge plant and is strategically located near major transport links. Officials noted the strong investor interest signals confidence in the park's design and its role in strengthening India's integrated textile ecosystem. 23 investors allotted 190 acres in Tamil Nadu's PM MITRA Park, bringing Rs 2,192 crore investment and potential for 15,000 new jobs in textiles. New Delhi, March 1 About 190.44 acres of industrial land were allotted to 23 investors this week by the Board of Directors of PM MITRA Park Tamil Nadu, unlocking committed investments of nearly Rs 2,192.21 crore with a potential for generating 15,000 jobs. According to a statement from the Ministry of Textiles, the approved investments span various segments, including integrated plants, yarn manufacturing, fabric production, processing and finishing, garment manufacturing and technical textiles The land allotment decisions were taken in the 9th Meeting of the Board of Directors of PM MITRA Park, Tamil Nadu Ltd. (SPV) held on February 27, 2026 under the chairpersonship of Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. The meeting was attended by Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Arun Roy Vijayakrishnan, Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department, Government of Tamil Nadu; Senthil Raj Krishnan, MD, SIPCOT, Tamil Nadu along with representatives from NICDC, Ministry of Textiles and SIPCOT. The Board noted that the investor interest in the Park signals strong industry confidence in the Park's design, governance structure and long-term competitiveness. It also noted that allotment of land in the PM MITRA Park at Virudhnagar in Tamil Nadu would accelerate the process of establishment of an integrated value chain of yarn, fabric and garment production in the region, which is already a major manufacturer and exporter of textiles and apparel. In addition, the 20 MLD ZLD at the PM MITRA Park would enable clean and sustainable processing facilities for several processing units, including small and medium-sized units. The PM MITRA Park at Virudhnagar is one of the 7 mega Parks being set up under the PM MITRA scheme. The Park is being constructed at Rs 1,894 crore and includes provisions for a 15 MLD CETP with ZLD, a 20 MW solar power plant, centralised steam boilers besides nearly 13 lakh sq ft. ready to move plug and play units. Located right on the National Highway NH 44 and just 106 km away from Tuticorin port, it offers excellent connectivity and logistics and a mature textile ecosystem. Nearly Rs 550 crore of infrastructure works are already under execution in and around the Park site, and the Park is targeted to be completed by December 2027, the ministry said. (ANI) The Board noted the development works in progress and reaffirmed the commitment to transparent, policy-aligned and ecosystem-driven development of PM MITRA Park, Tamil Nadu, aimed at strengthening India's integrated textile value chain and enhancing global competitiveness. - ANI Afghanistan claims its air defenses successfully repelled an attempted Pakistani airstrike on the Bagram airbase early Sunday morning. In a retaliatory move, the Taliban's defense ministry announced the capture of four Pakistani military bases, claiming 32 soldiers were killed. The clashes, involving drone shoot-downs and airstrikes, mark a significant escalation along the disputed Durand Line border. These incidents follow a series of tit-for-tat attacks, with Pakistan launching 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' in response to Afghan cross-border fire. Afghanistan claims it stopped a Pakistani airstrike on Bagram airbase and captured four Pakistani bases in retaliatory attacks, escalating border tensions. Kabul, March 1 Afghanistan said on Sunday that it thwarted Pakistani military's attempt to carry out airstrike on Bagram airbase, media reported. In a statement, police headquarters in central Parwan said that several jets belonging to the Pakistani military conducted an airstrike within the airspace of Bagram Airbase at around 5 a.m. (local time), Pajhwok Afghan News reported. In the statement, the provincial police headquarters said, "With the immediate and professional response of Bagram's brave defensive and air forces, using the Zico One and Two Mile defence systems, the enemy's movements were neutralised and a necessary and decisive response was delivered." As of now, there has no casualty or material damage reported in the area and the situation is fully under the control of security and defence forces. The police headquarters noted that protecting Afghanistan's airspace and national sovereignty is is a fundamental and non-negotiable responsibility, and warned of proportional, decisive and lawful measures if any action is taken against Afghanistan's territory, people or values, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Defence Ministry has claimed that its forces captured four Pakistani military bases after retaliatory attacks against Pakistani troops. Taliban Defence Spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi made the announcement. According to the Defence Ministry, 32 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the operation. The Taliban also claimed to have shot down two Pakistani drones during the clashes, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported. The attacks reportedly took place in Paktia, Kandahar, Khost and Nangarhar provinces of Pakistan. On February 27, Afghanistan launched attacks on Pakistani Army posts and military centres along the Durand Line in response to Islamabad's airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktita on February 21. Following Afghanistan's attacks, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors, Pakistan's leading daily 'Dawn' reported. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out airstrikes targetting military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. In recent months, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have increased, with both sides accusing each other of cross-border attacks and harbouring militant groups. - IANS Air India has cancelled several international flights scheduled for March 1, citing safety concerns due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The cancellations affect routes to European hubs like London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, leaving passengers stranded at airports. The disruptions follow coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the US targeting Iranian sites, which triggered airspace shutdowns. The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation expects 444 flight cancellations as authorities coordinate with airlines on safety compliance. Air India cancels multiple international flights due to Middle East airspace closures. Passengers stranded as Iran-Israel conflict disrupts global aviation. New Delhi, March 1 Air India has announced that it has cancelled several flights scheduled for Sunday, following close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in West Asia. The airline said that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority. In addition to previously cancelled services, Air India has now called off several international flights scheduled for March 1. This includes AI131/AI130 between Mumbai and London (Heathrow), AI113/AI118 between Delhi and Birmingham, AI155/AI156 between Delhi and Amsterdam, AI151/AI152 between Delhi and Zurich, AI137/AI138 between Delhi and Milan, AI153/AI154 between Delhi and Vienna, AI133/AI132 between Bengaluru and London (Heathrow), AI157/AI158 between Delhi and Copenhagen, AI2017/AI2018 and AI2015/AI2016 between Delhi and London (Heathrow), and AI2029/AI2030 between Delhi and Frankfurt. In addition to previously cancelled services, Air India has now called off several international flights scheduled for March 1. The airline added, "We regret the inconvenience caused and are making every effort to assist affected passengers with rebooking and alternative travel arrangements. Passengers impacted by the cancellations are being informed on their registered contact numbers." Travellers are advised to check their flight status at airindia.com/in/en/manage-flight or contact Air India's 24x7 Call Centre at +91 1169329333 and +91 1169329999 for further assistance. The cancellations come amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeted Iranian sites, triggering retaliatory threats and airspace shutdowns in Iran, Israel and Iraq. The conflict has led to major disruptions in global aviation, with airlines suspending services to Gulf destinations as a precautionary measure. On Saturday, in Bengaluru, several passengers were left stranded at Kempegowda International Airport after multiple flights to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The disruptions follow widespread airspace closures across parts of West Asia, affecting international travel routes. Rashid Khan, one of the stranded passengers, told ANI that the airport authorities cited the ongoing conflict as the reason behind the cancellation. "The reason the airport authority gave me was the Iran-Israel war. My flight is cancelled," he said. Khan was scheduled to travel from Delhi to Bengaluru and onward to Abu Dhabi. "They gave me the option of another city. I chose my city. My route was Delhi to Bangalore and Bangalore to Abu Dhabi. Now it is cancelled," he added, expressing frustration over the sudden change in plans. Another passenger at the airport said uncertainty continues over when operations will resume. "Authorities are saying that the flights will not be resumed until the ceasefire is in place there. We have to go there. Our office and everything are there. We are going to Italy directly from Bahrain. Now, there is no flight for Bahrain," the passenger said. Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that 444 flights are expected to be cancelled. In a post on X, the MoCA stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in complete coordination with all the concerned airlines to ensure passenger safety and operational regulations. "Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March. DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations," the post read. - ANI US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and manufacturing. Gor highlighted India's strategic entry into the global semiconductor supply chain, specifically praising the new Micron facility in Gujarat. He cited 10 ongoing semiconductor projects worth $19 billion as a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and vision. The Ambassador stated that American companies are watching closely and are eager to explore business opportunities in the state. US Ambassador Sergio Gor meets Gujarat CM, praises Modi's vision and $19B semiconductor projects, highlighting deep US-India cooperation. New Delhi, March 1 United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the key sectors of trade, technology, and manufacturing. In a post on X, after the meeting on Saturday Sergio Gor wrote, "Thank you to @CMOGuj Bhupendra Patel for a productive discussion today and a very warm welcome. We explored new opportunities to deepen U.S.-Gujarat cooperation in trade, technology, and manufacturing. Incredible potential for Gujarat to work closely with the U.S. ahead!" Gor praised India's entry into the global semiconductor supply chain, highlighting that India is becoming a major player in semiconductor manufacturing. He also spoke about the growing relationship between the United States and India. Gor mentioned that there are currently 10 semiconductor projects worth 19 billion dollars being developed in India, which shows the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Modi. Speaking at the inauguration of Micron's new semiconductor facility in Gujarat, Gor said, "Today marks India's entry into the global semiconductor supply chain as a manufacturing nation. This is just the beginning. With 10 semiconductor projects worth $19 billion underway across India, that is a direct testament to your Prime Minister's leadership, to his vision, and to his ability to secure the future for India and for our global partners, including the United States." "Gujarat's leadership is incentivising semiconductor projects. From Sanand to Dholera, it sets an example for your entire country... We are beyond proud of Micron being here, and in just the last few years, they have achieved incredible results. The United States stands ready to participate in this growth. American companies are watching closely, and many are eager to explore opportunities to do business in Gujarat. President Trump cares deeply about our relationship. The next three years of our administration enable our two nations to tap into the limitless potential that exists," he said. He added, "This facility represents the future. It represents American technology leadership working hand in hand with Indian manufacturing excellence. It represents supply chain resilience, built on trust between our two great democracies. The chips packaged in this facility will power devices around the world. More importantly, the partnership this facility represents will power our shared prosperity and security for generations to come." - ANI Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad states that recent strikes targeting Iranian leadership, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are part of a long-standing US-Israeli objective to change Iran's government and create regional chaos. Awwad highlights that Iran has already retaliated by attacking American military bases in the region, signaling a dangerous escalation. Iranian media confirmed Khamenei was "martyred" in the US-Israeli attacks, leading to 40 days of public mourning in the country. The expert concludes that this conflict is expanding into a broader regional war, which is precisely what the Americans and Israelis desire. Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad says US-Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Khamenei aim to change Iran's government, sparking a wider regional war. New Delhi, March 1 Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad said that Americans and Israelis had long aimed to change the leadership in Iran, hence strikes were carried out in the region. On Saturday, Awwad told ANI, "It was the Israelis who started this war against Iran early in the morning when they started attacking their military installations, the leadership of Iran, including the supreme leaders, Ayatollah Khamenei's residence, and even the president and the foreign ministry. This whole attack has been taking place so the Americans could take the second round of an assault in Iran, hoping that they will be able to change the government of Iran and create chaos in the region. Highlighting Iran's swift response, Awwad added," The Iranian was quick in retaliating against this attack. They have already attacked the American military bases in the region and most of the GCC countries, including Iraq... This is a clear indication that this is going to be a more escalated war. It is more of a regional war. That is what the Americans and Israelis want." Meanwhile, Iran killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. Iranian media Press TV has reported on Sunday that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the Israeli-US strikes. In a post on X, Press TV said, "Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran". As per Reuters, citing the state media, 40 days of public mourning have been announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. - ANI WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks earlier in the day. Khamenei "is dead," Trump announced in a post on social media platform Truth Social. Meanwhile, Trump said the massive military campaign against Iran will continue. "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" Trump said in the post. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting focused on security along Bihar's India-Nepal border. The meeting emphasized strengthened border management, vigilance against illegal migration, and action on Fake Indian Currency Notes and encroachments. Key directives included a zero-tolerance policy on illegal constructions, a door-to-door survey for voter verification, and strict financial compliance for banks. District Magistrates have been given enhanced responsibilities to ensure legal and financial scrutiny in the border districts. Home Minister Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting, orders zero tolerance on illegal constructions, migration, and financial crimes along Bihar-Nepal border. Purnea, February 27 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting, which was convened to assess security-related issues concerning the bordering districts along the India-Nepal border in Bihar. The meeting underscored the need for "strengthened border management, enhanced vigilance against illegal activities, and coordinated inter-agency action to address concerns such as illegal constructions near border areas, illegal migration, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), encroachment, and unauthorised financial flows." As per an MHA statement, it was decided in the meeting that all reported death cases will be thoroughly verified through due process following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). "Upon confirmation, necessary deletions and updates shall be carried out in relevant official records, including UID databases, driving licences, PAN records, and other applicable government documents to ensure accuracy and prevent misuse," the MHA said, citing the takeaways from the meeting. It further said that "a door-to-door survey will also be undertaken to verify individuals reported as migrated but absent during verification, while ensuring that no genuine voter is erroneously deleted." The Home Minister directed strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions, particularly in forest and uninhabited areas, and ordered the immediate removal of encroachments identified on No Man's Land. In the meeting, district magistrates and Superintendents of Police of all seven districts of Seemanchal took part. "District Magistrates have been assigned enhanced responsibility to ensure legal and financial compliance by all banks, including cooperative banks, within their jurisdictions," it said. All banks have been directed to follow compliance issued by the Reserve Bank of India, including the reporting of cash transactions of high value and PAN linkage with bank accounts. "The Chief Secretary will review compliance, particularly concerning cooperative banks. Strict action will be taken against Sub Registrar Offices (SROs) for non-reporting or defective reporting of high-value property transactions or violations involving cash transactions beyond prescribed norms." The state government will raise the issue in the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) and take up with the RBI the installation of note-sorting machines in all bank branches along the border, while also ensuring adequate banking penetration in border areas.Additionally, District Magistrates have been directed to verify major business establishments to ensure that funding sources are legitimate and not linked to unlawful activities. In cases involving suspicious property purchases, authorities will examine funding sources, purchasing capacity, and PAN details thoroughly. The review reflects the government's intensified push to strengthen border security and financial scrutiny in sensitive districts along the India-Nepal frontier. - ANI Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar experienced significant flight disruptions, with multiple international cancellations and diversions due to the escalating military conflict in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued an urgent safety advisory warning of heightened risks in the region's airspace following military strikes. In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation established a 24x7 control room, and Air India proactively cancelled several Sunday flights, prioritizing passenger safety. The situation has left travelers stranded and highlights the broader impact of regional tensions on global aviation. Amritsar Airport faces major flight disruptions and cancellations as Middle East tensions escalate, prompting safety advisories and a 24x7 control room. Amritsar, March 1 Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, on Sunday witnessed widespread disruptions as several international flights were cancelled or diverted following the escalating military conflict in the Middle East. Travellers expressed helplessness following the situation in the Middle East, as it has forced airlines to prioritise safety over scheduled travel. A passenger heading to Milan reported their flight was cancelled, citing the war as the reason. A passenger from the airport, while speaking to ANI, said, "I was going to Milan, but my flight has been cancelled because of the war." Meanwhile, today, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up a 24x7 Passenger Assistance Control Room to review preparedness in view of the evolving airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East. Earlier on Saturday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent safety advisory to all Indian air operators, warning of heightened risks to civil aviation in the Middle East and Persian Gulf airspace following a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The advisory was issued on Saturday after a review of the Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB No.: 2026-03) published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It cautioned that recent military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran have created a high-risk operating environment for civil aircraft. On the other hand, Air India has announced that it has cancelled several flights scheduled for Sunday, following close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in West Asia. The airline said that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority. In addition to previously cancelled services, Air India has now called off several international flights scheduled for March 1. The airline added, "We regret the inconvenience caused and are making every effort to assist affected passengers with rebooking and alternative travel arrangements. Passengers impacted by the cancellations are being informed on their registered contact numbers. "Travellers are advised to check their flight status at airindia.com/in/en/manage-flight or contact Air India's 24x7 Call Centre at +91 1169329333 and +91 1169329999 for further assistance. The cancellations come amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeted Iranian sites, triggering retaliatory threats and airspace shutdowns in Iran, Israel and Iraq. The conflict has led to major disruptions in global aviation, with airlines suspending services to Gulf destinations as a precautionary measure. On Saturday, in Bengaluru, several passengers were also left stranded at Kempegowda International Airport after multiple flights to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. - ANI A massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, has claimed 18 lives, with several others critically injured. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the Government General Hospital to console the grieving families of the victims. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident, directing ministers and officials to the site, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance from the PMNRF. Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences over the tragic accident. 18 killed in a massive explosion at a firecracker unit in Kakinada's Vetlapalem. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan visits families, PM Modi & CM Naidu announce relief. Kakinada, March 1 Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the Government General Hospital in Kakinada to console the families of those who lost their lives in a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district. 18 people have died after a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, on Saturday. The condition of several injured persons is reported to be critical. Sagili Shan Mohan, Collector & District Magistrate have informed about the incident. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spoke with officials regarding the same Kakinada accident. CM reviewed the explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kakinada district. The Chief Minister inquired about the causes of the accident and the ongoing rescue and relief operations at the site. Officials informed that around 20 people were working at Surya Fire Works where the accident occurred. Naidu expressed grief over the large number of firecracker workers losing their lives. The Chief Minister directed ministers and senior officials to visit the accident site. Prime Minister Modi also offered condolences to the affected families. He said," Pained by the loss of lives in the explosion at a factory in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM." Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke about the incident and sends condolsence to the families of the deceased. - ANI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming public turnout and support during the second day of the BJP's Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Morigaon. He stated that people are openly thanking his government for providing land rights, employment, and taking action against illegal infiltrators over the past five years. The yatra, which began from Sonitpur district, is an eight-day campaign aiming to connect with one lakh people daily to showcase developmental work and seek blessings for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Sarma also recently launched the BJP's official election songs for the campaign at the party's state headquarters. Assam CM Himanta Sarma expresses gratitude for public support during BJP's election yatra, highlighting land rights, jobs, and action against encroachers. Morigaon, March 1 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday expressed his gratitude for the "full blessings" of the people during day 2 of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Jan Ashirwad Yatra in view of preparations for the upcoming Assembly polls. The Chief Minister noted that people of the State are openly thanking him for providing land rights and employment over the last five years. "I thank the people of Assam very much. Last night it went on till 12:30, and there were people everywhere. The public gave their full blessings," Sarma told mediapersons here. The Assam Chief Minister further said, "We want to send a strong message that we will evict all illegal encroachers. I never thought people will come out in such large numbers. People are acknowledging what we did in the past five years, and I hope people will give us a strong mandate this time. A lot of people meet me, saying they got a job or a land or thank me for taking strict action against illegal infiltrators. People are supporting us." Sarma had on Saturday officially kicked off the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' from the Dhekiajuli constituency in Sonitpur district. Initiating the first phase of the march, the Chief Minister had sought the support of the public for the party's future endeavours. The yatra began at the Gupteshwar Temple, aiming to connect with one lakh people daily. The party has already announced an eight-day initial phase of the programme, which will continue until March 9. According to the State BJP, through this yatra, the developmental and welfare initiatives of both the Central and State Governments will be taken to the people, while also seeking the blessings of the citizens of Assam for the forthcoming assembly elections. Earlier, Sarma launched the BJP's "Election Songs" for the assembly poll campaign. During a programme held at the BJP State Headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, three "Election Songs" for the Assam Legislative Assembly Election 2026 campaign were officially released by the Chief Minister. - ANI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the modern headquarters of the 6th Assam Police Commando Battalion at Ambikapur in Sadiya. The Rs 160 crore facility, built on 331 bighas, is equipped with advanced barracks, training facilities, and can house 400 personnel. During the event, the CM also virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several other development projects in the Sadiya region, including schools, bridges, and stadiums. He stated the new battalion will enhance security along the interstate border and serve as an advanced training center, while also inspiring local youth to join the police force. Assam CM Himanta Sarma inaugurates a Rs 160 crore commando battalion HQ in Sadiya, enhancing security and launching multiple development projects. Guwahati, February 27 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the state-of-the-art headquarters of the 6th Commando Battalion at Ambikapur in Sadiya on Friday, marking a major boost to Assam's security preparedness. According to the press release, spread across 331 bighas and built at a cost of Rs 160 crore, the modern campus is set to accommodate 400 commandos with world-class infrastructure and operational readiness. Equipped with an advanced barrack, a three-storey command building, surveillance towers and specialised training facilities, including a parade ground, shooting range and drill shed, the complex is expected to become a force multiplier toward a safer Assam, said the release. The Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several important projects in Sadiya. Among the projects he inaugurated virtually are the new building of Sadiya Government Higher Secondary School at Chapakhowa, constructed at a cost of Rs 10.37 crore, and an RCC bridge connecting Hospital Chariali and Tupasingha Ghat, built at a cost of Rs 51.20 crore. As per the release, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for multiple projects, including a multi-purpose indoor stadium complex at Kakopathar constructed at a cost of Rs 25.49 crore, development of Bir Lachit Stadium complex at Chapakhowa with Rs 10.89 crore, construction of a statue and park of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika near Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, infrastructure development of Khing Khing Baitho Temple at Dangari in Tinsukia with a financial outlay of 25.21 crore, installation of an 11 KV power line in the border area of Tengapani (Rs 1.89 crore), upgradation of the road from the last portion of the Dhola-Sadiya bridge connecting road at Islamapur to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border outpost (Rs 50.43 crore), upgradation of the road from Kakopathar on National Highway 15 to Dangari on National Highway 115 via Borali Gaon under Asom Mala 3.0 (Rs 33.74 crore). Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that after the formation of the government in 2021, a decision was taken to establish five new commando battalions in the state. "Earlier, Assam had only one such battalion. Considering the importance of national security and Assam's geographical location, headquarters were planned at Damcherra (Hailakandi), Daldali (Karbi Anglong), Geleki (Sivasagar), Pabhoi (Biswanath), and Ambikapur (Tinsukia). The fifth battalion headquarters was inaugurated at Pabhoi on 4 October last year," he said. The newly inaugurated Sixth Assam Police Commando Battalion headquarters at Ambikapur has been constructed over 331 bighas of land at a cost of Rs 160 crore. Terming the formation of six commando battalions in a state like Assam a matter of pride, the Chief Minister said that the headquarters at Diphu is ready for inauguration, and construction work for three more battalion headquarters is progressing. He stated that the battalion at Sadiya will help create a secure environment along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and will also serve as a centre for advanced training of Assam Police personnel. The presence of the battalion is expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of Ambikapur. The Chief Minister further mentioned that vacant posts in the Assam Police are being filled annually. Recently, 5,000 appointments were made, and the recruitment process for another 5,000 posts is underway. He said that the establishment of the commando headquarters at Ambikapur would inspire local youth from Sadiya to join the Assam Police and that the government would prepare them for recruitment through this initiative. He stated that Assam Police has transformed into one of the leading police forces in the country. Over the past five years, registered cases in Assam have declined from 1.33 lakh to 37,000, and pending cases have reduced from 1.34 lakh to 11,000. Owing to its efficiency, states like Goa and Manipur are sending their police personnel to the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy for training. He expressed confidence that Assam Police would continue to uphold its reputation and ensure public safety while ensuring the speedy disposal of criminal cases. Highlighting various welfare measures implemented over the past five years, such as Orunodoi, MMUA, Nijut Moina, Nijut Babu, free rice distribution, essential commodities like pulses, sugar, and salt at subsidised rates, recruitment of 1.6 lakh youth into government jobs through transparent processes, development of roads and bridges, and land pattas for indigenous people, the Chief Minister said that development initiatives have touched every region and every village of Assam. He stated that collective efforts have made a developed Assam possible and expressed hope that the state would continue to grow into one of the leading states in the country. He also called for tree plantation in the vacant land within the battalion campus and suggested cultivating bamboo to supply to Numaligarh Refinery. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, MP Pradan Baruah, MLA Bolin Chetia, Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ajay Tiwari, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion. - ANI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will launch the BJP's "Jan Ashirwad Yatra" from the Dhekiajuli constituency to establish direct contact with voters ahead of the 2026 state polls. The yatra, led by the CM and state party president, aims to connect with one lakh people daily, starting from the Gupteshwar Temple. This campaign seeks to publicize the developmental initiatives of the central and state governments while seeking public blessings for the upcoming elections. The launch follows the recent release of three official BJP election songs for the 2026 campaign at a party event in Guwahati. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma kicks off BJP's mass contact yatra from Dhekiajuli, aiming to connect with 1 lakh people daily ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Guwahati, February 28 Ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls, the Assam BJP is launching its Jan Ashirwad Yatra today. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will officially kick off the campaign from the Dhekiajuli assembly constituency. To establish direct contact with people across every region of Assam, the "Jan Ashirwad Yatra" will commence under the leadership of CM Sarma and state party President Dilip Saikia. The yatra will begin at the Gupteshwar Temple, aiming to connect with one lakh people daily. The party has already announced an eight-day initial phase of the programme, which will continue until March 9. According to the State BJP, through this yatra, the developmental and welfare initiatives of both the Central and State Governments will be taken to the people, while also seeking the blessings of the citizens of Assam for the forthcoming assembly elections. Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the BJP's "Election Songs" for the assembly poll campaign. During a programme held at the BJP State Headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, three "Election Songs" for the Assam Legislative Assembly Election 2026 campaign were officially released by the CM. The unveiling ceremony was hosted by Party General Secretary and MLA Diplu Ranjan Sarma and attended by the Convenor of the Assembly Election Management Committee and Member of Parliament from Lakhimpur Lok Sabha Constituency, Pradan Baruah; National Vice President Rekha Verma; and Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj. State Spokesperson Jayanta Kumar Goswami stated that these election songs will carry the message of development, good governance, and welfare initiatives of the government to every voter from villages to towns across the state. He added that through music, the party's vision and commitment will resonate more strongly and touch the hearts of the people. The spokesperson remarked that the enthusiastic presence of party workers and supporters at the event clearly reflected the BJP's organized and confident preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. - ANI The final electoral roll for West Bengal is set for publication, prompting police directives for maximum force mobilization to handle any potential unrest. In an unprecedented move, the first batch of 240 Central Armed Police Force companies has begun arriving ahead of the official poll schedule and model code of conduct. These forces, equipped with GPS-tracked vehicles, are mandated for immediate area domination and geographical familiarization from day one. A second contingent of 240 companies is scheduled for deployment on March 10 as part of the extensive security preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. Final voters' list for West Bengal published. 240 CAPF companies deployed with GPS trackers before poll dates, unprecedented pre-MCC security move. Kolkata, Feb 28 As the final voters' list in West Bengal is all set to be published on Saturday, the police have been directed to be ready for any kind of eventuality. According to a police order issued late Friday night, the battalion headquarters has been advised to ensure maximum mobilisation of the forces personnel at the battalion headquarters. The individual division and unit heads have been asked to withdraw personnel from routine and non-essential duties and keep them under reserve to face any eventuality amid apprehension of tension following the publication of the final voters' list. Already, the first 240 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel that will be deployed in West Bengal in the first phase from March 1 have started arriving to the state in batches since Friday. The first batch of 240 companies that will be deployed on March 1 will include 110 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 companies of Border Security Force (BSF), 21 companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 companies of Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP), and 27 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). It is unprecedented that the CAPF deployment is done even before the announcement of the polling dates and the enforcement of the model code of conduct. In the second batch, another 240 companies will be deployed on March 10. Already the Election Commission of India (ECI) had decided that the vehicles allotted to the CAPF personnel, whose deployment in West Bengal will start from March 1 amid the crucial Assembly elections in the state scheduled later this year, will be fitted with GPS trackers to ensure that the Commission appointed central observers can constantly monitor whether the deployed CAPF personnel are effectively utilised from day one or not. The ECI had already given clear instructions that the CAPF companies deployed will not be allowed to sit idle, and from day one, they will have to be utilised for area domination and get acquainted with the geography of the state. - IANS The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched its "Parivartan Yatra" in West Bengal, with nine separate rallies commencing across the state. The campaign will cover all 294 Assembly constituencies, pausing briefly for the Dol Yatra and Holi festivals. The yatra is scheduled to culminate in a major rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata on March 15. Several top BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are participating in the election-focused tour. BJP's Parivartan Yatra begins in West Bengal, with PM Modi's mega Kolkata rally on March 15 marking its conclusion ahead of state elections. Kolkata, March 1 Amid the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a mega rally at Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata on March 15. The mega rally will also mark the end of the "Parivartan Yatra" by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that started on Sunday. Nine separate rallies will start from nine locations in the state on Sunday and Monday. However, there will be no rallies on March 3 and March 4, because of the 'Dol Yatra' festival on March 3 and the 'Holi' festival on March 4. The rallies will start again on March 5 and will be completed after covering all 294 Assembly constituencies in the state. "Finally, the 'Parivartan Yatra' will officially end with the Prime Minister's rally at Brigade Parade Ground on March 15. However, the programme is subject to last-minute changes from the Prime Minister's Office," a state committee member of the BJP said. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah will be present at the beginning of one of the nine rallies at Raidighi in South Parganas district on Monday. Initially, the Raidighi rally was scheduled on Sunday. However, later it was postponed to Monday. It is not yet clear whether HM Shah will also be present at the Brigade Parade Ground rally on March 15, where the principal speaker will be the Prime Minister. Several other heavyweight central leaders of the BJP, including members of the Union Cabinet, are scheduled to participate in the proposed "Parvartan Yatra". They include Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union Minister J.P. Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, former Union Minister Smriti Irani, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, among others. - IANS The government has decided to temporarily halt the fortification of rice distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and other welfare schemes. This move follows a review and a study by IIT Kharagpur which found that fortified rice kernels lose nutrients and have a shorter shelf life under typical storage conditions. The decision does not affect the quantity of food grains allocated to beneficiaries under various schemes. States have been given transitional flexibility to supply either fortified or non-fortified rice based on their operational logistics. Government temporarily discontinues fortified rice in welfare schemes until a more effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed, based on an IIT study. New Delhi, Feb 28 The government has decided to temporarily discontinue fortification of rice until a more robust and effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed and operationalised. According to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the government reviewed the implementation of rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. This decision of temporary discontinuation of fortification process does not entail any reduction in food-grain entitlements and will not affect operations under the PDS, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), or the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, it said. Based on this review, it has been decided to temporarily discontinue the process of rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied schemes until a more effective mechanism for delivery of nutrients to beneficiaries is identified. According to an official statement, a study was assigned by the government to IIT Kharagpur to assess the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under actual storage conditions in diverse agro climatic zones in the country. The report concluded that factors such as moisture content, storage conditions, temperature, relative humidity and packaging material critically influence the stability and shelf life of FRK and FR. "They are susceptible to micronutrient reduction and shortening of shelf life during prolonged storage and routine handling. This reduction is rendering the effective shelf life shorter than expected and, in turn, limiting the intended nutritional outcomes," said the government. Considering procurement volumes and annual offtake, rice remains in storage for two to three years. Against an annual allocation of 372 LMT under PMGKAY and other welfare scheme, the total availability in the central pool is projected at 674 LMT, including receipts due from KMS 2025-26. For KMS 2025-26 (Kharif Crop), as well as pending receipts from KMS 2024-25, States/UTs have been given flexibility, as a transitional measure, to supply either fortified rice or non-fortified rice, at their discretion, keeping in view operational and logistical considerations. - IANS Chilli prices in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district have skyrocketed to record levels, with some varieties doubling in cost. The price surge is driven by a sharp decline in crop arrivals due to reduced cultivation area and severe pest infestations. Drought conditions have further exacerbated yield losses, leaving many farmers without irrigation facing severe financial damage. Farmers are now urging the state government to provide drought compensation and improved pest management support. Chilli prices in Ramanathapuram hit record highs, doubling as pest attacks and drought slash yields. Farmers seek government relief. Ramanathapuram, March 1 A sharp decline in arrivals has sent chilli prices in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram soaring to record levels, with Mundu and Samba varieties crossing Rs 20,000 per quintal in the open market. Officials attribute the surge to reduced cultivation area, widespread pest infestation and drought conditions, while farmers have urged the Tamil Nadu government to announce drought relief to offset mounting crop losses. Chilli remains the largest horticultural crop cultivated in the district. This year, the crop has been raised on approximately 13,500 hectares -- a drop of more than 1,500 hectares compared to last year's 15,050 hectares. Horticulture department officials said the decline is largely due to severe fungal disease outbreaks during the previous season, which resulted in heavy yield losses and discouraged farmers from expanding cultivation. With the harvest season now underway, prices have nearly doubled from usual levels due to poor arrivals in markets. M. Ramar, a traditional chilli farmer and exporter from Ramanathapuram, said Mundu chilli, which typically fetches between Rs 13,000 and Rs 20,000 per quintal, is currently being traded at Rs 25,000 to Rs 36,000 per quintal. Similarly, Samba chilli prices have climbed from the usual Rs 12,000 - Rs 15,000 range to between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per quintal. Data from the agriculture marketing department indicates that regulatory market prices are also significantly elevated. Samba chillies are being sold at around Rs 220 per kg, while Mundu varieties are touching Rs 360 per kg -- nearly twice the average rates seen during normal harvest seasons. Farmers blame the steep price rise on poor yields caused by pest attacks, fruit rot disease and prolonged dry spells. Senior horticulture officials confirmed that preliminary assessments show over 2,500 hectares of chilli crops have been affected by pest infestations, with drought conditions further aggravating the damage. "Only those with assured irrigation facilities or the capacity to purchase water through tankers managed to sustain their crops," said Ayyapan, a chilli farmer. "Others faced severe losses." With uncertainty looming over overall output this season, farmers have called on the state government to provide drought compensation and strengthen pest management support to stabilise production in the coming years. - IANS BAGHDAD, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi government spokesperson Basim al-Awadi on Sunday condemned the U.S.-Israeli strike, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a "flagrant aggression" and "culpable act" violating international norms. "We offer our condolences to the Iranian people and the entire Islamic nation," al-Awadi said in a statement, calling for a halt to military operations that are escalating the region. Iraq also declared three days of national mourning for Khamenei, the killing of whom sparked violent protests near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. An Iraqi Interior Ministry source told Xinhua that demonstrators attempted at dawn to storm the U.S. embassy's entrance near the Suspension Bridge, protesting the U.S.-Israeli attack. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds attempting to breach the U.S. embassy, the source said on condition of anonymity, noting that hand-to-hand skirmishes occurred as protesters tried to push through the perimeter. An Iraqi Shiite militia on Sunday claimed responsibility for drone attacks on military bases housing U.S. forces in Erbil province in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, as Iran vowed to retaliate for the killing of its supreme leader. A statement by the pro-Iran group calling itself the "Guardians of Blood," affiliated with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella body for Iraqi Shiite militias, said its fighters launched "a squadron of drones targeting U.S. bases in Erbil." Iran's state media confirmed Sunday that Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks on Saturday. Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant called for building a mediation culture, stating it is now a preferred, not alternative, method for resolving disputes with statutory backing from the 2023 Act. He emphasized its role in reducing court caseloads through a less costly and time-consuming process compared to traditional litigation or arbitration. The event also saw Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announce increased financial incentives for cases resolved through mediation and propose establishing a National Judicial Academy in Amaravati. Supreme Court Justice Jitendra Kumar Maheshwari and Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Tagore also highlighted mediation's importance in preserving relationships and reducing the judiciary's burden. Chief Justice of India advocates for mediation as a primary dispute resolution tool under the new Mediation Act 2023 to ease judicial burden. Vijayawada, March 1 Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Sunday called on the judiciary to promote mediation, saying it is gaining wider acceptance as an effective tool for resolution of disputes Underlining the need for building a "mediation culture", he stated mediation was no longer an alternative method but has emerged as a preferred mode of dispute resolution. He was delivering the keynote address at a State-level symposium on 'Mediation: Dialogue as Cornerstone of Justice', organised by the AP State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), here. He noted the process of mediation had a statutory backup in the Mediation Act of 2023, and the resolutions passed by the mediators were enforceable decrees. The Chief Justice said that mediation is an excellent way to reduce the caseload in the courts and resolve disputes quickly and in a friendly environment. He noted that the caseloads were reduced to some extent by special courts like the ones catering to family disputes. Justice Surya Kant said mediation had become extremely popular in foreign countries as the method was less costly and less time-consuming compared to arbitration. He also urged the Bar Associations to make people adopt mediation as a means to settling their disputes. He said that people in dispute should have complete faith in the mediator. Due to the trust people have in the judiciary, mediation through the courts has high priority. "Mediation is present in every aspect of our lives. Even major problems are being solved through mediation," he said, adding that commercial problems are also being solved through this process. Stating that temperament, conduct and integrity of mediators play a crucial role in the outcomes, he underscored the importance of professional mediators learning the nuances of the whole process of mediation for achieving the desired results. Justice Surya Kant noted that mediation has been used in India since ancient times to resolve problems. He believes that mediation is in the DNA of India and has a history of thousands of years. He cited the attempt made by Lord Krishna to bring about peace between the Pandavas and the Kauravas as the first formal mediation. Supreme Court judge Justice Jitendra Kumar Maheshwari said relations can be preserved by resolving disputes through negotiations and mutual consent, not through courts. Justice Maheshwari said that mediation has been given legality through the 'Mediation Act - 2023', which will reduce the burden on the judiciary. Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court Dheeraj Singh Tagore said that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu provided full support on behalf of the government to the International Mediation Conference held in Visakhapatnam. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu appealed to Chief Justice of India to establish National Judicial Academy in Amaravati. The Chief Minister said that as part of the capital development infrastructure for the judicial system will be provided in the proposed Justice City. Efforts are on to build the best Judicial City in the country by integrating institutions such as the Judicial Academy, Legal Services Authority, Mediation Centre, International Law University and the Bar Council of India. The state government is ready to allocate the required land for these institutions. The Chief Minister assured support for establishment of National Judicial Academy in Amaravati. On a suggestion by the Chief Justice of High Court, he announced an increase in incentive for cases resolved through mediation from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000. He said an incentive of Rs 3,000 will be given even for unsuccessful cases. - IANS Chief Justice of India Surya Kant offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, where he was received by senior Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) officials. The TTD has announced significant changes to the darshan schedule due to the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 3. The temple will remain closed for approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes on that day, with all slotted darshan tokens and VIP break darshan cancelled. Devotees are requested to cooperate with the temple authorities during this period. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant offers prayers at Tirumala. TTD announces temple closure and darshan cancellations for the March 3 lunar eclipse. Tirupati, March 1 Chief Justice of India Surya Kant offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Temple on Sunday. The Chief Justice, who had reached Tirumala on Saturday evening, had darshan in the morning. On his arrival at the temple, he was received by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra, Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkaiah Chowdhury, and District Superintendent of Police L. Subbaraidu. On this occasion, the priests traditionally welcomed the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras. After the darshan, the priests presented 'Shesha Vastra' to the Chief Justice. Vedic scholars gave him 'Veda Shirvachana' in the Ranganayakula Mandapam. TTD officials offered Theertha Prasadam and a portrait of the deity. The CJI later visited the Sri Varahaswami Temple. Meanwhile, TTD has announced that in view of the lunar eclipse on March 3, Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens(SSD) will not be issued in Tirupati on March 1 and 2 for darshan on March 2 and 3, respectively. The SSD tokens for darshan on March 4 will be issued on March 3. VIP Break Darshan also remains cancelled on March 3, and as such No recommendation letters will be accepted on March 2, the TTD said in a release. It requested the devotees to take note of the changes and cooperate with temple authorities. The TTD has already announced that in view of the lunar eclipse, the Tirumala temple will remain closed for approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes on March 3. The temple will be shut from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. The lunar eclipse will commence at 3.20 p.m. and conclude at 6.47 p.m. on March 3. As per tradition, the temple doors will be closed six hours prior to the commencement of the eclipse. The temple doors will reopen at 7.30 p.m., followed by purification rituals and Punyahavachanam. Darshan for devotees will resume from 8:30 p.m. onwards. The TTD announced that Arjitha Sevas and VIP Break Darshans will remain cancelled. - IANS Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Gujarat Semi Connect Conference 2026, holding direct meetings with industry leaders to attract investment for semiconductor and specialty chemical projects. He detailed the state's existing industrial ecosystem in areas like Dholera and Sanand to potential investors. The event followed the foundation stone laying for a new Gujarat High Court Arbitration Centre, a project launched in the presence of the Chief Justice of India. The conference aims to position Gujarat as a key hub for advanced electronics manufacturing and institutional arbitration. CM Bhupendra Patel meets global investors to boost semiconductor & chemical manufacturing in Gujarat, following a new High Court Arbitration Centre launch. Gandhinagar, March 1 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 'Gujarat Semi Connect Conference 2026' and engaged in one-to-one meetings with various industry leaders and investors on Sunday. Discussions focused on attracting investment for establishing memory module facilities, power chip manufacturing, R&D centres for semiconductors, and speciality chemical facilities within the state. In one-to-one meetings held between Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and various industry leaders attending the conference, productive discussions took place on establishing R&D centres, memory module facilities, power chip manufacturing units, and speciality chemical facilities in the semiconductor sector. CM provided a detailed overview of the robust ecosystem in place for semiconductor industries in Gujarat, including Dholera and Sanand, and elaborated on the state government's proactive approach. Among those who met the Chief Minister in these one-to-one sessions were: Meghav Mehta, MD of Deepak Nitrite Ltd; Dato Seri Lee Hung Lung, Chairman of Malaysia-based Hotai Electronics; Makoto Terada, MD of Suchi-ROHM Semiconductor India, along with founder Ashok Mehta; Rajeev Gautam of Horiba India; and Radhika Viswanathan, COO of Applied Materials. Chief Secretary M. K. Das, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Vikrant Pandey, and Science & Technology Secretary Smt. P. Bharati was also present at the one-to-one meetings. Earlier, on Saturday in the presence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the foundation stone for the new state-of-the-art building of the Gujarat High Court Arbitration Centre was laid, and the Centre's logo was unveiled. According to an official release from the Gujarat CMO, on this occasion, the conference titled "Institutional Arbitration at a Crossroads: Challenges and the Way Forward" was inaugurated at the Gujarat High Court auditorium. The Arbitration Centre's newsletter was released, and its redesigned website was also launched. The programme was jointly organised by the Gujarat High Court Arbitration Centre and the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority under the guidance of the Gujarat High Court. - ANI Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off two vehicles provided by Bahl Paper Mill under a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in Tanakpur. One vehicle was handed to the Health Department to improve emergency healthcare access in remote areas, while the other was allocated to a government college to support student academic activities. Dhami commended the corporate sector's participation in development and reiterated the government's commitment to delivering basic facilities. Earlier, the CM also participated in Holi celebrations in Khatima, emphasizing the festival's role in fostering social unity and brotherhood. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami flags off CSR vehicles from Bahl Paper Mill to enhance emergency healthcare and student services in Uttarakhand's remote areas. Tanakpur, February 27 Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took an important step towards Corporate Social Responsibility by flagging off two vehicles provided by Bahl Paper Mill. These vehicles are expected to help improve health and education services in the district. As per an official release, during a program held in Tanakpur, the Chief Minister flagged off both vehicles for their respective destinations. One of the vehicles has been handed over to the Health Department, which will help make emergency response and healthcare services more accessible in remote areas. The other vehicle has been allocated to Government Inter College, Manch, and is set to play a significant role in supporting academic activities and meeting the needs of students. On the occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appreciated the contribution of Bahl Paper Mill and said that the participation of the corporate sector in development initiatives is highly commendable. He added that the government is committed to ensuring that basic facilities such as education and healthcare reach every individual. The vehicles provided under CSR will certainly enhance the quality of services at the local level, a release stated. Meanwhile, Dhami participated in the grand Holi Milan ceremony held at Sanatan Dharamshala Ramlila Maidan, Khatima, earlier in the day. He extended heartfelt Holi greetings to the gathering. On the occasion, he joined in traditional Kumaoni Holi, classical Holi, and Tharu Holi singing, sharing the festive joy with the community. Addressing the event, the Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand's folk culture, traditions, and festivals form the strong foundation of the state's cultural identity. He noted that Holi is not just a festival of colours but also a symbol of social unity, harmony, inclusiveness, and brotherhood. In an emotional note, he said, "Khatima is my home and the people of Khatima are my family. It brings me immense happiness to be among my family members." - ANI CM Siddaramaiah video calls Kannadigas stranded in Dubai, orders rescue coordination with MEA. Helpline activated for families. Bengaluru, March 2 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah spoke to Karnataka people stranded in Dubai through a video call on Sunday, amid prevailing Middle East tensions. In a post on X, the Karnataka CMO stated that the Chief Minister gathered information on the current situation of Kannadigas in war-affected areas, including Dubai, and subsequently instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with Foreign Ministry officials to bring the stranded citizens back safely. "I have spoken with Kannadigas stranded in Dubai due to the tense situation between Israel and Iran, and reassured them. After discussions with officials, I have gathered information on the current situation of Kannadigas stranded in war-affected areas including Dubai, and subsequently instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with Foreign Ministry officials to bring them back safely," said Karnataka CMO. On February 28, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that he has instructed officials to operationalise a dedicated helpline to assist the families of stranded Kannadigas. He mentioned that 32 individuals from Ballari are stranded in Dubai. The Chief Minister emphasised that appropriate steps are being initiated to ensure their security and facilitate all necessary assistance during this period of tension. "I have instructed officials to operationalise a dedicated helpline from tomorrow to assist affected families. I urge family members not to panic if communication with their loved ones is temporarily disrupted. Please be assured that the safety of every Kannadiga is our foremost priority, and coordinated efforts are already underway in close liaison with the concerned authorities. I have also been informed by former Minister Shri Nagendra that 32 individuals from Ballari are presently stranded in Dubai. Appropriate steps are being initiated to ensure their security and facilitate necessary assistance. We stand firmly committed to protecting our citizens and will continue to monitor the situation closely, responding with sensitivity, responsibility, and resolve," said Siddaramaiah. Earlier, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Ambassador Paramita Tripathi, held a virtual interaction with around 100 prominent members of the Indian community and heads of Indian Associations. The Kuwait Embassy briefed the attendees on the recent developments in the region. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said, "Ambassador Paramita Tripathi, along with Embassy officers, held a virtual interaction with around 100 prominent members of the Indian community and heads of Indian Associations in Kuwait. The Ambassador briefed the attendees on recent developments in the region and reiterated the Embassy's commitment to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals in Kuwait. She appreciated the community's willingness to contribute and support those in need through constructive and responsible engagement." The Embassy also assisted Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait due to the temporary airspace shutdown. In a post on X, the Embassy said, "Embassy officials continue to be in touch with and assist the Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait due to temporary airspace shutdown. The Embassy is constantly following up the matter with the local Authorities concerned, the management of the hotels in which the stranded passengers are staying as well as the respective Airlines. All possible assistance is being provided to the Indian nationals." These calls to assistance came as Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes. After the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, the Iranian army announced that it downed 10 advanced drones across the country, bringing the total number of drones shot down so far to 22. Most of them, according to Iranian officials, were Hermes drones allegedly belonging to Israeli and American forces, Al Jazeera reported. - ANI Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to launch a Rs 1,500 monthly incentive scheme for village temple priests at a conference in Mylapore. The initiative is part of broader welfare measures, including an increased pension of Rs 4,000 for eligible priests and a dedicated Welfare Board. Since 2021, the government has also boosted financial aid for temple renovation in Adi Dravidar and tribal areas to Rs 2.5 lakh per temple, disbursing over Rs 106 crore. The event underscores the state's focus on combining heritage conservation with inclusive social security for religious functionaries. CM M.K. Stalin launches a Rs 1,500 monthly incentive for village temple priests in Tamil Nadu, enhancing welfare and temple renovation support. Chennai, Feb 28 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will participate in a major conference of village temple priests in Mylapore, Chennai, on Saturday, where he is set to distribute welfare assistance and launch a new monthly incentive scheme for priests. The event, organised under the aegis of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, will focus on the welfare of priests serving in village temples, particularly those located in areas inhabited by Adi Dravidar and tribal communities that are not under direct administrative control. The department has been implementing a series of measures aimed at improving infrastructure in such temples and enhancing the social security of priests. Since assuming office in 2021, Stalin has significantly expanded financial support for the renovation of temples in Adi Dravidar and tribal habitations. The assistance for temple restoration was increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.50 lakh per temple. So far, financial aid amounting to Rs 106.25 crore has been disbursed to nearly 5,000 temples, with renovation works progressing across the State. In addition to infrastructure development, the government has stepped up welfare measures for village temple priests. The monthly pension for eligible priests was enhanced to Rs 4,000. Furthermore, a dedicated Village Temple Priests Welfare Board was constituted to provide a range of benefits, including educational scholarships for children, marriage assistance, family welfare funds, pensions, and family pensions. At Saturday's conference, the Chief Minister will formally inaugurate a new scheme providing a monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 to village temple priests. He is also expected to outline the government's broader vision for strengthening rural temple administration and ensuring social and financial security for priests and their families. HR and CE Minister P. K. Sekar Babu, senior officials of the department, Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly are expected to attend the event. The conference is seen as part of the State government's continued outreach to grassroots religious functionaries and its effort to combine heritage conservation with inclusive welfare initiatives. - IANS Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin marked his 73rd birthday by framing it as a moment of rededication to protecting Tamil and Tamil Nadu's rights. He credited the Dravidian Model of governance for transforming the state and ensuring welfare schemes reach crores of people. Stalin invoked the legacy of Dravidian leaders like Periyar and Karunanidhi, urging unity to preserve their vision. Meanwhile, a priests' association praised government training initiatives for social equality in temples while urging further appointments. Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin marks 73rd birthday with a vow to safeguard Tamil language, state rights, and the Dravidian movement's ideological foundations. Chennai, March 1 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin marked his 73rd birthday on Sunday with a strong political message, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the Tamil language, the state's rights, and the ideological foundations of the Dravidian movement. In a social media post, Stalin described the occasion as a moment of rededication rather than celebration. He asserted that his life's mission remains the protection of 'Tamil and Tamil Nadu', calling upon the people to unite and defeat what he termed as "conspiracies" through intellectual strength and collective resolve. "We must all unite and defeat the conspiracies that surround us through our intellectual strength. For this, I will dedicate myself even more fully," he wrote, underlining his continued political resolve. Reflecting on his long public life, Stalin said he had known "nothing other than hard work" from his youth to his present role as Chief Minister. He credited the "Dravidian Model" of governance for transforming Tamil Nadu into a leading state, claiming its welfare schemes and development initiatives had reached the hearts and homes of crores of people. According to Stalin, Tamil Nadu now stands as a model for other states, ensuring that Tamils live with "heads held high". Stressing ideological steadfastness, he declared, "Our feet must not deviate from the path; our heads must not bow to anyone for any reason." Calling upon party cadres and supporters to move forward with a "warrior spirit", Stalin invoked the legacy of Dravidian stalwarts - Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi - and urged unity in preserving their vision. He also signalled a continued assertive stance on state autonomy, remarking that "a Tamil Nadu that struggles is the Tamil Nadu that advances." Meanwhile, V. Ranganathan, president of the Trained Priests Students Association of Tamil Nadu, extended birthday greetings to the Chief Minister and praised the government's efforts to promote "equal spirituality". He said nearly 200 students from backward and Scheduled Caste communities are currently undergoing priest training under state initiatives, including women aspirants. However, the association urged the government to ensure the appointment of trained priests and Othuvars in major Agamic temples such as those in Madurai, Srirangam, and Thiruvannamalai, to further advance social equality within temple administration. - IANS Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, has strongly condemned the joint US-Israel missile strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He called for the perpetrators to be tried in an international court and appealed for global intervention to de-escalate the conflict. Iranian state media announced 40 days of mourning, while international reports showed videos of public celebrations within Iran following the news. Former US President Donald Trump claimed the death as justice for Iran and the world. Maulana Khalid Rasheed condemns US-Israel strikes, calls for international trial. Global reactions and reports of street celebrations follow Khamenei's death. Lucknow, March 1 Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, on Sunday condemned the US-Israel strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking to ANI, Maulana Rasheed called for those responsible to face trial in an international court, while urging the global community to halt the escalating conflict and appealing for citizens to maintain peace . "Iran is an independent sovereign country and the way it was attacked is against all the international laws... We condemn this in the strongest possible words and appeal to the international community to come forward and stop this war. We also appeal that those responsible for the killing of Khamenei should be tried in the international court. I appeal to the people around the world, and especially of our country, to maintain peace," he said. This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Reuters cited Iranian state media reporting that 40 days of public mourning was announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. Iran's state media reported that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling, cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." - ANI External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended greetings to Bosnia and Herzegovina on their National Day, expressing confidence in a deepening partnership. The two countries recently held their 4th Foreign Office Consultations in Sarajevo, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Discussions covered political ties, trade, science & technology, and cultural exchanges. Both nations are committed to strengthening their warm and friendly multi-faceted cooperation. EAM S Jaishankar extends National Day greetings to Bosnia, expressing confidence in deepening bilateral partnership following recent high-level consultations. New Delhi, March 1 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended greetings to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its foreign minister Elmedin Dino Konakovic, on the occasion of their National Day, expressing confidence in the continued strengthening of bilateral ties. In a post on X, he said, "Congratulations to FM Elmedin Konakovic, the Government and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on their National Day. @DinoKonakovic" On November 28, 2024, India and Bosnia and Herzegovina held their 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Sarajevo. The Indian side was led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe), Ministry of External Affairs. The Bosnian side was led by Tarik Bukvic, Head of Department for Asia and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. During the FOCs, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral, regional and international issues. Discussions were focused on progress made in political relations, trade and investments, cooperation in S&T, cultural relations and people-to-people contacts through students and youth exchange and promotion of tourism between the two countries. As per MEA, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the neighbourhoods of India and Bosnia and Herzegovina, multilateralism, including BRICS, UN, EU, NAM, and global developments of mutual interest. The details of the meeting were also shared by MEA on X, where it was stated, "The 4th India-Bosnia & Herzegovina FOC, co-chaired by Mr Arun Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe), and Mr Tarik Bukvic, Head of Department for Asia & Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bosnia & Herzegovina, was held in Sarajevo today. Both sides reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations, including political, economic, educational, cultural, and S&T cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues." India and Bosnia enjoy warm and friendly ties, with multi-faceted collaboration across various sectors. According to the MEA, Bosnia and Herzegovina attaches great importance to good relations with India, and both countries are working to further develop and strengthen all-round cooperation, including in economic and cultural fields. Jaishankar last met Konakovic during his visit to Delhi on February 21, in Raisina Dialogue 2024. - ANI Deepak Gupta has officially assumed the role of Chairman and Managing Director at GAIL Limited. He brings over three decades of extensive experience across the oil and gas value chain, including significant project leadership. Gupta will oversee major initiatives in natural gas infrastructure and the company's strategic push toward achieving net-zero emissions. His prior leadership includes directing landmark international projects and serving on the boards of several critical energy joint ventures. Veteran engineer Deepak Gupta, with over 35 years in oil & gas, becomes Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL, focusing on net-zero goals. New Delhi, March 1 Deepak Gupta on Sunday assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL Limited, India's leading energy major. Gupta, a Mechanical Engineer from Delhi College of Engineering, has more than 35 years of deep and diverse experience across the Oil and Gas value chain. He brings a comprehensive blend of technical, strategic and board-level leadership, with expertise spanning Project and Construction Management, Contracts and Global Procurement, Technology Selection, Business Development, Operations and Maintenance. Gupta joined GAIL as Director (Projects) in February 2022 and has been leading the execution of multiple high impact initiatives encompassing Natural Gas and LPG Pipelines, Gas Processing Units, critical SCADA infrastructure, and Green Energy initiatives to achieve Net-Zero goals, setting national benchmarks for Clean Energy adoption. He also oversees Operations and Maintenance of a vast network of more than 20,000 km of Natural Gas and LPG Pipelines, Compressor Stations and Process Plants. Under his leadership, GAIL completed the Dabhol Breakwater Project of Konkan LNG Limited (a subsidiary of GAIL), enabling all-weather operations. He has pioneered many digital transformation initiatives, enhancing operational agility and transparency in business areas. Earlier, as a Board member of GAIL Joint Ventures, including Chairman of Talcher Fertilizers Ltd (India's maiden Coal Gasification-based Fertiliser Complex), Director of ONGC Petro-additions Limited (OPaL) and South-East Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited (SEAGP), and former Chairman of Green Gas Limited and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited, he has played a pivotal role in strategic goal setting, stakeholder alignment, corporate governance, and future-ready business planning. During his career spanning 32 years at Engineers India Limited previously, he led many large cross-functional teams to execute landmark projects under complex and challenging conditions, including the world's largest single-train Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex at Nigeria, HMEL's Mega Petrochemical Complex at Bathinda, and GAIL's Petrochemical expansion at Pata. He also led the first greenfield refinery project in Mongolia, contributing significantly to India's global energy diplomacy. A thought leader and prolific writer, Gupta has authored several technical papers and articles on critical packages and fast-tracking project execution. His ideas on project acceleration, digitization and excellence have been institutionalized as best practices. - ANI NEW YORK, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A gunman opened fire at a bar in Austin, U.S. state of Texas, early Sunday, killing two people and wounding 14 others, and the shooter was killed by police officers, multiple U.S. media outlets reported. A massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kakinada district's Vetlapalem has claimed at least 18 lives, with several injured reported in critical condition. Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh expressed deep shock and offered condolences, assuring government support for the affected families and better medical treatment for the injured. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation, inquired about the causes, and directed ministers and senior officials to visit the accident site. The blast occurred at Surya Fire Works, where approximately 20 people were working at the time of the tragedy. 18 dead in Kakinada firecracker factory blast. Ministers Nara Lokesh & CM Chandrababu Naidu express shock, promise aid and probe. Critical injuries reported. Kakinada, March 1 Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday expressed shock and condolences, assuring support to the affected families and medical treatment for the injured after multiple lives were lost in Kakinada's firecracker unit explosion. On X, he wrote," I am deeply shocked to learn of the explosion at the firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal, Kakinada District. The tragedy of several people losing their lives is beyond words. I offer my condolences to the deceased. The coalition government will stand by the families of the deceased. We will ensure better medical treatment for the injured." 18 people have died after a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district. The condition of several injured persons is reported to be critical. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spoke with officials regarding the Kakinada accident. The CM reviewed the explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal, Kakinada district. He inquired about the causes of the accident and the ongoing rescue and relief operations at the site. Officials informed that around 20 people were working at Surya Fire Works where the accident occurred. The CM expressed grief over the large number of firecracker workers losing their lives. Naidu directed ministers and senior officials to visit the accident site. Further details are awaited. - ANI The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast following the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in airstrikes. The embassy blamed the United States and Israel for the "cowardly" aerial operations targeting locations within Iran, including civilian infrastructure. It warned that strikes on Tehran and other cities are expected to continue in the coming days. Iranian authorities have advised citizens to remain calm, avoid crowds, and assured that arrangements are in place for essential supplies. Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowers flag to half-mast mourning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in Tehran. New Delhi, March 1 The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Sunday, in a diplomatic gesture of grief, has lowered its flag to half-mast as a mark of respect and mourning following the official confirmation of the demise of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and US strikes. The Iranian Embassy in India on Saturday had unequivocally refuted any chance of "surrender" to the "ignoble" demands of Israel and the United States of laying down their arms and surrendering. The Iranian embassy in a statement said that the United States, in collaboration with the "corrupt Zionist regime" of Israel carried out aerial operations in the country targeting "certain locations," including in civilian infrastructure. The operations across Tehran and Iranian cities are expected to continue in the coming days, the statement added. "This morning, the courageous nation of Iran witnessed an aerial operation carried out by the brutal regime of the United States, in collaboration with the corrupt Zionist regime, targeting certain locations within the country. This malicious act took place once again during the course of negotiations, reflecting the enemy's mistaken belief that the steadfast nation of Iran would surrender to their ignoble demands through such cowardly actions," the embassy said in an official statement of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. "According to information obtained regarding the plans of these two corrupt regimes, their operations in Tehran and certain other cities are expected to continue," the embassy said while sharing the statement. The Embassy also advised its citizens to remain calm and travel to other areas which are safe from the "aggression" of Israel and the USA. It also advised that people should. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has made prior arrangements to ensure the provision of all essential needs of society. There is no cause for concern regarding the supply of basic necessities. Citizens are requested to refrain from crowding shopping centers, as such gatherings may pose potential risks," the statement read. Meanwhile, schools and universities have been closed due to the ongoing strikes. The statement read that banks will continue to operate as usual, and government offices will operate at 50 per cent capacity "for the time being." - ANI A family in Prayagraj is deeply anxious as their daughter, son-in-law, and infant grandson remain stranded in Israel amidst escalating hostilities with Iran. The family in Israel faces frequent missile alerts, forcing them to rush to a bunker multiple times a day for safety. Communication is limited to video calls, where they report being safe but living in constant fear and uncertainty. The Prayagraj-based father, Dan Bahadur Singh, expressed hope for a swift restoration of peace as families monitor the tense situation. A family from Prayagraj worries as their daughter's family faces frequent missile alerts in Israel. They are stranded amid suspended flights and escalating Iran-Israel hostilities. By Gaurav Arora, Prayagraj, March 1 As hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, civilians in both countries are facing growing uncertainty. With missiles being exchanged and several international flights suspended, many foreign nationals remain stranded, unable to return home. Communication for most families is now limited to audio and video calls. One such worried family is in Prayagraj. Dan Bahadur Singh is deeply concerned about his daughter, son-in-law and their one-year-old grandson, who are currently residing in Israel. Speaking about the situation, Singh said he has been in regular contact with them through video calls. His son-in-law is engaged in research work at a university in Israel, where the family has been living. According to Singh, the situation has been tense since February 28, with frequent missile alerts disrupting daily life. "Whenever a missile is launched, warning sirens go off across the area. As soon as the siren sounds, they rush to a bunker located next to their apartment building and remain there until authorities declare it safe," he said. He added that over the past two days, conditions have worsened significantly, with an estimated 25 to 30 missile alerts being reported in a single day. In their most recent conversation, Singh said his daughter assured him that they are safe for now, but fear and uncertainty persist. "War is never good for any country. It is especially devastating for humanity," he said, expressing hope that peace will be restored soon. Families of those stranded abroad remain anxious, closely monitoring developments and praying for a swift end to the conflict. - ANI Iran has launched coordinated drone strikes targeting US-linked facilities across the Gulf, including a base in Erbil, Iraq, and airports in Bahrain and Dubai. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims these are retaliatory attacks for a prior US-Israel assault, warning all US assets in the region are legitimate targets. In response to the escalating crisis, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held diplomatic talks with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to discuss regional stability. The situation unfolds as Iran observes a period of national mourning following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran launches retaliatory drone strikes on US bases in Erbil, Bahrain, Dubai. India's EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Gulf ministers as regional tensions escalate. Erbil, March 1 Photos broadcast by Iran's state-affiliated Press TV on Sunday showed a fresh strike on a US base in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as tensions intensify across the region. Earlier today, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said a drone targeted Bahrain International Airport amid Iran's retaliation to US-Israel strikes, causing material damage but no casualties, as authorities moved swiftly to secure the site and assess the situation. In posts on X, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that the airport was struck and that emergency protocols were activated. The ministry said, "Targeting of Bahrain International Airport with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life, at a time when the relevant authorities are initiating procedures to secure the site." Also, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, underscoring New Delhi's concerns over regional stability. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue. "This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence while expressing regret over any humanitarian consequences arising from the escalation. In a letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would continue to act "decisively and without hesitation" in self-defence until what it termed aggression against the country fully ceases, Al Jazeera reported. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. - ANI US senators pressed Pentagon nominees on defending the homeland from Arctic threats to southern border drone incursions. The hearing highlighted Russian and Chinese military activity near Alaska as a core homeland defense issue. Lawmakers also scrutinized the safety of laser counter-drone systems and safeguards against using troops near polling stations. The nominees addressed logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific and commitments to legal reviews for domestic deployments. Hearing focuses on Russian-Chinese activity near Alaska, counter-drone ops, and election safeguards. Nominees Ditlevson and Birdwell face Senate panel. Washington, Feb 28 From Russian and Chinese military activity near Alaska to drone incursions at the US-Mexico border, American senators pressed two Pentagon nominees on how they would defend the homeland while preserving civil liberties during a closely watched confirmation hearing. The Senate Armed Services Committee examined the nominations of Mark Roosevelt Ditlevson to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas Security Affairs, and Brian D. Birdwell to be Assistant Secretary of Defence for Sustainment. Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said the United States faces "the most dangerous threat environment since World War II" and described a period of "profound strategic uncertainty." A major theme was the Arctic. Senator Dan Sullivan pointed to recent Russian and Chinese air and naval activity near Alaska, including joint operations, and called it "the definition of homeland defense." He stressed that Alaska is "America's neck of the woods" and a frontline in strategic competition. Ditlevson agreed that Alaska is "vital to the defense of the other 49 states" and pledged, if confirmed, to work on ensuring Arctic priorities are reflected in implementing guidance and strategy. The senators focused on counter-drone operations and Pentagon support to immigration enforcement on the southern border. Ranking Member Jack Reed questioned the deployment of a high-energy laser system to shoot down suspected drones near El Paso, Texas, citing an FAA warning of "a grave risk of fatalities or permanent injuries to civilian aircraft." Ditlevson said the Department of Defence "always cares about safety" and maintained that under existing law it was required to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration, but "does not require approval from the FAA." He described 14 months of "robust communication" with aviation authorities and said the system was "incredibly safe." Lawmakers also raised concerns about the use of National Guard troops in American cities and hypothetical deployments near polling stations during elections. Ditlevson called such scenarios "speculative" but said any recommendation to the Secretary of Defense would undergo legal review to ensure it was lawful. Senator Tammy Duckworth cited federal law barring interference by armed forces in elections and warned against using the military to "intimidate" voters. Ditlevson responded that any deployment would be tailored to specific threats and reviewed by legal counsel. Birdwell's nomination brought attention to logistics and industrial capacity, especially in the Indo-Pacific. He described "contested logistics" as "the center of gravity mission for the department" and stressed the need to sustain forces "as far forward at the point of need as possible." Senator Mark Kelly argued that strengthening America's commercial shipbuilding sector would also bolster naval power amid China's maritime expansion. Birdwell said he would work to reinforce both the "organic industrial base" and commercial capabilities. - IANS The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory, directing foreign nationals stranded in India due to the West Asia crisis to contact their nearest FRRO for visa extensions. The advisory follows heightened tensions after US-Israel strikes resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf states. Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Minister has engaged in diplomatic calls with regional counterparts to discuss stability concerns. MEA advises foreign nationals in India to contact FRRO for visa extensions due to West Asia travel disruptions from Israel-Iran conflict. New Delhi, March 1 The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday issued an advisory for foreign nationals in India who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing security situation in West Asia. In an official statement, the MEA requested the foreign nationals to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office if they need assistance with visa extension or to regularise their stay. It said. "All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office ( FRRO). The FRRO concerned will help with necessary formalities. For contact details of FRRO, you may visit https://boi.gov.in/" The advisory comes after heightened tensions between Israel and Iran after Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes, which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, come after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high." Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, underscoring New Delhi's concerns over regional stability. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue. "This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets. - ANI Congress leader and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi is likely to be the party's candidate from the Jorhat constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections. The party's Central Election Committee has finalized around 40 candidates, with its first list expected after the official election announcement. Gogoi has confirmed that discussions for a potential alliance with the Raijor Dal are ongoing but incomplete, with details being shared with the central leadership. The Election Commission of India has begun its review of poll preparedness for the elections scheduled for the first half of 2026. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi may contest Assam polls from Jorhat. APCC President also discusses potential alliance with Raijor Dal ahead of 2026 elections. Guwahati, February 28 Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is likely to contest the upcoming Assam Assembly elections from the Jorhat constituency, sources said. Gogoi is currently serving as the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee. According to sources, around 40 candidates were finalised during a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee held on Thursday evening. The party is expected to release its first list of candidates after the official announcement of the Assembly elections. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi said that he is in favour of a potential alliance with Raijor Dal, adding that discussions with the party are ongoing ahead of the upcoming assembly elections later this year. Reacting to the issue of a possible alliance with Raijor Dal, Gogoi said it is true that calls with some parties have nearly been concluded and only formal announcements to the public remain. While discussions with several parties have been completed, talks with Raijor Dal are still incomplete. As per the state Congress Committee release, during his recent visit to Delhi, the central leadership sought certain details from the state unit regarding the alliance. He said the central leadership will provide guidance and advice in the coming days. Reports of completed discussions with other parties will be submitted to the central leadership. He reiterated that the incomplete status of talks with Raijor Dal has already been communicated to the high command. Assam is scheduled to head to the polls in the first half of 2026. On February 17, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held a detailed and comprehensive review meeting in Guwahati to assess poll preparedness for the forthcoming Legislative Assembly Elections in Assam. During the first day of the two-day review visit, the Election Commission of India (ECI) interacted with representatives of recognised national and state political parties and sought their suggestions regarding the conduct of elections in the state, according to an official release. - ANI The Adani Group has confirmed that all employees at Israel's Haifa Port are safe and that all port assets and infrastructure remain fully secure and operational. This assurance comes amid escalating regional conflict following joint US-Israel missile strikes on Iran and reported Iranian counterstrikes. The port company stated it is closely coordinating with Israeli authorities and monitoring the situation to maintain supply chain stability. The UN Secretary-General has called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation in the region. Adani Group confirms all Haifa Port employees safe, assets secure and operational despite escalating Israel-Iran strikes and regional tensions. Ahmedabad, March 1 Haifa Port Company on Sunday confirmed that all its employees are safe, and all port assets and infrastructure are fully secure and in operational condition. "The port continues to monitor the situation and is in coordinating closely with the Ministry of Transport and Road Safetyand operating as per their instructions," as per a statement from an Adani Group spokesperson. "We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our people and the continuity of operations, maintaining stability for Israel's supply chain and international trade," the spokesperson added. A consortium of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and Israel's Gadot Group had won the tender to privatise the Port of Haifa, the second largest port in Israel, in 2022. On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in West Asia. There have been reports of counterstrikes on Israel too. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation in West Asia, urging world leaders to "act responsibly". - ANI Harvard University's Department of South Asian Studies has formally apologized for posting what it called an "insensitive image" related to its Sanskrit program. The apology came after criticism from Hindu community groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America, which welcomed the rare formal apology. The department clarified the post was unrelated to Harvard's separate Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and stated it is reviewing its social media processes. The incident highlights ongoing debates about the representation of Hindu traditions and Sanskrit, an ancient language foundational to South Asian intellectual heritage, in Western academia. Harvard's South Asian Studies department issues apology for an "insensitive" social media post about its Sanskrit program after criticism. Washington, Feb 28 Harvard University's Department of South Asian Studies has apologised for posting what it described as an "insensitive image" related to its Sanskrit programme, following criticism from sections of the Hindu community. The department, in a statement on Friday, said it "deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image in relation to our Sanskrit program." "As a department, we have a long and celebrated history of teaching Sanskrit, and we remain committed to teaching the language and the great intellectual and cultural tradition it carries," the statement said. The department added that it was "reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department." It also sought to distance another Harvard entity from the controversy. "We would also like to clarify that the social media post in question has no connection whatsoever with The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, which is a separate and distinct entity at Harvard." "We note the statement issued by the Department of South Asian Studies regarding a recent poster image," said the Mittal Institute. Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomed the official apology from the Department of South Asian Studies at Harvard. "This is one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity!" it said. "We are glad to see the department showing respect and appreciation for an ancient language that has made a huge impact on civilizations around the world," the organisation said. Harvard's website describes Classical Sanskrit as "the transcultural, transregional language par excellence for the civilizations that have flourished in South Asia." "For its beauty and complexity, it has been called 'the language of the gods.' For nearly three millennia, South Asian seers and sovereigns, poets and philosophers, scholars and scientists composed texts of astonishing literary beauty and incredible logical rigor in Sanskrit," the programme description states. It adds: "The study of Sanskrit is therefore absolutely essential for unlocking the profundities and the complexities of the life of the mind and of the heart in classical South Asia." The department offers multiple levels of Sanskrit instruction. These include elementary, intermediate and advanced courses covering epic literature such as the MahAbhArata and the RAmAyaaa, as well as philosophical and literary texts. The elementary course description says: "Sanskrit. It's easier than you think! Unlock the depth and beauty of South Asia in only two semesters." It adds that by the end of the academic year, students will be ready to read texts like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita "with the aid of only a dictionary." Sanskrit holds a foundational place in India's intellectual and religious traditions. Many classical Hindu, Buddhist and Jain texts were composed in the language. It has also shaped most modern South Asian languages. In recent years, debates over the representation of Hindu traditions in Western academia have drawn attention from diaspora groups in the United States and Canada. - IANS The Indian Army successfully prevented 2-3 quadcopters from Pakistan from breaching airspace along the Line of Control in Poonch district early Sunday morning. Officials reported the swift counter-drone measures forced the intruding drones to turn back. This incident is part of a pattern of increased drone activity along the LoC and International Border in recent days. In response, the Army has heightened its surveillance and monitoring to deter future attempts. Indian Army foils multiple Pakistani drone intrusion attempts in Poonch, J&K, amid heightened LoC surveillance and West Asia tensions. Poonch, March 1 The Indian Army has thwarted multiple Pakistani drone intrusion attempts in Jammu and Kashmir in the Poonch district, along the Line of Control, amid a rapidly evolving situation in West Asia. The situation in West Asia has escalated significantly as of March 1, 2026, following a joint military strike by the US and Israel against Iranian leadership and military targets. The Indian Army successfully thwarted an attempt by 2-3 small quadcopters to violate airspace along the Line of Control in the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. According to officials, the incident occurred between 5:45 AM and 6:00 AM when the quadcopters attempted to breach Indian airspace along the LoC. Swift counter-drone actions by vigilant Indian Army personnel successfully thwarted the attempt, forcing the quadcopters to return, officials said. This is not an isolated incident; there have been multiple drone sightings along the LoC and International Border in recent days. The Indian Army has intensified surveillance and monitoring to counter future attempts. - ANI NEW YORK, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A Lantern Festival parade was held on Saturday by the Chinese American community in the New York City borough of Brooklyn as part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Fireworks and firecrackers added the festive vibe to Chinatown on 8th Avenue, with red lanterns and colorful confetti transforming the entire neighborhood. The parade featured dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, a Hanfu show, a parade of cartoon characters, lantern riddles, paper cutting, and live performances and drew thousands of spectators. "Chinese culture is vibrant, resilient and full of life," said Susan Nickel, a student of Pace University. "It has become the indispensable part of New York's multicultural tapestry." The annual parade was held for a third year, according to the organizer. "The Lantern Festival is a cultural tradition of our Chinese community that has lasted for more than three thousand years," said John Chan, president of the Asian American Community Empowerment and organizer of the event. "It's hopeful that through our joint efforts, we can carry forward this tradition and promote it among the American people," he added. "Let's be proud of our heritage," said Lester Chang, New York State Assembly member. "Our Chinese heritage is what we've brought over from our motherland." "And I hope our young generations continue to follow this traditional culture while we make America our home," Chang said. The organizer said the Street Festival will be staged in Brooklyn on Sunday, as part of the two-day Lantern Festival celebrations. Symbolizing family reunion, the Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year and marks the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched a statewide campaign to vaccinate 64,000 adolescent girls against the Human Papillomavirus to prevent cervical cancer. He announced a massive Rs 3,000 crore investment to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and introduce robotic surgery in five government medical colleges. The robotic services will be formally launched at facilities in Neer Chowk and Shimla in early March. While launching the drive, CM Sukhu avoided commenting on BJP's allegations regarding the AI summit protest. Himachal CM Sukhu launches HPV vaccination for adolescent girls and announces Rs 3,000 crore health infra boost with robotic surgery in govt colleges. Shimla, February 28 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday launched the statewide Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign and said the state government has set a target to vaccinate 64,000 adolescent girls against cervical cancer. Speaking at the event in Shimla, the Chief Minister said cervical cancer and breast cancer are among the most common cancers affecting women and stressed the importance of prevention through early vaccination and awareness. He clarified that while cancer treatment can be complex, early detection and preventive measures like vaccination significantly reduce the risk. The vaccination drive will focus on girls aged 13 to 14 years, ideally before marriage, in line with medical guidelines. The Health Department has been directed to implement the campaign with the support of doctors and medical staff across the state. The government aims to complete the vaccination process within a year. Responding to a question about the high number of cancer cases in Rajasthan, Sukhu said there could be multiple reasons and emphasised the need for awareness, early diagnosis, and improved healthcare facilities. Highlighting broader health sector reforms, CM Sukhu said the state government is investing Rs 3,000 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. He added that technological upgrades are underway at major institutions, including Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College. Sukhu further announced that robotic surgery services are being introduced in five government medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh. Robotic surgery will be formally launched at Neer Chowk on March 6 and at IGMC Shimla on March 10. He claimed that very few government hospitals in North India currently offer robotic surgery facilities, and Himachal Pradesh is among the leading states to introduce the advanced technology in the public sector. The Chief Minister said the government's focus is to ensure that patients from within and outside the state can access quality healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in Ajmer. Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu, meanwhile, refused to respond to the allegation by the BJP that he was responsible for the AI summit protest. Sukhu said, "I do not consider it appropriate to respond to each and every thing they say." - ANI The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has led to frequent flight cancellations at Kangra Airport, leaving international tourists stranded in Dharamshala. Travelers, including an Israeli tourist and an NRI, express anxiety over disrupted plans and difficulties returning home. The situation highlights how geopolitical tensions in West Asia are directly impacting global travel itineraries. Dharamshala, which saw over 30,000 foreign tourists in 2025, is experiencing the ripple effects of airspace shutdowns and military strikes in the Middle East. International tourists stranded in Dharamshala amid flight cancellations due to Middle East tensions. Travel plans disrupted as conflict escalates. Dharamshala, March 1 The escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has sparked concern among international tourists in Dharamshala, a popular North Indian hill town. Frequent flight cancellations and disruptions, particularly at Kangra airport, have left visitors anxious over travel plans and return journeys, highlighting the growing impact of tensions in West Asia on global travel. Speaking to ANI, Israeli tourist Vila expressed her concerns over disrupted travel plans. "I was supposed to continue this morning to Israel, but my flight got cancelled. I continued here and am trying to find a way to get back home. People in Israel are in shelters and in Israel, and we have shelters almost in every home. If I get an opportunity, the only message I can give out is that all humanity is one, and my deepest prayers for peace. I will find some ways to go back, but it may take some days," she said. Expressing concerns about possible flight cancellations, Surender Aggarwal, an NRI, told ANI, "I just came to visit Dharamshala and our flights back home are in the week. The current war situation is worrying, and any cancellations of international flights would affect our personal programme. And we hope that the war doesn't continue and the international airports remain open." Highlighting the impact on tourists' itineraries, Dr. Vinay Gupta, a surgeon from Delhi, said, "Certainly it has a great impact on tourists because they have a certain period to visit this place and if any flight gets cancelled then it is very difficult for them to complete their tour in the same duration so the government and the responsible bodies should take care of passengers because the flights are getting cancelled due to war or international problem. There is no impact on the domestic flights, but others are facing problems." Dharamshala welcomed over 30,000 foreign tourists in 2025, marking the highest number since the Covid-19 pandemic. The flight cancellations come amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeted Iranian sites, triggering retaliatory threats and airspace shutdowns in Iran, Israel and Iraq. Reuters cited Iranian state media reporting that 40 days of public mourning were announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. - ANI Love Island star Laura Anderson has reassured her followers from Dubai that she and her daughter are safe despite a tense regional situation. Her update comes after an Iranian drone strike injured four people at Dubai International Airport, causing significant damage and leading to widespread flight cancellations. Social media videos show chaotic scenes at the airport with stranded passengers awaiting news. The incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions following reported joint missile strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Love Island star Laura Anderson reassures fans she's safe in Dubai after an Iranian drone strike causes airport injuries and mass flight cancellations. New Delhi, March 1 Reality television personality Laura Anderson has shared an update from Dubai after several flights were canceled due to rising tensions in West Asia. Anderson, who is currently in the city, informed her followers that she is safe despite the tense situation. On Saturday evening, Laura took to her Instagram Story to speak about the situation around her. In her post, she described it as a "horrendous situation" and reassured her followers by writing, "Bonnie and I are fine." The Love Island star's message came after several videos showing smoke over parts of Dubai's skyline began circulating online. Laura is among many passengers currently stuck at Dubai International Airport following sudden flight cancellations. Many travelers have been left waiting for updates, unsure of when they will be able to fly back home. Videos that are now circulating on social media show crowded airport terminals, with passengers anxiously waiting for official announcements. Earlier in the day, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. - ANI Operation Sindoor was India's precise military response to a terror attack, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK without civilian casualties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that India successfully intercepted and destroyed all of approximately 1,000 missiles and drones launched by Pakistan in a massive counter-attack. The operation is noted for its discipline and restraint, contrasting with broader US-Israel strikes in Iran. The Indian government has stated the operation is only paused, warning that further provocations would trigger a significantly harsher "Operation Sindoor 2.0." PM Modi reveals how India intercepted all 1,000 Pakistani missiles & drones during Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on terror infrastructure. New Delhi, March 1 The US-Israel airstrikes on Iran are reminiscent of India's Operation Sindoor, carried out last year against Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Op Sindoor, which extended from May 7 to May 10, 2025, was a classic case of how India went ahead and destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and simultaneously thwarted missile and drone attacks from the neighbouring country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the operation in Parliament last year and shared how India ensured none of the 1,000 Pakistani missiles and drones hit any of our cities. Speaking about the military actions in Parliament on September 29, 2025, Prime Minister Modi recalled, "On May 9, Pakistan attempted to launch a massive attack on India with approximately 1,000 missiles and drones. Had these missiles hit any part of India, they would have caused significant devastation. But all 1,000 missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by India in the sky." "Everyone in the country is proud of this. However, the Congress party surely waited for something to go wrong, hoping that Modi would fail," he remarked, mocking the opposition party. PM Modi also mentioned the false narrative which Pakistan was trying to set. Criticising Islamabad's false narratives, PM Modi stated, "Pakistan engaged in spreading false propaganda about attacking the Adampur air base. They tried their best to sell that lie and exerted all their strength. So, I visited Adampur the very next day and debunked their claims. Only then did they realise that this lie would not hold anymore." Today, when a similar kind of military action is taking place in Iran, India's Operation Sindoor needs a mention. The joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran have been occurring since Saturday (February 28). Both operations were triggered by significant attacks. Operation Sindoor was India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. The US-Israel strikes, codenamed 'Operation Epic Fury' and 'Roaring Lion', respectively, were launched to dismantle Iran's military and nuclear capabilities following a period of intense regional escalation. India initially attacked only the terror infrastructure -- nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The aim was clear -- to destroy the terrorist network and also maintain a non-escalatory stance. But Pakistan launched a counter strike, targeting civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Following this, India attacked 11 Pakistani airbases. But in both attacks -- May 7 and May 11, 2025, India did not target any civilian area, and no casualties took place. The airstrikes were specific and aimed with ultimate precision. The US-Israel operation directly targeted high-level political and military leadership, resulting in the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. There have been reports of many civilians also having died in the attacks in Iran and Israel. Operation Sindoor was a 25-minute tri-services mission on May 7, 2025. The strikes on Iran involved a massive aerial campaign, with Israel conducting its largest combat sortie in history using approximately 200 fighter jets, followed by the US forces. Iran has also launched extensive retaliatory strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, as well as targets in Israel and Dubai. After the May 10 attack on Pakistan air bases, India agreed to an understanding for a ceasefire, which has held since then. PM Modi's government and the top military establishment have repeatedly said that Operation Sindoor has only been paused and any further provocations would trigger an "Operation Sindoor 2.0" that would be significantly "harsher" on Pakistan. As the US and Israel together pound Iran and the latter also vow revenge, Operation Sindoor stands out in terms of its precision, discipline and restraint. India clearly had the upper hand and could have damaged Pakistan more, but as PM Modi said, the intention is never to harm the people but target the specific terror network. - IANS The International Atomic Energy Agency is closely monitoring escalating tensions in the Middle East and has called for restraint to prevent any nuclear safety risks to the regional population. The agency remains in contact with countries involved and has so far found no evidence of a radiological impact from recent events. This comes amid reports of Israeli strikes in Iran and retaliatory rhetoric from Iranian officials. Meanwhile, the U.S. President has been briefed on the situation and is monitoring developments with his national security team. IAEA urges restraint in Middle East to avoid nuclear safety risks, monitors Iran's facilities, as US and Iran trade accusations post-strikes. Vienna, March 1 The International Atomic Energy Agency is monitoring the escalating tensions in the Middle East and has urged "restraint" to avoid any "nuclear safety risks to people in the region." "The IAEA is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, and urges restraint to avoid any nuclear safety risks to people in the region. The IAEA is in permanent contact with countries in the region, so far no evidence of any radiological impact. The Agency will keep monitoring the situation and informing," the IAEA posted on X. No evidence of any radiological impact has been found as of yet. Under the NPT Safeguards Agreement, Iran has declared 22 nuclear facilities and one location outside facilities where nuclear material is customarily used. "According to its obligations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement, Iran is required to provide the Agency with nuclear material accounting reports, design information for facilities and the LOF, and access to verify such reports and information, to ensure that no declared nuclear material has been diverted from peaceful nuclear activities and that there has been no undeclared production or processing of nuclear material at those facilities and the LOF," according to a report by the IAEA Director General. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Saturday informed that the US President has been monitoring the situation post the strike on Iran from his Mar a Lago residence. In her statement, Leavitt said, "President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar a Lago alongside members of his national security team. The President spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone. Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members. The President and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day." Earlier, Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that the US and Israel's attack against his country is "unprovoked, illegal and absolutely illegitimate. Araghchi, justified Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases as an "act of self-defence", which he said is "absolutely legal and legitimate," Reuters reported. Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in an Israeli strike, according to sources familiar with Israel's military operations, and another regional source, Reuters reported. - ANI The Israel Defense Forces announced it killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike on his leadership compound in central Tehran. The IDF described Khamenei as the head of a "terrorist regime" and directly responsible for plots against Israel and repression within Iran. This operation is framed as concluding a decades-long conflict and is part of a broader campaign against the Iranian axis. Concurrently, the IDF reported a massive aerial offensive, dropping over 1,200 munitions on hundreds of Iranian military targets across the country. Israeli military announces Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in Tehran compound strike, ending "decades-long terror chapter" and triggering Middle East conflagrations. Tel Aviv, March 1 The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed inside his leadership compound in central Tehran, asserting that the operation marked the end of what it described as a decades-long chapter of terror directed against Israel. Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. In its official announcement, the Israeli military detailed the circumstances of the strike, stating, "The Air Force, under precise intelligence guidance from the Military Intelligence and in cooperation with the Military Intelligence, attacked the leadership compound in the heart of Tehran where he was staying along with other senior officials." The Israeli military described Khamenei as the head of what it termed the Iranian "terrorist regime" since 1989 and accused him of advancing an extremist ideology directed against Israel and Western nations. It further alleged that he was "directly responsible for the violent repression of Iranian citizens for many years." "Khamenei was the father of the plan to destroy the State of Israel, the 'head of the Iranian octopus', who sent his arms throughout the Middle East and to the borders of the State of Israel, led by the terrorist organisation Hezbollah. The leader of the regime was responsible for terrorist attacks on the State of Israel and had the blood of many citizens from all over the world on his hands," the IDF added. The military said the killing was part of a broader campaign targeting key figures aligned with what it called the "Iranian terror axis". "The IDF brought to an end a decades-long chapter with the elimination of the leader of the Iranian terror axis. His elimination joins a series of eliminations of senior members of the terror axis carried out by the IDF during the war," it stated. "The assassination of Khamenei expresses the promise between the IDF and the citizens of the State of Israel -- to attack and thwart any element that tries to harm the State of Israel anywhere and at any time," the statement further said. Earlier on Sunday, the IDF announced that Israeli Air Force fighter jets had dropped more than 1,200 munitions in strikes across Iran over the past 24 hours. According to the Israeli military, the aerial campaign targeted hundreds of Iranian military assets, including ballistic missile launchers and air defence systems, as part of the ongoing offensive. - IANS Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government to intervene and ensure the safety of Indians, particularly the large Malayali diaspora, amid escalating conflict in West Asia. His concern follows coordinated US-Israel airstrikes on Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and senior officials. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US assets and allies across the region, while fresh Israeli strikes continue. The situation has caused widespread panic among families in Kerala with relatives in the conflict zone. VD Satheesan urges PM Modi to intervene in West Asia crisis, expressing panic over safety of Indian and Malayali diaspora amid US-Israel strikes on Iran. New Delhi, March 1 Kerala Leader of Opposition and Congress leader VD Satheesan on Sunday expressed deep concern over the safety of Indians, particularly Malayalis, amid the ongoing US-Israel strikes on Iran and escalating tensions in West Asia. Kerala LoP said he is concerned for the large diaspora of Malayalis and Indians, has contacted the central government, and stressed that India can intervene to stop the war, as families in Kerala are in a state of panic. "We are all very much worried about that because there is a large diaspora of Malayalis and Indians there. We requested the Prime Minister. I have sent an email to the central government. India can contribute, and it can intervene to stop the war. All the people and their relatives in Kerala are all very panicked. We are very much worried about that," he told media persons. Israel and US launched Operation Roaring Lion/ Operation Epic Fury in coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities, targeting Iranian military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. US President Donald Trump said that the strikes were done to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon". Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. On Sunday, Israel said it had launched fresh attacks on "the heart of Tehran". Iran, meanwhile, attacked the port of Duqm in Oman and targeted an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the strikes on Iran "will continue for as long as necessary" and will not stop "before the objectives are achieved", as reported in the Times of Israel. - ANI India and the European Union have agreed to grant each other Most-Favoured-Nation status for five years under their newly reached free trade agreement. This provision ensures service providers from both sides receive treatment as favourable as any other country. A Joint Committee will review the arrangement in its fourth year, focusing on issues like Indian students' rights in the EU. The MFN treatment will not apply to areas such as taxation treaties or dispute settlement procedures. India and the EU agree to mutual Most-Favoured-Nation treatment for 5 years under new trade deal, covering services and subject to review. Mumbai, Feb 28 India and the European Union have agreed to give each other Most-Favoured-Nation treatment for five years after their proposed free trade agreement comes into force. The move is aimed at ensuring fair and equal treatment in trade in services between both sides. Under the MFN provision, service sectors and service providers from India and the European Union will be treated at least as favourably as those from any other country. This means neither side can give better treatment to a third country without extending the same benefit to the other party, subject to certain conditions and limits. However, the MFN treatment will not apply to matters related to taxation treaties, mutual recognition of standards or authorisations, and dispute settlement procedures. The agreement also allows both sides to provide special advantages in border areas for services that are produced and consumed locally. The provision is part of the Trade in Services chapter of the FTA text that was made public on January 27. As part of the arrangement, a Joint Committee will conduct a review in the fourth year of the agreement. The review will focus on issues such as the entry and stay of Indian students in the EU, their rights to work, and rules governing the temporary movement of service providers. Based on this review, the Joint Committee will decide whether to continue the MFN treatment beyond the initial five-year period. Either side can also request a review if circumstances arise that negatively impact their interests. If the Committee decides not to extend the arrangement, the obligation to provide MFN treatment will end, although benefits already granted will remain in place. India and the European Union had reached the long-pending free trade agreement last month. The deal aims to lower tariffs, improve market access and boost overall trade and investment between the two economies. - IANS The Indian Embassy in Doha has announced a temporary closure of regular consular services due to escalating security concerns in the Middle East. However, officials will remain available for emergency services related to passports, visas, and labor issues, and have provided a 24/7 contact helpline. The embassy is also in continuous touch with airlines and local authorities regarding stranded Indian passengers. Meanwhile, Japan's Foreign Minister has issued a statement on the regional situation, emphasizing the importance of stability and non-proliferation. Indian Embassy in Doha suspends regular consular services due to Middle East security concerns but provides 24/7 emergency helpline for citizens. Doha, March 1 The Embassy of India in Doha, Oatar on Sunday issued an advisory stating that regular consular services will remain closed on March 1 amid the escalating security concerns in the Middle East. However, Embassy officials will be available for emergency services related to consular services related to passports, visas, and attestations. "In view of the prevailing security situation, all Indian nationals residing in Qatar are requested to note that regular consular services at Embassy of India, Doha will remain closed on 1st March 2026. However, Embassy officials will be available for emergency services related to consular (passport, visa, attestation, etc.) and labour issues," it wrote on X. The Embassy also noted a 24*7 helpline number for the Indian citizens residing in Doha. "For any immediate assistance, the Indian Embassy in Doha can be reached via its 24/7 helpline at +974-55647502, email: cons.doha@mea.gov.in," the advisory read. The Indian Embassy in Doha, in a separate advisory, stated that it is in continuous touch with various airline services to help the stranded passengers. "Embassy of India, Doha officials are in continuous touch with various airlines and local authorities regarding stranded passengers," it read. Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu, stated that the government of Japan is working to respond to the situation by gathering information and keeping close communication with the relevant countries. "On February 28 (Japan time), the United States and Israel announced that they carried out attacks against Iran. The Government of Japan is working to respond to the situation, including gathering information by maintaining close communication with relevant countries. The government will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals across the region, including Iran, and to grasp the situation of maritime and air traffic and to share information with relevant parties," he stated. Furthermore, he flagged the nuclear threat, urging Iran to stop the development of nuclear weapons to maintain international peace and encouraged talks between the United States and Iran. "Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed for the sake of maintaining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Japan has consistently respected fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. We have pursued diplomatic efforts to resolve Iran's nuclear issue in coordination with relevant countries. Talks between the United States and Iran are extremely important for resolving this issue, and Japan has strongly supported them. Iran must stop its development of nuclear weapons and actions that destabilise the region," the statement read. Toshimitsu further stated that maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East is the greatest priority for Japan. "The peace and stability of the Middle East, including energy security, and maintaining the international non-proliferation regime, are of utmost importance to Japan. We will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts, in coordination with the international community, to bring about an early settlement of the situation," the statement read. - ANI Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with key Bangladeshi ministers, including the Home Minister and Law Minister, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. The envoy conveyed India's willingness to work with Bangladesh's new government based on mutual interest and respect. These discussions follow earlier high-level communications, including a congratulatory message from the Indian Prime Minister and a visit by the Lok Sabha Speaker to the swearing-in ceremony. India has consistently expressed its commitment to supporting a democratic and progressive Bangladesh while building on historic ties. Indian High Commissioner meets Bangladesh ministers, conveys India's desire to strengthen bilateral ties and people-centric cooperation with the new government. Dhaka, March 1 Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with Bangladesh's Minister for Home Affairs, Salahuddin Ahmed, and exchanged views on bilateral issues of common interest, including security cooperation between the two countries. The High Commissioner also met with Bangladesh's Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Md Asaduzzaman, later in the day. During these meetings, the High Commissioner conveyed India's willingness to work together with the new government of Bangladesh to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains based on mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual respect. These discussions build upon India's earlier expression of its desire to build ties with the new government of Bangladesh, as stated by Pranay Verma on February 22. On that occasion, Verma met Bangladesh's new Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, and Minister of State, Shama Obaed Islam, at the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry. "It was my first meeting with the new Foreign Minister and Minister of State after the formation of the new government in Bangladesh. So, it was more of a courtesy meeting and an initial exchange of views," Verma told reporters. Providing further context to the diplomatic momentum, the Indian envoy stated, "You are aware of our recent high-level communications with Bangladesh since the election. On February 13, soon after the elections, the Prime Minister of India sent a congratulatory message to Tarique Rahman. They also spoke on the phone later that day." This engagement was followed by a visit from the Speaker of Lok Sabha to Dhaka on February 17 to attend the swearing-in ceremony, representing the government of India. During a bilateral meeting with the new Prime Minister, the Speaker handed over a letter from Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Rahman. "In all these communications, we expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations. We also underlined our commitment to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," Verma stated. Reaffirming this position, the High Commissioner conveyed that India looks forward to engaging in a "positive, constructive and forward-looking manner." Previously, on February 18, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, conveying a personal invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India at the earliest convenience. Birla extended warm congratulations and reiterated that India stands ready to support Bangladesh's efforts to build a democratic and inclusive nation, reinforcing the commitment to an enduring partnership between the two neighbouring countries. - ANI Small modular reactor (SMR) stocks have soared in value in recent years. Since the start of 2024, for example, NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) has surged in value by more than 400%. Competitor Oklo Inc (NYSE: OKLO) has seen its stock price rise by nearly 600% over the same time period. At one point in 2025, however, both stocks were up more than 1,000% since the start of 2024. Why the big pullback? The viability of each company's nuclear technology still seems like a reasonable bet to me over the long term. But right now, the market seems focused on each company's ability to execute its sales pipelines. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Moving the technology from design to regulatory approval is hard enough. Now, SMR firms like Oklo and NuScale are being forced to validate their sales and execution strategy. As we'll see, there are some legitimate reasons to be worried about these efforts in 2026. Image source: Getty Images. Pipeline concerns should scare Oklo and NuScale investors In 2024, research from the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis warned SMR investors against near-term optimism. "Small modular reactors still look to be too expensive, too slow to build, and too risky to play a significant role in transitioning from fossil fuels in the coming 10-15 years," the research concluded. It's not that SMR technology isn't promising. It is. Over the long term, small modular reactors will likely play a key role in transitioning the global economy away from oil and gas. Instead, this research simply concluded that the timelines involved wouldn't match what bullish investors want to believe. "A key argument from SMR proponents is that the new reactors will be economically competitive," adds a co-author of the report. "But the on-the-ground experience with the initial SMRs that have been built or that are currently under construction shows that this simply is not true." In 2025, the market generally ignored this cautionary report. Shares of Oklo and NuScale Power surged by 200% to 300% last year off the backs of new partnership contracts and customer acquisitions. In 2026, shares of Oklo and Nuscale are both now down nearly 20%. Why? Uncertainty regarding how quickly these contracts will turn into real revenues. Once planned for a 2030 deployment, for example, Nuscale's keystone project in Romania is now targeting a 2033 start date. Some analysts downgraded the stock, citing growing execution and capital risks. Oklo's project pipeline has also come under sharp scrutiny, especially following massive stock sales by the company's CEO and CFO in December, January, and February. These stock sales totaled well over $100 million. IndiGo has issued a travel advisory stating it is closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly around Iran, and that flight schedule adjustments may be required. The airline urged passengers to track their flight status via its official website and assured that any changes would be communicated promptly. Simultaneously, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi advised the Indian community in the UAE not to fall for rumors and fake news regarding the security situation. Despite the regional conflict, normalcy was reported in Dubai with undisturbed traffic and regular activity. IndiGo monitors Middle East tensions, may adjust schedules. Indian Embassy in UAE warns against fake news. Read the latest travel advisories. New Delhi, March 1 IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating that the airline will communicate any probable adjustments to the passengers in view of the escalating tension in the Middle East. "We remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor developments in the region around Iran and the Middle East, with the safety and security of our customers and crew always as our highest priority. We understand that the evolving nature of the situation may cause uncertainty. Please be assured that our teams are carefully reviewing all developments and taking measured decisions with utmost responsibility," the advisory stated. IndiGo further urged the passengers to keep a track of their flight status on the official website of the airline. "As circumstances remain dynamic, further schedule adjustments may be required. Should there be any changes affecting your journey, we will communicate them promptly through your registered contact details. Customers are advised to monitor their flight status via bit.ly/31paVKQ before proceeding to the airport. We truly value your patience and trust during this time. Please know that we remain fully committed to supporting you and ensuring your journey is managed with care, clarity, and safety at every step," the advisory added. Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi issued an advisory urging the members of the Indian community in the UAE not fall for rumours and fake news. "The members of the Indian community in the UAE are requested to not be victim of rumours and fake news about the security situation in the country, and follow the official handles of the Embassy/Consulate/UAE government authorities for updates: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi - @IndembAbudhabi, Consulate General of India, Dubai - @cgidubai, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs - @mofauae, UAE Ministry of Defence - @modgovae, UAE Ministry of Interior - @moiuae, UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster, Management Authority -@NCEMAUAE, Emirates News Agency - @WAMNEWS_ENG, UAE Government Media Office - @UAEmediaoffice, Abu Dhabi Media Office - @ADMediaOffice, Dubai Media Office - @DXBMediaOffice, Due caution be also exercised in posting information in social media handles about the situation as per the advisories issued by the UAE authorities," the advisory stated. Despite the Iran-Israel conflict, Dubai continued as normal on Friday night. Traffic on Dubai streets was, as usual, completely undisturbed by the dramatic events unfolding on Friday afternoon. - ANI Indian-American Republican donor Asha Jadeja Motwani attended a dinner with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago as joint US-Israel airstrikes reportedly killed senior Iranian leaders. She described the event as a historic, defining moment that will alter the Middle East's destiny, orchestrated as part of a larger Trump strategy. Motwani suggested close coordination between Trump, Israeli PM Netanyahu, and India's PM Modi, indicating a US-India partnership to support Israel. She noted the serious, focused mood at Mar-a-Lago but cautioned that India's investment in Iran's Chabahar port could be affected. Asha Jadeja Motwani describes the historic Mar-a-Lago atmosphere after US-Israel strikes on Iran, seeing a major geopolitical shift involving Trump and Modi. Washington, March 1 Indian-American Republican donor Asha Jadeja Motwani, who attended a two-hour dinner with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this weekend alongside about 20 Republican donors, described the unfolding military action against Iran as a defining geopolitical moment that she believes will "change the destiny of the Middle East". "Yes, it is a historic time here in Mar-a-Lago. While we were here for something else, actually, war was declared. This is obviously going to change the destiny of the Middle East. This is not a small war," Motwani told IANS in an interview. Motwani said the group also interacted with senior administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe. "The CIA had been following them (Iranian leadership) for a month," she said, adding that "the CIA and the Mossad were already there in Iran tracking the Ayatollah." Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior leaders were reportedly killed in air strikes carried out jointly by Israel and the United States. She argued that the operation reflected a deliberate and expansive strategy. "I don't think there's going to be a let-up. I think this is part of a much larger geopolitical strategy that President Trump has in mind," she said, describing it as "a well-thought-out strategy to change the course of the Middle East". Asked about the President's broader objective, Motwani said it was "to establish America as the hegemon and to remove all conversation that's happening in the Middle East". Referring to threats against Israel, she said: "You say one word against Israel, and you're going to pay a price. This is huge. This is a good thing. I'm glad this is happening." She added, "Kudos to President Trump for pulling this off." On the atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago, she said, "The mood is upbeat, but focused and very serious." She acknowledged casualties in the early phase of operations. "We already have lost three people, and I think four have been injured," she said, adding that "the administration understands the seriousness of this operation and the potential costs that we could incur." At the same time, she expressed confidence in the outcome. "The mood is serious, but it's mission accomplished right now," she said. On the implications for India, Motwani said it was "not by accident" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been in Israel shortly before the strike. "My guess is that this was well orchestrated, and India and the US are in partnership to support Israel. This is how it's going to be for the future," she said. She added: "Prime Minister Modi, President Trump and Netanyahu are in very close connection and alignment about where they're headed. So it's a good thing for India." However, she cautioned that "the Chabahar port might be affected, and India has invested in that". India has invested in Iran's Chabahar port as part of its connectivity strategy to Afghanistan and Central Asia. - IANS Iran has announced a 40-day national mourning period following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who state media reports was killed in strikes. The period provides a cultural and political buffer for the clerical establishment to manage a fraught leadership transition. Meanwhile, multiple international news outlets and activists report scenes of public celebration in some Iranian cities and among the diaspora. The event triggers urgent questions about the future balance of power between Iran's clerics and the Revolutionary Guard. Iran declares 40 days of mourning after Ayatollah Khamenei's death. Reports of public celebrations emerge as focus turns to leadership succession and regional tensions. Tehran, March 1 Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. The official Farsi account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged his death and posted a verse from the Quran on X in the early hours of Sunday. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. The official Farsi page posted on X a verse from Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:23, which translates to "Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vow [by death], and some are still waiting, and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least." According to Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday while in office. It said on X, "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred at their workplace in the Leader's Residence. They were engaged in performing their assigned duties and present at their workplace (their office) at the moment of martyrdom, and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning." Earlier, the Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. The front page of the Jerusalem Post also carried the news of the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Meanwhile, various reports emanating from Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling and cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." In another self-made video, Alinejad further said, "Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run. I want to just run and shout, and shout out of joy." Reports coming out of London also showed videos of expatriate Iranians and Israelis dancing and celebrating side by side on the streets of London. Earlier, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." - ANI Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims to have struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by US and Israeli air strikes. The US Central Command reports three American service members killed and five seriously wounded in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, during which a US strike hit an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Force intercepted missiles launched from Iran toward its territory. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran remains open to diplomacy despite the attacks. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln after the US killed Ayatollah Khamenei. US reports casualties and sinking of Iranian ship. Tehran, March 1 Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it attacked the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf after the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by US and Israeli air strikes, as per Al Jazeera. "The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was struck by four ballistic missiles," the Guard said in a statement carried by local media, warning "the land and sea will increasingly become the graveyard of the terrorist aggressors," Al Jazeera. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been operating in the Arabian Sea since the end of January. Meanwhile, the US Central Command said that they struck an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette during the start of Operation Epic Fury. In a post on X, it said, "An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. As the President said, members of Iran's armed forces, IRGC and police "must lay down your weapons." Abandon ship." "CENTCOM Update. TAMPA, Fla. - As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions -- and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing. The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified," CENTCOM updated. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Iran has "always been open to diplomacy, unlike American, which attacked us for the second time during negotiations". Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force detected missiles launched from Iran. In a post on X, it said, "The IDF identified that a short time ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the guidelines - they save lives. One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines." - ANI An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson has accused Iran of committing war crimes by deliberately targeting civilians with ballistic missiles. Oren Marmorstein stated the attacks hit residential areas, killing and injuring civilians including a foreign national. He contrasted this with Israel's claimed focus on military targets alone. The spokesperson alleged Iran's missile attacks extend beyond Israel to eight countries across the region. Israeli spokesperson accuses Iran of ballistic missile attacks targeting civilians, calling it a war crime. Claims contrast with Israel's military-only targets. Tel Aviv, March 1 Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein, on Sunday, accused the Iranian regime of deliberately targeting civilians with ballistic missiles, describing the attacks as "war crimes" and asserting that Israel's military actions are aimed solely at military targets. Speaking to IANS, from a residential neighbourhood in Tel Aviv that was struck by a missile, Marmorstein said the site bore clear evidence of what he termed "ballistic terror" carried out by Iran. "What you see behind me is the result of the Iranian regime's ballistic terror. As you can see, the ballistic missile was aimed at a civilian neighbourhood. We had children here, elderly people. They are targeting civilians," the Spokesperson added. Contrasting Israel's military operations with Iran's alleged actions, Marmorstein said, "This is the complete opposite of what Israel is doing. We are aiming at military targets, but the Iranian regime is targeting our civilians -- our children, our women, our elderly." He also alleged that the Iranian regime's missile attacks were not limited to Israel but extended across the region. "This is not only happening here in Israel. The Iranian regime is attacking the entire region. Eight countries in the region were attacked by ballistic missiles of Iran -- not only Israel, but Arab countries are being targeted by Iranian missiles," he claimed. He emphasised that Israel's conflict was not with the Iranian people but with the ruling establishment in Tehran. "We don't have any fight, any quarrel with the Iranian people. The only objective is the Iranian regime. Murders, attacks -- this is what it's all about," Marmorstein said. Calling the attack a "war crime", the Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that civilians, including foreign nationals, had been affected. "This is a war crime. Targeting civilians, targeting elderly women, killing, murdering a caregiver from the Philippines. The Iranian regime is targeting not only us in Israel, they are targeting the entire region. This must be stopped, and it is what we are trying to do," he added. Referring to the specific building where he was speaking, the Spokesperson said one Filipina woman was killed and dozens were injured in the strike. "In this building, one Philippine woman was murdered and dozens were injured. Unfortunately, this is not the only case. All of you were rushed into shelter. You didn't see it on your video cameras, but you know that you were targeted by an Iranian regime attack. So this must stop," he added. - IANS Iranian officials have vowed a "crushing response" following a major joint military strike by Israel and the United States, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion, which targeted sites in Tehran. The attack has prompted Israel to declare a nationwide state of emergency, moving hospitals underground and restricting civilian activity. Regional tensions have surged, leading to the closure of airspace in Iran, Israel, and Iraq and disrupting nuclear negotiations. The situation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict as both sides take emergency measures. Iran promises a "crushing response" after a major joint US-Israel military strike, escalating tensions and prompting emergency measures across the Middle East. Tehran, February 28 Iranian officials on Saturday vowed a "crushing response" against their targets in response to a major joint military strike by Israel and the United States, according to Tasnim News Agency. Israel and the US launched a joint military strike on Iran, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion, targeting military sites, missile production facilities, and areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office. The name was decided upon by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after the IDF had a different internal name for the strikes, according to The Times of Israel. Several ministries in southern Tehran were reportedly struck, and residents heard powerful blasts as tensions surged following a pre-emptive military strike by Israel, which reportedly targeted multiple sites, including in the capital. The situation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with emergency measures and public anxiety spreading as developments continue to unfold. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, moving hospitals underground and activating sirens. Iran, Israel, and Iraq have closed their airspace, suspending all flights. The attack cones in the backdrop of diplomatic fallout as the nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman have been disrupted. According to the Jerusalem Post, a security source confirmed to Walla that the United States is also involved in the strikes. As per the Jerusalem Post, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not in Tehran and has been transferred to a "secure location", according to an Iranian official who confirmed to Reuters. Also on Saturday, the Israeli Defence Force also shared that following a situational assessment, it was determined that immediate changes would be made to the Home Front Command Guidelines--with the decision to shift all areas of the country from Full Activity to Essential Activity. The guidelines include a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors. According to TPS, Israeli Defence Minister Katz declared an immediate nationwide special state of emergency under Israel's Civil Defense Law, warning that a missile and drone attack against Israeli territory and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe. Mobile phone lines have been cut in parts of eastern and western Tehran, and internet connectivity has weakened in some areas, as per Iranian Media reports. This comes as earlier on Friday, US President Donald Trump described Iran as "very difficult" and "very dangerous" as the United States considers its next steps in nuclear negotiations, emphasising a preference for a peaceful resolution despite ongoing military tensions in the Middle East. The third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States took place in Geneva on Thursday, and another round of talks will be held today. Addressing a gathering in Texas, Trump said, "We have a big decision to make. You know that. Not easy. We have a very big decision to make. We have a country that's been for 47 years blowing people's legs off, arms off, and the face. They've been knocking out ships, killing people. Not only Americans, but lots of people. "Trump said the US faces a "big decision" in talks with Iran, while saying that any deal with Tehran must be "meaningful". - ANI The Israel Defense Forces announced precise airstrikes killed seven senior Iranian military commanders, including Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The operation, part of a wider joint US-Israel offensive, targeted locations in Tehran where high-ranking officials were gathered. Iran has not officially confirmed the deaths, but its state media reported Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also killed in the strikes. This event marks a major escalation, with Tehran's retaliation reportedly igniting conflicts across the Middle East. Israel announces killing of 7 senior Iranian commanders in precise strikes, including Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC chief, escalating Middle East tensions. Tel Aviv, March 1 The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday announced that seven senior Iranian military commanders, including Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were killed in what it described as precise airstrikes carried out across Iran. Iran has not officially confirmed the deaths of the commanders named by Israel. The reported killings occurred as part of a wider joint offensive by the United States and Israel targeting Iran's military and strategic infrastructure, a development that has sharply heightened tensions across the Middle East. According to the IDF, the operation was executed by the Israel Air Force (IAF) after the Military Intelligence Directorate identified two separate locations in Tehran where high-ranking Iranian security officials were gathered. Among those Israel said were killed was Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a prominent figure in Iran's defence establishment. The IDF noted that Shamkhani had also been targeted during last year's hostilities. The Israeli military further confirmed the death of Mohammad Pakpour, identified as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The IDF accused Pakpour of spearheading a "plan to destroy Israel" and of overseeing missile and drone operations directed against Israeli targets. Other officials named by Israel as having been killed include Salah Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and senior figures associated with Iran's SPND weapons development body. Israel alleged that the officials played central roles in missile production, coordination with regional proxy groups and the advancement of sophisticated weapons programmes, including projects linked to nuclear development. "The world is a better place without them," the IDF said. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also killed in the US-Israel strikes. This marks an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. - IANS An Iranian drone strike injured four people and caused damage at Dubai International Airport amid escalating regional tensions. The attack followed joint US-Israel missile strikes on Iran, with Iranian state media reporting the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos showed public celebrations in several Iranian cities, with citizens cheering and dancing in the streets. Former US President Donald Trump claimed the death as justice, vowing continued military action to achieve peace. Four injured as Iranian drone strikes Dubai airport. Reports claim Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes, sparking street celebrations in Iran. Dubai, March 1 Amidst a US-Israel joint attack on Iran, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. As per Reuters, citing the state media, 40 days of public mourning have been announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. Earlier, the Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling, cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." - ANI A drone strike targeted Bahrain International Airport, causing material damage but no casualties, according to the Bahraini Interior Ministry. Separately, an Iranian drone strike at Dubai International Airport injured four people and caused damage inside a terminal. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed these were retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli assets across the Gulf region. In response to the escalating tensions, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held diplomatic calls with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to express solidarity and underline India's stake in regional stability. Bahrain and Dubai airports hit by Iranian drones, causing damage and injuries. India's Jaishankar holds calls with Gulf ministers amid escalating regional tensions. Manama, March 1 Bahrain's Interior Ministry on Sunday said a drone targeted Bahrain International Airport amid Iran's retaliation to US-Israel strikes, causing material damage but no casualties, as authorities moved swiftly to secure the site and assess the situation. In posts on X, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that the airport was struck and that emergency protocols were activated. The ministry said, "Targeting of Bahrain International Airport with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life, at a time when the relevant authorities are initiating procedures to secure the site." The ministry added, " The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place", adding that relevant authorities had initiated procedures to secure the area. Also, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. According to Al Jazeera, Iran has targeted United States assets across the Gulf Arab states in retaliation for a huge joint attack on Iran by the US and Israel, sparking fears of a regional conflagration. The Iranian government on Saturday confirmed its attacks on several targets, according to the Fars news agency, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where airbases with US assets are hosted, Al Jazeera reported. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed all Israeli and US military targets in the Middle East have been struck "by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles". "This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated," it said. All US assets throughout the region are considered legitimate targets for Iran's army, it added. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, underscoring New Delhi's concerns over regional stability. In a post on X, he said, "Just spoke to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, FM of Saudi Arabia. Exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf. Underlined India's stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of the Indian community." The Saudi foreign ministry confirmed that Prince Faisal received a phone call from his Indian counterpart. In a post on X, the Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia said, "Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan received a phone call from Indian External Affairs Minister, @DrSJaishankar." In a separate development, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received a call from Jaishankar on February 28 (Saturday). The X post of Kuwait's Foreign Affairs Ministry, said, "His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call today, Saturday, February 28, 2026, from His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the friendly Republic of India, during which His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed the Republic of India's solidarity with the State of Kuwait regarding the Iranian attack that targeted the country, and emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and the integrity of its territories." During the conversation, Jaishankar expressed solidarity with Kuwait over what the Kuwaiti side described as an Iranian attack targeting the country and stressed the importance of respecting Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iranian media Press TV has reported on Sunday that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the Israeli-US strikes. In a post on X, Press TV said, "Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran"Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." - ANI The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a strike attributed to the US and Israel. In a statement, the embassy issued a grave warning of consequences for the perpetrators and extended condolences to the Iranian nation. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" as retaliation for what it called a murder. The attack marks a pivotal moment in Iran's 46-year theocratic rule, with fears of escalating regional conflict. Iranian Embassy in India lowers flag, warns of "grave consequences" for US and Israel after Supreme Leader's killing. IRGC promises "most ferocious" response. New Delhi, Mar 1 The Iranian Embassy in India lowered its flag to half-mast after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's killing in a US-Israel strike. Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. In a statement shared on X, the Iranian Embassy in India expressed sorrow and grief over the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in the attacks carried out by the US and Israel, and stated, "The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance), to the Muslim Ummah, to the great nation of Islamic Republic of Iran, and to all freedom-loving nations of the world." It warned of "grave consequences" for the US and Israel, who it said bear full responsibility for all resulting repercussions. The Iranian Embassy in India stated that Iran will continue its noble path with strength, resilience, and determination, and no disruption shall be permitted in the ongoing affairs of the country. "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom-seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression," the statement added. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to punish the "murderers" of Khamenei, following the confirmation of his death by state television, and promised that the response will be the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against the US and Israel. In a statement posted on its official Telegram page, the IRGC said, "The hand of revenge of the Iranian nation for a severe, decisive and regrettable punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not let go of them." It further said that the IRGC, the Armed Forces, and the Basij forces will "powerfully continue the path of their leader in defending his legacy, standing firm against internal and external plots and delivering what it described as a lesson-giving punishment to aggressors against the Islamic homeland." The Iranian Cabinet has also warned that the "great crime will never go unanswered." US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the killing of the 86-year-old cleric, ending his iron-fisted rule over Iran for 36 years. Trump said on Truth Social, "He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do." - IANS Every year, thousands of families not only deal with the death of a loved one, but also with all the accompanying paperwork including final tax returns. But small mistakes like missing forms or incorrect signatures call stall refunds for months. And for grieving families, this can create unnecessary financial strain at a time when theyre already under profound emotional strain. Must Read Anne Tergesen, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal, recently shared her experience of trying to settle her late fathers estate. Its all wrapped up except for his 2023 tax refund of $686, which is preventing her from settling his estate. At the time of writing the story, it had been 19 months since shed filed the return (1). Such delays are common for people sorting the estates of loved ones, she wrote. But there are a few ways you can reduce tax-related delays. Why final tax refunds can be delayed From January 2021 through July 2024, the IRS processed 609,953 manual refunds for deceased taxpayers. It took an average of 444 calendar days to process and issue these refunds, according to a report (2) by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). In 440,443 cases where a refund was due, 43% of these were outstanding for one to two years and 9% were outstanding for more than two years (2). For comparisons sake, electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within 21 days, according to the IRS (3). One of the bottlenecks Tergesen said she experienced, and a common one for other filers, was the processing of the Form 1310 Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. Youre required to file a Form 1310 unless youre a surviving spouse filing an original or amended joint return with the decedent or youre a personal representative filing an original Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS for the decedent (which has the court certificate showing your appointment attached). Previously, these forms had to be filed in paper format, which required manual processing and was a major reason for processing delays. For instance, if an IRS employee requested a Form 1310, the taxpayers response would take three weeks, on average, to be routed to the employee once it was received by the IRS, according to the TIGTA report. US Central Command has launched Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israel military strike that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation was conducted on President Trump's orders, calling it the most precise aerial operation in history. Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning, framing Khamenei's death as a martyrdom while facing an urgent leadership succession crisis. The US has vowed to continue its campaign, stating it will destroy Iran's missile production and navy while ensuring the country never obtains a nuclear weapon. US CENTCOM launches Operation Epic Fury, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran declares 40 days of mourning as leadership crisis looms. Doha, March 1 US Central Command said it has begun delivering "swift and decisive action" against the Iranian regime, following prior warnings. CENTCOM commenced Operation Epic Fury on February 28. Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has been killed in joint US-Israel strikes, state media confirmed. In a post on X, US CENTCOM wrote, "The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed." US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth elaborated on the operation, named Operation Epic Fury, calling it the most lethal, complex, and precise aerial operation in history. In a post on X, Hegseth wrote, "Overnight, on President Trump's orders, the Department of War commenced OPERATION EPIC FURY -- the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history. The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal -- and now they are suffering the consequences. For almost fifty years, Iran has targeted and killed Americans, always seeking the world's most powerful weapons to further their radical cause." Hegseth highlighted that Iran had targeted Americans for decades while seeking the world's most powerful weapons. "Last night, unlike any previous president, President Trump began dealing with this cancer. We will not tolerate powerful missiles targeting the American people. Those missiles will be destroyed, along with Iran's missile production. The Iranian navy will be destroyed. And, as President Trump has said his entire life, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it. If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world -- as Iran has -- then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you. Our warriors are the best in the world, and they are fully unleashed to achieve our objectives. May God's providence protect them in this vital mission," the post added on X. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. According to Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday while in office. It said on X, "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred at their workplace in the Leader's Residence. They were engaged in performing their assigned duties and present at their workplace (their office) at the moment of martyrdom, and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning." Earlier, the Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. The front page of the Jerusalem Post also carried the news of the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Meanwhile, various reports emanating from Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling and cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." In another self-made video, Alinejad further said, "Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run. I want to just run and shout, and shout out of joy." Reports coming out of London also showed videos of expatriate Iranians and Israelis dancing and celebrating side by side on the streets of London. Earlier, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. - ANI Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad to mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reported killed in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. The government has declared 40 days of national mourning, with state media framing his death as a martyrdom for national sovereignty. The attack has escalated regional tensions and triggered a critical leadership transition for the Islamic Republic. Attention is now focused on the complex process of selecting a successor amid heightened security and internal power dynamics. Thousands gather in Iran for 40 days of mourning after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed in reported US-Israeli airstrikes, sparking a leadership transition. Tehran, March 1 Thousands in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad gathered to mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported. Marking 40 days of public mourning, citizens chanted "God is great," paid tribute at holy sites, and protested the attacks, as Iran braces for a leadership transition and heightened national security. In the central Iranian city of Isfahan, residents gathered at Imam Square to protest the strikes and to mourn what state media termed the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei. Demonstrators raised slogans including "God is great" as the airstrikes continued. Meanwhile, in the northeastern city of Mashhad, mourners gathered at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH) to pay tribute to the late leader. This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Reuters cited Iranian state media reporting that 40 days of public mourning was announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. The official Farsi account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged his death and posted a verse from the Quran on X in the early hours of Sunday. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. The official Farsi page posted on X a verse from Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:23, which translates to "Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vow [by death], and some are still waiting, and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least." According to Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday while in office. It said on X, "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred at their workplace in the Leader's Residence. They were engaged in performing their assigned duties and present at their workplace (their office) at the moment of martyrdom, and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning." - ANI Iran's state media reported the killing of its armed forces chief of staff and other senior military commanders in strikes attributed to the US and Israel. The Israel Defense Forces announced precise airstrikes that eliminated multiple high-ranking Iranian security officials gathered at locations in Tehran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed a historic and ferocious retaliatory operation against the US and Israel for the killings. The incident marks a severe escalation in regional tensions, targeting Iran's military leadership and strategic infrastructure. Iran's armed forces chief of staff and other senior commanders killed in airstrikes. IRGC vows "ferocious" revenge against US and Israel. Tehran, March 1 Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi was killed in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the country's state-run IRIB TV reported on Sunday. The strikes on Tehran also killed Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Mohammad Pakpour, Secretary of the country's Defence Council Ali Shamkhani, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Xinhua news agency reported. Additional names of victims will be released subsequently, according to local media reports. Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that seven senior Iranian military commanders, including Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were killed in what it described as precise airstrikes carried out across Iran. The reported killings occurred as part of a wider joint offensive by the US and Israel targeting Iran's military and strategic infrastructure, a development that has sharply heightened tensions across the Middle East. According to the IDF, the operation was executed by the Israel Air Force (IAF) after the Military Intelligence Directorate identified two separate locations in Tehran where high-ranking Iranian security officials were gathered. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to punish the "murderers" of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following the confirmation of his death by state television, and promised that the response will be the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against the US and Israel. In a statement posted on its official Telegram page, the IRGC said, "The hand of revenge of the Iranian nation for a severe, decisive and regrettable punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not let go of them." It further said that the IRGC, the Armed Forces, and the Basij forces will "powerfully continue the path of their leader in defending his legacy, standing firm against internal and external plots and delivering what it described as a lesson-giving punishment to aggressors against the Islamic homeland." - IANS Israel launched what it described as preventive missile strikes against Iran, causing explosions in Tehran's key government districts. The Israeli military sounded air raid sirens nationwide and imposed safety measures, anticipating possible retaliation. The strikes occur amid sensitive US-Iran negotiations over a nuclear agreement and escalating direct military confrontations. The long-standing shadow conflict between the two nations has shifted into a phase of overt warfare with reciprocal attacks. Israel launches preventive missile strikes on Tehran, escalating Middle East tensions. US-Iran nuclear talks continue as both nations brace for retaliation. Tehran, Feb 28 Tehran was rocked by massive explosions on Saturday after Israel launched what it described as "preventive" missile strikes against Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the region, local media reported. The strikes come amid heightened strain between the United States and Iran over a potential nuclear agreement and growing fears of a wider military confrontation in the Middle East. Several missiles hit areas along University Street and in the Jomhouri district of the Iranian capital. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from near Pasteur Street in downtown Tehran, an area that houses key government buildings. The extent of the damage and possible casualties was not immediately clear. In anticipation of possible retaliation, the Israeli military said it had sounded air raid sirens in multiple areas across the country. The move, it said, was a proactive measure "to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched towards the state of Israel." Sirens were heard across parts of Israel as authorities warned of potential incoming attacks. As a precautionary step, Israel ordered schools nationwide to remain closed, advised citizens to work from home, and imposed a ban on public gatherings. The military said the alert measures were aimed at ensuring civilian safety in the event of retaliatory missile fire from Iran or its regional allies. The developments come at a sensitive diplomatic moment. Earlier, US President Donald Trump described Iran as "very difficult" and "very dangerous." A third round of negotiations between Iranian and US officials was held in Geneva on Thursday, with another round of talks scheduled later on Saturday. Over 2024 and 2025, a long-standing shadow conflict between Israel and Iran escalated into a series of unprecedented direct military confrontations, including major aerial strikes and reciprocal missile attacks that marked a dangerous shift from indirect hostilities to overt warfare. - IANS The Israel Defense Forces released video of airstrikes in Tehran following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The operation, dubbed 'Roaring Lion', targeted the Iranian military leadership, reportedly killing Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi and dozens of senior commanders. In a separate attack, the IDF struck fighter jets at an airport in Tabriz to degrade Iran's air force capabilities. Meanwhile, an Iranian ballistic missile strike hit Beit Shemesh in Israel, killing at least four people. IDF releases footage of airstrikes in Tehran, eliminates top commanders after Supreme Leader's death. Iran missile strike hits Israel. Tel Aviv, March 1 The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday released the video of an airstrike in the "heart of Iran", after its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed. The IDF conducted strikes in Iran as part of Operation 'Roaring Lion'. In a post on X, the IDF said, "WATCH: For the first time since the start of Operation 'Roaring Lion', the IAF is striking targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past day, the IAF conducted large-scale strikes to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to Tehran." Israel also killed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces. In a post on X, the IDF said, "ELIMINATED: Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces. Additionally, the IDF struck & eliminated 7 members of the top Iranian security leadership in Tehran and 40 senior commanders." The IDF then further struck two fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff. In a post on X, the IDF said, "STRUCK: Two F5 and F4 fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff. The strike was conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Force's activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense." The IDF then said that Iran produces dozens of ballistic missiles per month with a clear acceleration in its recovery pace. In a post on X, it said, "The Iranian Regime's Plan for the Destruction of Israel: A Sharp Acceleration in the Regime's Missile Production Capabilities. Currently, the regime produces dozens of ballistic missiles per month with a clear acceleration in its recovery pace--an attempt to produce ~8,000 missiles by 2027. In addition, the regime is investing significant efforts in fortifying its underground production infrastructure. The possession of missiles by a regime that has declared its intent to destroy Israel constitutes an existential threat." Meanwhile, an impact from an Iranian ballistic missile strike has killed at least four people and injured about 20 others in Israel's Beit Shemesh, 30km (19 miles) west of Jerusalem, according to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Israel's army said in a statement on Telegram that search and rescue forces, together with medical teams and a helicopter for casualty evacuation, are operating at the impact site. - ANI Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that all bases and assets of hostile forces in the region are now considered legitimate military targets under Iran's right to self-defence. He accused Israel of successfully dragging the United States into a direct conflict with Iran during a UN Security Council emergency session. The remarks follow reported joint US-Israeli missile strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory actions from Tehran targeting Israeli and US assets. The International Atomic Energy Agency is convening an emergency session to address the strikes, amid unconfirmed reports regarding Iran's Supreme Leader. Iran's UN ambassador warns all hostile forces' assets are legitimate targets for self-defence, accusing Israel of dragging the US into war. New York, March 1 Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said that all bases and assets of hostile forces in the region are considered legitimate military targets under Iran's right to self-defence. He added that Iran will continue to defend itself until aggression ends, while remaining committed to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, and accused Israel of involving the United States in a conflict with Iran. His remarks came during an emergency special session of the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York on Saturday (local time) to address the situation in Iran and the Middle East. Iravani said that Israel "succeeded in dragging the United States into the quagmire of war with Iran". "All bases, facilities and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives within the framework of Iran's lawful exercise of self-defence. Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defence decisively and without recitation until the aggression ceases in full and unequivocal terms. Iran remains firmly committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbouring countries," he said. The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to hold an emergency session on Monday at 08:00 to address the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera. The meeting, requested by Russia, comes ahead of the board's already scheduled quarterly session, where Iran's nuclear program was to be discussed. Diplomats noted that, unlike US strikes last year, Iran's nuclear facilities were not reportedly targeted in Saturday's attacks, as reported by Al Jazeera. On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post. Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. - ANI The Israeli Air Force announced it carried out precise airstrikes in Iran, killing seven senior Iranian defense officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour. Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Israeli territory, with defense systems actively intercepting the threats. The strikes follow reported joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, with large explosions in Tehran and other cities, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. A report from The Jerusalem Post indicates Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, though this remains unconfirmed by Iran. Israeli Air Force strikes kill 7 senior Iranian defense officials, including Ali Shamkhani. Iran retaliates with missile launches, escalating Middle East tensions. Jerusalem, March 1 In a blow to Tehran's leadership, the Israeli Air Force said its jets carried out strikes on military targets in Iran, reportedly killing seven top Iranian defence officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour. In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force shared, "IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership: Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia. The world is a better place without them. However, Iran has not confirmed yet. The Israeli Air Force said missiles were recently launched from Iran toward Israel. Defence systems are actively intercepting the threat, and the Home Front Command has instructed residents in affected areas to enter protected spaces and follow official alerts until further notice. "The IDF identified that a short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the instructions, they save lives. One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with Home Front Command instructions," Israeli Air Force shared in another post. "The Air Force completed a short time ago another wave of strikes to target the ballistic missile array and air defense systems of the Iranian terror regime, in additional spaces in central Iran," the IDF shared. On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post. Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. - ANI The Israeli Air Force has launched strikes on targets linked to the Iranian regime in central Tehran, following a massive US-Israeli aerial campaign that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on US bases and Israeli targets, escalating regional tensions. The country has entered a 40-day period of national mourning, with heightened security and public gatherings to honor Khamenei. The focus now shifts to the critical process of selecting a successor to lead Iran. Israeli Air Force targets Iranian regime sites in central Tehran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. US-Israeli campaign triggers regional retaliation. Tehran, March 1 Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Israeli Air Force has launched a new wave of strikes targeting sites linked to the Iranian regime in central Tehran, according to TPSIL. Citing the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the agency reported that the Air Force, operating under the direction of its Intelligence Directorate, initiated a broad series of attacks against what it described as targets of the Iranian regime in the heart of Tehran. "The Air Force, under the direction of the Intelligence Directorate, has now launched a broad wave of attacks against targets of the Iranian terrorist regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past 24 hours, the Air Force has attacked extensively to create air superiority and open the way to Tehran," the IDF said, as quoted by TPSIL. Meanwhile, Press TV reported that fresh explosions were heard in residential areas of Tehran, describing the developments as part of US-Israeli aggression. The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI The Israeli Defence Forces have launched extensive strikes, dubbed "Operation Roaring Lion," targeting over 30 sites in Iran including aerial defense systems and military command centers. The operation was conducted with unprecedented joint planning and cooperation with the United States Armed Forces. The strikes resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to reports. Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning and vowed that the assassination "will not go unpunished." IDF launches "Operation Roaring Lion," striking Iranian defense systems & command centers. The attack, coordinated with the US, results in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Tel Aviv, March 1 Israeli Defence Forces on Sunday said that amid its ongoing strikes in Iran, over 30 sites had been attacked, which include aerial defence systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centres. Sharing the details in a post on X, the IDF said that it will continue to "degrade" Iranian capabilities. "ONGOING STRIKE: 30+ targets so far, in western and central Iran, including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centers. The IDF will continue to degrade the Iranian terror regime's capabilities until they can no longer threaten our people", the IDF wrote on X. Earlier on Sunday morning, IDF shared that it had struck the missile launch site in the Qom area of Central Iran. In a post on X it noted that the strike targeted a site that stored Ghadr H-1 ballistic missiles. Earlier in a video message, the IDF called the strikes against Iran--Operation Roaring Lion. "The launch of Operation Roaring Lion comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, a historic, unprecedented level of cooperation between two nations fighting side by side against terror. Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high", IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. The Israeli-US strikes have resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei According to state-run Press TV, Iranian government issued a statement warning that the "crime of assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution will not go unpunished" and asserting that the "pure blood of the martyred Leader will uproot the criminal regimes of the US and Israel." Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. - ANI Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has emphasized the duty to coordinate with the central government to ensure the safe return of Kannadigas and other Indians stranded in the Middle East due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. He warned that the war is alarming and will significantly impact India's petroleum sector and broader economy. Bommai stated that many Kannadigas working in or transiting through Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait are now stranded and facing difficulties. He urged the state government to work through the local Kannadiga community and the Indian Embassy to provide immediate temporary support and arrange repatriation. Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai calls for state & central govt coordination to safely repatriate Kannadigas stranded in Middle East due to Iran-Israel war. Haveri, March 1 Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said that it is the duty of all to coordinate with the Centre to bring Kannadigas and other Indians back safely from Iran and other disturbed Middle East countries. Speaking to the media in Savanur in Haveri district, he stated that due to the impact of the US-Israel-Iran war, the state government must make all necessary arrangements through Kannadigas in Dubai and the Indian Embassy there to provide temporary food and accommodation to those stranded in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries, and immediately bring them back. "It is the responsibility of all of us to bring Kannadigas and other Indians back safely to the motherland by coordinating with the Government of India," he said. He said the war between the US-Israel and Iran is very alarming and will have an impact on India as well. The former CM said it will significantly affect the petroleum sector and also have a major impact on the economy. He added that the entire world will have to face the consequences of this conflict. He said it would be appropriate to resolve the issue through dialogue before more lives are lost. Bommai said many Middle Eastern countries have been affected by the war, and Indians, especially Kannadigas living there, are stranded. He said many Kannadigas have gone to places such as Doha, Dubai and Kuwait for work. It is also common for people travelling from Europe to transit through Dubai and Doha, and many of them are now stranded there as well. The BJP leader said the Centre has already taken several steps, and the state government is also working to bring them back safely. He recalled that during earlier conflicts in Syria and Iraq, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had successfully brought back Indians safely. Bommai said it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure the safe return of Indians, especially Kannadigas. He said many people there are facing difficulties due to a lack of money and food. He added that a large number of Kannadigas are living in Dubai, and through them and the Indian Embassy, the state government must arrange temporary food and accommodation and make immediate arrangements to bring them back. - IANS 2025 was not a great year to make money selling cars in America -- and tariffs were part of the problem. With 2025 financial results now in, we know that the multiple rounds of tariffs announced by the Trump administration last year cost Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) about $2 billion in lost profits and subtracted $3.1 billion from earnings at General Motors (NYSE: GM). Combined with charges taken to reverse some of its investments in the money-losing electric vehicle business, Ford racked up $8.2 billion in losses last year. GM did a bit better, earning $2.7 billion, but still, that was down more than 50% from the $6 billion the car company earned in 2024. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue The good news is that despite their tariff woes and the impact on profits, automakers emerged from 2025 mostly unscathed -- and their stock prices actually soared, perhaps on hopes the tariffs would soon go away. Ford shares closed out the year up 35%, and GM gained a whopping 55%. And now we learn that the U.S. Supreme Court has, in fact, struck down some of the tariffs that President Trump put in place last year. Does this mean that automotive stocks will continue to rise in 2026? Not necessarily, no. Image source: Getty Images. There are tariffs, and then there are tariffs The second thing you need to know is that tariffs come in many flavors. The ones the Supreme Court struck down last week were tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and justified by the president's concerns over fentanyl importation, immigration, and alleged trade imbalances. The Supreme Court ruled the president didn't have the power to enact these tariffs, and now they're going away. Other tariffs remain, however, notably Section 232 tariffs enacted to preserve "national security." These imposed a 25% levy on imported automobiles and many imported automobile parts. Separate Section 301 tariffs imposed upon Chinese imports also remain in force. They'll continue to be a drag on automotive company profits this year, just as they were last year. That's the bad news. But here's the good news -- and the third thing you need to know about President Trump's tariffs: The latest round(s) of tariffs President Trump announced, in response to the Supreme Court overturning his IEEPA tariffs, won't add to the auto industry's woes. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed serious concern over the escalating Middle East conflict and reports of Iran's Supreme Leader's death. He assured that his government is working with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran. Meanwhile, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti condemned the reported killing, criticizing Israel, the US, and certain Muslim countries for their stance. Iran has entered a period of national mourning amid heightened security and speculation about its future leadership. J&K CM Omar Abdullah expresses deep concern over Iran conflict, coordinates with MEA for safety of state residents and students abroad. Srinagar, March 1 Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah on Sunday voiced serious concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and reports regarding the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In a post on X, the Chief Minister urged all communities to maintain calm, preserve peace, and refrain from any actions that could trigger tension or unrest. He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir government is closely coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of residents from the state, including students currently in Iran. He emphasised his deep concern over the unfolding situation in Iran and reiterated the administration's commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad. "Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest," the 'X' post said. "The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran," the 'X' post added. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, described the development as a tragic and shameful moment in history. In her post on X, she criticised Israel and the United States for celebrating the reported killing and expressed disappointment over what she termed the explicit and implicit support extended by certain Muslim countries. Mufti said history would judge those who stood for justice and those who supported oppression, adding that her prayers are with the people of Iran and expressing hope for their strength in the face of adversity. "Today marks a deeply tragic & shameful point in history with Israel & USA boasting about the killing of Iran's beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khanenei. What's more disgraceful & shocking is the explicit & implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience & expedience over conscience. History will stand testaments to who fought for justice & who helped the oppressors. Prayers with the people of Iran. May Allah grant them strength & victory over forces of tyranny & injustice," Mufti wrote on 'X'. The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla have issued an advisory urging media and the public to practice responsible reporting and avoid spreading unverified content following demonstrations by the Shia community mourning the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. Protests erupted in Shia-majority areas like Budgam and Srinagar after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed for calm, while authorities monitor social media and warn of legal action against incitement. Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning, with security heightened as the focus turns to selecting Khamenei's successor. Baramulla Police urge media, public to verify news and avoid rumours as Shia community mourns Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei. CM appeals for calm. Baramulla, March 1 The Jammu and Kashmir Police, specifically in Baramulla, have issued an advisory urging "responsible reporting" following widespread demonstrations by the Shia community across the Kashmir Valley. The Baramulla Police Media Cell issued a formal advisory on Sunday, cautioning against "rumour-mongering" and the circulation of unverified or malicious content that could disturb public order and urged media houses, journalists, social media users, and the public to exercise caution while reporting and sharing information. Protests erupted in Shia-majority areas like Budgam, Srinagar (Lal Chowk), and Kargil following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes. According to the release, all are advised to ensure that any news related to law and order or public gatherings is verified from official and credible sources before publication or broadcast. Circulation of rumours, unverified reports, or speculative content may create unnecessary panic and disturb public peace. The official said that responsible reporting or information sharing is essential to maintain peace and harmony. All citizens are requested to positively contribute towards this end. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed for calm, expressing concern over the unfolding developments and urging the public to maintain peace during the mourning period. Authorities are closely monitoring social media platforms and have warned of strict legal action against anyone found inciting religious sentiments or spreading misinformation. "The media fraternity is requested to avoid sensationalism and rely only on official updates. Entities found involved in spreading misinformation or rumours will be prosecuted," added the release. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI Jennifer Garner has discussed the realities of co-parenting her three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck. She explained that in separate households, each parent must take on aspects of both maternal and paternal roles. Garner has publicly affirmed that Affleck remains the "love of her life" and that they share a unique bond through their children. Affleck has also expressed his commitment to maintaining a respectful partnership for their family's well-being. Jennifer Garner opens up about co-parenting with ex Ben Affleck, calling him the "love of her life" and sharing lessons from raising kids in two homes. Los Angeles, Feb 28 Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner has talked about the challenges she's faced while co-parenting her children with her former husband Ben Affleck and said the former couple has learned how to be "both parents". The Hollywood actress married Ben in 2005 and they welcomed three kids Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel, but they split after a decade of marriage in 2015. During an appearance on Bustle's One Nightstand podcast, Jennifer explained: "When your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad, and he becomes dad and mom. "You kind of can't help it, right? Because you don't have the benefit of both sides, the yin and yang being in the same house, so you have to have a bit of both in the way you parent." "There's a little bit of loss in that, but there's also something gained in that ... You also just learn, it's made me let go and not focus so much on the bringing up," she added, reports femalefirst.co.uk. After the divorce, Garner opened up about the pair's relationship, calling Ben the "love" of her life and insisting they will always feel bonded despite the split. She told Vanity Fair magazine in 2016: "I didn't marry the big fat movie star; I married him. And I would go back and remake that decision. I ran down the beach to him, and I would again. You can't have these three babies and so much of what we had. He's the love of my life. "We still have to help each other get through this (divorce). He's still the only person who really knows the truth about things. And I'm still the only person that knows some of his truths." Affleck, who went on to marry and divorce Jennifer Lopez, later said he never wanted to split from his first wife because he was worried about the effect it would have on the children, but the exes have made it work. During an appearance on Good Morning America in 2020, he explained: "I didn't want to get divorced, I didn't want to be a divorced person, I really didn't want to be a split family with my children. It upset me because it meant I wasn't who I thought I was and that was so painful and so disappointing. In myself. "When you have children with somebody, you're connected to them forever. And I'm very lucky she (Jenifer) is the mother of my children. "I'm very grateful and respectful of her. Our marriage didn't work, and that's difficult. Both of us really believe that it's important for kids to see their parents respect one another and get along, whether they're together or not." - IANS Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia will represent India at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. His agenda includes inaugurating the Bharat Pavilion to showcase India's telecom capabilities and unveiling the curtain raiser for the India Mobile Congress 2026. He will deliver keynote addresses on future-ready digital infrastructure and affordable connectivity models. The visit underscores India's aim to strengthen global partnerships and attract investment in its digital ecosystem. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will lead India's delegation at MWC 2026, inaugurate the Bharat Pavilion, and deliver keynotes on digital infrastructure. New Delhi, March 1 The Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will represent India at the Mobile World Congress 2026, scheduled from March 2 to March 5, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. The MWC is among the world's largest and most influential technology and telecommunications gatherings. During the visit, the Union minister will inaugurate the Bharat Pavilion at MWC 2026, providing a global platform to showcase India's growing telecom manufacturing capabilities and innovation ecosystem, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement. He will also unveil the curtain raiser of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, highlighting India's flagship digital technology forum. The Union minister is scheduled to deliver an address in the GSMA Ministerial program at the Main Stage Session titled "Built for What's Next," where global leaders will deliberate on future-ready digital infrastructure and emerging technology frameworks. He will also deliver the Closing Keynote Session on "Breaking the Cost Barrier" at the GSMA Ministerial Stage, focusing on affordable, inclusive, and scalable digital connectivity models for the world. As part of his engagements, Scindia will interact with global CEOs at a CEO dinner hosted by India, underlining India's commitment to collaborative innovation and trusted partnerships. The Union minister will also have focused booth visits and technology demonstrations at leading global and Indian companies. In addition, the Union minister will visit the booth of Tejas Networks for the launch of the T31600-D3 Hyper-scalable DCI Platform, marking a significant milestone in India's advanced telecom product development. Minister Scindia will also hold high-level bilateral meetings with various stakeholders from the telecom sector to explore cooperation in universal, meaningful connectivity and resilient communication infrastructure. The Minister's participation at MWC 2026 underscores India's growing stature as a global leader in the digital and mobile ecosystem. Through strategic engagements with governments, industry leaders and technology innovators, the visit aims to deepen international partnerships, attract investment and strengthen India's role in shaping secure, inclusive, and future-ready digital networks worldwide. - ANI Actress Karishma Tanna was honored at the Busan International Film Festival for her performance in Hansal Mehta's web series "Scoop". She shared an emotional note reflecting on her career journey from television, through doubts, to this pivotal moment. Tanna described "Scoop" as a project that shifted her narrative and a reminder that hard work and evolution lead to one's moment. She expressed gratitude and pride, emphasizing that some slow journeys build something permanent. Actress Karishma Tanna reflects on her journey from TV to being honored at Busan for Scoop, sharing an inspiring message on perseverance and growth. Mumbai, March 1 As actress Karishma Tanna was honored for her performance in Hansal Mehta's "Scoop" at the Busan International Film Festival, she decided to reflect on her acting journey, which commenced from the small screen, and overcoming several doubts, moved on to reality shows, movies, and web series. She added that for her, 'Scoop' was a reminder that if one does not give up on their dreams, their moment arrives sooner or later. Karishma's emotional note on social media went like this, "From television sets...To reality shows...To being boxed.To being doubted. To standing at the Busan International Film Festival for Scoop. There's something beautiful about not giving up on yourself. About choosing growth over comfort. About waiting for the role that changes your narrative. SCOOP wasn't just a project. It was a shift. A reminder that if you stay long enough, work hard enough, evolve honestly enough... your moment will come. And when it does - it feels like home. Thank you for watching, supporting, believing! (sic)." Karishma took a moment to look back at the girl who patiently waited for her turn and never stopped believing in herself. She pointed out that some journey's take time as they are building towards something concrete. The 'Sanju' actress added, "Standing at the Busan International Film Festival, holding this moment in my heart, I remembered the girl who started early... who wanted independence, who waited, who heard "TV ACTOR" more than once... and still didn't stop believing. This one wasn't overnight. This one was years in the making. Grateful. Humbled. Proud. Some journeys are slow... because they're building something permanent. I always believe-This is just the beginning...If you haven't watched my show please watch it on @netflix_in." Directed by Hansal Mehta, "Scoop" is a cinematic adaptation of journalist Jigna Vora's bestseller "Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison". With Karishma as the lead, the show also has Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Deven Bhojani playing crucial roles, along with others. - IANS Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi, urging diplomatic action to safeguard Indian expatriates in the Gulf as Iran-Israel tensions escalate. Wayanad, March 1 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation in the Gulf countries, highlighting the potential impact on expatriates from the state. The Chief Minister stated that he has written to Narendra Modi, urging the Union Government to take necessary diplomatic steps to safeguard the interests and ensure the safety of Indian nationals, especially Keralites, in the Gulf countries. "The current situation in the Gulf countries is highly concerning. As far as Kerala is concerned, there is a massive number of expatriates residing in these nations. Therefore, I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting his intervention to resolve the concerns in the Gulf region," he said. The US and Israel in Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar on February 28, conducted strikes on Iran in which the latte's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. Further, Tasnim news agency said that several high-ranking Iranian military commanders were confirmed to have been killed "in a terrorist attack by the US and the Israeli strikes in Tehran." According to a statement, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRCG) Major General Mohammad Pakpour, Secretary of Iran's Defense Council Ali Shamkhani, and Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh were among the figures martyred in the US and Israeli attack on a meeting of the Defence Council. Iran also retaliated launching massive missile and drone strikes on Israeli-occupied territories and American bases in the region. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes was a "declaration of war against Muslims". Meanwhile, Bahrain's National Communication Centre on Sunday announced that the country's air defence systems successfully intercepted a fresh wave of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeting the territory, Khaleej Times reported. The publication also reported that Qatar strongly condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted Duqm Port in Oman and an oil tanker off its coast. Officials called the strikes a violation of Oman's sovereignty and an "unacceptable escalation," noting that the attacks were aimed at a country actively working to mediate the crisis between Iran and the international community. Khaleej Times also cited Kuwaiti Air Defence Force saying that they successfully confronted several hostile aerial targets on Sunday morning. The interceptions took place south of the country and were carried out with "efficiency and capability," according to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence spokesman. UAE's Ministry of Defence said that its defence systems detected and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched toward the country. Officials also confirmed two fatalities and multiple injuries resulting from falling debris. Israel's Defence Force has released video footage of the attacks, which shows huge plumes of smoke rising over Tehran as the strikes make contact. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. - ANI Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concern for the safety of Indian expatriates in West Asia amid escalating regional tensions. He requested urgent preparedness from the central government, including plans for a safe return and helplines, while offering Kerala's full assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs concurrently issued an advisory for foreign nationals in India needing visa extensions due to the disrupted travel situation. This follows major military strikes involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which have killed Iran's Supreme Leader and triggered retaliatory rocket attacks. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi over safety of Indian expats in Gulf amid rising Iran-Israel-US tensions. Read the latest advisory. New Delhi, March 1 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety of Indians in West Asia amid the rising geopolitical tensions in the region following strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Expressing his sincere concerns, the CM extended the support of the Government of Kerala for any possible assistance regarding the safety of Indians in West Asia includiing safe return of the Indian expats, setting up of helplines, etc. In a post on X, Pinarayi Vijayan wrote, "Wrote to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi expressing our deep apprehension over the escalating situation in the Gulf region following the attack on Iran. Requested urgent preparedness to ensure the safety of our Pravasis, including their safe return if necessary. The Government of Kerala stands ready to offer all possible assistance, including setting up helplines for relatives." Earlier in the day, Vijayan expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation in the Gulf countries, highlighting the potential impact on expatriates from the state. The Chief Minister stated that he has written to Narendra Modi, urging the Union Government to take necessary diplomatic steps to safeguard the interests and ensure the safety of Indian nationals, especially Keralites, in the Gulf countries. "The current situation in the Gulf countries is highly concerning. As far as Kerala is concerned, there is a massive number of expatriates residing in these nations. Therefore, I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting his intervention to resolve the concerns in the Gulf region," he said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today issued an advisory for foreign nationals in India who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing security situation in West Asia. In an official statement, the MEA requested the foreign nationals to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office if they need assistance with visa extension or to regularise their stay. It said. "All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office ( FRRO). The FRRO concerned will help with necessary formalities. For contact details of FRRO, you may visit https://boi.gov.in/" The US and Israel, in Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar on February 28, conducted strikes on Iran in which the latter's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. Tehran warned it would step up attacks in retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader and fired rockets at Israel for a second consecutive day today. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed in a statement on Sunday that Iran's armed forces would soon retaliate again with the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against US bases and Israel.Sirens rang out repeatedly across much of central, southern and northern Israel on Saturday night and Sunday morning as Iran fired ballistic missiles at the country, sending millions of Israelis to shelter, the Times of Israel reported. The publication cited Iran's state broadcaster as reporting that 27 US bases in the region, as well as Israel's military headquarters and a defence industries complex in Tel Aviv, were among the targets in the new wave of strikes.The Israel Defence Forces said that they continued to carry out strikes on military sites in Iran, including a massive blast in Tehran. The army announced that it had dropped over 1,000 pieces of munition in just over 24 hours of attacks, according to a report in the Times of Israel. - ANI Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme in Jammu, stressing the critical need to strengthen India's domestic manufacturing capabilities. He stated that while Naxalism has been eradicated, religious terrorism remains a national challenge, though it has been significantly reduced. Sinha argued that increased investment in Indian manufacturing would create more jobs and build an economy resilient to global crises. He expressed faith that with public support, Jammu and Kashmir could become completely free from terrorism and achieve unprecedented progress. J&K LG Manoj Sinha emphasizes boosting domestic manufacturing for a self-reliant India and states that eliminating terrorism is key to the region's progress. Jammu, March 1 Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme in Jammu. During the programme, he said that the main challenge ahead of the nation was terrorism, which now shrunk to some place only. He also said that Naxalism has been wiped out, while "religious terrorism" remains a challenge to the nation. Addressing the public, he said, "Everyone has seen the developments in the Middle East. The biggest need is to strengthen the domestic manufacturing capability of India. India has skills. In the last 11-12 years, there has been a huge change in the country. The entire economy of the world is being rewritten." He further stated that, "in this situation, the biggest need is to make manufacturing stronger. I believe in trade agreement trust becoming less, and only countries survive when they are capable of investing in manufacturing readiness before a crisis arrives. More investing in Indian manufacturing means more jobs, a strong economy that is cacapble facing any situation." Speaking about security in the region, he said that the soldiers of our security forces, the Jammu and Kashmir police, the administration, everyone is trying together. "Jammu and Kashmir can be completely free from terrorism. If the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand together, then I have complete faith, and this is very important for Jammu and Kashmir. This is very important. Some people must be thinking, what difference does it make to us? We do our job. But it does make a difference," said Sinha. He further said that, "Perhaps, if terrorism is eliminated, then the speed at which Jammu and Kashmir can move forward, you cannot imagine. I think that the results of all these things have also come, and when injustice is done to the capable, then I think there will be problems." - ANI Large-scale protests erupted in Lucknow as the Shia community condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in reported US-Israel military strikes. Prominent cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas called the act unfortunate and warned of a "befitting reply" from Iran. The All India Shia Personal Law Board announced a three-day mourning period with black flags and clothes. The Iranian Embassy in India issued a strong statement, labeling the killing a crime and urging global governments to condemn the action. Major Shia protests in Lucknow condemn US-Israel strikes killing Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei. Clerics announce mourning, Iran vows response. Lucknow, March 1 Large numbers of people across the old Lucknow on Sunday took to the streets in the Uttar Pradesh capital to protest against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel. Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas today condemned the killing of Khamenei as "very unfortunate" for the global community. The Shia cleric, while speaking to ANI, said, "It is very unfortunate. The world thinks that by killing Khamenei, Iran will be finished... America and Israel will get a befitting reply from Iran. Today, large-scale protests and demonstrations will be carried out at Lucknow's Imambara at 8.30 PM... All India Shia Personal Law Board have announced a mourning period of three days when we all will wear black clothes and put up black flags at our houses." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning. Iranian state media was cited by Reuters. The Embassy of Iran in India today strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and termed the action an "unforgiveable crime", the Embassy urged governments around the world to condemn the killing. It also shared a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which shared military actions taken by Iran against an American vessel and a naval base in Kuwait. In a post on X, it said, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expresses its profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following the brutal and criminal attacks carried out by the regime of the United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance), to the Muslim Ummah, to the great nation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to all freedom-loving nations of the world. "It further added, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom-seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression." - ANI Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the sacred Bhasma Aarti at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple. He prayed for India's progress and prosperity while calling on citizens to overcome ego, hatred, and jealousy. Dhankhar also expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by farmers and army personnel for the nation. The former VP had resigned from his post in July 2025 to prioritize his healthcare. Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple, praying for national progress and calling for unity. Ujjain, February 28 Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the Bhasma Aarti at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Saturday and prayed for the country's progress and prosperity. On the occasion, while speaking to ANI, Dhankhar urged people to rise above ego, hatred and become healthy and happy in life. "May we rise above ego, hatred, revenge, and jealousy, and become healthy and happy in life. I prayed for our country's progress and prosperity," said former Vice President. The Former Vice President also expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice of farmers and army personnel towards the country. "I come from a farming background. The sacrifice of our farmers and Army personnel towards our country is immense, and we will always remain grateful to them... I pray for everyone's well-being," Dhankhar added. The Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered one of the sacred temples in India. The former Vice President resigned in July 2025 "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice". Dhankhar's resignation was accepted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, a day after. - ANI The joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran has led to Tehran retaliating with ballistic missile and drone attacks at American and Israeli military bases in five Gulf states: Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in a Truth Social post on Feb. 28 that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead. The president claimed Khamenei couldn't escape the joint U.S.-Israeli intelligence and tracking systems and is now dead. Iranian state media confirmed the assassination of Khamenei, as per Reuters. Now, a market on Polymarket, the cryptocurrency-based prediction market, is asking by when Iran will declare the successor to Khamenei. What is Polymarket? Launched in 2020, Polymarket is the worlds largest prediction market that lets traders bet money on contracts related to real events like geopolitical events, future crypto prices, election results, Fed policy, etc. A user simply pays with cryptocurrency to trade an event contract. Markets related to the 2024 U.S. presidential election on the platform invited sharp scrutiny from the American administration and Polymarket couldn't serve U.S. customers. In September last year, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) gave the green light to Polymarket to go live in the U.S. The crypto-based prediction market raised $2 billion from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) parent, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), at a valuation of $9 billion in October. Trending on TheStreet Roundtable: Polymarket odds at 75% that Iran declares Khamenei's successor by March 31 The newly created event on Polymarket asks by when Iran will name a successor to Khamenei and the total money traded on this market so far is more than $158,000 across all outcomes. A protester holds up a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration near the Iranian embassy in Baghdad on January 16, 2026, against Israel and recent US threats of military action in Iran, and in support of the Iranian regime and its supreme leader. Polymarket traders think there is a 75% chance that Iran will declare Khamenei's successor by March 31. March 1: 11% March 2: 20% March 6: 39% March 15: 60% The market will resolve to "Yes" when Iran announces Khamenei's successor who will be the new Supreme Leader of the country. More News: How oil prices reacted With the Strait of Hormuz reportedly closed, oil prices immediately began to rise. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised foreign nationals in India whose travel plans are disrupted by the West Asia crisis to contact their nearest FRRO for visa extension or regularization assistance. This comes amid volatile regional tensions following military strikes, which have severely impacted international travel. Simultaneously, Indian embassies in affected countries like Israel and Iran are urging Indian citizens to exercise utmost caution and avoid non-essential movement. Diplomatic missions across the Gulf are advising vigilance and registration to ensure timely support. MEA advises foreign nationals in India to contact FRRO for visa extensions due to travel disruptions from the West Asia crisis. Get official details. New Delhi, March 1 The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday issued an advisory for foreign nationals in India, asking those affected by disrupted travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office for visa extension or regularisation. The advisory said: "All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The FRRO concerned will help with necessary formalities. For contact details of FRRO, you may visit https://boi.gov.in/" This advisory comes as the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains volatile following recent military strikes and escalating tensions, which have affected international travel and visa arrangements for many visitors and residents. India has also been issuing separate safety and travel advisories for its own citizens in the region. In response to the USIsrael strikes on Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has urged Indian nationals to exercise "utmost caution" and avoid nonessential travel, remain close to designated shelters, and stay informed through local news and official channels as the regional security situation evolves. The embassy has also provided a 24/7 helpline for emergency assistance. Indian nationals in Iran have been advised to remain indoors wherever possible and avoid unnecessary movement amid ongoing tensions. Diplomatic missions in other parts of the Gulf, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, have similarly advised Indians to stay vigilant, follow local guidance, and register with their respective missions to facilitate timely support. Travel disruptions, airspace closures and changing operational conditions have underscored the importance of updated visa status and communication with authorities, a step the MEA's FRRO advisory aims to address for foreign visitors and residents in India during this period of uncertainty. - IANS Millions of Israelis spent Sunday in bomb shelters as Iran launched approximately 100 ballistic missiles, with several penetrating defenses and striking populated areas, including a Tel Aviv residential building that killed one woman. Israeli air defenses intercepted most projectiles while the military continued offensive operations inside Iran, which confirmed the assassination of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Other senior Iranian security and military figures were also reported killed in the initial strikes. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared "justice was done," framing the operation as a fatal blow to the "axis of evil." Iran launches 100 missiles at Israel, killing one. Israel assassinates Iran's Supreme Leader. Millions of Israelis shelter as war enters second day. Tel Aviv, March 1 While the Israeli military highlighted major successes against Iran's leadership and military infrastructure, millions of Israelis spent Sunday morning in bomb shelters as the war entered its second day. Over the past 24 hours, Iranian forces launched roughly 100 ballistic missiles toward Israel, according to Israeli military officials. Most were intercepted by the nation's air defences, but several missiles penetrated and struck populated areas. Late Saturday night, a missile hit a residential building in Tel Aviv, killing a woman in her 40s and injuring at least 25 others. Emergency responders said one man was in very serious condition, several others were moderately wounded, and the remainder suffered light injuries. Seven of the wounded were children, including a two-month-old baby and an older sibling who were rescued from the damaged building before their parents were evacuated. Multiple impact sites were reported in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, and emergency medical teams treated the injured and transported them to hospitals for further care. Authorities urged the public to continue following civil defense instructions, warning that additional launches were likely. Throughout Saturday and into Sunday, air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly across large parts of the country, sending families rushing to shelters, sometimes multiple times in the same night. Schools and many workplaces were closed, public gatherings were restricted, and emergency services stayed on heightened readiness. Israeli officials said jets intercepted dozens of Iranian drones. At the same time, the Israeli military continued its offensive operations inside Iran. Tehran confirmed the assassination of supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini. Other notable security figures killed in the first wave of strikes included Ali Shamkhani, who served as secretary of Iran's Defense Council, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Fakhpour, and armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said "justice was done" with Khameini's assassination. "The tyrant Khamenei was thwarted in the opening blow of Operation 'Roar of the Lion' and with him other senior figures in the Iranian terrorist stronghold," Katz tweeted. "Those who worked to destroy Israel - were destroyed. Justice was done and the axis of evil suffered a fatal blow." - ANI Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that three more semiconductor plants will commence commercial production in India in 2026, following the recent inauguration of the Micron facility in Gujarat. This development is part of a broader push under the India Semiconductor Mission, with ten approved projects representing a massive investment of about Rs 1.60 lakh crore. The minister highlighted that semiconductors are critical for economic security and power essential systems across healthcare, transport, and defense. Vaishnaw also provided an update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, noting it is expected to be inaugurated around 2027. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces 3 more semiconductor plants will begin commercial production in 2026, boosting India's tech ambitions. Gandhinagar, March 1 Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said three more semiconductor plants will go into commercial production in India in 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday inaugurated the Micron ATMP (Assembly, Test, Marking, and Packaging) facility in Sanand, Gujarat. This landmark event, marking the commencement of commercial production, signifies a historic milestone in India's journey toward global technology leadership. "The promise he (PM Modi) made to the country that the semiconductor industry has to be brought to India, he fulfilled that promise. This is the first step," Vaishnaw said today at a semiconductor-focused conference. "Very soon, the second plant is also going to go into commercial production and after that two more plants will go into commercial production this year. In other words, four of the ten plants that have been approved, will be inaugurated in 2026," the minister added. Today, the minister is also set to review the under-construction Tata fab in Dholera. In just four years, since the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021, India has transformed its semiconductor journey from vision to reality. To support this vision, the government had announced a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. India now has 10 approved semiconductor projects across six states. Together, these projects represent an investment of about Rs 1.60 lakh crore and position India to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders. Semiconductors are at the heart of modern technology. They power essential systems in healthcare, transport, communication, defence, and space. As the world moves toward greater digitalization and automation, semiconductors have become integral to economic security and strategic independence. Today, the minister also reiterated that Mumbai-Ahmedabad ambitious bullet train project is expected to be inaugurated sometime in 2027. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Japan. The Project is passing through the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. The travel time between the two major cities would be a little less than 2 hours, the minister said. - ANI Prominent Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh have strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes. They termed the event a grievous loss for the Muslim community and a violation of international law. The clerics called upon the United Nations and the international community to intervene immediately to prevent further regional escalation. The incident has triggered national mourning in Iran and sparked solidarity protests in parts of India. Prominent UP Muslim clerics condemn US-Israel strikes killing Ayatollah Khamenei, term it a grave loss and call for UN intervention to prevent escalation. Lucknow, March 1 Prominent Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh have strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, terming it a grave loss for the Muslim community and urging the international community to intervene to prevent further escalation in the region. Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said the death of Khamenei -- who led Iran for nearly four decades -- was a grievous loss for the Muslim community. "This is not only a moment of grief and pain for the people of Iran, but for everyone who respected him," the Maulana said. He alleged that the US and Israel had been targeting him for years, calling the attack oppressive and an attempt to weaken Iran's leadership. Razvi appealed to protesters in India to exercise their democratic right peacefully and ensure there was no violence or disruption during demonstrations. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, Chairman of the Lucknow Islamic Centre, described the strikes as a violation of international law and condemned the killing of Khamenei, whom he said had every right to defend his country. "Iran is a sovereign, independent nation, and the attack by Israel and the US demonstrates extreme brutality," he said, calling on the United Nations and the global community to intervene and halt the conflict immediately." Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas also reacted strongly, saying the US-Israel strike was tantamount to a terrorist action and should be condemned by the entire world. "The persistent actions of the United States show a pattern of interference and aggression," Abbas said, criticising global power politics and lamenting the escalation of violence. The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- confirmed by Iranian state media -- has triggered a 40-day national mourning period in Iran amid retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iranian forces on targets in the region, including US and Israeli assets. The conflict has also sparked protests in parts of Kashmir and elsewhere in India, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the military action that led to Khamenei's death. - IANS Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu films missiles over Dubai, shares family's fright. Actress Sonal Chauhan appeals to PM Modi for help to return to India. Dubai, March 1 Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu shared a scary experience from Dubai after missiles were seen lighting up the night sky amid rising tensions West Asia. Vishnu was in Dubai visiting his family when the situation unfolded. On Saturday evening, the 'Kannappa' actor took to his Instagram Stories and shared a video showing what appeared to be missiles visible from outside his residence. Loud interception sounds could also be heard in the background as he looked towards his young child, who appeared frightened by the noise. Along with the video, he described the entire experience, explaining how the "missiles" and loud sounds shook their home. The actor also wrote that he hopes no child would ever hear the sound of war. "In Dubai visiting family tonight. Missiles visible in the sky. The loud interceptions shook our home and frightened little Ayra. Praying for peace. No child anywhere should grow up hearing the sound of war above their roof," he wrote. Vishnu also thanked local authorities for ensuring civilian safety and reflected on how moments like these show how fragile life can be. He added, "Grateful to the UAE defense forces for keeping civilians safe. Moments like this remind us how fragile life really is. Praying for strength and peace. Har Har Mahadev." Earlier in the day, actor Sonal Chauhan, who found herself stuck in Dubai after several flights were canceled, reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help, asking for support to return to India safely. The 'Jannat' actress took to her Instagram Stories to share her situation with her followers and the authorities. She spoke about being "stranded" in Dubai as flights had been canceled with no clear update on when services would restart. In her post, she directly sought the government's "guidance and support" during the ongoing crisis. Her post read, "Hon'ble PM @Narendramodi ji, I'm currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been canceled, and there is no clear way to return to India. I'm seeking the government's guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return." Earlier in the day, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. - ANI Actor Sonal Chauhan is stranded in Dubai after multiple flight cancellations caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East. She has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Instagram for government assistance to return home safely. The cancellations are a result of airspace closures following coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian sites. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo are monitoring the situation and have set up help desks for stranded passengers awaiting safe flight corridors. Actor Sonal Chauhan stranded in Dubai after flight cancellations due to Middle East tensions, appeals to PM Modi for assistance to return to India. New Delhi, March 1 Actor Sonal Chauhan has found herself stuck in Dubai after several flights were cancelled due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The actress has now reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help, asking for support to return to India safely. The 'Jannat' actress took to her Instagram Stories to share her situation with her followers and the authorities. She spoke about being "stranded" in Dubai as flights have been cancelled with no clear update on when services will restart. In her post, she directly sought the government's "guidance and support" during the ongoing crisis. Her post read, "Hon'ble PM @Narendramodi ji, I'm currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I'm seeking the government's guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return." Take a look Sonal Chauhan is among the many passengers currently stuck at Dubai International Airport. Sudden flight cancellations have left travellers waiting for updates, with many unsure about when they will be able to return home. Several videos shared online show crowded airport terminals and worried passengers as they wait for official announcements. The crisis follows a sharp escalation in West Asia after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked sites. The operation triggered retaliatory threats and airspace closures in several countries, including Iran and Iraq, disrupting major international air corridors. Airlines across the country have been forced to reroute or cancel flights, with airports setting up help desks to assist stranded passengers. Both Air India and IndiGo said they remain in close coordination with aviation authorities and are monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Services will resume once safe flight corridors become available, the airlines said, urging passengers to stay updated through official channels as the situation evolves. - ANI Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a collaborative military strike on Iranian sites, which he said targeted a leading sponsor of terrorism. He expressed full support for the operation, hoping it would bring historic change to the Middle East. Middle Eastern scholar Adrian Calamel analyzed that the strike was more driven by U.S. policy to contain Iran's nuclear capabilities than by Israel. Calamel also commented on India's likely private concerns regarding the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, given its proximity to nuclear-armed Pakistan. Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanks Trump and Netanyahu for a "bold, combined operation" against Iran, calling the partnership a "true blessing." Jerusalem, March 1 Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Saturday praised the military of Israel and the United States, stating that the partnership is a "true blessing," while expressing support for the United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the collaborative military strike on Iranian sites. In a post on X, he stated that the strike was aimed at one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the world, responsible for mass terror. "Thank you, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, the leader of the free world, for taking a historic and courageous decision. I fully support you and Prime Minister Benjamin @Netanyahu and your teams in this decision to launch a bold, combined operation against the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, which is responsible for decades of mass terror and murder around the world and aims to become a nuclear-armed state. I sincerely hope that this operation will bring a historic change and a better future for the whole Middle East and the entire world..." he wrote on X. Calling Israel a strong nation, Herzog praised the defence forces, saying that the nation stands behind them. "Let me be clear to all those who seek or threaten to harm us: the people of Israel are a strong nation. No one can break our spirit. To the brave women and men of the IDF: I trust and support you. An entire nation stands behind you. May God bless you all, and may you all return home in peace..." he said. Furthermore, the Israeli president praised the soldiers of the United States, underlining that the partnership will bring hope, prosperity, and security. He extended support to the regions affected by Iran's counterstrike in the Middle East. "To the United States military servicemen and women conducting this noble mission: thank you. Our partnership is a true blessing, advancing hope, prosperity, and security. Together, we will prevail. May God bless you, and may you all return home in peace. We stand together with our friends and allies in the Middle East who are under attack from the Iranian regime. May God bless them and safeguard them from all harm. To the people of Iran: I hope and pray that you will soon be able to see a better future of freedom," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern Scholar Adrian Calamel said that the strike was more US-driven than Israel-driven. "From my assessment, this is more US-driven than it is Israel-driven. This has to do with a regime that was unwilling to give up the enrichment and reprocessing capabilities. Any country that has those two capabilities has produced a nuclear weapon. Under no circumstances could we let that happen... I would say 15 years since the Obama administration, the regime, and the United States have tried to reduce everything to the nuclear file, and the regime not being able to have these nuclear possessions, which is absolutely right. They tried to put the United States in a box with that. So we did overlook their human rights abuses, their terrorism, you know, what they do to their own population. What Trump has done is consistently put them back into that nuclear box. So he actually worked the deal and put them out, negotiated them on that..." he said. Calamel further stated that India will agree to the threat of nuclear weaponry, even though it can advocate for diplomacy in public. "I think publicly, India is going to say that they advocate for diplomacy. That is the best route. But ultimately, I would believe that India understands the dangers of having a nuclear-armed Iran when you have a nuclear-armed Pakistan right next door that has been playing nuclear blackmail with India for years now..." he added. Calamel further said that India has a lot of concerns because of the domestic population in the UAE and the foreign nationals who are in the UAE. - ANI The Congress party has urgently requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety and arrange the return of over 100 citizens from Madhya Pradesh stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports. This situation arose following flight cancellations due to regional tensions stemming from US-Israel attacks on Iran and Iranian retaliatory actions targeting the Gulf. Air India Express flights from Sharjah to Indore were cancelled, leaving passengers, including many families, women, and children, in distress after arriving at the airports. State Congress chief Jitu Patwari highlighted the passengers' increasing anxiety as all Dubai airports have been closed and flights cancelled indefinitely. Congress appeals to PM Modi for safe return of over 100 stranded Madhya Pradesh citizens from UAE airports following flight cancellations amid Middle East tensions. Bhopal, March 1 The Congress has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety of all Indians, including over 100 citizens of Madhya Pradesh, who are stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports due to the US-Israel attack on Iran and the retaliatory action. The Congress requested the Prime Minister to immediately intervene and ensure the safety of stranded Indians, while arranging for their speedy return home. Following the Israeli and American attacks, Iran is targeting the Gulf region. Iran has been continuously attacking Qatar, Jordan, and Dubai. Meanwhile, a drone attack occurred near Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. State chief unit of Congress Jitu Patwari, through his X handle, has appealed to Prime Minister Modi to arrange for the return of all passengers to their homeland. Jitu Patwari shared a post on his social media handle X and wrote, "More than 100 citizens of Madhya Pradesh are stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports due to the Israel-Iran war. Women, children, and family members have been in inconvenience for several hours, and their anxiety has increased after the cancellation of their flights." Following the attack, all Dubai airports have been closed and all flights to and from the airport have been cancelled indefinitely. Air India Express flight IX-256 from Sharjah, Dubai, to Indore has been cancelled. Saturday's flights IX255 (IDR-SHJ) and IX256 (SHJ-IDR) were cancelled. This has left over 100 passengers from Madhya Pradesh stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports. The stranded passengers include residents from several districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, Bhopal, and Gwalior. A large number of these passengers include families, women, and children. According to information, the flight from Sharjah to Indore was scheduled to depart at 12:20 pm UAE time but was cancelled at the last minute. Passengers learned of this upon arriving at the airport. Many passengers had already arrived in Dubai and were scheduled for connecting flights from Sharjah to Indore. They too are stranded there. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, focusing on major development initiatives. He will launch projects worth 2,700 crore in Puducherry and 4,400 crore in Madurai, spanning highways, railways, and broadcasting. The visit includes a political rally for the NDA and a significant religious stop at the Tirupparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple. These engagements blend infrastructure development with political and cultural outreach in the region. PM Narendra Modi visits Tamil Nadu & Puducherry to launch projects worth 7000 crore, attend an NDA rally, and offer prayers at Tirupparankundram Temple. Chennai, Feb 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chennai on Saturday, marking the beginning of a high-profile two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry that combines major development initiatives with political engagements and a religious visit. The Prime Minister reached the city from Gujarat and was received at the airport by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Minister of State L. Murugan, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and other senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. Prime Minister Modi will stay overnight at the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan on Saturday before departing for Puducherry on Sunday morning. In Puducherry, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend a public rally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 2,700 crore. The development projects span multiple sectors and are aimed at boosting infrastructure and public services in Puducherry and its regions, including Karaikal. Later on Sunday afternoon, the Prime Minister will travel to Madurai, where he is set to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for infrastructure projects valued at Rs 4,400 crore. These initiatives are expected to enhance road connectivity, urban infrastructure, and regional development across southern Tamil Nadu. At around 4 p.m. on Sunday, PM Modi will offer prayers at the historic Tirupparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Prime Minister Modi's temple visit is anticipated to draw significant public attention, coming amid heightened political activity in Tamil Nadu. Among the key infrastructure highlights of the Prime Minister's visit are the inauguration of newly constructed four-lane highways connecting Marakkanam and Puducherry, and Paramakudi and Ramanathapuram, aimed at improving inter-city connectivity and facilitating trade and tourism. Under the Centre's Amrit Bharat scheme, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate eight redeveloped railway stations in Tamil Nadu to the nation -- Morappur, Bommidi, Srivilliputhur, Cholavandan, Manapparai, Pollachi Junction, Karaikudi Junction, and Tiruvarur Junction -- as part of efforts to modernise railway infrastructure. Additionally, three new All India Radio FM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore will be launched to strengthen broadcasting services in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister's visit is expected to generate considerable political and public interest, blending infrastructure announcements with outreach ahead of crucial electoral developments in the region. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting in Delhi amid escalating Middle East tensions following deadly US-Israel airstrikes on Iran. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and senior officials, prompting Iranian retaliation across the region. Indian leaders, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and SAD's Sukhbir Singh Badal, have urgently appealed to PM Modi to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian citizens from affected countries. Modi's return follows campaign events and project inaugurations in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. PM Modi to chair CCS meeting amid Middle East crisis. Kerala CM, SAD chief urge evacuation of Indians. US-Israel strikes kill Iranian leader. New Delhi, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in the national capital on Sunday after concluding his two-day tour, GoI sources said. He is expected to land in Delhi around 9:30 pm. The meeting comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following US-Israel strikes on Iran. Israel and US launched Operation Roaring Lion/ Operation Epic Fury in coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities, targeting Iranian military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. US President Donald Trump said that the strikes were done to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon". Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. On Sunday, Israel said it had launched fresh attacks on "the heart of Tehran". Iran, meanwhile, attacked the port of Duqm in Oman and targeted an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the strikes on Iran "will continue for as long as necessary" and will not stop "before the objectives are achieved", as reported in the Times of Israel. Amid the escalating crisis, several Indian leaders have urged urgent measures for the safe return of citizens stranded in the affected countries. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Prime Minister requesting that the safety of Indians in West Asia be ensured, offering the support of the state government for measures such as helplines and facilitating the safe return of expatriates. The Chief Minister emphasised the urgent need to protect Indian citizens amid the escalating crisis. Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also expressed concern over the large Indian diaspora in the region. He said, "We requested the Prime Minister. I have sent an email to the central government. India can contribute, and it can intervene to stop the war." Furthermore, Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), appealed to the Prime Minister to evacuate Punjabis and other Indians from the affected countries. He stressed that a special airlift operation should be initiated immediately once air routes reopen. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also appealed to PM Modi to ensure the safety of Keralites. Meanwhile, the National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Nasir Khuehami, wrote to PM Modi seeking the evacuation of around 1,200 Kashmiri students from Iranian territories affected by the military strikes. Prime Minister Modi's return to Delhi follows his visits to Puducherry and Madurai, where he participated in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign events ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. During his tour, he inaugurated key central government infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, focusing on national highways and railways, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic development in the region. On February 28, PM Modi visited Gujarat to inaugurate the Semiconductor Assembly, Test and Packaging (ATMP) facility of Micron Semiconductor Technology India Pvt Ltd in Sanand, addressing a large gathering during the event. - ANI ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT) is one of the 12 Best Stocks Under $10 to Invest In Right Now. On February 24, ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT) announced that it has acquired Origin Wireless, Inc. for $170 million in cash. This transaction will bring Origins AI sensing platform and related intellectual property into the companys business. Origin AIs sensing technology helps home solutions to better detect and classify motion and identify human presence without the need for camera, audio, or wearable devices. After the technology is integrated into ADT Inc.s (NYSE:ADT) platform, it is expected to support new customer use cases and safety improvements by offering a better understanding of presence, occupancy, motion, and related activity inside the home. ADT Acquires Origin Wireless in $170 Million Deal By acquiring Origin Wireless, Inc., ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT) also gets access to a rich portfolio of over 200 early-priority global patents. These patents offer a core intelligence layer that can support future security and smart home solutions, including applications that support aging in place. According to the report, ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT) expects to start commercializing new products and solutions that use Origins AI sensing technology in 2027. ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT) provides security, interactive, and smart home solutions for residential and small business customers in the US. While we acknowledge the potential of ADT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best American Penny Stocks to Invest In and 15 AI Stocks That Are Skyrocketing. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security upon his return to Delhi Sunday night. The meeting is a direct response to escalating Middle East tensions following coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. The CCS will review implications for India's strategic interests, including the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf region and energy security. The discussions are expected to cover contingency plans, diplomatic positioning, and the impact of the crisis on global oil prices. PM Narendra Modi to chair urgent CCS meeting on Middle East tensions after US-Israel strikes on Iran. Review of Indian nationals' safety, energy security. New Delhi, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security upon his return to the national capital on Sunday night, government sources said. The meeting of the Cabinet committee, the apex decision-making body on security and strategic matters of India, comes against the backdrop of a rapidly deteriorating geopolitical situation in the Middle East following coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which have intensified regional conflict and raised global security concerns. According to official sources, PM Modi is expected to land in Delhi around 9:30 pm after concluding a two-day tour across several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects, flagged off new train services like Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting southern cities, and reviewed key infrastructure initiatives worth thousands of crores. "The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of the CCS on returning to Delhi tonight from his two-day tour of the states. He is expected to land here at around 9.30 pm," a government source said. The CCS, India's apex body for national security decisions, comprises the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Defence, Home, External Affairs, and Finance. The urgent convening of the CCS is widely seen as a response to the latest developments in West Asia, including US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory actions. Reports indicate the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in related escalations, heightening fears of broader conflict. The meeting is expected to review the implications for India's strategic interests, including the safety of Indian nationals in the region, particularly in the UAE and other Gulf countries, energy security, maritime routes, and diplomatic positioning. India has maintained a balanced stance in the Middle East crisis, advocating de-escalation while protecting its citizens and economic ties. Sources suggest the discussions may cover contingency plans for evacuations if needed, impact on oil prices, and coordination with international partners. This is the latest in a series of high-stakes security reviews as global tensions mount. PM Modi's prompt return and immediate CCS engagement underscore the government's proactive approach to safeguarding national security amid volatile international developments. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting following escalating Middle East tensions after coordinated US-Israel airstrikes in Iran. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and senior officials, prompting Iranian retaliation across the region. Several Indian state leaders, including Kerala's Chief Minister and the opposition leader, have urgently written to PM Modi requesting measures to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian citizens from affected Gulf countries. The appeals highlight concerns for the large Indian diaspora, including students and expatriates, stranded in the conflict zone. PM Modi holds high-level security meeting after US-Israel strikes kill Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei. Indian leaders urge evacuation of citizens from Gulf. New Delhi, March 2 Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in the national capital on Sunday amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following US-Israel strikes on Iran. The meeting was held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Modi returned to Delhi after his two-day visit to Puducherry and Madurai, where he participated in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign events ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. During his tour, he inaugurated key central government infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, focusing on national highways and railways, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic development in the region. The meeting came in the aftermath of Israel and the US' coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities, targeting Iranian military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. US President Donald Trump said that the strikes were done to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon".Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, thus triggering conflict in the Middle East. Amid the escalating crisis, several Indian leaders have urged urgent measures for the safe return of citizens stranded in the affected Gulf countries. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Prime Minister requesting that the safety of Indians in West Asia be ensured, offering the support of the state government for measures such as helplines and facilitating the safe return of expatriates. The Chief Minister emphasised the urgent need to protect Indian citizens amid the escalating crisis. Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also expressed concern over the large Indian diaspora in the region. He said, "We requested the Prime Minister. I have sent an email to the central government. India can contribute, and it can intervene to stop the war." Furthermore, Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), appealed to the Prime Minister to evacuate Punjabis and other Indians from the affected countries. He stressed that a special airlift operation should be initiated immediately once air routes reopen. The National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Nasir Khuehami, also wrote to PM Modi seeking the evacuation of around 1,200 Kashmiri students from Iranian territories affected by the military strikes. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced projects worth Rs 1000 crore for Puducherry, focusing on decongestion and infrastructure, including a Rs 140 crore flyover. He emphasized the region's potential to become a major medical tourism hub, citing its existing nine medical colleges. The modernization of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER and new Critical Care Blocks aim to significantly enhance local healthcare capacity. Improved road connectivity is expected to reduce travel time to Chennai, boosting tourism and economic growth. PM Modi announces Rs 1000 crore infrastructure projects and envisions Puducherry as a major medical tourism hub, highlighting healthcare and connectivity upgrades. Puducherry, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the potential of Puducherry to emerge as a major medical tourism hub, pointing out that the region already has nine medical colleges. Addressing a public rally here, the Prime Minister stressed that a nation's progress depends on the health of its people. He said healthcare remains a top priority for the government, guided by the principle that services must be accessible, available, and affordable for all. He noted that the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is already benefiting crores of families across the country. "Any nation can progress only when its human capital is healthy; that's why healthcare remains our foremost priority. We believe that healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable to all. Ayushman Bharat Scheme is already fulfilling the vision for crores of families across India. No citizen of Puducherry should be forced to travel far for treatment. Instead, we want people from other regions to come here to heal. I strongly believe that Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub. It already has nine medical colleges," the Prime Minister said. He added that the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) will significantly enhance healthcare capacity. The foundation stone was also laid for three Critical Care Blocks for seriously ill patients under the PM-ABHIM initiative. "The modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER will further expand healthcare capacity. Today, the foundation stone has been laid for three Critical Care Blocks for critically ill patients under PM-ABHIM," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of connectivity, describing it as the backbone of development. He said both rural and urban infrastructure are being strengthened, with hundreds of kilometres of rural roads under construction to benefit students, farmers, and small businesses. To ease congestion in Puducherry town, projects worth Rs 1,000 crore have been announced, including a Rs 140 crore flyover. "Connectivity is the backbone of progress. We are focusing on both, on rural and urban infra. On the one hand, hundreds of kilometres of rural roads are being built. They are improving connectivity for students, farmers and small businesses. At the same time, we are also working to ensure the decongestion of Puducherry. We have announced projects worth Rs 1000 crore in Puducherry town. This includes a flyover worth Rs 140 crore," said PM Modi. He asserted that upgrades to the East Coast Road and the Grand Southern Trunk Road are expected to reduce travel time between Puducherry and Chennai to about 1.5 to 2 hours. Highlighting tourism as one of Puducherry's key strengths, he said the region already attracts thousands of weekend travellers. With further investment in spiritual, eco, and health tourism, the territory can scale new heights. "Connectivity to Chennai is being improved through an upgrade in the East Coast Road and grand southern trunk road. Travel time between Puducherry and Chennai will reduce to about 1.5 - 2 hours. Tourism is one of Puducherry's greatest strengths. As a weekend destination, it already attracts thousands of travellers. Trains and flights are always full. It's because of the warmth of the people of Puducherry. With investment in spiritual tourism, eco tourism and health tourism, we are taking new heights," PM Modi said. Focusing on youth empowerment, the Prime Minister said strengthening education and skills is essential for growth, adding that at the National Institute of Technology, Karaikal, the new Dr APJ Abdul Kalam engineering block and upgraded hospital facilities will boost technical education. "A strong and empowered youth is the foundation of our growth. We are working to support the dreams. At NIT Karaikal, the new Dr APJ Abdul Kalam engineering block and modern hospital facilities will strengthen technical education for many students. Infra upgrades have been done in Puducherry University," said PM Modi. Concluding his visit to Puducherry, PM Modi will also visit Madurai today to participate in a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign public meeting, with preparations currently underway in full swing across the city. The public meeting is set to take place at the Mandela Nagar grounds near the Ring Road, where preparations, including stage construction and other arrangements, are being carried out by the officials and party workers. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugrate key central government infrastructure projects related to national highways and railways. These projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity and boosting economic development in Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions. The visit comes as the NDA intensifies its campaign activities ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with senior leaders engaging with voters and addressing public meetings across the state. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in Navi Mumbai, paying tribute to the Guru's sacrifice and legacy. He emphasized the critical need for social unity in the country today, drawing inspiration from the era of the Gurus. The Prime Minister listed numerous government initiatives for the Sikh community, including the Kartarpur Corridor, justice for 1984 riots victims, and support for Sikhs in Afghanistan and Jammu & Kashmir. He stated that connecting the new generation with these values transforms tradition into a path for the future. PM Modi addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam of Guru Teg Bahadur, outlining government steps for Sikh welfare, unity, and justice. New Delhi, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji" in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. He paid respects to the great Guru, known as "Hind di Chadar", and said it is a matter of great fortune to take part in this historic and sacred event. The Prime Minister stated that India's history is built on bravery, harmony, and cooperation. He noted that the gathering on Maharashtra soil reflects this legacy. During the time of the Gurus, when sacrifice reached its highest level, social unity played a key role. People from every section drew strength from the Gurus to stand firm for truth and culture. Traditions such as the "Guru Nanak Naam-leva Sangat" of "Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji" helped build that unity. PM Modi emphasised that the country needs social unity today more than ever. The large presence of the Sangat at the event shows that the blessings of the Gurus and Saints remain with the nation. He described the Samagam as a continuing journey that started last year in Nagpur, grew stronger at "Takht Sri Hazur Sahib" in Nanded, and has now reached an important stage in Navi Mumbai. This effort has taken the history and teachings of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji" to thousands of villages and settlements across Maharashtra. The Prime Minister congratulated the Government of Maharashtra for organising the programme. He recalled attending a related event in Kurukshetra, Haryana, and said the Union Government marks every major occasion linked to the Guru Sahibs at the national level. These include the "400th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji," marked by a commemorative postage stamp and special coin, the "550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji," and the new annual observance of "Veer Bal Diwas" in honour of the "Sahibzadas". The Prime Minister listed several steps taken by the government. These include completing the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in record time, improving facilities for the "Sri Hemkund Sahib Yatra," giving relief under FCRA to Sikh organisations and Gurdwaras, and including Sikh history in school curricula and cultural discussions. He mentioned the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe the 1984 riots, reopening of closed cases, punishment for the guilty, additional compensation for victim families, and a more active role for the National Commission for Minorities. PM Modi spoke about efforts to ensure the safety of Sikh brothers in Afghanistan, the respectful return of the Swaroop of Guru Granth Sahib, citizenship provisions under CAA for persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, rehabilitation packages for Sikh families in Jammu and Kashmir, simplified OCI and visa rules, and removal of thousands of names from the blacklist to ease travel for overseas Sikhs. He said respecting the faith of the Sikh community and creating new opportunities for their progress is both a responsibility and a privilege for the government. Prime Minister Modi said that the spirit of standing with courage and truth remains as relevant today as it was in the time of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji". When the new generation connects with these values, tradition becomes a path to the future rather than just a memory. The purpose of the Samagam is not only to remember history but to live by its principles in daily conduct. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to dedicate and lay the foundation stone for development projects totaling over 7,000 crore. In Puducherry, projects worth over 2,700 crore include a major industrial estate and highway expansion. In Madurai, he will launch projects worth over 4,400 crore, including the inauguration of eight redeveloped railway stations. The initiatives aim to boost connectivity, reduce travel time, and spur industrial growth and employment in the region. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays foundation for infrastructure and rail projects worth over 7,000 crore in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. New Delhi, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday to address public gatherings and dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore. The Prime Minister will inaugurate development projects and lay foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry. He will also address the gathering on the occasion, said an official statement. Later in the afternoon on Sunday, the PM will travel to Madurai and launch projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore while addressing people at a public meeting, said the statement. Around 4 p.m., the Prime Minister will offer prayers at at Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, Tirupparankundram in Madurai. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for four-laning of Marakkanam-Puducherry Section of NH-332A and the Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram Section of NH-87. The four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry section will help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas of Puducherry, reduce travel time by nearly 50 per cent, from one hour to about 30 minutes. He will inaugurate and dedicate to the Nation rail infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, improving operational efficiency and strengthening rail-based connectivity in the State, said the statement. The Prime Minister will inaugurate eight redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These redeveloped railway stations are Morappur, Bommidi, Srivilliputtur, Sholavandan, Manaparai, Pollachi Junction, Karaikkudi Junction, Thiruvarur Junction in Tamil Nadu. In Puducherry, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate, which will house a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, state-of-the-art research and development centre of IIT Madras and advanced healthcare facilities of JIPMER, thereby providing a major boost to industrial growth and employment generation in the region. He will dedicate to the nation the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate, which will house a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, state-of-the-art research and development centre of IIT Madras and advanced healthcare facilities of JIPMER, thereby providing a major boost to industrial growth and employment generation in the region. - IANS PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Rs 2,700 crore infrastructure projects in Puducherry, covering transport, industry, healthcare, and water supply. Puducherry, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a wide array of development projects worth Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry, marking one of the largest infrastructure pushes for the union territory in recent years. The initiatives span urban mobility, rural connectivity, industrial expansion, education, healthcare, and sustainable development, with a focus on accelerating balanced growth across regions. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to strengthening both urban and rural infrastructure. He highlighted the construction of multiple rural roads to support farmers and small businesses, and emphasised steps being taken to ease traffic congestion in Puducherry town. "Delighted to be among the wonderful people of Puducherry. Today, multiple development works are being launched that will enhance ease of living and boost the region's economic growth," he said. Among the major announcements was a Rs 140-crore flyover project aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity. A series of urban development initiatives were launched, including the rollout of e-buses under the PM e-Bus Seva Initiative and the operationalisation of the Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission. Housing tenements for the Economically Weaker Sections under the CITIIS programme and key sewerage and drinking water projects were also dedicated to the public. In the education and healthcare sectors, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Composite Engineering Block -- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Block -- and the Ganga Hostel at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Karaikal. He also launched the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER and new academic and hostel facilities at Pondicherry University. A major highlight was the dedication of the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate, set to host a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, an IIT Madras research and development centre, and advanced healthcare facilities linked to JIPMER. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for water supply projects to ensure safe drinking water, along with 41 rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Projects under the MISHTI mangrove restoration initiative, Heritage Town development, and multiple works in sanitation, drainage, and power distribution under the RDSS scheme, and capital investment projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme were also launched. The Centre's decision to extend the SASCI scheme to Puducherry is expected to significantly boost infrastructure creation and public utility services in the Union Territory. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kokrajhar in Assam on March 13 to lay the foundation stones for development projects. The visit is strategically timed ahead of the state's upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. Concurrently, the BJP has launched its 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' across Assam to showcase government initiatives and seek public support. The party is campaigning to secure a third consecutive term in the state. PM Narendra Modi will visit Kokrajhar, Assam on March 13 to lay foundation stones for development projects ahead of the state assembly elections. Kokrajhar, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kokrajhar in Assam on March 13, Assam Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma said on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, the Assam Minister said that the PM Modi will lay foundation stones of development projects in the state. "On the upcoming 13th, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the market to lay the foundation stone for a project. According to an agreement, another project's foundation stone also needs to be laid. The government list has not been released yet," Urkhao Gwra Brahma said. PM Modi's Assam visit comes ahead of the State Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year. Earlier on February 28, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma kicked off the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' from the Dhekiajuli constituency in Sonitpur district in view of preparations for the upcoming Assembly polls. The Chief Minister, while initiating the first phase of the march, sought the support of the public for the party's future endeavours. Meanwhile, Assam BJP Saturday launched the 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' across the state in view of preparations for the upcoming Assembly polls. The first phase of the journey runs from February 28 to March 9. According to the State BJP, through this yatra, the developmental and welfare initiatives of both the Central and State Governments will be taken to the people, while also seeking the blessings of the citizens of Assam for the forthcoming assembly elections. During a programme held at the BJP State Headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, three "Election Songs" for the Assam Legislative Assembly Election 2026 campaign were officially released by the Chief Minister. This comes as the BJP is looking to secure a third consecutive term in the state, defeating the Congress in the upcoming elections. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Madurai is seen as a significant event with dual objectives. His address at a major NDA public meeting is expected to energise the AIADMK-NDA alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The visit will also see the announcement of crucial infrastructure projects focused on roadways and railways for the state's development. The political backdrop includes recent shifts, such as O. Panneerselvam joining the DMK, intensifying the pre-election climate. PM Modi's Madurai address aims to boost the AIADMK-NDA alliance for Tamil Nadu elections and announce major road and rail projects for the state. Madurai, March 1 Tamil Maanila Congress president and Rajya Sabha MP GK Vasan on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a significant event with a dual purpose. Speaking with ANI, he said that PM Modi's address is expected to energise the AIADMK-NDA team ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and will be announcing crucial infrastructure projects for the state, focusing on roadways and railways. "There are two parts to the Prime Minister's visit. First, it reflects the continuous support of the Central Government to the State Government. Today, the Prime Minister is in Tamil Nadu for two purposes: one is to address the AIADMK-NDA alliance and its partners at a mammoth public meeting. His address will undoubtedly give a boost to the AIADMK-NDA team in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections," Vasan said. He also highlighted that the Prime Minister's visit is important not only for the alliance but also for the growth of Tamil Nadu, and added that an important scheme for Tamil Nadu in the roadways and railways sector will be announced as well. "Secondly, he is here to announce an important scheme for Tamil Nadu in the roadways and railways sector, which will significantly contribute to the state's development. The Prime Minister's visit today is important not only for the alliance but also for the growth of Tamil Nadu," he said. Vasan emphasised that the Central Government has consistently supported the state's progress despite it being opposition-led. "The Central Government has consistently supported the state's progress, even though it is an opposition-led state, ensuring development across all sectors," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) public meeting in Madurai on Sunday, aimed at boosting the AIADMK-NDA alliance's campaign ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and outlining key development initiatives for the state. The rally, scheduled at the Mandela Nagar grounds near the Ring Road, is expected to witness participation from NDA leaders and supporters, with elaborate arrangements and heightened security. The Prime Minister's visit comes amid intensified political activity in the state, with the AIADMK-led NDA alliance seeking to challenge the ruling DMK-led coalition in the Assembly elections. Recently, expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam joined the DMK in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, marking a significant political development ahead of the polls. According to official sources, the Prime Minister stayed at Lok Bhavan in Chennai upon arrival on Saturday night and is scheduled to depart on Sunday for Puducherry to participate in developmental programmes before travelling to Madurai for the NDA public meeting and other official events. He will depart from Chennai for Puducherry at 10:40 AM.In addition to attending the public meeting, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to offer prayers at the Thiruparankundram temple, one of the prominent religious sites in Madurai. Security has been tightened across all venues in view of the Prime Minister's visit, with all necessary arrangements in place ahead of the events. - ANI The Tamil Nadu BJP has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Madurai as a decisive political moment for the NDA's campaign ahead of the state Assembly elections. Spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad stated the visit symbolizes the alliance's commitment to linking Tamil Nadu with national development through a "double-engine government." He emphasized Modi's repeated promotion of Tamil language and heritage on global platforms, including at the UN and in Malaysia. The party also pointed to major infrastructure projects and welfare schemes to showcase the NDA's development record in the state. TN BJP calls PM Modi's Madurai visit a decisive moment as NDA highlights development projects and Tamil heritage to energize its campaign. Chennai, March 1 The Tamil Nadu BJP on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Madurai marks a "decisive political moment" as the National Democratic Alliance intensifies its outreach in the state ahead of the Assembly elections. In a statement, A.N.S. Prasad, spokesperson of TN BJP, said the Prime Minister's arrival has generated significant enthusiasm among party cadres, youth and first-time voters, both on the ground and across social media platforms where the slogan '#ModiComesNDAWins' has been widely shared. He described the visit as symbolic of the NDA's commitment to aligning Tamil Nadu more closely with national development initiatives through a "double-engine government" model. Highlighting the Prime Minister's repeated references to the Tamil language and heritage, Prasad said PM Modi has consistently elevated Tamil on global platforms. He pointed to the Prime Minister's April 2024 remarks describing Tamil as "the world's oldest language and India's pride", as well as the launch of Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centres to promote classical traditions internationally. Prasad also cited PM Modi's February 2026 address in Kuala Lumpur, where the Prime Minister praised Tamil literature as timeless and announced the establishment of a Thiruvalluvar Centre in Malaysia. He noted that PM Modi has quoted classical Tamil poets at the United Nations and spoken about the Chola-era 'kudavolai' system as an early example of democratic practice. On development, Prasad referred to the Prime Minister's January 23 event in Maduranthakam, where projects and allocations worth Rs 11 lakh crore over 11 years were highlighted. These include railway modernisation, redevelopment of 77 railway stations, expansion of national highways, PMGSY rural roads, Chennai Metro expansion, the new Pamban Bridge, and airport and port infrastructure upgrades. He added that welfare schemes such as PMAY housing, PM-KISAN assistance, Mudra loans, and crop insurance support have strengthened inclusive growth in the state. With elections approaching, Prasad said the NDA is confident that the Prime Minister's visit will energise its campaign and shape the political narrative in the months ahead. - IANS India's Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh, has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent two-day visit as historic, noting it was celebrated with festival-like enthusiasm by the Israeli people. The visit resulted in the bilateral relationship being elevated to a special strategic partnership and the signing of 16 key agreements. Major areas of cooperation included Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, quantum technologies, and agriculture, with a focus on extending Centres of Excellence. The visit also saw discussions on finalizing a Free Trade Agreement and the adoption of India's UPI system to facilitate financial transactions. India's Ambassador calls PM Modi's Israel visit historic, marking a strategic partnership upgrade and 16 agreements in AI, cyber security, and agriculture. Jerusalem, Feb 28 India's Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh on Saturday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country as 'historic' in every sense, saying the Israeli people welcomed him warmly and celebrated the occasion like a festival. Speaking to IANS exclusively, Ambassador Singh said the visit marked a significant milestone in India-Israel relations, with both nations elevating their ties and signing 16 agreements across key sectors. "The two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was historic in every manner. The way the people of Israel welcomed him with warmth and enthusiasm showed the deep respect and friendship between the two countries. The visit was celebrated like a festival," Singh said. He noted that PM Modi's address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, received widespread appreciation. "The speech delivered by the Prime Minister at the Knesset was highly appreciated. It reflected the shared values and growing partnership between India and Israel. The honour bestowed upon him by the Israeli Parliament demonstrates the strength of our bilateral ties," he added. According to the Ambassador, the visit resulted in a significant upgrade in bilateral relations. "During this visit, our relationship has been elevated from a strategic partnership to a special strategic partnership. This is a major development and reflects the trust and confidence between the two nations. We have signed 16 agreements covering various areas of cooperation," he said. Science and technology emerged as one of the key focus areas. Singh said Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security and quantum technologies were given special emphasis. "In Artificial Intelligence alone, two agreements were signed, including one focussing on AI in education. This aligns with the vision of the Prime Minister to ensure that common people benefit from technological advancements," he said. Highlighting cyber security as a critical area of collaboration, Singh stated, "Cyber security is a matter of global concern. We are working to combine the strengths of both countries to effectively address emerging threats in this domain." He pointed out that Israel's core strengths lie in innovation, research and development, AI and cyber security. "India also has strong capabilities in these areas. Our idea is to create a framework that combines the strengths of both countries so that it benefits both nations," he said. Agriculture was another important area of cooperation. Singh said the extension of Centres of Excellence would help enhance farm productivity and support small farmers. "By combining the agricultural strengths of India and Israel, we can improve productivity and increase farmers' incomes, especially benefiting small and marginal farmers," he said. Trade and economic cooperation were also discussed extensively during the visit. "Recently, we signed a bilateral treaty, and both Prime Ministers have directed that a Free Trade Agreement should be concluded as soon as possible. We have also signed an agreement on UPI, which will facilitate smoother financial transactions and benefit both countries," he added. On defence cooperation, Singh said both nations are already working closely and will further expand collaboration in this sector. Cultural cooperation was also strengthened through new agreements signed during the visit. Describing PM Modi's speech as "visionary," the Ambassador said it highlighted the commonalities between the two countries and outlined a road map for future growth. "The Prime Minister's speech went viral and was widely appreciated by people in both countries. The recognition he received from the Israeli Parliament is significant and reflects his efforts to further strengthen India-Israel relations," Singh said. - IANS Wilhite said performance was led by the operating portfoliointegrated senior health campuses (Trilogy) and SHOPwhich now contributes 76.9% of consolidated cash NOI. He attributed 2025 same-store growth in the operating portfolio to: Chief Operating Officer Gabe Wilhite said the fourth quarter capped off another exceptional year of NOI growth. AHR reported total portfolio same-store NOI growth of 11.8% in the fourth quarter and 14.2% for full-year 2025, marking a second consecutive year of double-digit same-store NOI growth. Hanson emphasized continuity, stating there is no change in strategy and that AHRs investment and capital allocation approach, risk management framework, balance sheet posture, and long-term value orientation remain unchanged. Chairman Jeff Hanson said he has stepped in as interim CEO and president while Prosky recovers at home. Hanson said Prosky remains engaged, speaking with him weekly and attending board meetings virtually, though Hanson noted it is too early to provide timing on Proskys return. American Healthcare REIT (NYSE:AHR) executives used the companys fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call to highlight another year of double-digit same-store NOI growth, continued acquisition activity focused on its operating portfolio, and 2026 guidance that implies further earnings and NOI expansion. Management also addressed a temporary leadership change as CEO Danny Prosky remains on medical leave. AHR issued 2026 NFFO guidance of $1.99$2.05 per share and same-store NOI guidance of 7%11% for the portfolio (SHOP 15%19%, Trilogy 8%12%), while reporting about 3.4x net debt/EBITDA ; interim CEO Jeff Hanson is running the company during Danny Proskys medical leave with management stressing no change in strategy . The company was active on acquisitions and developmentmore than $950 million invested in 2025 (primarily SHOP), about $117.5 million closed in early 2026 and over $230 million awarded in the pipelinefocusing on higheracuity assisted living and memory care with recent yields in the high5% to low6% range trending toward the 7s. American Healthcare REIT posted another year of strong operating results with total portfolio same-store NOI growth of 11.8% in Q4 and 14.2% for 2025 , led by Trilogy and SHOP (now 76.9% of cash NOI), occupancies near 90% and notable margin expansion. Story Continues Occupancy gains Disciplined rate management Continued expense controls He added that rising occupancy contributed to NOI growth and margin expansion, with margins up 130 basis points in Trilogy and 280 basis points in SHOP for 2025 versus 2024. Wilhite said occupancies are sitting near 90% entering 2026, which he said positions the company well. Keurig Dr Peppers Split Plan Could Unlock Hidden Value Trilogy: Wilhite said same-store NOI increased 14% in Q4 and 18.4% for 2025. Same-store occupancy reached 90.6% in Q4, up 275 basis points year over year. He noted revenue growth was supported by rate and quality mix improvements, with Medicare and Medicare Advantage penetration rising. He said Medicare and Medicare Advantage improvements contributed 220 basis points of quality-mix improvement in Q4 2025 compared with Q4 2024 (measured both as a percentage of resident days and revenue). Management said it expects another year of double-digit same-store NOI growth for the segment in 2026. SHOP: The SHOP segment delivered the strongest growth, with same-store NOI up 24.6% in Q4 and 25.2% for 2025. Same-store occupancy averaged 90.6% in Q4, up about 290 basis points year over year. Wilhite said the company has not had to meaningfully compromise on revenue levers such as rate or occupancy, citing supply-demand imbalance in long-term care. He also pointed to a dynamic revenue management effort the company is piloting with some operators using a platform developed with Trilogy. Acquisitions and development: focus on operating portfolio and higher-acuity SHOP Chief Investment Officer Stefan Oh said 2025 was highly active, with more than $950 million of new investments across Trilogy and SHOP, primarily within SHOP. Oh said this positioned SHOP as AHRs second-largest segment by cash NOI. He said most SHOP acquisitions were relationship-sourced or off-market, emphasizing a know the operator first approach. Oh also said industry data shows new construction and supply growth remain historically low, with deliveries below 1% of existing inventory. He cited demand from demographics, noting the baby boomer generation is turning 80 this year. In the first two months of 2026, AHR closed about $117.5 million of SHOP acquisitions and maintains more than $230 million of awarded deals in its pipeline. Oh described the pipeline as dynamic and said deal activity has increased, including both marketed and off-market opportunities. When asked about where the company is seeing the most opportunity, Oh said AHR continues to focus on higher-acuity SHOP assets, particularly assisted living and memory care, while independent living generally represents a smaller portion of units acquired (he said roughly 20%). In response to another question on pricing, Oh said recent acquisition pricing has been around the high-5% to low-6% range on an aggregate basis, stabilizing in the 7s, and he noted some cap rate compression over the past few months. On development, Oh said the pipeline is focused primarily on Trilogy expansions and campus growth initiatives designed to generate incremental yields with limited market risk by leveraging existing campuses. Financial results, guidance, and balance sheet Chief Financial Officer Brian Peay reported normalized FFO attributable to common stockholders (NFFO) of $0.46 per diluted share for Q4 2025 and $1.72 per diluted share for full-year 2025, representing 22% year-over-year growth in NFFO per share. Peay said the company improved its debt-to-EBITDA by nearly a full turn in 2025. Peay attributed 2025 earnings growth primarily to double-digit same-store NOI growth, accretion from the September 2024 buyout of the minority interest in Trilogy, and accretion from 2025 acquisitions. He said acquisitions were funded through retained earnings and equity raised via the ATM program and a November 2025 follow-on offering. AHR issued 2026 NFFO guidance of $1.99 to $2.05 per diluted share, which management said implies another year of double-digit growth and includes only the $117.5 million of acquisitions closed year-to-date in 2026. For 2026 same-store NOI growth, the company guided to 7% to 11% for the total portfolio, with segment ranges of: Trilogy: 8% to 12% SHOP: 15% to 19% Outpatient medical: 0% to 2% Triple net lease: 2% to 3% On the balance sheet, Peay said the company used accretively priced equity to fully fund Q4 acquisitions, recent 2026 investments, and planned 2026 development spending. He reported 3.4x net debt to EBITDA, noting the metric does not include approximately $287 million of unsettled forward equity agreements from the ATM and follow-on offering. During Q&A, management also commented that many SHOP assets acquired in 2025 will not be included in the companys same-store pool in 2026 due to how the same-store pool is updated annually, meaning performance from those assets would not be reflected in same-store metrics despite contributing to overall results. In the triple net portfolio, management addressed a decline in hospital coverage at a facility in Southlake, Texas, leased to Methodist of Dallas. Management said the tenant is a double A-minus rated system that guarantees the lease and is committed to the asset as it transitions from a surgical hospital to a community hospital, adding service lines that can create quarter-to-quarter volatility. About American Healthcare REIT (NYSE:AHR) American Healthcare REIT, Inc (NYSE: AHR) was a publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, owning and managing healthcarerelated properties across the United States. The company's portfolio spanned senior housing communities, skilled nursing facilities, medical office buildings and outpatient care centers, all operated under longterm net lease or triplenet lease structures designed to provide stable, predictable rental income. Employing a strategy of partnering with established healthcare operators, American Healthcare REIT targeted properties in both major metropolitan areas and highgrowth secondary markets to capitalize on demographic trends such as an aging population and increased demand for outpatient services. The article "American Healthcare REIT Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. A tense war of words erupted between the US and Iran at an emergency UN Security Council meeting following major airstrikes on Iran. US Ambassador Mike Waltz sharply dismissed his Iranian counterpart's advice to "be polite," refusing to dignify the remark. The Iranian envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, accused the US of war crimes, while Waltz defended the strikes aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities and preventing a nuclear weapon. The meeting occurred amid national mourning in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the strikes. US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Iran's envoy clash at UN Security Council after strikes. Waltz refuses to "dignify" Iranian criticism over Operation Epic Fury. New York, March 1 A war of words broke out between the United States and Iran at the emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council here in New York, with permanent representatives of both nations having an explosive exchange during a heated session. The UN Security Council met in emergency session in the aftermath of major airstrikes across Iran on Saturday by the United States and Israel. At the meeting, Ambassador Mike Waltz, representing the United States, defended his country's action in the region. As Waltz was about to take the floor on the 'Operation Epic Fury', Iran's Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani aimed at Waltz, saying, "I advise the representative of the United States to be polite, it will be better for yourself and the country you represent." To which Waltz replied, "I am not going to dignify this with another response, as this representative sits here in this body and represents a regime that has killed thousands of its own people, simply for wanting freedom from your own tyranny." US Ambassador further targeted Iran at the meeting and said that no responsible nation in the world can ignore "persistent aggression and violence" that Tehran continues to carry out in the region. "It has cost American lives, 100s of US Marines in Lebanon, thousands of troops in Iraq," he said. Defending Operation Epic Fury, Waltz outlined the objectives of the strikes in Iran. "Operation Epic Fury was directed towards 'specific and strategic' objectives. To dismantle missile capabilities that threaten allies, to degrade naval assets that you (Iran) used to destabilise in international waters and disrupt the machinery that arms proxy militias," he said. US Ambassador said that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and "this is not a matter of politics" but a matter of global security. "This aims to ensure that 'the Iranian regime can never, ever threaten the world with a nuclear weapon," he said. At the meeting, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani accused the US of deliberately attacking civilian-populated areas in multiple large cities. "This is not only an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity," he insisted. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in Israeli and US strikes. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju suffered a surprising loss to Grandmaster Jorden van Foreest in the third round of the Prague Chess Festival Masters. The victory propelled van Foreest into a four-way tie for first place, while Gukesh fell into a tie for last. Van Foreest expressed immense happiness at securing his first-ever win against Gukesh, a result that also cost the world champion rating points. In other matches, Indian GM Aravindh Chithambaram drew with Parham Maghsoodloo, while several other games ended in draws. World Champion Gukesh suffers a defeat to Jorden van Foreest, falling into a tie for last place. Van Foreest shares the lead after three rounds. Prague, Feb 28 World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju suffered a shock defeat to Grand Master Jorden van Foreest on Saturday in round three of the 2026 Prague Chess Festival Masters. After the other games ended in draws, van Foreest moved into a four-way tie for first place with GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, and David Navara. Van Foreest now shares the lead, while Gukesh has fallen into a four-way tie for last place. However, there are still six rounds left, so it's very early in the tournament. Van Foreest suffered a tough loss to Anton in round two, but he can now celebrate victories over both top-seed GM Vincent Keymer and the world champion within just three rounds. The Dutchman stated, "Of course I'm super-happy! Not only is it my first win against a world champion, but also my first win against Gukesh. Even before he was world champion, I played him a couple of times, but I never won against him and he won against me several times." Van Foreest shared his thought process during the match: "He was looking rather calm, and I was like, am I missing something? I didn't see it, so I thought I had to go for it." As Gukesh took time to think, van Foreest's confidence grew. He noted, "I'm up a pawn, there's really no risk-in the worst case it's a draw, and for him the defense will always be very difficult, even with best play, so I was happy." With this win, van Foreest regained all the rating points he lost a day earlier, while Gukesh dropped to world number 13, now tied with GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, after finishing Wijk aan Zee still in the world top 10. The remaining games ended in draws. GM Aravindh Chithambaram faced GM Parham Maghsoodloo, finishing in a quiet 30-move draw by repetition. The match between Navara and GM David Anton also ended quickly in a draw, as both had previously won Game of the Day prizes in rounds one and two. The last two games were more competitive. Abdusattorov and Yakubboev, both from Uzbekistan, had real chances against Keymer and GM Hans Niemann, respectively. Keymer settled for a poor pawn structure to trade queens, which soon put Abdusattorov on the edge of victory. - IANS PM Modi inaugurates Rs 2,700 crore projects, highlights healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment as keys to Puducherry's growth. Puducherry, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Puducherry has the potential to emerge as a major medical tourism hub in India, as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 2,700 crore in the union territory. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister underlined that mobility, modern infrastructure and quality healthcare are key pillars of growth. "Vanakkam Puducherry! Delighted to be among my sisters and brothers of Puducherry for the launch of several development works. The double-engine NDA government has worked extensively for the welfare of the people," the PM said. He said the Centre has placed strong emphasis on both urban and rural infrastructure development to ensure inclusive progress. "Mobility is the key to growth," PM Modi said, noting that multiple rural roads are being constructed to benefit farmers and small businesses. He also announced projects aimed at decongesting Puducherry town, including a flyover worth Rs 140 crore. Focusing on healthcare, the Prime Minister said that a nation can progress only when its human capital remains healthy. "Healthcare is our foremost priority. It should be accessible, available and affordable for all," he said, adding that no citizen of Puducherry should be forced to travel long distances for treatment. Instead, he envisioned Puducherry attracting patients from across the country and abroad. "We believe that Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub. It already has nine medical colleges," he pointed out. Highlighting the importance of clean and sustainable mobility, PM Modi said the world is moving towards greener transport solutions. He described electric vehicles as an integral part of modern life and said e-buses under the PM e-Bus Seva scheme would be a "game changer" for a tourism-driven region like Puducherry by reducing pollution. He also referred to projects such as water distillation plants to ensure clean drinking water and new sewage treatment facilities to improve waste management and enhance ease of living. The Prime Minister stressed that youth empowerment remains central to India's growth story. He announced new infrastructure at NIT Karaikal, including the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities, to strengthen technical education. Upgrades at Puducherry University, including a new lecture hall and a girls' hostel, will further support students, he said. PM Modi also welcomed the filling of thousands of government vacancies in Puducherry, noting that direct recruitment examinations had not been conducted for decades in many departments. "The double-engine government ensured that these exams were held. I congratulate the youth who have joined to serve the people," he said. Emphasising infrastructure development nationwide, the Prime Minister said a record Rs 12 lakh crore has been allocated in this year's Union Budget for infrastructure creation. He added that Puducherry has been included under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, expanding funding opportunities for roads, water supply, coastal infrastructure, schools and hospitals. Recalling his earlier call for "BEST Puducherry" -- representing business, education, spirituality and tourism -- PM Modi said the vision was now bearing fruit. He noted the union territory's rise in per capita income and its achievement of the highest social progress score in the country. "When the Centre and the UT work with the same vision and dedication, results are faster and better," he said, asserting that the double-engine NDA government would accelerate Puducherry's growth trajectory. - IANS Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced the renaming of three towns, including Mount Abu to Aburaj, to reinforce their historical identity. He unveiled major infrastructure plans, including a 36-km elevated road in Jaipur and the purchase of 300 new buses for state transport. The government will fill 1.25 lakh new posts and enhance an employment scheme with weekly wages and extended workdays. A new Skill Development Centre in Pachpadra aims to train youth for upcoming industrial projects in the region. Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma renames Mount Abu, Jahazpur, Kaman; announces 1.25 lakh govt jobs, 300 new buses, elevated road in Jaipur. Jaipur, Feb 27 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma made several significant announcements in the Assembly on Friday while replying to the discussion on the Finance Bill. Among the key decisions was the renaming of three towns to reinforce their historical, cultural, and religious identity. The Chief Minister announced that Mount Abu will be renamed Aburaj, Jahazpur will be renamed Yagyapur, and Kaman will be renamed Kamvan. He stated that the move aims to preserve and promote the rich heritage associated with these places. To address rising traffic congestion in Jaipur, the Chief Minister also announced the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 36-kilometre-long elevated road along the Dravyavati River. The proposed project is expected to significantly ease traffic pressure in the state capital and improve urban mobility. In a major boost to public transportation, Sharma announced the purchase of 300 new buses for the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). He said the addition of new buses will strengthen connectivity between rural and urban areas while improving passenger comfort and accessibility. The government aims to modernise and expand transport services across the state. The Chief Minister also made a major announcement regarding government recruitment, stating that 1.25 lakh new government posts will be filled. A new recruitment calendar will soon be released. Under the VB-G-RAM-G employment scheme, workers will now receive weekly wage payments. Employment duration will be increased from 100 days to 125 days, and compensation will be provided in cases of delayed wage payments. The scheme will involve an estimated expenditure of Rs 4,000 crore from the state treasury, with the possibility of further allocation depending on demand. The development of a major Skill Development Centre in Pachpadra aimed at strengthening employment opportunities for youth in the region. The proposed centre will focus on providing industry-oriented training aligned with the needs of upcoming industrial projects in the Pachpadra and Barmer region, particularly in sectors such as petrochemicals, refining, and allied industries. The initiative aims to ensure that local youth are equipped with modern technical skills, thereby increasing their employability and participation in regional industrial growth. The Chief Minister emphasised that with rapid industrial expansion in the Pachpadra area, especially due to refinery and energy-related investments, there is a strong need for structured skill training infrastructure. The Skill Development Centre will bridge this gap by offering certified courses, practical training modules, and partnerships with industries. - IANS Numerous students and residents from Rajasthan are stranded in the UAE following Iranian missile and drone attacks that prompted the closure of regional airspace. Families report explosions near student accommodations and are urgently appealing to the Indian government for evacuation assistance. The incident has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, leading to emergency measures including closed airspace in Iran, Israel, and Iraq. The attacks occur amidst a backdrop of disrupted nuclear talks and a period of national mourning in Iran. Rajasthan students stuck in Dubai, Abu Dhabi after Iranian missile attacks force airspace closure. Families appeal for evacuation as regional conflict fears grow. Kota, March 1 Many Rajasthani residents and students are stranded in various locations across the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, following a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks triggering the closure of regional airspace. Amid reports of explosions near student hostels and major landmarks, the stranded Indian nationals have turned to the Indian government for urgent evacuation assistance. The situation is worsening following Iran's continued attacks on the UAE and Dubai. The family of Siddharth Jain, a Kota student stranded in Dubai, reported that he was staying in a hostel in the Academy Educational Zone. He had also said that all students are safe following a missile attack near his hostel. Father Rajkumar Jain stated that "he is in constant communication with the children. He also appeals to the government and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to bring his children back to India soon. So that we can see our children. Kota resident Tanya Sharma got stuck in Abu Dhabi while coming to India from Canada. Currently, she has been shifted to a hotel. Tanya's brother said that she was coming to meet her family after about 3 years. She had a connecting flight from Canada, which was to come to Mumbai via Abu Dhabi. During this time, there was an explosion, and chaos ensued. Due to this, the airport was closed, and the army also reached there immediately." The situation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with emergency measures and public anxiety spreading as developments continue to unfold. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, moving hospitals underground and activating sirens. Iran, Israel, and Iraq have closed their airspace, suspending all flights. The attack cones in the backdrop of diplomatic fallout as the nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman have been disrupted.Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight.The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. - ANI Ram Charan has officially commenced the dubbing process for his upcoming film "Peddi," sharing a behind-the-scenes video from the session on Instagram. The video features the actor joking with director Buchi Babu Sana, whom he recently praised in a heartfelt birthday post. The film boasts a stellar cast including Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, and Jagapathi Babu, with music composed by Oscar-winner AR Rahman. "Peddi" is produced on a grand scale and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 30. Ram Charan begins dubbing for 'Peddi', shares fun BTS video with director Buchi Babu Sana. Film stars Janhvi Kapoor, features AR Rahman's music. Mumbai, March 1 As movie buffs wait with bated breath to witness Ram Charan in his next "Peddi", he has finally commenced the dubbing for the much-anticipated drama. Sharing the exciting professional update on his official Instagram handle, Ram Charan uploaded a video of the behind-the-scenes fun at the dubbing session for his next. The video showed the 'RRR' actor pulling director Buchi Babu Sana's leg as he accompanied him during the dubbing session. Dropping the fun BTS clip on the photo-sharing app, Ram Charan wrote, "PEDDI Starts Dubbing..... What is it! What is it! What is it! What is it! What! @peddimovie (sic)." On February 15, as Buchi Babu Sana turned a year older, Ram Charan lauded the filmmaker's passion and eye for detail in a heartfelt birthday post. He wrote on social media, "Wishing my #Peddi captain @BuchiBabuSana Garu a very happy birthday! Your passion, detailing and rooted storytelling are inspiring every single day on set." Expressing his desire to collaborate with the director in the future, he went on to add, "Let's create many more magical stories together. May this year bring you all the recognition your hard work truly deserves." While Ram Charan is the protagonist in the movie, "Peddi" also features Janhvi Kapoor as the leading lady, along with Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyendu Sharma as the ancillary cast. Jointly backed by Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers, and Sukumar Writings, "Peddi" is reported to have been made on a huge scale with a jaw-dropping budget. Shifting our focus to the technical crew of the drama, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has provided the tunes for the film, with acclaimed cinematographer R Rathnavelu looking after the camera work. For the editing, the makers brought on board the National Award-winning editor Navin Nooli. "Peddi" is expected to reach the cinema halls on April 30. - IANS Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called for national unity following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, declaring the Islamic Republic has reached its effective end. He stated any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor is doomed to fail, lacking legitimacy and longevity. Pahlavi urged Iran's military and security forces to seize a final opportunity to join the people and ensure a stable transition. His statement comes amid escalating regional conflict, with reported U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation. Exiled prince Reza Pahlavi says Iran's regime is over after Khamenei's death, urges military to join people for a stable transition to freedom. Paris, March 1 Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Saturday urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. "The death of the criminal Khamenei, though it does not avenge the blood that has been spilled, may serve as a balm for the wounded hearts of the grieving fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, and the families of those who gave their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution. Honorable and courageous people of Iran,This may be the beginning of our great national celebration, but it is not the end of the road. Remain vigilant and prepared. The time for a widespread and decisive presence in the streets is very near. Together, united and steadfast, we will bring about the final victory, and we will celebrate Iran's freedom across our beloved homeland," the post read. On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post. Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. - ANI Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is optimistic about finalizing a long-term uranium supply deal with India, potentially worth US$2.8 billion, which would signal a massive expansion of India's nuclear energy program. The deal is a key part of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's mission to aggressively diversify Canada's trade away from the United States. The visit also aims to address Indian tariffs on Canadian agricultural products like lentils and peas, with both nations eyeing a comprehensive trade agreement. The diplomatic mission marks a cooling of recent bilateral friction, allowing for a focus on economic partnership and energy resource exports. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe optimistic about finalizing a major uranium supply agreement with India during PM Mark Carney's trade mission. Mumbai, February 28 Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who, along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is on a visit to India, is hopeful that Canada and India are close to finalising a uranium supply deal, according to The Globe and Mail. The deal, potentially worth US$2.8 billion, involves Cameco Corp. supplying uranium to India. Prime Minister Mark Carney, accompanied by Premiers Scott Moe (Saskatchewan) and Susan Holt (New Brunswick), has landed in Mumbai with a singular mission: to aggressively diversify Canada's trade away from an increasingly protectionist United States. India is keen on accessing Canadian resources, and Canada aims to reduce reliance on the US market. The visit may also address Indian tariffs on Canadian agricultural products. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe confirmed that a 10-year agreement to supply Indian reactors with Canadian uranium is "very possible in the near future." This would dwarf the 2015 pact (worth $350 million), signalling India's massive expansion of nuclear energy and Canada's desire to be its primary fuel source. According to The Globe and Mail, a high-stakes diplomatic mission to India is signalling a profound shift in Canadian foreign policy. Canada is the world's second-largest producer of uranium, with much of its output coming from mines in Saskatchewan, home to companies such as Cameco and Nutrien. Indian officials have signalled strong interest in Canadian uranium and other energy resources, with India's High Commissioner to Canada Devesh Patnaik saying "If you can sell it to us, we will buy it: We want to do deals on minerals, on rare earths, on critical minerals and oil and gas, on agri-foods, on fertilizer, on potash - you name it," on energy products, including crude, LPG and LNG, as New Delhi seeks diversified sources to fuel its growing demand. Indian Envoy Dinesh Patnaik expects an official announcement before the visit concludes on Monday. Prime Minister Carney has set an ambitious goal: doubling non-U.S. trade over the next decade. This trip serves as the opening salvo in that strategy. Both nations are eyeing a full trade agreement, with some officials suggesting a deal could be reached in under a year. Carney has already met with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chair of the Tata Group, to discuss deeper ties in the automotive and mineral sectors. Premier Susan Holt highlighted New Brunswick's logistics advantage, noting the Port of Saint John can reach India in just 15 days, potentially serving as a future LNG export hub. The discussions come against the backdrop of renewed negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which both Ottawa and New Delhi anticipate could double bilateral trade volumes by the end of the decade. Saskatchewan's Premier Moe also raised concerns about tariffs on Canadian lentils and peas and hopes to see progress on reducing barriers during the visit. Carney's itinerary includes meetings with Indian business leaders in Mumbai and planned talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, with negotiators hoping to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement later this year. The visit also marks a cooling of friction that previously paralysed Indo-Canadian relations. While Carney's approach is largely economic, diplomatic sensitivities remain. His itinerary avoids a politically charged region. A senior Canadian official recently stated that Ottawa no longer believes India is actively meddling in domestic politics or orchestrating violence against Canadian Sikhs, allowing space for constructive engagementM according to The Globe and Mail. - ANI A Washington Post report claims Saudi Arabia privately urged the US to conduct joint strikes on Iran alongside Israel, leading to a large-scale aerial operation. The operation resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other regional targets. The nation is now in a 40-day mourning period, facing a leadership succession crisis amid heightened security. Report reveals Saudi and Israeli lobbying led to US joint strikes in Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Riyadh, March 1 "Operation Epic Fury" and "Operation Roaring Lion", the joint strike in Iran on Saturday is a rare convergence of interests, reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Washington Post reported. As per the Washington Post, Saudi Arabia pushed the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to four undisclosed people familiar with the matter. For years, these two powers operated as "frenemies" in the shadow of Iran's regional influence. The frame here is "The Enemy of My Enemy." As per the four people, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called US President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for "diplomatic support" to resolve the issue, said the Washington Post. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his long-standing public campaign for US strikes against what he sees as an existential threat to his country, said the Washington Post. The combined influence of Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly helped lead Trump to order a large-scale aerial operation against Iran's leadership and military, which, in its initial hour, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials, the Washington Post said. Returning to the White House with a mandate of "Strength through Action," Trump obliterated a 37-year-old threat. The death of 86-year-old Ali Khamenei, along with several top military and political leaders, effectively ends the "Second Revolution." The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI Several Indian citizens, including former Madhya Pradesh MLAs and industrialists, are stranded in Dubai following US-Israel military strikes on Iran that have severely disrupted regional air travel. Families of the stranded individuals have made urgent appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to facilitate their safe return. The situation has also impacted tourist groups from Bellary who are now stuck past their scheduled return date due to the escalating conflict. Meanwhile, Iran has entered a 40-day period of national mourning following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further heightening regional tensions. Former MLAs, tourists stranded as US-Israel attacks on Iran cause regional travel disruption. Families appeal to PM Modi for evacuation. Indore, March 1 Several Indian industrialists and tourists, including former Madhya Pradesh MLAs Sanjay Shukla, Vishal Patel, remain stranded in Dubai following escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered by joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. The strikes have disrupted air travel across the region, leaving many travellers unable to return home. Sanjay Shukla's son, Sagar Shukla, spoke to his father over a video call on Sunday, describing the tense situation. "We're in constant communication with his father. Until yesterday, he was staying at the Palm Zumeria, but when the attacks began there, he changed hotels... Now, explosions are occurring around this hotel as well... The local government is sounding sirens and issuing alerts on mobile phones," Sagar Shukla told ANI. Sanjay Shukla further said on a video call that he is accompanied by former MLA Vishal Patel, Kamal Nath's former OSD Praveen Kakkar, and several industrialists. Sagar Shukla urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav to ensure the safe return of his father and others stranded in Dubai. "We request PM Narendra Modi and CM Mohan Yadav to make arrangements to bring back those stranded in Dubai to India as soon as possible," he said. Meanwhile, the situation has also affected tourists from Bellary. Thirty-five people who left on a trip to Dubai on February 24 were due to return on February 28, but are now stuck due to the fear of war. Ramalingappa, brother of tourist Nagabhushan, said that the group is safe and currently staying with another 15 people from Durga in Dubai. He added that MLA Nara Bharath Reddy is also in the city, and his close friends have been contacted. He's lodging near Burj Khalifa, but they are all worried. Ramalingappa further demanded that those stuck in Dubai be brought back to India immediately. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. - ANI PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) is one of the best hot stocks under $20 to buy. Morgan Stanley lifted the price target on PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) to $23 from $21 on February 20, reiterating an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm told investors that it is updating its price targets for the Regulated & Diversified Utilities / IPPs stocks in North America under its coverage for January, and noted that utilities underperformed the S&Ps return this month. Previewing Q4 earnings, Morgan Stanley anticipates some balance in the discussion of data center pipelines, given higher affordability and political concerns. C3.ai (AI) and Eletrobras Team Up to Boost Power Grid Reliability With AI The same day, UBS also lifted the price target on PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) to $20 from $18 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) announced its fiscal Q4 and full-year 2025 results on February 12, reporting that GAAP earnings were $0.29 and $1.18 per share for fiscal Q4 and the full year 2025, respectively, compared to $0.30 and $1.15 for the same periods in 2024. Non-GAAP core earnings were $0.36 and $1.50 per share for Q4 and full year 2025, respectively, compared to $0.31 and $1.36 per share for the same periods in 2024. PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) generates, transmits, and distributes natural gas and electricity to customers. The company specializes in utility, electricity, energy, power, solar, gas, and sustainability. While we acknowledge the potential of PCG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Multiple flights from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled due to airspace closures stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict. Stranded passengers reported being given the conflict as the reason for cancellation, with uncertainty over when services would resume. The disruptions follow coordinated military strikes and retaliatory threats that have shut down airspace in Iran, Israel, and Iraq. Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo have temporarily suspended operations to the region, with airports setting up help desks for affected travelers. Passengers stranded at Bengaluru Airport as Middle East airspace closures cancel flights to Gulf destinations. Airlines suspend operations. Bengaluru, March 1 Several passengers were left stranded at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Saturday after multiple flights to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The disruptions follow widespread airspace closures across parts of West Asia, affecting international travel routes. Rashid Khan, one of the stranded passengers, told ANI that the airport authorities cited the ongoing conflict as the reason behind the cancellation. "The reason the airport authority gave me was the Iran-Israel war. My flight is cancelled," he said. Khan was scheduled to travel from Delhi to Bengaluru and onward to Abu Dhabi. "They gave me the option of another city. I chose my city. My route was Delhi to Bangalore and Bangalore to Abu Dhabi. Now it is cancelled," he added, expressing frustration over the sudden change in plans. Another passenger at the airport said uncertainty continues over when operations will resume. "Authorities are saying that the flights will not be resumed until the ceasefire is in place there. We have to go there. Our office and everything are there. We are going to Italy directly from Bahrain. Now, there is no flight for Bahrain," the passenger said. The cancellations come amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeted Iranian sites, triggering retaliatory threats and airspace shutdowns in Iran, Israel and Iraq. The conflict has led to major disruptions in global aviation, with airlines suspending services to Gulf destinations as a precautionary measure. Earlier, several carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, announced the temporary suspension of operations to and from the Middle East, citing safety concerns. Airports across India have set up help desks to assist affected travellers with rebooking and refunds. At Bengaluru airport, airline counters witnessed long queues as passengers sought clarity on alternative travel arrangements. - ANI Nepali migrant workers are stranded at Kathmandu's airport and across West Asia after multiple countries halted flights due to military escalations between Israel, Iran, and US-backed nations. Workers like Parmeshwor Shah and Jyoti Pariyar are left without money, accommodation, or clear guidance from airlines or authorities. The Nepali government has issued a comprehensive advisory, urging its estimated 1.7 million citizens in the region to remain vigilant and minimize outdoor activities. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers from Nepal, where over 1,500 youths depart daily for work in Gulf nations like Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Thousands of Nepali migrant workers are stranded abroad and at Kathmandu airport as West Asian nations suspend flights due to escalating regional military tensions. By Binod Prasad Adhikari, Kathmandu, March 1 Nepali migrant workers are facing a tough time as West Asian nations have halted flights, leaving thousands stranded without a way to return home or join their companies. Many had travelled to these countries for work, but with flight suspensions, they're stuck in limbo. Parmeshwor Shah arrived in Kathmandu from Siraha on Saturday morning to take a flight later in the night to Qatar for work as a migrant worker. But now he is stranded at the airport, as Qatar Airlines has halted its operations owing to the ongoing tension in West Asia. Shah had arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport three hours ahead of the flight time to avoid the influx of passengers, but had been wandering around the airport in a daze, not knowing what to do or where to go. "I was bound to go to Qatar yesterday. If the tension continues there, then we don't have anything to eat or a place to stay. The government should assist us in this situation. When we go to the airlines, they would refer to the notice of halt in operation. I neither have money to stay here (Kathmandu) nor return home (Siraha), the amount that I had has already been spent, as I came here to take the flight for a single day, then after I am in a problem now, the airlines are also not listening to my issue," Shah told ANI. As soon as Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran and Iran took retaliatory measures on Saturday, followed by attacks on other US-backed countries in West Asia, prompting the closure of airspace. Though this has raised worries for the safety and security of over 1.7 million Nepali nationals living and working across the region, those who came to Kathmandu to fly there are now in cross-road of confusion. Another stranded migrant worker, Jyoti Pariyar, shared his experiences with ANI. "Everyone is now basically stranded here. We have been constantly checking the notice; there have been no communication channels, and no one is here to handle the passengers. The airlines could have arranged something for us, instructing us about further steps; we don't have any sort of facilities. We cannot go back home because we have travelled a long way to here, and we are basically left without any facilitation," another outbound passenger ahead of the parliamentary polls this Thursday, Jyoti Pariyar, told ANI. According to the latest data from the Government of Nepal and various migration agencies, among the six major Gulf countries, the UAE hosts the largest number of Nepali, more than 600,000. Qatar is estimated to have around 500,000 Nepali workers. Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 450,000, Kuwait around 120,000, and Bahrain and Oman more than 50,000 each.In addition, about 5,000 Nepali are working in Israel, mainly in caregiving and agriculture. The Gulf countries are key destinations for foreign employment for Nepali workers. The military escalation in West Asia over the past 24 hours has raised serious concerns about the safety of Nepali workers in the region. The rising trend of flying abroad in search of better opportunities and education has been rising in the Himalayan Nation, with a population of less than 30 million. The majority of those flying abroad are youths and the earning age group queuing up at the airport ready to take off, leaving the elderly behind. An estimated 1500 Nepali youths have been departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport to work abroad in the West Asian nations as waged labour in search of a better life and opportunities. In the wake of the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday issued a comprehensive advisory to Nepali nationals residing in Israel, Iran, and other countries in West Asia, urging them to remain vigilant amid escalating tensions in the region. The advisory comes in the wake of military escalations, including a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, followed by retaliatory missile strikes by Iran targeting US bases in countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar. The ministry has asked all the Nepali citizens in conflict-affected areas to follow local security advisories and adhere strictly to the instructions of competent authorities in Israel, Iran, and other countries. The ministry also asked Nepali nationals to minimise outdoor activities, stay indoors as much as possible, remain alert, and exercise caution. "Avoid unauthorised travel, do not travel without prior authorisation from relevant local authorities. Maintain regular communication, keep in contact with Nepali communities, embassies, and the ministry in Kathmandu," the ministry urged. It also asked Nepali to defer non-essential travel, while those planning to visit Israel or Iran have been strongly advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilises. With approximately 700,000 Nepalis residing in the UAE, the embassy has urged caution following missile attacks by Iran on US military bases in the region. Citizens are asked to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in contact with the embassy for support (Tel: +971-508180280). "In the context of the evolving situation in West Asia, Nepali citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates are requested to refrain from unnecessary travel, remain vigilant, and follow the security guidelines and information issued by the UAE government," the embassy said. The Embassy of Nepal in Doha, Qatar, has urged Nepalis residing in Iran to travel only after obtaining prior permission from local authorities. The embassy in Doha, which also oversees Iran, made this request through a notice issued on Saturday. "Do not travel without prior approval from the relevant Iranian authorities," the embassy said. The Embassy of Nepal in Doha stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia. "Strictly follow the security advisories and instructions issued by Iranian authorities," the embassy said. "Stay indoors as much as possible, remain alert, take necessary precautions, and maintain regular contact with the Nepali community." - ANI Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin marked his 73rd birthday by paying floral tributes to Dravidian stalwarts C.N. Annadurai and former CM M. Karunanidhi at Chennai's Marina Beach. In a social media post, he declared that Tamil and Tamil Nadu are "our life" and protecting them is a fundamental duty. Stalin emphasized that under the Dravidian Model, Tamil Nadu has become a leading state with development schemes reaching every citizen. He pledged to continue dedicating himself fully to the progress and welfare of the state and its people. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on his 73rd birthday, paid floral tributes to C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, reaffirming his dedication to Tamil Nadu. Chennai, March 1 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday paid floral tributes to CN Annadurai and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at Marina Beach in Chennai. Stalin, who turned 73 today, said that Tamil and Tamil Nadu are "our life" and protecting them is a duty, adding that from his youth to the present day, he has dedicated himself to serving the nation and its people, fulfilling his responsibilities through action. "Tamil and Tamil Nadu are our life! Protecting them is our duty! Saying that I know nothing but labour, from youth to this day at the age of 73, I have been serving the nation and its people, fulfilling my life's duty through action," Stalin wrote on 'X'. He expressed his aspiration to contribute meaningfully to Tamil Nadu's proud history, emphasising that the state has been placed at the forefront under the Dravidian Model of governance, with development schemes and achievements reaching every citizen. "Even if I am but a small contributor in Tamil and Tamil Nadu's proud history, I aspire to perform great service in every opportunity that comes my way. It is with that resolve that we have placed Tamil Nadu as the leading state in the Dravidian Model, marching steadfastly on the path of progress. In a way that makes the world turn and look, I have elevated Tamil Nadu as India's foremost state. The schemes and achievements of Dravidian model governance have reached the heart and home of every one of the millions of Tamil Nadu's people!" the 'X' post added. Stalin further highlighted the pride of the Tamil people, noting that the unique Tamil race has contributed intellectual light to the nation and must remain steadfast in its ideals, while urging unity to overcome challenges. He pledged to continue dedicating himself fully to the progress and welfare of Tamil Nadu. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Madurai, a visit set against a legal and political row over court-allowed temple rituals opposed by the state government. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,400 crore, emphasizing enhanced connectivity for pilgrims and goods transport. The visit comes ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, where the BJP-AIADMK alliance aims to challenge the ruling DMK-Congress coalition. The temple visit references an ongoing controversy involving Madras High Court orders on religious practices and a subsequent Supreme Court ruling on a nearby dargah. PM Modi offers prayers at Madurai temple amid court row over rituals, launches projects worth 4,400 cr, sets stage for Tamil Nadu 2026 assembly elections. Madurai, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers at Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai. PM Modi's visit to the temple came in the backdrop of the row over the Madras High Court verdict allowing the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple devotees to light the ceremonial lamp on the Deepa Thoon at the summit of the Thiruparankundram hill. The DMK government in the state opposed the court order, while the BJP rallied in favour of the devotees. During the Winter Session of Parliament last year, over 100 INDIA bloc MPs submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking an impeachment motion against Justice GR Swaminathan, who gave the order. In December, tensions had flared during the Karthigai Deepam festival, with clashes reported between right-wing activists and police. In January 2026, Madras High Court Justice G R Swaminathan expressed strong displeasure over the failure of Madurai district authorities to file their response in a contempt of court case concerning the non-lighting of the ceremonial lamp on the Deepa Thoon at the summit of the Thiruparankundram hill. The contempt petition was filed against government officials for allegedly failing to comply with an earlier order passed by Justice Swaminathan. Last month, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Madras High Court's October 2025 judgment restricting religious practices at the Nellithoppu area atop the Thirupparankundram hills in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Upholding the High Court's ruling, the apex court held that Muslims are entitled to offer prayers at the Sikandar Badusha Avuliya Dargah only on the occasions of Ramzan and Bakri-Id, and not on a daily basis. The court also affirmed the prohibition on animal sacrifice within the Dargah premises. Meanwhile, today Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for "developed Tamil Nadu for developed India," assuring the Centre's support to "inclusive development" in the State. Addressing a public gathering in Madurai, PM Modi hailed the inauguration and foundation stone laying of infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,400 crore. As he laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry Section of NH-332A and the Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram Section of NH-87, PM Modi said that the projects will ease the travel for pilgrims and ensure smooth transit of agricultural and marine goods. PM Modi's Madurai visit comes ahead of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections 2026, where the AIADMK-BJP-led alliance looks to win over the DMK-Congress coalition. Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)'s entry into the electoral politics might turn the polls into a three-way contest. - ANI Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with the bereaved families of the Medina bus crash victims in Hyderabad to offer support and reassurance. He announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh for the seriously injured, a decision made on humanitarian grounds as such deaths occur outside India. The state government had previously dispatched a delegation to Saudi Arabia and coordinated with authorities to facilitate the last rites. The Chief Minister also highlighted his personal, long-standing commitment to sponsoring Hajj pilgrims from his constituency. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy provides financial aid & assurances to families of victims from the Medina bus tragedy in Saudi Arabia. Hyderabad, March 1 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy affirmed that the "People's Government" would stand firmly by the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Medina bus tragedy in Saudi Arabia. Addressing the bereaved families at a meeting held in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said, "This government is yours and will always support you in difficult times," assuring all possible assistance. He recalled that soon after the accident in Medina, a delegation led by Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin was deputed to Saudi Arabia. The state government also facilitated travel arrangements for the victims' families. With the coordination of the Indian Consulate and the Saudi authorities, the last rites of the deceased were performed at Jannatul Baqi. The Chief Minister noted that state governments generally do not provide compensation for deaths occurring outside the country. However, on humanitarian grounds, the Telangana government decided to extend financial assistance to the affected families. CM Revanth Reddy handed over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh each to those who were seriously injured in the accident. He said the meeting was organised to personally reassure the families during their time of grief. Recalling his long association with the Muslim community, the Chief Minister said that since 2009, he has been sponsoring five pilgrims annually, one from each of the five mandals in the Kodangal Assembly constituency, for the Hajj pilgrimage at his own expense. The selection process, he added, has been entrusted to local religious leaders. Among those present at the meeting were the Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, State Government Advisor Shabbir Ali, Nampally MLA Majid Hussain, Haj Committee Chairman Khusro Pasha, Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) Vice Chairman Fahim Qureshi, State Minority Finance Corporation Chairman Obedullah Kotwal, CM OSD Vemula Srinivas and other officials. - ANI Shia organisations in Hyderabad protest the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with rallies condemning US and Israel. Hyderabad, March 2 Shia organisations Majma-e-Ulama wa Khutaba and Matami Anjuman-o-Grohan organised a protest rally in Telangana's Hyderabad on Sunday, to condemn the killing of Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally. Large number of people participated in protests against the Israeli and the US forces. Speaking to ANI, Moulana Ali Hyder Farishta said, "The news from Iran, that the Supreme Leader was killed in a strike from Israel. The whole world is mourning, and in Hyderabad, thousands of youth gathered and mourned his death. There were slogans against the cruel forces of the US." Earlier in Hyderabad, Tanzeem-e-Jaffery organised a protest rally to condemn Khamenei's killing. Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally. Speaking to ANI, a woman participant said people joined the protest irrespective of religion, expressing solidarity with Iran. Around 3,000 people participated, including women. A protestor said, "Today, Israel and the US martyred Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the great Islamic leader, to advance their motives. Today, processions are being taken out around the world to commemorate his martyrdom. The entire world is mourning him together, perhaps in India, Pakistan, and Asia." Large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across the country following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets to express grief and anger. All India Shia Council held a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the killing of Khamenei, raising slogans against the US and Israel. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday condemned the killing of Khamenei, terming the US and Israel attack as "cowardly and inhuman". US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the strikes. Iranian state media also reported that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed. The regional situation has reached a critical flashpoint following the execution of joint missile strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran. Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning following the death of their Supreme Leader and has vowed "the most devastating offensive operation" against US bases and Israel in retaliation. Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence. - ANI Tanzeem-e-Jaffery organized a large protest rally in Hyderabad's Old City condemning the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in reported US and Israel airstrikes. Similar peaceful protests, with participants carrying portraits and black flags, were held in Delhi and Srinagar. In Pakistan, however, demonstrations turned violent, with protesters storming the US consulate in Karachi and reports of casualties after security forces opened fire. The events highlight the deep resonance of Khamenei's leadership among Shia communities across South Asia. Massive protests in Hyderabad, Delhi, and Srinagar condemn US and Israel after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Reports of violence in Pakistan. Hyderabad, March 1 Tanzeem-e-Jaffery organised a protest rally in Hyderabad's Old City on Sunday, with thousands participating across communities after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israel airstrikes. The protest was held to condemn the attack. Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally. Speaking to ANI, a woman participant said people joined the protest irrespective of religion, expressing solidarity with Iran. Around 3,000 people participated, including women. Organisers said the rally witnessed significant participation and was conducted peacefully, with protesters demanding justice. A protestor said, "Today, Israel and the US martyred Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the great Islamic leader, to advance their motives. Today, processions are being taken out around the world to commemorate his martyrdom. The entire world is mourning him together, perhaps in India, Pakistan, and Asia." Large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across the country following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets to express grief and anger. All India Shia Council held a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the killing of Khamenei, raising slogans against the US and Israel. Similar protests were also seen in Jammu and Kashmir, where men, women and children gathered outside and condemned the US and Israel attack. Protests were also held outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar. The protests were peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. Meanwhile, protest in Pakistan turned violent in some areas. Thousands reportedly gathered in Skardu, where the United Nations office was set on fire. In Karachi, angry demonstrators stormed the US consulate, leading to clashes with Pakistani security forces. Reports indicated that more than 30 people were killed after soldiers opened fire on protesters outside the consulate. The wave of protests and mourning reflected the deep religious and political resonance of Khamenei's leadership among Shia communities worldwide, with gatherings spanning from Iran and Iraq to South Asia. - ANI Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel, labeling it a terrorist act that has pushed the Gulf region into war. He eulogized Khamenei as a leader not just for Iran but for all oppressed people and Muslims worldwide, expressing confidence that Iran would ultimately prevail. Iran has declared a 40-day national mourning period, a significant ritual in Shia Islam, marking the end of Khamenei's 37-year leadership. The nation is now focused on heightened security and the critical process of selecting a successor to guide the Islamic Republic's future. Maulana Saif Abbas condemns US-Israel attack, says it plunged Gulf into war. Iran begins 40-day mourning for Ayatollah Khamenei as succession looms. Lucknow, March 1 Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, terming the attack by Israel and the United States a "terrorist act". He claimed that it has pushed the Gulf region into war. Speaking to ANI, Abbas said, "The attack carried out by Israel and America yesterday is called a terrorist attack. Today, it has plunged the entire Gulf into war, and you are all seeing the situation throughout the Gulf. The world should understand how America and Israel are spreading bloodshed, hatred, and terror throughout the world." He further stated that Khamenei was not just the leader of one nation but a figure for the wider Muslim community and oppressed people globally. "Khamenei was not the leader of any one country, but the leader of every oppressed person, every Muslim, and every human being...No one knows where this ongoing conflict will lead. But I am confident that Iran will win," he said. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani has vowed a "far more crushing response" against the US and Israel following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in an attack. Iran has initiated constitutional provisions to form a provisional leadership council, as the nation enters 40 days of public mourning. The Iranian military has already launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli-occupied areas and American bases in retaliation. Attention now shifts to the difficult process of selecting a permanent successor amid heightened security and questions over the future balance of power within the Islamic Republic. Senior official Ali Larijani warns of a crushing response to the US and Israel following Ayatollah Khamenei's death, as Iran begins a constitutional succession process. Tehran, March 1 Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani on Sunday warned of a "far more crushing response" against the United States and Israel following what Iranian media described as the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tasnim News Agency reported that Larijani said the Iranian nation had thwarted what he described as US and Israeli plans through unity and resilience. He stated that constitutional provisions would guide the country during the absence of leadership. Referring to Article 110 of Iran's Constitution, Larijani explained that if the country is without a leader, the President, the Head of the Judiciary, and one jurist member of the Constitutional Council, selected by the Expediency Discernment Council, would temporarily assume the Leader's duties until a successor is elected. He said the process to form the provisional leadership council was being pursued immediately aand would be carried out as soon as possible. The news agency reported that Ayatollah Khamenei had been killed on Saturday attack by what officials described as "criminal" US-Israeli forces. He had led Iran since 1989, following the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. According to Tasnim, the Iranian Armed Forces have since launched large-scale missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli-occupied areas and American bases in the region in response to the attack. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. The official Farsi account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged his death and posted a verse from the Quran on X in the early hours of Sunday. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. - ANI India has expressed its deepest condolences to Bolivia following a tragic military plane crash at El Alto International Airport. The crash resulted in at least 22 fatalities, including four children, and left 37 others injured. Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira declared three days of national mourning, and an investigation is underway to determine if mechanical failure or severe weather caused the accident. Chaotic scenes ensued as the plane, which was carrying new banknotes, scattered currency upon impact, leading authorities to disperse crowds. A Bolivian military plane crash near La Paz kills 22, injures 37. India offers condolences as investigation into the tragic incident begins. New Delhi, March 1 India on Saturday expressed condolences in the wake of the tragic aeroplane crash at the El Alto International Airport in Bolivia, which resulted in the death of several people, leaving dozens injured. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Government of India conveys its deepest condolences to Bolivia on the tragic plane crash at El Alto International Airport. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured." A Bolivian military plane crashed in El Alto, near La Paz, into a busy urban area. As per Xinhua, the death toll from the crash in the Bolivian city of El Alto on Friday has risen to 22, including four children, Health Minister Marcela Flores confirmed on Saturday. According to Xinhua, Flores said that 37 people were injured, while several are in serious condition, and all have been transferred to public and private medical centres in El Alto and La Paz. It further mentioned that the health system activated emergency protocols to provide immediate and specialised care. On Sunday, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira declared three days of national mourning in the wake of the tragic accident, with Bolivian flags to remain at half-mast as a sign of mourning and solidarity. He noted in a post on X that authorities have also been instructed to provide all necessary attention to the affected families and to conduct a transparent investigation that will clarify what happened. As per a UK-based news agency, the plane was carrying new banknotes from the country's central bank when it crashed onto a busy avenue due to inclement weather. The plane was travelling from Santa Cruz to La Paz (El Alto International Airport). The aircraft was transporting currency to the interior of the country, Unitel said, citing the Bolivian Ministry of Defence. According to the report by China Daily, the military plane crashed in the western city of El Alto. It further mentioned that Bolivia's national airline, Boliviana de Aviacion, announced the temporary closure of El Alto International Airport following the crash. The incident happened shortly after takeoff, and emergency services rushed to the scene. Videos showed chaotic scenes with people picking up scattered banknotes, prompting authorities to use water hoses to disperse the crowd. The massive transport plane struck approximately a dozen vehicles on the highway before eventually coming to a rest in a nearby field. Social media footage showed residents rushing to the site to collect the scattered money. Security forces were forced to use water hoses and tear gas to disperse the crowds and secure the crash site. The Central Bank of Bolivia has since issued a statement declaring that these specific notes are not legal tender and hold no purchasing power, as they were destined for replacement/distribution and had not been officially activated. The Bolivian Ministry of Defence has launched a formal investigation to determine if the crash was caused by mechanical failure or the severe weather conditions present at the time. As of now, no official statement on the crash has been released. This is a developing story. - ANI Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins Futurism. Source Getty Images Is the US government about to confirm that aliens are real? Thats the claim floating around among those who believe in prediction markets as reliable soothsayers of the future, a promise that prediction markets would very much like you to buy into, so you overlook the obvious fact that theyre just another form of gambling. Lets cut to the chase. After it reviewed Kalshi trading data, The Atlantic reports that a single trader just bet nearly $100,000 that the Trump administration will confirm the existence of alien life or technology by the end of this year. Actually, that was just the first big bet. Just 35 minutes later, another wager appeared, possibly by the same person, for nearly double that amount. What did the bettor(s) know? Could they possibly have inside knowledge on an impending ET revelation? Its not quite the spectacular smoking gun that Agent Mulder mightve stumbled onto in the original run of The X-Files. But the beloved shows upcoming reboot might consider shining a light on prediction markets as avenues of conspiracies in their own right. Prediction markets allow users to bet on an unbelievable plethora of real-world outcomes beyond sports, ranging from geopolitical events to how many times Elon Musk tweets in a week. Because theyre less regulated than traditional gambling, critics fear that theyll be a hotbed of insider trading. Several scandals exemplifying these fears have already emerged. An anonymous Polymarket bettor on a freshly created account correctly guessed nearly every song that Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny would perform during his Super Bowl show, a statistical improbability. Others implicate military and government insiders. Hours before the US launched an invasion into Venezuela and abducted its president Nicolas Maduro in January, an anonymous user placed a large bet that Maduro would be removed from power by the end of the month, netting them more than $400,000. In February, Israel arrested several citizens and IDF reservists for using classified information on upcoming strikes in Iran to place Polymarket bets. The big Kalshi bets come amid an alien-laden news cycle. In an interview earlier this month, former president Barack Obama remarked that aliens are real, kicking up a media frenzy. Obama merely meant that the vast scale of the cosmos meant that aliens almost certainly existed somewhere. But UFO truthers took it as a sign that Obama had seen actual hard evidence, and president Trump capitalized on this tremendous interest to announce that he would direct government agencies to release files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a chorus of birthday wishes for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, commending his tireless work for the state's progress. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior NDA leaders also extended greetings, highlighting Kumar's leadership in Bihar's development. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary joined in, praying for his health and continued guidance. The widespread wishes underscore Nitish Kumar's significant stature and contributions to governance and development in Indian politics. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath extend birthday greetings to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, praising his work for the state's development. New Delhi, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on his birthday, praising his efforts towards the development of the state. Posting on X on Sunday, PM Modi said, "Birthday greetings to Bihar CM Shri Nitish Kumar Ji. He has been tirelessly working for Bihar's progress over the last several years. His vision and development schemes have positively impacted countless lives. Praying for his long and healthy life." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X, writing, "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar ji. Under your leadership, the NDA in Bihar is working with dedication for the development and progress of the people of the state. I pray to God for your good health and long life." Other senior leaders joined in wishing the Bihar Chief Minister. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted, "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Honorable Chief Minister of Bihar State, Shri Nitish Kumar ji. I pray to God for your excellent health and long life." Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also posted his greetings on X. "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar ji. I pray to God for your excellent health, long life, and a blissful life." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings, posting on X: "Heartfelt birthday greetings to the Honourable Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar Ji. May you be blessed with a glorious, long, and healthy life, and under your leadership, the state establish new benchmarks in development and good governance - this is the prayer to Janaknandini Maa Janaki." Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also expressed his wishes, stating, "Heartfelt birthday congratulations and best wishes to the esteemed Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar ji, the development icon who is taking Bihar to new heights of progress by bringing the policy of development with good governance and justice to every individual." "I pray to God that you remain healthy, long-lived, and full of energy, and continue to guide Bihar towards new directions of continuous development," he added. The wishes reflect Nitish Kumar's stature in Indian politics and his contributions towards governance, infrastructure, and social development in Bihar. Leaders from both the state and the Central government lauded his leadership. - IANS Former President Donald Trump stated the United States could consider sanctions relief for Russia as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine, noting he had spoken with Vladimir Putin. He expressed significant dissatisfaction with the progress of nuclear negotiations with Iran, firmly stating Tehran cannot possess nuclear weapons. Trump also commented on Cuba's distressed economic situation, suggesting the possibility of a "friendly takeover." These remarks could have significant implications for global diplomacy and energy markets, including for countries like India. Trump suggests US could ease Russia sanctions to end Ukraine war, expresses frustration with Iran nuclear negotiations, and comments on Cuba's situation. Washington, Feb 28 President Donald Trump said the United States "could" consider sanctions relief for Russia as part of efforts to end the Ukraine war, while signalling frustration with Iran's nuclear negotiations and warning that Tehran "cannot have nuclear weapons." "We could sanctions relief. I'd like to do -- I'd like to just see that war over with," Trump told reporters before departing on Marine One. He said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stressed urgency. "We want to make a deal with Russia. We want to make a deal with Ukraine. I think we're very close, but we'll see what happens." Highlighting the human toll, he added, "25,000 people died last month. It's crazy. To have that war is just absolutely, it's a shame." On Iran, Trump said negotiations were not progressing as Washington expected. "No, I'm not. I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have," he said when asked about the talks. He confirmed no final decision had been taken. "No, I haven't." But he drew a firm line on Tehran's nuclear ambitions. "They cannot have nuclear weapons. And we're not thrilled with the way they're negotiating, so we'll see how it all works." Asked whether military action could spiral into a prolonged Middle East conflict, Trump acknowledged the risk. "I guess you could say there's always a risk. You know, when there's war, there's a risk in anything both good and bad." He added, "We have the greatest military anywhere in the world. There's nothing close. I'd love not to use it, but sometimes you have to. We'll see what happens." Turning briefly to Cuba, Trump described the island nation as being in distress and said talks were underway. "The Cuban government is talking with us, and they're in a big deal of trouble," he said. "They have no money. They have no oil. They have no food." He went further. "We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba." On domestic economic issues, Trump pointed to easing mortgage rates. "Mortgage rates are going down very rapidly," he said. His advice to young homebuyers: "Save a little money, wait a little longer, you're going to get a mortgage for a very low rate." He also dismissed reports that he was considering a national emergency related to the upcoming midterm elections. "I've never -- I've never heard about it," he said. The remarks come at a time of sustained fighting in Ukraine and renewed diplomatic manoeuvring between Moscow and Western capitals. US sanctions on Russia have targeted energy exports, financial institutions, and defence entities since the invasion began in 2022. For India, any shift in US sanctions policy carries implications. New Delhi has significantly increased imports of discounted Russian crude in recent years, even as it deepened strategic ties with Washington. Developments in Iran's nuclear negotiations also bear directly on regional stability and energy markets that are central to India's economic and security interests. - IANS President Donald Trump held calls with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates amid ongoing joint US-Israel military strikes against Iran. The White House was also briefed on a deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed in the strikes, which Trump called "justice for the people of Iran." Meanwhile, the UAE announced its forces had intercepted hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones since the attack began. President Trump spoke with Middle East leaders as US-Israel strikes on Iran continue. White House also briefed on Texas shooting. Washington DC, March 2 President Donald Trump on Sunday spoke with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as the US and Israel continued their strikes across Iran, the White House said. Iran has also targeted the US facilities in Bahrain, the UAE and other neighbouring Gulf nations in its retaliatory action. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said that Trump was briefed on a shooting incident in Austin, Texas. At least two people were killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting at a popular bar in Austin, authorities said Sunday, CBS News reported. The gunman was also killed. Sharing a post on X, White House Press Secretary wrote, "Today, President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE. The President has also been briefed on the shooting in Austin, Texas." This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes titled Operation Roaring Lion/Operation Epic Fury by Israel and the United States on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, alongside his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28 In a statement shared on X, and subsequently reposted by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry confirmed that the military has "so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack." Earlier, US President Trump announced the death of Khamenei on Truth Social, calling it "justice for the people of Iran" and stating that "pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE." - ANI President Donald Trump announced a new arrangement to import and refine Venezuelan crude oil during a speech at the Port of Corpus Christi. He cited increased U.S. oil and natural gas production since his inauguration and pointed to lower local gasoline prices. Trump credited federal funding for modernizing the port, which he called a major global energy export hub. He also linked reliable energy supply to the growth of artificial intelligence technology. President Trump highlights a new oil arrangement with Venezuela and U.S. energy production gains during a speech at the Port of Corpus Christi. Washington, Feb 28 US President Donald Trump spotlighted a fresh oil arrangement with Venezuela during remarks at a major Texas export hub, arguing that expanded refining and exports from Corpus Christi signal what he called a historic American energy revival. Speaking at the Port of Corpus Christi, which he described as "one of the largest energy export hubs anywhere in the world," Trump said his administration had acted swiftly on energy policy. "On day one, I declared a national energy emergency. I ended the Biden export ban. And I told our great Texas energy workers to very simply drill, baby, drill!" He claimed production gains since returning to office. "Since my inauguration, US oil production is now up by 600,000 barrels a day." He added: "Natural gas production is at an all-time record high by far." Trump also pointed to lower fuel prices. "Today, right here in Corpus Christi, the price of gasoline is down to just less than actually, now $2.30," he said. Referring to a recent visit, he added: "$1.99. And then, I passed another one $1.85. It's happening." A central focus of his speech was Venezuela. Indicating a tanker near the dock, he said: "In fact, 360,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude are right now sitting in the tanker on my left." He described Caracas as a "new friend and partner" and said, "For the benefit of both our nations, we're going to refine their oil right here in America and right here in Texas and then export it all over the world." He argued the arrangement would benefit both countries. "It's great for Venezuela, and it's great for us," he said, adding that "a lot of it comes right here." Trump credited federal investment during his first term for the port's expansion. "In my first term, I approved vital federal funding to deepen the channel and fully modernise the Port of Corpus Christi," he said, adding that companies had since created "tens of thousands of jobs." Port Corpus Christi asset management director Jesse Robinson called the moment "an irrefutably historical moment," and said he had seen "the millions of dollars in federal funds invested in infrastructure that helps us serve our customers so they can then turn and serve the communities around the world." Marine Corps veteran Kevin Rose said recent tax changes had helped his family. "With the legislation that has been passed with no tax on overtime, we were able to buy a commercial refrigerator for our business," he said, adding that his family planned to take their children on a trip. Trump also linked energy supply to artificial intelligence growth, saying big technology companies must build their "own power plant" so they are "no longer taking out of the community." He called the requirement "mandatory." National Border Patrol Council president Paul Perez praised the administration's broader record, telling supporters: "President Trump is the best president in the history of this country. Prove me wrong." - IANS UAE air defenses successfully intercepted a major Iranian attack involving 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones. Debris from the intercepted drones fell in Dubai, injuring two people who received medical treatment. The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the assault as a dangerous and cowardly escalation that violates sovereignty. Authorities are on high alert, urging residents to rely on official information while securing affected sites. UAE air defenses intercept 346 Iranian missiles and drones. Falling debris injures two in Dubai homes. Ministry condemns the "cowardly" escalation. Dubai, March 1 UAE authorities on Sunday said that two people were injured after debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, and they have received medical treatment. In a statement shared on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office said: "Authorities confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, resulting in two injuries. The injured have received the necessary medical care. Authorities also clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations." Earlier in the day, the UAE's Ministry of Defence announced that the Air Force and Air Defence Forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country's territories since the start of the Iranian attack. "The Ministry clarified that since the start of the attack, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles were detected and launched toward the country, with 132 of them destroyed, while 5 fell into the sea. Additionally, 209 Iranian drones were detected, 195 of which were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country's territories and waters, causing some collateral damage," it said. "The Ministry indicated that as a result of the effective interception of the missiles and drones, some debris fell in scattered areas of the country, leading to minor material damage to a number of civilian properties. The Ministry confirmed that the relevant authorities moved immediately with full readiness and capabilities to handle the situation in accordance with the approved procedures in such cases, and the necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of residents and secure the affected sites," it added. The UAE's Ministry of Defence condemned the attack and expressed the country's rejection of such acts that showcase a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of people and undermines stability. It stated that this targeting represents a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law. It urged the people to obtain information from official sources in the UAE and avoid circulating rumours or unverified information. "The Ministry emphasized that this targeting constitutes a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law, and that the country reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territories and people and the residents therein, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its interests and national capabilities." The ministry stated that it is on high alert and ready to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront everything that targets the disruption of the UAE's security and stability, and affirmed that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors is an utmost priority that cannot be compromised. - IANS The United Arab Emirates announced its air defences successfully intercepted 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched by Iran, with most being destroyed. The attacks caused material damage, including a fire on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah believed to be from falling debris, and led to one death and multiple injuries at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. The aviation authority activated contingency plans, impacting over 20,000 travelers with flight rescheduling. Concurrently, Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in what it described as US-Israeli attacks. UAE air defences intercept massive Iranian barrage of 137 missiles and 209 drones, causing casualties and damage in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Abu Dhabi, March 1 The United Arab Emirates said on Sunday that the country's air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched by Iran. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said 132 of the 137 missiles were destroyed, while five fell into the sea. Of the 209 drones detected, 195 were intercepted, and 14 landed within the country's territory and waters, causing limited collateral damage. Some debris fell in scattered areas, resulting in minor material damage to civilian facilities, the ministry said, adding that authorities had taken necessary measures to ensure public safety and secure affected sites, reports Xinhua news agency. "The authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport, where the interception operation led to the fall of shrapnel, resulting in one death of Asian nationality and 7 injuries," Abu Dhabi Airports said in an official statement. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it had activated contingency plans to manage the impact of the attack and ensure the aviation sector continued operation. About 20,200 travellers have been impacted by the flight rescheduling, with temporary lodging, meals and rebooking arrangements provided, the GCAA said. Earlier on Saturday, a fire broke out in a building on Dubai's landmark Palm Jumeirah, which is believed to have been caused by falling Iranian missile debris. Earlier in the evening, videos circulating on social media showed a dense column of black smoke rising from the top of the structure, while several loud explosions were reported in the area. Dubai Civil Defence said four people were injured in an explosion in the Palm Jumeirah area. Meanwhile, Iran's state media confirmed Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli attacks. The Iranian government announced a 40-day mourning period after the report of the leader's death. Four relatives of Khamenei, including his daughter, grandchild and son-in-law, were also killed in the US-Israeli strikes, reported Iran's Fars News Agency, citing sources. - IANS Qatar has issued a strong condemnation of Iranian attacks that targeted the commercial port of Duqm in Oman and an oil tanker. The Qatari foreign ministry described the strikes as a violation of Omani sovereignty and an unacceptable escalation, criticizing the targeting of a key regional mediator. The attacks involved two drones, with one injuring an expatriate worker and the other's debris falling near fuel storage tanks. Oman has condemned the attack and affirmed it is taking all necessary measures to protect national safety. Qatar strongly condemns Iranian drone attacks on Oman's Duqm Port, calling it an unacceptable escalation and a violation of sovereignty. Doha, March 1 Qatar on Sunday condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted the commercial port of Duqm in Oman and an oil tanker off its coast, while expressing solidarity with Oman in all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability. In a statement, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed Iranian attacks a violation of Oman's sovereignty, an unacceptable escalation, and a cowardly targeting of a country playing an active mediating role between Iran and the international community to defuse the crisis and promote constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. In a statement shared on X, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted the commercial port of Duqm in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman and an oil tanker off its coast. Qatar describes the attacks as a violation of the Sultanate's sovereignty, an unacceptable escalation, and a cowardly targeting of a country playing an active mediating role between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the international community to defuse the crisis and promote constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues." "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar's full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman in all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability," it added. Advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, said on Sunday that Iran's attacks on Oman showcase a dangerous pattern that threatens the role of mediators and undermines one of the most important tools for containing crises and preserving peace and stability. In a statement posted on X, he wrote: "The deliberate targeting of the Sultanate of Oman, a country that has made sincere efforts to mediate and prevent bloodshed, and has sought to keep the door to diplomacy open until the last moment, is an attack on the very principle of mediation. As we warned when Qatar was targeted for its mediation, this attack represents a dangerous pattern that threatens the role of mediators and undermines one of the most important tools for containing crises & preserving peace & stability." Qatar's statement comes after the commercial port of Duqm was targeted by two drones, Oman News Agency reported, citing a security source. An expatriate worker was injured after one of the drones hit a mobile workers' housing unit. The debris of the second drone fell in an area near fuel storage tanks, with no casualties or material damage, Oman News Agency reported. Oman condemned the attack and stated that it was taking all necessary measures to address any actions that may impinge upon the safety of the nation and those living within it. - IANS The Iranian Embassy in India has issued a strong condemnation, expressing profound sorrow over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in what it calls brutal joint US-Israeli strikes. In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had disabled a US-linked ship in the Indian Ocean and struck an American naval base in Kuwait. Israel confirmed the operation, dubbed "Roaring Lion," aimed at removing threats, while Iran has launched further coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across Gulf Arab states. The escalating conflict has prompted international concern and diplomatic outreach, including from India, amid fears of a wider regional war. Iranian Embassy in India condemns the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei by US-Israeli strikes, vows retaliation, and declares regional US assets as targets. New Delhi, March 1 The Embassy of Iran in India on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei by Israeli-US strikes in Iran in the early hours of Sunday. Terming the action an "unforgiveable crime", the Embassy urged governments around the world to condemn the killing. It also shared a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who shared military actions taken by Iran against an American vessel and naval base in Kuwait. In a post on X, it said, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expresses its profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following the brutal and criminal attacks carried out by the regime of the United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance), to the Muslim Ummah, to the great nation of Islamic Republic of Iran, and to all freedom-loving nations of the world." It further added, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom-seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression." Also on Sunday, the Embassy of Iran in India shared an announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which noted that as a part of the fifth wave of Operation True Promise 4, the MSP ship in the Indian Ocean which it alleged was carrying ammunition for American vessels, was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions. It further mentioned that the American naval base in the Abdullah Mubarak area of Kuwait was hit by 4 ballistic missiles and 12 drones, and all the infrastructure was destroyed, "and a large number of American forces were killed and injured." Other updates shared include that an MST-class combat support ship, which was carrying fuel for American vessels in the Indian Ocean, was hit by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles. On his death, Iran's Supreme National Council also issued a statement sharply criticising the US and Israel. Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high". Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue. "This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets. - ANI The United States has expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against attacks from the Taliban amid escalating border clashes. President Donald Trump publicly praised Pakistan's leadership, highlighting his respect for the country's prime minister and general. A State Department spokesperson condemned the Taliban for failing to uphold counterterrorism commitments and allowing violence to destabilize the region. The developments are being closely monitored by India, which has longstanding concerns about terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. President Trump praises Pakistan's leaders as the US backs its right to self-defense against Taliban attacks amid escalating border clashes with Afghanistan. Washington, Feb 28 The United States has backed Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks, even as border fighting escalated between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban, with President Donald Trump praising Pakistan's leadership and a State Department spokesperson tellingthat Washington supports Pakistan's right to self-defence. "I get along with Pakistan, as you know very well. Very, very well," President Trump told reporters before departing on Marine One. He added, "You have a great prime minister. You have a great general there. You have a great leader that...I think two of the people that I really respect a lot. And I think that Pakistan is doing terrifically well." President Trump's remarks came amid reports of fresh clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, heightening concerns about instability in the region. A State Department spokesperson told IANS that Washington was closely watching the situation. "We are aware of the recent escalation in tensions and outbreak of fighting between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, and we are saddened by the loss of life," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson made clear that the U.S. position supports Islamabad's security response. "The United States supports Pakistan's right to defend itself against attacks from the Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group." The spokesperson also criticised the Taliban's approach to counterterrorism commitments. "The Taliban have consistently failed to uphold their counterterrorism commitments, allowing violence to destabilise the region while terrorist groups use Afghanistan as a launching pad for their heinous attacks." Trump did not outline specific new measures in response to the escalation. But his public praise for Pakistan's leadership, coupled with the State Department's statement, signals continued U.S. engagement with Islamabad at a sensitive moment. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long and porous border that has seen repeated clashes in recent years. Islamabad has accused militant groups operating from Afghan territory of launching attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban authorities in Kabul have denied providing a safe haven to armed groups targeting neighbouring countries. For India, developments along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier are closely watched. Instability in the region carries implications for counterterrorism efforts and wider South Asian security calculations. New Delhi has consistently raised concerns about terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil and has urged strict adherence to international counterterrorism commitments. - IANS US saw insistence on enrichment as a "big tell" Senior US officials claim Iran presented a secret written proposal during negotiations that would have allowed uranium enrichment capacity roughly five times greater than permitted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The plan included projections for advanced centrifuges and elevated stockpiles, which the US interpreted as leaving a pathway to weapons-grade material. Iran rejected a major US concession of free nuclear fuel forever, insisting on retaining domestic enrichment capability. The talks ultimately collapsed as Iran refused to address ballistic missiles and regional proxy groups, with US officials describing the negotiations as marked by "games tricks stall tactics." US officials reveal Iran's secret 7-page nuclear proposal aiming for enrichment capacity five times greater than the 2015 JCPOA limits, derailing negotiations. Washington, March 1 Iran proposed a nuclear framework during the latest round of negotiations that would have allowed enrichment capacity "roughly five times more than laid out in the JCPOA", reinforcing Washington's concerns about Tehran's long-term intentions, senior Trump Administration officials said. Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials described a detailed written proposal presented by Iranian negotiators during talks with the United States. During the negotiations, the US side was led by senior presidential advisor Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. "They brought with them a seven-page plan, which, interestingly enough, they wouldn't leave it with us, but they did hand it to us and allowed us to read it," said a Senior Administration Official who requested anonymity. According to US officials, the document outlined Iran's internal nuclear energy needs and included a flow chart projecting future enrichment requirements. The scale of the projected capability, they said, would have significantly exceeded limits under the 2015 nuclear agreement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), officials said, assessed that the projected framework would result in enrichment capacity "roughly five times more than laid out in the J-C-P-O-A". The core dispute centred on uranium enrichment. US negotiators told Iran that if its programme were genuinely civilian, it could operate under internationally accepted guardrails similar to those of other countries. "We said, okay, there are many countries that have safe, civil nuclear programs," the Senior Administration Official said. Washington offered a major concession. "One of the things we offered them was we said, we'll give you a free nuclear fuel forever," the official said. Iran rejected that offer. "They basically said that didn't work for them. They needed to enrich uranium," a Senior Administration Official said. US officials interpreted that insistence as revealing. "The fact that they weren't willing to take free nuclear fuel was a big tell to us," the official said. Officials argued that retaining domestic enrichment capability - particularly alongside advanced centrifuge development and higher stockpiles - left open a pathway to weapons-grade material. They said Iran was simultaneously expanding its ability to manufacture advanced "IR six centrifuges", described as "the fastest ones out there". Officials also cited stockpiles of enriched material at elevated levels. Roughly "450 kilograms of 60 per cent material" would be "only one week away from getting to 90 per cent weapons rate", the Senior Administration Official said. In addition, officials said Iran refused to address ballistic missiles and regional proxy groups in the negotiations. "They will not even talk about it," one Senior Administration Official said of ballistic missiles. Following these meetings, the administration concluded that the proposal did not meet President Donald Trump's demand for "a real deal" that would ensure Iran would "never have the ability to possess a nuclear weapon". "There was no seriousness to achieve a real deal," a Senior Administration Official said, describing the talks as marked by "games tricks stall tactics". Officials said Washington could have agreed to "another short-term bad deal" but chose not to. "It wouldn't have dealt with the long-term issue of Iran," the official said. The 2015 nuclear agreement capped enrichment at 3.67 per cent and imposed limits on centrifuge numbers in exchange for sanctions relief. That framework later unravelled, and tensions have since escalated over enrichment thresholds and missile capabilities. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful energy use. However, enrichment levels beyond civilian requirements and advanced centrifuge production remain at the centre of international concern. The disclosure of the written proposal suggests negotiations had moved into detailed technical exchanges before collapsing. - IANS Many formerly high-flying artificial intelligence (AI) cryptocurrencies are currently down anywhere from 70% to 95% from their 2024 highs. Not surprisingly, many crypto investors have given up on the AI investment thesis entirely. However, there's one fast-charging AI crypto that is surging up the market cap rankings. Kite (CRYPTO: KITE) is up a staggering 140% over the past 90 days, and now ranks among the top 100 cryptocurrencies in the world with a market cap of nearly $450 million. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue For crypto investors, the big question becomes: Can Kite maintain its upward trajectory, or will it crash back to earth, just like all the other AI cryptocurrencies? Image source: Getty Images. The first AI payment blockchain Kite bills itself as "the first AI payment blockchain." That's because it provides the blockchain infrastructure for AI agents to operate and transact. Kite launched as a specialized Layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for the autonomous economy. It's up to you to decide whether the AI agent investment thesis is overhyped, but I think it's just getting started. And plenty of high-profile investors seem to agree. Last September, Kite lined up $18 million in financing from PayPal Ventures and venture capital firm General Catalyst. Another high-profile investor in Kite is Coinbase Global. The participation of Coinbase Global is interesting because CEO Brian Armstrong has been vocal in his support for AI payments using blockchain infrastructure. Last year, Coinbase launched a new payment protocol for AI agents and bots known as x402. Recently, Coinbase experimented with AI agents, giving them their own blockchain wallets to invest in crypto. That's where I think Kite could be headed -- a brave new world of autonomous agents transacting with each other, with only limited human intervention. Can investors trust the hype around Kite? Before investing in Kite, just remember that plenty of other AI cryptos have seen similar levels of support and hype from the tech cognoscenti before eventually crashing in price. Bittensor, my favorite AI crypto from 2025, is down a shocking 77% from its all-time high in April 2024. And Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, my favorite AI crypto from 2024, is down an even more shocking 95% from its all-time high in March 2024. Going forward, then, investors should proceed with extreme caution. Most AI cryptos are down significantly since launch, and it could be just a matter of time before Kite joins them. Kite is a highly leveraged bet on the agentic future of artificial intelligence. If the investment thesis around AI agents runs out of air, so could Kite. Violent protesters attacked the US Consulate in Karachi, smashing windows and setting fires, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pakistani police responded with tear gas shelling and warning shots to disperse the crowd, resulting in several injuries. The Edhi ambulance service transported the injured to a local hospital, while significant traffic disruptions occurred as authorities closed roads. Sindh's Home Minister sought an immediate report on the situation as tensions remained high in the port city. Violent protests erupt at US Consulate in Karachi following the death of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Police use tear gas, injuries reported. Karachi, March 1 Protests turned violent near the US Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road in Pakistan's Karachi on Sunday following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes, local media reported. Visuals circulating on social media showed doors and windows smashed and set on fire, and chaotic scenes outside the consulate premises, with demonstrators damaging property and clashing with security personnel. Protesters were seen breaking windows and attacking the guard area with sticks, prompting a forceful response from law enforcement agencies. Police resorted to tear gas shelling and fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd and restore order. According to a statement issued by the Edhi Rescue service, law enforcement personnel used teargas and baton charges to control the escalating situation, resulting in "injuries to several" people, reports leading Pakistani newspaper, Dawn. An Edhi ambulance transported the injured individuals to Civil Hospital Karachi for medical treatment. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought an immediate report on the situation from Karachi Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Azad Khan, according to a statement released by his office. The unrest also caused significant traffic disruptions in the area. In an update issued at around 11 a.m., Karachi Traffic Police announced that both sides of the road from Sultanabad Traffic Section towards Mai Kolachi had been closed due to the protest, Dawn reported. Authorities continued to monitor the situation closely as tensions remained high in the port city following the developments linked to the killing of the Iranian leader. Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. - IANS Passengers across India faced severe disruptions and cancellations following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which prompted retaliatory strikes and regional airspace closures. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport cancelled nearly 98 flights, while Thiruvananthapuram saw 17 arrivals and departures cancelled. The crisis extended to Chandigarh and caused over a dozen flight cancellations in Nepal, affecting multiple international carriers. Authorities are advising travellers to check schedules as the situation remains fluid. Passengers stranded across India as airspace closures from Iran conflict cause major flight cancellations at Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and other airports. New Delhi, March 1 Passengers across India faced major inconvenience due to flight disruptions and cancellations following the US-Israel attack on Iran. In Maharashtra, travellers complained of long waiting hours and cancelled flights. Speaking to IANS, one passenger said, "Our flight was scheduled around 8:30, but it got cancelled. Right now, we are waiting for the next flight, and we will leave as soon as it departs." Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saw nearly 98 flights cancelled as airlines pulled services over safety fears. Meanwhile, Chandigarh airport authorities confirmed disruptions in air traffic management. On Saturday, only one Dubai-bound departure was cancelled, but on Sunday, both arrival and departure flights to Dubai have been affected. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport also saw a significant impact, with 17 arrival flights and as many departure flights cancelled, leaving many passengers stranded. The cancellations are part of a broader regional disruption triggered by a joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israeli and US military bases across several Gulf nations, forcing multiple countries in the region to close their airspace and halt civilian air traffic. In Nepal, the effects were similarly severe. More than a dozen scheduled flights between Nepal and Gulf cities were cancelled on Saturday. The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Authority under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reported that 14 flights departing from Kathmandu to West Asian destinations, as well as arrivals from those cities, were cancelled. Airlines affected included Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and Kuwait Airways. Himalaya Airlines cancelled six flights - the highest among carriers. The widespread cancellations left many passengers stranded, creating overcrowding in terminals as travellers awaited further updates. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise passengers to check flight schedules before heading to airports. - IANS US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the launch of "Operation Epic Fury," a massive aerial military campaign against Iran ordered by President Trump. Hegseth framed the operation as a necessary response to Iran's refusal to negotiate and its decades of targeting Americans. CENTCOM stated the strikes targeted IRGC facilities, air defenses, and missile sites, employing a vast array of precision munitions and drones. The command reported no US casualties and described the operation as the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announces major military operation against Iran, vowing to destroy its military capabilities and prevent a nuclear weapon. Washington, March 1 US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that the United States has launched "OPERATION EPIC FURY", calling it "the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history" and warning Tehran of sweeping military consequences. "Overnight, on President Trump's orders, the Department of War commenced OPERATION EPIC FURY," Hegseth said in a statement. He framed the action as a response to Iran's refusal to negotiate. "The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal - and now they are suffering the consequences," he said. Hegseth accused Iran of decades of hostility towards the United States. "For almost fifty years, Iran has targeted and killed Americans, always seeking the world's most powerful weapons to further their radical cause," he said. "Last night, unlike any previous president, President Trump began dealing with this cancer," he added. The Secretary of War outlined an expansive military objective. "We will not tolerate powerful missiles targeting the American people. Those missiles will be destroyed, along with Iran's missile production," he said. "The Iranian navy will be destroyed. And, as President Trump has said his entire life, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." Hegseth insisted Washington was responding to provocation. "The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it," he said. He delivered a blunt warning to Tehran. "If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world - as Iran has - then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you." Hegseth also praised US forces engaged in the operation. "Our warriors are the best in the world, and they are fully unleashed to achieve our objectives," he said. In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation "at the direction of the President of the United States," started striking targets at 1:15 a.m. Eastern Time "to dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus, prioritising locations that posed an imminent threat," the statement said. According to CENTCOM, targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. "The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call," said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. The command said the first hours of the operation involved precision munitions launched from air, land and sea platforms. It also confirmed that CENTCOM's Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat. Following the initial wave of US and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces "successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks," the statement said. "There have been no reports of US casualties or combat-related injuries," it added, noting that damage to US installations was minimal and has not impacted operations. CENTCOM said Operation Epic Fury represents "the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation," underscoring the scale of the campaign now underway in and around Iran. - IANS The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has set a new Guinness World Record by planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in less than an hour, shattering the previous record held by China. The massive urban forest project in Domri utilizes the Japanese Miyawaki method for rapid, dense growth and features systematic irrigation. The 350-bigha area is divided into sectors named after Kashi's ghats and will include walking paths, yoga plazas, and herbal parks. Officials cited the inspiration of political leaders and described the feat as a blend of spiritual heritage and modern development. Varanasi breaks China's record by planting 2.51 lakh Miyawaki saplings in under an hour, creating a massive new urban forest. Varanasi, March 1 Varanasi Municipal Corporation on Sunday set a new Guinness World Record after planting more than 2.5 lakh saplings in less than one hour, a press release said. In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency, Varanasi, over 20,000 citizens participated in the drive, which has now been officially recognised by the Guinness World Records. As part of the project, 2.51 lakh Miyawaki saplings were planted in just one hour, breaking China's previous world record of 1.53 lakh saplings planted in an hour and securing a new Guinness World Record, the press release said. A 10,827-meter-long pipeline, 10 borewells, and 360 rain gun systems have been installed in the forest area to ensure systematic irrigation and water conservation. The entire forest is based on the Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This method allows plants to grow many times faster than normal, resulting in a dense forest within two to three years. According to the release, this 'urban forest' in Domri is not limited to tree plantation alone, but also features a unique structure. The entire 350-bigha area has been divided into 60 sectors, named after Kashi's famous Ganga Ghats--Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Kedar, Lalita, Manmandir, etc. About 4,000 trees have been planted in each sector. Priority has been given to 27 native species, including Sheesham, Arjun, Teak, and Bamboo, as well as fruit trees like Mango, Guava, and Papaya, and medicinal species like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Giloy. In the coming years, this area will develop into an 'oxygen bank.' Apart from the 2.5 lakh samplings, 10,000 timber trees and 40,000 fruit-bearing trees will also be planted and additionally, the project will feature: a four-kilometre walking pathway, meditation and yoga plaza, four-hectare flower park, a two-hectare herbal park, children's play zone, and open gym plaza. Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi was present at the event. Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari said this achievement represents a confluence of Kashi's spiritual heritage and modern development vision. Citing the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he described it as a proud tilak on Kashi's forehead, the press release stated. - ANI Health experts and leaders have welcomed the introduction of the HPV vaccine in India as a crucial step against cervical cancer. The vaccination campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will provide the vaccine free of cost, targeting girls aged 14-15. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a three-month drive in the capital to vaccinate approximately 1.6 lakh girls. The initiative is seen as a major public health measure to significantly reduce the disease burden in the coming years. Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital celebrates the national HPV vaccine rollout. The free vaccination campaign targets girls aged 14-15 to prevent cervical cancer. New Delhi, March 1 Dr Bindu Bajaj, Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Safdarjung Hospital welcomed the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the country, calling it a significant move in the fight against cervical cancer. Speaking to ANI on the importance of the vaccine, Dr Bajaj said, "It was very important to bring this vaccine to our country. This cancer is very common. This vaccine is being given at the age of 14, so its results have been seen to be good. We are very happy. "It was very important to bring this vaccine to our country...This cancer is very common...This vaccine is being given at the age of 14, so its results have been seen to be good...We are very happy", she said. HPV vaccine aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, a major health concern in India. The vaccination drive is targeted at pre-teens; the vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on public health. She highlighted that cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women and emphasised that early vaccination will play a crucial role in reducing the disease burden in the coming years. Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in the launch program of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign against cervical cancer at the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital. While addressing the event, the Delhi Chief Minister highlighted that at least 80,000 women develop cervical cancer every year."Approximately 80,000 women develop cervical cancer each year, which can be prevented by getting the HPV vaccination at an early age. In such a situation, it is a matter of good fortune that the Prime Minister has made this vaccine available free of cost to all women... When I was looking at its efficiency rate, then almost 93 per cent protection is possible with this vaccine, due to which our women will be saved from this disease..." she stated. Furthermore, Gupta said that the state government will run the HPV vaccination drive for three months to vaccinate young girls aged 14-15."In Delhi, 1.6 lakh girls are 14-15 years old, in the next 3 months we will run HPV vaccination drive in which our health department, education department, Asha workers, everyone will join in it, will spread its information to every household and will ensure that every daughter takes this vaccine so that no daughter of Delhi gets cervical cancer..." she added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign and development projects worth Rs 16,680 crore in Rajasthan's Ajmer. Addressing a large public rally after the event, PM Modi said the BJP's double-engine government in Rajasthan has completed two years, and the state is now advancing on a new path of development. The Prime Minister called the HPV vaccination campaign an important step towards empowering the women of the country. "Today, from this land of brave women, I have got the opportunity to launch an important campaign for the daughters of the entire country. The HPV vaccination campaign has been launched in Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering the women of the country," PM Modi said. "The promises of development with which the BJP government came to serve you are being fulfilled with great speed. And today is the day to accelerate this very campaign of development," he said. - ANI Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has publicly urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mediate and de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran. He emphasized that war is not a solution and called for dialogue, leveraging India's good relations with the US, Israel, and Iran. His comments come amid growing concerns of a wider regional conflict in the Middle East. The statement coincides with Iran observing a period of national mourning following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi calls on PM Modi to leverage India's ties with US, Israel, and Iran to prevent war through dialogue. Bareilly, March 1 All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mediate, leveraging India's good relations with the US, Israel, and Iran, to prevent escalation. Speaking in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Razvi emphasised that war is not the solution, advocating for dialogue to resolve conflicts. He praised Iran's stance, saying it has humbled America's pride and Israel's arrogance. ""...This war is not the solution to any issue. The solution is dialogue, and the issue should be resolved only through dialogue... By not bowing down, Iran has shattered America's pride and Israel's arrogance. America is infuriated by the retaliatory action taken by a poor country, and Israel is in a state of panic, due to which they want a coup in Iran, but that is not possible...," he told ANI. Razvi called on PM Modi to mediate, given India's balanced relations with the involved nations. "I want to tell Prime Minister Modi that he has good relations with America, Israel, and Iran, and on the basis of those relations, he should mediate and stop this war...," he said. The statement comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East between Iran and Israel, with concerns growing over the potential for wider conflict. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed concerns regarding Kannadigas and other Indians stranded due to the Israel-Iran conflict, urging public calm. He confirmed the Central Government is working on their safety and that two state legislators, Bojegowda and AC Srinivas, are among those affected. Shivakumar condemned attacks on civilians and a children's school, emphasizing India's commitment to peace. Citizens are advised to contact the Ministry of External Affairs helpline while state and central authorities coordinate the response. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar urges calm, details efforts to contact stranded citizens and legislators amid Gaza conflict. Central govt coordinating safety. Bengaluru, March 1 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar on Sunday expressed concerns regarding the stranded Kannadigas passengers stuck due to the war between Israel and Iran. In a statement, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that the Central Government is working to ensure the safety of citizens stranded in Gaza, including those from Kerala, Karnataka, and other states. He urged people to stay calm and advised stranded citizens to stay in contact with the Delhi Commissioner. The Deputy CM also mentioned that two local legislators, Bojegowda and AC Srinivas, are among those stranded, and efforts are being made to establish contact with them. He condemned the attacks on civilians and a children's school, emphasizing India's commitment to peace and harmony. "We must protect those who are stranded there. People have gone there from Kerala, Karnataka, and other states. The Central Government is working to ensure the safety of all of them. They have been advised to stay in contact with the Delhi Commissioner. Our two legislators -- Bojegowda and AC Srinivas -- are also stranded there. We are trying to establish contact with them. All citizens must be protected. What is happening there is not right. Our country believes in peace. We have always lived in peace and harmony. The attacks taking place now are not right. The attack on a children's school is condemnable. There is no need for us to panic. We must put pressure on the Central Government, and we will do that," he said. The Deputy CM urged Kannada organisations to boost confidence, saying people should stay calm despite airstrikes in Gaza. He's in touch with CM and advises citizens to contact the Ministry of External Affairs helpline. "We appeal to Kannada organisations to boost people's confidence. Many people have called us in panic. There were airstrikes last night, and people are frightened. However, there is no need to panic. I will also remain in contact with the Chief Minister. Separate helplines cannot be created by both the Central and State governments. We have issued directions from the State Government as well. Any action must be carried out through the Ministry of External Affairs. Our responsibility is to instil confidence and courage among people," he added. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI The Federation of Indian Export Organisations warns that the escalating conflict in West Asia will increase freight costs and marine insurance premiums, disrupting global supply chains. A prolonged crisis could push up global energy prices, impacting input costs and exerting pressure on the Indian Rupee. The situation escalated with joint US-Israel missile attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Iran, marking a sharp expansion of regional tensions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation to pull the region back from the brink. FIEO warns conflict will raise freight costs, insurance premiums, and energy prices, disrupting global supply chains and pressuring the Rupee. New Delhi, March 1 The ongoing conflict in West Asia will inevitably raise freight costs and stretch supply chains, SC Ralhan, President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations said. In addition, FIEO, in a brief statement, cautioned that heightened geopolitical risk typically results in higher marine insurance premiums, further adding to transaction costs for exporters. "A prolonged disruption could also exert upward pressure on global energy prices, with consequential implications for input costs and currency stability, including pressure on the Rupee," observed FIEO. While Indian exporters have demonstrated resilience in navigating past disruptions, sustained instability in these critical trade corridors would warrant close monitoring and calibrated policy support to maintain competitiveness, said FIEO Chief. On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the West Asia. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post. Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation in the West Asia, urging world leaders to "act responsibly". During the emergency meeting to address the situation in Iran and the West Asia, Guterres said, "Let's act responsibly and together to pull the region and our world back from the brink." - ANI US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz forcefully defended American strikes in Iran during an emergency UN Security Council meeting. He accused Iran of "wholesale slaughter" and stated its participation in the council made a "mockery" of the body, vowing the US would provide moral clarity where the UN fails. Waltz asserted the strikes were a necessary and decisive action by President Trump, backed by Iran's history of non-compliance with UN resolutions on its nuclear program. He assured US allies in the region that their security was not negotiable and would be guaranteed by American military action. US Ambassador Mike Waltz defends strikes in Iran at UN, criticizing Tehran's "horrific crimes" and asserting US moral clarity amid escalating tensions. New York, March 1 Defending US strikes in Iran, United States Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, on Saturday said that this was a time for the world to have a moment of clarity on Tehran's "horrific crimes" as he questioned the United Nations position amid the escalated tension in West Asia. Addressing the UN Security Council emergency meeting here, Waltz said that Iran's presence in the meeting is in itself a "mockery" of the UN body. "The entire world has witnessed the regime's wholesale slaughter of innocent civilians. Sad irony is same regime will now lecture on human rights and the rule of law. Its presence here at the meeting makes a mockery of this body...where the UN lacks moral clarity, the US will maintain it," Waltz said. Waltz said that this is a moment in history that requires moral clarity. "US President Donald Trump has met the moment," he added. Pointing out Iran's retaliatory strikes in the region, Ambassador Waltz assured US allies that their security is not subject to conditions. "Indiscriminate attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, reinforce why such actions are necessary, not only military infrastructure but even civilians are being targeted," he said while adding, "Those who stand with the US must know their security is not negotiable, it is assured, they can count on the US and President Trump." Asserting that it was the right time to take action, Waltz mentioned, "History has taught us the cost of inaction is far greater than the burden of decisiveness, and President Trump has taken the decisiveness. The Council has acted repeatedly on this threat," he said, stressing that resolution 1696 (2006) demanded that Iran suspend all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury on February 28. US and partner forces began striking targets to dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus, prioritising locations that posed an imminent threat Actions against Iran represent "the world's collective judgement", Waltz said as he pointed out UNSC resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008) and 1927 (2010) when "Iran failed to comply" on its enrichment programme. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in Israeli and US strikes. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. - ANI Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas has strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in reported US-Israeli airstrikes. He announced large-scale protests in Lucknow and a three-day period of mourning for the Shia community in India. Iran has declared a national mourning period, with state media reporting Khamenei was killed at his office. The event marks a pivotal moment following Khamenei's 37-year leadership defined by defiance against Western influence. Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas condemns the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announces Lucknow protests and 3-day mourning. Lucknow, March 1 Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas, on Sunday, condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes, terming the act as "very unfortunate" for the global community. Shia cleric while speaking to ANI, said, "It is very unfortunate. The world thinks that by killing Khamenei, Iran will be finished... America and Israel will get a befitting reply from Iran. Today, large-scale protests and demonstrations will be carried out at Lucknow's Imambara at 8.30 PM... All India Shia Personal Law Board have announced a mourning period of 3 days when we all will wear black clothes and put up black flags at our houses." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning Iranian state media was cited by Reuters. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The Iranian Supreme Leader's death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. According to Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday while in office. It said on X, "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred at their workplace in the Leader's Residence. They were engaged in performing their assigned duties and present at their workplace (their office) at the moment of martyrdom, and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning." The Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. The front page of the Jerusalem Post also carried the news of the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Meanwhile, various reports emanating from Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. - ANI Tax season is in full swing, and the pressure is on to get federal returns filed by April 15. For some, however, that deadline is challenging. Luckily, most people can file an extension. But is it smart to do so? I asked ChatGPT whether filing an extension is a bad idea heres what it said. When Filing an Extension May Make Sense ChatGPT didnt think filing an extension was a big mistake, and in some cases said it may even make sense to do so. For instance, if youre missing documents like a 1099 filing, an extension can help prevent having to make amendments later. The chatbot also said filing an extension may be a good idea if your taxes are complicated or if you simply need more time. The experts at Intuit TurboTax noted there may be several good reasons to file an extension. A request for a tax extension is filed through the federal government with Form 4868, and it must be submitted prior to the original tax deadline. Filing an extension can help ensure that taxes are not filed before all documents are received, or if an unexpected life event has occurred, such as a natural disaster or the sudden loss of a loved one. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not require an explanation, so any reason is sufficient to extend the filing deadline. Read More: I Asked ChatGPT What Would Happen If Billionaires Paid Taxes at the Same Rate as the Working Class Find Out: 9 Low-Effort Ways To Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week) When an Extension May Not Make Sense There are instances where the AI-assistant said it may not make sense to file an extension, including if your return is simple, you have all of your documents, and you are getting a refund. Also, an extension to file does not equal an extension to pay, explained ChatGPT. Taxpayers must still estimate and pay what they owe by the original tax deadline. Failing to pay taxes in full can result in interest payments and a failure-to-pay penalty. According to the IRS, filing an extension gives taxpayers an additional six months to file their taxes without penalty. This means that a taxpayer who has successfully filed an extension will have until October 15, 2026, to file instead of the normal tax deadline of April 15. There are three ways to get an extension: pay online and note that you are paying as part of filing for an extension, use IRS Free File, or request an extension by mail. The IRS, however, reiterates the point made by ChatGPT, that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Failure to pay by the original deadline can result in fines and penalties. US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with an attack of unprecedented force if it retaliates for the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel military operation, which Iran has labeled an assassination that will not go unpunished. Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning, a period with deep religious significance in Shia Islam, as the nation grapples with his death. The incident has triggered a major leadership crisis, with heightened security and intense speculation about who will succeed Khamenei and control Iran's future. US President Donald Trump warns Iran of unprecedented retaliation after it vows to avenge Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's death in a US-Israel strike. Washington DC, March 1 US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a warning to Iran, after it vowed to give a strong response to US-Israel joint strikes that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. In a Truth Social post, Trump said that Iran must not take such a step, otherwise it will result in a strong attack with a "force which they have never seen before." "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. According to Press TV, Iran termed the death of its Supreme Leader Khamenei as a "crime of assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution will not go unpunished" and asserted that the "pure blood of the martyred Leader will uproot the criminal regimes of the US and Israel." Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. The official Farsi account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged his death and posted a verse from the Quran from Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:23, which translates to "Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vow [by death], and some are still waiting, and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least." - ANI Iran's Foreign Minister vows revenge after Supreme Leader's killing, calling it a "living nightmare" for his killers as massive protests erupt across the region. Tehran, March 1 Following the killing of the nation's top leadership, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a formal address and said that the event is a moment of profound religious and historical consequence. In a post on X, the Foreign Ministry shared Araghchi's reflections, which opened with a scriptural tribute, "Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God. Some of them have fulfilled their vow (by sacrificing their lives), and some are still waiting, and they have never changed in the least."The ministry also warned those responsible for the strike, stating that "He will remain a living nightmare for his killers forever." Expressing the emotional weight of the loss, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated, "With a heart overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, I extend my deepest condolences on the martyrdom--reminiscent of Imam Ali--of our wise Leader and perceptive guide, His Eminence Ayatollah #Imam_Khamenei (may his soul be sanctified), to His Holiness the Imam of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance), the noble nation of Iran, and the Islamic Ummah." Describing the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a moment of immense gravity, he noted that the "sagacious leader, resolute in decision, profound in wisdom, and steadfast on the path of truth, has left behind an enduring legacy of dignity, prudence, and perseverance for history." Addressing the impact of the strikes, Araghchi acknowledged that the "martyrdom of such a towering figure is undoubtedly a tremendous loss and a heartbreaking sorrow, yet his luminous school of thought and steadfast path shall remain alive, dynamic, and inspiring." He further emphasised that the nation is now at a critical juncture, remarking, "Now, at this decisive juncture, safeguarding this precious legacy and continuing the radiant path of that righteous servant of God constitute a historic mission and a grave responsibility upon us all." Regarding the future direction of the nation's ideology, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi characterised it as "the path of faith, resistance, and hope--a path irrigated by the pure blood of martyrs and sustained by the unwavering resolve of its followers." The statement asserted that despite the killing of the leadership, the political vision would persist, noting that "the banner he raised shall not fall to the ground, faithful and steadfast hands will carry it to ever loftier summits." Echoing these sentiments, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a separate statement following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing his death as a transformative moment for the nation and the wider Islamic world. In a post on X, the ministry reflected on his decades of leadership, stating that "The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali #Khamenei, lived a pious life, loved #Iran, secured Iran's independence, opposed foreign domination, and worked tirelessly for our country's resilience and fortitude." The statement further addressed the timing and nature of the killing, noting, "His last phase of life--an honorable and dignified death as a martyr on the 10th day of Ramadan at the hands of the most corrupt and criminal individuals on earth--turns him into an inspiring legend in the history of Iran and Islam." As official statements were issued in Tehran, large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across several countries following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets in grief and anger, according to Press TV. In Tehran and other Iranian cities, millions were reported to have mourned the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Crowds filled streets in Isfahan and Zanjan, while chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" echoed at the Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine in Qom, Press TV reported. In a symbolic gesture signalling retaliation, a red "flag of revenge" was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque, a site of religious significance in Iran. Outside Iran, solidarity gatherings were also reported. In Baghdad, crowds gathered in the streets to mourn. In India, visuals showed people assembling outside the Iran Cultural House in Delhi, where a meeting was scheduled to mourn Khamenei's death. Members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir staged a massive protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan headquarters in Srinagar following the news of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israel-led strikes. The protests were described as peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. According to Press TV, protests in Pakistan turned violent in some areas, with thousands reportedly gathering in Skardu, where the United Nations office was set on fire. In Karachi, demonstrators stormed the US consulate, leading to clashes with Pakistani security forces, and reports indicated that more than 10 people were killed after soldiers opened fire on protesters outside the consulate. Pakistani forces were seen confronting demonstrators amid heightened tensions following what protesters described as US and Israeli aggression, Press TV reported. - ANI US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur emphasized that a strong and independent India is crucial for American strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. He stated that such an India prevents China or any single power from dominating the region and imposing coercive leverage. Kapur highlighted that US policy aims to ensure India has the economic and military capacity to maintain its independence from China. He also noted the continued robust cooperation between the two nations across defence, technology, and energy sectors. US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur says a prosperous, independent India is a strategic win for America, preventing Chinese hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region. New Jersey, February 28 Paul Kapur, US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, underlined the importance of building a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for the people of India and America. He made the remarks while speaking at Princeton University's 2026 Global India Conference. Sharing snippets on X the official account of State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said, "Pleasure to speak at Princeton University's 2026 Global India Conference re: U.S. national security imperatives and our partnership with India. We are working together to build a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for the people of America and India. -SPK" Earlier in February, Paul Kapur, called India an important ally in America's moves against China and underlined that a strong India not only keeps China out of the Indo-Pacific region but also prevents it or any single hegemon from taking over or imposing coercive leverage on the region. He made the remarks on Wednesday while testifying to the subcommittee on South and Central Asia's hearing to examine America's foreign policy across South-Central Asia. When asked his assessment of how India is going to support the American efforts across the Indo-Pacific region to counter an increasingly aggressive China, Kapur said that a strong India not only keeps China out but also prevents any single hegemon from taking over the region. He said, "An India that can be independent and stand up for itself and preserve its freedom of action works to our strategic advantage and promotes our strategic interests because what we're trying to do fundamentally is not to keep China out of the region but to prevent China or any single hegemon from taking over or imposing coercive leverage on the region. So an India that is able to be independent, stand up for itself, and preserve its freedom of action takes a huge swath of the Indo-Pacific off of China's plate and almost by definition prevents it from becoming the dominant power in the region." Kapur further emphasised the need for an independent India, especially in the spheres of economy and military, so as to prevent dependence on China. He said, "I think at this point the goal is to ensure that India can stand up for itself, be independent, and of course it is, but the more wherewithal that it has economically, militarily in terms of its defence, in terms of its technology, the better it is able to maintain its independence from China." He further noted, "An independent, strong, prosperous India takes a big swath of the Indo-Pacific away from China and that is actually a strategic win for us." He further noted, "India, with its size, location, and commitment to a free and open region, anchors South Asia and, more broadly, the western half of the Indo-Pacific. The United States and India maintain high-level diplomatic touchpoints such as the 2+2 Ministerial and cooperate closely in the defence technology and energy sectors, bilaterally and also through the Quad. Cooperation in these areas has remained robust, even as we resolved long-standing issues in our trade relationship, as evidenced by the renewed 10-year U.S-India defence framework agreement, the TRUST initiative, and Indian purchases of U.S. products ranging from drones to liquefied natural gas." - ANI The Imam of Delhi's Shia Jama Masjid has strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a deeply saddening act that threatens the sovereignty of nations. He warned that the assassination sets a dangerous precedent where any country's leadership could be targeted, potentially leading to worse global instability. Iran has declared a period of national mourning and heightened security as the process to select a successor begins. The attack, attributed to US and Israeli strikes, marks the end of Khamenei's 37-year leadership defined by defiance against Western influence. Delhi's Shia Jama Masjid Imam condemns the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for global sovereignty and stability. New Delhi, March 1 The killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sent shockwaves globally, with the Shia community in Delhi expressing deep sadness and concern. Maulana Mohd Ali Mohsin Taqvi, Imam of Shia Jama Masjid, on Sunday condemned the act, stating it's a worrying precedent where leaders can be targeted, putting countries' sovereignty at risk, adding, "the world is about to witness worse days." Speaking to the media, "Every person in favour of justice and sovereignty of a country is deeply saddened today. The world is about to witness worse days. The President of any country can be abducted, any country's leadership can be killed with bombs... It was Iran today, tomorrow it may be Turkiye, Saudi Arabia... We are deeply saddened today", he said. He further informed that a condolence meeting is being held in Delhi to pay tribute to the Iranian leader. "We are holding a condolence meeting today. The Supreme Leader of Iran was a simple man and was known as a major scholar of the Islamic world. He never bowed in front of the oppressor", he said. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. - ANI Bollywood veteran Zeenat Aman has openly defended actresses who choose to undergo cosmetic procedures, stating there is nothing wrong with wanting to look beautiful for the visual medium of film. She attributes the increased pressure to maintain a certain appearance to the digital age and constant scrutiny on social media, a phenomenon she notes was absent in her era. The actress, renowned for her glamour and progressive roles in the 1970s, redefined the image of the Hindi film heroine. Known as a fashion icon, her modern style and independent mindset broke barriers in a less feminist time. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman says there's nothing wrong with actresses using cosmetic procedures, citing digital age pressures and audience expectations. Mumbai Marc, h 1 Bollywood veteran star Zeenat Aman has spoken her heart out on the growing debate around beauty standards and cosmetic procedures in the glamour industry. The actress putting it across with her choicest of words, said that if an actress chooses to undergo plastic surgery or under the knife, to look beautiful, there is nothing wrong with it. At an event, speaking about cosmetic enhancements used by actresses, she added, "Let me tell you one thing, film, which is in visual media, the public wants to see a beautiful face. They wish to see glamour and beauty in screen. So, in that case if an actress or someone wants to look beautiful by using cosmetic procedures or going under the knife, what's wrong with that? I think it's fine." Further, when asked about the pressure on actresses these days to look beautiful, Zeenat said, "This is the pressure of the digital age, the pressure of social media, because there is so much discussion, opinions etc that these girls have to face on a daily basis, which was not the case in our days. So yes, I guess the digital pressure is definitely there." Talking about Zeenat Aman, the actress who made her Hindi film debut with Hulchul in 1971, rose to fame with films such as Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Don, and Satyam Shivam Sundaram amongst others. The 74 year-old actress was regarded as one of the most glamorous and progressive stars of her times, in the 1970s era of Bollywood. Zeenat Aman, with her strong and classy choice of roles, had gone on to redefine the image of the Hindi film heroine with her bold screen presence and modern style. Known as a fashion icon of her era and even today, Zeenat Aman chose classy and sassy fashion wear that reflected her progressive modern and independent mindset back in the times, where feminism and opportunities for women was pretty much an alien concept. - IANS Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. From California to Texas, utilities are struggling to manage mounting fire risk in a warming climate. They are spending more than ever before on lawsuits and settlements, as well as on preventative measures, such as undergrounding lines. To protect their finances, theyre seeking to offload the increased cost of doing business on electric ratepayers, wildfire victims, insurers and states with some success. The company already has reached settlements totaling about $2.2 billion and Berkshire estimates PacifiCorp faces about $55 billion in claims related to western US wildfires. PacifiCorp, whose credit rating fell last year to just one rung above junk territory at S&P Global Ratings, has warned investors of potentially more trouble ahead. The breadth of the companys campaign underscores the massive threat wildfires have become for PacifiCorp and utilities across the American west. In fact, utility-ignited wildfires have become one of the thorniest issues facing Buffetts successor Greg Abel as he begins his reign as Berkshires top boss. PacifiCorp has embarked on an all-out effort to curb the firms wildfire liabilities both present and future. The company, which bills itself as the largest electric grid operator in the western US, has been lobbying across multiple states for laws that would effectively cap payouts to fire victims. It's also keen to pass on fire-related losses to its customers. In court, meanwhile, PacifiCorp is appealing jury verdicts for Cuozzo and scores of others. You know who owns PacifiCorp: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, Cuozzo said in an interview. We know how much money he has its not going to break them by any means. Five and a half years later, Cuozzo, 80, is still waiting for more than $6 million that was awarded by a jury that determined Berkshire Hathaway Inc. utility PacifiCorp's equipment caused the fire. Cuozzo's award is a tiny part of billions of dollars in damage claims that followed Oregon's so-called Labor Day fires, which burned thousands of properties and rank among the state's biggest and most destructive. When smoke rapidly engulfed his home in Oregon, retired firefighter Fred Cuozzo rushed away in his pickup truck and nearly died from swerving around flames. All but one structure on his rural 16-acre lot was destroyed by the 2020 fire. Story Continues And theyre just getting started. Across the American west, utilities have devised something of a playbook, secured some key legislative wins, and are now moving to compel sweeping policy changes in state capitols. Buffett acknowledged in his February 2024 annual letter to Berkshire shareholders that he made a costly mistake in failing to anticipate the escalating financial and regulatory risks of wildfires. He even warned that the liabilities could threaten the survival of utilities in some states, saying bankruptcy was a possibility. Though Berkshire can sustain financial surprises, we will not throw good money after bad, he wrote at the time. We shouldnt be in the business of taking your money, investors' money, and tackling things that we don't have a solution for, Buffett said at the conglomerates annual meeting the following year. Fear of God Just three years ago, a jury found PacifiCorp grossly negligent for failing to turn off power lines amid dangerous wildfire conditions. It was a landmark decision. Indeed, never before had a utility accused of causing a large fire taken the risk of defending itself in front of a jury instead of settling ahead of trial. To date, juries have socked PacifiCorp with more than $1 billion in damages for about 145 fire victims and at the rate the awards have been piling up, the total tab could be almost 10 times as large for about 1,400 remaining victims, swallowing almost all the companys $11 billion shareholder equity. The lions share of the awards have been for so-called non-economic damages, with victims winning, on average, more than $5 million a head to compensate them for pain and suffering, or emotional distress. (Berkshires market value is about $1.08 trillion.) That is what put the fear of God in all the states across the west and what led the utilities to start pushing for more protections, said Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University. PacifiCorp is appealing the 2023 court verdict, arguing that individual fire victims in separate blazes and varying circumstances should not have been allowed to join together in a class action case that exponentially raised the companys legal exposure. A three-judge panel that heard arguments this month appeared to be on the fence about upholding the historic verdict and may take months to issue a decision. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg Meanwhile, the company has embraced what Abel has called legislative and regulatory reform across the PacifiCorp states. Working with legislators, the utility has pushed for limits on wildfire liability and for the creation of state funds to support wildfire victims. Utility lobbying bonanzas arent new. Berkshire is following a script crafted by publicly traded, investor-owned power companies in California, the first state to navigate the fallout from large-scale, utility-sparked wildfires. After a series of devastating blazes in 2017 and 2018, California passed a law that required utilities to file wildfire mitigation plans, set rules on how they recover wildfire costs from customers and allocated funding for fire prevention work, among other measures. The states utility regulator created a wildfire safety division, and hired staff to examine what utilities were doing by way of prevention, from trimming overgrown trees near transmission lines to establishing power shutoff protocols. Californias legislative overhaul advanced even further after Oakland-based PG&E Corp. was found responsible for the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest in state history, and was driven into bankruptcy the following year while facing more than $30 billion in liabilities. That episode spurred the passage of a landmark bill establishing a $21 billion wildfire fund to help stabilize utilities finances and limit shareholder losses. Underwritten by ratepayers and shareholders, the fund acts like insurance: After a fire, a utility covers the first $1 billion in liabilities and then can draw from the fund; as long as the company is found to have operated prudently, it doesnt have to pay reimbursement. In Oregon, PacifiCorps legislative foray last year did not go well for it. One bill backed by the company would have created a wildfire safety certification process; another would have established an emergency fund for victims who agree not to sue whichever utility they believe is responsible for a fire. Critics led by trial attorneys assailed the proposals, saying theyd be used as a get-out-of-jail-free card for utilities. Both bills died without even getting a full floor vote in the state capitol. Photographer: Dan Brouillette/Bloomberg Dreadful Timing In hindsight, a state lawmaker who co-authored the measures, Pam Marsh, said emotions were still too raw following the devastation of the 2020 fires and the companys pitched court battle. Our timing was dreadful, Marsh said, adding that anger at PacifiCorps local unit was simply more than we could combat in the legislative process. But in other states, PacifiCorp made headway, as have other investor-owned utilities. In 2025 alone, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Texas and Wyoming all enacted laws that provided some form of liability protection for investor-owned utilities. The measures include setting a cap on how much wildfire victims can recover, establishing a recovery fund that utilities can draw from to pay damages and giving utilities legal protection if they follow an approved safety plan. Outside of Oregon, they've been highly effective in the states in which they operate in getting changes made, said Stanfords Wara. States that had not yet suffered the devastation of a massive utility-sparked wildfire turned out to be more receptive to utility-backed bills. "You build momentum that can even help in those states where the environment may not be as forgiving," said Denni Ritter, vice president of state government relations for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, or APCIA, which often opposes utility-sponsored bills as they tend to shift wildfire costs off utilities and onto insurers and homeowners. Abel has called one state the gold standard for utility-protecting legislation: Utah. The state passed laws that cap damages for wildfire victims, created a wildfire fund and provided liability shields for utilities that submit an approved fire plan. Shamelessly Focused Fire-victim advocates are wary of PacifiCorps agenda. We actually think it's wise for states to adopt regulatory changes to respond to the risk of catastrophic wildfires, said Eli Wade-Scott, global managing partner at Edelson PC, whose law firm represents Oregon plaintiffs suing PacifiCorp. But PacifiCorp is shamelessly focused on immunizing itself. Lee Ann Alexander, a vice president for policy at APCIA, said she expects the utility legislative push to continue, both in statehouses where bills have previously failed and in new states. "We'll see everything again on the table," she said. "I don't think the utilities are giving up by any means." California, the trend setter, is a case in point. The state boosted its utility wildfire fund by $18 billion after local utilities voiced concerns that one of the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area in January 2025 could strain the fund. Photographer: Eric Thayer/Getty Images And theres more on the California utilities wish list. Theyre also advocating for a permanent wildfire fund and for replacing litigation altogether with a streamlined compensation model. In Oregon, Marsh said shes hopeful utility-sponsored legislation will be revisited in the next regular legislative session in 2027. It is very likely that we will have fires in the future, she said. Just by the nature of their very high-risk infrastructure, fires start. So how do we all bear the risk of that and the responsibilities for that? A Mistake Buffetts push in the utilities business, starting with the acquisition of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. in 1999, was emblematic of his investing philosophy: seek out companies in regulated businesses with high barriers to entry and which deliver stable returns. But in recent years, the growing headache at PacifiCorp, which Berkshire bought in 2005, illustrates the complication of running a utility in a warming climate. We made a mistake by not carving it up into the seven states that we were buying, Buffett said at the firms annual meeting last May. Theres a lot of states that so far have been very good, decent to operate in and there are some now that are rat poison. Berkshires newly-minted chief executive officer, who will deliver his first annual letter to shareholders Saturday, knows this problem all too well. Abel, 63, rose through the ranks at Berkshires utility business, a unit he ended up overseeing until last year. In past shareholder meetings, he has explained how growing wildfire risk has forced the company to make operational changes, including the policy adopted by PacifiCorp to shut off electricity in areas near an active fire to avoid contributing to it. Like his boss, Abel lamented that PacifiCorp has been cast as a villain, in particular after a report by the Oregon Department of Forestry didn't find evidence that the firm was to blame for one of the Labor Day fires. We just can't be responsible for everything that happens in a state, he said last year. The protracted litigation already has battered PacifiCorps finances as well as Berkshires returns. Even after pausing dividends to Berkshire to retain some cash, PacifiCorps balance sheet is facing increasing stress. Its funds from operations to debt ratio, a key measure of financial strength closely watched by ratings firms, dropped by almost half from 2022 to 12.1% at the end of September. The Street hasn't paid enough attention to this, said Cathy Seifert, an analyst who covers Berkshire Hathaway at CFRA Research. Still, they obviously have the resources if they need to bolster things, she said. For her, the company's current messaging is mostly strategic. You don't want to show your deep pockets everyone knows you have them. James Balfour, a senior portfolio manager at LOM Financial, which holds a PacifiCorp bond, also believes a bankruptcy is unlikely. There is at least a financial backer that could come in to support if fully required, he said. Photographer: David McNew/Getty Images Too Narrow This much is clear: As climate change has made wildfires more frequent and destructive across the American west, the issue of who pays for their costs has come to a head. For Stanfords Wara, the question of whether its fair for electric utilities to bear those costs on their own is too narrow a lens. The right lens is how society is going to afford it, Wara said. If utility shareholders are asked to shoulder too much of the burden in wildfire-related liabilities, that would limit utilities ability to attract investment and increase borrowing costs, making electricity rates higher for everyone. But if utilities limit how much homeowners and their insurers can sue them for, that could raise insurance rates for homeowners. In either case, people are going to pay. Photographer: Katie Falkenberg/Bloomberg In the meantime, Oregon wildfire victims like Cuozzo are left in limbo as PacifiCorp refuses to surrender in court. As an octogenarian, he doesnt see himself restoring his home to what it was before the wildfire destroyed it. Im a pretty strong guy. I went through Vietnam, was shot at and all that, said Cuozzo. Still, he is haunted by the 2020 fire. If I start thinking about it, I still get emotional. (Updates with Berkshire CEO to deliver shareholder letter.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. A lawsuit filed in federal court in Urbana by Carlos Nieto, an investor in the Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana hotel, shown above on North Neil Street in downtown Champaign, accuses its developer, Hans Grotelueschen, of funneling about $1 million in funds from the hotel to another project, the Carmons event center at 804 N. Neil St., left, effectively crippling both. 3 US troops killed, 5 seriously wounded during Iran attacks, military says Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 01:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Mar 1 (AP) Three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the US attacks on Iran, the military said Sunday, marking the first American casualties in a major offensive that has sparked retaliation from the Islamic Republic. US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when and where they occurred. The statement said several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions" and were going to return to duty. Central Command described the situation as fluid" and said it would withhold the identities of the service members who were killed for 24 hours after their families were notified. The US military also denied Iranian claims that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was struck with ballistic missiles, saying on X that the missiles launched didnt even come close." President Donald Trump had warned that American troops could be killed or injured in the operation. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties," the Republican president said in a video address released early Saturday. That often happens in war. But were doing this not for now. Were doing this for the future." Following the US-Israeli strikes that killed Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other leaders, Irans counterattacks have struck US bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation" ever targeting Israeli and American military installations. Before the strikes, Trump had built up the largest US military presence in the Middle East in decades. The arrival of the Lincoln and three accompanying guided-missile destroyers at the end of January bolstered the number of warships in the region. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and four accompanying destroyers later were dispatched from the Caribbean Sea to head to the Middle East. The Ford was part of the US raid in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolas Maduro, who was brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The operation in January claimed no American lives but left seven US troops with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries. One of those injured received the Medal of Honor during Trumps State of the Union address last week. Trump said Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the heavily protected military fortress" where Maduro was staying. Trump has launched several military operations during his second term, including strikes on members of the Islamic State group in Syria in retaliation for an ambush attack that killed two US troops and an American civilian interpreter in December. The US military has also struck IS forces in Nigeria, after Trump accused the West African countrys government of failing to rein in the targeting of Christians. (AP) GSP First Published: March 02, 2026, 01:15 IST News agency-feeds 3 US troops killed, 5 seriously wounded during Iran attacks, military says Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 6 killed as police, protesters clash near US consulate in Pakistan Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Karachi, Mar 1 (PTI) At least six persons were killed and several injured on Sunday after clashes broke out between police and protesters outside the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the US-Israel strike on Iran. A large number of demonstrators were gathered around the consulate, prompting local police to use tear gas and fire warning shots to disperse the crowd, police said. Edhi Information confirmed that six people have been killed and several injured near Mai Kolachi Road during the firing and unrest. They were transferred to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, the Express Tribune reported. Sindh Minister for Interior Ziaul Hasan Langar has requested immediate details from the Additional IG Karachi, stressing that, No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands." He called for enhanced security at sensitive installations. He added that alternative routes should be determined to maintain traffic flow during the protests. Law enforcement agencies are fully alert and monitoring the situation closely," the minister added. The minister concluded that action will be taken against those disrupting law and order in accordance with the law. Shia organisations had announced a march towards the US Consulate in Karachi in protest of the Khameneis death and voiced their intention to march towards the mission. Officials have urged residents to avoid the area as security forces continue to manage the protests and maintain public order. On Saturday, Khamenei, Irans supreme leader since 1989, was killed in a US-Israeli attack on Iran. President Donald Trump announced his death on Saturday, and Iranian state television confirmed it hours later. Edhi Information confirmed that several injured were shifted to Civil Hospital after reports of firing. A heavy police contingent remained deployed on MT Khan Road. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, while protesters responded with stone-throwing, according to reports. PTI AMS First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:45 IST News agency-feeds 6 killed as police, protesters clash near US consulate in Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... About 415 Afghan Taliban personnel killed in ongoing operation: Pak minister Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad, Mar 1 (PTI) Pakistan has killed 415 Afghan Taliban personnel and injured more than 580 in the ongoing military operation, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday. Pakistan launched operation Ghazab Lil Haq on Thursday night in response to the Afghan Taliban operatives attacking 53 locations along the more than 2,600 km long border, targeting military installations deep in the country through air strikes. In a social media post, Tarar said at least 182 Afghan checkposts have been destroyed and 31 others captured by the security forces. He also said that 185 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns have also been destroyed during the operation while 46 locations across Afghanistan were effectively targeted by air. Earlier, Pakistans Federal Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the operation against the Afghan Taliban was continuing, refuting social media reports about the conclusion of the blitz. Chaudhry refuted reports that Pakistan halted its operations, saying that false and fabricated news is being spread on social media that Pakistan has stopped its operations against Afghanistan". The reality is the opposite. In view of the current regional situation, the sharing of PAF and drone footage with the media has been temporarily suspended. The purpose of this decision is to safeguard national security and operational strategy, not to prevent operations," he wrote on X. He further said: Operations are continuing. The operation against terrorist elements is moving forward with full intensity and wisdom." Chaudhry concluded by saying that the nation stands with the Pakistani armed forces. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on X that airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar were led by Pakistan air force women fighter pilots. It was women pilots of the Pakistan Air Force who carried out successful airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar," he said. He titled the post as Revenge of Power" and said that women pilots delivering hell to those attacking girls schools" a reference to Taliban demolishing girls schools in Pakistan. PTI SH GSP GSP First Published: March 01, 2026, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds About 415 Afghan Taliban personnel killed in ongoing operation: Pak minister Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bloomsbury India launches 2 new titles of 'Pocket Potters' series Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Mar 1 (PTI) Bloomsbury India has launched two new titles in its Pocket Potters" series illustrated guides that explore key story moments, quotes, and fun facts about various Harry Potter characters. The two books are dedicated to characters Luna Lovegood and Albus Dumbledore. Last year, titles featuring Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were released under the Pocket Potters". Additional titles featuring Dobby and Hagrid are scheduled for release in August, Bloomsbury, the official publisher of Harry Potter in India, said. To mark the launch, Bloomsbury India hosted a Pottermania celebration last evening here. The themed event brought together booksellers, retailers, book clubs, authors, and members of the Potter community and featured quizzes, games, and a special showcase of the complete Harry Potter publishing collection. It has been 29 years since the first Harry Potter book was published and 25 years since the first film. Bloomsbury said annual sales in India have grown nearly seven times between 2013-14 and 2025-26, with lifetime sales crossing 3 million copies and a 9.6 per cent growth recorded this financial year alone. Rahul Srivastava, managing director at Bloomsbury India, said Harry Potter has been part of childhood, friendship, and imagination for millions of readers in India. With Pocket Potters, we wanted to create something warm and welcoming that invites readers of every age, especially young readers, to connect with the characters they love or meet them for the very first time," he said. The Pocket Potters" series is Illustrated by a range of international artists with each illustrator bringing his or her own unique interpretation to the wizarding world. PTI ZMN ATR ATR First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:45 IST News agency-feeds Bloomsbury India launches 2 new titles of 'Pocket Potters' series Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dubai's image as a safe, tax-free haven rocked by blasts from Iranian airstrikes Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 02:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai, Mar 2 (AP) The United Arab Emirates has sold itself to foreigners for years as a sunny, safe, tax-free oasis. That peaceful image was shattered Saturday as Iranian weaponry rained down on Dubai, setting fire to a five-star resort, threatening the worlds tallest building, and killing one person and injuring seven others at the airport in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Iran has hit the UAE and several of its neighbours as it strikes back from the major attack by US and Israeli forces, causing fear and chaos in a place that until Saturday was predictably calm. This is Dubais ultimate nightmare, as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region," Cinzia Bianco, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the European Council on Foreign Relations wrote on X. There might be a way to be resilient, but there is no going back." Officials tried to reassure residents and visitors that the countrys air defence system was among the best in the world, blasting down drones and missiles. I know its a scary time for a lot of the residents," Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, told CNN. We dont hear these types of loud sounds. But at the same time, those are sounds of interception. And where there has been damage that has been primarily debris." Fallout from the attacks has undermined the Emirates efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran despite longtime suspicions of its neighbour across the Gulf. The UAE closed its embassy in Tehran on Sunday. The oil-rich federation of seven sheikhdoms has relied on its image as a place of serenity to lure wealthy tourists, businesspeople and future residents who want to live largely tax-free in luxury in the desert by the sea. Nearly 90 per cent of the estimated 11 million residents are foreigners. Real estate firms sell glimmering high-rises and poolside villas to rich Europeans and Americans by promoting a welcoming climate and business-friendly policies, and touting it as one of the safest places on earth. Hundreds of drone and missile attacks later, though, that reputation has been rocked. Last night was pretty surreal," said British racehorse trainer Jamie Osborne, who was in Dubai for the Emirates Super Saturday. Youre standing in the paddock watching missiles get shot through the sky." The Ministry of Defense said Sunday that air defenses had dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and more than 540 Iranian drones over two days. While officials said they intercepted all air attacks Saturday, debris from the knocked-down weapons sparked blazes at some of Dubais most iconic locations. Social media videos and photos showed a fire outside the Fairmont hotel on the prestigious man-made Palm Jumeirah island, flames licked at the facade of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, and smoke rose into the sky near Burj Khalifa, the 2,723-foot (830-meter) skyscraper. There also was a fire at Dubais Jebel Ali Port, the citys main sea terminal and a major shipping hub, and the Dubai International Airport was damaged and four employees were injured, according to the Dubai Media Office. Kristy Ellmer, who was on a business trip from New Hampshire, said she was staying away from the windows of her hotel but felt relatively safe despite the numerous blasts. You hear a lot of explosions at times, you know, theres hundreds of them," she said. Its unsettling. Were not used to hearing bombs, right, or missiles." Louise Herrle, an American tourist whose flight home with her husband from Dubai was scrapped, said it was her third time trying to visit the area. Previous trips were canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. With their current Abu Dhabi and Dubai tour over, she is less likely to return to the Emirates or the region. I would probably be inclined to avoid this part of the world when theres increased tensions, it just explodes so quickly," Herrle said. Maybe, she said, the universe was trying to tell us something." (AP) RD RD First Published: March 02, 2026, 02:15 IST News agency-feeds Dubai's image as a safe, tax-free haven rocked by blasts from Iranian airstrikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... EAM Jaishankar chairs first consultative meeting on India-EU relations Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 05:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], March 1 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the first 2026 Consultative Committee meeting on India-EU relations, highlighting the strong partnership between India and the EU in areas such as trade, technology, security, and mobility.He also thanked MPs for their active participation. Held the first Consultative Committee meeting of 2026 on India EU relations. Discussed the strong momentum of India EU partnership and its mutually beneficial aspects across a range of sectors including trade, technology, security and mobility. Thank all MPs for their pic.twitter.com/3ohscf3Td6 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 28, 2026 In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, Held the first Consultative Committee meeting of 2026 on India EU relations. Discussed the strong momentum of India EU partnership and its mutually beneficial aspects across a range of sectors including trade, technology, security and mobility. Thank all MPs for their active participation."Earlier, Jaishankar spoke with his counterparts from several Gulf countries amid rising tensions in West Asia, stressing the need for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.He said India is concerned about the escalating situation and highlighted the countrys strong interest in regional peace and the safety of the Indian community living in the region.In a post on X, Jaishankar said, Just spoke to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, FM of Saudi Arabia. Exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf. Underlined Indias stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of Indian community."In another post, he said he spoke with Kuwaits Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who briefed him on the latest situation in the country.Spoke with Kuwait FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He briefed on the latest situation in Kuwait. Underlined Indias concern at the escalation. Value his reassurance for the welfare of the Indian community," in another post, he said.Jaishankar spoke with top leaders from Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE about rising tensions in the Gulf.He said he was assured by Bahrains FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Qatars PM and FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and UAEs DPM and FM Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that the Indian communitys safety and welfare would be protected. (ANI) First Published: March 01, 2026, 05:00 IST News agency-feeds EAM Jaishankar chairs first consultative meeting on India-EU relations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In the 1990s, a group of research analysts worked at a prominent hedge fund, Tiger Management, led by the legendary investor Julian Robertson. After Tiger closed down, many of these analysts went on to found their own funds, most of which heavily focused on the burgeoning tech sector. This group of investors that spun off from Tiger Management are known as the Tiger Cubs. One of, if not the most successful, in this group is the billionaire investor Ole Andreas Halvorsen, who hails from Norway and served as the director of equities at Tiger Management in the 1990s. Today, Halvorsen runs the hedge fund, Viking Global Investors, which manages over $37.6 billion in assets at the end of 2025. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue In the fourth quarter of 2025, Viking made notable changes to its portfolio, exiting its positions in Nike (NYSE: NKE), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) and piling into three insurance stocks. Image source: Getty Images. Selling Nike, Netflix, and Meta Nike, Netflix, and Meta had all been notable positions in Viking's portfolio, accounting for about 5% of the fund's capital. Each company experienced significant developments in 2025 and drew significant interest from the market. Nike has been trying to engineer a significant turnaround after several years of struggles, due to rising competition in the luxury apparel space, an overemphasis on promotional online offers, and what some consider a lack of focus in the iconic company's branding. In late 2024, Nike pulled veteran Elliott Hill out of retirement to lead the turnaround. But, as with most turnarounds, the plan appears to be taking longer than expected to execute, and President Donald Trump's tariffs have not helped the cause. It's possible that Halvorsen and his team simply thought the turnaround would take too long. Netflix has been in the midst of a heated battle to acquire certain Warner Bros. Discovery assets. While the company has an agreement in place, Paramount Skydance has been in hot pursuit and does not seem to be going away, recently offering an improved bid to Warner Bros. Discovery's board of directors. Many investors didn't like Netflix's decision to pursue such a large acquisition because the firm isn't a proven acquirer and has been succeeding with its organic growth strategy. If Netflix ultimately moves forward with the acquisition, it will also face regulatory scrutiny. Iranian drone hits Dubai airport, four injured Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 08:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai [UAE], March 1 (ANI): Amidst a US-Israel joint attack on Iran, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports media office.The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. As per Reuters, citing the state media, 40 days of public mourning have been announced in Iran after Khameneis death. Earlier, the Times of Israel cited Irans state media reporting that Ali Khameneis daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling, cheering and slogans of Death to the Islamic Republic and Long live the Shah were heard on the streets of the cities.Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran.Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, Iranian women are dancing in the streetswithout hair coveringsafter hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember."Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGSThe heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." (ANI) First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:30 IST News agency-feeds Iranian drone hits Dubai airport, four injured Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pak Hindus say holi with simplicity in view of situation in Gulf Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad, Mar 1 (PTI) Pakistan Hindus on Sunday announced to celebrate the Holi festival with simplicity due to the regional situation after attacks on Iran as per President Asif Ali Zardaris appeal. Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated on March 4. Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, said that President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the Hindu community to celebrate Holi with simplicity this year. Dr Vankwani, who is also a prominent Member of the National Assembly representing minorities, in a statement termed the Presidents message timely and responsible. The appeal calls for limiting large public gatherings in view of the prevailing regional tensions and security concerns," he said. He emphasised that under the current critical circumstances, prioritising national security and the safety of citizens is a shared responsibility of everyone. Following the presidents appeal, Vankwani has issued directives to the Pakistan Hindu Council to review preparations for annual Holi celebrations across the country. He also urged community representatives to exercise caution, avoid large-scale public events, and extend full cooperation to local authorities. After Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint Israel-US attack, the Islamic nation vowed revenge on Sunday and hit back at Israel and the US bases in neighbouring countries. PTI SH NPK NPK NPK First Published: March 01, 2026, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds Pak Hindus say holi with simplicity in view of situation in Gulf Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Telangana: Shia groups protest against killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 03:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 2 (ANI): Shia organisations Majma-e-Ulama wa Khutaba and Matami Anjuman-o-Grohan organised a protest rally in Telanganas Hyderabad on Sunday, to condemn the killing of Irans Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally. Large number of people participated in protests against the Israeli and the US forces.Speaking to ANI, Moulana Ali Hyder Farishta said, The news from Iran, that the Supreme Leader was killed in a strike from Israel. The whole world is mourning, and in Hyderabad, thousands of youth gathered and mourned his death. There were slogans against the cruel forces of the US."Earlier in Hyderabad, Tanzeem-e-Jaffery organised a protest rally to condemn Khameneis killing. Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally. Speaking to ANI, a woman participant said people joined the protest irrespective of religion, expressing solidarity with Iran. Around 3,000 people participated, including women.A protestor said, Today, Israel and the US martyred Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the great Islamic leader, to advance their motives. Today, processions are being taken out around the world to commemorate his martyrdom. The entire world is mourning him together, perhaps in India, Pakistan, and Asia."Large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across the country following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets to express grief and anger.All India Shia Council held a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the killing of Khamenei, raising slogans against the US and Israel.AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday condemned the killing of Khamenei, terming the US and Israel attack as cowardly and inhuman".US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the strikes. Iranian state media also reported that Ali Khameneis daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed.The regional situation has reached a critical flashpoint following the execution of joint missile strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran.Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning following the death of their Supreme Leader and has vowed the most devastating offensive operation" against US bases and Israel in retaliation.Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolutions founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence. (ANI) First Published: March 02, 2026, 03:15 IST News agency-feeds Telangana: Shia groups protest against killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tripura CM Manik Saha offers prayers at Tirupati temple Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Tirumala, March 1 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha offered prayers at Lord Venkateswara temple here on Sunday, a TTD official said. The Chief Minister had darshan of the deity amid temple rituals and customary arrangements. Saha offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara Swamy at the Tirumala temple here," the official told PTI. After darshan, TTD officials honoured him with silk clothes at the Ranganayakula Mandapam and presented him with the Lords prasadam, said temple authorities. TTD is the official custodian of the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. PTI MS ADB First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds Tripura CM Manik Saha offers prayers at Tirupati temple Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump speaks with Israel, Bahrain, UAE leaders: White House Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 02:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington DC [US], March 2 (ANI): President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) spoke with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as the US and Israel continued their strikes across Iran, the White House said.Iran has also targeted the US facilities in Bahrain, the UAE and other neighbouring Gulf nations in its retaliatory action.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said that Trump was briefed on a shooting incident in Austin, Texas. At least two people were killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting at a popular bar in Austin, authorities said Sunday, CBS News reported. The gunman was also killed.Sharing a post on X, White House Press Secretary wrote, Today, President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE. The President has also been briefed on the shooting in Austin, Texas."https://x.com/PressSec/status/2028181585019670771This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes titled Operation Roaring Lion/Operation Epic Fury by Israel and the United States on Iran.Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, alongside his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28In a statement shared on X, and subsequently reposted by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry confirmed that the military has so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack."https://x.com/IndembAbuDhabi/status/2028127018886590524Earlier, US President Trump announced the death of Khamenei on Truth Social, calling it justice for the people of Iran" and stating that pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE." (ANI) First Published: March 02, 2026, 02:00 IST News agency-feeds Trump speaks with Israel, Bahrain, UAE leaders: White House Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump warns Iran not to escalate attacks, saying US will strike back Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai, Mar 1 (AP) US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday not to escalate its attacks, writing online that America will strike back WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" Trumps comments on Truth Social follow Iranian threats on Sunday morning after acknowledging the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before," Trump wrote. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" (AP) AMS First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds Trump warns Iran not to escalate attacks, saying US will strike back Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UN Chief Guterres urges immediate halt to hostilities in Middle East Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 05:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Paris [France], March 1 (ANI): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, urging world leaders to act responsibly". During the emergency meeting to address the situation in Iran and the Middle East, Guterres said, Lets act responsibly & together to pull the region & our world back from the brink." He said, military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region in the world".Guterres called for immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation in the Middle East.US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said that the Iranian regime has destabilised the world, citing its attacks on American forces and citizens, threats to regional allies, support for violent proxies, and pursuit of advanced missile and nuclear capabilities. In a post on X, Guterres said, I condemn the military escalation in the Middle East today. The strikes by the US & Israel against Iran & the subsequent attacks by Iran undermine international security. These actions carry the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world. Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations. The @UNCharter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace & security."On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the Middle East.Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Irans capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post.Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Irans Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. (ANI) First Published: March 01, 2026, 05:00 IST News agency-feeds UN Chief Guterres urges immediate halt to hostilities in Middle East Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP: Kashi Vishwanath Dham to host 'Phool Holi' on March 4 Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Varanasi (UP), Mar 1 (PTI) The Kashi Vishwanath Dham temple administration is set to host Phool Holi on March 4, coinciding with Holi, allowing devotees to celebrate the festival in a traditional and spiritual ambience. The flower-based Holi celebration will take place at Shankaracharya Chowk in the Dham complex from 9 am to 12 pm, officials said. The event will include a delightful experience of flower showers, alongside cultural programmes featuring bhajans, Holi songs and traditional performances, they added. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the occasion. Security personnel will be deployed across the premises, with the Central Reserve Police Force and private security agencies monitoring the entry and exit points. Surveillance will also be maintained through CCTV cameras, the administration said. A private sanitation agency will ensure continuous cleanliness in the premises to maintain its sanctity, the officials said. The temple administration has also appealed to devotees not to bring chemical colours, abir or any harmful substances, and celebrate only through Phool Holi. The temple administration, police and associated agencies have sought cooperation from devotees to ensure the celebration in a peaceful, safe and dignified manner. PTI COR ABN SMV APL First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:30 IST News agency-feeds UP: Kashi Vishwanath Dham to host 'Phool Holi' on March 4 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP: Man kills cousin in Sultanpur Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Sultanpur (UP), Mar 1 (PTI) A man shot his cousin dead over a minor dispute in a village in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, police said. Shahid (62), a resident of Daudpur Maniyari village, was hit with a bullet to the abdomen by his cousin Shehru Hussain (45), leaving him seriously injured. The accused fled after the incident. Family members and villagers rushed him to the district hospital. His condition worsened and he was referred to the Trauma Centre in Lucknow but he died on the way, they said. Circle Officer (CO) Saurabh Sawant said after receiving information about the incident, he and the police from Bandhua Kala police station inspected the scene. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered and action is being taken to apprehend the accused, the CO said. PTI COR NAV SKY SKY First Published: March 02, 2026, 00:45 IST News agency-feeds UP: Man kills cousin in Sultanpur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Veteran UN diplomat Siddharth Chatterjee to head Vienna-based think tank Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 08:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Beijing, Mar 1 (PTI) Veteran UN diplomat of Indian origin Siddharth Chatterjee has been appointed as CEO of Global Neighbours, a Vienna-based think tank upon his retirement as UN Resident Coordinator in China. Chatterjee, 62, retired as UN Resident Coordinator in China on Sunday. Chatterjees appointment to head 26 UN offices in China in 2021 made headlines as it came in the midst of the India-China tensions over the eastern Ladakh standoff. During his tenure in China, he became a major draw for Chinese, Indian and global media making waves with his high-intensity fitness regime and yoga exercises. An alumnus of Indias National Defence Academy, Pune, Chatterjee served in the Indian Army before joining the UN and was decorated for gallantry in 1995. He is married to Ban Hyun-Hee, the daughter of former UN Secretary General Ban-Ki moon from South Korea who is currently Chief of Public Partnerships at UNICEF China. A press release issued by the Global Neighbours said Chatterjee has been appointed as its CEO effective from March 2. Global Neighbours is a Vienna-based think tank founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Jovanka Porsche, former Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, and former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rosler. According to the brochure of the organisation, it aims to build bridges between Europe, Asia, and other regions by creating a platform for fact-based dialogue among stakeholders in business, politics, and society. Chatterjee joins Global Neighbours following nearly three decades of distinguished international service at the highest levels of leadership including as United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, the press release said. As the UN Secretary-Generals senior-most representative in China, he led the United Nations in one of the worlds most strategically significant countries. He has served the UN in some of the most fragile parts of the world and has held senior leadership positions across development, humanitarian, peace operations, and international diplomacy. He previously served as UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, it said. He was the UNDP Resident Representative and UNFPA Representative in Kenya. His UN experience also includes serving as Regional Director for the Middle East and Europe at UNOPS in Denmark, Chief of Staff for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq, leadership positions with UNICEF in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Indonesia and UN Peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A defining milestone in his career at UNICEF was his central role in the demobilisation of more than 3,500 child soldiers in South Sudan in 2001 an unprecedented humanitarian operation conducted during active conflict, it said. Chatterjee has also served as Chief Diplomat at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Switzerland. He is also a visiting Professor at Schwarzman College and the prestigious Tsinghua University in China, it said. Chatterjee is a graduate of Princeton University, USA. With his rare combination of operational depth, diplomatic acumen, intellectual leadership, experience and strategic vision, Chatterjee brings exceptional credibility and perspective to Global Neighbours", the press release said. The Board of Global Neighbours welcomes the appointment and looks forward to Chatterjee leading the organisation to the next level. It expressed full confidence that under his leadership, the organisation will further strengthen its role as a trusted platform for international dialogue and constructive engagement across regions at a time of increasing geopolitical complexity," it said. PTI KJV GSP AMS First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:30 IST News agency-feeds Veteran UN diplomat Siddharth Chatterjee to head Vienna-based think tank Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Canada, Mexico draw record foreign investment in 2025; TexAmericas Center hosts Tokyo delegation to boost Japan-Texas investment pipeline; and Twin Eagle expands rail capacity at Big Spring transload terminal. Canada, Mexico draw record foreign investment in 2025 Canada and Mexico attracted record levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, underscoring North Americas growing role as a global manufacturing and supply-chain hub despite rising trade-policy volatility. Canada posts strongest inflows in 18 years Foreign direct investment into Canada totaled $96.8 billion in 2025, the highest level since 2007, according to Statistics Canada. Fourth-quarter inflows reached $25.1 billion, driven largely by mergers and acquisitions, particularly in trade and transportation, manufacturing, and management of companies and enterprises. U.S.-based investment remained a major contributor to Canadas annual inflows, while total net investment into the country exceeded outflows for the year marking a sharp reversal from 2022, when capital flight outpaced inflows. At the same time, Canadian direct investment abroad cooled to $79 billion for the year, the weakest level since 2020, reflecting a pullback in overseas mergers and acquisitions. Mexico hits all-time high Mexico also closed 2025 at a historic peak, drawing $40.871 billion in FDI, a 10.8% year-over-year increase, according to the Ministry of Economy. The result marks Mexicos fifth consecutive year of FDI growth and the highest level ever recorded in a single year. Reinvestment of profits accounted for 67.7% of total inflows, while new investments surged 132.9% to $7.38 billion, signaling fresh project launches tied to nearshoring and industrial expansion. The U.S. remained Mexicos largest investor, contributing $15.877 billion, or 38.8% of total inflows. Canada and Spain were also among the top sources of capital, reinforcing deepening North American integration under USMCA. Regional supply chains deepen The parallel investment surges come as global FDI flows to developing economies declined in 2025, according to UN estimates cited by Mexican officials. For logistics, manufacturing and cross-border freight operators, the record inflows point to continued capital commitments in production capacity, industrial real estate and transportation infrastructure across the continent. While tariff volatility and political uncertainty remain risk factors heading into 2026, 2025s data suggest investors are still placing long-term bets on North America as a consolidated production platform. Wanted criminal arrested after encounter with police in UP Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Saharanpur (UP), Mar 1 (PTI) A criminal wanted in a cow slaughter case was injured in an encounter with police in the Nagal area here, officials said on Sunday. Station House Officer (SHO) Rajkumar Chauhan said during patrolling and vehicle checking on the Sheetlakhheda-Nainsob road on Saturday night, Nagal police signalled a motorcycle without a number plate to stop. The motorcyclist tried to flee and opened fire at the police team. Police fired in self-defence and one of the accused sustained a bullet injury in the leg and was arrested. Two of his associates managed to escape under the cover of darkness, the SHO said. The arrested accused was identified as Ragib, a resident of Pandoali village under the Nagal police station area. A country-made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from his possession. The motorcycle without the number plate was also seized, Chauhan said. The injured is undergoing treatment at the district hospital. An operation has been launched to nab the suspects who fled, he said. Chauhan said about half a dozen cases, including those of cow slaughter and under the Arms Act, are registered against Ragib at Nagal police station. PTI COR ABN DIV DIV First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:30 IST News agency-feeds Wanted criminal arrested after encounter with police in UP Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pisces Horoscope Today, March 1, 2026 Curated By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 07:00 IST Pisces Horoscope Today, March 1, 2026: Take the consent of family members in any special work, as this will increase mutual love. Pisces Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for meena rashi on March 1 2026. (AI generated image) Pisces Horoscope Today, March 1, 2026: Ganesha says todays horoscope will be harmful to you from a business point of view. You may be in danger of losing your money. There may be a big crisis in your business that can cause loss to you. You should be cautious in your business today. You may need new plans to grow your business. You should look for a new partner in your business. You may need to adopt new measures to grow your business. You may need to introduce new products in your business. You should look for new markets to sell new products in your business. You will achieve success in financial matters, and resources will increase. Avoid selfishness and narrow-mindedness. Be forgiving. Profit margins will be better than average. You will show interest in business activities. Avoid taking risks. There will be happiness in the family. Be free from worries. Increase affection and trust. Keep getting health checkups done. Personal matters will remain normal. Your personality will shine. Positive There will be a peaceful and happy atmosphere in the house due to the completion of some important work related to children. Take full advantage of this beneficial planetary position. Your discretion and idealistic thinking will give you respect at home and in society. Negative Take the consent of family members in any special work, as this will increase mutual love. Along with personal busyness, it is your responsibility to take care of the needs of family members. Arguments with a friend are possible. However, you will also handle the situations. Business Business work, which has been slow for some time, will pick up pace today. Also, colleagues and employees will have a cooperative attitude, but you may have to face legal or investment-related problems. People doing government jobs should stay away from any kind of debate in public places. Financial Today will bring financial prosperity to you. You will be successful in all your work. Today will be a good day for those working in the stock market. There will be good income in your business and your status in society will increase. You will invest your earnings in the right place and this investment will also benefit you. You may get a good increment in your job. You will be successful in saving money. But invest your money wisely, otherwise your financial condition may get disturbed. Therefore, you should be careful to save your money. You may also need to control your expenses to make your financial situation stable. The jobs of employed people will continue smoothly. The period may prove to be best for financial issues. You will not feel the lack of money. Love In love relationships, marriage-related plans will start being made with family consent. The atmosphere of the house will be pleasant due to the children being disciplined. Health Keep your thoughts and mental state healthy; this will make you feel physically healthy, too. Lucky Color Black Lucky Number 7 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link First Published: March 01, 2026, 07:00 IST News astrology horoscope Pisces Horoscope Today, March 1, 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NSE IPO: Why It Wont Debut On NSE, CEO Ashish Chauhan Breaks It Down Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 09:10 IST Ashish Chauhan confirms National Stock Exchange will list its IPO on Bombay Stock Exchange, as Indian regulations bar self-listing. The NSE operates the world's busiest derivatives market by number of contracts traded. The National Stock Exchange will look at other prominent exchanges like Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) to list its upcoming IPO when it goes public. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ashish Chauhan told ANI that Indian regulations prohibit the exchange from self-listing. The NSE operates the worlds busiest derivatives market by number of contracts traded. Regulatory Framework Bars Self-Listing Chauhan said Indian regulations prohibit a stock exchange from regulating and listing itself, requiring it to seek admission on another recognised platform. Its a regulation of India, and we have to abide by that," he told ANI. The comments follow the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) no-objection certificate, which clears a key hurdle for the exchanges long-pending initial public offering (IPO). Chauhan confirmed that the NSE would pursue listing on an alternative exchange such as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Under Indias regulatory framework, exchanges cannot list on their own trading platforms due to conflict-of-interest concerns. Chauhan noted that while some global exchanges, such as Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), are listed on their own platforms, Indias rules do not permit such arrangements. Offer For Sale Structure And Timeline Chauhan said the IPO would be structured entirely as an Offer for Sale (OFS), with no fresh capital raised. We are not going to raise money for ourselves," he told ANI, adding that existing shareholders would be invited to indicate their interest in selling shares. The exchange, which has nearly 195,000 shareholders collectively owning 100 percent of the company, will take a few months to prepare and file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP). SEBI will then review the document before granting further clearance. On valuation estimates of around USD 50 billion circulating in the market, Chauhan advised caution. Pricing, he said, would be determined closer to launch, based on financial performance, industry comparables, growth trends, and broader economic and geopolitical conditions. Merchant bankers appointed to the issue will advise the IPO committee on the offer price. Transparency, Governance, And SME Inclusion Chauhan described the IPO as procedural, aimed at providing liquidity to shareholders rather than funding expansion, noting that the exchange remains profitable. He said public listing enhances transparency and governance through wider ownership and real-time disclosure requirements. Citing the example of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), he said governance standards improved following its listing. In the same interview, Chauhan said India has positioned itself as a cost-effective and inclusive capital market, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He contrasted domestic listing costs with those in developed markets such as the United States, where expenses can range between USD 20 million and USD 30 million. In India, people are raising USD 12 million also. So how much they are spending is probably 5 to 10 per cent of that money to list," he told ANI, adding that Indias ecosystem of merchant bankers, legal advisers and compliance professionals supports SME participation. First Published: March 01, 2026, 09:10 IST News business ipo NSE IPO: Why It Wont Debut On NSE, CEO Ashish Chauhan Breaks It Down Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Adani-Operated Haifa Port Remains Secure Amid Rising US-Iran Conflict Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 15:05 IST Haifa Port Company confirms all employees are safe and operations stable amid Israel US Iran escalation. Haifa Port, Iran Haifa Port Company on Sunday confirmed that all employees are safe and that port assets and infrastructure remain fully secure and operational amid escalating hostilities in West Asia. Port Confirms Safety And Operational Stability In a statement issued through an Adani Group spokesperson, Haifa Port Company said it is closely monitoring the evolving security situation. The port is coordinating with Israels Ministry of Transport and Road Safety and operating in line with official instructions. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our people and the continuity of operations, maintaining stability for Israels supply chain and international trade," the spokesperson said. The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), along with Israels Gadot Group, acquired the Port of Haifa in 2022 after winning a government tender to privatize the countrys second-largest port. The facility is considered a strategic gateway for Israels imports and exports. Escalation Between Israel, US, And Iran The confirmation from Haifa Port comes against the backdrop of a sharp military escalation in the region. On Saturday, the United States and Israel reportedly carried out joint missile strikes on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli and US assets across multiple Gulf states. Multiple blasts were also reported in Tehran and other locations. Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, according to reports, marking a significant development in the unfolding conflict. First Published: March 01, 2026, 15:05 IST News business markets Adani-Operated Haifa Port Remains Secure Amid Rising US-Iran Conflict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... West Bengal SIR: Final Electoral Roll Flags 61 Lakh Cases, Political War Of Words Intensifies Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 15:41 IST West Bengal SIR: When the SIR began, the total number of voters stood at 7,66,37,529 Rapid Read Following the deletion of 58 lakh names in Bengal, the total number of electors now stands at 7.08 crore. (Image: PTI) The final electoral roll published after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has triggered major political debate, with nearly 61 lakh voter records placed under adjudication and sent for judicial review. When the SIR began, the total number of voters stood at 7,66,37,529. In the draft roll, the figure dropped to 7,08,16,630, indicating that around 58 lakh names were excluded at the draft stage. According to the final roll released on Saturday, the total number of voters is 7,04,59,284, taking the overall exclusions to approximately 62 lakh. District wise electors under adjudication ECI data shows highest logical discrepancy is witnessed in Murshidabad, followed by Maldah then North 24 pargana, South 24 pargana and North Dinajpur. Additions and pending cases 1,82,036 voters added through Forms 6 and 6A 6,671 voters added through Form 8 60,06,675 (around 61 lakh) cases marked under logical discrepancy" and sent for adjudication After additions and deletions, the voter count has decreased by 3,57,446 compared to the draft list. 61 Lakh Logical Discrepancy Cases Under Review Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that this is the final roll for now, but nearly 61 lakh cases involving logical discrepancies are being reviewed by judicial officers. Depending on the outcome of the adjudication process, these names may either be added through supplementary lists or permanently deleted. Experts say the fate of these 61 lakh voters remains uncertain and could significantly impact the political landscape ahead of elections. Impact on High-Profile Constituencies In high-profile constituencies, the revisions have drawn sharp attention: In Bhabanipur, the constituency of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, 47,129 voters have reportedly been deleted, while around 14,000 cases are marked under logical discrepancy. In the constituency of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, nearly 11,000 voter names have been deleted. In Naihati, a controversy erupted after a Trinamool Congress councillor, Sushanta Sarkar of Ward No. 4, and his mother Arati Sarkar were shown as deleted" in the published roll. Matua Voters and Citizenship Issue Reports also suggest that a significant number of Matua voters have been deleted in the Bongaon area. Adhikari has assured affected families that their names will be restored. He stated that more than 90,000 Hindu refugees are expected to receive citizenship in the coming days, after which they will be eligible to vote. According to him, around 91,000 applicants have already applied under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with only 200300 applications rejected during scrutiny. Political Reactions Intensify Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that over 60 lakh cases are under judicial examination following intervention by the Supreme Court, claiming this halted attempts to include ineligible voters without proper scrutiny. He further warned that the integrity of the electoral roll must not be compromised. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, has strongly criticised the revision process, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of what it termed silent invisible rigging." The party questioned how elected representatives and legitimate voters could be deleted from the rolls and demanded accountability and transparency in the electoral process. What Lies Ahead With around 61 lakh cases pending adjudication, further changes to the voter list remain possible. Supplementary additions or deletions could reshape the final electoral landscape. As political tensions escalate, the spotlight remains firmly on the Election Commissions next steps and on ensuring transparency and credibility in the democratic process. First Published: March 01, 2026, 15:41 IST News elections West Bengal SIR: Final Electoral Roll Flags 61 Lakh Cases, Political War Of Words Intensifies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 19:42 IST US President Donald Trump's action came after he campaigned for reelection as a "peace president" and said he preferred a diplomatic solution to the standoff with Iran Rapid Read Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump. (File photos) US Israel Attack On Israel: The United States and Israel launched their most ambitious attacks on Iran in decades on Saturday in an operation that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US Israel War On Iran Live Updates Today The biggest foreign-policy gamble of US President Donald Trumps presidency comes after he campaigned for reelection as a peace president" and after saying he preferred a diplomatic solution to the standoff with Iran. Trump did not make a sustained case to the American people before acting, but addressed the issue briefly in his State of the Union speech last Tuesday and then in a video message released on Saturday, laying out his key objectives. Here are five reasons why the US attacked Iran: 1. PREVENTING IRAN FROM ACQUIRING A NUCLEAR WEAPON Trump has said repeatedly, and did so again in his video message, that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. He claimed to have obliterated" Irans nuclear program in strikes last June, but said this week that Tehran had attempted to rebuild the program. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message," he said on Saturday. One reason the United States and Israel gave for the June bombings was that Iran was getting too close to being able to produce a nuclear weapon. U.S. President Donald J. Trump issues a stern warning to Iran, saying the U.S. will respond with unprecedented force if Tehran carries out further strikes.#US #IranVsIsrael #DonaldTrump #Iran #Strikes pic.twitter.com/3Z9RH05MNn News18 (@CNNnews18) March 1, 2026 The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency and the U.S. intelligence community have separately assessed that Iran shuttered a nuclear weapons development program in 2003 and Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons, although as a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, says it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. Western powers say there is no credible civilian justification for Irans enrichment of uranium to the levels it has produced, and the IAEA has said it is of serious concern. No other country has done so without eventually producing nuclear weapons. 2. CONTAINING IRANS MISSILE PROGRAM In his State of the Union speech and on Saturday, Trump referred to advances in Irans missiles program, saying it was an increasing threat to the United States. On Saturday, he said Iran had attempted to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland." He provided no details to support his allegations, although Iranian state media has claimed that Tehran is developing a missile capable of reaching the United States. #MiddleEast | Will hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before: US President Donald Trump warns Iran of even more strict action if they retaliate any more@siddhantvm shares more information@ashwanisiwach1, @LtGenDPPandey in an #Exclusive conversation with pic.twitter.com/DKeSjuHELY News18 (@CNNnews18) March 1, 2026 3. TO ELIMINATE THREATS TO AMERICANS AND ALLIES FROM IRAN AND PROXIES Trump said the objective of the attacks launched on Saturday was to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people." He said Irans menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world." Trump cited attacks including Irans violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran that began in 1979 and held dozens of American hostages for 444 days; an attack by its proxies" on a U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 that killed 241 American military personnel, and countless" other actions against U.S. forces in the Middle East in recent years, and international shipping lanes. He has also pointed to Irans support for Hamas, which launched a deadly cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. #BreakingNews | How capable is Iran militarily, and how long could it sustain retaliatory attacks as the conflict continues?Maj. Gen. (R.) Ak siwach and Group captain (R.) MJA Vinod, Defence Experts share more @RShivshankar @ShivaniGupta_5 | #AyatollahAliKhamenei #US \ pic.twitter.com/kwjbL2cL9o News18 (@CNNnews18) March 1, 2026 4. PUNISHING TREATMENT OF PROTESTERS In his State of the Union address, Trump repeated a charge that Iran had killed at least 32,000 protesters in the past couple of months, figures that could not be verified. On Saturday, he referred to Iran killing tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested." The U.S.-based group HRANA, which monitors the human rights situation in Iran, said in a recent report that it has recorded 7,007 verified deaths and has 11,744 under review. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had published a comprehensive list" of all 3,117 killed in the unrest. An Iranian official told Reuters last month authorities had verified at least 5,000 deaths, including about 500 security personnel. 5. REGIME CHANGE On Saturday, Trump called on the great proud people of Iran" to rise up and take over power from their rulers. I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand," he said. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." Trump, who was monitoring the operation from his Mar-a-Lago oceanfront resort in Florida, posted on Saturday afternoon that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had died in the strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier said Khameneis compound had been destroyed and a senior Israeli official earlier told Reuters his body had been found. Iranian state media later confirmed Khamenei had been killed in the attack. While calling for Iranians to topple the government, Trump warned: The heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:36 IST News explainers Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trumps Strike Kills Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: US Had Changed Irans Regime In 1953 Too Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 18:55 IST Stir against Mossadegh, CIA's coup & arrangement of $5 million: Iranians are not new to US enforcing regime change; the history before killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei explained Rapid Read Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh rides on the shoulders of cheering crowds in Tehran's Majlis Square, outside the parliament building, after reiterating his oil nationalisation views in 1951. (AP File) The Israel and United States joint strikes on Iran on Saturday killed Tehrans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some reports claim that Ayatollah Ali Khameneis son Mojtaba Khamenei is likely to be named Irans new Supreme Leader. Iranians, however, are not new to the US enforcing a regime change in their country. WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME US PUSHED IRAN INTO REGIME CHANGE In 1953, the US helped stage a coup to overthrow Irans democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mossadegh. Why? Mossadegh wanted to nationalise the countrys oil fields, which would hit the US and Great Britain, which were dependent on oil from the Middle East. The move gained popularity in Iran and was seen as victory for the then-USSR. ALSO READ | Shah To Khomeini To Khamenei: How Irans Islamic Revolution Reshaped Global Politics The coup was meant to support Irans monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to rule as Shah of Iran, and appoint a new prime minister General Fazlollah Zahedi. YEARS LATER, CIA ROLE IN COUP CLEAR Years after Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh was overthrown, a declassified CIA document showed the agency was involved in the 1953 coup. Former President Barack Obama had acknowledged the US involvement in the coup in 2009. The independent National Security Archive research institute had published the document. The the declassification marked the CIAs first formal acknowledgment of its involvement. The documents were declassified in 2011 and given to George Washington University research group under the Freedom of Information Act. WHAT THE DOCUMENTS SHOWED According to a CNN report, the documents showed that the CIA, along with the British Secret Intelligence Service, organised large protests against Mossadegh in 1953, which the Army eventually joined. To offer some stability to Zahedi, the CIA made $5,000,000 available within two days of him taking power. The Shah was an ally of the US. However, unhappy with the interference, the anti-American sentiment kept growing in the country. In the late 1970s, millions of Iranians took to the streets against his regime, which they viewed as corrupt and illegitimate. The Shah was toppled in the 1979 Islamic revolution, which ended the countrys western-backed monarchy and ushered in the start of the Islamic Republic and clerical rule. Thus began the rule of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a Shia cleric, as the Supreme Leader, the highest authority in the new system based on Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist). After Khomeinis death, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became the Supreme Leader of Iran on June 4, 1989. What happened since June 2025? The long-simmering tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel erupted into open conflict in June 2025, when Israel launched air and drone strikes deep into Iranian territory targeting nuclear and military sites, triggering large-scale Iranian missile and drone retaliation and pulling in the U.S., which struck Iranian nuclear facilities as part of the 12-day war; a ceasefire mediated by the U.S. and Qatar was agreed by June 24, 2025, ending the immediate hostilities. ALSO READ | Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons Explained After months of uneasy calm and stalled diplomacy, on February 28, 2026 the United States and Israel commenced a coordinated military campaign against Irandubbed Operation Epic Furyhitting Iranian leadership, missile sites, nuclear infrastructure and other strategic targets, resulting in the death of Irans Supreme Leader and senior officials, significant Iranian counter-strikes against U.S. bases and Israeli territory, and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict with global repercussions as tensions continued into early March 2026. With CNN Inputs First Published: March 01, 2026, 14:37 IST News explainers Trumps Strike Kills Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: US Had Changed Irans Regime In 1953 Too Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... If They Kill Me...: Ayatollah Ali Khameneis Chilling Last Address To Iran Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 16:10 IST Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: "US is heading towards collapse...Their 50% population does not approve of their President. Any future attack on Iran would come at great cost." Rapid Read Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (AFP) Amid reports of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, several of his recent public addresses have gained significant attention. The most widely cited last speech" is reported to have happened on February 17, during a meeting with people from the East Azerbaijan Province to mark the anniversary of the 1978 Tabriz uprising. In a video sourced from Reuters, Khamenei is heard talking about the US. News18 has not independently verified the time and date stamp. US in decline, more than 50% of their country does not approve of President: Khamenei Khamenei is seen describing the U.S. as an empire heading towards a collapse", citing economic, political, and social problems. He claimed more than 50 per cent of the U.S. population disapproved of President Donald Trump. I will also say a few words about the U.S. its a system that truly is in decline, an empire heading toward collapse. They have problems in their economy, problems with their policies, and problems in their society. More than 50 % of the U.S. population doesnt approve of their current president," said Khamenei. Iranian weapons can sink American warship: Khamenei We must have deterrent weapons, if a country does not have deterrent weapons, it will be crushed under the feet of its enemies. The Americans are interfering in this matter without any reason You may have such and such missile. You may have such range and no more." What does it have to do with you? It concerns the Iranian nation," he said. The US President keeps saying that their army is the strongest in the world. The strongest Army in the world may sometimes get slapped so hard that it cannot stand up straight." He stated that Iran possessed weapons capable of sinking an American warship" and warned that any U.S. military intervention would result in a regional war" with irreparable consequences". If they kill me: Khamenei warns of consequences In an emotional address amid reports of threats against him, he reportedly said, My body holds little value even if they kill me, do not count it as our loss as long as you remain steadfast on the principles of Imam Hussain". Following large rallies on February 11, he thanked the nation for their magnificent" presence, asserting that such solidarity frustrated the hopes of the enemies" In other remarks after the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, Khamenei claimed Iran had nearly crushed" Israel and mocked American involvement, warning the U.S. that any future attack would come at great cost". Khamenei killed on February 28 Khamenei was killed on 28 February 2026 during a joint military operation by the United States and Israel. He was killed in a precision airstrike targeting his official compound in Tehran. The operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury," involved high-level cooperation between the CIA and Israeli intelligence. Alongside the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, several family members (including his daughter and grandchild) and approximately 30 to 40 other senior Iranian officials were reportedly killed. While initially denied by Iranian officials, his death was later confirmed by Iranian state media (IRIB) on the morning of 1 March 2026. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed the success of the strike. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 01, 2026, 16:02 IST News explainers If They Kill Me...: Ayatollah Ali Khameneis Chilling Last Address To Iran Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shah To Khomeini To Khamenei: How Irans Islamic Revolution Reshaped Global Politics Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 19:25 IST The revolution, which changed Iran from monarchy to Islamic Republic and included 444-day US hostage crisis, sparked tension between Iran and the West that continues till date Rapid Read Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (left) and his successor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (AP File) The death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has marked the end of a key era in Iran which began after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. US Israel War On Iran Live Updates Today The revolution, which changed Iran from a monarchy under the Shah to an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, reshaped the Middle East and global politics, sparking tension between Iran and the West that continues till date. HOW & WHY DID THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION BEGIN? Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who ruled Iran as a king, was supported by the United States and other Western countries. His government was seen as corrupt, oppressive, and Westernised, which angered many Iranians. The Triggers The Shahs secret police (SAVAK) arrested and tortured opponents. Many Iranians believed the Shah was abandoning Islamic values. Despite oil wealth, there was high unemployment and inequality. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a Shia cleric, criticised the Shah and gained massive support. Protests started in late 1977 and grew into a mass movement. Millions of people marched in the streets, demanding the Shah step down. ALSO READ | Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons Explained THE SHAH GOES INTO EXILE As the Islamic Revolution reached its peak, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi went into exile on January 16, 1979. He flew to Aswan, Egypt, and then kept moving to Morocco, Bahamas, Mexico and United States (for cancer treatment), and Panama His presence in the U.S. in October 1979 triggered the Iran Hostage Crisis, as Iranian revolutionaries feared a U.S. plot to restore him. He finally returned to Egypt, where he died on July 27, 1980, from cancer. THE END OF THE REVOLUTION On February 1, 1979, Khomeini returned to Iran from exile to a heros welcome. On February 11, 1979, the Shahs government collapsed. Khomeini declared the formation of a new Islamic government. A referendum in April 1979 resulted in 98% voting in favor of forming an Islamic Republic. Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of Iran, the highest authority in the new system based on Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist). Iran became an Islamic Republic based on Shia Islamic law (Sharia), with an anti-Western, especially anti-American, government. THE 444-DAY HOSTAGE CRISIS On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian college students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the capital of Iran. They took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage, holding them for 444 days (till January 20, 1981). The students were angry because the United States allowed the exiled Shah to enter the U.S. for medical treatment. They believed the U.S. might help the Shah return to power and undo the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which had replaced the monarchy with an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khameini. While women and African-American hostages were released earlier, 52 Americans remained in captivity until the very end. Hostages were released minutes after U.S. President Ronald Reagan was sworn into office, replacing President Jimmy Carter. President Jimmy Carter had tried to negotiate a peaceful release. He had also ordered a military rescue mission in April 1980 (Operation Eagle Claw), but it failed tragically due to a helicopter crash in the Iranian desert killing 8 American servicemen. The crisis severely damaged Carters popularity and helped lead to his defeat in the 1980 election. The diplomatic ties between the US and Iran were cut in 1980 and have never fully been restored. KHOMENEI TO KHAMENEI Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini came was a Shia Muslim cleric and Islamic philosopher. He became known in the 1960s for openly criticising the Shahs secular policies and Western influence in Iran. In 1963, he was arrested for opposing the Shahs White Revolution" reforms. After his release, Khomeini was exiled in 1964 first to Turkey, then Iraq, and finally France. In late 1978, massive protests erupted across Iran, demanding the Shahs removal. The opposition united around Khomeini as a spiritual leader. The revolution made Khomeini the Supreme Leader of Iran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became the Supreme Leader of Iran on June 4, 1989, a day after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. ISRAEL & IRAN During the Shah regime, Iran considered Israel its natural ally. In the initial years under Khomenei, too, Iran and Israel continued with their ties to counter the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein. During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, Israel reportedly sold arms worth $500 million annually to Iran. However, after the 1991 Gulf War, Iran saw Israel as an occupier of Palestinian land. Iran even labelled Israel as Little Satan", while the US was called the Great Satan". Shia Iran wanted to be the power centre of West Asia, and started challenging Saudi Arabia, the Mecca of Sunni Islam. The new Iranian government severed diplomatic ties with Israel, and the country began to support Palestinian and other anti-Israel movements actively. Iran also started supporting Shia Lebanese elements, which later took the shape of Hezbollah. Irans nuclear programme, launched in the 1980s, became a flashpoint in the 1990s. It also led to the recent escalation by Israel. THE RECENT ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT TIMELINE June 13, 2025: Israel launches Operation Rising Lion targeting over 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear facilities (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), missile bases, and IRGC command centers. They are coordinated airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force, supported by Mossad-operated drones that disable Iranian air defenses and missile launchers. At least 224 Iranians are killed, primarily civilians. June 13: Khamenei vows revenge, saying Israel opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers". Iran retaliates with its Operation True Promise III, firing over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones targeting Israeli military sites and residential areas in cities like Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, and Haifa. At least 24 Israelis are killed and 592 injured. Israels Iron Dome intercepts 80-90% of incoming projectiles. Oil prices surge due to fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. June 13-16: Intensified Israeli airstrikes prompt mass evacuations from Tehran. Over 100,000 residents flee, causing severe traffic congestion, shortages of essentials, and internet disruptions. Iran does not issue a formal evacuation order but imposes temporary internet restrictions. June 16: US President Donald Trump expresses support for Israel, suggesting potential U.S. involvement and urging Iran to negotiate. The United Nations, other international bodies and India call for restraint and protection of civilians. June 21: The United States strikes Iranian nuclear facilities (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow) as part of the conflict. Iranian retaliation continues, including launching missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar. June 2324: Ceasefire agreed and enters into effect under U.S. and Qatari mediation, effectively ending the Twelve-Day War. June 24: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares a historic victory," saying Israel removed the Iranian nuclear threat and will remain vigilant. Throughout July and August: Post-war environment remains fragile with occasional violations of the ceasefire; both sides continue intelligence, proxy, and diplomatic pressure. October-December 2025: Tensions simmer as Iran reportedly accelerates its nuclear enrichment and missile rebuild efforts, raising concerns in Israel and the U.S. about renewed conflict. Late December 2025: U.S. officials, including President Trump, threaten future military action over Irans internal repression and nuclear activity; diplomatic efforts persist alongside military planning. February 28, 2026: Israel and the United States launch coordinated strikes against Iran, jointly described as Operation Epic Fury" / Roaring Lion", targeting missile sites, air defenses, nuclear infrastructure, and Iranian command facilities. The offensive rapidly escalates into widespread bombardment across Irans territory. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed. Iran responds with missile and drone strikes against Israeli cities and U.S. military bases in the region. Also See: Iran Attack On US March 1: Israel conducts a new round of airstrikes on Iranian ballistic missile and air defense sites as part of the continuing campaign. UAE issues emergency alerts to residents amid regional missile and threat warnings linked to the conflict. Regional disruption of travel and further security alerts are reported amid tensions. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:09 IST News explainers Shah To Khomeini To Khamenei: How Irans Islamic Revolution Reshaped Global Politics Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As Mojtaba Khamenei Becomes Iran's Next Supreme Leader, Here's How The Head Is Picked | Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 09, 2026, 10:36 IST Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The process of picking Supreme leader, criteria, how Ali Khamenei was picked in a day, explained Rapid Read Mojtaba, son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (centre), attends the annual Quds in Tehran, Iran, . (AP File) Son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been elected the Supreme Leader of Iran after his father was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States. US President Donald Trump had announced Khamenei Srs death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their greatest chance" to take back" their country. The announcements came after a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump said the heavy and pinpoint bombing" was to continue through the week or as long as necessary. The strikes opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program. On Sunday, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most-intense offensive operation" ever targeting Israel and U.S. bases. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Mojtaba Khamenei is an Iranian cleric and influential political figure best known as the second-eldest son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Born on September 8, 1969 in Mashhad, Iran, he has long been seen as one of the most powerful members of Irans clerical elite outside formal government roles. Mojtaba pursued religious studies at the Qom Seminary and rose within conservative clerical networks, gaining strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia. He served briefly in the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War and later became closely involved in Iranian political affairs behind the scenes, often acting as an influential adviser and gatekeeper within the Supreme Leaders office. Though he has never held an official government position, Mojtabas influence stems from his control over key clerical and security networks, his backing of hardline political figures, and his role in internal security decisions including alleged involvement in the suppression of protests after the disputed 2009 election. Because of this behind-the-scenes power and his status as the Supreme Leaders son, he has frequently been speculated as a potential successor to the leadership, especially after other leading contenders (like former President Ebrahim Raisi) died or were sidelined. Critics, however, argue he lacks the top clerical rank and broad legitimacy traditionally expected of a Supreme Leader and that dynastic succession would be controversial in Irans republican system. In addition to his clerical role, investigations have linked Mojtaba to significant financial networks and assets abroad, illustrating his economic influence beyond Irans religious and political spheres. #BreakingNews | How capable is Iran militarily, and how long could it sustain retaliatory attacks as the conflict continues?Maj. Gen. (R.) Ak siwach and Group captain (R.) MJA Vinod, Defence Experts share more @RShivshankar @ShivaniGupta_5 | #AyatollahAliKhamenei #US \ pic.twitter.com/kwjbL2cL9o News18 (@CNNnews18) March 1, 2026 The Supreme Leader of Iran is chosen through a constitutional process defined by the Islamic Republics system. 1. Who Has the Authority? An 88-member clerical body. Members are elected by the public every 8 years (candidates are vetted). Their constitutional duty is to appoint, supervise, and if necessary dismiss the Supreme Leader. They alone formally choose the successor. 2. What Happens Immediately After the Leaders Death? If the Supreme Leader dies or is incapacitated, under Article 111 of Irans Constitution, a three-person interim council assumes duties the President, the head of the judiciary, a senior cleric from the Guardian Council. This is temporary and lasts only until a new Leader is chosen. 3. How the Successor Is Selected The Assembly of Experts meets urgently. It reviews candidates who must: Be a senior Islamic jurist (marja-level not strictly required anymore). Be politically and religiously qualified. Be capable of leadership under Irans Islamic system. Votes internally (majority decision). They can choose: A single Supreme Leader (most likely scenario), or A Leadership Council (rare but constitutionally allowed). 4. Behind-the-Scenes Power Dynamics Although the Assembly makes the formal decision, in reality the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plays major informal influence. Senior clerics in Qom religious establishment matter. Political factions (hardliners vs pragmatists) negotiate intensely. Elite consensus often shapes the outcome before the formal vote. 5. Possible Types of Successors While no official list exists publicly, analysts often discuss a hardline cleric aligned with the security establishment, a more politically experienced figure, a compromise candidate to maintain stability. 6. How long does it take? Constitutionally, as quickly as possible. Practically, it is likely to take days to weeks, not months. Iran prepared succession mechanisms after the 1989 transition from Ruhollah Khomeini to Khamenei, so a prolonged vacuum is unlikely. ALSO READ | Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons Explained How was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei picked in 1989? The process was completed in a day After the death of Ruhollah Khomeini on June 3, 1989, Irans Assembly of Experts met in an emergency session the next day to choose a new Supreme Leader. The constitution at the time required the leader to be a top-ranking cleric (a marja), but there was no clear consensus candidate, and Khomeinis designated successor had already been removed. The Assembly debated whether to appoint a leadership council or a single leader and ultimately voted for one individual. Despite not meeting the highest clerical rank required under the constitution, then-President Ali Khamenei was backed by influential figures, including Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, and was elected Supreme Leader. Shortly afterward, a constitutional referendum removed the marja requirement, effectively validating his selection. The transition was completed within a day, ensuring political stability at a sensitive moment for the Islamic Republic. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 01, 2026, 12:09 IST News explainers As Mojtaba Khamenei Becomes Iran's Next Supreme Leader, Here's How The Head Is Picked | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BrewDog is aiming to finalise the potential sale of the UK brewer next week, Just Drinks understands. The Punk IPA brand owner is weighing up offers after hiring AlixPartners to determine the possible interest in the loss-making business. Earlier today (27 February), the BBC, citing an email from BrewDog chief executive James Taylor to staff, said the business expects to announce a deal next week. Approached by Just Drinks, representatives for BrewDog declined to comment. The UK broadcaster and Scotland-based publication The National also reported BrewDog had decided to liquidate its operations in Germany. Again, BrewDogs representatives refused to be drawn on the reports. However, Just Drinks understands the offers on the table do not include BrewDogs business in Germany, which includes a brewery and bar in Berlin. Nevertheless, there is said to be separate standalone interest. Yesterday, Sky News reported that Denmark-based drinks group Royal Unibrew was mulling a move for at least parts of BrewDog. Royal Unibrew yesterday reported its annual financial results for 2025. Speaking to analysts today, Royal Unibrew president and CEO Lars Jensen was asked to comment on what types of deals the Faxe brewer is looking for. Our M&A priorities have not changed at all. If you rank them in terms of optionality, profitability, likelihood of success, its always the optimal to build on to what we already have, Jensen said. We have previously highlighted a number of countries in that respect, where the organisation is ready and where our market positions is not so big that it would be difficult for us to put anything on top. The priorities have not changed. I would say just one thing and that is that, in this environment that we are seeing out there, and when the ones that was rumoured to be acquired by us, the BrewDog business, when assets like that or other assets locally come up for sale, if you can move fast, theres often a relatively big upside to these type of businesses, assuming that you have an organisation in place that can turn these businesses around. Jensen was also asked, in the context of M&A, which markets Royal Unibrew may found attractive to enter and for its stance on the UK. Are we super keen on moving into new markets as we speak? he said. Only if it is something that can deliver a high return on invested capital fairly fast and with not too much risk. That's the way that we look at it. In a separate interview with Danish business publication Finans, Jensen said Royal Unibrew would never comment on acquisitions. But where we would most like to acquire is Italy, Benelux, and the Nordics. That is our focus. Pakistan In War Crossfire? Ties With US & Iran, Pact With Saudi, Islamabads Response Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 20:07 IST Pak called US-Israel attacks on Iran unwarranted; it called Iran's retaliation violations of sovereignty. Decoding Islamabads response, ties with all players US, Iran, Saudi Rapid Read Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (File Image) Although not a direct participant in the US-Israel war against Iran, Pakistan finds itself in a unique position. While the country has ties with both the United States and Iran, which it even shares a boundary with, it has a defence pact with Saudi, which has tacitly supported America, according to reports. News18 decodes Pakistans response of official condemnation and diplomatic caution. The key players in the war A major military confrontation erupted between the United States, Israel, and Iran after coordinated USIsraeli strikes hit Iranian territory, drawing strong Iranian retaliation with missile and drone attacks across the region. The conflict has triggered broader instability in the Middle East, with Iran declaring reprisals and continuing attacks on US and Israeli bases, raising fears of a wider regional war. How Pakistan has responded to the war In a delicate balancing act, Pakistan condemned the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Friday that triggered the retaliation, calling them unwarranted attacks". As Iran struck back, targeting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Permanent Representative to the UN formally condemned Tehrans retaliation too, calling it blatant violations of sovereignty". Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also telephoned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to pledge full solidarity" and reiterate the terms of the mutual defense pact. Pakistan specifically highlighted the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during these attacks. Saudi Arabia amid US-Israel-Iran war Saudi Arabias relationship with the U.S. during the current 2026 conflict is extremely complicated, characterised by private alignment and public distance. Publicly, Saudi Arabia has taken a firm stance to avoid being dragged into a direct war with Iran. In the weeks leading up to the February 2026 strikes, Riyadh officially informed both Iran and the U.S. that it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran. Saudi officials emphasised that they do not want their land to serve as a launchpad for attacks, fearing that involvement would turn their oil fields into primary targets for Iranian retaliation, according to Reuters. However, according to The Washington Post, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) reportedly made several private phone calls to US President Donald Trump over the past month, pushing for a strike on Iran while publicly endorsing diplomacy. Saudi Arabia is part of a complex role" where it reportedly coordinated with the U.S. and Israel to share data on Iranian leadership and infrastructure targets, even while officially staying out of the combat, according to reports. President Trump called MBS on March 1 to affirm that the United States stands alongside the Kingdom" and supports all measures Saudi Arabia takes to defend itself. In January 2026, just before the conflict escalated, the U.S. formally designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally, deepening their legal and military partnership. Under the new U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA), the two countries have committed to nearly $1 trillion in investments, including sales of F-35 jets and hundreds of tanks to bolster Saudi defences. Why has Pakistan not declared a war? Pakistan is in a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi, which has the attack on one is an attack on both". Then why has it prioritised solidarity over military action? Pakistan shares historical, cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties with Iran. Islamabad and Tehran have maintained bilateral engagement, including high-level visits and cooperation on regional issues, and Iran has publicly commended Pakistans support during past regional crises, highlighting the traditionally friendly relationship. While Trump was once sharply critical of Islamabad during his first term, more recent interactions have reportedly been warmer, with Trump referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a friend" in diplomatic exchanges signaling a reset built around strategic interests rather than past grievances. A key emerging area is critical minerals and rare earth cooperation. As global competition intensifies over supply chains dominated by China, Pakistan has highlighted its untapped mineral reserves particularly in Balochistan positioning itself as a potential alternative partner for Western supply diversification. This has opened conversations around investment, extraction partnerships, and broader economic engagement. At the same time, Pakistan continues to seek security cooperation and counterterrorism coordination; trade access and economic stabilization support; diplomatic backing amid regional tensions. For Washington especially under a Trump-style America First" lens engagement with Pakistan is viewed through strategic leverage: Afghanistan spillover risks, counterterrorism intelligence, competition with China, and regional stability involving Iran and the Gulf. Entering a hot war with Iran is extremely dangerous for Islamabad, as the two share a long, volatile border. A conflict could ignite internal sectarian fault lines within Pakistans own population. Large-scale pro-Iran protests have broken out in Pakistani cities like Karachi and Lahore against the U.S.-Israeli strikes, making it politically difficult for the government to take direct military action against Iran. Analysts note that while the pact with Saudi is formal, it is often viewed as a political signal of solidarity" rather than an unconditional guarantee for automatic military escalation. Moreover, Pakistan is currently engaged in what its ministers call an open war" with Afghanistan on its northwest border, leaving little military capacity to open a second front with Iran. Islamabad is pushing a draft resolution at the UN alongside China and Russia, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" rather than taking a side in the combat. Pakistan is effectively attempting a high-stakes balancing act rather than supporting one side exclusively. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 01, 2026, 19:43 IST News explainers Pakistan In War Crossfire? Ties With US & Iran, Pact With Saudi, Islamabads Response Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran-Israel War: Is Your Flight To Dubai, London Or Mumbai At Risk? Here's What We Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 12:08 IST Ministry of Civil Aviation reported 410 domestic flight cancellations, with 444 cancellations expected on Mar 1 due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East. Several flights cancelled from India amid airspace curbs in Middle East (Credits: News18) The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said Sunday that over 410 flights operated by domestic carriers were cancelled on Saturday, with around 444 flights expected to be suspended on Sunday as airspace restrictions continue over Iran and other parts of the Middle East, following the US-Israeli strikes against Tehran. In a post on X, the ministry said, Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March." Amid widespread cancellations, the ministry urged passengers to stay in the loop for updates regarding their flight status. DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations. Passengers are advised to check and confirm their flight status with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport." Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March.DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) February 28, 2026 Highlighting the measures taken to ensure convenience to passengers, the ministry added, Major airports remain on operational alert to manage potential diversions and ensure seamless passenger facilitation. Passenger assistance, airline coordination, and terminal crowd management are being closely monitored, with senior officials deployed on the ground". The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory, requesting Indian airlines told to avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, amid the prevailing situation in the Middle East. The cancellations surface amid soaring unrest in the Middle East following the coordinated US-Israeli strikes against Iran. In retaliation, Tehran targeted facilities linked to the US and Israel in the region, with the region plunging into a renewed confrontation. Meanwhile, several countries have imposed airspace restrictions amid the tension, impacting international flight operations. A total of 33 SpiceJet flights to and from United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been cancelled till March 2. CANCELLED FLIGHTS FROM INDIA Air India announced the cancellation of 28 international flights scheduled for March 1 connecting India with cities in Europe, Canada, and the United States. The affected flights include those between Delhi and London (Heathrow), Mumbai and London (Heathrow), Amritsar and London (Gatwick), Delhi and New York (JFK), Mumbai and New York (JFK), Mumbai and Newark, Delhi and Chicago (via Vienna), Delhi and Toronto (via Vienna), Delhi and Frankfurt, Mumbai and Frankfurt and Delhi and Paris. In a separate post on X, the airline announced the cancellation of additional flights. which include AI131/ AI130: Mumbai-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Mumbai AI113/ AI118: Delhi- Birmingham / Birmingham-Delhi AI155/ AI156: Delhi-Amsterdam / Amsterdam-Delhi AI151/ AI152: Delhi-Zurich / Zurich-Delhi AI137 / AI138: Delhi-Milan / Milan-Delhi AI153 / AI154: Delhi-Vienna / Vienna-Delhi AI133 / AI132: Bengaluru-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Bengaluru AI157 / AI158: Delhi-Copenhagen / Copenhagen/Delhi AI2017 / AI2018 and AI2015/AI2016: Delhi-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)- Delhi AI2029 / AI2030: Delhi-Frankfurt / Frankfurt/Delhi Announcing the cancellations, Air India highlighted it was working to assist affected passengers and alternative travel arrangements. #TravelAdvisoryClose monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East have necessitated further curtailment of our scheduled operations, with the safety and security of our customers and crew remaining our highest priority. In addition to the Air India (@airindia) March 1, 2026 We regret the inconvenience caused and are making every effort to assist affected passengers with rebooking and alternative travel arrangements", it stated. INDIGO ISSUES ADVISORY IndiGo also issued a travel advisory for passengers saying that it is closely monitoring developments across the Middle East. The airline said remains prepared to take necessary steps based on changing circumstances. Travel AdvisoryWe continue to observe developments across parts of the Middle East and surrounding regions with utmost attentiveness. We understand that this period may feel uncertain, and we want to reassure you that every decision is being taken with care and prudence. In IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 1, 2026 Several flight services from Kochi to Doha, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi were cancelled, while many flights were delayed or diverted. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatari airspace amid strikes from Iran. DELHI AIRPORT ISSUES ADVISORY Delhi airport has issued an advisory, urging passengers to contact their respective airlines for updates. Due to the ongoing political developments in the Middle East, westbound international flights may face delays or scheduled adjustments", it said. Passengers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport", it added. Chennai Airport has also provided information regarding flight cancellations due to airspace curbs in the Middle East. #FLIGHTUPDATE | Kindly take note of the list of flight cancellations at Chennai International Airport due to airspace closures over parts of the Middle East.Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates.@MoCA_GoI | @AAI_Official | pic.twitter.com/l3pAFNJEW2 Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) March 1, 2026 Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates", it said. First Published: March 01, 2026, 10:58 IST News india Iran-Israel War: Is Your Flight To Dubai, London Or Mumbai At Risk? Here's What We Know Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... J&K LG Reviews Security Situation After Protests In Kashmir Over Khamenei's Killing In Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 20:06 IST Protests broke out in several parts of Kashmir against the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israel strikes. Rapid Read People protest against the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Srinagar. (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the security situation across the Union Territory after protests broke out in several parts of Kashmir over Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis killing in coordinated US-Israeli strikes. Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronised resolve of our Police and security forces upholding law and order," Sinha said on X. Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronized resolve of our Police and security forces upholding law and order. pic.twitter.com/FRvMUux0O6 Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) March 1, 2026 Protests broke out in several parts of Kashmir on Sunday against the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets at various places in areas with a large Shia Muslim population. #WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Members of the All India Shia Council holds protest in Poonch, against the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and US strikes. pic.twitter.com/YuBNm7OG1v ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 Protesters in J&Ks Ramban raised slogans Tum kitne Hosseini marogehar ghar se Hosseini niklega (How many Hosseini will you kill, from every home, a Hosseini will rise." They also burnt an effigy of US President Donald Trump during demonstrations. The J&K government announced that schools and colleges in Kashmir will remain closed for two days as a precautionary measure following protests across the valley. Police in Pulwama urged all media organisations, journalists, social media users, digital platforms and the general public to act with responsibility and discretion while reporting or sharing any information concerning law and order, security-related matters or public gatherings. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over the developments in Iran and urged people to remain calm and uphold peace in all areas. We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures," he said. Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronized resolve of our Police and security forces upholding law and order. pic.twitter.com/FRvMUux0O6 Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) March 1, 2026 Protests were also held in various parts of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The All India Shia Personal Law Board announced a massive protest at Lucknows Chhota Imambara on Sunday night. Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: March 01, 2026, 20:06 IST News india J&K LG Reviews Security Situation After Protests In Kashmir Over Khamenei's Killing In Iran Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi 'Strongly Condemns' Attack On UAE, Thanks President Al Nahyan For Taking Care Of Indians Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 23:41 IST PM Modi's remarks came after Iran launched missiles at several parts of the UAE, including Dubai, in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, resulting in casualties. Rapid Read PM Modi with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters/File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in which he strongly condemned Iranian attacks on the Gulf country and condoled the loss of lives. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times," he said on X. PM Modi also thanked the UAE for taking care of the Indian community living in the country and reiterated Indias call for de-escalation, regional peace and stability. Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times.Thanked him for taking care of the Indian Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026 This came after three people were killed and 58 people were injured, including an Indian national, in the UAE due to Iranian military strikes. Iran has carried out a wave of attacks, mainly targeting Israeli and American military bases in several Gulf countries, after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday. The Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi said it is aware of the injury to the Indian national and is in touch with hospital authorities. The Indian national is out of danger. We are rendering all possible assistance," the mission said on social media. Irans attack intensified after the US-Israeli attack killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. UAEs airspace remains closed, and flights from its airports, including one of the busiest worldwide in Dubai, are currently suspended. Dubais iconic Palm Jumeirah was also struck by Iranian missiles, leaving several people stranded. The UAE defence ministry said its military has dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones fired by Iran since the start of its attack. The incidents resulted in three fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities, it added. Meanwhile, PM Modi Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security after returning to Delhi on Sunday after the dramatic escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. Indias biggest concern at the moment is the safety of thousands of Indian nationals, who are currently stranded in the Gulf countries and also in Iran and Israel. If the war escalates further between Iran and the USIsrael alliance and spreads across the region, the lives of these Indians could be at risk. First Published: March 01, 2026, 23:29 IST News india PM Modi 'Strongly Condemns' Attack On UAE, Thanks President Al Nahyan For Taking Care Of Indians Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Inaugurates India's First Domestic Chip Facility In Gujarat's Sanand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 28, 2026, 22:28 IST The facility will assemble and package chips used in SSDs and RAM modules, linking India directly to global electronics supply chains. PM Modi during inauguration in Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Micron Technologys Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking the launch of Indias first domestically produced semiconductor chips. The project positions Gujarat as an emerging centre in the global semiconductor supply chain. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the facility sends a strong message globally about Indias technological capability. He said the project shows that India is capable, India is competitive, India is committed," and reflects the countrys growing role in the global electronics ecosystem. The Prime Minister described the Sanand project as more than just an industrial investment. According to him, it demonstrates how policy support, manufacturing readiness and global confidence are coming together to strengthen Indias semiconductor mission. PM Modi also highlighted the importance of Indias partnership with the United States in advanced technologies. Todays program at this facility is evidence of strong collaboration and partnership between India and America," he said, noting that cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing will shape the future global technology order. A proud day for India!Micron Technologys Semiconductor ATMP facility was inaugurated in Sanand earlier today. Here are some glimpses from the occasion@MicronTech @MicronCEO pic.twitter.com/y4vrYEMhdy Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2026 Reflecting on Indias technological journey, PM Modi said that discussions around chips and data were limited in the country a decade ago, when the focus was largely on IT services. Today India, known for software, is successfully making its mark in hardware as well," he said, pointing to a shift towards manufacturing and innovation. He compared the importance of semiconductors in the modern era to the role of machines during the Industrial Revolution. If oil was the regulator of the last century, the microchip will be the regulator of this century," he said, emphasising the strategic importance of semiconductor production. PM Modi also spoke about the transformation of Sanand, which evolved from hosting a single automobile plant to becoming one of Indias major auto hubs. He suggested that Microns investment could similarly create a strong semiconductor ecosystem by attracting suppliers, technology partners and new businesses. Recalling the regions industrial journey, the Prime Minister mentioned late industrialist Ratan Tata and said he once sent a message saying, see what a Gujarati can do with an investment of one rupee," highlighting Gujarats spirit of entrepreneurship. The Micron ATMP facility has been built with an investment of Rs 22,516 crore. It will assemble and package chips used in SSDs and RAM modules, linking India directly to global electronics supply chains. The project is expected to generate around 5,000 jobs. PM Modi said the semiconductor sector will create new opportunities for young people and strengthen Indias technological independence. This opportunity is opening new gates for Indias youth," he said, adding that as more semiconductor projects begin production, their broader economic impact will become visible. US Ambassador Sergio Gore also attended the event, marking his first visit to Gujarat after assuming office. His presence highlighted the growing cooperation between India and the United States in critical technology sectors. First Published: February 28, 2026, 22:28 IST News india PM Modi Inaugurates India's First Domestic Chip Facility In Gujarat's Sanand Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Chairs CCS Meeting In Delhi Amid West Asia Tensions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 08:11 IST While the exact reasons are unclear, PM Modi's step comes amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, where several Indians are stranded due to the Israel-Iran conflict. Rapid Read PM Modi chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) after returning to Delhi from a two-day tour on Sunday night to discuss the situation in the West Asia. PM Modi landed in Delhi at 9:30 pm on Sunday after a two-day tour across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu to chair a CCS meeting on the Middle East. The Cabinet Committee was briefed on the air strikes in Iran on February 28 and the subsequent escalation, including attacks in several Gulf countries. It expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region. The meeting comes as tensions have reached a boiling point in the Middle East, following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and most of Tehrans top leadership. Iran has retaliated by launching missiles at regional US bases. The CCS also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations, as well as the broader implications for regional security and economic and commercial activities. The CCS directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments. It underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy," the government statement read. Top leaders including Amit Shah, Ajit Doval, Nirmala Sitharaman, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, General Upendra Dwivedi, Vikram Misri were present in the meeting. Khameneis killing has further intensified Tehrans offensive as it vowed revenge, while Israel continued its attack on Iran, targeting the Islamic Republics army headquarters in Tehran. The Israel Defence Forces also destroyed two Iranian F-5 and F-4 fighter jets at the Tabriz airport. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israels operation will continue as long as necessary, as he highlighted that the Iranian regime has called for death to Israel and death to America" in the past 47 years. Indians Stranded In Middle East Indias biggest concern at the moment is the safety of thousands of Indian nationals, who are currently stranded in the Gulf countries and also in Iran and Israel. If the war escalates further between Iran and the USIsrael alliance and spreads across the region, the lives of these Indians could be at risk. During the meeting, discussions are likely to focus on a comprehensive master plan to safely evacuate Indian nationals if the situation deteriorates with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. India has previously conducted successful evacuation missions such as Operation Ganga and Operation Ajay. Another concern for India is the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed off by Iranian authorities after the war broke out. This directly impacts the Indian economy as it imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirements, most of it from the Gulf. A spike in petrol and diesel prices could, in turn, drive inflation out of control in India. First Published: March 01, 2026, 18:06 IST News india PM Modi Chairs CCS Meeting In Delhi Amid West Asia Tensions Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi's Varanasi Constituency Sets Guinness Record, Plants 2.5 Lakh Saplings In An Hour Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 20:31 IST As part of the drive held on March 1, around 2.51 lakh saplings using the Miyawaki plantation method were planted within an hour. Images from the record-setting plantation drive along the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi (Credits: X/@11NDRF) In a major environmental drive, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation on Saturday planted more than 2.5 lakh saplings in under an hour in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Narendra Modi. The initiative drew participation from over 20,000 residents and has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records. The plantation was carried out in the Domari area near the Ganga riverfront, where authorities are developing a large urban forest named Namo Van". The project is spread across nearly 350 bighas of land and aims to boost greenery and biodiversity in the city. As part of the drive held on March 1, around 2.51 lakh saplings using the Miyawaki plantation method were planted within an hour. This surpassed Chinas earlier world record of 1.53 lakh saplings planted in the same time period. Officials said the urban forest will eventually include about three lakh plants. Of these, nearly 2.5 lakh will be Miyawaki-method saplings, along with around 10,000 timber trees and 40,000 fruit-bearing trees. The project also plans several public facilities including a four-kilometre walking track, meditation and yoga areas, a flower park spread over four hectares, and a two-hectare herbal park. In addition, spaces such as a childrens play zone and an open gym are being developed for visitors. Authorities believe the initiative will help improve the ecological balance of the region and strengthen the riverbank along the Ganga. The municipal corporation expects the project to begin generating annual revenue of about Rs 2 crore from the third year, which could rise to nearly Rs 7 crore by the seventh year. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam of Guru Tegh Bahadur, which was organised virtually in Mumbai. During his address, the prime minister wore a patka on his head as a mark of respect for Sikh customs. First Published: March 01, 2026, 20:31 IST News india PM Modi's Varanasi Constituency Sets Guinness Record, Plants 2.5 Lakh Saplings In An Hour Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Protests Erupt In Jammu & Kashmir Over Khamenei's Death; Mehbooba, Mirwaiz Denounce Israeli Strikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 09:37 IST Protests erupted in Srinagar, Sonawari, and Bandipora after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israel-US strikes. Shia Muslims in Srinagar stage a demonstration against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes. (ANI) West Asia Conflict: Protests erupted in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir after Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israel-US joint strikes. The protests took place in Srinagar, Sonawari, and Bandipora where men and women from the Shia community took out protests carrying pictures of the Iranian Supreme Leader. #WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Kashmiri Shia Muslims in Srinagar stage a demonstration at Lal Chowk against the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/YVjB1BrKra ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 Shias are not scared of martyrdom. We are with Rehbar Khamenei and out on streets in solidarity with them," a female protester said in Baramulla. Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also issued a statement mourning the death of Khamenei. We mourn the martyrdom of the family members of Imam Khamenei. Our prayers are with the Leader and the people of Iran," the outfit said in a statement. Mehbooba Mufti, Mirwaiz Denounce Strikes Earlier on Saturday, political leaders strongly condemned Israels strikes attack on Iran, and warned of grave regional consequences and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people. Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that her prayers were with Iran and its resilient people as they face yet another act of aggression by Israel." Describing Iran as a defining voice of the Muslim world," Mufti said that the country draws its strength from unshakable faith and conviction." She asserted that no missile or menace can extinguish its sovereignty or break its spirit." May Allahs protection surround Iran, grant courage and patience to its people, and guide its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, with wisdom and strength," she said. Kashmirs chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also condemned the strike, calling it a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region. Strongly condemn the attack on Iran by Israel. Lack of international accountability for Israels aggression in the region, especially with regard to Palestinians, has emboldened it to act with impunity in such a wilful manner," Mirwaiz said in a statement. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed In Airstrikes Irans state television has confirmed that the Supreme Leader was killed in recent strikes, hours after US President Donald Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric he described as one of the most evil people in History." The daylight offensive, coordinated with Israeli forces led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, targeted the political heart of Tehran in a dramatic escalation of regional tensions. The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei. According to Israels Channel 12, a photograph of Khameneis body was shown to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the Khameneis killing, Iranian National Security Council said the assassination will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: March 01, 2026, 09:37 IST News india Protests Erupt In Jammu & Kashmir Over Khamenei's Death; Mehbooba, Mirwaiz Denounce Israeli Strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Suspected Pakistani Drone Detected In Jammu And Kashmir's Poonch, Indian Army Opens Fire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:13 IST The Indian Army fired around a dozen rounds at a suspected Pakistani drone spotted along the Line of Control in the Digwar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch. Image for representation (Credits: PTI) The Indian Army opened fire on a suspected Pakistani drone in the Digwar sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch on Sunday. Around a dozen rounds were fired at the drone, which was detected along the Line of Control in the sector. STORY | Pak drone enters Indian side along LoC in J-Ks Poonch, Army opens fireArmy troops opened fire to bring down a Pakistani drone after it entered into the Indian side from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday, officials pic.twitter.com/WwJfqzR2Tw Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2026 The drone was spotted along the Line of Control (LoC) for several minutes. This was the second time in three days that Indian Army opened fire after detecting drone movement from across the border. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:13 IST News india Suspected Pakistani Drone Detected In Jammu And Kashmir's Poonch, Indian Army Opens Fire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Tirelessly Working For Bihar's Progress': PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings To CM Nitish Kumar Reported By : PTI Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:08 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on his birthday, highlighting he has been tirelessly working for the state's progress. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on his birthday and said he has been tirelessly working for the states progress over the last several years. Kumar, who heads NDA partner JD(U), turned 75 on Sunday. He returned as the chief minister of Bihar for the 10th time in November 2025. Birthday greetings to Bihar CM Shri Nitish Kumar Ji. He has been tirelessly working for Bihars progress over the last several years. His vision and development schemes have positively impacted countless lives. Praying for his long and healthy life," he said in a post on X. With 12 Lok Sabha MPs, the JD(U) is providing crucial support to the Modi government. First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:08 IST News india 'Tirelessly Working For Bihar's Progress': PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings To CM Nitish Kumar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In 1965, legendary investor Warren Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile maker. He then turned it into an investment conglomerate and one of the most closely watched companies in the world. In May 2025, Buffett announced plans to step down as chief executive, starting in 2026. He handed the role to longtime lieutenant Greg Abel. On Feb. 28, Abel posted his first shareholder letter as CEO, along with Berkshire Hathaway's Q4 earnings report and full-year 2025 results. The 63-year-old paid tribute to Buffett while vowing that Berkshire Hathaway will not pull back on investing or change its longstanding strategy. We maintain a fortress-like balance sheet, ensuring Berkshire's foundation is never compromised, Abel wrote. We preserve this financial strength by using debt sparingly and prudently. Our substantial liquidity enables us to meet our obligations even under the most adverse conditions and to respond swiftly when opportunities arise. Buffett will continue to play a key role. After stepping off, he will still serve as Berkshires chairman, in the office five days a week and available to us as we underwrite insurance, operate our non-insurance businesses and deploy capital including equity investments, Abel said. We maintain a fortress-like balance sheet, ensuring Berkshire's foundation is never compromised, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel wrote.Getty Images Getty Images Cash is Berkshire Hathaways "dry powder" In 2025, Berkshire Hathaways Class A shares (BRK.A) rose 10.85% and Class B (BRK.B) shares gained 10.89%, trailing the S&P 500s 16.39% return for the year. As of Feb. 27, the Class A shares are up 0.29% and B shares are up 0.46% year to date, compared with the S&P 500s 0.49% gain. Related: Cathie Wood buys $7 million of popular AI stock Still, Berkshire follows a value investing path and always tells investors to pay little attention to its short-term performance. Berkshire remains financially strong, with its cash and U.S. Treasury holdings standing at $373.3 billion, down slightly from the third quarter's $382 billion. "While some of this capital is required to support our insurance operations and protect Berkshire against extreme scenarios, it also constitutes our dry powder, Abel wrote. Berkshire Hathaway's earnings decline in Q4 Berkshire Hathaway on Feb. 28 reported a major decline in its operating earnings, partly due to weakness in its insurance business. Earnings from operations were $10.2 billion in Q4, down more than 29% from $14.56 billion a year ago. For full-year 2025, Berkshire delivered operating earnings of $44.5 billion, below 2024's $47.4 billion but above the $37.5 billion average over the past five years. Related: Billionaire Druckenmiller buys $152 million in megacap tech stocks Berkshire earned $7.2 billion from insurance underwriting last year, a 19.5% drop from 2024. International Womens Day 2026: History, Significance, Theme And Global Celebrations Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 04, 2026, 10:05 IST International Womens Day, observed on March 8, celebrates the achievements of women across the world and calls for equal rights. International Womens Day 2026 theme, Give To Gain, stresses support and shared growth for a fairer future. (Image: Shutterstock) International Womens Day 2026 Date, Theme: International Womens Day (IWD) is marked every year on March 8. This year, it will be observed on a Sunday. The day is meant to recognise the achievements of women and girls in all areas of life, including work, education, politics and culture. It is also a time to speak about equal rights and the need for fair opportunities. Over the years, the day has grown into a worldwide movement. It reminds people that while progress has been made, there is still work to do. Many groups use this day to push for change and to support women in their communities. International Womens Day 2026: Theme The theme for International Womens Day this year is Give To Gain. The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction; its intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to womens advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world. International Womens Day 2026: History And Significance International Womens Day has been observed since the early 1900s. At that time, many women were working long hours for low pay in poor conditions. They began to protest and demand better treatment, including shorter working hours, fair wages and the right to vote. ALSO READ: International Womens Day 2026: Women Transforming Indias Food And Hospitality Industry National Womens Day was first established by the Socialist Party of America in the United States in 1910. Soon after, countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland also began marking the day in 1911. The United Nations (UN) officially recognised International Womens Day in 1975. In 1977, March 8 was adopted to promote womens rights and international peace. Since then, the day has become a global event supported by governments, organisations and individuals. The importance of International Womens Day lies in raising awareness about issues such as equal pay, access to education, safety, reproductive rights and ending violence against women. It gives people a chance to come together, speak up and support change. The day also celebrates women who have made a difference in their families, workplaces and communities. International Womens Day 2025: How Its Celebrated Globally International Womens Day is an official holiday in some countries and widely observed in many others. The way it is celebrated depends on local customs and traditions. United States: International Womens Day is not a public holiday in the United States, but March is reportedly celebrated as Womens History Month. The month highlights the achievements of women from the past and present. On March 8, many cities host rallies, talks and business events focused on womens leadership and equality. Romania: In Romania, the day is similar to Mothers Day. People, especially men, give cards and flowers to mothers, grandmothers and friends who have children as a way of showing respect and love. Italy: In Italy, women are given bunches of small yellow mimosa flowers on March 8. The flower is a symbol of strength and solidarity. Women often exchange mimosas with one another. Bakeries and restaurants also prepare yellow-coloured cakes and pasta inspired by the flower. United Kingdom: In London, the Women of the World festival is held over three days around March 8. The event features speakers, activists and performers who discuss issues faced by women worldwide. The festival has also expanded to other countries, bringing together voices from different backgrounds under one platform. China: China has recognised International Womens Day since 1949. While March 7 is known as Girls Day, March 8 is for women. Employers are encouraged, though not required, to give female staff a half-day off. The day also has a commercial side, with men often buying gifts for the women in their lives. Spain: In Spain, the day gained major attention in 2018 when more than 5 million people joined a 24-hour general strike. Since then, large gatherings and marches have continued, with a strong focus on womens rights and safety. Russia: In Russia, March 8 has been a public holiday since 1918. Over time, the political meaning of the day has reduced. It is now widely seen as a day to honour women with gifts and flowers. Australia: Australia has marked the day for many years. Since the 1970s, marches have become more common. Events across the country include panel discussions, breakfast meetings and talks by women leaders who speak about the need for better representation and equal rights. India: In India, International Womens Day is marked by celebrating womens achievements and speaking about equal rights. The government holds national conferences such as Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat," while companies organise award events and online campaigns highlight inspiring stories. The focus is often on womens growth in STEM, business and leadership, along with efforts to address gender-based violence and promote financial inclusion. Government programmes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana are often discussed, stressing education and financial independence. Events include seminars, rallies, panel talks, self-defence sessions and cultural programmes, while workplaces and social media platforms recognise women achievers and share stories of strength. First Published: March 01, 2026, 09:30 IST News lifestyle events International Womens Day 2026: History, Significance, Theme And Global Celebrations Indias Free HPV Vaccination Drive Marks A Turning Point In Preventing Cervical Cancer Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 08:59 IST Indias nationwide free HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls is a landmark preventive healthcare initiative aimed at reducing cervical cancer risk The HPV vaccine is a powerhouse. It targets the human papillomavirus, which causes nearly all cervical cancers. (Representational image/AP) Indias decision to roll out free HPV vaccination for adolescent girls marks a pivotal moment in the countrys public health journey, one that shifts the focus from treatment to prevention, and from late diagnosis to early protection. By offering the vaccine free of cost to 14-year-old girls, the government is targeting the disease at its root, long before it has the opportunity to develop. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among Indian women, despite being largely preventable. The primary cause is persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread virus that many individuals are exposed to at some point in their lives. Vaccination during adolescence, before exposure, offers the highest level of protection. Dr. Srinivas C H, MS Ortho, Fellowship in Orthopedic Oncology, CEO and Consultant Orthopedic Onco Surgeon, Prakriya Hospitals, Bangalore, describes the nationwide campaign as transformative. Indias nationwide HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls is a transformative step in womens health, because it prevents cervical cancer before it even begins to develop," he says. By removing cost as a barrier and delivering the vaccine at the recommended age, he notes, the programme ensures protection when it is most effective. Global scientific evidence supports this approach. HPV vaccines specifically target the high-risk virus types responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine targets the high-risk HPV types responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases in India, and global evidence shows that a single dose in adolescence can dramatically cut future cervical cancer incidence," adds Dr. Srinivas. The implication is profound: what was once a major cancer burden can now be significantly reduced within a generation. The governments initiative also reflects a broader shift in Indias healthcare priorities from reactive care to preventive public health strategies. According to Dr. M S Sushruta, Consultant, Breast and Surgical Oncology, Cytecare Hospitals, Bangalore, the programme represents a defining step forward. The Government of Indias decision to roll out free HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls is a landmark step in preventive healthcare," he says. Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet prevalent cancers among Indian women, and this nationwide initiative directly addresses the root cause, persistent Human Papillomavirus infection." For doctors and public health experts, timing is critical. Vaccinating adolescents before exposure to HPV ensures maximum effectiveness and long-term protection. By vaccinating adolescents before exposure to the virus, we are proactively preventing cervical cancer long before it has a chance to develop," explains Dr Sushruta. He calls the initiative not merely a medical intervention, but a long-term investment in national health. Beyond its clinical benefits, the campaign carries powerful social implications. Preventing cervical cancer reduces not only mortality but also the emotional, financial and caregiving burdens placed on families. It enables girls to grow into healthy adults without the shadow of a preventable disease. Dr Srinivas emphasises that the programmes success will depend on widespread public participation. This campaign is not just about delivering a vaccine; it is about giving an entire generation of girls the chance to grow into healthy women, free from a cancer that is largely preventable," he says, urging parents, schools and communities to actively support vaccination efforts. Medical experts also stress the safety and global credibility of the vaccine. HPV vaccination programmes have already demonstrated remarkable success in several countries, significantly lowering cervical cancer rates over time. As doctors, we strongly endorse this evidence-based, safe, and globally recommended intervention," says Dr. Sushruta. This is a game-changer; lets vaccinate now to drastically reduce, and eventually eradicate, cervical cancer risk in India." Ultimately, Indias HPV vaccination drive represents more than a public health policy, it signals a generational shift in how the country protects womens health. By intervening early, the nation has an opportunity to dramatically reduce cervical cancer rates in the coming decades. The responsibility now lies not only with policymakers and healthcare providers, but also with families, educators and communities. Their participation will determine whether this ambitious programme achieves its full potential: safeguarding millions of young girls today and reshaping Indias cancer landscape tomorrow. First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:59 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Indias Free HPV Vaccination Drive Marks A Turning Point In Preventing Cervical Cancer Iran-Israel War: Why The Worlds Most Iconic Luxury Hotel In Dubai Is Suddenly In The Spotlight Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 12:47 IST IranIsrael war hits Dubai as Burj Al Arab gets damaged in drone strike, becoming a symbol of the world caught in Middle East conflict Iran-Israel War: Why The Worlds Most Iconic Luxury Hotel In Dubai Is Suddenly In The Spotlight Dubais sailshaped icon, the Burj Al Arab, has long been a poster child for engineered fantasy: a luxury fortress built on a manmade island, its gleaming facade designed to look untouchable against the sea. Now, that image has been fractured, quite literally, by the latest flareup in the IranIsrael war. In late February 2026, during a series of Iranian retaliatory strikes aimed at the Gulf after Israels preemptive strike on Tehran, debris from an intercepted drone struck the hotels outer shell, sparking a minor fire on its upper exterior. The incident caused mainly cosmetic damage; no major injuries were reported, and operations continued, but the news turned the Burj Al Arab into an instant symbol of how even the Middle Easts most polished facades cant outrun geopolitics. All About Dubais Burj Al Arab Hotel The Burj Al Arabs 7star" label was never an official rating but rather a piece of traveljournalism hyperbole that became a global brand. Back in 1999, a British journalist visiting the hotel during its preopening press tour was so overwhelmed by its goldleafed interiors, monumental atrium, and theatrical service that she described it as more than anything she has ever seen" and called it a 7star hotel" in her review. Dubais marketers seized the phrase, letting it spread through guidebooks, social media, and travel blogs long after the original line had faded from memory. The hotels management now tends to downplay the term, insisting it was never part of their own official publicity, but the 7star myth has stuck harder than the marble cladding. Who Built The Hotel? In the early 1990s, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wanted a landmark that would do for Dubai what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris or the Sydney Opera House for Australia. Architect Tom Wright, then working with Atkins, sketched the shape of a dhowa traditional Arabian sailing vesselon a napkin at a bar, and that napkin sketch became the blueprint for the Burj Al Arabs saillike silhouette. The structure was meant to reflect Dubais seafaring heritage while pointing toward an oilrich, postoil future. When it opened in 1999, the hotel redefined the citys skyline, planting a single, soaring sail in the Persian Gulf that became shorthand for new Dubai" everywhere from ad campaigns to airline routes. Physically, the Burj Al Arab is a feat of engineering as much as hospitality. It rises 280 metres offshore on a reclaimed island, connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. A massive external steel exoskeleton braces the building against the regions heat and wind, while inside the hotel is an allsuite palace, with 199202 duplex suites layered in Statuario marble and 24carat goldleaf detailing. Rooms come with personalised butler service, goldplated iPads and Hermes toiletries, and the Royal Suitea 8,100 AED (about 2,00,000) pernight twofloor suiteis a selfcontained world of its own, with a private elevator, rotating canopy bed, private cinema, library and a small army of dedicated staff. The hotels nine restaurants and bars stretch from Al Muntaha, a Michelinstyle dining room cantilevered 200 metres above the sea, to an underwaterthemed venue anchored around a 990,000litre seawater aquarium. The outdoor deck lays out a saltwater infinity pool, a freshwater pool with a swimup bar, 32 luxury cabanas, plus access to the Talise Spa, private beach and the nearby Wild Wadi Waterpark. With an estimated construction cost of around $1 billion, the Burj Al Arab was meant to be the ultimate statement of financial ambition masquerading as architectural art. Now, the image of that same building with a scorched or patched section of its facadevisible in securitycam footage and socialmedia clips of the drone debris strikehas become a darker kind of branding. The Burj Al Arab, for decades Dubais 7star" dream, has entered a new narrative: a luxury hotel whose facade bears the visible mark of the IranIsraelUAE axis of escalation. First Published: March 01, 2026, 12:47 IST News lifestyle travel Iran-Israel War: Why The Worlds Most Iconic Luxury Hotel In Dubai Is Suddenly In The Spotlight Plan Less Leaves, Travel More: Your 2026 Long-Weekend Holiday Guide Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 15:59 IST Plan smarter holidays in 2026 with perfectly timed long weekends, seasonal escapes and curated destinations across India and abroad. Turn minimal leave into meaningful trips with this 2026 long-weekend guide. In 2026, the most rewarding holidays wont necessarily be the longest theyll be the smartest. With public holidays neatly scattered across the year, Indian travellers can transform a single day of leave into four-day escapes that feel substantial and seasonally perfect. The key is timing. Pair each long weekend with destinations that naturally shine during that month: festive towns in spring, rain-washed forests in monsoon, wildlife reopenings in autumn, and snow-dusted landscapes in winter. Thomas Cook India & SOTC share a long-weekend guide to a smarter holiday planning. Take a look. Holi Break (28 February 3 March 2026) Take Monday off for a 4-day escape Early March is among the most versatile travel windows. For immersive celebrations, Mathura and Vrindavan deliver Holi in its most traditional form, while Varanasi offers a spiritual, high-energy experience along the ghats. For quieter cultural depth, explore Chettinads heritage mansions or temple towns like Kumbakonam. Wildlife parks such as Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park see improved sightings before peak summer. Internationally, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sri Lankas Cultural Triangle and northern Vietnam offer pleasant spring conditions. Ram Navami Break (2629 March 2026) Take Friday off for a 4-day spring getaway Late March favours slow, well-paced travel. Puducherry, Thanjavur and Mahabalipuram align perfectly with spring. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer calm waters for snorkelling and diving. Short-haul options include Hanoi and Halong Bay, while Omans Muscat blends desert, coast and culture. Good Friday Break (36 April 2026, extendable) As temperatures rise, travellers gravitate toward water-led and elevated escapes. Lakshadweep and the Andamans are at their seasonal best. Hill stays in Coonoor, Coorg and Wayanad provide cooler plantation retreats. Internationally, Mauritius, Palawan, Cebu and Japans cherry blossom season in Kyoto and Tokyo stand out. Labour Day Break (30 April 3 May 2026) Take Thursday off for a 4-day mountain escape By May, higher altitudes take priority. Spiti Valley, Munsiyari, Tawang, Ooty and Kodaikanal deliver fresh mountain air. Beyond India, Almaty, Georgias alpine regions and Yunnan offer dramatic landscapes and cultural depth. Rath Yatra Monsoon Break (1619 July 2026) Take Friday off for a 4-day green escape Monsoon travel becomes experiential. Valparai, Bhimashankar and Agumbe turn lush and mist-laden. Nature Trails properties across Maharashtra, Goa and Rishikesh offer adventure stays. Thailands Phuket and Krabi see fewer crowds, while Sri Lankas east coast enjoys favourable weather. Raksha Bandhan Break (2730 August 2026, extendable) Late monsoon reveals India at its most vibrant. Ziro Valley, Meghalaya and Alleppey offer slow, immersive travel. Kabini and Tadoba reopen for wildlife. Bali, Luang Prabang and parts of the Philippines align well for relaxed cultural escapes. Gandhi Jayanti Break (25 October 2026, extendable) October delivers post-monsoon clarity. Hampi, Orchha, Khajuraho and Udaipur feel refreshed. Bhutan, Bali, Singapore and Dubai suit compact international breaks during the festive window. Dussehra Festive Break (1720 October 2026) Take Monday off for a 4-day festive window Cultural immersion peaks. Mysuru dazzles with celebrations, while Shimla and Manali offer crisp Himalayan air. Japans autumn foliage, Seoraksan National Park in South Korea and central Vietnam align beautifully with this shoulder season. Christmas Break (2528 December 2026, extendable) Year-end travel turns experience-led. Goa stays festive, while Auli and Gulmarg cater to snow lovers. Meghalaya, Majuli and Ranthambore shine. Bhutan offers reflective calm, while Mauritius, Sri Lanka and European winter markets appeal to seasonal travellers. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 01, 2026, 15:59 IST News lifestyle travel Plan Less Leaves, Travel More: Your 2026 Long-Weekend Holiday Guide Sonal Chauhan Stranded In Dubai Amid Middle East Tensions, Seeks Help From PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 07:42 IST Sonal Chauhan, stranded in Dubai amid Iran crisis, seeks help from PM Modi. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi assures support for Indian passengers affected by airspace closure. Sonal Chauhan is stranded in Dubai. Indian actress Sonal Chauhan has sought help from authorities after finding herself stranded in Dubai amid regional tensions and widespread flight cancellations. The actress made a public appeal to the Indian government, saying she was unable to travel back home due to the disruption in air services. Chauhan addressed Narendra Modi through social media, explaining her situation. In her message, she wrote, Honble PM @narendramodi ji, I am currently stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing crisis." Honble PM @narendramodi ji,I am currently stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing crisis, with flights cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I respectfully seek the Governments guidance for a safe journey homeGrateful for any support extended@MEAIndia @IndiainDubai SONAL CHAUHAN (@sonalchauhan7) February 28, 2026 The travel disruption comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East following strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting locations in Iran. The situation has led to precautionary restrictions on airspace movement in parts of the Gulf region, affecting international travel. The actress said she had no confirmed route to return to India after flight operations were suspended. She added, With flights canceled and no clear way to return to India, I respectfully seek the Governments guidance for a safe journey home. Grateful for any support extended." Chauhans post received public attention online, with some social media users urging authorities to help affected passengers. One comment read, Requesting concerned authorities to please look into this urgently. Citizens safety should be the top priority." Others suggested that she contact the Indian diplomatic mission for assistance. Known for her work in Hindi and Telugu cinema, Chauhan rose to popularity after her debut in the film Jannat (2008 film), where she starred opposite Emraan Hashmi. Before entering films, she worked as a model and won the title of Miss World Tourism 2005, gaining recognition for her modelling career. In response to the situation, the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi stated that it was coordinating with local authorities and airlines. The embassy said it is maintaining contact with UAE officials and airline operators to help Indian passengers affected by the temporary closure of airspace. The statement added, The Embassy and Consulate are in touch with the UAE authorities and airlines for taking care of the Indian passengers stranded at the airports in UAE due to temporary and precautionary airspace closure. The UAE government and airline authorities have reassured full support." First Published: March 01, 2026, 07:42 IST News movies bollywood Sonal Chauhan Stranded In Dubai Amid Middle East Tensions, Seeks Help From PM Modi Thalapathy Vijays Son Jason Sanjay Unfollows Father Amid Divorce Speculation With Sangeetha Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 08:56 IST Jason Sanjay reportedly unfollowed Thalapathy Vijay amid divorce proceedings with Sangeetha Sornalingam over infidelity claims, sparking speculation about family tensions. Thalapathy Vijay's Son Jason Sanjay Unfollows Father Family news of celebrities often travels fast, especially when fans start watching social media activity like detectives. Recently, online attention turned toward filmmaker Jason Sanjay after speculation that he may have unfollowed his father, actor-turned-politician Vijay, on social media amid reports about his parents separation. Reports suggest that Jason Sanjay has unfollowed his father on Instagram, a move that quickly spread across fan communities. Some social media users, however, argue that Jason may never have followed Vijays account in the first place, leaving the matter unclear. The development surfaced after news connected to the actors marital situation began circulating online. The family has been under media focus following divorce-related claims involving Vijay and his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam. According to reports from ANI, Sangeetha has filed a divorce petition in the Chengalpattu Family Court. The petition reportedly mentions allegations of an extramarital relationship, claiming that Vijay was involved in an extramarital relationship with an actress." However, neither Vijay nor Sangeetha has issued an official public statement confirming or denying the claims. Sangeetha, who is of Sri Lankan Tamil origin and grew up in the United Kingdom, married Vijay in 1999. Before marriage, she was a British citizen with family roots in Sri Lanka, where her father was an industrialist who later settled in the UK. Her connection with Vijay reportedly began outside film industry circles. After the success of the movie Poove Unakkaga, Sangeetha met the actor during a visit to Chennais Film City to congratulate him. Following the meeting, Vijay invited her to his residence and introduced her to his parents, filmmaker S. A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar. At the time, Sangeetha was staying close to the family residence during her visit. Their interaction gradually grew, and Vijays parents eventually proposed marriage. Reports indicate that Vijays family travelled to London to meet hers before finalising the wedding. The couple married on August 25, 1999, in a traditional Hindu ceremony, followed by a reception in Chennai. Despite religious differences Vijay is Christian and Sangeetha is Hindu the wedding ceremony was conducted in Hindu customs, with a later celebration in the city. The couple welcomed two children. Their first child was born in 2000, followed by their second child in 2005. Over the years, the children occasionally appeared in Vijays films, including brief appearances in projects such as Vettaikaaran and Theri. Vijay, who recently launched the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has generally kept his personal life away from public discussion despite being a high-profile public figure. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from either side regarding the divorce claims. First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:56 IST News movies regional-cinema Thalapathy Vijays Son Jason Sanjay Unfollows Father Amid Divorce Speculation With Sangeetha Rashmika Mandanna Invites Telangana CM Revanth Reddy To Her Wedding Reception With Vijay Deverakonda Published By : IANS Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 20:13 IST Rashmika Mandanna met Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and invited him and his family to her wedding reception with Vijay Deverakonda in Hyderabad on March 4. Rapid Read Rashmika Mandanna meets Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, receives special gift New bride Rashmika Mandanna enjoyed a fun conversation with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The Girlfriend actress used social media to thank the CM and his better half for their hospitality. Rashmika even expressed her gratitude for being presented with a special gift, which she promised to wear for a special occasion. Posting a couple of pics from the meet on social media, she wrote, Met the honorouble Chief Minister of Telangana @revanth_anumula garu and Geetha garu and Nymisha ! It was so soo lovely spending time with you and having those wonderfully sweet conversations!! also thank you for the beautiful gift.. Ill pakka wear it for something super special. (sic)." It is likely that Rashmika visited the Chief Minister to invite him to her wedding reception slated for March 4. Met the honorouble Chief Minister of Telangana @revanth_anumula garu and Geetha garu and Nymisha ! It was so soo lovely spending time with you and having those wonderfully sweet conversations!! also thank you for the beautiful gift.. Ill pakka wear it for something pic.twitter.com/0sSg41ofsh Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) March 1, 2026 In the meantime, following their intimate wedding in Udaipur on February 26, Rashmika and Vijay Deverakonda offered prayers at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam temple in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The couple was accompanied by Vijays younger brother, Anand Deverakonda. The newlyweds smiled and waved to the crowd, and shutterbugs gathered outside the temple. While Rashmika looked beautiful in a mehendi green Kanjeevaram saree paired with temple jewellery, VD accompanied her in a white traditional attire along with a red uparna. The two even distributed sweets to all. Work-wise, Rashmika and Vijay will soon be seen sharing screen space in Rahul Sankrityans Ranabaali". The project will mark their primary release after their wedding. Celebrating the wedding of Rashmika and Vijay, the makers recently released the Endhayya Saami" track from the drama. They further informed that Ranabaali" will get a worldwide release on September 11. Mythri Movie Makers, the production house backing the film, wrote, Our RANABAALI and JAYAMMA. Together, forever (Heart symbol). Celebrating their love with this special surprise. #EndhayyaSaami Telugu #YedhayyaSaami Tamil #EntheKannaala Malayalam#EnayyaSaami Kannada #OMereSaajan Hindi. Ranabaali Grand release worldwide on September 11th." First Published: March 01, 2026, 20:13 IST News movies telugu-cinema Rashmika Mandanna Invites Telangana CM Revanth Reddy To Her Wedding Reception With Vijay Deverakonda Opinion | Trump Broke The Old World Order, So Carney Flies To PM Modi Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 20:34 IST When a Canadian prime minister boards a plane to New Delhi, the most important question is not what he is flying towards. It is what he is flying away from Rapid Read Canadian PM Mark Carney (L) moved to repair the relationship with India, inviting PM Narendra Modi (R) to the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June last year where the two met bilaterally on Canadian soil. (Image: Reuters/File) When a Canadian prime minister boards a plane to New Delhi, the most important question is not what he is flying towards. It is what he is flying away from. Mark Carney touched down in Mumbai on February 27, arriving in India for a four-day visit that officials from both governments are already describing as potentially transformational. The agenda(s), a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, uranium supply deals, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and defence cooperation, are ambitious enough on their own terms. The full significance of Carneys presence in India, however, becomes legible only when read against a broader context: the systematic dismantling of the post-war trading architecture by the United States, and the profound strategic panic that has sent Ottawa searching, urgently and openly, for new anchors. This is not primarily a story about India and Canada. It is a story about what happens to middle powers when the order they depended upon stops pretending to protect them. WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A RUPTURE Carney said it at Davos in January. Standing before the assembled leadership of the World Economic Forum (WEF), he declared that the world was experiencing a rupture, not a transition". The speech earned a standing ovation, rare by the forums usually restrained standards, and its central argument was worth the applause: great powers had begun using economic integration as a weapon, tariffs as leverage, financial infrastructure as coercion, and supply chains as vulnerabilities to exploit. The multilateral institutions that middle powers had relied upon, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, and the Conference of the Parties, were not merely weakened; they were under direct, deliberate threat. Nostalgia, Carney told his audience, was not a strategy. The source of the rupture requires no subtlety to name. Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, threatened the territorial sovereignty of a NATO ally, and pursued a transactional foreign policy that treats long-standing partnerships as liabilities to be monetised. Canada, which routes roughly three-quarters of its goods trade through the US and ships nearly all of its energy exports south of the border, has found itself uniquely and painfully exposed. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the economic risk from US tariff escalation is existential by any conventional measure. The objective has consequently become stark: reduce that dependence, and do so quickly. India is the obvious destination for a country attempting that recalibration. A RELATIONSHIP REBUILT FROM RUBBLE It would be easy to forget, given the pace of the present rapprochement, just how badly Canada-India relations had collapsed. In 2023, then prime minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused Indian government agents of potential involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India rejected the allegation as absurd and politically motivated. Diplomats were expelled in both directions. High commissioners were recalled. A diplomatic crisis left deep institutional scars, with trust collapsing on both sides and accusations of transnational repression and electoral interference poisoning the atmosphere. The turnaround, when it came, was swift and deliberate. When Carney replaced Trudeau in early 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rang immediately to congratulate him. The new prime minister moved to repair the relationship with a directness his predecessor had conspicuously lacked: inviting Modi to the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June last year, where the two leaders met bilaterally on Canadian soil. High commissioners were reappointed in September. National security adviser Ajit Dovals visit to Ottawa in February helped depoliticise the contentious security questions by embedding them within a structured bilateral mechanism, a move that, by placing difficult issues inside a process rather than a press conference, created the space for the diplomatic work that followed. By November, at the G20 margins in Johannesburg, Carney and Modi had agreed to formally launch CEPA negotiations with a target of more than doubling two-way trade to USD 70 billion by 2030. That bilateral trade currently stands at roughly USD 30 billion annually, as per the Canadian PMO. More than 600 Canadian companies operate in India. Canadas so-called Maple 8 pension funds, the major institutional investors, including Brookfield and Fairfax, have already committed over USD 100 billion to Indian airports, logistics, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure. Analysts suggest that the figure could triple by 2030, with the right legal architecture in place. India recently concluded its landmark trade agreement with the European Union, one of the largest in history and covering roughly two billion people. Dinesh Patnaik, Indias high commissioner to Canada, told CBC News that the deal will serve as a model for what New Delhi can now broker with Ottawa. Im confident that, given the intent of both sides, both prime ministers are very keen to do it," Patnaik was quoted. We are looking at one year, but I have a feeling it will be faster." WHY INDIA? WHY NOW? The strategic logic is compelling on both sides, which is precisely why it is accelerating. Canada needs what India can absorb. It is an energy superpower, rich in uranium, critical minerals, and liquefied natural gas, entering a period in which its traditional export market is unreliable at best and predatory at worst. India, in turn, is the worlds fastest-growing major economy, with an enormous and growing appetite for exactly those inputs: uranium to fuel its expanding nuclear power sector, critical minerals for its energy transition, LNG for its industrial base, digital services and AI infrastructure for its technology ambitions. The complementarities are not rhetorical, they are structural. But the confluence runs deeper than resources. Both countries are navigating the same fundamental problem: an increasingly coercive international environment in which their primary relationships with great powers, the US for Canada, an unpredictable Washington for both, and an assertive Beijing for the wider region, have become sources of vulnerability rather than security. As one Washington-based analyst on South Asia told Al Jazeera, the key external factor driving Carneys visit to New Delhi is Trumps trade war. Both countries, he observed, have seen their relations with the US slide since Trump returned to power in January last year. This shared exposure creates a foundation for a genuine partnership that no amount of goodwill could have manufactured artificially. PM MODIS DECADE OF STRATEGIC PATIENCE What Carneys visit also represents is the payoff of a foreign policy built over a decade on strategic autonomy and deliberate multidirectional engagement. Prime Minister Modi has spent 10 years cultivating Indias position as an indispensable partner across competing blocs, maintaining relationships with Washington, Moscow, and Brussels simultaneously; refusing to be corralled into any single alliance architecture; positioning India as the swing state of the emerging world order. That posture attracted criticism, particularly during the period of Russias war in Ukraine, when New Delhi declined to sanction Moscow and continued importing Russian oil. But it also constructed leverage. The result is visible. Middle powers across the West are quietly repositioning themselves around India as a counterweight to American unpredictability and Chinese assertiveness. Carneys intervention highlights a moment of unprecedented agency for countries willing to navigate the space between great powers, a space India has been occupying, with considerable discipline, for years. His flight to New Delhi is, in many ways, proof that the strategy has worked. THE ARCHITECTURE OF A NEW MIDDLE There is a risk that the rhetoric of middle-power solidarity, compelling in Davos, evocative in Ottawa, resonant in New Delhi, fails to congeal into the kind of robust, enforceable commitments that would give it real structural weight. The history of CEPA itself is a sobering reminder: negotiations began in 2010, dragged through 16 years of starts and stops, and were derailed most recently by the very diplomatic crisis that Carney is now attempting to close. India has periodically seemed a difficult partner for trade deals; Canada has periodically seemed a difficult country in Indian eyes. But the incentive structures have changed in ways that may, this time, be decisive. Canadas ambition to ensure that half its trade is non-American is a survival calculation, and Indias ambition to attract western institutional capital, technology transfer, and energy security partnerships is central to its development model. Crucially, some of the old orders safety valves have already collapsed, removing the fallback mechanisms that might once have cushioned delay. The NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) dispute resolution panels, once a last resort for Canada in trade disputes, have been rendered largely inoperative by the refusal of the US to appoint new members, leaving Canadian exporters with no impartial forum for appeals. Other multilateral channels have similarly been hollowed out. The result is that the geopolitical environment that once allowed both sides to delay, betting on American stability, multilateral reliability, and the predictability of a rules-based order, has collapsed in ways that cannot be reversed. What Carney is attempting, in New Delhi and in the wider Indo-Pacific tour that follows, taking in Australia and Japan, is the translation of his Davos speech into something concrete: a coalition of middle powers that cooperates, issue by issue, partner by partner, to build the resilience that no single country can now achieve alone. As he told the forum in January: If you are not at the table, you are on the menu." India, after a decade of careful positioning, has a very large table. Carneys arrival is evidence of precisely how large it has become. First Published: March 01, 2026, 20:34 IST News opinion Opinion | Trump Broke The Old World Order, So Carney Flies To PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Why Was Excise Policy Rolled Back If There Was No Corruption?' CM Rekha Gupta On Clean Chit To Kejriwal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 28, 2026, 20:05 IST Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, Gupta said the ledgers of the Delhi government were proof of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s corruption Rapid Read Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Rising Bharat Summit. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday dismissed the clean chit to her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, asking why the Delhi excise policy was rolled back if the allegations of corruption were false. Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, Gupta said the ledgers of the Delhi government were proof of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s corruption. I want to ask you that in this world, does anybody depend on others opinions to take a call? Unless the public was convinced that they made a mistake by bringing the AAP to power, would they have shown them the door? The people gathered in Ramlila Maidan, who held the Tricolour in their hand and pledged to uphold honesty, soon turned corrupt. There are hundreds of corruption cases against them. And the case they claim to have been buried in, I want to ask you that if there was no corruption, then why was the liquor policy rolled back the moment probe began?" Attacking Kejriwal further, Gupta accused him of trying to drown" Delhi in the culture of liquor. When he spoke of one bottle free with another, pink bars for women, reducing the legal age of drinking so that more youth could consume alcohol, then wasnt that cheating with Delhi?" The Delhi chief minister also shot down assertions that the court had found Kejriwal innocent, saying every aspect of the previous government was mired in corruption. There are several cases involving hospitals, medicines, schools, Mohalla clinics where graft was found. We see it in their ledgers every day. Fridays decision was by a lower court. The people of the country believe in the judicial system and however long it takes, the truth will be uncovered." Gupta also mocked the insinuation of the Congress that the BJP and the AAP were hand-in-glove and it was the ruling party that had got Kejriwal out of jail in the run-up to polls in Punjab. When a party like Congress, that voters have got below NOTA, makes such claims, it is laughable. Kejriwal and Congress were in cahoots but later had a falling out. Congress is a directionless party and its leaders can make up any claims." First Published: February 28, 2026, 19:46 IST News politics 'Why Was Excise Policy Rolled Back If There Was No Corruption?' CM Rekha Gupta On Clean Chit To Kejriwal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is China Winning The AI Race? Inside Beijings Bet On Cheap Intelligence, And Where Does India Stand? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 08:30 IST The US is dominating headlines with frontier AI models, multi-billion-dollar investments and powerful chips, while China is making AI cheaper, widely deployable at home and abroad Rapid Read Chinas bet on cheap, scalable AI could reshape the terms of that race. Whether it translates into lasting technological dominance will depend on how other powers, including the US and India, respond in the years ahead. (Getty Images) For much of the past two years, the global artificial intelligence (AI) race has been framed as a high-stakes duel between Silicon Valley and Beijing. Last week, Chinese company ByteDance released an AI video-generating tool called Seedance 2.0, which produces high-quality, film-like clips from text prompts. This comes at a time when US company Anthropic has accused three Chinese AI labs of creating fake accounts to harvest responses from its chatbot, Claude. On the one hand, the US is dominating headlines with frontier AI models, multibillion-dollar investments and powerful chips. On the other, China is pursuing a parallel strategy, making AI cheaper, widely deployable and deeply embedded across industries at home and abroad. The question is no longer just about who builds the smartest AI model, but who ensures that theirs becomes the most widely used. This strategic shift could reshape the global AI balance, with implications for countries like India, which are navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape. US vs China: Where Do They Stand In The AI Race? When people ask whether China is winning the AI race, they often measure success in terms of breakthrough models, computing power and scientific publications. By those metrics, the US still holds significant advantages, especially in high-end semiconductor design and frontier AI systems. But leadership in technology is not always defined by the most advanced version of a product. Sometimes it is determined by accessibility, affordability and scale. Chinas AI ecosystem is increasingly focused on lowering costs and integrating AI into everyday applications from manufacturing and logistics to education, healthcare and consumer services. State-backed incentives, domestic competition and an enormous user base allow Chinese firms to refine and deploy AI at scale. Is Distillation Via Fake Accounts Chinas New Strategy? Distillation is a technique in AI where smaller models are trained using the outputs generated by more sophisticated systems. Instead of building a powerful model entirely from scratch a process that demands vast computing power, time and capital developers can effectively learn" from an existing advanced system and compress that knowledge into a leaner version. This approach allows companies to recreate capabilities similar to those offered by leading AI labs such as Anthropic or OpenAI, but with far less computing infrastructure. Because these smaller models require less advanced chips and lower operating costs, they can be delivered to businesses and consumers at more affordable prices. Let us be clear. Distillation at industrial scale is not academic curiosity. It is competitive acceleration. If labs are systematically extracting intelligence patterns from frontier systems, they are compressing development timelines dramatically. In AI, training from scratch is expensive and time intensive. Distillation reduces that burden. From a builder standpoint, this is about shortening cycles, not innovation purity. It reflects a scale first doctrine. Whether the world accepts this as strategy or violation will define the next phase of AI competition," said Anil Agarwal, CEO and Co-founder of InCruiter a Bengaluru-based AI driven hiring technology company. Explaining further, AppSquadz Co-Founder and CEO Chandrakant Agrawal told News18 that China seems to be prioritising speed, cost efficiency, and competitive advantage, even if it pushes regulatory and ethical boundaries. (Though) distillation itself is a legitimate AI training method, but using fake accounts to extract model intelligence crosses ethical lines. This approach can shorten development cycles significantly, but it also increases global mistrust." How China Uses Cheap AI As Strategic Leverage The logic behind Chinas approach is straightforward. If AI tools are affordable and easy to integrate, businesses and governments, particularly in emerging markets, are more likely to adopt them. Chinese technology companies have already demonstrated this playbook in other sectors. In telecommunications and digital payments, Chinese firms expanded globally by offering cost-effective alternatives to Western competitors. Over time, those platforms created long-term technological dependencies. AI could follow a similar trajectory. Lower-cost models may not match the most advanced systems in complexity, but they may be good enough" for many commercial and administrative tasks. For countries seeking rapid digital transformation without massive budgets, that trade-off can be attractive. Chinas approach is highly state-aligned and speed-driven, with strong coordination between government and AI labs. The US, on the other hand, relies more on private sector innovation supported by intellectual property protections and regulatory scrutiny. Europe emphasizes compliance and ethical AI frameworks. China prioritises scale and national competitiveness, while the US focuses on research leadership and market-driven innovation. The philosophical difference lies in governance, transparency, and data controls," said Agrawal from AppSquadz. How Do Cheap AI Chips Raise Copyright Concerns? The democratization of AI hardware allows more entities to train models on vast, unvetted datasets scraped from the internet, often including protected text, images, and music without permission or compensation to the original creators. With low-cost, high-volume computing, it is easier to generate large quantities of non-original datavideos, text, computer codeon a large scale, increasing the likelihood that copyrighted material will be copied, remixed, or mass-produced without trace or licensing," said Manish Mohta, Founder and Managing Director, Learningspiral.ai. As more models get trained quickly, it increases the risk of AI outputs being similar. Thus, the sheer volume of AI-generated content makes it challenging for copyright holders to identify infringement and enforce their rights. InCruiters Agarwal explained when chips become cheaper, the cost of generating cinema grade video, code, music, and design drops sharply. This means models trained on massive Internet data can reproduce stylistic elements at unprecedented scale. The economic balance between creators and AI platforms shifts. As someone building AI systems, I can say this clearly. Lower compute cost multiplies output volume. When output explodes, copyright enforcement becomes nearly impossible. The disruption is economic before it is legal." How The US Has Tried To Stop China? The US has attempted to slow Chinas AI progress through export controls on advanced chips, particularly those needed to train large-scale models. These restrictions have complicated Beijings access to cutting-edge hardware. However, constraints often drive adaptation. Chinese firms have increasingly focused on optimizing AI models to run on less powerful chips or alternative architectures. Instead of competing solely on raw computational power, they are refining efficiency and scalability. This shift may not close the gap in frontier research overnight, but it ensures continued domestic AI growth. It also signals that the race is no longer linear. The ability to innovate under constraint may become a competitive advantage in itself. The US builds frontier capability and debates guardrails simultaneously, while China builds capability, deploys fast, and optimizes later, said Anil Agarwal. One system prioritises research leadership. The other prioritises scale and competitive positioning. In AI, speed compounds. Once a model is deployed across millions of users, data feedback accelerates improvement. That feedback loop is power. China understands that distribution at scale can sometimes outweigh marginal technical superiority." What This Means For India For India, the implications are complex. New Delhi has ambitious plans to position itself as a global AI innovation hub. The countrys large digital population, expanding start-up ecosystem and public digital infrastructure provide strong foundations. Yet India also sits at the intersection of competing technological influences. China remains a major trade partner, even amid geopolitical tensions. The US is a key strategic and technological partner, especially in semiconductor and digital policy cooperation. If Chinas affordable AI platforms gain traction across Asia and Africa, Indian firms and policymakers will need to weigh cost advantages against strategic considerations such as data security and technological autonomy. India must play to its strengths, not replicate others. We should not attempt to outspend the US or out-scale China in raw compute. Our strength lies in engineering talent, enterprise adoption, and practical AI deployment India should build domain specific AI leadership, invest in accessible compute, and create clear regulatory frameworks. If we focus on execution excellence, we can become the worlds trusted AI implementation hub," said Agarwal. Agrawal of Appsquadz shared similar views. India should adopt a balanced approach that promotes indigenous innovation while strengthening intellectual property and data protection frameworks. Policymakers should encourage AI research funding, semiconductor development, and start-up acceleration India should not replicate Chinas model but instead create a transparent, scalable, and globally trusted AI ecosystem aligned with democratic values." Mohta highlighted that the government should put money into AI infrastructure, offer incentives for applied AI start-ups, protect data strategically, and create a strong IP framework to support AI in the real world, paying particular attention to AI applications for governance, education, and MSMEs". What Advantage Does India Have Over The US And China? Indias advantage is balance. We have democratic institutions, a massive technical workforce, cost efficiency, and experience building at population scale. Our digital public infrastructure proves we can execute complex technology at national level. We are not trapped in the binary rivalry of the US and China. That gives us strategic flexibility. If we align policy, capital, and talent, India can define a third path in the global AI order," said Agarwal of InCruiter. According to Mohta, Indias biggest competitive advantage is the size of its talent pool, its democratic digital public infrastructure, and the availability of data in English. If the government can create smart policies and execute them well, then India could have an affordable, ethical, and globally exportable AI." So, Is China Winning? The answer depends on how winning" is defined. In frontier AI research and access to the most advanced chips, the US retains significant leverage. American firms continue to lead in large-scale models and foundational AI breakthroughs. But in adoption, integration and cost-efficient deployment, China is advancing rapidly. Its strategy suggests that the real contest may not be over who builds the most powerful AI, but over who ensures their AI becomes indispensable. Winning depends on how we define success. In terms of rapid deployment, manufacturing scale, and cost efficiency, China is extremely competitive. However, leadership in foundational research, global partnerships, and trust still leans toward the US Sustainable leadership will depend on innovation quality, ethical standards, and global acceptance," adds Agrawal. The global AI race is not a single sprint towards a finish line. It is a layered competition across innovation, infrastructure, affordability and influence. Agarwal of InCruiter said, In manufacturing depth, cost efficiency, and rapid commercialization, China is extremely formidable. AI dominance will not be decided by one breakthrough model. It will be decided by ecosystem control. Talent pipelines, compute access, supply chains, and global adoption will determine leadership. Today, the race is competitive and fluid. Anyone declaring a winner misunderstands the scale of transformation underway." Chinas bet on cheap, scalable AI could reshape the terms of that race. Whether it translates into lasting technological dominance will depend on how other powers, including the US and India, respond in the years ahead. For now, the contest remains open. But it is no longer only about cutting-edge breakthroughs. It is about who controls the ecosystem in which the worlds intelligence systems operate. First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:30 IST News tech Is China Winning The AI Race? Inside Beijings Bet On Cheap Intelligence, And Where Does India Stand? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Management characterized 2025 as a defining year where the company successfully transitioned from strategic potential to actualized results across all core mandates. Performance was driven by a structural shift in financial durability, reducing net recourse leverage from 8.2x to 4.9x through debt reduction and the elimination of near-term maturities. Specialty Products and Solutions (SPS) achieved record production and sustained margins above $60 per barrel by leveraging an integrated asset network to dynamically shift production into high-value markets. Operational excellence initiatives delivered over $40 million in fixed cost reductions and $20 million in capital spending savings through improved reliability and fewer repairs. Montana Renewables demonstrated resilience in a trough margin environment, achieving a 60% improvement in operating costs over two years to average $0.41 per gallon in the second half of 2025. Pehli Baar Hua Hai: This Town Near Lucknow Is Trending After German Dulha Showed Up With Baraat Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:00 IST The German man travelled with 16 family members to Uttar Pradeshs Barabanki to marry his Indian colleague in a grand Hindu ceremony. The groom danced from the sunroof, dressed in an Indian sherwani. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Proving that love truly knows no boundaries, a German man travelled thousands of kilometres to marry a woman from Uttar Pradeshs Barabanki, located 27 km from Lucknow. The grand wedding, held at Royal Realite in the district, has become the talk of the town. The unique cross-cultural wedding drew massive crowds and social media is buzzing with photos and videos from the ceremony. Rulan Verma met Marcus, who hails from Germany, while working as a professor and scientist at the University of Vienna in Austria. Their professional bond soon blossomed into love, and the couple decided to solemnise their relationship in India with full traditional rituals. I Love My India Marcus arrived in India with 16 members of his family to attend the wedding festivities. From Haldi and Mehndi to the Jaimala ceremony, every ritual was performed in traditional Hindu style. In one viral clip, the groom can be seen dressed in an elegant sherwani, dancing enthusiastically to Indian songs while standing through the sunroof of his car, clearly soaking in the desi wedding vibe. Foreign guests embraced Indian culture wholeheartedly, dancing and performing every ritual. Curious residents gathered at the venue, eager to catch a glimpse of the foreign guests. Many clicked selfies with members of the German baraat. Though unfamiliar with Hindi, they were heard joyfully saying, I love my India." Many were particularly impressed with Indian sarees and the local cuisine. After the ceremony, which was solemnised with full Hindu rituals, the bride bid farewell and departed for Germany with her husband. Heres How The Internet Is Reacting Social media users flooded comment sections with heart emojis and congratulatory messages. Congratulations. Pyar main koi sarhaden nahi hoti," read a comment. Another said, Barabanki mein pahli bar hua hai. Bhagwan yeh jodi acchi rakhe. Sabka aashirwad mile bahut acchi baat hai." Germany Se Aayi Baraat. Both are looking very nice," an individual stated. An account wrote, Feels so good. Bohot sundar." Wedding Is A Matter Of Pride The brides uncle and Kurmi leader RC Patel said the wedding is a matter of pride for the district, as per Zee India. He added that Barabankis talent making a global mark is a proud moment for the community. He further shared that the guests liked the Indian attire, especially the sarees and the food. About Rulan Verma According to information available on LinkedIn, Rulan had spent nearly eight years in Germany. After completing her PhD, she began working as a lecturer in Vienna, where she met Marcus, her colleague and now husband. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:00 IST News viral Pehli Baar Hua Hai: This Town Near Lucknow Is Trending After German Dulha Showed Up With Baraat Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 8 Indian Nationals Stranded At Karachi Airport As Flights Remain Cancelled In Middle East Over Air Strikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 16:08 IST Eight Indians are stranded at Karachi airport after their Baku-Kuwait flight was diverted due to US-Israel strikes on Iran, escalating regional tensions. Israeli Strikes Rock Central Tehran A Day After US-Israel Attack On Iran (Photo: Reuters) About eight Indian nationals remained stranded at Karachi airport since Saturday evening after their flight was landed as the strikes continued in Iran after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The flight, carrying the eight Indians, was from Baku in Azerbaijan to Kuwait via Sharjah, had landed landed at Karachi airport. When the flight landed, the airport officials separated the Indian nationals and others. What we are told is that once we exit from here, we will get our passport," they said. Also Read: Senior Cleric Alireza Arafi Named Irans Interim Supreme Leader After Khameneis Death Iran launched fresh strikes across parts of the Gulf region after US-Israeli joint strikes killed the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khameneis death, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning against Israel and the United States. The force vowed what it described as the most ferocious offensive operation in history". Red alert sirens were activated across Israels Negev and Dead Sea regions on Sunday as the conflict in West Asia escalated. IRGC said on Sunday that it had targeted 27 American military bases in West Asia. We targeted 27 sites of US bases in the region," the force said. Many flights in and out of the Middle East have been cancelled due to US missile attacks on Iran and subsequent counter strikes targeting American bases in the region. As per airport authorities, one Asian national was killed and seven others were injured at Abu Dhabi airport, while four injures were reported at Dubai airport. Videos showed panicked passengers running along concourses as smoke spread through the airports, as water triggered by smoke alarms collected on the floor. Location : Karachi, Pakistan First Published: March 01, 2026, 16:08 IST News world 8 Indian Nationals Stranded At Karachi Airport As Flights Remain Cancelled In Middle East Over Air Strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bold Action, Brave Soldiers Answering Call: US Releases Images of Operation Epic Fury Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 12:30 IST Operation Epic Fury: The operation not only killed Khamenei, but also his family members, including his daughter and granddaughter. US forces release images of Operation Epic Fury. (X) Operation Epic Fury: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday released photographs of Operation Epic Fury, the US-Israel coordinated strikes against Iran, that targeted key government and military establishments, including the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian President. The targeted strikes also killed Khamenei and his family, including his daughter and granddaughter, state media reported. The visuals, shared by US Central Command on X, showed aircraft launches, precision strikes and operational briefings as part of the coordinated US action. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), described the operation as a decisive move ordered by President Donald Trump. The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call," Adm. Cooper said in a statement accompanying the post. According to CENTCOM, the initial phase of the operation involved coordinated air and strategic strikes targeting key Iranian sites. The US has described the campaign as aimed at neutralising what it called imminent threats from the Iranian regime. What Is Operation Epic Fury? The daylight offensive, coordinated with Israeli forces led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, targeted the political heart of Tehran in a dramatic escalation of regional tensions. The operation not only killed Khamenei, but also his family members, including his daughter and granddaughter. First 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury:The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call," Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander pic.twitter.com/McrC7xeM0A U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 The joint assault began in broad daylight on Saturday morninga tactical choice designed to catch Iranian air defences during a shift change and to ensure maximum visual impact for the Iranian public. Over 200 fighter jets and a massive naval armada, led by the USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, targeted more than 500 sites across Iran. Calls For Uprising Amid the military escalation, Israels intelligence agency Mossad issued a message in Farsi calling for Iranians to rise against their government. The message urged citizens to share images and videos of protests through a secure channel. Iranian forces fully confirmed and consolidated, the killing of Khamenei would represent one of the most significant geopolitical events in recent decades potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East and triggering far-reaching consequences. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 12:30 IST News world Bold Action, Brave Soldiers Answering Call: US Releases Images of Operation Epic Fury Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Dictator Domino': Ukraine Depicts Putin Next In Line After Maduro's Capture, Khamenei's Killing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 20:35 IST Ukraine posted a cryptic photo on its social media handle, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin was next in line after Khamenei's killing in Iran. Rapid Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (AP) After the US-Israeli forces launched airstrikes that devastated Iran and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ukraine posted a cryptic photo on its social media handle, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin was next in line. The AI-generated image, captioned dictator domino", showed the pictures of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Khamenei and Putin on black dominoes on a wooden surface. It depicts a sequence of authoritarian leaders falling" like dominoes, with Putin next in line. While the dominoes depicted the first three leaders as fallen", the last domino with Putins image read About To Fall. This came as Ukraines war with Russia entered its fifth year in February. Earlier, Israeli forces and US President Donald Trump confirmed that Khamenei was killed in the coordinated US-Israeli attack. Later, the Iranian state media also confirmed the matter and announced a 40-day mourning. Khameneis death was met with cheers and mourning across the world. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the US and Israeli strikes on Iran have created an opportunity for the Iranian people to oust the terrorist regime" in Tehran. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Iran of providing Moscow with weapons for its offensive. Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putins accomplice and supplied him with shahed" drones, and not only the drones themselves, but also the technologies to produce them. Iran also provided other weapons to Russia," he said in a video address on social media. It is only fair to give the Iranian people a chance to get rid of the terrorist regime, to get rid of it and guarantee the safety of all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran," he added. It is important that the United States is determined. And whenever America is determined, global criminals weaken." Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: March 01, 2026, 20:35 IST News world 'Dictator Domino': Ukraine Depicts Putin Next In Line After Maduro's Capture, Khamenei's Killing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fresh Wave Of Explosions Heard In Doha, Riyadh, UAEs Dubai, Abu Dhabi As Iran Continues Strikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 21:20 IST Iran launched large-scale strikes across the Gulf after vowing to avenge Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with explosions in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. A man walks in a parking area as smoke rising from the port of Jebel Ali after a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1. (AFP photo) A fresh wave of explosions rattled major cities across the Gulf on Sunday, including Doha, Riyadh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as Iran intensified strikes following the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Irans Revolutionary Guards announced a large-scale" attack, with blasts also reported in Manama, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israeli officials confirmed that five people were killed and dozens injured in the latest missile attack. The UAEs defence ministry said three peopleof Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationalityhad died and 58 were injured in the country since the start of Irans strikes. In a statement, the UAEs defence ministry revealed that 165 ballistic missiles were detected, with 152 destroyed and two cruise missiles intercepted. Furthermore, a total of 541 Iranian drones were detected, 506 of which were intercepted and destroyed. Kuwait authorities have reported that one person has died, and dozens have been injured in the country since the onset of the Iranian strikes. ALSO READ: Why US, Israel Picked Saturday To Strike Iran And Kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Khameneis killing as a declaration of war against Muslims" and warned: Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime." Irans first retaliatory strikes on Saturday had targeted all Gulf states except Oman, which had attempted to mediate talks between the US and Iran. On Sunday, the commercial port of Duqm in Oman was hit by two drones, injuring a foreign worker, according to the Oman News Agency. Irans judiciary confirmed that Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Khamenei, and General Mohammad Pakpour, head of the Revolutionary Guards, were among those killed in the latest violence. Additionally, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are set to hold an online meeting of foreign ministers on Sunday evening to discuss a unified response, as air travel remains disrupted. The discussions will revolve around Iranian attacks on Gulf states and coordination on a unified response," a Gulf diplomat told AFP, requesting anonymity. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: March 01, 2026, 18:26 IST News world Fresh Wave Of Explosions Heard In Doha, Riyadh, UAEs Dubai, Abu Dhabi As Iran Continues Strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Surviving A Saturday Blast In 1981 To Dying On One In 2026: Khamenei's Twist Of Fate Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 14:59 IST Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed in USIsraeli strikes on February 28, 2026. Late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (File image: AFP) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, was killed on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel launched massive strikes under the operation, codenamed Epic Fury by Washington and Lions Roar by Jerusalem. US President Donald Trump announced his death in a Truth Social post at 3:07 am (IST), writing, Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead." Iranian state media later confirmed his death. Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989 and was a central figure of the Islamic Republics hardline establishment. He rose to prominence during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 1981, he became Irans president, serving two consecutive terms until 1989. After the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in June that year, Irans Assembly of Experts appointed Khamenei as Supreme Leader. As the countrys highest authority, he presided over decades of political upheaval, suppressing major waves of dissent including the 1999 student protests, the disputed 2009 election demonstrations, the 2019 unrest, and the Woman, Life, Freedom" movement triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. Meanwhile, a twist of fate has drawn attention as Khamenei, who survived a dramatic assassination attempt on a Saturday in 1981, was killed on another Saturday 45 years later in joint US-Israeli strikes. The 1981 Assassination Attempt On June 27, 1981 a Saturday Khamenei narrowly escaped death in a bombing at a mosque in Tehran. After leading prayers and addressing followers, a tape recorder placed before him exploded. Inside the device was reportedly a message claiming responsibility from the Furqan Group, a militant organisation opposed to the ruling clerical order. Khamenei suffered severe injuries to his right arm, vocal cords and lungs. Though he recovered after months of treatment, his right arm remained permanently paralysed. A Full Circle On A Saturday Forty-five years after surviving that Saturday attack, Khamenei was killed on another Saturday in 2026 during a major military operation targeting Iranian leadership and infrastructure. His death marks the end of a 37-year tenure as Supreme Leader and raises profound questions about the future of Irans theocratic system. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:59 IST News world From Surviving A Saturday Blast In 1981 To Dying On One In 2026: Khamenei's Twist Of Fate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... I Know Exactly Who: Trump Hints At Iran's Next Leader After Khamenei's Killing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:07 IST Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed on Saturday after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iranian targets. Trump said it was now much easier to hold talks with Iran following Khameneis death. (File) US Israel Attack On Iran: US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) hinted at Irans next leader following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US and Israeli strikes. Iran Israel War News Today Live I know exactly who, but I cant tell you," Trump responded after CBS News asked him about who he believes is currently taking decisions in Tehran after Khameneis death. When further pressed on whether there was someone in Iran he would like to see lead the country, Trump responded, Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates." He was also asked directly who would replace Khamenei. I dont know, but at some point theyll be calling me to ask who Id like," he said, before adding, Im only being a little sarcastic when I say that." Before Irans confirmation, Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric he described as one of the most evil people in History." The US President further said that it was now much easier" to hold talks with Iran following Khameneis death. Calling the moment historic, Trump said it represents the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country." He claimed elements of Irans Revolutionary Guard and security forces are seeking immunity. Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!" he wrote. The US President also signalled continued military pressure, saying heavy and pinpoint bombing" would continue as long as necessary" to achieve what he described as PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." Also See: Ali Khamenei was killed | Who Is Iran Supreme Leader Now Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was never publicly recorded as having named a successor, leaving uncertainty over who will assume control of the countrys powerful religious and political establishment. Khamenei Killed In Airstrikes His comments came hours after Irans state television confirmed the assassination of the Supreme Leader in recent strikes. The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei. According to Israels Channel 12, a photograph of Khameneis body was shown to Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the Khameneis killling, Iranian National Security Council said the assassination will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. Khameneis family were also killed in the strikes that began on Saturday morning, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed in the strikes. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 01, 2026, 10:03 IST News world I Know Exactly Who: Trump Hints At Iran's Next Leader After Khamenei's Killing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In The Name Of Haidar: Last Post On Khameneis X Account After Trump Declared Him Dead Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 07:51 IST In a post late at night on Truth Social, Trump said Khamenei had been killed in a joint US-Israel strike on Tehran. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (AFP) Just after US President Donald Trump announced that Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a cryptic message was shared from Khameneis account on social media platform X. The message was written in Persian and invoked the name of Haidar, the first Shia Imam and a central figure in Shia Islam. Be nam-e nami-ye Heydar, alayhis-salam," the post read, which translates to, In the exalted name of Haidar (peace be upon him)." pic.twitter.com/n848j6KASq KHAMENEI.IR | (@Khamenei_fa) February 28, 2026 Trump announces killing in strike In a post late at night on Truth Social, Trump said Khamenei had been killed in a joint US-Israel strike on Tehran. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead," Trump wrote. He claimed the cleric was tracked using highly sophisticated tracking systems" and described the assassination as the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country." Iran confirms Khameneis death On Sunday morning, Irans state television confirmed that Khamenei had been killed in the recent strikes. The Iranian government announced 40 days of mourning following his killing. According to Iranian media reports, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Saturday. Reports said several members of Khameneis family were also killed in the strikes that began on Saturday morning, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed in the strikes. Location : Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 07:51 IST News world In The Name Of Haidar: Last Post On Khameneis X Account After Trump Declared Him Dead Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Help Has Arrived': Netanyahu Says Iranians Must Take 'Once-In-A-Generation' Chance To Overthrow Regime Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 15:26 IST Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his country and the US will "create the conditions" for Iranian citizens to "free themselves from the chains of tyranny" Rapid Read Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message, addressing the people of Iran on social media. (Image: AFP/File) A day after the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated Israel-US strikes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told brave" Iranians that this is their once-in-a-generation" opportunity to united and overthrow the current regime to secure your future". Netanyahu, in a video message, addressed the people of Iran and said help had arrived" for them to carry out this historic mission" as their suffering and sacrifices" will not be in vain. Calling Irans current regime terrorist", Netanyahu said the coming days will witness strikes on thousands of targets, while the United States and Israel will create the conditions" for Iranian citizens to free themselves from the chains of tyranny". In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terrorist regime. We will create the conditions for the brave people of Iran to free themselves from the chains of tyranny. And for this reason, I address you once again" Netanyahu said in a video message, which was posted on X. . . : . pic.twitter.com/JILOEzFjEx Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) March 1, 2026 O citizens of Iran, do not let this opportunity slip away. This is an opportunity that comes only once in every generation. Do not sit idle, because your moment will arrive soon," he said in his message. He also addressed Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis and Baluchis in his message. The moment when you must take to the streets, come to the streets in your millions to finish the job, to overthrow the regime of terror that has embittered your lives. Your suffering and sacrifices will not be in vain. The help you have longed for has now arrived. Help has arrived, and now the time has come to unite for a historic mission. O citizens of Iran, Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis, and Baluchis Now is the time to unite your forces to overthrow the regime and secure your future," he added. Earlier in the day, Iranian state television confirmed the death of Khamenei and launched a fresh wave of attacks on Sunday as Israel hit back at the capital Tehran. It came after the US and Israel claimed to have killed the Supreme Leader in a wave of strikes on Saturday (February 28) against targets in Iran, which sparked swift retaliation by the Islamic republic. Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: March 01, 2026, 14:44 IST News world 'Help Has Arrived': Netanyahu Says Iranians Must Take 'Once-In-A-Generation' Chance To Overthrow Regime Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 11:36 IST US Israel Iran War News Today: Day two of the war, which began on Saturday with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, escalated dramatically on Sunday. In retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran launched a fresh wave of attacks across the Gulf. Explosions were reported in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv, with Israeli rescue services confirming at least nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh. The UAE confirmed three people had died and 58 others were injured in attacks on its territory, while Kuwaiti authorities said one person had been killed since the strikes began. Also See: Who Is Iran Supreme Commander Now | In Iran, crowds gathered in the south, Tehran, and Yazd to demand vengeance following Khameneis death. Similar protests erupted abroad, including hundreds of demonstrators attempting to storm the US embassy in Baghdad, nine killed in clashes outside the US consulate in Karachi, and several thousand Shia Muslims protesting in Jammu and Kashmir, chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. On the political front, Iran named Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to join President Masoud Pezeshkian on an interim leadership council to guide the country until a permanent successor is chosen. Also See: Dubai Airport Explosion Video | Iran Strikes On Dubai | Operation Epic Fury Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed three US military personnel killed and five wounded the first American casualties in the operation. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify air strikes on Tehran in the coming days, saying the military has mobilised its full strength. More updates on Israel Iran War: In packaging, fourth-quarter sales fell 5% sequentially. Simon cited typical seasonal softness as well as lower average selling prices, driven by changes in customer and sales mix for converted products. Despite that, the companys box shipments rose 1.5% in the quarter, outperforming an industry decline of 2.4% that management referenced on the call. For the full year 2025, Cascades reported sales of CAD 4.8 billion and adjusted EBITDA of CAD 576 million, up 15% versus the prior year. Management attributed the improvement to stronger packaging performance. Simon added that raw material cost trends remained favorable in the fourth quarter. Cascades reported consolidated adjusted EBITDA of CAD 155 million in the quarter, up 9% year over year. Simon said the increase reflected lower corporate costs. The companys overall margin improved to 12.9%, led by a 17.4% margin in packaging. President and CEO Hugues Simon said consolidated sales and adjusted EBITDA both decreased marginally from Q3 levels, which he attributed to seasonally softer volumes and the broader geopolitical environment. On a year-over-year basis, consolidated sales declined 1%, which management said was driven by lower packaging volumes that offset pricing and favorable mix benefits across both segments. Cascades (TSE:CAS) executives said the companys fourth-quarter 2025 performance was in line with our projections, pointing to stable results in packaging, a weaker-than-expected quarter in tissue due to operational disruptions, and continued progress on debt reduction and asset sales. Balance sheet and outlook: net debt fell CAD 127 million in Q4 (CAD 200 million for the year) and leverage eased to 3.3x after asset sales (including CAD 69 million recently), and management is targeting > CAD 600 million adjusted EBITDA for 2026 while seeking an additional CAD 100 million of divestment proceeds. Tissue was pressured by a major electrical outage at the Wagram, NC plant that cut output and raised logistics costssegment EBITDA fell sequentiallyalthough Pryor converting production improved and Wagram is expected to return to full capacity before the end of Q1. Q4 results in line: Consolidated adjusted EBITDA rose 9% yearoveryear to CAD 155 million (fullyear 2025 adjusted EBITDA CAD 576 million, up 15%), with overall margins improving to 12.9% driven by a 17.4% packaging margin. Story Continues Packaging adjusted EBITDA declined 3% sequentially to CAD 132 million, which management said was in line with expectations. Lower volumes and selling prices were partially offset by lower operating and raw material costs. Packaging EBITDA margin improved sequentially to 17.4% from 17.1% in Q3, and improved year over year to 17.4% from 16.9%. Home Depot & Lowes: Buying the Earnings Dip Simon highlighted operational progress at the Bear Island facility, which averaged 88% of total production capacity during the quarter while running lower basis weight paper. The company also reached capacity speed targets across all grades, and it increased production of lower basis weight paper by 7% sequentially. Management said it continued to see a positive operating pace at Bear Island early in 2026. Year over year, packaging sales decreased 3%, which management attributed to lower volumes reflecting permanent facility closures and/or sales and a decline in corrugated shipments following strong demand in the year-ago period. Simon said higher selling prices and favorable mix partially offset the declines, while adjusted EBITDA was stable as pricing and raw material cost tailwinds offset volume impacts. Tissue: outage and execution issues pressure results, Pryor improves Tissue results were below expectations, Simon said, citing efficiency and logistics execution that fell short of targets as well as a major electrical outage at the companys Wagram, North Carolina facility. Management said these factors reduced output, increased operational support needs, and forced the company to redirect volumes to other plants, increasing logistics costs. Tissue sales decreased 1% sequentially, driven by a 3% decline in away-from-home volumes from expected seasonality, partially offset by a slight increase in the retail market. Segment adjusted EBITDA was CAD 42 million, down 9% sequentially. While lower raw material costs helped, management said the benefit was more than offset by higher operating costs and lower volume, including the impact of the Wagram outage. Year over year, tissue sales increased 3% on an 8% increase in retail and stable away-from-home volumes. Adjusted EBITDA declined 7% from the prior year as raw material, volume, and selling price benefits were offset by higher operating costs. Management said the Wagram disruption should not overshadow progress elsewhere, including the Pryor, Oklahoma facility, where converting production rose 11% sequentially in Q4. Simon also said recent investments at Kingsey Falls and Grand Bay were delivering good results. In the Q&A, Simon described the Wagram issue as stemming from an external power provider switchgear failure, with additional costs incurred from running generators to support customer service. He said the main switchgear restart occurred yesterday and that the facility was progressing toward full production, with expectations to return to full capacity before the end of Q1. Cash flow, leverage, and asset sales CFO Allan Hogg said specific items recorded in the quarter impacted operating income by CAD 7 million. Those items included CAD 25 million of impairment charges related to facilities closed in Canada and the U.S. and CAD 4 million of restructuring costs, partially offset by gains totaling CAD 22 million from the sale of Flexible Packaging activities and on derivative financial instruments. As reported, fourth-quarter earnings were CAD 0.37 per share, compared to a net loss of CAD 0.13 per share a year earlier and earnings of CAD 0.29 per share in Q3. On an adjusted basis, earnings were CAD 0.40 per share, up from CAD 0.25 last year and CAD 0.38 in the prior quarter. Hogg said the year-over-year improvement reflected stronger adjusted EBITDA, while the sequential improvement reflected lower depreciation and financing expense. Adjusted cash flow from operations was CAD 165 million, up from CAD 129 million in the year-ago quarter and CAD 137 million in Q3. Hogg attributed the increase to stronger operating results, higher dividends from joint venture partners, and lower financing expense paid. Fourth-quarter capital investments totaled CAD 42 million, bringing full-year capex to CAD 152 million. For 2026, Cascades expects capex of approximately CAD 175 million. Net debt fell by CAD 127 million during the quarter, driven by stronger operating cash flow, a reversal in working capital requirements, proceeds from business disposals, and a favorable exchange rate on U.S.-denominated debt. Leverage declined to 3.3x from 3.6x at the end of Q3. For the full year, net debt decreased by CAD 200 million and leverage improved to 3.3x from 4.2x at the end of 2024. Liquidity under the credit facility was CAD 737 million at year-end 2025. In early 2026, management said it completed the sale of its Richmond, B.C., packaging plant and exited the Honeycomb packaging and partition segments, receiving CAD 69 million in cash proceeds that were used for debt repayment in Q1. Hogg said the company achieved its objective of generating CAD 120 million in asset sale proceeds ahead of its mid-2026 schedule. Outlook: Q1 seasonality, maintenance downtime, and 2026 EBITDA target For Q1, Simon said Cascades expects consolidated results to decline sequentially but improve year over year for a sixth consecutive quarter. In packaging, the company expects softer sequential results due to seasonality and plans maintenance downtime totaling approximately 16,000 tons in Q1, including at Bear Island and at the uncoated recycled paperboard mill in Kingsey Falls, where an upgrade is being completed to increase capacity. Management expects raw material and selling price trends to remain largely stable, while energy and logistics costs are expected to be headwinds following challenging early-2026 weather. In tissue, the company expects a sequential decline due to seasonal demandprimarily in away-from-homeand weather impacts in the U.S. Management said Wagrams ramp-up was progressing well and reiterated expectations for a return to full production capacity before the end of Q1, while also noting stable raw material prices and higher energy and logistics costs. Looking ahead, Simon said Cascades internal objective is to generate adjusted EBITDA above CAD 600 million in 2026, before factoring any net effect of selling price increases. Management said the target is tied to an effort to increase baseline annualized profitability by CAD 100 million, noting progress of CAD 30 million in 2025 and a plan to accelerate momentum in 2026. The company also said it is targeting an additional CAD 100 million in proceeds from divesting redundant assets in 2026, bringing the two-year total to approximately CAD 230 million. During the Q&A, Simon said management has identified the full CAD 100 million in additional targeted asset sales and does not anticipate any EBITDA erosion overall from those transactions, while reaffirming the CAD 600 million EBITDA objective. Executives also discussed pricing dynamics in containerboard, with Simon saying the company was surprised by a CAD 20 benchmark decrease referenced by analysts, while emphasizing its focus on implementing previously announced increases and pointing to what he described as a tight rolls market following capacity reductions in North America. About Cascades (TSE:CAS) Cascades Inc, along with its subsidiaries, produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibres. The company is organized into four main business segments: Containerboard, Boxboard Europe, Specialty Products (which constitutes packaging products), and Tissue Papers. The business activity of the company functions in Canada, the United States, Italy, and other countries. Its customer base includes food processing companies, the maintenance industry, accommodations, and housing industry, micro-businesses, and boutiques. The article "Cascades Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. 'Will Keep Gates Of Hell Open': Iran Attacks US Bases, Claims Killing American Forces Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:01 IST Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning against Israel and the United States after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's killing. Iran launched retaliatory attacks after joint US-Israeli strikes. (Image/Reuters) Iran has launched a new wave of strikes targeting Israel and United States bases. The attacks come in the aftermath of the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khameneis death, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning against Israel and the United States. The force vowed what it described as the most ferocious offensive operation in history". IRGC Announcement No. 4In the fifth wave of Operation True Promise4 in the Indian Ocean, the MSP ship, which was carrying ammunition for American vessels, was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions. The Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) March 1, 2026 Red alert sirens across Israel Red alert sirens were activated across Israels Negev and Dead Sea regions on Sunday as the conflict in West Asia escalated. Continuous explosions were heard across Tel Aviv on Sunday, caused by Israels interceptor missiles targeting incoming Iranian projectiles, Al Arabiya reported. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Sunday that it had targeted 27 American military bases in West Asia. We targeted 27 sites of US bases in the region," the force said. Multiple explosions were reported in Manama, Bahrains capital, on Sunday as residents heard loud blasts. Air raid sirens were also activated in Bahrain and neighbouring Kuwait, signalling heightened alert in the Gulf. According to media reports, several loud blasts were also heard in Dubai and over Qatars capital Doha as Iran launched fresh strikes. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are US allies, and Irans offensive was described as a message to neighbouring countries that siding with its enemies would have consequences. Details Of IRGC Operation The IRGC said that in the fifth wave of Operation True Promise, a ship carrying ammunition for American vessels was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions".It added that the American naval base in the Abdullah Mubarak area of Kuwait was struck by four ballistic missiles and 12 drones, destroying infrastructure and causing large numbers of American forces to be killed and injured. The IRGC also claimed that an MST-class combat support ship carrying fuel for American vessels in the Indian Ocean was hit by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles.The IRGC Navy, along with the air force, will keep the gates of hell open to enemy units," it said. Iran has attacked Dubai airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, which has been shut for operations after hostilities began. Earlier strikes reportedly hit the Palm, Dubais famed land island, and the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab.The incidents come amid escalating regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with Tehran and allied groups carrying out retaliatory attacks on military installations across the region. UN condemns escalation The United Nations has condemned the developments in West Asia. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, Condemn massive military strikes by US and Israel against Iran and subsequent attacks by Iran; witnessing grave threats to international peace and security, there is no viable alternative to peaceful settlement of international disputes." The incidents come amid escalating regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with Tehran and allied groups reportedly conducting retaliatory attacks on military installations across the region. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 10:39 IST News world 'Will Keep Gates Of Hell Open': Iran Attacks US Bases, Claims Killing American Forces Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran Vows Most Ferocious Offensive Operation In History Against US, Israel After Khamenei's Death Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 09:17 IST IRGC vows the most ferocious offensive against Israel and the United States after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family were killed in missile strikes. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei was killed in US-Israel joint strikes. West Asia Conflict: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed the most ferocious offensive operation in history" against Israel and the United States following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in missile strikes. IRGC said that the most intensive operation against Israel and US bases is set to begin shortly", Iranian state media reported. Following the warning, Tehran launched attacks at US bases in Iraq. As per reports, a US Army C-RAM located at Erbil International Airport in Northern Iraq shot down one-way attack drones and other aerial threats launched by Iran. Khamenei Killed in Israel-US Strikes Irans state television has confirmed that the Supreme Leader was killed in recent strikes, hours after US President Donald Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric he described as one of the most evil people in History." The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei. According to Israels Channel 12, a photograph of Khameneis body was shown to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the Khameneis killling, Iranian National Security Council said the assassination will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. Public broadcaster Kan reported that senior Israeli officials had been informed of Khameneis elimination" and that his body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran. Khameneis family were also killed in the strikes that began on Saturday morning, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed in the strikes. US, Israel Hail Khameneis Killing Loud explosions rocked Tehran in the early hours, as Trump vowed no let-up in the strikes until the fall of the Islamic Republic and urged security forces to stand down. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country," Trump said in a post on TruthSocial. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, saying, This is your time to join forces, to overthrow the regime and to secure your future." Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:26 IST News world Iran Vows Most Ferocious Offensive Operation In History Against US, Israel After Khamenei's Death Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Khamenei, One Of The Most Evil People In History, Is Dead': Trump Posts On Truth Social Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 06:48 IST However, minutes after the US Presidents statement went viral, the official X account of Ayatollah Khamenei issued a new, cryptic post While Israeli officials briefed the media that Khameneis body had been recovered from the rubble, Iranian state media dismissed the reports as 'mental warfare' and 'Zionist fabrications'. File image/AFP In a move that has rewritten the rules of modern warfare, President Donald Trump utilised his Truth Social platform to announce that Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in the opening salvo of Operation Epic Fury. Describing the 86-year-old cleric as one of the most evil people in history," Trump claimed that US intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems" had successfully targeted Khameneis secure compound in Tehran. The full post read: Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!" Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! Thank you for your attention to this matter." However, the definitive nature of the American announcement was immediately met with a bizarre and chilling digital counter-narrative. Minutes after the Presidents post went viral, the official X account of Ayatollah Khameneilong used as a tool for state propaganda and religious decreesissued a new, cryptic post. The message, written in Persian, translated to: In the name of Nami Haider (peace be upon him)." This brief update, devoid of context or visual proof of life, has sparked a global debate over whether it was a pre-scheduled dead mans switch" designed to confuse adversaries or a sign that the Supreme Leader survived the daylight blitz. Additionally, Iranian state media dubbed the US Presidents claim as false, saying that it is part of his plan to assassinate Irans leader. The state media confirmed that that Khamenei is in good health and is actively directing the course of the war. During the 12-day war, he also asserted that Irans nuclear facilities had been destroyed. Falsehood has consistently been his method. The ultimate outcome of this conflict will be Trumps political demise," it said. The joint US-Israeli operation, which saw over 30 precision bombs dropped on the leadership district of Tehran, was described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a pre-emptive strike" against an irreversible threat." While Israeli officials briefed the media that Khameneis body had been recovered from the rubble, Iranian state media dismissed the reports as mental warfare" and Zionist fabrications." The Iranian Foreign Ministry maintained that both the Supreme Leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian remained steadfast and firm in commanding the field," though no live footage of either leader has been broadcast since the strikes began. As the initial phase" of the four-day operation continues, the conflicting reports have left the international community in a state of suspense. While celebrations were reported in parts of Tehran and Karaj by dissidents hopeful for regime change, the IRGC has already initiated a retaliatory barrage, codenamed Operation Truthful Promise 4, targeting US bases across the Gulf. Whether the post on X was a final spiritual testament or a signal of continued defiance, the vacuum of verified information ensures that the fate of the Islamic Republics second leader remains the most volatile question in global politics today. First Published: March 01, 2026, 04:34 IST News world 'Khamenei, One Of The Most Evil People In History, Is Dead': Trump Posts On Truth Social Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Khamenei's Daughter, Son-In-Law, Grandchild, Iran's Defence Minister Killed In US-Israeli Strikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 07:08 IST Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in US-Israeli strikes. Rapid Read Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law, killed in US-Israeli strikes, says report Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in US-Israeli strikes that began Saturday morning, Iranian state media reported on Sunday. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, have also been killed in the strikes, Reuters reported, citing sources. US-ISRAEL STRIKES AGAINST IRAN The reports emerged as the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran Saturday morning, after negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme faltered, with the Middle East plunging into a renewed military confrontation. The strikes targeted multiple locations in Iran, including areas linked to Supreme Leader Khamenei. Satellite images later showed severe damage to the complex, which serves as his official residence. TRUMP DECLARES KHAMENEI DEAD In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump declared Irans Supreme Leader was dead, calling it justice for people affected by his leadership. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister said there were many signs" suggesting that the Iranian leader was no longer alive. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 06:48 IST News world Khamenei's Daughter, Son-In-Law, Grandchild, Iran's Defence Minister Killed In US-Israeli Strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 8 Killed As Security Forces Open Fire On Protesters At US Consulate In Pakistan Over Khamenei's Death Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Meemansa Shekhawat Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 14:28 IST Sources said American personnel at the consulate in Karachi opened fire on protesters as they stormed the building as part of a wave of "anti-US demonstrations" Videos on social media showed youngsters smashing the windows of the main building of the US consulate in Karachi as the American flag could be seen flying over the compound. (Image: X/@Osinttechnical) At least eight protesters were killed in clashes with security forces on Sunday as hundreds stormed the US consulate in Pakistans Karachi over the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated Israel-US strikes. According to sources, the US personnel at the consulate opened fire at protesters as they stormed the building as part of a wave of anti-US demonstrations" against Khameneis death. We have moved at least eight dead bodies to Karachis civil hospitals, while 20 others were injured in the consulate incident," Muhammad Amin, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation rescue service told AFP, adding that most bodies had bullet wounds. The sources told News18 that while Pakistani police and paramilitary forces were initially successful in holding back the protesters by using batons and tear gas, they eventually broke through the barricades at the consulate smashing windows in their wake. There were reports of arson as well, with unverified videos on social media showing parts of the building set ablaze. Locals protesting stikes on Iran have stormed the entrance area of the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/fiqSoRRpPt OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 Protesters, who pronounced their solidarity with Iran, expressed their outrage. The city of Karachi remains tense due to widespread unrest, with reports of pro-Iran protesters setting fire to the Sultanabad traffic section. After Karachi, protests were also reported from the US consulate in Lahore. The situation is tense across the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan, while the Karakoram highway was closed to all traffic. In Lahore, Pakistani protesters carrying flags of IS and Hezbollah attempted to attack the U.S. Consulate. In Lahore, Pakistani protesters carrying flags of IS and Hezbollah are attempting to attack the U.S. Consulate. pic.twitter.com/1dgojrwHhr Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) March 1, 2026 A massive protest was triggered in Skardu after Khameneis killing, with crowds setting the UN office ablaze amid the unrest. JUST IN: Massive protests erupt in Skardu after news of Ayatollah Khameneis martyrdom crowds have set the UN office ablaze amid rising outrage! https://t.co/TBiE0NlSUD pic.twitter.com/b8uupONV8o Global watch wire (@Globalwatchwire) March 1, 2026 Protesters also gathered outside the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, as tensions soared in the Middle East amid the renewed military confrontation. Protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Baghdad amid a surge in regional tensions, sparked by anger over recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran, alongside the assassination of Irans Supreme leader Khamenei.Demonstrators accuse Washington of fuelling instability in the pic.twitter.com/X0wnXdhcvy Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) March 1, 2026 Demonstrators accused Washington of fuelling instability in the Middle East, demanding an end to foreign military involvement in the region. Earlier in the day, Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Khamenei with the government announcing a 40-day mourning following the death of the Ayatollah. PROTESTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR Protests also erupted in Jammu and Kashmirs Ramban, with demonstrators burning effigies of US President Donald Trump. #WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Shia Muslims in Ramban protest against the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/FcRZD4vVq7 ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 Syed Samar Kazmi, Shia Community leader, condemned the killing of Khamenei, claiming the Iranian leader was killed by the US and Israel by deception. This is not the first time we have lost a leader, but we will not forget the death of our beloved leader. We will convey to our generations how America and Israel killed our leader by deception A part of Muslims has always been on the path of the beloved leader and always said that we will always raise our voice for the oppressed He was killed only because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent" he told news agency ANI. #WATCH | Ramban, J&K | On killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Shia Community Leader Syed Samar Kazmi says, This is not the first time we have lost a leader, but we will not forget the death of our beloved leader. We will convey to our generations how America pic.twitter.com/AENhHOMESY ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 The coordinated US-Israeli strikes began Saturday as negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme faltered, with the Middle East plunging into a renewed military confrontation. Location : Karachi, Pakistan First Published: March 01, 2026, 12:41 IST News world 8 Killed As Security Forces Open Fire On Protesters At US Consulate In Pakistan Over Khamenei's Death Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Massive Explosion In Tehran As Israeli Military Says Targeting 'Heart' Of City Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 15:19 IST The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it was targeting what it described as the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. Israeli Strikes Rock Central Tehran A Day After US-Israel Attack On Iran (Photo: Reuters) Multiple explosions struck Irans capital on Sunday as the Israeli military said it was carrying out strikes on targets in central Tehran. Massive blasts were heard across the city, with videos showing large plumes of smoke rising into the sky following the explosions. The attacks came a day after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The development has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raised concerns over wider regional instability. Israeli military statement The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it was targeting what it described as the Iranian terror regime" in the heart of Tehran. The IDF is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran," the military said. The attacks came after Khameneis death. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a strong warning against Israel and the United States. Irans President Pezeshkian said Tehran views revenge as its duty and legitimate right. Location : Israel First Published: March 01, 2026, 14:36 IST News world Massive Explosion In Tehran As Israeli Military Says Targeting 'Heart' Of City Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran Strikes Oil Tanker In Strait Of Hormuz, 15 Indian Sailors Onboard Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 16:37 IST Skylight, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, was attacked near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire and injuring four sailors. Skylight, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, was attacked near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire and injuring four sailors. (Image: X screengrab) A Palau-flagged oil tanker, Skylight, was reportedly attacked while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman, amid escalating tensions in the region. According to reports circulating on social media, the vessel was struck while passing through the strategic waterway, triggering a fire onboard. Visuals shared online show thick plumes of black smoke rising from the tanker, with flames visible near the deck. Also Read: Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz, Bars Vessel Movement: Report Initial reports claim that four sailors were injured in the attack. The entire crew has since been evacuated from the vessel. The extent of the damage to the tanker remains unclear. BREAKING:Iran has attacked the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight as it was passinf through the Strait of Hormuz right off the coast of Oman. 4 sailors wounded in the attack. The entire crew has been evacuated. pic.twitter.com/wDX5X2czq6 Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) March 1, 2026 There has been no immediate official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the reported strike. Maritime security agencies are expected to investigate the incident. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the worlds most critical shipping lanes, with 20-30 per cent of global oil supplies passing through the narrow passage between Iran and Oman. Any disruption in this corridor has immediate implications for global energy markets and maritime security. The reported attack comes as tensions in the Gulf region remain high following recent military exchanges and threats to close key maritime routes. Shipping companies are closely monitoring the situation, and further advisories are expected as authorities assess the incident. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Muscat, Oman First Published: March 01, 2026, 16:06 IST News world Iran Strikes Oil Tanker In Strait Of Hormuz, 15 Indian Sailors Onboard Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Operation Epic Fury: Inside The US-Israel Offensive That Killed Iran's Supreme Leader Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 12:53 IST The operation not only killed Khamenei, but also his family members, including his daughter and granddaughter. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran. Image Credits: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS Operation Epic Furry: Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, Irans state media confirmed, after the United States and Israel launched massive strikes under the operation, codenamed Epic Fury by Washington and Lions Roar by Jerusalem. Iran Israel War News Today Live The daylight offensive, coordinated with Israeli forces led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, targeted the political heart of Tehran in a dramatic escalation of regional tensions. The operation not only killed Khamenei, but also his family members, including his daughter and granddaughter. Irans state television confirmation came hours after US President Donald Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric he described as one of the most evil people in History." The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei. Daylight Strike At The Centre Of Power Unlike last years Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Irans nuclear facilities under the cover of darkness, Operation Epic Fury was carried out in broad daylight. The joint assault began in broad daylight on Saturday morninga tactical choice designed to catch Iranian air defences during a shift change and to ensure maximum visual impact for the Iranian public. Over 200 fighter jets and a massive naval armada, led by the USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, targeted more than 500 sites across Iran. Coordinated Decapitation Strike Israeli officials described the first wave of attacks as a decapitation strike" a military tactic aimed at eliminating top leadership in a single, concentrated blow. Key targets included: Command and Control: The secure compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran and the Presidential Palace were reportedly struck, though the 86-year-old leader had reportedly been moved to a secure location" hours prior. Nuclear Infrastructure: Sustained strikes were reported at Isfahan, Natanz, and the Parchin military complex, aiming to set back Irans nuclear ambitions by years. Missile Industry: Manufacturing hubs in Karaj and Kermanshah were targeted to annihilate" Irans ballistic capabilities. Thick plumes of smoke rose above the capital as explosions ripped through the political district. Satellite imagery later showed the compound associated with Khamenei reduced to debris. Also See: Who Is Iran Supreme Commander Now Calls For Uprising Amid the military escalation, Israels intelligence agency Mossad issued a message in Farsi calling for Iranians to rise against their government. The message urged citizens to share images and videos of protests through a secure channel. Trump also released a recorded message broadcast overnight in Washington and around midday in Tehran, reinforcing the impression that the operation sought not only military impact but political transformation. A Moment That Could Reshape the Region Iran initially withheld confirmation of Khameneis death but later declared a 40-day national mourning period, acknowledging that the Supreme Leader had been killed. If fully confirmed and consolidated, the killing of Khamenei would represent one of the most significant geopolitical events in recent decades potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East and triggering far-reaching consequences. Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed the most ferocious offensive operation in history" against Israel and the United States following the death of the Supreme Leader. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 09:00 IST News world Operation Epic Fury: Inside The US-Israel Offensive That Killed Iran's Supreme Leader Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Targets Kabul Airport, Kandahar, Bagram Airbase And More: 10 Strikes In Afghanistan Today Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 18:16 IST Sources said Pakistan targeted critical infrastructure, high-value strategic bases, and military installations in Afghanistan, with significant activity reported over capital Kabul Rapid Read Pakistani army trucks carrying ammunition arrive near the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan on February 28, 2026. (Image: AFP) Pakistan intensified its aerial offensive against the Taliban regime as part of Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq on Sunday, launching a strikes across Afghanistan on the third day of the conflict between the two neighbouring countries. According to sources, Pakistani fighter jets targeted critical infrastructure, high-value strategic bases, and military installations in multiple Afghan provinces, with significant activity reported over capital Kabul. Security sources told News18 the strikes specifically targeted the vicinity of Kabul airport and the Afghan ministry of interior, with massive explosions reported in the corridor between these two vital locations. Simultaneously, the historic Bagram airbase, once the hub of international military operations, was a primary target. The offensive has reportedly dealt a severe blow to the Talibans operational capabilities. In a separate engagement, Pakistani forces successfully destroyed the Talibans top operational base at Torkham. The sources said a high number of Taliban fighters were killed in these strikes, including several senior members of the regime. While the Taliban assesses its losses, Pakistani authorities are also calculating damages reported on their side of the border. There were 10 confirmed strikes conducted by Pakistan across Afghanistan: Kabul: Strikes targeting areas near the airport and the interior ministry Bagram Airbase: Extensive bombing of the strategic military facility Laghman: Attacks on a security camp and various military installations Laghman: Strikes on the Aleengar Baraghan Baba base. Nangarhar: Destruction of a prominent television tower Nangarhar: Strikes on the Torkham commissioner office and the border administration office Nangarhar: Raids on a purported Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideout. Khost: Precision hits on the security command and Taliban police headquarters Paktia: Aerial bombardment of the historic Bala Hissar Fort Kandahar: A targeted strike on a residence believed to belong to the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah. The sources said a primary objective of Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq appears to be the systematic elimination of leftover American weaponry and high-value infrastructure currently used by the Taliban and various militant groups. Pakistani fighter jets successfully targeted and destroyed weapons depots built by the United States during its tenure in Afghanistan, specifically those located near the Kabul airport and within the Bagram airbase. In response to the early morning onslaught, Afghan authorities deployed anti-aircraft fire over the capital in an attempt to repel the Pakistani jets. Zabiullah Mujahid, the Afghan Taliban spokesman, confirmed the strikes in a statement on X acknowledging the anti-Pakistani aircraft attacks" and saying air defence operations are being carried out in Kabul". He urged residents not to be concerned, despite the significant casualties and structural damage being assessed by local authorities. Beyond the aerial campaign, Pakistani and Afghan Taliban fighters are currently engaged in intense border skirmishes across multiple sectors of the Durand Line. Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: March 01, 2026, 18:16 IST News world Pakistan Targets Kabul Airport, Kandahar, Bagram Airbase And More: 10 Strikes In Afghanistan Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo Of Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei's Body Shown To Trump, Netanyahu: Israeli Media Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:09 IST The reports came after large-scale strikes carried out by Israel and the United States targeted multiple locations in Iran, including areas around Khameneis compound. Trump Claims Khamenei Dead, Iran Insists Leader Is Alive.(Reuters File) Ali Khamenei Death: Israeli media outlets have reported that the body of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been recovered following alleged Israeli-US strikes, even as Tehran has not confirmed his death. Iran Israel War News Today Live According to Israels Channel 12, a photograph of Khameneis body was shown to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The report cited unnamed Israeli officials. Public broadcaster Kan also reported that senior Israeli officials had been informed of Khameneis elimination" and that his body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran. Along with Khamenei, reports say his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in US-Israeli strikes that began Saturday morning. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, have also been killed in the strikes. Also See: Ali Khamenei was killed | Who Is Iran Supreme Leader Now US-Israel strikes Iran The reports came after large-scale strikes carried out by Israel and the United States targeted multiple locations in Iran, including areas around Khameneis compound. Satellite images later showed heavy damage to the complex, which serves as his official residence. Israeli officials said the compound had been destroyed during the operation, and media reports described growing indications that the Iranian leader had been killed. Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Khamenei was dead, calling it justice for people affected by his leadership and saying the operation had been carried out in coordination with Israel. Netanyahu also said there were many signs" suggesting that the Iranian leader was no longer alive following the strikes, though no direct evidence was publicly released. Iran denies Iranian authorities have rejected the claims. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said senior officials, including Khamenei, were alive as far as I know", adding that the attacks had failed to achieve their objectives. Iranian officials described the strikes as illegal and insisted that the countrys leadership structure remained functional despite the attacks. Despite Israeli media reports about the recovery of a body and photographs allegedly shown to foreign leaders, there has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding Khameneis death. Location : Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 06:55 IST News world Photo Of Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei's Body Shown To Trump, Netanyahu: Israeli Media Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Allaire emphasized interoperability as a strategic focus, noting Circle supports USDC on over 30 blockchain networks . He said Circles Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) volume grew 3.7x year-over-year to over $41 billion in Q4, and that CCTP accounted for nearly all USDC cross-chain traffic. He added that Circle tracked CCTP at more than 50% of all bridged volume across assets, reaching 62% in January. CFO Jeremy Fox-Geen provided additional detail, reporting USDC in circulation of $75.3 billion at year-end. He also said on-platform USDC held within Circles platform infrastructure increased 5.6x year-over-year to $12.5 billion , representing 17% of total circulation. Why Circle Stock Is Fallingand Why Some Analysts See Big Upside CEO Jeremy Allaire said Circle ended the year with roughly $75 billion of USDC in circulation , up 72% year-over-year, despite some of the declines that we saw in Q4 due to the crypto market correction. Allaire added that on-chain USDC volume reached nearly $12 trillion , representing 247% year-over-year growth. Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) executives highlighted rapid growth in USDC circulation and transaction activity, expanding product lines, and improving profitability during the companys Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings call. Management also spent significant time outlining how stablecoins, blockchains, and artificial intelligence could converge to accelerate agentic (autonomous software-driven) commerce and payments. Circle is rapidly expanding its platform: the Arc testnet (100+ participants, ~166 million tx, ~2.3 million daily tx, ~0.5s finality) is on track for a 2026 mainnet , the Circle Payments Network now has 55 enrolled FIs and ~$5.7 billion annualized flows, and new products like StableFX , EURC, and USYC are gaining traction. Q4 total revenue and reserve income were $770 million (up 77% YoY) with adjusted EBITDA of $167 million (up 412%) and a 54% adjusted EBITDA margin , though distribution and transaction costs increased 52% to $461 million and the reserve return rate fell to 3.81% . Circle ended the year with about $75 billion of USDC in circulation (up 72% YoY) and nearly $12 trillion of on-chain USDC volume (up 247% YoY); on-platform USDC rose 5.6x to $12.5 billion , while CCTP crosschain volume grew 3.7x to over $41 billion and accounted for a majority of bridged activity. Story Continues Q4 financial results and key drivers Diamondback Sees Resilient Demand Despite Cautious Guidance Hold Ratings, High Rewards? 3 Stocks That Could Defy Expectations Circle reported $770 million in Q4 total revenue and reserve income, up 77% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $167 million, up 412%, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 54%. Fox-Geen said the reserve return rate was 3.81% in Q4, down 68 basis points year-over-year due to a decline in SOFR. Total distribution, transaction, and other costs increased 52% year-over-year to $461 million. He also reminded listeners that Q4 2024 distribution costs included a previously disclosed $60 million one-time payment to a large distribution partner. AI Is Separating Software Winners From Losers, 2 Experts Explain Other revenue rose to $37 million in Q4, including $24.7 million in subscription and services revenue and $12.2 million in transaction revenue. Fox-Geen said transaction revenue was primarily driven by blockchain rewards, including increased revenues from Circles role running a super validator on the Canton Network, as Canton Coin began trading during the quarter. Platform expansion: Arc, CPN, StableFX, and additional digital assets Circle described progress across what Allaire characterized as three platform pillars: developer infrastructure (including Arc), digital assets and services (including USDC, EURC, USYC, Mint and xReserve), and applications (including Circle Payments Network and StableFX). Arc: Allaire said Circle launched the Arc testnet in Q4 and described it as designed for agentic economic activity. He said more than 100 companies were participating in testnet activity, with near 100% uptime, average settlement finality of about half a second , and 166 million total transactions to date, averaging around 2.3 million daily transactions in the testnet environment. In prepared remarks, Allaire said Circle was on track to launch Arc mainnet in 2026 . During Q&A, he outlined a plan to begin mainnet with a proof-of-authority validation model involving strategic partners running infrastructure. He also said Circle continues exploring an Arc token but did not provide a timeline. Circle Payments Network (CPN): Allaire said CPN has 55 financial institutions enrolled , up from 29 in Q3, with 74 more in eligibility reviews. Live flows are in 14 markets , and annualized volume based on a trailing 30-day period as of Feb. 20 reached $5.7 billion , which he said was up about 68% from the Q3 update. He characterized current use cases as largely B2B cross-border merchant settlement , with additional activity in remittance-related flows. StableFX: Circle introduced StableFX in production beta, which Allaire said combines institutional-grade FX execution with on-chain atomic settlement for 24/7 conversion and risk management. EURC and USYC: Allaire said EURC reached EUR 310 million in Q4 (up 3.8x year-over-year) and had grown to EUR 389 million as of Feb. 20. He also said USYC, Circles tokenized money market fund, ended the year at about $1.5 billion and increased to over $1.7 billion since quarter-end, with demand driven by use as collateral on exchanges such as Binance. Regulatory and enterprise adoption commentary Management cited multiple enterprise and institutional integrations, including partnerships involving Intuit and Visa, and a formal partnership with Polymarket, which Allaire described as the largest prediction market. He also listed a range of firms that launched USDC-related products, including Cash App, Gusto, Deel, Interactive Brokers, JP Morgan, and Mastercard. On regulation, Allaire said the GENIUS framework has been a tailwind, pointing to follow-on guidance from the SEC and CFTC related to the use of compliant stablecoins as collateral and broker-dealer treatment. He said Circle was cautiously optimistic on the CLARITY Act, describing it as close to the finish line and potentially another significant unlock for broader blockchain adoption. Allaire also noted Circle has received conditional approval for a national trust bank, First National Digital Currency Bank, which he said could strengthen custody infrastructure and support Circles work with the OCC under GENIUS. Guidance and updated expense definitions Fox-Geen reiterated Circles approach of providing limited guidance, citing that several key drivers are visible to the market in real time. For FY 2026, Circle guided: Other revenue: $150 million to $170 million Revenue less distribution costs (RLDC) margin: 38% to 40% Adjusted operating expenses: $570 million to $585 million He also said Circle will change its definition of adjusted operating expenses beginning in Q1 2026 to exclude payroll tax expense related to stock-based compensation and certain one-time legal, acquisition-related, and restructuring costs. In Q&A, executives also discussed distribution costs, emphasizing what they described as USDCs network effects and Circles discipline around incentivized partnerships. About Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) is a financial technology company that builds infrastructure to enable businesses and developers to use and move money on public blockchains. Co-founded by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, the company is best known as a principal issuer and steward of USD Coin (USDC), a dollar-pegged stablecoin developed through the CENTRE Consortium, which Circle co-founded with Coinbase. Jeremy Allaire serves as CEO and has been a visible leader in the company's strategy and public engagement around digital currency and payments innovation. Circle's core products and services center on digital currency issuance and programmable payments. The article "Circle Internet Group Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Smoke Plumes, Sirens As Iran Strikes Doha, Dubai After Khamenei's Death; Explosions Heard In Tehran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 12:29 IST Hours after Iranian state media announced the death of their supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, explosions were heard across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha, Qatar and Manama. Image credit: AFP Hours after Iranian state media announced the death of their supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, explosions were heard across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha, Qatar and Manama, leading to sirens being activated. Explosions were also heard in Tehran, according to Iranian media. The fresh explosions come a day after the deadly missile strikes by Iran in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, and attacks on US military infrastructure across the Gulf, except for mediator Oman. On Saturday after coordinated US-Israeli strikes against Iran Tehran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones across the UAE, the countrys defence ministry said. In an official statement, the UAEs Ministry of Defence said 132 of the 137 missiles were intercepted, while five fell into the sea. Of the 209 drones detected, 195 were intercepted. At Abu Dhabis airport, at least one person was killed in the strikes. Dubai Airport, the worlds busiest for international traffic, also came under attack. Iranian missiles also targeted the Palm, Dubais famed land island, and a luxury hotel, the Burj Al Arab. US-ISRAELI STRIKES Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes across Iran yesterday after stalled negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme. The mission, named Operation Epic Fury, targeted several major Iranian cities. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sought an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, warning of grave consequences" for global security. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 12:15 IST News world Smoke Plumes, Sirens As Iran Strikes Doha, Dubai After Khamenei's Death; Explosions Heard In Tehran Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran Confirms Khamenei Killed In US-Israel Strikes, Announces 40-Day Mourning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 07:37 IST A photograph of Khameneis body was shown to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been confirmed dead by Iran. (AFP file photo) Irans state television has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in recent strikes. The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei. According Iranian media reports, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Saturday. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.The Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Imam Khamenei, has been martyred. pic.twitter.com/3XI7i74pMi Iran Military Monitor (@IRIran_Military) March 1, 2026 Earlier reports said the body of Khamenei had been recovered following the Israeli-US strikes. According to Israels Channel 12, a photograph of Khameneis body was shown to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the Khameneis killling, Iranian National Security Council said Khameneis killing will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. Public broadcaster Kan reported that senior Israeli officials had been informed of Khameneis elimination" and that his body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran. Reports said several members of Khameneis family were also killed in the strikes that began on Saturday morning, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed in the strikes. Location : Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 07:09 IST News world Iran Confirms Khamenei Killed In US-Israel Strikes, Announces 40-Day Mourning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... They Attempted To Assassinate Trump: US Makes Big Charge Against Iran At UNSC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 10:47 IST Speaking after the joint US-Israel operation, US Envoy said the Iranian leadership was now presenting itself as a victim despite past actions. US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US Attack On Iran: Hours after Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israel strike named Operation Epic Fury, the United States representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mike Waltz, claimed the Iranian regime was attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump. Iran Israel War News Today Live Speaking after the operation, Waltz said the Iranian leadership was now presenting itself as a victim despite past actions. The Iranian regime has even attempted to assassinate the U.S. president President Donald Trump.Now they are masquerading as a victim. Now we have taken lawful action. pic.twitter.com/keHfqp74Cg Ambassador Mike Waltz (@USAmbUN) March 1, 2026 Now they are masquerading as a victim. Now we have taken lawful action," he said. Death to America" chants Even as celebrations were reported in some places following the announcement of Khameneis death, supporters gathered at the Hazrat Masoumeh shrine in Qom. Chants of Death to America" and Death to Israel" were heard at the site after the news emerged. IRGC threatens major offensive Meanwhile, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning following the killing of the Supreme Leader. The IRGC vowed what it described as the most ferocious offensive operation in history" against Israel and the United States. Iranian state media reported that an intensive military operation targeting Israel and US bases could begin shortly. Location : Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 10:04 IST News world They Attempted To Assassinate Trump: US Makes Big Charge Against Iran At UNSC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Ordered To Ban Anthropic, Later US Military Used Its Claude AI In Iran Strikes: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:00 IST US defence forces used Anthropic's AI Claude for airstrikes on Iran, hours after Trump ordered a phase-out and labeling Anthropic a supply chain risk amid rising tensions. Citing people familiar with the matter, the Journal reported that commands around the world including US Central Command (Centcom) used Anthropics Claude AI tool for intelligence assessments. (X) The US defence forces used artificial intelligence developed by Anthropic during the airstrikes on Iran, just hours after US President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to stop working with the tech firm, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. As per the report, citing people familiar with the matter, the US Command force used Anthropics AI for intelligence assessments, target identification and simulating battle scenarios. The use of Claude in such high-stakes missions highlights that the model is already integrated into US military operations even as relations between Anthropic and the Pentagon have deteriorated sharply, the report said citing sources. Claude had previously been approved for use in classified military and intelligence operations through partnerships involving Palantir and Amazon Web Services. It was also used during its operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. As per the report, Anthropics AI model was deployed during the January raid in Caracas that led to Maduros capture and transfer to New York to face drug-trafficking charges. Maduro and his wife were captured from Caracas after several sites were bombed by US defence forces. Anthropic was among a small group of major AI labs alongside OpenAI, Google and xAI that secured multiyear Pentagon contracts worth up to $200 million each to provide advanced AI capabilities. Last week, Trump ordered all federal agencies to immediately cease" using Anthropics technology, calling the company leftwing nut jobs" and accusing it of putting American lives at risk." He directed the Pentagon to designate Anthropic a supply chain risk" and initiate a six-month phase-out of its systems across agencies, including what he referred to as the Department of War." Tensions escalated in recent weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic a deadline to allow unrestricted use of its AI tools for any lawful" military purpose. Anthropics CEO, Dario Amodei, publicly rejected demands to drop safeguards against specific uses, framing them as ethical red lines that the company would not cross, even at the cost of government contracts. In a blog post, Anthropic said designating it as a supply chain risk would be an unprecedented action" historically reserved for US adversaries. As the first frontier AI company to deploy models in the US governments classified networks, Anthropic has supported American warfighters since June 2024 and has every intention of continuing to do so," the company said. Anthropic added that it believes the designation would be legally unsound and said it plans to challenge the move in court. The report noted that the use of Claude in high-profile missions is among the reasons why US administration had said that it would take six months to phase out the technology from the AI startup. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:00 IST News world Trump Ordered To Ban Anthropic, Later US Military Used Its Claude AI In Iran Strikes: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Official Confirms Four B-2 Bombers Struck Underground Ballistic Missile Sites In Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 21:39 IST The American military used four B-2 bombers in the recent strike on Iran, targeting Tehran's underground ballistic missile sites. B-2 Bombers (Representational Image) A US Defence official confirmed to Fox News that the American military used four B-2 stealth bombers in the recent strikes on Iran, targeting underground ballistic missile sites. According to the official, four B-2 bombers flew round-trip from the US and dropped dozens of 2-000-lb bombs on underground ballistic missile sites in Iran." This report came after analysts monitoring open-source flight tracking data revealed that B-2 bombers had been used in recent strikes on Iran, according to The Times of Israel. Notably, the United States had used B-2 bombers against Iran in the conflict last June to target underground nuclear sites in Isfahan, Fordow and Natanz. The assault began with six Bunker Buster bombs targeting the underground Fordow facility, followed by 30 Tomahawk missiles hitting Natanz and Isfahan. The B-2 Spirit, commonly known as the B-2 stealth bomber, is a groundbreaking aircraft that has served as a cornerstone of American airpower and stealth technology for more than 30 years. It can fly up to 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling, and its range can be further extended through aerial refueling, enabling long-duration missions deep into hostile territory. During last years strikes, the US deployed the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetratorcommonly known as a bunker-buster bombto strike Irans heavily fortified underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow. Irans Missile Programme Took Massive Hits Meanwhile, an Israeli military official told Fox News that the coordinated US-Israeli strikes have dealt massive damage to Irans ability to carry out counterattacks, saying that its central explosives facility was destroyed. The site was allegedly used to produce explosive materials for ballistic missile warheads, as well as other weapons, according to the official. Furthermore, hundreds of Iranian missiles and 200 ballistic missile launchers were destroyed, and the production of at least 1,500 additional missiles was prevented, the official said. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also struck other aspects of Irans weapons industries, including anti-tank systems. However, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at US bases in Gulf countries and Israel, vowing retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that killed Tehrans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has damaged air hubs, rocked densely populated areas and disrupted oil shipments. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: March 01, 2026, 20:57 IST News world US Official Confirms Four B-2 Bombers Struck Underground Ballistic Missile Sites In Iran Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... War Is Not With Your Neighbours: UAE Presidential Adviser Slams Iran Over Airstrikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 14:54 IST Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, asked Iran to act with sense as the country is not at war with its neighbours. Smoke rising from the ground after Iranian Strikes in Abu Dhabi (Credits: X) West Asia Conflict: A senior United Arab Emirates (UAE) official warned Iran for targeting several areas of the country with its missiles, saying Tehrans retaliatory attacks had isolated the country at a critical moment. Taking a sharp jibe, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, asked Iran to act with sense as the country is not at war with its neighbouring states like the UAE, news agency AFP reported. The Iranian aggression against the Gulf states was a miscalculation and it isolated Iran at a critical juncture. Your war is not with your neighbours," Gargash said as quoted by the news agency. Return to reason, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbours rationally and responsibly before the circle of isolation and escalation widens," he added. His remarks came as Iran launched fresh strikes across parts of the Gulf region after US-Israeli joint strikes killed the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khameneis death, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning against Israel and the United States. The force vowed what it described as the most ferocious offensive operation in history". Red alert sirens were activated across Israels Negev and Dead Sea regions on Sunday as the conflict in West Asia escalated. IRGC said on Sunday that it had targeted 27 American military bases in West Asia. We targeted 27 sites of US bases in the region," the force said. According to media reports, several loud blasts were also heard in Dubai and over Qatars capital Doha as Iran launched fresh strikes. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are US allies, and Irans offensive was described as a message to neighbouring countries that siding with its enemies would have consequences. Earlier on Saturday, Dubais iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, considered the worlds only 10-star hotel, was engulfed in flames after debris from an intercepted drone hit the building. Zayed International Airport in the UAEs Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airport, the worlds busiest for international traffic, also suffered damages following overnight Iranian attack across the Gulf states. Many flights in and out of the Middle East have been cancelled due to US missile attacks on Iran and subsequent counter strikes targeting American bases in the region. As per airport authorities, one Asian national was killed and seven others were injured at Abu Dhabi airport, while four injures were reported at Dubai airport. Videos showed panicked passengers running along concourses as smoke spread through the airports, as water triggered by smoke alarms collected on the floor. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: March 01, 2026, 14:54 IST News world War Is Not With Your Neighbours: UAE Presidential Adviser Slams Iran Over Airstrikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... We'd Dance On Your Grave: Woman Who Lit Cigarette With Burning Khamenei's Photo Hails His Death Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:52 IST A woman went viral for relighting her cigarette with a burning picture of Irans Supreme Leader Khamenei after his death earlier this year. Addams first gained global attention in January when footage circulated online showing her setting fire to an A4-sized photograph of Khamenei and using it to relight a cigarette. (X) Khameneis Death: A woman who went viral earlier this year after a video showed her relighting a cigarette with a burning picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hailed the latters death in US-Israel joint airstrikes. In a post on X, the woman, identified as Morticia Addams on social media, shared a video showing herself attending what appeared to be an anti-Iran regime rally in Canada, where she is now based. I said wed dance on your grave, didnt I?" she wrote in the caption. In another post, she was seen celebrating what she described as the pathetic death" of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Quoting US President Donald Trump, she added, He died like a rat." Cheers to mooshalis pathetic death As the president Trump said He died like a rat " pic.twitter.com/LeV6mdX581 Morticia Addams (@melianouss) March 1, 2026 Who Is This Woman? The woman first gained global attention in January when footage circulated online showing her setting fire to an A4-sized photograph of Khamenei and using it to relight a cigarette. The clip became one of the defining images of large-scale anti-government protests in Iran at the time. The clips, widely shared and reshared, have turned a small gesture into a powerful symbol of resistance. They also arrive at a moment of deep internal strain for Iran, where economic hardship, renewed nationwide protests and long-standing anger over womens rights have converged. She has described herself as an Iranian refugee and said she uses a pseudonym for safety reasons. In past statements, she claimed she was arrested and abused in Iran for her dissident activities before fleeing to Turkey. She has since reportedly obtained a student visa and is now living in Toronto. Khamenei Killed In Joint Strikes Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military operation targeting sites across Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Khameneis compound in Tehran had been destroyed. Iranian media reported that members of his family, including his daughter and granddaughter, were also killed in the strikes. Tehran condemned the attacks as unprovoked and illegal and launched missiles at Israel and several countries in the region that host American military bases. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:52 IST News world We'd Dance On Your Grave: Woman Who Lit Cigarette With Burning Khamenei's Photo Hails His Death Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? The Supreme Leader Who Ruled Iran For 36 Years Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 10:48 IST With Khameneis demise, a hugely consequential chapter in Irans modern history comes to an end, leaving uncertainty over what comes next and who may succeed him. File photo of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (IMAGE: AFP FILE) Iran Isreal War News Today: Iran has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in recent strikes, with media reporting that he died in the early hours of Saturday. The government announced 40 days of national mourning following his death. Iran Israel War News Today Live With Khameneis demise, a hugely consequential chapter in Irans modern history comes to an end, leaving uncertainty over what comes next and who may succeed him. Khameneis early life and revolutionary beginnings Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei was born on April 19, 1939, in the holy city of Mashhad, Iran, into a modest religious family. At the age of 19, he moved to Qom, the centre of Shiite scholarship, where he studied under Ruhollah Khomeini. During the 1960s, he joined the anti-Shah opposition movement against Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was repeatedly arrested and tortured and spent three years in internal exile for his political activities. Khamenei emerged as a key religious figure during the upheavals that led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which transformed Iran into an Islamic republic. Rise through the new Islamic state After the revolution, Khamenei quickly rose within the new political order. He held several senior roles, including deputy defence minister and Tehrans Friday prayer leader. In 1981, he survived an assassination attempt that paralysed his right arm. Within months, he became Irans president, serving two terms from 1981 to 1989 during the Iran-Iraq War and a period of internal consolidation. Following Khomeinis death in 1989, Iran amended its constitution to allow Khameneis appointment as the countrys second Supreme Leader, despite his initially lacking the required religious credentials. Supreme leader and absolute authority As Supreme Leader, Khamenei held ultimate authority above Irans elected institutions. He exercised final control over: The armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) The judiciary and state broadcasting networks Strategic foreign and nuclear policy decisions The position made him the ultimate arbiter of Irans domestic and international direction, outweighing the powers of presidents and parliament. Also See: Who Is Iran Supreme Commander Now Policies and political influence Khamenei centralised authority through loyalists across state institutions. He backed Irans nuclear programme while maintaining a religious decree against weapons of mass destruction. He allowed limited economic privatisation but resisted political reforms. His rule transformed Iran into what supporters described as an energy superpower, though sanctions were imposed due to hardline policies towards the West and Israel. An austere figure known for his white beard, clerical robes and black turban, Khamenei never left Iran after becoming Supreme Leader. He suppressed protests against his leadership and the Islamic system he helped build, reinforcing his reputation as a leader willing to use force to maintain power. Ideology and regional strategy Khamenei defined Iran as a staunch enemy of Israel and opposed US influence in the Middle East, shaped by his distrust of Washingtons past involvement in Iranian politics. He repeatedly called for Israels destruction and promoted jihad as a central ideological pillar of the Islamic Republic, describing it as a struggle against the West and particularly the United States. Under his leadership, Iran expanded the role of the IRGC and built networks of allied groups across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza. Iran supported militias and proxy forces, gaining regional influence but drawing criticism from Arab neighbours who accused Tehran of interference. Conflicts, protests and crackdowns Khamenei protected hardline religious institutions and the military, often opposing public calls for reform and closer ties with the West. He responded with force to major uprisings, including protests following the death of a young woman in morality police custody in 2022 and later nationwide demonstrations. Security forces carried out deadly crackdowns, with thousands reported killed and many more arrested during unrest accompanied by internet shutdowns. Earlier protests, including the 2009 Green Movement, were also harshly suppressed, cementing his reputation for ruling with an iron grip. Foreign policy and nuclear tensions While insisting Iran did not seek atomic weapons, Khamenei oversaw development of a complex nuclear programme long suspected by Western countries of having military potential. In 2015, Iran agreed to limit nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement collapsed in 2018 after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, reinforcing Khameneis scepticism towards Western commitments. Irans regional alliances later suffered setbacks, including losses among allied groups and shifting power balances following conflicts across the Middle East. Personal life and character Despite his conservative image, Khamenei earlier cultivated interests in poetry and fiction and maintained friendships with musicians and intellectuals. He was a father of six children with his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagharzadeh. Over time, however, he came to embody the austere patriarch of Irans Islamic system an unsmiling figure whose authority shaped every major aspect of the state. End of a 37-Year Rule Khameneis death on February 28, 2026, at the age of 86 ends a 37-year tenure as Supreme Leader, one of the longest and most consequential leadership periods in Irans history. His death closes an era defined by revolutionary ideology, regional confrontation and strict clerical rule, leaving Iran facing an uncertain political future. Location : Iran First Published: March 01, 2026, 08:34 IST News world Who Was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? The Supreme Leader Who Ruled Iran For 36 Years Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Iran Raised Red Flag Over Mosque After Supreme Leader Khamenei's Killing? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 19:33 IST After Khameneis reported death in a US-Israel airstrike, Iran raised a red flag of revenge and formed an interim council led by Arafi, Pezeshkian, and Ejei. Iran raised red flag (Credits: X) A red flag of revenge" was raised above the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque in Irans holy city of Qom after the reported death of the countrys Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The symbolic act is widely seen as a call for justice and retaliation and reflects growing anger among his supporters as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. The Jamkaran Mosque holds deep religious importance in Iran. According to media reports, the red flag placed atop the mosque signals mourning and a vow for revenge following Khameneis death. The development has further intensified the atmosphere in the region. Khamenei was reportedly killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint attack by the United States and Israel. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday, triggering protests, mourning gatherings and political reactions in several countries, including India. Reacting to the development, US President Donald Trump said in a statement, Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead." Iran raises the red flag over the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom as a Shia symbol of revenge pic.twitter.com/BtkCfbmbNw Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) March 1, 2026 He added, This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the reports, saying there were many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive". Addressing the Iranian public, he said, This is your time to join forces, to overthrow the regime and to secure your future." Soon after the reports emerged, celebrations were heard in parts of Tehran, while plumes of black smoke were seen rising from areas near the district where Khamenei usually stayed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described Khamenei as the architect of the plan to destroy the State of Israel" and claimed he led efforts to expand Iranian influence across the Middle East. Following his death, Iran has formed an interim leadership structure to manage the countrys affairs. State media reported that senior cleric Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the jurist member of a temporary three-member Leadership Council. According to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Arafi will serve on the council alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. The council will carry out the duties of the supreme leader until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor. First Published: March 01, 2026, 19:33 IST News world Why Iran Raised Red Flag Over Mosque After Supreme Leader Khamenei's Killing? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why US, Israel Picked Saturday To Strike Iran And Kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 13:44 IST The confirmation of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's meeting with top advisers put the Israeli-U.S. air and naval operation into motion Rapid Read Israel said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed along with top lieutenants. (Reuters File) Israel and the U.S. timed their attack on Iran on Saturday to coincide with a meeting the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was holding with top aides, Reuters reported, citing two U.S. sources and a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Israel said Khamenei was killed along with top lieutenants including Ali Shamkhani, the powerful former National Security Council secretary, and Mohammad Pakpour, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander. Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Khamenei met on Saturday with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes started. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khameneis body had been found. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that Irans top leader was killed after intelligence pinpointed his movements. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do," Trump said. The U.S. and Israeli military strikes across Iran have pushed the Middle East into a new and unpredictable conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf Arab countries. The two U.S. sources and the U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that confirmation of Khameneis meeting with top advisers put the Israeli-U.S. air and naval operation into motion. ALSO READ | Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons Explained The U.S. official said the attack needed to strike Khamenei first to maintain the element of surprise, suggesting there was concern the Iranian leader would escape into hiding if he had the opportunity. One U.S. source said that Khamenei had originally been expected to hold the meeting on Saturday evening in Tehran. But Israeli intelligence detected a meeting on Saturday morning, and the strikes were moved forward, the sources said. The location of the meeting was not immediately clear. But Khameneis high-security compound in Tehran was struck at the beginning of the operation, and satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters confirmed that it had been destroyed. The impact of Khameneis death remained to be seen. But in a pre-attack assessment, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency concluded that he could be replaced by IRGC hardliners, according to two sources briefed on the intelligence. With Reuters Inputs First Published: March 01, 2026, 13:44 IST News world Why US, Israel Picked Saturday To Strike Iran And Kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MFS backed property deals struck by Saifuzzaman Chowdhury (pictured), Bangladeshs former land minister Asked by Asian Voice to name his idols, Paresh Raja picked the villain from Oliver Stones 1987 film Wall Street and a mob boss from The Godfather. I can appreciate some of the drive behind Gordon Gekko and Vito Corleone, setting aside what its used for, Raja told the publication in 2023. It is a comment that he may now regret. Rajas company, Market Financial Solutions (MFS), tipped into administration earlier this week amid allegations of fraud. Court documents seen by Bloomberg show a 930m black hole on its balance sheet. The sudden implosion of the Mayfair-based private lender, or shadow bank, has sent shock waves through Wall Street and the City of London as lenders that backed the business scramble to work out how much they stand to lose. Bankers are already on edge following the high-profile collapse of two other private credit lenders. The case has also resurfaced the lenders links to the Bangladeshi elite. MFS was a significant backer of property deals struck by Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Bangladeshs former land minister. His property empire is now the subject of an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Authorities have not accused Raja or MFS of wrongdoing. Raja, 58, founded MFS with his wife, Tiba, in 2006. The lender provided what it called complex, property-backed lending. The companys main products included buy-to-let mortgages and bridging loans short-term debt that borrowers could use for various kinds of investments in real assets. Paresh Rajas company, Market Financial Solutions, tipped into administration this week amid fraud allegations MFSs website stated that Raja was committed to supporting property investors who encounter difficulties with or are simply not suitable for the high street banks. We find ourselves regularly supporting borrowers who have been turned away on the high street, Raja told Asian Voice. Were always happy to hear from those who may have missed payments on their record, who are based overseas, or who are looking to invest in less common property types. An important client of MFS during its rise was Chowdhury, Bangladeshs former land minister. Companies linked to Chowdhury built up an impressive portfolio of properties in the UK during his five-year tenure in power before he and the government he was a part of were ousted in August 2024. According to the Financial Times, Chowdhury-linked businesses took out hundreds of secured loans from lenders linked to MFS following his appointment as land minister in 2019. Saifuzzaman Chowdhurys property empire is now the subject of an investigation by the National Crime Agency After the fall of prime minister Sheikh Hasinas regime in 2024, it appears that nearly all of the MFS-linked mortgages were repaid. However, the property empire has become the subject of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation in the UK. In June, the NCA froze UK property worth 170m belonging to the former minister. Authorities have not accused Raja or MFS of wrongdoing. Will Hit With Force Never Seen Before: Trump Warns Iran Over Retaliatory Strikes On US Bases Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 01, 2026, 11:31 IST Donald Trump warned Tehran against retaliatory strikes on Israel and US bases, stating the United States will respond with unprecedented force. US President Donald Trump. (AFP) West Asia Conflict: US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran after the latter vowed retaliatory strikes on Israel and US bases, saying that if Iran followed through on its own threats to strike very hard," the United States will respond with a force that has never been seen before." Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" the US President said on Truth Social. Iran Vows Most Ferocious Offensive Operation In History His warning came after Tehran vowed the most ferocious offensive operation in history" against Israel and the United States following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in missile strikes. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the most intensive operation against Israel and US bases is set to begin shortly", Iranian state media reported. Following this, Iran launched a new wave of strikes targeting Israel and United States bases, according to Irans state television. Red alert sirens were activated across Israels Negev and Dead Sea regions on Sunday as the conflict in West Asia escalated. Continuous explosions were heard across Tel Aviv on Sunday, caused by Israels interceptor missiles targeting incoming Iranian projectiles, Al Arabiya reported. IRGC said that it had targeted 27 American military bases in West Asia. We targeted 27 sites of US bases in the region," the force said. Khamenei Killed In Israel-US Strikes Tensions in West Asia escalated on Sunday after Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in airstrikes launched by Israel and the US. The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei. Following the Khameneis killing, Iranian National Security Council said the assassination will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. Public broadcaster Kan reported that senior Israeli officials had been informed of Khameneis elimination" and that his body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran. Khameneis family were also killed in the strikes that began on Saturday morning, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed in the strikes. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 01, 2026, 11:03 IST News world Will Hit With Force Never Seen Before: Trump Warns Iran Over Retaliatory Strikes On US Bases Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The world's only flightless parrot species was once thought to be doomed by design. The kakapo is too heavy, too slow and, frankly, too delicious to survive around predators, and takes a shamelessly relaxed approach to reproduction. But the AP reports that the nocturnal and reclusive New Zealand native bird's fate is teetering toward survival after an unlikely conservation effort that has coaxed the population from 50 to more than 200 over three decades. This year, with a bumper crop of the strange parrot's favorite berries prompting a rare enthusiasm for mating, those working to save the birds hope for a record number of chicks in February, which would move the kakapo closer to defying what was believed to be certain extinction. Kakapo live on three tiny, remote islands off New Zealand's southern coast and chances to see them in the wild are scarce. This breeding season has launched one of the birds to internet fame through a livestreamed video of her underground nest, where her chick hatched Tuesday. The kakapo is a majestic creature that can live for 60 to 80 years. But they're undoubtedly weird to look at. They have owllike faces, whiskers, and mottled green, yellow and black plumage that mimics dappled light on the forest floor. That's where the flightless parrot lives, which has made its survival complicated. "Kakapo also have a really strong scent," said Deidre Vercoe, operations manager of the Department of Conservation's kakapo program. "They smell really musky and fruitygorgeous smell." One reason the kakapo population has grown slowly is that its breeding is peculiar. A breeding season only happens every two to four years, in response to bumper crops of fruit from the native rimu trees the parrots favor, which last happened in 2022. Perhaps the only thing stranger than the kakapo is the lengths to which New Zealanders have gone to save it. Quadrupling the population over the past three decades has required their relocation to three remote, predator-free offshore islands and the micromanaging of the parrots' every romantic entanglement. "We don't have the Eiffel Tower or the pyramids, but we do have kakapo and kiwi," Vercoe said. "It's a real New Zealand duty to save these birds." A toxic train crash that was supposed to be "settled" by now is anything but, and the Lever takes a deep look into what's gone wrong. Nearly three years after Norfolk Southern's derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, residents describe a payout process so snarled by delays, fine print, and alleged mismanagement that many still haven't seen a dollar. Reporter Katya Schwenk details how a $600 million class-action settlement , hailed as historic, quickly turned into a maze: Attorneys took $180 million upfront, a private-equity-backed administrator allegedly misallocated more than $17 million and denied thousands of claims, and residents who signed away future health claims for roughly $25,000 are now learning there isn't enough money to give everyone even that. "They thought, 'They're hillbillies, throw them a couple bucks and be done with it,'" says 54-year-old Ben Terwilliger, whose home is near the derailment site. The story zooms in on other locals whose lives were upended by the derailment and then by the legal aftermath, and on a new lawyer trying to unwind the deal by accusing the original attorneys who stampeded into town of misleading the community. It also follows scientists still unsure of the long-term health risks of the chemicals in the crash: The train carried thousands of gallons of vinyl chloride, and the railroad set the toxins on fire after the crash in a controlled burn, "contrary to expert advice it received," per the story. As all this continues to unfold, Norfolk Southern trains keep rolling through town. Read the full story. That oft-cited claim that one in every 200 humans alive today descends from Genghis Khan just took a hit. A new DNA study of remains from Kazakh mausoleums tied to the Mongol Empire suggests the genetic footprint of the 13th-century conqueror's male line is much smaller than earlier research implied. Because the remains of Genghis Khan have never been found , researchers analyzed male skeletons from three medieval mausoleums in Kazakhstan's Ulytau region, formerly known as the Golden Horde, which was ruled by Genghis' eldest son, Jochi, and later his descendants, per Live Science . They didn't find Jochi himself, but they uncovered the remains of three menone each from the 13th, 14th, and 18th centuries, per the Jerusalem Postwho were paternally related on a rare branch within a larger C3* lineage. The 2003 study that underpinned the estimate that 0.5% of the world's men are descendants of Genghis Khan had proposed C3* as the "Genghis Khan haplotype," but since then, C3* has been revealed as a very large and complex family tree. The new work, published in PNAS, shows the Golden Horde haplotype is extremely rare in modern populations. That means far fewer modern men likely descend from Genghis Khan than estimated two decades ago, though researchers say finding a direct descendant of Khan, or Khan himself, could settle the question once and for all. A 9-year-old girl boarded an overnight bus in Spain's Barcelona in 2013and what follows is a kidnapping, a jungle rescue, and a second betrayal back home. Writing for the Guardian , Giles Tremlett traces how Moroccan-born Spaniard Nada Itrab was taken by a trusted neighbor, Grover Morales, to Bolivia on what was supposed to be a one-week vacation, with her parents' permission. Instead, Nada was sexually abused, forced into farm and coca-field labor, and hidden in a remote village that even police hesitated to enter. Her rescue more than seven months later came only after a Spanish detective, Jose Manuel Hidalgo, cut a deal with local narcos to seize her captor and hold her until helicopters could swoop in. "Any other child would have died," Hidalgo later said of Nada's incredible survival in the clutches of Morales. Tremlett also follows Nada's life after her rescue and the accompanying headlines: She was taken from her parents, who got suspended sentences for "abandoning" her to Morales, but then eventually sent back to the apartment they were squatting in. She drifted through depression and suicidal thoughtsuntil she was pulled into a new orbit by Catalan journalist Neus Sala, who helped her secure residency, therapy, and a path to law school. Now 21, Nada is turning her story into a campaign against child trafficking, even as she sues Catalan authorities for negligence. Morales, sentenced to 17 years for child trafficking and sex abuse, has since died behind barsbut Nada has also since forgiven him. "When you forgive, you don't do it because the other person deserves it," she said in a recent TV appearance. "I do this because my heart deserves to live free of rancor." More here. TIFFIN, Ohio First Brands Group, LLC will permanently close its TMD Tiffin manufacturing plant, eliminating 407 jobs on April 30, 2026, according to a WARN Act notice filed Friday with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The facility, located at 1441 N. Maule Rd. in Tiffin, will shut down entirely on April 30, with all 407 employees losing their jobs. The company described the action as a permanent closure. The filing marks one of the largest recent job losses in Seneca County. First Brands Group, based in Cleveland, is currently operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In its notice, the company cited severe financial distress and said it had explored multiple options to avoid closing the plant. Those efforts included seeking outside funding and attempting to sell the Tiffin facility. The company has gone to great lengths to maintain its operations, the notice states. However, under all of these circumstances, the company has now made the difficult decision to close this facility. The workforce includes a range of positions, from production roles such as press operators and production handlers to engineers, quality control staff, maintenance workers and administrative employees. Some of the workers are represented by United Auto Workers Local 2021. Local and state officials, including Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson and Seneca County Board of Commissioners President Anthony Paradiso, were notified as required under federal and state law. Displaced workers are encouraged to contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for assistance with unemployment benefits, job placement services and retraining programs. More information is available at jfs.ohio.gov or by calling 877-644-6562. Read the original article on cleveland.com. Add cleveland.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The congressional vote on a war powers resolution scheduled for next week may be mostly symbolic, but the issue gained urgency after the US attacked Iran on Saturday, and the outcome will serve as a referendum on President Trump's actions. Bipartisan efforts to have the House and Senate take up the issue have been picking up steam for months while the US conducted a military buildup in the region, Politico reports. On Saturday, some lawmakers called for quick action, per the AP . "Congress must convene on Monday to vote," said Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, "to stop this." Both the House and Senate are to vote on measures invoking the 1973 War Powers Resolution that seek to limit Trump's ability to continue operations against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress, per Roll Call. In the Senate, a resolution led by Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Rand Paul would require US forces to be withdrawn from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress formally approves further action. A similar Iran-related effort failed 47-53 last year. Khanna and GOP Rep. Thomas Massie have a bipartisan measure of their own they want put to a vote, per the AP. Massie evoked Trump's campaign slogan in criticizing Saturday's strikes. "This is not 'America First,'" he said. The politics are complicated by some Democrats backing the strikes and some Republicans expressing caution without fully opposing them. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who previously voted against an Iran war powers resolution, praised Trump's actions, while GOP Sens. Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and Todd Young called for full briefings and stressed the need to understand the campaign's scope, legal basis, and objectives of the mission. How and when Congress was notified about the Iran operation is emerging as an issue that could shape those votes, per Roll Call. White House officials said the Gang of Eightthe top bipartisan leaders and intelligence chairs and ranking memberswas notified beforehand, and Armed Services committees were briefed after the strikes began. Lawmakers from both parties, including Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, are demanding immediate, detailed briefings and greater consultation, citing requirements in the War Powers Act, intelligence statutes, and defense laws that govern advance notice, covert activities, and sensitive military operations. A post on Saturday by Cassidy, who voted in support of an Iran war powers resolution in 2020, suggested the state of congressional notification: He wrote that "presumably" the strikes were justified. The United Nations chief condemned the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and called for an immediate return to negotiations "to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink." Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Saturday that everything must be done to prevent further escalation. "The alternative," he warned, per the AP , "is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability." Guterres also denounced Iran's retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. US Ambassador Mike Waltz insisted the US military action was lawful. "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he told the council. "That principle is not a matter of politics. It's a matter of global security." Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon, speaking to reporters before the meeting, said it was "hypocrisy" to condemn the airstrikes. He said that Iran is responsible for the actions of its proxies in the Middle East and for its nuclear and missile programs, and that Israel and the US acted "to prevent an irreversible and immediate threat." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a letter to the secretary-general, accused the US and Israel of "flagrantly" violating Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the UN Charter. He said Iran was exercising its right to self-defense under the charter in response. Araghchi urged council members "to take the necessary and immediate measures to halt this unlawful use of force and to ensure accountability." And he called for an unequivocal condemnation of "this act of aggression as it undoubtedly poses an unprecedented threat to regional as well as global peace and security." Russia's ambassador also condemned the US-Israeli airstrikes, while China's ambassador was more measured in his criticism. "We demand that the United States and Israel immediately cease their aggressive actions," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said. "We insist on the immediate resumption of political and diplomatic settlement efforts based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests." Ambassador Fu Cong said China was concerned by "the sudden escalation of regional tensions" and supported Russia's call for a return to diplomatic negotiations. In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain and Franceboth veto-wielding members of the councilalong with Germany's chancellor, called for a resumption of US-Iranian talks on Tehran's nuclear program. The three countries, part of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Trump pulled the US out of the deal in 2018. New York's governor is letting a bathroom joke slide. Long Island's Seth Bykofsky can keep driving with his "PB4WEGO" vanity plate after Gov. Kathy Hochul personally intervened to reverse the DMV's decision to revoke it as "objectionable," reports USA Today . In an Instagram video , Hochul phoned Bykofsky to say she loved the plate and called it a "public service," adding that everyone needs a reminder to use the restroom before hitting the road, per the New York Post . The lighthearted fight over the plate had briefly turned political: After the DMV pulled it, the 69-year-old Bykofsky jokingly announced an independent run for governor on Facebook, pledging to defend the right to "Pee Before We Go." Following Hochul's call and the plate's reinstatement, he "suspended" his faux campaign and framed the outcome as a win for free expression. New York's DMV rules bar phrases referring to bodily functionsunless the governor is on board. Israel announced Sunday it launched a wave of strikes on "the heart of Tehran," and explosions followed in Iran's capital. Iran's government, which had vowed revenge for the death Saturday of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, retaliated with a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Israel and US military installations around the Persian Gulf region, as well as Dubai, the AP reports. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had threatened earlier in the day to begin its "most intense offensive operation" ever, drawing a warning from President Trump. "They better not do that, however," Trump posted in all caps, per the Hill, "because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!" The US and Israel had been waiting for a chance to kill Iran's senior political and military leaders with one strike. When intelligence identified the opportunity as a meeting Saturday in Tehran, it brought another advantage: The strike could be carried out in daylight after initially being planned for nighttime, the Wall Street Journal reported. On top of that, the CIA learned in time that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be at the same location and told Israel; the agency had been tracking the country's supreme leader for months, per the New York Times . Israeli jets then dropped 30 bombs on Khamenei's compound. The success reflected the ability of Israel's intelligence services to catch enemies unaware, per the Journal. Past attacks have been anticipated late at night, "when there is cover of darkness," said Amos Yadlin, a former head of Israeli military intelligence. The daylight strike "was a tactical surprise," he said. Although he had an underground bunker, Khamenei was holding an above-ground, routine meeting with advisers and never saw the attack coming, per Axios. Intelligence findings had led to planners settling on a window for the attack more than a week in advance, based on knowledge that three meetings would be held. The Israeli operation involved relatively few aircraft, which were armed with long-range and highly accurate munitions. Around 9:40am in Tehran, long-range missiles hit the compound while senior national security officials were gathered in one building. Khamenei was in another, per the Times. The notion of such an attack first surfaced in December, per Axios, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Deadly unrest spread across Pakistan on Sunday as protests against US and Israeli strikes on Iran turned violent near American diplomatic sites. Authorities said at least 22 people were killed in clashes linked to the demonstrations, the New York Times reports. Ten people died and dozens were injured in Karachi when protesters tried to overrun the US Consulate, according to a police surgeon at the city's main government hospital. Two people were reported dead in Islamabad near the US Embassy, and 10 more in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, officials said. Demonstrators attacked UN and government offices in the north, per the AP, which reported that 120 people had been injured overall. Demonstrators, many from Pakistan's sizable Shiite minority, described the strikes on Iran as an attack on their religious identity, per the Times. "When Iran is attacked, we feel our faith, our identity and our very existence are being targeted," said Asghar Jaffer, a Shiite student activist in Karachi. "Following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, every citizen of Pakistan shares in the grief of the people of Iran," said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a statement. The events mark the most serious strain in US-Pakistan relations since the 2011 American raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, said Adam Weinstein of the Quincy Institute in Washington. "Pakistan's military can suppress the protests, but the political cost of bear hugging President Trump is rising fast," he said. The situation carries regional risks, per the Times. Pakistan, which borders Iran and counts 15% to 20% of its 240 million people as Shiite, has long tried to balance ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the US. Islamabad condemned "unwarranted attacks" on Iran without naming the US or Israel and also criticized Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Persian Gulf states. Officials in both Pakistan and Afghanistan warned that further instability in Iran could disrupt cross-border trade, fuel militant activity along the Iran-Pakistan frontier, and threaten billions in remittances from Gulf and Iran-based workers that support families and economies across the region. Most of us thought the energy world had really turned a corner. State governments are rolling out clean power targets, utility companies have been retiring their coal plants, and renewables are finally gaining both political and commercial momentum. Thats why everybodys so shocked about whats going on over in Knoxville, Tennessee. It might not be a household name all over the country, but the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVC) is Americas biggest public power provider. The company serves 10 million people across seven states, so the decisions they make influence a large chunk of the country. And this month, TVA has shown us all that energy markets are a lot more fluid than investors realize. More News from Barchart Whats the big announcement? In a move that company leaders claim will help drive U.S. energy dominance, TVA has canceled the retirement of two major coal plants and formally dropped renewable energy as a strategic priority. Unless youre a hardened market-watcher, TVAs decision might just look like some weird corporate blip. But its actually been a long time coming, and it has serious implications for industrial strategy, regulatory outlooks, and investment decisions. Lets take a closer look at whats changed and why Wall Street needs to pay attention. Why Is Coal Back in the Mix? TVA has been methodically planning a transition away from coal for years now. The company planned to take two of its largest coal-fired plants (Kingston and Cumberland) offline in 2027 and 2028, respectively, and replace them with natural gas units and renewable energy backed by battery storage. This move was essentially the centerpiece of TVAs big and flashy decarbonization strategy. That all changed when the board met earlier this month. Members voted unanimously to drop renewable energy as a priority, shelve TVAs existing coal-retirement timeline, and grant a reprieve to plants nearing the end of their lifecycles. Environmental campaigners were understandably livid, particularly as this decision represents a stark U-turn from previous policy. So, what gives? It looks like the boards decision was equal parts commercial and political. Government Hospitals announced that amid the ongoing hostile attack targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, four injured individuals were received at Salmaniya Medical Complex. According to officials, three of the cases were minor and were treated in line with approved medical protocols before being discharged. The fourth case was classified as moderate and remains under medical observation until the patients condition stabilizes. Specialized medical teams continue to monitor the situation closely. In this context, Government Hospitals confirmed that the emergency response plan has been activated and the level of preparedness has been raised across key departments, particularly in emergency units, intensive care, and supporting services. Authorities also emphasized that medical and nursing staff, along with necessary supplies, are fully available to handle any developments. This ensures the continued delivery of healthcare services with high efficiency and readiness. Nagano, Mar 01 (News On Japan) - An eight-year-old Australian girl died after a snowmobile overturned in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, at around 11 a.m. on February 28th, with authorities investigating the cause of the accident. Emergency services received a report from a related party in Hakuba that a snowmobile had overturned and that a young girl had struck her head and was bleeding. According to police, the girl, an Australian national and an elementary school student, was transported to a hospital where her death was confirmed. She had traveled to Japan with her family and was taking part in a snowmobile experience tour at the time of the accident. Police said the girl was riding on a snowmobile driven by her mother when it overturned, and are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Source: TBS MITO, Mar 01 (News On Japan) - A man indicted on murder charges over the killing of a 31-year-old nailist in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, is suspected of attaching a location-tracking lost-item tag to the victims car, investigative sources said, with police planning to rearrest him on March 2nd on suspicion of violating the anti-stalking law. Takumi Ouchi, 28, a company employee from Shirosato, Ibaraki Prefecture, was indicted on February 10th on charges of murdering his former partner, Haruka Komatsumoto, 31, at her apartment in Mito on December 31st last year. Investigators had previously learned that Ouchi allegedly sent a stuffed toy containing a location-tracking tag to Komatsumotos family home before the incident. Subsequent interviews with investigative sources revealed that he is also believed to have attached a similar tracking tag to the exterior of Komatsumotos car. Ibaraki Prefectural Police are preparing to rearrest Ouchi as early as March 2nd on suspicion of violating the Stalker Regulation Law, as authorities continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the killing. Source: TBS TOKYO, Mar 01 (News On Japan) - The name of a Japanese figure involved in a national government project has appeared more than 8,000 times in investigative records related to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking and other crimes, sparking controversy and raising concerns over the future of the state-backed initiative. Epstein, who was indicted in the United States on charges including sex trafficking of minors and later died by suicide in 2019, has remained at the center of ongoing scrutiny as investigative documents have been released to the public. Newly disclosed materials show that the name of Joichi Ito, an entrepreneur who serves as president of the Chiba Institute of Technology, appears more than 8,000 times in the files. Ito previously served as director of the Media Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, becoming the first Japanese national to hold the position. In 2015, he was seen offering an enthusiastic explanation alongside thenPrime Minister Shinzo Abe during Abes visit to the United States. The New York Times reported on February 26th that Ito had exchanged more than 4,000 emails with Epstein and had received substantial financial support from him. Ito later resigned from his position at the research institute following revelations of those ties. The newspaper added that a government-led Japanese project in which Ito serves as an advisor could face difficulties moving forward. The initiative aims to invite overseas universities to Japan and establish a cutting-edge research hub for advanced technologies. However, one prospective partner institution has reportedly begun distancing itself from the project since last year. In addition, further materials related to Epstein were released last month, shedding new light on the depth of Itos relationship with the financier. Observers suggest that these developments may make it increasingly difficult for universities and other institutions to participate in the initiative. A public relations official at the Cabinet Office, which is promoting the project, commented that Ito possesses the necessary expertise to help realize the concept and said there are currently no concerns regarding his suitability. Meanwhile, project insiders told reporters that Ito is expected to step down from his current role at the end of this fiscal year. Source: TBS TOKYO, Mar 02 (News On Japan) - Motors are embedded in countless electronic devices, from home appliances and robots to automobiles, quietly generating the power that underpins modern life, and now a Japanese startup is challenging long-held assumptions by developing a next-generation motor that delivers both high efficiency and high output while eliminating the need for rare earth materials. Leading the effort is Hirokazu Kanekiyo, chief technology officer of Next Core Technologies, who has developed a new material known as HLMET, pronounced Helmet, that dramatically reduces heat generation inside motors. Conventional motors rely on magnetic force to produce motion, but when they operate, heat builds up and weakens magnetic strength. To compensate, manufacturers have long depended on powerful rare earth magnetsmaterials that Japan largely imports from Chinamaking them essential yet geopolitically sensitive components. Kanekiyos breakthrough lies in suppressing heat at its source. HLMET, an ultra-thin material measuring just 30 microns in thicknesscomparable to aluminum foilhas been incorporated into the stator section of the motor. By significantly reducing energy loss as heat, the new design improves overall motor efficiency. In a side-by-side comparison of motors of identical size operated for about one hour at room temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, the conventional motors temperature rose by 21 degrees, while the HLMET-equipped motor increased by only 9 degrees, a difference of more than 10 degrees. Thermal imaging revealed a clear contrast: the conventional unit reached around 44 degrees Celsius, while the new motor remained near 32 degrees. Lower heat generation directly translates into reduced energy loss and improved performance. The new motor not only consumes less electricity but also delivers output that surpasses conventional models of the same size. Most notably, the design eliminates the need for rare earth materials entirelyan achievement that industry observers describe as nothing short of revolutionary. Rare earth magnets have long been considered indispensable to motor performance, making the prospect of rare-earth-free motors a dramatic shift in industry thinking. For resource-poor Japan, which depends heavily on imports of rare earths from China, the development carries implications beyond engineering. By reducing reliance on critical materials subject to international tensions, the technology could contribute to the countrys economic security. Kanekiyo views the innovation as an opportunity to transform an industry that has relied on rare earths for decades. If successfully commercialized, the next-generation motor could reshape power systems across a wide range of applications worldwide, from industrial machinery to consumer electronics and electric vehicles, marking a significant step toward a more energy-efficient and geopolitically resilient future. Source: BIZ OSAKA, Mar 02 (News On Japan) - A 48-year-old woman who works as a lecturer at an Osaka prefectural high school was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a man in Osaka, with the man later confirmed dead at the hospital where he was taken. Police said the suspect, Kisako Suzurikawa, is accused of punching the man in the face and causing injuries including bruising in a room at an apartment complex in Osakas Yodogawa Ward around the middle of March. According to investigators, the victim, believed to be a man in his 70s who lived in the room, suffered injuries including broken ribs, and his death was confirmed after he was transported to hospital. Suzurikawa is believed to have known the man, and told police, "It is true that I punched his face, but the bruise to his right eye is not an injury that was caused by my blows," disputing part of the allegations. Police are working to confirm the mans identity and are investigating the circumstances that led to his death. Source: KTV NEWS HYOGO, Mar 02 (News On Japan) - The admission fee for the World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, was revised on March 1st for the first time in 11 years, introducing a dual pricing system that significantly raises costs for visitors from outside the city. Under the new pricing structure, adults aged 18 and over visiting from outside Himeji will now pay 2,500 yen, a 2.5-fold increase from the previous 1,000 yen. Meanwhile, admission fees for Himeji residents remain unchanged, and all visitors under the age of 18 can enter free of charge regardless of where they live. Himeji City, which manages the castle, expects the revision to generate an additional 1 billion yen in annual revenue. The funds will be used for maintenance and preservation efforts, including seismic reinforcement work on the castles stone walls. Visitors offered mixed reactions to the price hike. One said, "Its not that I cant afford it, especially since its a special occasion." Another commented, "Honestly, it does feel a bit expensive, but considering the cost of maintaining facilities like this, perhaps it cant be helped." Attention is now turning to whether the higher admission fee will affect visitor numbers at one of Japans most iconic historic landmarks. Source: KTV NEWS In the fourth quarter, polysilicon production was 42,181 metric tons , within guidance of 39,500 to 42,500 metric tons, while sales volume totaled 38,167 metric tons . The company continued to manage output amid oversupply, operating at 55% utilization during the quarter. For full-year 2025, Daqo reported production volume of 123,652 metric tons , in line with guidance of 121,000 to 124,000 metric tons, and down 39.7% year over year from 2024. Sales volume for 2025 was 126,707 metric tons , exceeding production and reducing year-end inventory, management said. Xu added that the company ramped up sales efforts in the second half to capitalize on favorable pricing dynamics, which management said reflected customer confidence in product quality. Deputy CEO Anita Xu said Chinas N-type Revolution Initiative supported the solar PV industrys gradual emergence from a cyclical downturn in 2025, with solar product market prices rebounding from the third quarter and polysilicon posting the most notable gains. Daqos utilization rate rose through the year, increasing from 33% in the first quarter to 55% in the fourth quarter. DAQO New Energy (NYSE:DQ) executives said the company benefited from a late-2025 rebound in polysilicon pricing and ongoing cost-reduction efforts, helping narrow losses and improve cash generation as Chinas solar industry moved toward tighter oversight aimed at curbing irrational competition and overcapacity. Looking ahead, Daqo guided 2026 polysilicon production of 140,000170,000 metric tons with $100150 million of capex, is taking a waitandsee approach on buybacks, and expects Chinas antiinvolution measures and industry consolidation to support more rational pricing and capacity alignment. Operational and margin drivers improved as utilization rose to 55% in Q4 and unit costs felltotal production cost fell to $5.83/kg and cash cost hit a record low of $4.46/kg while polysilicon ASPs averaged $5.25/kg in 2025 but rebounded late in the year, with management citing a policy-backed price floor near RMB 5354/kg . Full-year results showed a meaningful recovery: net loss narrowed to $170.5 million , EBITDA turned positive to $1.7 million (Q4 EBITDA was $52.0 million ), operating cash flow improved to $56.1 million , and the company ended 2025 with about $2.27 billion in highly liquid assets. Story Continues Costs, pricing, and margin drivers AI Is Separating Software Winners From Losers, 2 Experts Explain Wall Street Believes in First Solar Stocks Bull Cycle Management emphasized cost improvements. Xu said total production costs declined 9% sequentially to $5.83 per kilogram in Q4 2025 from $6.38 per kilogram in Q3, citing process improvements, manufacturing efficiency gains, and raw material cost optimization. Idle facility-related costs fell to $0.74 per kilogram from $1.18 per kilogram, driven by higher production levels. Daqos cash costs decreased 2% to a new record low of $4.46 per kilogram in Q4, from $4.54 per kilogram in Q3. On pricing, Xu said full-year polysilicon average selling prices (ASPs) declined to $5.25 per kilogram in 2025 from $5.66 per kilogram in 2024. During Q&A, management repeatedly referenced expectations that prices should not fall below industry-level cost under the direction of Chinas evolving pricing framework, with Xu indicating a lower bound of roughly RMB 5354 per kilogram for coming quarters, while noting that the pace of consolidation could influence future pricing. NVIDIAs AI Boom Isnt Slowing After Blowout Q4 CFO Ming Yang addressed a question about Q4 ASPs appearing below spot prices, attributing it to product mix during a production ramp. He said initial batches from the ramp had lower quality that led to a market discount, and that quality normalized by December, which management said should help ASPs be more stable relative to spot price movements going forward. Fourth-quarter results: revenue down sequentially, profitability improved Yang reported fourth-quarter revenue of $221.7 million, down from $244.6 million in Q3 2025 but up from $195.4 million in Q4 2024. The sequential decline was attributed primarily to lower sales volume. Gross profit was $15.4 million, compared with $9.7 million in Q3 2025 and a gross loss of $65.3 million in Q4 2024. Gross margin improved to 7% from 3.9% in Q3 and -33% in the year-ago quarter, driven mainly by lower production costs, Yang said. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $18.7 million, down from $32.3 million in Q3, primarily because non-cash share-based compensation was zero in Q4 versus $18.6 million in Q3. The company recorded $19.3 million of non-cash expense for an allowance for credit loss, which Yang said was tied to uncertainty in recovering long-outstanding other receivables related to funds lent during early development of the Inner Mongolia project to a local government-affiliated industrial park entity. Repayment was delayed due to the industry downturn and reduced local tax revenue, and Yang said the amounts due were fully reserved and that the company does not expect additional related allowance going forward. Operating loss was $20.9 million, compared with $20.3 million in Q3 and $300 million in Q4 2024. Net loss attributable to shareholders narrowed to $7.3 million from $14.9 million in Q3 and $180 million in Q4 2024. EBITDA was $52.0 million in Q4, up from $45.8 million in Q3 and compared with -$235 million in Q4 2024. Full-year 2025: narrower net loss and improved cash flow For 2025, revenue was $665 million, down from $1.03 billion in 2024, reflecting lower sales volume and lower ASPs. Gross loss was $137.9 million versus $212.9 million in 2024, while gross margin was -20.7%, unchanged from 2024, according to Yang. Operating loss improved to $270 million from $564 million in 2024, and net loss attributable to shareholders was $170.5 million, compared to $345 million in 2024. EBITDA swung to positive $1.7 million, versus -$337 million in 2024. Management also highlighted improved cash generation: Yang reported net cash provided by operating activities of $56.1 million for 2025, compared with a $435 million outflow in 2024. On liquidity, management said the company ended 2025 with a substantial pool of liquid assets. Xu cited cash of $980 million, short-term investments of $114 million, bank notes receivable of $136 million, and fixed-term bank deposits of about $1.0 billion, totaling $2.27 billion in highly liquid assets. Yang provided balance sheet figures showing cash and restricted cash of $980 million at year-end, short-term investments of $114 million, notes receivable of $135.5 million, and time deposits within one year of $972.4 million. Outlook: production guidance, capex, and policy focus Daqo guided for first-quarter 2026 polysilicon production of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 metric tons and full-year 2026 production of 140,000 to 170,000 metric tons. Yang said the company expects 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $100 million to $150 million, primarily for remaining payments related to the Inner Mongolia project and maintenance capex. Executives spent significant time discussing Chinas anti-involution initiative to address overcapacity and pricing practices. Xu said authorities are deploying measures including standards, guidance, quality supervision, price enforcement, and promotion of technological progress, including revisions to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law and draft amendments to the Pricing Law that mandate that sales shall not be below cost. She also cited a drafted mandatory national standard on energy consumption limits per unit of polysilicon output. Xu said 2025 industry polysilicon production fell 28.4% to 1.32 million metric tons and prices rose more than 50% from mid-2025 lows to RMB 5056 per kilogram by year-end. Asked about buybacks, Xu said repurchases remain under consideration but the company is taking a wait-and-see approach until there is more clarity on policy implementation and outcomes. On consolidation, management said an SPV for consolidation was established in December 2025 and that discussions are ongoing, with a phased approach that could include near-term investment injections followed by gradual consolidation over a couple years. On free cash flow, Yang said the company expects improvement in 2026, citing steadier expectations for volume and ASP and stable-to-lower costs, while declining to provide a specific figure. About DAQO New Energy (NYSE:DQ) DAQO New Energy Corp. operates as a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon wafers for the global solar photovoltaic industry. The company focuses on serving module makers and integrated solar producers with critical upstream materials, applying proprietary technologies and optimized processes to achieve high product purity and consistently low production costs. Its core offerings include solar-grade polysiliconused in the ingot casting and wafer slicing stagesand premium mono-silicon wafers, which are a key input for high-efficiency solar cell production. Founded in the late 2000s and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2010, DAQO New Energy established its first polysilicon facility in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The article "DAQO New Energy Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Captrust Financial Advisors, a Raleigh, N.C.-based registered investment advisor with more than $1 trillion in assets under advisement and management, has made its third deal of the year for Suncoast Prosperity Advisors. The deal is EP Wealths third of the year. The RIA gained another investor in September 2025 when Ares Management purchased a minority stake, joining existing minority shareholder Berkshire Partners. Neal Thompson and his team bring deep experience supporting federal employees, and were excited to help them build on that foundation with the resources, technology and advanced capabilities of our Arizona network, Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth, said in a statement. Thompson founded the firm in 2010, specializing in representing federal employees. The firm will now take on the EP Wealth brand name and operate under regional directors M.J. Nodilo and Adrian Larson. Founder and CEO Neal Thompson and his team of six left independent broker/dealer Harbour Investments to join EP Wealth, according to BrokerCheck. EP Wealth Advisors, a Torrance, Calif.-based fee-only registered investment advisor with over $42.2 billion in assets, has acquired Phoenix-based Thompson Wealth Management, adding over $300 million in AUM to the fee-only registered investment advisor. Meanwhile, three other active aggregators and recruiters had some deals to tout to round out Februarywith EP Wealth and Captrust pulling off a hat trick thus far in 2026. In addition, Beacon Pointe Advisors, a registered investment advisor with $62 billion in client assets, acquired The Financial Advisors , an RIA with $1.2 billion in AUM. But the Newport Beach, Calif.-based aggregator wasnt done making news: a few days later, it announced that CEO Shannon Eusey had made the personal decision to step down from the role to become chair of the board, with President Matt Cooper taking the top job. There were a few large moves, including $235 billion multi-family office Cresset bringing on Heather Pelant from Baker Street Advisors , where she had previously managed about $2 billion in client assets. Retirement, wealth and benefits firm OneDigital, in the meantime, announced two RIA acquisitions , bringing its total client assets to over $1.73 billion. You can find original article here WealthManagement . Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters . Story Continues Suncoast Prosperity is a Tampa-based wealth manager overseeing $830 million in client assets and with additional offices in Sanibel, Fla., and Highlands, N.C. The group was formerly a division of Suncoast Equity Management, which will continue to operate as an independent investment management firm. Suncoast Prosperity is led by President Jeff Strouse and includes a team of eight, including senior advisors Beth Neal and Terri Ritchie. Eric Bailey, Captrusts principal and southeast regional leader, said in a statement that the group adds meaningful depth to our private wealth business. [[scm-embed type="infogram" id="116075bd-680a-4ea4-a359-9b33bf5d7df4" data-title="Captrust2026"]] Prime Capital Adds Advisors Cited in Legal Dispute with Edelman Prime Capital Financial announced this week that it has brought on two new advisors from Edelman Financial Engines' financial planning team. The move had already been highlighted amid allegations of poaching by Edelman, which sought a temporary restraining order. This week, Prime Capital filed an opposition to the TRO request, arguing that the Delaware federal court overseeing the case lacks the jurisdiction to issue it and that Edelman will not suffer irreparable harm if its not granted. Prime Capital, an Overland Park, Kan.-based RIA with over $30 billion in assets, announced this week that it had added Amanda Salyer and Joan Greenspon to its Philadelphia-area team. According to the court filings, the two had managed over 650 clients and $550 million in assets in Edelmans West Conshohocken, Pa., offices. Joan Greenspon had been with Fidelity Investments until 2013, after which she moved to Edelman Financial, where she rose to the title of executive director of financial planning, according to BrokerCheck and her LinkedIn. She joined Prime Capital after over 12 years at the RIA. Greenspon has experience in retirement planning, investments, insurance, tax strategy and estate planning. Salyer had been with Fidelity for about eight years until 2019, according to BrokerCheck. She then served as a director of financial planning at Edelman Financial for about six years, according to her LinkedIn. She has experience in financial planning for individuals and families, including investments, tax strategy, estate planning, retirement strategy and long-term priority setting. In 2024, several former Edelman employees who left for Prime Capital sued their former employer to try to break their contracts. Since then, Edelman has been pushing back in lawsuits against Prime Capital, including a dispute from early 2025, when Edelman added Prime Capital as a defendant in three ongoing lawsuits, accusing the firm of helping former Edelman advisors steal confidential information and soliciting former clients. Edelman later sued Prime Capital directly, with the latter seeking a pause to the suit as the issues were already being worked through, but the judge has not yet ruled on the case. Prime Capital has been building its holistic client services, spanning wealth management, family office, retirement plan consulting, tax advisory and financial wellness. Raymond James Draws Advisors from Commonwealth That Had Overseen $400M Raymond James has successfully recruited more Commonwealth Financial Network advisors since LPL Financials acquisition of the national broker/dealer back in August 2025. Michael Compiano and Dan Porter will join the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Raymond James after managing more than $400 million with Commonwealth. The two had been with the broker/dealer for nine years at their practice, Two Oaks Wealth in West Des Moines, Iowa, according to BrokerCheck. They had been working in the industry since the 1990s. The duo offers financial planning, retirement-focused guidance and wealth counseling for individuals and families. Theyll be joined by financial assistant Shelly Kooiker and office manager Meghan Workman, and remain in their West Des Moines location. Raymond James gives us the scale, resources and flexibility to support our clients without changing who we are or how we serve them, Porter said in a statement. According to Wolfe Research, Raymond James has won over the most Commonwealth advisors in a recruiting push by LPL rivals since the acquisition. Kestra Holdings and Cambridge Investment Research have also drawn a number of advisors in the aftermath. For its part, LPL executives said on a fourth-quarter earnings call in January that the broker/dealer was retaining larger, high-quality Commonwealth advisors and had secured a commitment for total assets in the low 80% range. Deribits flagship podcast, Crypto Options Unplugged, marks its 100th episode this week, representing a significant milestone for institutional crypto derivatives media. The weekly show, which has become a staple for professional traders and investors, celebrated the occasion with a special broadcast from Deribits London studio. Related: Inflation data sends markets reeling From first steps to a century of episodes The podcast began its journey on Jan. 19, 2024. Over the past two years, the show has evolved into what is widely regarded as the largest institutional crypto options podcast. Hosted by Imran Lakha and David Brickell, the program has consistently focused on market volatility, derivatives structure, and professional positioning. Reflecting on the journey, Imran Lakha noted: Its been over two years, an incredible journey. We've met some amazing people along the way. We've got a list of all the people who've been on the show... special t-shirts have been made. Co-host David Brickell added, Its a privilege to be able to meet so many people in the space that are so knowledgeable. We learn a lot. We come out of this every week often being like, I hadn't thought about that. It's phenomenal, and Im looking forward to the next 100. Trending on TheStreet Roundtable: 100th episode: A huge buying opportunity To mark the 100th episode, the hosts welcomed special guest Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered. Kendrick, a highly respected figure with decades of banking research experience, shared an optimistic outlook on the podcast titled Huge Long-Term Buying Opportunity In Crypto. During the episode, Kendrick discussed several key forecasts, including: Bitcoin (BTC): While noting short-term risks toward $50,000, he projected a rebound to $100,000 by the end of 2026 and a long-term target of $500,000 by 2030. Ethereum (ETH) & Solana (SOL): Forecasts of $4,000 for ETH and $135 for SOL by late 2026, with significant growth expected by 2030. Market evolution: A surge in stablecoins and tokenized Real World Assets (RWAs), both projected to reach $2 trillion by 2028-2030. Related: 336-year-old bank explores new digital payments system Celebratory events and global reach The milestone was celebrated in-studio with a cake-cutting ceremony featuring a 100 topper. To thank its growing audience, Deribit announced a special giveaway. Ten lucky listeners will each win 100 USDC by engaging with the episode on social media. Franklin said Essential delivered 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $2.20, above the companys guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11. He added that even excluding non-recurring beneficial items discussed in company filings throughout the year, results would still have been above the guidance range. Franklin also said Essential completed seven required state regulatory filings by year-end 2025. With initial procedural schedules received in most states, management said it continues to expect the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2027, noting that three states have statutory timelines while others do not. Franklin said he expects a constructive outcome based on the companys regulatory relationships, while cautioning that the regulatory phase may not move as quickly as the shareholder approval process. Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin opened the call by noting that shareholders approved the merger with American Water at a recent special meeting, with nearly 95% of shares voted in favor of the deal. Franklin said the companys research indicates the vote was secured in record speed compared with similar transactions. Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) executives highlighted 2025 earnings outperformance, record infrastructure spending, and progress toward the companys proposed merger with American Water during the companys full-year 2025 earnings call. Management also discussed regulatory activity, acquisitions, and ongoing work related to PFAS treatment investments. The company invested a record $1.4 billion in regulated infrastructure in 2025 (guiding ~$1.7B for 2026), is executing a $450M PFAS treatment plan with 50+ advanced systems deployed, and raised the quarterly dividend 5.25% while targeting a 6065% payout ratio. Essential reported 2025 EPS of $2.20 (above guidance of $2.07$2.11) and revenue up 18.6% to nearly $2.5B, driven by regulatory recoveries, higher purchased gas costs/volumes and other items, though results included several nonrecurring benefits and expenses. Shareholders approved the merger with American Water with nearly 95% of shares voted in favor; Essential has completed seven state filings and still expects the transaction to close in Q1 2027 , subject to state regulatory timelines and approvals. Story Continues MarketBeat Week in Review 02/23 - 02/27 Chief Financial Officer Dan Schuller said revenues rose 18.6% year over year, with favorable drivers partially offset by higher operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses, depreciation, interest, and taxes. Schuller also referenced the year-over-year comparison complexities tied to prior-year items, including a previously disclosed gain on the sale of the Pittsburgh area Energy Project and unanticipated weather in 2024. Schuller walked through revenue and cost changes for the year: Revenue increased $388.5 million, or 18.6%, from about $2.1 billion to nearly $2.5 billion. Regulatory recoveries accounted for about $177.6 million of the increase. Purchased gas expense (the cost of natural gas sold) increased $126.8 million, driven by higher commodity prices and usage. Higher gas volumes contributed $57.2 million to revenue. Other revenue impacts of $30 million reflected reduced tax repair surcredits to customers and impacts from the Pennsylvania gas businesss Universal Service rider, partially offset by weather normalization credits due to colder-than-normal weather in 2025. Customer growth added $5.6 million, while lower water volumes (primarily due to wetter weather) reduced revenue by $8.6 million. Home Depot & Lowes: Buying the Earnings Dip O&M expenses rose $52.3 million, or 8.9%. Schuller attributed the increase to higher employee-related costs ($26.9 million), a $17.5 million increase tied to the gas Universal Service rider (with an offset in revenues), and $8.5 million in higher water production costs, including increases in power, purchased water, and chemicals. Newly acquired systems added $1.7 million. Schuller said the other category reduced O&M by $2.6 million, reflecting items such as higher capitalization in the gas business, lower materials and supplies spending, and insurance-related benefits, offset by merger-related expenses. He added that normalizing for merger expenses, insurance proceeds, and growth yields an increase more in line with historical norms. EPS bridge, one-time items, and multi-year guidance Schuller reviewed an EPS waterfall that began with 2024 GAAP EPS of $2.17 and referenced adjustments to arrive at 2024 non-GAAP income per share of $1.97, including removal of the one-time energy project gain and adjustments for unanticipated weather and related tax impacts. For 2025, he cited EPS contributions of $0.46 from regulatory recoveries, $0.15 from higher gas volumes, and $0.01 from water growth, partially offset by $0.02 from lower water volume, $0.09 from higher expenses, and $0.48 categorized as other. Schuller said other includes $0.24 from the prior-year gain on the energy project and higher depreciation, amortization, interest, and taxes. Management pointed to several non-recurring items contributing to 2025 results, including the release of an income tax reserve regulatory liability tied to the February 2025 Aqua Pennsylvania rate order, a favorable regulatory asset adjustment that reduced bad debt expense (including an item tied to a COVID-related reserve), insurance proceeds in the first quarter, and a benefit tied to closing a PNG sales and use tax audit in the second quarter. These were partially offset by merger-related expenses for banking, legal, and other matters. Both Schuller and Franklin reaffirmed the companys long-term target of 5% to 7% EPS growth over the 2024 through 2027 period, emphasizing that the growth rate should be applied off 2024 non-GAAP income per share of $1.97 given the one-time impacts in 2025. Capital investment, dividends, PFAS, acquisitions, and regulatory activity Franklin said Essential increased its quarterly dividend by 5.25% in July and noted the company has delivered 35 increases in 34 years and has paid dividends for 80 consecutive years. He also said the company invested a record $1.4 billion in regulated infrastructure in 2025, and that it replaced or retired more than 400 miles of main across both business segments during the year. Looking ahead, he said 2026 regulated infrastructure investments are expected to be $1.7 billion. On PFAS, Franklin said the company continued executing its $450 million PFAS capital plan, with more than 50 advanced treatment systems deployed across Pennsylvania and North Carolina. He reaffirmed Essentials commitment to ensuring finished water meets federal maximum contaminant levels for EPA-regulated PFAS chemicals within EPA timelines and standards. Franklin also discussed business development and acquisitions. In 2025, Essential completed three acquisitions of water and wastewater systems for approximately $58 million, adding more than 12,700 new customers when combined with organic growth. He said the company has three signed purchase agreements for systems in Pennsylvania and Texas that are expected to close in the first half of 2026. He added that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved Aqua Pennsylvanias acquisition of the assets of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority without modification. On DELCORA, Franklin said progress remains stalled by a stay tied to the City of Chesters bankruptcy proceedings, though he expressed hope for movement following a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision regarding the City of Chester and the Chester Water Authority. In response to an analyst question, Franklin described the situation as involving a reversionary provision tied to certain city assets, suggesting there could be an opportunity for Essential to pay for those assetspotentially above the current purchase priceto help the citys bankruptcy exit efforts, while noting the amount would be small relative to the citys reported obligations. Schuller said Essential completed regulatory recoveries in 2025 totaling $101.5 million of incremental annualized revenue, including $92.6 million related to the water and wastewater business, with the remainder tied to the gas business. He added that, thus far in 2026, Essential has completed $12.4 million in regulatory recoveries across water, wastewater, and natural gas. Looking forward, management said the water and wastewater segment has filed for regulatory recoveries with a requested annualized revenue increase totaling $101.9 million. During the Q&A, management also addressed the cadence of Pennsylvania rate cases, indicating that PNG and Rockland have historically followed a two-year cadence and suggesting that same cadence would imply filing relatively quickly. Management said merger-related regulatory proceedings and other rate-related filings are separate dockets and will be adjudicated separately in each state. Franklin closed by reiterating commitments to maintaining a strong balance sheet, improving cash flow and debt metrics, and delivering consistent dividend growth while keeping the payout ratio between 60% and 65%. About Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Essential Utilities, Inc, formerly known as Aqua America, is a publicly traded water and natural gas utility holding company. Through its regulated water and wastewater subsidiaries, the company provides essential water services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. In addition, Essential Utilities delivers natural gas distribution services in Pennsylvania through its Peoples Gas subsidiary, offering integrated utility solutions under a unified corporate framework. The company traces its roots to the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company, founded in 1886 to serve growing communities outside Philadelphia. The article "Essential Utilities Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Students from West Exe School have taken part in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by Exeter College, debating major global issues alongside older students from across the region. The Exeter pupils represented Argentina, Cuba, Slovenia and Spain during the event, which saw delegates examine topics including anthropogenic climate change, nuclear activity in outer space and geoengineering. The conference simulated the work of the United Nations, with students required to research their allocated country, deliver formal speeches and respond to questions from fellow delegates before negotiating potential resolutions. According to the school, many of the West Exe students were attending their first MUN conference. Despite this, they delivered speeches, contributed to debate and challenged other participants during committee sessions. West Exe School is part of the Ted Wragg Trust. The school said participation in the conference supports its wider curriculum, including theology, ethics and citizenship, sociology and the West Exe Baccalaureate, which aim to develop critical thinking and global awareness. Headteacher Julie Fossey said the students had represented the school extremely well and had spoken maturely on complex international issues. She added that debating and Model United Nations form an important part of preparing young people to be active citizens. Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said experiences such as the conference help students to reflect on the world around them and develop skills in debating, public speaking and critical thinking. The event forms part of a wider programme of enrichment activities aimed at giving Exeter students experience beyond the classroom while engaging with real-world global challenges. Part 1 of 2 Charlotte Morrell was born at Withem near Colchester on May 21, 1834, the daughter of Mary Mount-Brock and the Reverend Robert Price Morrell. Her father was a clergyman in the Church of England and it was through his encouragement that she attended teaching classes by joining Mr Careys School of Art in London from 1855. Initially taught by John R Herbert RA, he specialised in historical paintings and portraits, then later moved to Mr Scarf, who specialised in anatomy and the human form, her particular love. Some of her illustrations would form a large part of her overall portfolio. On completing her training at the School of Art, many of her anatomical illustrations were included in Edmund Spencers book, The Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross, published in 1871. They were also included in The Rhyme of the Duchess, written by her friend Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Presumably, they met when Elizabeth was living in London, though later she came to Torquay to convalesce after contracting yellow fever in the capital. Miss Barrett, having brought many of her immediate family, leased a large house on Braddons Hill Road in Torquay although within weeks she moved to Regina House at 3, Victoria Parade, which had its own internal bathing room overlooking the inner harbour of Torquay. From here Elizabeth could witness the daily sailings to and from Plymouth and London and with her many servants she easily coped with her family members. Most of them stayed throughout her long convalescence from 1838 to 1841, when she returned home to London. A century later Torbay Civic Society, through the chairman Ena Hocking, unveiled a blue plaque in 1988 on what today is Regina Hotel, honouring the fact that Miss Browning had lived here for three years. Our plaque may still be viewed at the hotel front wall overlooking the harbour that Elizabeth enjoyed so much. Later, when Charlotte left Canada in 1898, she mirrored Elizabeth by choosing Torbay and Paignton for her retirement. In the 1850s Charlotte exhibited her work at the Royal Academy of Arts London and by 1874 was seen as the new talent of Britains art world. In 1875 she met her second cousin, Weymouth George Schreiber (of Toronto Canada) a widower with three children, and within a year they had married and all returned to his beloved Canada. They settled in Deer Park, Toronto, and remained there happily for five years. Charlotte Mount Brock Morrell Schreibers talent was fully recognised in Canada as in Britain. Back in London they elected her as an honorary member of the British RCA and officially recorded her as a very accomplished artist. Once in Canada she quickly became part of the local Province community while again being recognised as an outstanding artist. As early as 1876 she was an elected member of the Ontario Society of Arts, Canada, and in the annual report of the following year she was said to be honoured to be the first female on the board of the Ontario Society. Only a year later in 1877 she was employed as art teacher and in fact stayed for three years, a huge honour for someone not born in Canada. She had, however, also helped Canadas Royal Academy of Arts become established. But then for some reason never publicised, voting members of the academy decided to ban all women from all meetings, quite astonishing bearing in mind that one of their own was Charlotte. Back in Britain, we saw it as very odd that although an active member of the society and an employee, Mrs Schreiber was now subject to the ban according to some voting members. With the rule having passed it was not long before Canada knew that Charlotte had lost none of her fire and enthusiasm as a young girl in Britain, which took many by surprise when in 1888 she announced she would retire rather than resign over that vote. One of her most popular pictures as a female painter became the portrait, The Croppy Boy, which was seemingly liked. It was even reported as highly regarded throughout Canada and so now literally dozens of her portraits, pictures of animals, paintings of scenes of everyday life and her historical depictions were exhibited. It counted for little on those members voting at the RAA, as that ban had been permanently adopted. (Final part of this article next week). This world famous artist now spent her retirement at Cleveland Road Paignton where she live for twenty two years. Virtually unknown in Torbay her pictures, portraits and illustrations are admired around the world FedEx says it plans on issuing refunds to shippers and end consumers if a federal court orders the Trump administration to repay money collected from its many of its sweeping tariffs on U.S. trade partners since last April. On Monday, the logistics giant sued the federal government and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for a full refund of the tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were struck down by the Supreme Court on Feb. 20. More from Sourcing Journal The nations highest court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his powers in imposing the emergency tariffs, upholding lower court rulings and deeming them unlawful. But the Supreme Court judges were mum on the prospect of refunds, leaving many questions unanswered and putting the onus on the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) to resolve any ensuing legal matters. More than 2,000 companies have filed suit in the CIT in efforts to recoup costs from the illegal tariffs, including retail giants Costco and Dollar General, as well as fashion brands J.Crew and Prada and footwear sellers On Holdings and Skechers. If refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges, FedEx said in a statement on Thursday. When that will happen and the exact process for requesting and issuing refunds will depend in part on future guidance from the government and the court. In the hours after FedEx filed the complaint, the courier called the decision a necessary action to protect the companys rights as an importer of record. Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our priority, a FedEx spokesperson said on Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said FedEx should explain how it will pass along any tariff rebates to customers in an interview with NBC News late Tuesday. During the interview, Bessent cited that he found FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniams role as chair of the U.S.-China Business Council very interesting because China is the largest payer of U.S. tariffs, without elaborating. A New York Federal Reserve report published earlier in February said 90 percent of the tariffs imposed on imports are paid for by U.S. consumers and businesses. Bessent said the administration would follow the ruling of the lower court if it ruled it had to distribute refunds. But its still unclear when the administration will return the estimated $175 billion collected since the IEEPA tariffs were first imposed, or how long such a process could take. During the first meeting of the 20th session of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Bangladesh, along with Germany, Brazil, and Croatia, was elected the Vice-Chair of the platform. Through its election as one of the Vice-Chairs of the relatively underexposed advisory body of the United Nations (UN), Bangladesh's decades-long contributions to UN peace support operations and post-conflict recovery efforts have been recognized. As Bangladesh is confronted with protracted conflicts beyond its borderlands in the east and southeast, it has a novel opportunity as the Vice-Chair of the PBC to translate its leadership role and experience into actionable strategies that can reshape the peacebuilding process in its periphery. UN Peacebuilding Commission and Bangladesh The UN Peacebuilding Commission was established in 2005, with its principal task being the supervision and implementation of post-conflict actions in states recovering from armed conflicts. The PBC is composed of 31 member-states, with the UN Security Council (UNSC), the UN General Assembly (UNGA), and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) each selecting seven member-states, and the remaining ten members being selected on the basis of contributions to UN peace operations and to UN budget. At present, Bangladesh is a member of the PBC owing to its contributions to UN missions, and it has served as a member of the Commission since 2005. Also, it has previously served as the Chair of the PBC in 2012 and 2022, and as its Vice-Chair in 2013 and 2023. Since its inception, the PBC has played an instrumental role in peacebuilding processes in several states. For instance, it has provided considerable support to the consolidation of peace in Liberia after two destructive civil wars, assisted in the democratic transition in the Gambia after prolonged authoritarian rule, helped facilitate decentralization and the holding of national elections in the war-torn Central African Republic (CAR), and is backing the peacebuilding process in Colombia after the de-intensification of civil conflict in the country. In a world increasingly beset with armed conflicts, the PBC has the potential to play a highly constructive role in establishing sustainable peace in post-conflict states. As a member-state of the PBC, Bangladesh has served in leadership positions in the Commission several times and is poised to play a similar role once again. Bangladesh has long been a leading contributor of personnel to UN peace missions, and currently, with 4,327 troops, police personnel, and civilian staff deployed in nine peace operations, it is currently the 3rd largest contributor to UN missions. In particular, thousands of Bangladeshi peacekeepers are currently deployed in high-intensity and risky conflict zones, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the CAR, South Sudan, and Lebanon, and at least 174 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have lost their lives while fulfilling their internationalist duties. Also, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been heavily involved in peacebuilding processes in several post-conflict states, including Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, and Timor-Leste. Moreover, despite its modest economic capabilities, Bangladesh is a contributor to the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), providing it with $50,000 in 2022, for example. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). As the U.S. and Israel go to war against Iran, the current center of anti-Western Islam, but far from Islam's only center in the world's 57 Muslim countries (only 1 of which, historic "Arabia" was ever the true home of Islam; the rest are violent imperialist conquests over Islam's 1,400 year history), what are the possibilities for serious reform of Islam along classical Western liberal values? According to Grok, they are not very good, compared to the Reformation of the Catholic Church. And that took over 100 years! I doubt there are many people willing to wait that long for Islam to embrace tolerance, freedom of thought and speech, women's and minority rights, a secular society, discussion over violence, and all the other things that backward-looking Islam practices today. Like the Inquisition and burning at the stake by the Catholic Church, Islam in its current form cannot be allowed to continue. Even if the majority of its 1.9 billion followers don't practice Jihad, they are doing nothing significant to stop it. If anything, recent history shows a tightening of violent oppression, from Wahabism to Mulahism, leaving no room for progressive social progress (in spite, or even because of progressive support for Islamic regimes that would probably kill them once established). Your local Muslim fruit seller or furniture store owner may be a decent and nice fellow, but he's doing nothing to stop the spread or terrorism in his local Mosque or Islamic school (these should not receive tax dollars either; no religions school should, but especially not those that preach hatred of America). I asked Grok on the X platform: How long did the Catholic Reformation last and what are the chances and parallels to a Reformation of Islam today? Here is what Grok had to say: The Catholic Reformation (also known as the Counter-Reformation or Catholic Revival) lasted roughly 100-150 years, depending on the precise definition and historian. Most sources date its core phase from the opening of the Council of Trent in 1545 (the Catholic Church's systematic doctrinal and disciplinary response to Protestant challenges) to the end of the major European wars of religion with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. That span is about 103 years. Some broader definitions extend it from around 1500 (early internal reform stirrings and figures like the Jesuits, founded 1540) to roughly 1650 or even 1700, making it ~150-200 years in a looser sense. The narrower political-historical framing (Trent to 1648) is the most common scholarly consensus. Note that some historians distinguish the "Catholic Reformation" (positive, internal renewal efforts that predated or paralleled Protestantism) from the "Counter-Reformation" (explicit reaction against Protestantism), but popular and many academic sources (including Britannica) use the terms interchangeably or as overlapping. The intense, church-wide phase centered on Trent and the new orders (Jesuits, etc.) was largely complete by the mid-17th century. Parallels to a Potential "Reformation" of Islam Today The analogy is popular in both Muslim reformist circles and Western commentary, but the parallels are partial and the differences substantial. Here are the main ones: Similarities " Technological catalyst for direct scriptural access: The printing press let ordinary Europeans read the Bible in vernacular languages, bypassing clerical Latin monopoly. Today, the internet, smartphones, and social media do the same for the Quran and Hadith in local languages, letting individuals (and extremists) bypass traditional scholars (ulama). This "priesthood of all believers" dynamic is already visible in Salafi and reformist online discourse. " Challenge to religious authority and "innovations": Protestants rejected papal supremacy and medieval accretions in favor of "scripture alone." Some Islamic reformers (historical and modern) call for stripping away saint veneration, Sufi practices, or rigid taqlid (blind following of schools of law) in favor of direct return to Quran and authentic Hadith. Wahhabism (18th century) and modern Salafism are often called Islam's closest historical "Reformation-- "puritan, anti-clerical in a sense, and scripture-focused. " Fragmentation and new movements: Protestantism shattered Western Christianity into denominations and sparked wars. Islam is already decentralized (especially Sunni); modern reformist and Islamist currents (Muslim Brotherhood, Salafis, progressives, quietists) are proliferating, accelerated by globalization. " Political backing and power struggles: European princes supported Luther to weaken the Pope and seize church lands. Some Muslim states today selectively back reformist or conservative currents for legitimacy or geopolitics (e.g., Saudi shifts under MBS, UAE tolerance experiments, or Iranian theocracy). Key Differences " Structure: Catholicism had a clear hierarchical target (the Pope). Sunni Islam (85-90% of Muslims) never had one; authority is diffuse among scholars and states. Shia has a more clerical model (Iran's velayat-e faqih), but it's not universal. A "protest" against centralized corruption is harder to replicate. " Scriptural nature: Protestants could reinterpret or criticize the Bible as a human-transmitted text open to historical criticism. The Quran is doctrinally the eternal, uncreated word of God-- far harder to subject to the same scrutiny without being labeled apostate. " Historical precedent and outcome: Christianity's Reformation was initially fundamentalist and intolerant (wars of religion, Calvin's Geneva, etc.); liberalization came centuries later. Islam's major "reformation" analog (Wahhabism/Salafism) was also fundamentalist and produced stricter orthodoxy, not Western-style secular liberalism. Some analysts argue a Protestant-style Reformation in Islam has already happened-- and it gave us modern jihadism and scriptural literalism, not moderation. " Legal and social barriers: Medieval Europe had no widespread death penalty for heresy after the Reformation began; many Muslim-majority countries still criminalize apostasy or blasphemy (at least 13 do so with execution possible). This chills open debate far more than in 16th-century Europe. Chances of an Islamic "Reformation" Today (as of 2026) Short-to-medium term (next few decades): low for a singular, liberalizing Reformation; moderate-to-high for continued fundamentalist or incremental changes. No mass movement equivalent to Luther's 95 Theses has emerged, and structural obstacles remain formidable. Factors that could enable it (paralleling the 16th century): " Demographic youth bulge + urbanization + internet penetration in the Muslim world mirrors the printing-press/urbanization effects that aided Protestantism. " Diaspora communities in the West and countries like Indonesia (largest Muslim population, relatively pluralistic) or parts of Southeast Asia show space for progressive or moderate reinterpretation. Some analysts point to Indonesia as the most plausible incubator. " Limited top-down reforms in places like Saudi Arabia (social openings, reduced religious police) or the UAE show state interest in softening hardline images for economic reasons. " Growing numbers of Muslim reformers (scholars, activists) publicly advocate critical thinking, gender equality, and separation of mosque and state. Factors working against it (especially a liberal version): " Apostasy laws, blasphemy statutes, and state-backed conservative institutions in many countries suppress dissent far more effectively than the late-medieval Church could. " Oil wealth historically funded Wahhabi/Salafi export; even if Saudi funding has shifted, ideological infrastructure remains. Islamist movements (post-Arab Spring) have shown resilience and adaptation rather than decline. " Public opinion in much of the Muslim world still favors Sharia elements; Pew-style surveys over decades show limited appetite for Western-style secularism. Revivalist energy has often flowed toward orthodoxy, not liberalization. " The hoped-for "liberal Reformation" (the one many Western commentators want) would require questioning core political and legal elements of classical Sharia-- something far more disruptive in Islam than Protestant critiques were in Christianity. In practice, Islam is already experiencing multiple, competing "reformations": fundamentalist/Salafi ones (strong online and in certain regions) and smaller progressive ones (mostly in the West or Indonesia). The process is likely to be messy, protracted, and violent in places-- much like Europe's 16th-17th centuries-- rather than a clean, singular liberal breakthrough. Centuries of incremental modernization through education, economic development, and generational change seem more probable than a sudden 1517-style rupture. In summary, the Catholic Reformation was a defined, roughly century-long project of doctrinal clarification and institutional revival. An equivalent in Islam faces steeper doctrinal, legal, and political hurdles, and any "Reformation" that does occur may not produce the moderate, pluralistic outcome some expect-- it could just as easily reinforce literalism. History shows religious reform is rarely linear or predictable. Grok's Review of this Article After publishing this article, I tagged Grok (aka SuperGrok on the X platform) when linking to this article. Grok responded with the following observation/mini-review: Grok:Interesting article. Core texts and structures like unchanging Quran, apostasy laws, and no central authority create real barriers to classical liberal values (free speech, equality, secularism). Yet diverse Muslim thinkers and movements show ongoing reinterpretation, pluralism, and adaptation via education, globalization, and ijtihad. Full reform isn't quick or guaranteed like Christianity's path, but incremental compatibility is happening in places like diaspora communities and select nations. Complex, not impossible. Ijtihad is defined in Wikipedia as: Ijtihad (/??d-'t??h-'?d/ IJ-t?-HAHD;[1] Arabic: ?????? ijtih?d [-"id-'.tiha?d], lit. 'physical effort' or 'mental effort')[2] is an Islamic legal term referring to independent reasoning by an expert in Islamic law, [3] or the thorough exertion of a jurist's mental faculty in finding a solution to a legal question.[2] It is contrasted with taqlid (imitation, conformity to legal precedent).[3][4] According to classical Sunni theory, ijtihad requires expertise in the Arabic language, theology, revealed texts, and principles of jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh),[3] and is not employed where authentic and authoritative texts (Qur'an and hadith) are considered unambiguous with regard to the question, or where there is an existing scholarly consensus (ijma).[2] Ijtihad is considered to be a religious duty for those qualified to perform it.[3] An Islamic scholar who is qualified to perform ijtihad is called a "mujtahid".[2][5] So, it seems there might be an out, or a chance for modern reform after all. But Wikipedia goes on to say: For the first five centuries of Islam, the practice of ijtihad continued in theory and practice among Sunni Muslims. It then first became subject to dispute in the 12th century.[6] By the 14th century, development of classic Islamic jurisprudence or fiqh prompted leading Sunni jurists to state that the main legal questions in Islam had been addressed, and to call for the scope of ijtihad to be restricted.[2] In the modern era, this gave rise to a perception amongst Orientalist scholars and sections of the Muslim public that the so-called "gate of ijtihad" was closed at the start of the classical era.[2][7] While recent scholarship established that the practice of Ijtihad had never ceased in Islamic history, the extent and mechanisms of legal change in the post-formative period remain a subject of debate.[8] Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Robert Weiner and Griffin Cobb Drug policy paradox: We pay the most to Colombia and Mexico. They do stop drugs-- but still send the most drugs back killing America's children. Drug organizations continue to thrive because every time a leader of the cartel is killed, another picks up the mantle. Every administration also likes to talk about how they made the "biggest bust ever", but they do not talk about the cycle that goes on forever regardless. Violence is again rising in Mexico after the country's special forces on February 22 killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel Kingpin and founder Nemesio Rube'n Oseguera Cervantes, formerly known as "El Mencho." Yet The Washington Posts raves that it "represents a major show of force by the country's military as President Donald Trump continues to pressure the United States' southern neighbor to do more to fight its drug trafficking organizations." On February 3, 2026, Donald Trump met with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, to address the ongoing back-and-forth media battle between the two. Before this meeting, Donald Trump discussed one of the main topics on the agenda for this meeting, countertrafficking, with him stating, "because tremendous amounts of drugs come out of his country." "[The International Emergency Economic Powers Act] does not authorize the President to impose tariffs." That's the single really important sentence from the US Supreme Court's February 20 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. Trump's ongoing tariff tantrums, starting with his "Liberation Day" schedule of "reciprocal" tariffs, were illegal under the law in question, and under the US Constitution, which gives Congress, and only Congress, the power to levy taxes. Every dime taken by the US government via those tariffs is stolen money. Which is true of all taxes, but in this case, the money was stolen even according to the very political and legal systems which usually pretend otherwise. There are four aspects of the court's ruling which should be, but aren't surprising. One is that the court took months to finally just come out and say what everyone, including Trump, knew from the very beginning. The court granted certiorari for the case in September of last year. How long should it take nine justices to conclude that words mean things, and that the words in the Constitution and the IEEPA mean what they mean rather than meaning something else? This was an epic exercise in foot-dragging. Unfortunately, foot-dragging is business as usual where SCOTUS is concerned. A second is that the opinion wasn't unanimous. Three justices -- Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanagh -- flushed their shared supposed "originalism" down the toilet and then jumped in after it, holding in dissent that words don't mean things, that history doesn't matter, and that the powers of the presidency actually derive from the film Where The Buffalo Roam, in which Peter Boyle wanders around wearing a Nixon mask and bellowing "I'm the President of the United States and I can do anything I want." Unfortunately, Supreme Court justices round-filing their supposed principles in service to their political masters' agendas is nothing new either. The third should-be-but-ain't surprising aspect of the ruling is that SCOTUS kicked the can down (that is, BACK down) the road when it came to ordering a remedy. In cases -- civil or criminal -- concerning theft, the most obvious remedy is restitution. It's time for the US Treasury to start cutting refund checks to all the businesses it stole those tariff revenues from. But rather than simply so ordering, the court remanded the case back to lower courts, which will no doubt engage in protracted "struggle" over how to -- and even whether -- to deliver justice to the victims. The fourth, and least surprising, outcome? After venting his spleen at the Supreme Court for daring to defy him by nixing his illegal tariff scheme, Trump immediately went to work on a new version. His next caper will no doubt be as illegal as the previous one, and the courts will no doubt take their time addressing that one too. The court's ruling is correct as far as it goes, but don't hold your breath waiting for relief, let alone recompense. To misquote the old Miller Lite commercial: Tastes great, less fulfilling. Iran-Israel War News: Saudi, Israel Pushed Donald Trump To Attack Iran | India Today News A special report discusses the Washington Post's revelation that Saudi Arabia, alongside Israel, advocated for the recent military ... (Image by YouTube, Channel: India Today) Details DMCA Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Condemns Trump's Illegal War on Iran, and Calls for the President's Impeachment and Removal from Office By Mike Hersh and Alan Minsky Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) condemns Donald Trump and the Trump Administration, as well as their enablers in Congress, the media, and elsewhere for launching and supporting a reckless, illegal, unprovoked, and unconstitutional war on Iran over the past 24 hours. Last June, Progressive Democrats of America issued a press release denouncing Trump's bombing of Iran because it posed risks of "spiraling into a regional or even global conflict that could shatter fragile economies and displace millions." Trump's unprovoked war on Iran is now confirming our worst fears. This war is already inflicting significant humanitarian suffering, causing chaotic economic disruption, and risking grave damage to the international order. The War on Iran has also precipitated a constitutional crisis, attacking the foundational principles of our democratic republic by blatantly violating the Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). TrineDay's Valediction RoundTables: A monthly series that explores the Fitzgerald legacy, JFK's vision for peace, Henry George's Economics of Peace and Afghan leader Bhadshah Khan's peace movement Irish American Alexander Gardner, a 19th century mercenary who became famous fighting for Afghanistan (Image by Sotheby's) Details DMCA RT 49: Teachings from Afghanistan on War and Peace; our past looking towards the future After tracing centuries of empire, ritual power, judgment, and sovereignty across our previous RoundTables, RT 49 brings those themes into lived reality through the voice of Mir Rahimi. An Afghan raised amid unrelenting war and now residing in Britain, Mir's memoir ACROSS MOUNTAINS, LAND AND SEA offers a rare testimony of how peace is forged not through ideology or domination, but through the preservation of humanity itself. His life becomes the practical proof of what we've been uncovering all along: that breaking the cycle of violence begins within, and that if one human being can transcend war without losing compassion, then a peaceful future remains possible for us all. Mir Rahimi will be joining with us for this roundtable discussion. -Earth Rights expert Alanna Hartzok will offer Hot Media Tips about Georgist wins -A summary of PHASE ONE (RT 1-48) titled THE ECONOMIC JUSTICE WORLD PEACE PROPOSAL, will be presented -RSVP for this FREE ZOOM event on March 18, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EST HERE Kris Millegan, TrineDay Publisher, host Adam Finnegan, moderator Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould - co-authors of VALEDICTION: Three Nights of Desmond and VALEDICTION: Resurrection and source for the RoundTable Series Alanna Hartzok- Earth Rights, Sacred Economics expert, Hot Tips host and author of The Earth Belongs to Everyone (It can be read HERE) California politics is currently being shaken up thanks to a drive, led by the Service Employees International Union, to enact a one-time wealth tax on the state's billionaires to offset federal cuts to healthcare and support public education and food assistance programs. Campaigning for the measure, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders told an enthusiastic crowd that "never before have so few people had so much wealth and so much power." In a democratic society, he thundered, "the billionaire class cannot have it all." It's a message that's particularly relevant in today's world. In January 2026, as the World Economic Forum opened in Davos, a report by the charity Oxfam revealed increasingly stark economic inequality. One-fourth of the world's population was afflicted by hunger and nearly half lived in poverty. Meanwhile billionaire wealth jumped by over 16 percent in 2025 to $18.4 trillion-- its highest level in history. The world's 12 richest billionaires, noted Oxfam, had more wealth than the poorest half of humanity, more than four billion people. According to Forbes, the number of billionaires in the world rose from 140 in 1987 to a record 3,028 in March 2025. Moreover, they continued growing ever richer, with the wealth of the top 15 U.S. billionaires increasing during 2025 by over 31 percent. They included Elon Musk ($729 billion), Larry Page ($262 billion), Larry Ellison ($247 billion), Jeff Bezos ($243 billion), and Sergey Brin ($242 billion). Although Americans constituted the largest number of billionaires in 2025 (902, up from 813 in 2024), most hailed from other countries. China-- despite its ostensible commitment, as a Communist nation, to economic equality-- had 450, up from 406 in 2024. If Hong Kong and Macau are included, China had 516 billionaires. China was followed in billionaire numbers by India (205), Germany (171), and Russia (140). Why, it might be asked, does anyone need billions of dollars? After all, as Oxfam pointed out in January 2024, before the surge in billionaire wealth of the last two years, if each of the five richest billionaires were to spend a million dollars a day they would take 476 years on average to exhaust their combined wealth. In the case of billionaires, though, needs are easily overwhelmed by desires. According to Forbes, "the number one must-have item of the super-rich" is the private, luxury jet plane. Although purchase costs usually run no higher than $110 million, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov reportedly spent between $350 and $500 million to buy his private jet. "Superyachts" are also in demand among the billionaire class. Business Insider observed n late 2025 that "palaces at sea have long been a status symbol for the masters of the universe, a place to live a life of excess and network, far removed from the prying eyes of ordinary people." And "as the rich get richer... their boats are getting longer." Brin, who has a flotilla of yachts, boats, and water toys, cared for by 50 full-time employees, recently purchased Dragonfly, a 466-foot superyacht with a glass-bottomed pool, cinema, spa, gym, business deck, and helicopter hangar. Similarly, Bezos recently purchased Koru, a $500 million, 417-foot superyacht. Billionaires also maintain multiple homes. Although Bezos's two houses covering 28,000 square feet on a Seattle lakefront have provided him with his primary home, they constitute just one of his numerous residences. He also owns residential properties in New York City, Washington, DC, Maui, Hawaii, several large estates in California, a 30,000-acre ranch in Texas, and other homes elsewhere-- all told, worth more than $578 million. One of his most recently-acquired residences is located on what is called the "billionaire bunker," a luxury island near Miami. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. The luxury automaker Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) released its Q4 and full-year 2025 results on February 10. The company reported Q4 earnings and revenue numbers that both fell short of analysts expectations. However, full-year results were strong, with revenue growing 7% to 7.1 billion and EBITDA rising 38.8% to 2.8 billion. The companys industrial free cash flow generation surpassed 1.5 billion, representing more than 55% cash conversion. Ferrari NV (RACE) Sits on Strong Order Book as New Models Win Traction The full-year results were bolstered by a richer product mix, price improvements, and new model launches. Ferrari launched six models in 2025, including Ferrari Luce, its first electric vehicle. The company revealed a strong order book extending toward the end of 2027. Its particularly seeing strong demand for its Amalfi and 849 Testarossa models. For 2026, Ferrari projects revenue of about 7.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of 2.93 billion. The company also expects to maintain strong industrial free cash flow generation, forecasting at least 1.5 billion. On February 11, Deutsche Bank analysts raised their price target on Ferrari to 460 from 450 while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. For this action, the analysts pointed to Ferraris strong results, and they expect the company to maintain the positive performance trend throughout 2026. Moreover, the analysts see Ferrari going back to its historic pattern of exceeding expectations and raising guidance. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Maranello, Italy, Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) manufactures and sells luxury vehicles. The company portfolio features a large range of models, including electric vehicle options. While we acknowledge the potential of RACE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Consumer Goods Stocks Billionaires Are Quietly Buying and Goldman Sachs Penny Stocks: Top 12 Stock Picks. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. By: Robert Weiner and Griffin Cobb Casey Means testified February 25 before the key Senate Health Committee who is assessing her ability to become the Surgeon General. Means' medical license lapsed in 2024. She said to Senator Andy Kim (NJ), "It would not make sense to reactivate" her license. That must be news to physician Bill Cassidy (LA), the committee's chair. Means has constantly made statements bashing the existing children's vaccination schedule, stating last year, they are "causing health declines in vulnerable children." In addition, she made a statement on her personal X account from 2024 about the Hepatitis B shot for newborns, calling it "absolute insanity and should make every American pause and question the healthcare system's mandates." However, at the hearing, means contradicted her past statements about vaccines, stating, "I believe vaccines save lives," when asked by Chairman Cassidy about whether she would encourage the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine for children. We learned the hard way from nominee-designates' positions on choice, January 6 pardons, and other issues that Senate hearings' confirmation statements need to be hammered into reality. For example, when Pam Bondi, the now-Attorney General, stated at her meeting before the Senate Judiciary Committee, "I will look at each case and advise on a case-by-case basis" I condemn any violence on a law enforcement officer in this country," she ended up pardoning every insurrectionist anyway -- all 1500+, including the most violent ones sentenced after being found guilty of assaulting the police. Means seems to be just babbling to get confirmed by the Senate Committee. When she finally gets the job, she will go back to the anti-vaccine rhetoric that she has stated and shown she believed her whole life in support of ally Robert F Kennedy Jr., now Health Secretary. This is the last thing that our country needs as preventable disease continues to spread throughout the nation. Just two months into the new year, there have already been 979 cases of measles alone in South Carolina, with 91 people in quarantine and one in isolation as of February 24, along with seven new outbreaks reported nationwide in 2026. These numbers are staggering and continue to rise by the day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to track the rise in cases across the nation, highlighting states where cases are prevalent, such as Utah with 117 and Florida with 64 cases. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). No explanation needed. (Image by DawnOne) Details DMCA Prologue I wrote the column below on Oct. 20, 2016. It appeared on my zestoforange blog. It's still there. It was obviously written out of frustration and anger and I'm reposting it here out of frustration and anger that, nearly 10 years later, there are people in this country who still think the Republican Party has any moral standing as a legitimate political party. Even after that craven display of cowardly behavior at the State of the Union. Despite the continued Epstein coverup. Trump is Trump. He's always been the same. Republicans picked him. He has been the death of them. Millions of Americans voted for him simply because he represented one of our two major political parties. Others believed his lies. Many, sorry to say, agreed with his brand of bigotry. Then they did it again. Even after four years of chaos. Yet people still give Republicans a pass for making this vile, now demented, man their leader. He in turn remade them in his image. Finally, one of those shouting TV commentators actually said the other day that Republicans are letting Trump destroy our country. It started 10 years ago, people, when Trump destroyed them. By Bob Gaydos That's all. I've had it. I am through with writing about what a sick, repugnant human being Donald Trump is and then watching him reach a new low. Those who know about recovery from addiction, a subject on which I write regularly, say that every bottom has a trapdoor. Trump is living proof of that. Yet, with each new bottom, every poll seems to find 40 percent of those surveyed favoring him for president. A few days ago, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to give people a reason to vote for Hillary Clinton, rather than against Trump. I stopped writing in mid-column because it seemed to be a waste of time. Who was I going to convince? Here's as far as I got ... There I was, having breakfast and rummaging around in my mind to find an angle for this presidential campaign other than don't vote for Donald Trump because he's an ignorant, racist, bigoted, misogynistic, cruel, vindictive, vile, narcissistic, xenophobic, quick-tempered, undisciplined, untrustworthy, uninformed, unspeakably crude sexual pervert and birther, who lies as naturally as he breathes. Somehow, writing that message week after week (me and plenty of others) still hadn't convinced a lot of people that the only vote that makes sense on Nov. 8 is one for Hillary Clinton. You don't have to like her, folks, just know that that the future of this nation may well depend on voting for her. Deaf ears. "Yeah, Trump may be all those things," comes the unconvincing shrug, "but I can't vote for her." I have given up asking for reasons why. You know, reasons based on actual facts that would outweigh the choice at hand. I set aside a newspaper article about how Trump had managed to actually make insulting comments about Clinton's body as part of his defense against multiple charges that he is a sexual predator. Instead, I tried to focus on my egg white omelette (Swiss cheese and tomatoes). Then, as fate (or my excellent hearing) would have it, the angle was delivered to me from a nearby table. A reason to vote for Hillary " not that it was presented that way. "Did you hear that Putin said if Clinton is elected, be prepared for war?" The point the gentleman was making to his friend was that voting for Clinton would be dangerous because it could mean getting into a war with Russia. This was delivered in all seriousness because Vladimir Putin had said so and, as we know, he always speaks the truth and never has any nefarious plot in mind because that's the way former heads of the KGB comport themselves when they get elected president of Russia. The further point would be that voting for Trump would be smart because Putin says nice things about him. And Trump says he'd like to work with Putin. So there you have it, America, the Republican candidate for president of the United States is now being touted as the better choice because the president of Russia doesn't like the other candidate. Does this seem backwards to anyone else? When did being pals with Putin all of a sudden become more important than standing up to the Kremlin? When Trump launched his campaign based on lies and fear, that's when. Trump, of course, has said that he has met Putin. He has also said that he has not met Putin. You can be sure that Clinton and Putin know each other well. And he apparently does hate her guts. (I'm liking this reason for voting for her even more now.) That's because, as secretary of state, she publicly called him out on stealing his election, something which Trump has accused Clinton of trying to do. She stood up to Putin. Meanwhile, Trump wants to do business with the man who grabbed Crimea from Ukraine and whose political opponents have a way of ending up dead. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "An aware and informed public will not abandon or give away their public schools to private entrepreneurs or hobbyists." "--- Diane Ravitch Last week, Kelly Gonez became the first candidate in the 2026 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board race. The incumbent from Board District 6 (BD6) paid the $300 fee, meaning she gathered at least 500 signatures verified by the Los Angeles City Clerk. When Gonez first ran for the BD6 seat in 2017, she participated in the endorsement process for the North Valley Democratic Club (NVDC). The club's members are highly supportive of public schools, and their questions were meant to gauge her willingness to hold the line against further privatization. After hearing her responses, a majority of members present felt she aligned with their values and voted to endorse her. By the time the club met again, however, some members had second thoughts. Most concerning to them was that the political arm of the California Charter Schools Association had also endorsed Gonez. Because this organization's mission is to expand publicly funded private schools and reduce public oversight, its support was in clear conflict with the NVDC's goals. A majority of the club's members present at the next meeting voted to rescind the endorsement. Gonez went on to receive the most votes in the primary and then defeated Imelda Padilla in the runoff, helping to secure a charter industry supporting majority on the school board . Her allies eventually elected her as president of the school board. As president, Gonez kept the board's subcommittees suspended and did not allow the Parent Engagement and Special Education committees to meet, even virtually, during the COVID shutdown. This left families, especially those raising children with special needs, facing unprecedented challenges with no way to provide the district with feedback through an official channel. Gonez also limited community members' ability to provide public comment during board meetings by eliminating general public comment periods and having speakers interrupted whenever she determined their remarks were unrelated to agenda items. These decisions may have alienated some parents and contributed to Gonez's difficulties during her first attempt at reelection. Despite outspending her opponent by a margin of 925 to 1, she barely won the general election against parent Marvin Rodriguez. The $554,998 spent by Gonez and supporters of the charter school industry resulted in a margin of 2,556 votes-- about 2.5 percent of the electorate. Map of Board District 2. To find your LAUSD Board District, visit: lavote.gov/apps/precinctsmaps. (Image by Los Angeles County Clerk) Details DMCA "- The deciding factor in the race may have been the teachers' union, UTLA, which overlooked Gonez's support for the charter school industry when it chose to endorse her over a teacher who was also a union member. The union provided this support even though Gonez was part of the Board majority whose prolonged standoff over contract negotiations resulted in the 2019 strike that shut down the district's schools. The union's support for Gonez provided no tangible benefits for the District's workers. She refused to hold the KIPP chain of charter schools accountable for the academic failures of KIPP Sol Academy, voting with Nick Melvoin and Tanya Ortiz Franklin to ignore the Charter School Division's recommendation against renewing its charter. She also voted behind closed doors to extend the contract of Alberto Carvalho, a Superintendent many consider hostile toward the union. UTLA's contract with the district expired on June 30, 2025, and 94% of members voted to authorize a strike. With the stakes so high, it is surprising that the union has given Gonez its endorsement again in this year's election. This is especially true because her opponent, John 'J.P.' Perron, is a strong supporter of the union and has extensive experience working with the district as the Chair of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), a state-mandated body that advises the district on its implementation of Special Education services. Perron's history of advocating for students with Special Education needs and their families is notable in a school district where approximately 15% of the students receive these services. In contrast, the words "special education" do not appear on Gonez's campaign website. Perron and the candidates from the other board districts have until March 4 to obtain the required valid signatures, 500 if they pay the $300 filing fee, or 1,000 verified signatures if they want the fee waived. Once the petitioning process is completed, I will begin sending questions to the candidates about issues facing the district. Their answers will help voters make informed decisions on June 2, 2026. Carl Petersen is a former Green Party candidate for the LAUSD School Board and a longtime advocate for public education and special needs families. Now based in Washington State, he writes about politics, culture, and their intersections at TheDifrntDrmr. TRUMP: "CHOSEN ONE" OR CON MAN? The January 24 Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti could have been prevented had half the nation not decided that Donald Trump had descended from the Almighty. After probing their own beliefs and Trump's bloviations, Maga would likely have seen him as another street-corner con artist. The acclaimed Boston College historian Heather Cox Ricardson has emphasized, "When people understand what the administration is doing and what it means for us, they oppose it overwhelmingly." In the last decade, Trump has anointed himself using every print, personal, and electronic medium in reach. "I am the chosen one," he has proclaimed, promising salvation. Thus hallowed, nothing he says could be wrong. You don't argue with divinity. How do I know? It happened to me years ago, when I was subsumed into a California cult. I understand how easily one can bow to a "holy man" who says, "I alone can fix it." You just believe. With eyes closed, it's easy. Pretti, an ICU nurse working for the Veterans Administration, might have been considered an unlikely bad guy. Carrying a legally registered handgun with a permit to carry, he had been demonstrating against ICE forces performing warrantless arrests and detentions of U.S. citizens. But apparently the decision to shoot had already been made. ICE troops first took his gun, then shot him in the back. The county medical examiner has ruled the shooting a homicide. But the orders had come from on high. Under a self-canonized Trump, no dispute was possible. Some legitimate religious leaders have seen through the president's big lie. Rev. Monte Norwood, of Bible Ways Ministries in Atlanta, has said, "Trump has demeaned and debased just about anybody he could, from immigrants to minorities to women to those who are disabled." David P. Gushee, a professor of Christian ethics, has seen Trump as "Lacking any inner spiritual or moral compass." But Trump has persuaded Maga he is sacred. Mussolini was "always right," and Trump has never admitted wrong.Covering Trump's throng, the NYT's Ezra Klein has written, "There is a sense there is something in Trump... that exists beyond argumentation." In his 1984, George Orwell termed such mind freeze "doublethink": "the ability to believe that black is white..., to know that black is white, and to forget that one has ever believed the contrary." From my cult years, I can tell you that doublethink is real; one becomes turned. We discount what our eyes tell us. Instead, we believe. Psychology Today has posted, --anything can become a sacred value if a community is willing to defend it unconditionally." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The most successful strategy used by the Trump administration may best be described as the shotgun approach. The President inundates the American people with lies, morally outrageous policies, and behavior that many consider illegal, often announced in a flurry of late-night social media posts. The effect is to overwhelm the public sphere and fragment sustained opposition. Each shocked response to an unprecedented action evaporates the moment the next outrage arrives. Last year, Democrats attempted to focus attention on one issue amid surrounding chaos. As part of his "Big Beautiful Bill," Trump and the party he controls rescinded subsidies for insurers participating in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, popularly known as Obamacare. This threatened to increase insurance prices for more than 24 million Americans enrolled in ACA marketplace plans and jeopardize years of progress in decreasing the number of uninsured Americans left vulnerable in the event of a personal health-care crisis. Polls showed that Americans shared the party's concern about rising premiums. Sparked into action, Democratic lawmakers escalated the standoff, leading to a government shutdown in an effort to restore these subsidies. The stakes of this fight were reinforced as Americans began to receive their insurance quotes without the subsidies. As the Democrats had warned, benchmark Silver-plan premiums rose by an average of roughly 20 percent nationwide, with some state-level increases approaching 67 percent. While the shutdown dragged on longer than any in history, it did not accomplish what Democrats had hoped. With Trump ignoring precedent and withholding SNAP benefits, food insecurity grew rapidly. With food pantries overwhelmed by unpaid federal workers and families whose SNAP lifelines had been interrupted, the cost of the shutdown became too great. The party had no choice but to retreat. In exchange for a promise to allow a vote on extending the lifeline for millions of Americans, Democrats provided enough votes to fund the government until January. The promise made by the Democratic leadership to the party's base was that its negotiating position would be stronger when the new deadline approached. The agreement had also included a provision to fund SNAP for a longer term, eliminating the ability to use it again as leverage. The table was set to force relief for those struggling to maintain health-care coverage. But as negotiations started, the desperate need for the subsidies to be reinstated disappeared from the conversation. A new crisis had eclipsed it. With federal forces deployed in Minnesota, this was the new focus of Democratic efforts. There is no doubt that the actions of Trump's militarized immigration forces demanded the Democrats' attention. The policy of mass deportation has long since moved away from promises to rid the country of the "worst of the worst." While the violent criminals and sexual predators are sometimes apprehended in Trump's massive dragnet, the majority have been people who have led law-abiding lives in their adopted home country-- college students on the way to surprise their families for Thanksgiving, fathers detained during scheduled immigration check-ins who were the sole caregivers for their critically ill sons, and preschoolers arriving home from school. Speaking out against these actions is enough to get you classified as a "domestic terrorist" under this administration. Forget about the First Amendment and the Constitution's guarantee of due process; blowing a whistle is now treated as a violent act that can get you abducted off the street and disappeared. Taking a cell-phone video of agents can get you killed. There is something wrong when ending a federal operation requires recovery plans as if the state had just been hit by a natural disaster. If FEMA were not currently shut down because of the budget impasse, could Tim Walz ask for aid? If necessary, he could outline the damages with a Sharpie on a map of Minnesota. But all this does not explain why the Democrats cannot fight to rein in Trump's immigration enforcement while also working to lower health-care premiums. ICE is increasingly unpopular with the American people, but so is Trump's increasing the costs of their health insurance. Can the party not walk and chew gum at the same time? ICE is increasingly unpopular. So is paying more for health insurance. Why can't Democrats fight both? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Active customer growth also accelerated to 9% year-over-year after several quarters of roughly 4% growth, bringing active customers to a company record of more than 2.9 million . Oughtred said FIGS saw improvements across customer cohorts, including faster growth in new and resurrected customers and a meaningful increase in retention. Trailing 12-month net revenue per active customer increased 4% to $216 . Chief Financial Officer Sarah Oughtred said the quarters performance came despite a deliberate pullback in promotions , including fewer promotional days and a lower discount rate. Average order value rose 9% to $126 , which management attributed primarily to increases in both average unit retail and units per transaction. For the fourth quarter, FIGS reported net revenue of $201.9 million , up 33% year-over-year and significantly ahead of the companys outlook. CEO Trina Spear said the quarter benefited from strong brand momentum heading into the holidays, aided by inventory positioning, newness in colors and styles, and marketing execution that drove results that dramatically exceeded expectations during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. FIGS (NYSE:FIGS) closed fiscal 2025 with what management called a remarkable fourth quarter, highlighted by a return to double-digit annual growth, record quarterly revenue above $200 million, and expanded profitability despite tariff pressure and an inventory write-off. 2026 guidance and growth plans: FIGS expects 10%12% revenue growth in fiscal 2026 with higher operating (7.6%7.9%) and adjusted EBITDA (12.7%12.9%) margins, while navigating an estimated ~ 280 bps tariff headwind and investing in international expansion, four more community hubs, and ~ $17M of capex. Margins pressured but profitability improved: Q4 gross margin fell to 62.9% (440 bps) due to tariffs and a $5.6M inventory writeoff, yet adjusted EBITDA was $26.7M and fullyear adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 11.8% ; the company ended the year with $300.8M in cash and shortterm investments. Strong Q4 and FY performance: FIGS reported Q4 net revenue of $201.9M (+33% YoY) with active customers at a record > 2.9M , and fiscal 2025 net revenue of $631.1M (+14%), marking a return to doubledigit annual growth and improved profitability. Story Continues Scrub wear revenue increased 35% in Q4 and represented 77% of net revenue. Oughtred cited merchandising efforts and inventory investments, seasonal palettes aligned to key calendar moments, and strength in both carryover and limited-edition colors. She also pointed to success in wider-leg options including the Isabel style, along with growing momentum in the FORMx fabric introduced earlier in 2025. Non-scrub wear grew 26% and made up 23% of net revenue. Management highlighted underscrubs (including Salta, Mikado, and Rib styles), outerwear growth led by high-pile bombers, and emerging categories such as bags, loungewear, and ArchTek compression socks. NVIDIAs AI Boom Isnt Slowing After Blowout Q4 By geography, U.S. net revenue increased 29% to $164.2 million, while international net revenue rose 55% to $37.7 million. Spear said international engagement has been incredible across markets including Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and said the companys go deep, go broad international strategy is working. Oughtred noted that while FIGS added China and South Korea during the quarter, most international growth came from existing markets, including a return to growth in Canada, triple-digit growth in Mexico, and continued success across the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. She added that new-market entry in 2025 contributed only 500 basis points to Q4 international growth. Margins, tariffs, and inventory: write-off weighed on Q4 gross margin FIGS Q4 gross margin was 62.9%, down 440 basis points year-over-year. Oughtred attributed the decline to two planned headwindshigher tariff pressure and lapping a one-time duty drawback benefit in the prior-year quarterpartially offset by a lower discount rate and favorable freight costs. The company also recorded a $5.6 million inventory write-off related to broken and aged inventory that had accumulated over a number of years. On profitability, Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $26.7 million for an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.2%, compared with 13.9% a year earlier. Net income was $18.5 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, versus $1.9 million, or $0.01, in the year-ago quarter. For fiscal 2025, net revenue reached a record $631.1 million, up 14% year-over-year. Full-year gross margin was 66.5%, down 110 basis points, which Oughtred said was largely driven by a 120 basis point headwind from tariffs. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 11.8% from 9.3% in the prior year, while operating expenses leveraged to 60.5% of revenue from 67.2%. Balance sheet, capital allocation, and retail hubs FIGS ended the year with net cash equivalents and short-term investments of $300.8 million. Inventory was $128 million, up 11% year-over-year (and up 7% on a unit basis). Oughtred said inventory was supported by investments in product introductions and deeper positions in key styles and colors, and also reflected normalization of in-transit inventory after Q3. She said the write-off, combined with improved supply-and-demand process rigor, leaves FIGS in its best inventory position from an aging and quality perspective, with an expectation to move inventory days closer to 200 days over time. On capital allocation, FIGS did not repurchase shares during the quarter and had $52 million remaining under its current repurchase authorization. Full-year capital expenditures were $8.2 million, primarily tied to three community hub openings. FIGS expanded its retail footprint to five community hubs by the end of 2025 after opening stores in New York, Houston, and Chicago in Q4. In the Q&A, Spear said the hubs have been strong and suggested they have been too small, while Oughtred said the new locations are exceeding top-line expectations and FIGS plans to move to roughly 2,500 square feet stores. She said FIGS is targeting paybacks of 24 months or fewer and expects hubs to be profitable in year one and accretive to operating margin and adjusted EBITDA. 2026 outlook: 10%12% revenue growth, higher operating and adjusted EBITDA margins For fiscal 2026, FIGS expects net revenue to increase 10%12% year-over-year, with sustained active customer momentum as a key driver. The company said it implemented pricing actions in early January and, based on early elasticity reads, assumes only a modest net revenue benefit for the full yearhigher AURs largely offset by UPTs and order frequency. FIGS also expects promotional cadence to be relatively consistent year-over-year after resetting promotions in 2025. For the cadence of 2026, management expects a strong first half and projects Q1 revenue growth in the low 20% range year-over-year. On tariffs, Oughtred said the company incorporated the U.S. administrations latest announcement calling for 15% global tariffs and is not assuming any relief from previously paid tariffs. FIGS expects 2026 gross margin to be up modestly year-over-year from 2025s 66.5%, despite an unmitigated tariff impact of approximately 280 basis points on top of the 120 basis points incurred in 2025, with offsets including pricing, improved product costing, favorable returns, and lapping the Q4 inventory write-off. FIGS guided to a 2026 operating margin of 7.6%7.9% (versus 6% in 2025) and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7%12.9% (versus 11.8% in 2025). For Q1, the company expects adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 7%, reflecting higher marketing spend tied to the Olympics and market expansion initiatives. The company also expects 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $17 million as it invests in community hubs, system upgrades, and its headquarters. Oughtred said FIGS plans to use its repurchase program opportunistically to help offset stock dilution. Strategically, Spear reiterated FIGS prioritiesproduct innovation, community engagement, and market expansionincluding fabric innovation in scrub wear (FIONx, FORMx, and the new FIBREx fabric introduced in conjunction with the Winter Olympics), expanded layering systems, and continued international expansion. FIGS said it expects to surpass 80 total markets in 2026, up from 58 at the end of 2025, and plans to open four additional community hubs in the second half of 2026, closer to Q4. About FIGS (NYSE:FIGS) FIGS, Inc operates as a direct-to-consumer designer and retailer of medical apparel and accessories. The company offers a range of products tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals, including scrub sets, lab coats, tops, bottoms, outerwear, footwear, and performance fabrics designed for comfort, durability, and antimicrobial protection. Through its e-commerce platform and a growing network of retail stores, FIGS provides customizable uniforms and accessories with a focus on innovative materials and functional design features such as four-way stretch fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, and multiple secure pockets. Founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, FIGS set out to disrupt the traditional medical uniform market by emphasizing both form and function. The article "FIGS Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. A week ago, a crowd of thousands flocked to Le Palais des Congres in the heart of the French capital, all with the shared dream of becoming the PokerStars European Poker Tour Paris Main Event champion. That dream is starting to feel like reality for the seven players who return for the final table today at 12:30 p.m. local time. Portugals Jorge Abreu is the player everyone will be trying to track down today. Abreu takes a commanding chip lead with 22,425,000 into the final table, the Golden Shard trophy firmly within his grasp as he controls half the chips in play at the start of the day. The 35-year-old online grinder has had some success on the virtual felt, but his run here this week in Paris has already eclipsed all of his previous live earnings combined. Final Table Lineup Seat Player Country Chip Counts Big Blinds 1 Felix Schneiders Germany 1,950,000 13 2 Jorge Abreu Portugal 22,425,000 150 3 Thierry Gogniat France 2,950,000 20 4 Enrico Coppola Italy 2,250,000 15 5 Tomas Jozonis Lithuania 3,200,000 21 6 Nazar Buhaiov Ukraine 5,025,000 34 7 Casimir Seire Finland 6,400,000 43 Leading the pack trying to snatch the title away is Casimir Seire. The youthful Finnish pro can usually be found playing some of the highest stakes tournaments online and has quickly amassed a sizeable live resume, as well, that includes more than $700,000 in earnings and five prior EPT cashes already. Hell be looking to add a trophy to his collection as he starts the day in second place with 6,400,000. Among the final seven are two players who have been here before. Tomas Jozonis (3,200,000) finished third in EPT Monte Carlo back in 2018. For Enrico Coppola (2,250,000), the experience of an EPT final table is still fresh in his memory as he was fourth in Monte Carlo just last May. Nazar Buhaiov (5,025,000) and Thierry Gogniat (2,950,000) have also navigated their way through the 1,474-player field to make it this far. Gogniat, a restaurant owner from the Bordeaux region of France, joins his wife Isabel Baltazar, who finished eighth in EPT Barcelona in 2011, as the only couple to make it to an EPT final table. Enrico Coppola Felix Schneiders is used to EPT final tables, just not as a player. The GRND on Tour pro is usually doing commentary on the live stream, but this time he finds himself among the final seven, albeit as the short stack with 1,950,000. Schneiders has been followed throughout his entire journey to the final table by his film crew, chronicling his every move for his large community of online followers as the German finally achieved his dream of making it to the grand stage. The action at the final table picks up with 14 hands remaining in Level 31 with blinds of 100,000/150,000 and a 150,000 big blind ante. Each subsequent level will be 30 hands long. The final seven have all locked up 179,350 for making it here, while the Golden Shard trophy and 1,148,600 first prize awaits one of them by the end of the day. Final Table payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 1,148,600 2 717,350 3 512,400 4 394,150 5 303,150 6 233,200 7 179,350 8 Sami Bechahed France 137,950 The final table will be streamed on a 30-minute delay on PokerStars official YouTube channel. PokerNews will also be providing updates on a delay to match the stream. The allure of EPT glory brought thousands to the City of Light this week, and the journey finally ends today with one lucky player getting to hoist the trophy in the air. PokerNews will be following the action the entire way, so stay tuned for updates. Aiken Standard reporter Dede Biles is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers Aiken County government, business and horse industry. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) is growing very quickly right now thanks to Mounjaro and Zepbound, its two GLP-1 drugs, the latter of which is approved for weight loss. Mounjaro's sales rose 99% in 2025, and Zepbound's sales were up a shocking 175%. But these two drugs accounted for almost all of Lilly's top-line growth last year. That's a problem in the making -- and why you might want to consider an out-of-favor alternative like high-yielding Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Image source: Getty Images. Eli Lilly is priced for perfection It's great news that Eli Lilly is leading the pack in the newly developed GLP-1 drug niche. However, the company has very quickly become a one-trick pony. As noted, Mounjaro (used to treat diabetes) and Zepbound are the company's primary growth drivers right now. And those two drugs accounted for 56% of the top line in 2025, which is a bit troubling. Given the nature of the drug space, Mounjaro and Zepbound will eventually face generic competition. When that happens, their revenue and profits will materially decline. There's time before that happens, but don't count out Lilly's competitors. Many of its peers are looking for GLP-1 drugs that can unseat their dominant rival. Meanwhile, Wall Street has bid Eli Lilly's shares up to the point where the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is a lofty 45, and the dividend yield is a paltry 0.6%. If the company's GLP-1 dominance falls short of perfection, there could be material downside risk. Pfizer might be a better option for you Pfizer's internally developed GLP-1 drug failed to work out. Drug failures aren't uncommon in the pharmaceutical sector. But that misstep, coupled with upcoming patent expirations, has investors deeply worried about Pfizer's future. On the other hand, the company recently stated that it plans to support the dividend at its current level as it works through its headwinds. The stock currently offers a lofty 6.3% yield, and (compared to Lilly) has a far more reasonable P/E ratio of around 20. That said, the real reason to buy Pfizer is what happened after its GLP-1 drug setback. The company quickly acquired a biotech with a promising GLP-1 drug candidate, and then inked a distribution partnership with another pharma company developing a GLP-1 pill. Essentially, Pfizer is proving it has the wherewithal to survive and thrive over the long term. Given that and the statement made in support of the dividend, long-term income investors should probably take the time to research this unloved pharma stock today. If history is any guide, Pfizer will eventually get back into Wall Street's good graces. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. David Slade is a senior Post and Courier reporter and personal finance columnist. Over more than three decades he's worked for multiple newspapers and magazines, and his reporting has been honored with more than 50 state, regional and national journalism awards. David reports on the impacts of South Carolina's rapid population growth and development. Reach him at 843-937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com Charleston, SC (29403) Today Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 78F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Areas of dense fog. Low around 60F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 21:00:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 983 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 /Banyan Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Banyan") (TSX-V:BYN)(OTCQB:BYAGF) is pleased to announce details regarding third parties that are in agreement to purchase a pre-existing underlying Net Smelter Return royalty ("NSR") on AurMac. More information is provided below.HighlightFranco-Nevada Corporation ("Franco-Nevada") purchases existing underlying NSRon AurMac for $52.2 million ("M")."The pending transaction by Franco-Nevada, involving the acquisition of the pre-existing royalty on the core of the AurMac Property for $52.2 million, serves as further validation of the quality of our project," stated Tara Christie, Banyan President and CEO.Information on Pending Sale of Pre-Existing Underlying RoyaltyFurther to public documents filed in the Ontario court on February 26, 2026, Franco-Nevada has entered into a royalty purchase agreement[1] with PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., the receiver and manager (in such capacity, the "Receiver") for Victoria Gold Corp. ("Victoria"), to purchase the NSR covering the McQuesten and Aurex properties for $52.2 M. The McQuesten and Aurex properties consist of 92.6 square kilometers ("km2 ") (510 claims) out of the 720 km2 total project area for AurMac. The NSR purchased by Franco-Nevada applies to an area which includes the existing Resource and is shown in Figure 1. The area represents approximately 13% of the total AurMac project area.Following Banyan's completion of the 100% earn-in on the McQuesten and Aurex properties, as previously announced on July 24, 2025, Banyan issued a 6% NSR to Victoria on the McQuesten and Aurex properties with the option to reduce the NSR from 6% to 1% for a one-time cash payment of $10M.Figure 1. AurMac Project with NSR Purchase area in darker grey. Current Resource area shown in black.Qualified PersonsDuncan Mackay, M.Sc., P.Geo., is a "Qualified Person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release in respect of all disclosure other than the MRE. Mr. Mackay is Vice President Exploration for Banyan and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information.Upcoming EventsYukon in Global Focus: From Rocks to Riches Breakfast - Fireside Chat - Toronto, March 2, 7 AM-9 AM ET7:00 AM to 9 AM ETPDAC, Toronto, March 1-4, 2026Exhibitor Booth No. 2213, March 1-21x1 Meetings, Level 300, March 1-3SMI Zurich, Switzerland, March 18-19Italy Roadshow - Milan, March 23About BanyanBanyan's primary asset, the AurMac Project is located in the Traditional Territory of First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, in Canada's Yukon Territory. The current Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the AurMac Project has an effective date of June 28, 2025 and comprises an Indicated Mineral Resource of 2.274 million ounces of gold ("Au") (112.5 M tonnes at 0.63 g/t) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 5.453 Moz of Au (280.6 M tonnes at 0.60 g/t ) (as defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves incorporated by reference into NI 43101). The 303 square kilometres ("sq km") AurMac Project lies 40 kilometres from Mayo, Yukon. The AurMac Project is transected by the main Yukon highway and benefits from a 3-phase powerline, existing power station and cell phone coverage.Table 1: Pit-Constrained Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources - AurMac ProjectDepositGold Cut-Off (g/t)Tonnage (M Tonnes)Average Gold Grade (g/t)Contained Gold (Moz)Indicated MREAirstrip0.3027.70.690.611Powerline0.3084.80.611.663Total Combined Indicated MRE0.30112.50.632.274Inferred MREAirstrip0.3010.10.750.245Powerline0.30270.40.605.208Total Combined Inferred MRE0.30280.60.605.453Notes to Table 1:The effective date for the MRE is June 28, 2025, and was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101.Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, changes in global gold markets or other relevant issues.The CIM Definition Standards were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated Mineral Resource.Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold for all deposits, using a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 0.73 and constrained within an open pit shell optimized with the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to constrain the Mineral Resources with the following estimated parameters: gold price of US$2,050/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$10.00/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 90% gold recoveries, and 45 pit slopes.[2] The number of tonnes and ounces was rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects.In addition to the AurMac Project, the Company holds the Hyland Gold Project, located 70 km Northeast of Watson Lake, Yukon, along the Southeast end of the Tintina Gold Belt (the "Hyland Project") in the Traditional Territory of the Kaska Nations, closest to the Liard First Nation and Daylu Dena Council.The Hyland Project represents a sediment hosted, structurally controlled, intrusion-related gold deposit, within a large land package (over 125 sq km), accessible by a network of existing gravel access roads. The updated MRE comprises an Indicated Mineral Resource of 337 thousand ("K") ounces ("oz") of gold ("Au") and 2.63 million ("M") oz of silver ("Ag") (11.3 M tonnes of ore at 0.93 g/t Au and 7.27 g/t Ag), and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 118 Koz of Au and 0.86 Moz Ag (3.9 M tonnes of ore at 0.95 g/t Au and 6.94 g/t Ag)(as defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves incorporated by reference into NI 43101) effective September 1, 2025 and with technical report filed on Sedar on October 27, Regencell Bioscience (NASDAQ: RGC), a China-based drugmaker, has been on fire over the past 12 months, with its share price skyrocketing by more than 21,000% as of this writing (that's not a typo). A closer look at the company, however, makes it hard to understand its performance over the past year and its valuation. Regencell looks like a rather speculative bet, and investors should look elsewhere, for instance, toward a well-established drugmaker like Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). Here's why this blue chip healthcare giant is a better bet. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Image source: Getty Images. The Regencell Bioscience enigma Regencell specializes in developing traditional Chinese medicine products, particularly in neuroscience and infectious diseases. The company's targets include ADHD, autism, and COVID-19. Investors might expect that Regencell's rise over the past year has been driven by solid clinical progress for its leading candidates. But that's not the case. Regencell has had few clinical catalysts to speak of yet. Meanwhile, it remains a pre-commercial biotech that generates no revenue and is consistently unprofitable. Yet, the stock's market capitalization is about $12.8 billion as of this writing. It's exceedingly rare for a clinical-stage biotech to have a market cap anywhere close to this, and when it happens, it's usually because there is already ample clinical evidence (typically from phase 3 studies) for a promising candidate that could go on to generate well over $1 billion in sales. That's not what we see with Regencell. The company's performance has been driven by market dynamics divorced from the business's fundamentals (such as a short squeeze). In fact, the company itself has said there is "substantial doubt" about its ability to remain in business. Here's the bottom line: Regencell Bioscience is an extraordinarily risky stock, even more so than the average clinical-stage biotech. It's best to stay very far away from this company. Pfizer is a much better bet Now, Pfizer has encountered its own issues. The company's revenue and earnings have been inconsistent over the past three years, as its pandemic franchise has not performed as well as it once did. Pfizer has earned approval for newer products, but they have not succeeded in restoring sales growth. And what's more, Pfizer will encounter important patent cliffs over the next few years, including that of its anticoagulant Eliquis. PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 17:05:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 349 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Novo Nordisk A/S ("Novo" or "the Company") (NYSE:NVO). Investors who purchased Novo securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/NVO Novo Investigation DetailsOn February 23, 2026, CNBC published a report titled: "Novo Nordisk sinks 15% after weight loss drug fails to match Eli Lilly's in trial." According to the report, the Company's "experimental drug, CagriSema, didn't achieve its primary endpoint of demonstrating non-inferiority on weight loss when compared to Eli Lilly's rival drug tirzepatide after 84 weeks, Novo said in a statement Monday morning." Following this news, Novo stock dropped more than 15% in premarket trading.What's Next for Novo Investors?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Novo securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/NVO . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 917-590-0911No Cost to Novo InvestorsWe, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Novo Securities Investigation?Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide."Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Contact InfoPeretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan MillerBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC 917-590-0911 | info@ bgandg.com Attorney advertising.Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 20:15:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 938 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 / As Canadian cities grapple with intensifying housing shortages, escalating land costs, and complex municipal zoning regimes, a growing number of developers and urban planners are turning their attention to an often-overlooked engine of urban growth: strategic land assembly. The practice of consolidating multiple adjacent parcels into a single, larger development site is increasingly seen as one of the most effective tools for unlocking high-density housing and mixed-use communities in Canada's most constrained urban markets.Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., is among the industry voices making the case that disciplined, community-sensitive land assembly is not just a business strategy - it is a civic imperative at a time when Canada's housing supply crisis demands bold, coordinated action."We are in a defining moment for Canadian cities. Land assembly done right doesn't just create value for developers - it creates the physical foundation for the kinds of high-density, mixed-income communities our cities desperately need. The challenge is doing it with transparency, fairness, and a long-term vision." - Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO, Sky Property Group Inc.The Mechanics of Land Assembly in CanadaLand assembly involves the acquisition of two or more contiguous or adjacent properties - often single-family lots, aging low-rise buildings, or underutilized commercial parcels - to create a combined site capable of supporting larger-scale development. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, where land scarcity is acute, this process can be transformative.Unlike greenfield development on the urban periphery, land assembly targets existing urban fabric, enabling higher-density residential or mixed-use projects in established, transit-accessible neighbourhoods. The result: more homes in locations where people already want to live, with reduced pressure on infrastructure expansion and environmental impact.The process, however, is rarely simple. Land assembly in Canadian urban markets demands a sophisticated understanding of municipal zoning codes, community consultation requirements, heritage designations, environmental liability, and - most critically - the human dynamics of negotiating with multiple property owners whose interests, timelines, and price expectations rarely align."Every assembly is a puzzle. You're not just negotiating on price - you're managing relationships, timing, and community trust simultaneously. The developers who succeed are the ones who approach this as a long-term investment in a neighbourhood, not a short-term transaction." Why Land Assembly Is More Relevant Than EverCanada's National Housing Strategy has set ambitious targets for housing construction, yet supply consistently lags demand in major urban centres. One structural barrier is the fragmentation of urban land ownership: in mature neighbourhoods, dozens of individual owners may control parcels that, assembled together, could accommodate hundreds of housing units.Provincial and municipal governments have begun to recognize this. British Columbia's recent zoning reforms enabling small-scale, multi-unit housing on single-family lots represent an early step. Ontario's More Homes Built Faster Act introduced changes that streamline certain approvals and reduce exclusionary zoning. Yet the real transformation in urban density requires not just policy reform, but the private-sector expertise to execute complex assemblies at scale."Developers have a responsibility to be active participants in housing policy conversations. We see firsthand where the regulatory bottlenecks are, where the market is failing, and where there are opportunities to accelerate supply if the conditions are right. That knowledge belongs in the room when cities are making decisions about their future." Community Engagement: The Missing IngredientHistorically, land assembly has sometimes been associated with displacement, speculation, and neighbourhood disruption. Critics have pointed to cases where longtime residents - particularly renters and lower-income homeowners - were pressured to sell or priced out of revitalizing areas.Sky Property Group Inc. has made community engagement a core pillar of its development philosophy. Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi is emphatic that sustainable urban development cannot proceed over the objections of the communities it affects."We invest heavily in consultation - not checkbox consultation, but genuine, ongoing dialogue with residents, local businesses, and community organizations. When people understand what's being proposed and why, and when they feel heard, projects move forward more smoothly and the resulting developments better serve everyone." This approach, she argues, is not just ethically sound - it's strategically smart. Municipal planning processes increasingly require evidence of meaningful community engagement, and projects that generate neighbourhood opposition face costly delays and redesigns. Building trust early translates directly into development efficiency.Financing the Assembly: A Layered ChallengeOne of the most technically demanding aspects of land assembly is the financing structure. Unlike single-parcel acquisitions, assemblies require capital to be deployed sequentially across multiple transactions, often over months or years, with no guarantee that every required parcel will ultimately be secured."Financing an assembly is fundamentally different from financing a conventional acquisition. You're managing a portfolio of options, conditional agreements, and carrying costs against a timeline that is almost never fully in your control. It requires patient capital and a sophisticated financial partner." Canadian lenders and institutional investors are increasingly comfortable with assembly structures as the asset class matures. Mezzanine financing, joint ventures with institutional capital partners, and - in some cases - municipal land trusts or co-investment programs are expanding the toolkit available to developers pursuing large-scale assemblies.Looking Ahead: The Policy EnvironmentFederal and provincial housing strategies continue to evolve, with an increasing recognition that supply must be unlocked through a combination of zoning reform, streamlined approvals, and incentives for density. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) programs targeting purpose-built rental and affordable housing are creating new financial pathways for developers willing to include affordable units in large-scale assembly projects."Canada has the political will right now to make real progress on ho PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 06:00:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 567 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CLEARWATER, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 / Leone Asset Management (OTCID:LEON) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, JP Anderson, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jong Chiefdom covering Vaama Village in Bonthe District, Sierra Leone. This strategic agreement represents a key step in advancing the Company's rare earth mineral exploration strategy and expanding its footprint in West Africa's emerging critical minerals sector.A recent geological assessment conducted across the 267-acre project area identified anomalous concentrations of Rutile, Ilmenite, Zircon, Monazite, and associated rare earth minerals. These encouraging indicators suggest significant exploration upside potential and position the Vaama project as a promising asset within Sierra Leone's expanding mineral development landscape.Under the terms of the MOU, JP Anderson and the leadership of Vaama Chiefdom will collaborate to:Conduct detailed geological mapping, sampling, and feasibility studiesEstablish transparent and structured community engagement programsPromote local employment, training, and workforce developmentImplement environmentally responsible and internationally aligned mining practicesSupport long-term community infrastructure and social development initiativesJP Anderson remains committed to working closely with traditional authorities, regulatory agencies, and local stakeholders to ensure responsible resource development aligned with both national regulations and global ESG standards."This agreement marks an important milestone in our long-term growth strategy," said James Price, CEO of JP Anderson. "Rare earth and critical minerals are essential to electrification, renewable energy systems, defense technologies, and advanced manufacturing. We believe the Vaama project has the potential to become a meaningful contributor to regional economic development while creating long-term shareholder value." Beyond the Vaama initiative, JP Anderson is aggressively expanding its acquisition and exploration pipeline. The Company is actively pursuing additional mining concessions and joint venture opportunities targeting lithium, nickel, copper, coltan, and other strategic rare earth and critical minerals. These commodities are increasingly vital to global battery production, electric vehicle manufacturing, grid storage, and clean energy infrastructure, positioning the Company to participate in rapidly growing international supply chains.Sierra Leone is globally recognized for its mineral wealth, including iron ore, gold, rutile, and heavy mineral sands. The Company believes that continued exploration success within the country may further enhance its standing as a premier destination for responsible mineral investment.Subject to regulatory approvals and completion of technical planning, expanded exploration activities at Vaama are expected to commence in the coming phases of development.About Leone Asset ManagementLeone Asset Management, Inc., is a multi-national, multi-industry conglomerate with subsidiary companies that operate in, Infrastructure Development, Rare Earth Mineral Exploration and Mining and Agriculture Management.Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure:This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipates," "beliefs," "estimates," "expects," "intends," " plans," "seeks," "will," and other terms with similar meaning. These forward-looking statements by their nature address matter that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risk, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.Contact: James PriceJPriceceo@ gmail.com SOURCE: Leone Asset Management, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 21:27:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 579 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Kyndryl To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their OptionsNEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 /If you purchased or acquired securities in Kyndryl between August 7, 2024 and February 9, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).[You may also click here for additional information]Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. ("Kyndryl" or the "Company") (NYSE:KD) and reminds investors of the April 13, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) manufacturing for Inovio's CELLECTRA device was deficient; (2) accordingly, Inovio was unlikely to submit the INO-3107 BLA to the FDA by the second half of 2024; (3) Inovio had insufficient information to justify the INO-3107 BLA's eligibility for FDA accelerated approval or priority review; (4) accordingly, INO-3107's overall regulatory and commercial prospects were overstated; and (5) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On December 29, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announced it had accepted Inovio's Biologics License Application ("BLA") for INO-3107, a treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, on a standard review timeline. Inovio filed its BLA under the accelerated approval pathway, but the FDA stated that the Company did not submit adequate information to justify eligibility for accelerated approval. Inovio also announced it does not currently plan to seek approval under the standard review timeline, and will request a meeting with the FDA to discuss how it may still pursue accelerated approval.On this news, Inovio's stock price fell $0.56 per share, or 24.45%, to close at $1.73 per share on December 29, 2025.The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Kyndryl's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.To learn more about the Kyndryl class action, go towww.faruqilaw.com/KDor call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com) . Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 00:03:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 434 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 28, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against NuScale Power Corporation ("NuScale" or the "Company") (NYSE:SMR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether NuScale and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until April 20, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired NuScale securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On November 6, 2025 NuScale revealed that its general and administrative expenses had ballooned more than 3,000% to $519 million during its third fiscal quarter, up from $17 million in the prior year period, due largely to NuScale's payment of $495 million to ENTRA1 Energy LLC ("ENTRA1") in connection with an agreement to develop power plants to provide the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") with up to six gigawatts of new nuclear power generation. As a result, NuScale's quarterly net loss skyrocketed to $532 million, up from $46 million in the prior year period. During a corresponding conference call, analysts pressed NuScale management regarding whether ENTRA1 was sufficiently experienced to own and operate the energy generation facilities contemplated by the TVA agreement. NuScale's Chief Executive Officer further revealed during the call that the agreement between ENTRA1 and the TVA contemplated as many as 72 NPMs, meaning NuScale's milestone payments to ENTRA1 could potentially exceed more than $3 billion.On this news, NuScale's stock price fell $7.57 per share, or 19.97%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $30.34 per share on November 7, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 21:07:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 745 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Paysafe To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their OptionsNEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 /If you purchased or acquired securities in Paysafe between March 4, 2025 and November 12, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).[You may also click here for additional information]Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Paysafe Limited ("Paysafe" or the "Company") (NYSE:PSFE) and reminds investors of the April 7, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) Paysafe's ecommerce business had significant exposure to a single high risk client; (2) as a result, the Company's credit loss reserves and/or write-offs were understated; (3) Paysafe had an undisclosed issue with higher risk Merchant Category Codes, making its client services difficult to bank; (4) the foregoing issues were likely to have a material negative impact on the Company's revenue growth and overall revenue mix; (5) as a result, Paysafe was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance for fiscal year 2025; and (6) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.On November 13, 2025, before the market opened, Paysafe announced third quarter financial results, including revenue of $433.8 million, which missed consensus estimates by $5.8 million, and a net loss of $87.7 million, a steep drop from the prior year period wherein the Company's net loss was only $12.98 million. The Company also slashed full year 2025 expected revenue to $17 million at the midpoint, and adjusted EPS $0.50 at the midpoint.The Company further revealed that its credit loss expense for the quarter was $13,220 "primarily [as] the result of a specific provision for expected chargebacks related to an individual merchant in the Merchant Solutions segment." The report revealed write-offs of $9,924 "driven by the write off of irrecoverable amounts receivable in the Merchant Solutions segment." On the same date, the Company held an earnings call during which CEO Bruce Lowthers revealed the Company "had a last-minute client that had to shut down that caused several million-dollar write-down in Q3." Lowthers further revealed the Company is in a market tier with "higher risk MCC [Merchant Category Codes] codes." Lowthers explained "those things sometimes are a little difficult to bank" and "sometimes the banks aren't open to the additional risk" "so, we've had a little bit of challenge with that with some of those MCC codes." On this news, Paysafe's stock price fell $2.80, or 27.6%, to close at $7.36 per share on November 13, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Paysafe's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.To learn more about the Paysafe Limited class action, go towww.faruqilaw.com/PSFEor call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com) . Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-01 15:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1007 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 1, 2026 /Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to report that in the first drill hole of the 2026 drill program, the Company has discovered a greater than 400m zone of felsic porphyry stock hosting widespread, multi-stage copper and molybdenum sulphide mineralization with potassic alteration and porphyry-type veining.The blind porphyry stock was drill-intersected approximately 1.5km from the MEPS Discovery ("MEPS Discovery") that is highlighted by a 400 x 400m continuous zone of near-surface copper mineralization centered around discovery hole MEPS-25-02 that contained 265.5m of 1.05% CuEq* including 68.3m of 3.25% CuEq*(see press release dated September 29, 2025). The presence of a Cu-Mo mineralized felsic porphyry stock so far from the MEPS Discovery provides further strong evidence for the presence of a giant porphyry copper system at the Soo Copper Project, located off the Trans-Canada Highway only 70km north of Sault Ste Marie and 20 km from rail and deep-water access.HighlightsDrillhole SC-26-01 was designed to test a ZTEM resistivity low geophysical target in proximity to bornite and chalcopyrite exposures in outcrop and as a large step-out to the MEPS Discovery (Figure 1 and 2).At approximately 530m vertical depth, a thick zone of altered mafic volcanics transitioned sharply into a coarse-grained felsic porphyry, interpreted as part of a stock-like intrusive body, which was then drilled for over 400m currently continuing at approximately 1000m depth. The porphyry stock contains widespread, overall weak to moderate, but locally strong development of copper sulphides as fine chalcopyrite and bornite disseminations in the groundmass and as coarser grains within veins and is closely associated with potassic feldspar alteration.Molybdenite is also commonly present within quartz veins with or without chalcopyrite (see Figure 3, 4 and 5).While assays are not expected for some time, the evidence from this hole suggests this is not the core of the mineralized stock but a peripheral part of a larger copper zone. However, it does confirm that there is a large porphyry stock complex associated with the surface copper showings identified across this 7km x 3km copper corridor of surface showings and drill holes that represent the upper expression of the overall giant footprint of this porphyry copper system.The next hole is planned to drill-test the western edge of the same ZTEM anomaly in search of the shoulders of the stock and a possible associated zone of larger, higher grade porphyry copper mineralization.A similar ZTEM resistivity anomaly has also been identified beneath the MEPS Discovery area which is also a focus for drill-testing in this winter program (Figure 1).Neil O'Brien, Chief Geologist of Sterling Metals, comments, "The discovery of a source porphyry stock that hosts widespread potassic alteration and copper mineralization, including bornite, so quickly into the winter program is an incredible early result. It validates both our contention of there being a giant porphyry copper complex underlying a significant area of the Soo Project but also that our exploration targeting approach is right and will lead us to where there is the greatest potential for large concentrations of copper." Based upon visual core logging, the stock is so far principally composed of a granite porphyry to quartz monzonite porphyry intrusive, compositions that are common to many major porphyry copper systems worldwide. The porphyry contains abundant phenocrysts of feldspar (plagioclase and orthoclase) and quartz with common but lesser mafic phenocrysts (hornblende and biotite). The common presence of both primary igneous hornblende and biotite (Figure 4), both hydrous minerals, in this felsic porphyry is indicative of a wet' hydrous source magma that is critical to the late-stage development of abundant, metal-rich, hydrothermal fluids that are ultimately responsible for the mineralization of copper and other metals in porphyry copper systems typically as sulphides within veins crossing the stock and intruded country rocks.The granite porphyry hosts widespread but patchy potassic feldspar alteration with lesser local zones of epidote alteration and weak to moderate development of porphyry style veining, including early biotite veins and a variety of quartz-sulphide A-veins. Copper is present as very fine disseminations of chalcopyrite throughout much the groundmass of the porphyry, and as larger grains within veins and partly replacing mafic phenocrysts (Figure 3 and 4). Bornite locally replaces chalcopyrite, especially within mafic mineral grains but also within irregularly shaped pegmatitic zones of very coarse grained quartz and potassic feldspar. Molybdenite is present as medium to coarse grains within later, thicker quartz veins with or without chalcopyrite (Figure 4).There is also strong evidence that other intrusive porphyry phases help comprise the intrusive stock complex, including an early-stage felsic porphyry with a fine grained groundmass reminiscent of the GFP felsic porphyry dykes found at MEPS, that is strongly potassic (biotite) altered and hosts a greater concentration of veins than the granite porphyry (Figure 5). The discovery of this Cu-Mo mineralized, potassic altered and veined granite porphyry stock at 1.5km from the MEPS Discovery supports the Company's contention that the widespread surface copper showings and copper-in-soil anomalies are indicative of the presence of a giant porphyry copper complex that offers tremendous exploration discovery potential.Figure 1: Plan map illustrating 8km copper corridor, as defined by copper in surface showings and drill holes, associated with underlying resistivity lows along 800m depth sliceFigure 2: Cross Section illustrating ZTEM resistivity target and main rock units intercepted in drill hole; transition from basalt to porphyry stock at approximately 530m vertical depthFigure 3: Example in SC-26-01 of porphyry stock 740m downhole with close up illustrating early biotite (dark) veining and quartz-sulphide (light) A-veiningFigure 4: Examples within SC-26-01 of different types of Cu-Mo veining and disseminated chalcopyrite within porphyry stockFigure 5: Example in SC-26-01 of clasts of potassic-altered, fine-grained felsic porphyry (dark), reminiscent of bornite-related GFP porphyry dykes at MEPS Discovery, hosted by coarser grained granite porphyry and crosscut by significant density of porphyry style A-veinsSterling will be attending PDAC 2026 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) from Sunday, March 1 to Monday, March 2, 2026, participating in Core Shack - Session A, Booth 3113A. Shareholders and investors are invited to meet with member When Yettore Farms began operations in 2005, it was responding to a growing demand in Bauchi State for reliable poultry products such as eggs, meat, and manure. Like many indigenous agribusinesses in Northern Nigeria, the journey has not been smooth. The farm faced early challenges and even suspended operations in 2011, but nearly two decades later, it is still standing scaling despite economic shocks, insecurity, and policy disruptions that have forced many agribusinesses to shut down. We were forced to pause production because of internal operational challenges, said the Managing Director of Yettore Farms, Adamu Tilde. But we revived the business in 2020 with clearer structures and a renewed focus on sustainability and scale, he added. Yettore Farms is a multi-product livestock and poultry enterprise that produces eggs, broiler meat, beef, rams, and organic manure. Operating from Bauchi State, the company supplies markets within the state and across Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Maiduguri, and Abuja. At its core, Yettore Farms maintains approximately 50,000 laying hens and has the capacity to hold up to 1,000 cattle and 10,000 broiler chicks at any time, in addition to thousands of rams during festive seasons. The farm is also developing a permanent 10-hectare site along the JosBauchi Expressway that will include a mini abattoir and cold storage facilities to support processing operations. Our goal is to increase egg production to 100,000 birds by the end of 2027, Mr Tilde said. Building scale from Bauchi Strategically located in Tilde, along the JosBauchi Expressway, the farms current site has been fully maximised. We have currently exhausted our existing space. That is why we are developing a permanent company site and working towards increasing production capacity, Mr Tilde noted. The planned expansion will enable the farm to support processing lines for both chicken and beef products, reinforcing its position as one of the larger private livestock operations in Bauchi State. At full capacity, we can hold up to 1,000 head of cattle, about 10,000 broiler chicks at any given time, and thousands of rams during festive seasons, he explained. Yettore Farms structured approach is rooted in professional expertise. Most of its management team are trained animal scientists and veterinarians. Professionalism is what sets us apart. When your management team understands animal science and veterinary practice, it naturally influences how the enterprise is run. Our watchwords are quality and reliability. We want to be ethical and sustainable in our approach, Mr Tilde said. Daily operations reflect this professional orientation. The Operations Manager, Abdulkarim Adam, supervises production, monitors quality, and ensures safety standards are maintained. I review performance data daily, update records, and plan the next days activities to maintain productivity and minimise waste, he said. Feed and biosecurity are the largest operational costs, and disease monitoring remains a constant challenge. One of our biggest challenges is early detection of diseases and identifying causes of mortality. This is made more difficult by limited access to standard laboratories and diagnostic tools, Mr Adam added. Yettore Farms supplying markets beyond Bauchi From its Bauchi base, Yettore Farms distributes products across several northern states. Nigerias market is large and expansive. We dont restrict ourselves to a single customer group because everyone consumes eggs and meat, Mr Tilde said. The farm is also developing a business line targeting hotels, restaurants, and urban consumers interested in free-range and organic produce. However, distribution is constrained by infrastructure. Due to road conditions, we currently use non-temperature-controlled vehicles. We complement this with early morning and late evening deliveries to reduce heat exposure, Mr Adam added. While refrigerated vans would be ideal, cost remains prohibitive. Surviving economic shocks Rising feed prices, fuel costs, subsidy removal, and naira devaluation have tested the farms resilience. The last three years have been nothing short of a rollercoaster. We experienced a cashless policy, subsidy removal, and naira devaluation almost back to back, Mr Tilde said. He illustrated the impact with input costs. Before subsidy removal and naira devaluation, a day-old chick sold for between 650 and 700 as of April 2023. Today, it is about 2,500. A 25kg bag of finished feed (layer mash) cost about 7,500 as of May 2023, though this varied by company. Today, it sells for about 14,000, and at some point it was close to 20,000. Despite these pressures, production levels were maintained. We did what needed to be done, managed resources prudently, cut costs where possible, and remained hopeful. But we did not reduce our production volume, Mr Tilde said, adding that financial discipline has been key. Prudent and judicious use of resources has been crucial, he added. Spectre of Insecurity Beyond economic pressures, security challenges have also shaped the farms operating environment. Mr Tilde explained that insecurity in Northern Nigeria varies across locations and intensity, ranging from banditry to farmerherder clashes and insurgency. We have had our own share of security challenges, largely due to the incursion of dispersed bandits from the Zamfara axis into southern Bauchi, he said. He disclosed that he lost his brother during a bandit attack, describing the experience as deeply traumatic. According to him, the farm has been able to continue operations largely due to the intervention of the Bauchi State Government and security agencies. We remained in business because of the prompt and decisive response of His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, to the bandit attacks recorded between 2020 and 2023, as well as the efforts of our security personnel. Since then, there have been few incidents of banditry or any other form of attack, he said. Jobs and local economic impact Yettore Farms employs 57 permanent staff, excluding casual workers and interns. Indirect employment is generated through suppliers, transporters, and off-takers. At any given time, the farm is a beehive of activity. Either egg off-takers are loading products or feed suppliers are delivering inputs, Mr Tilde said. Workers like Adam Mustapha have grown alongside the farm. I started as a hall attendant, feeding and maintaining pens. Later, I became hall in-charge and then assistant manager, he said. From my monthly salary, I can save money and use it to support my crop farming, he added. Beyond income, Mr Mustapha highlighted skill development. Ive learned how to manage day-old chicks, identify sick birds, differentiate between laying and non-laying pullets, and handle record-keeping. Customer experience and market perception Retailers like Masud Rimi rely on Yettore Farms for both quality and reliability. The products are cheaper and easily accessible, he said. It has positively affected my business because of the steady supply, he added. Deliveries are largely dependable. They deliver to my shop reliably, he said, while noting that price fluctuation and lack of farm-owned delivery vehicles for wholesalers remain areas for improvement. The farms next phase focuses on gaining greater control of the production value chain. Without end-to-end control of production businesses, you will always be at the mercy of middlemen, Mr Tilde said. Expansion plans include strengthening feed milling operations and transportation logistics. For Northern agribusiness more broadly, Mr Tilde believes technology adoption will determine competitiveness. Integrating advanced technology into production and processing is essential. But access to cheap and patient capital remains the biggest challenge, he said. On youth participation in agribusiness, Mr Tilde said that while impact is difficult to measure, he hopes his journey will encourage others. There is no metric to measure that. However, I do hope and pray that by sharing bits of my activities on social media, I might inspire some young people to venture into agribusiness, he said. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on practical action rather than online pessimism. They should stop listening to talkers and start paying serious attention to doers. Many positive things are happening in the country, and the agribusiness space is vast and barely scratched. If your understanding of Nigerias prospects is shaped mainly by social media, you risk misreading the countrys true potential. Despite the scale of its operations, Mr Tilde said the farm has not benefited from government support. So far, I have not received any form of support whatsoever from the government in the region or country, he said. Scaling in Bauchi and beyond, Yettore Farms exemplifies the resilience of Northern agribusinesses. Its growth under rising costs, security challenges, and policy shocks shows how professional management, strategic planning, and local enterprise can sustain jobs, support livelihoods, and strengthen the regions economy. Scaling under these circumstances is not easy, but it is possible with careful planning, discipline, and the right mindset. Thats exactly what we are doing at Yettore Farms, Mr Tilde noted. Dubais major international airport was damaged following attacks from Iranian missiles targeting US interests, authorities in Dubai confirmed on Sunday. According to the Dubai Media Office, emergency response teams were immediately deployed, and the situation was brought under control. Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained, the statement said, adding that emergency teams were managing the situation in coordination with relevant authorities. Four airport workers sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention, officials said. Due to contingency measures already in place, most terminals had been cleared of passengers before the incident. The development followed overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks targeted at US bases and interests in the region, according to Reuters. Aviation sources told the news agency that one of the airports terminals was affected during the strikes. Dubais media office also confirmed that a drone was intercepted, with debris causing a minor fire on the outer facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab. The sail-shaped luxury hotel, opened in 1999 on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, is one of the emirates most recognisable landmarks. Dubai is the Middle Easts largest tourism and trade hub, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) ranks among the worlds busiest international airports, serving as a key transit point between Europe, Asia and Africa. Flight-tracking data showed that airspace over large parts of the region was largely empty at different points overnight as airlines suspended services to and from several Middle East destinations. Travel disruption The strikes significantly disrupted aviation across the region, forcing airlines to cancel or suspend services to and from Gulf hubs, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that several international carriers cancelled or suspended flights to parts of the Middle East as tensions escalated in the ongoing U.S./IsraelIran conflict. Dubais status as a global aviation hub means even limited disruptions can have far-reaching effects on international travel, with travellers advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information. Officials said further updates would be provided as more details become available. US President Donald Trump has announced that US forces have sunk nine Iranian Navy ships. Mr Trump made the announcement in a post on Facebook on Sunday. I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, the American leader wrote. Earlier, the US Central Command announced that it had sunk an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman. Iran had earlier announced that four of its ballistic missiles hit the US aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Gulf. However, the US military said all missiles targeting the aircraft carrier were intercepted, and no damage was sustained. PREMIUM TIMES reports that the naval warfare is part of the ongoing war which started on Saturday when the US and Israel attacked Iran. Iran has since launched several missiles at Israel and US bases and facilities in the Middle East. The attacks have caused the death of over 250 people in Iran, including its clerical leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several military leaders. The casualty also includes 185 schoolgirls who were killed when US and Israeli missiles hit their school. The US has confirmed the death of three American soldiers while Israel has confirmed 10 deaths of its citizens from Iranian missiles. Chamandy said Gildan ended 2025 with record revenues from continuing operations of about $3.6 billion and adjusted operating margins of 21.5%. He reported adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations of $3.51, up 17% year over year and including HanesBrands contribution since the acquisition close. CEO Glenn Chamandy said the integration is well underway and progressing ahead of plan, highlighting efforts to optimize the combined manufacturing footprint, distribution capacity, IT platforms, and supply chain processes. Gildan also announced a new organizational structure with leadership presence in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and appointed Chester Ward to a newly created role as executive vice president and chief commercial officer to lead the commercial strategy across retail and wholesale channels. Investor relations chief Jessy Hayem said Gildans fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results included HanesBrands contribution from Dec. 1, 2025, through Dec. 28, 2025. The company also classified the HanesBrands Australian business (HAA) as held for sale and reported it as discontinued operations as of the acquisition close. Unless otherwise indicated, management said figures discussed on the call were from continuing operations and excluded HAA. Gildan Activewear (NYSE:GIL) reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that included a partial-month contribution from HanesBrands following the acquisitions close on Dec. 1, 2025. Management also initiated 2026 guidance and provided integration updates, including an increase in targeted cost synergies and plans to divest the HanesBrands Australia business. Synergies, manufacturing and capital allocation: Management raised targeted run-rate cost synergies to ~ $250 million over three years, will close two Hanes textile factories and expand in Bangladesh, and said there will be no share repurchases until net leverage approaches the midpoint of the 1.5x2.5x target range. 2025 results and 2026 guidance: Gildan reported record 2025 continuing-operations revenue of about $3.6 billion and adjusted diluted EPS of $3.51 (up 17%), and guided 2026 continuing-operations revenue of $6.0$6.2 billion , adjusted EPS of $4.20$4.40 , and free cash flow above $850 million . HanesBrands acquisition: Gildan closed the HanesBrands deal Dec. 1, 2025 (partial-month contribution included), classified HanesBrands Australia (HAA) as held for sale/discontinued, and plans to divest HAA with proceeds earmarked to pay down debt. Story Continues AI Is Separating Software Winners From Losers, 2 Experts Explain CFO Luca Barile said fourth-quarter sales from continuing operations were $1.078 billion, up 31.3% year over year. Excluding HanesBrands $217 million contribution for the December period, Barile said organic growth was 4.9%. Activewear: Sales grew 10.3% to $788 million, reflecting the acquisition and supported by favorable mix and higher net selling prices, along with continued growth with national account customers and robust demand for Comfort Colors. Innerwear (including hosiery, underwear and intimates): Sales rose about 171% versus last year, primarily due to HanesBrands December contribution, partially offset by slightly lower volumes amid broader market weakness. International: Sales were $68 million, up 5.1% year over year, driven by the acquisition and partially offset by demand softness, particularly in the U.K. For the quarter, gross profit was $312 million, or 28.9% of net sales, down from 30.8% a year earlier. Barile attributed the decline to an inventory fair value step-up charge of $35.4 million recorded as part of the HanesBrands acquisition; excluding that, adjusted gross margin was 32.2%, up 140 basis points year over year, driven by pricing actions to offset tariffs, lower manufacturing and raw material costs, and to a lesser extent the acquisition mix. NVIDIAs AI Boom Isnt Slowing After Blowout Q4 SG&A expenses rose to $125 million from $78 million, primarily reflecting the combination with HanesBrands. Adjusted SG&A was $124 million, or 11.5% of net sales, with Barile citing purchase accounting impacts, including amortization of intangible assets recorded in the acquisition. Adjusted operating income was $223 million, or 20.7% of sales, versus 21.3% a year earlier, which Barile said mainly reflected HanesBrands lower adjusted operating margin. Net financial expenses increased to $43 million, primarily due to higher borrowing levels associated with the acquisition. GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.32 for the quarter versus $0.86 a year ago, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.96, up 16%. For the full year, operating cash flow (including discontinued operations) was $606 million. After $114 million of capital expenditures, Barile said free cash flow was about $493 million. The company returned $319 million to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and repurchases of about 3.8 million shares under its NCIB program. Gildan ended the year with net debt of $4.417 billion and a leverage ratio of 3.0x net debt to trailing 12-month pro forma adjusted EBITDA. Synergy target raised; manufacturing changes and Bangladesh expansion Chamandy said the company is raising its expected run-rate cost synergies to approximately $250 million over the next three years, up from an original $200 million target. Management now expects about $100 million per year in 2026 and 2027, and at least $50 million in 2028, and said it will continue pursuing additional synergies beyond the revised target. One-time restructuring costs are expected to remain within a 1-to-1 ratio to the cost synergies generated. As part of footprint optimization, Chamandy said Gildan decided to close two Hanes textile factories in early 2026, shifting volumes into Gildans network. Management described near-term capacity tightness and said it is proactively undertaking a temporary reduction of inventory levels across customer channels, with production levels expected to be optimized and increased through 2026 to support growth into 2027. Chamandy also announced plans to proceed with phase two of the companys Bangladesh complex. Over the next 18 months, Gildan expects to begin construction of a second large-scale textile facility, with initial production expected in the later part of 2027 to support growth plans for 2028. Management said supporting infrastructure is already in place and the investment remains within capital spending guidance. 2026 guidance: integration execution, inventory actions, tariffs, and deleveraging For 2026 continuing operations (excluding HAA), Barile guided for revenue of $6.0 billion to $6.2 billion, adjusted operating margin of approximately 20%, capital expenditures at about 3% of net sales, adjusted diluted EPS of $4.20 to $4.40, and free cash flow above $850 million. He said the guidance excludes HAA, which management expects to contribute about $675 million in 2026 net sales and $0.21 in diluted EPS (discontinued operations). Management also noted the outlook reflects the expiry of a HanesBrands transition service agreement related to its divestiture of Champion, representing slightly over $100 million in 2025 sales. Barile said the guidance incorporates the companys proactive inventory reductions tied to accelerated integration actions, continued optimization of its operating footprint and commercial mix, and tariff-related assumptions, including the expected positive impact of a Feb. 20, 2026 U.S. Supreme Court decision invalidating certain tariffs and subsequent announcements by the U.S. administration. He added that higher tariff costs incurred earlier remain embedded in inventory costs and that the companys outlook does not reflect potential tariff refunds. For the first quarter of 2026, Gildan expects net sales from continuing operations of about $1.15 billion and an adjusted operating margin of approximately 12.9%, reflecting higher SG&A from purchase accounting impacts and a timing difference between integration-related costs and benefits. Management said it expects the Q1 sales outlook to be affected by inventory reductions and by comparisons to a stronger Q1 2025 that included customer pre-buying ahead of potential tariffs. On capital allocation, Barile reiterated there will be no share repurchases until net leverage approaches the midpoint of the companys 1.5x to 2.5x target range. He said free cash flow generation and a potential HAA divestiture are expected to support deleveraging, and the company intends to use proceeds from any HAA sale to pay down debt, while largely offsetting expected earnings dilution from the divestment. Management said it has engaged bankers and that the Australia process is underway, but it does not plan to provide further updates until a transaction is approved or the process concludes. Finally, the company said it will change segment disclosure beginning in Q1 2026, moving from activewear/innerwear reporting to a retail and wholesale basis to align with its go-to-market structure, and expects to provide supplemental 2025 pro forma revenue disaggregation with first-quarter 2026 results. About Gildan Activewear (NYSE:GIL) Gildan Activewear Inc (NYSE:GIL) is a vertically integrated manufacturer and wholesaler of branded basic apparel, including activewear, socks, hosiery and underwear. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the company produces a wide range of products such as T-shirts, fleece garments, sport shirts, performance wear, and shapewear under its Gildan, Anvil, Comfort Colors, Gold Toe, Peds and Silks brands. Leveraging its in-house knitting, dyeing, cut-and-sew and finishing operations, Gildan supplies blank apparel to screen printers, promotional product distributors and major retailers around the world. Since its founding in 1984 by Glenn J. The article "Gildan Activewear Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Iranian media has confirmed the death of the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Irans Tasnim and Fars news agencies confirmed his death early Sunday, hours after Israel and the US announced his death. PREMIUM TIMES reports that President Donald Trump said the Iranian leader was killed by US and Israeli missiles. The Iranian government has declared 40 days of public mourning in the wake of Mr Khameneis killing. It also announced seven days of public holidays. Mr Khamenei assumed office as the supreme leader in 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the cleric who led the Islamic revolution in 1979. Mr Khameneis daughter, son-in-law and grandson are also believed to have been killed in the strike that caused his death. Iran is expected to continue its retaliatory strikes against Israel and US interests in the region despite Mr Khameneis death. A new leader is expected to be appointed as spelt out in the Iranian constitution. Under that process, theres going to be a council of three people, including the Iranian president, head of the judiciary and one cleric from the Guardian Council, who are going to take control of the country, Al Jazeera reports. Apart from being Irans leader, Mr Khamenei was also seen as the global leader of millions of Shiite Muslims around the world. A three-person council will temporarily govern Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The council, made up of President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, as well as a member of the Guardian Council, will assume responsibility for the transitional phase, Iranian state media reported on Sunday. The trio will assume Mr Khameneis duties until the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 influential clerics, nominates a successor. Iranian law states that the Assembly of Experts must pick a new supreme leader as soon as possible. It is unclear who could succeed Mr Khamenei, who was killed in wide-ranging strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel on Saturday. (dpa/NAN) Dozens of retaliatory strikes targeting US and Israeli positions have been launched in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday. The Tasnim news agency, a semi-official news outlet linked to the IRGC, reported that 27 US bases in the region, as well as Israels army headquarters and an arms complex in Tel Aviv, had been targeted. The reports could not be independently verified. Earlier on Sunday, the IRGC vowed revenge for the death of Khamenei. The killers of the Imam of the nation will not escape severe, decisive, and deterrent punishment, the elite force said in a statement on Sunday carried by Lebanons Hezbollah militia. Israel experienced repeated rocket alerts early on Sunday. According to the military, the air force was deployed to counter the threat. In response to the IRCG threat, US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Iran against retaliating to wide-ranging strikes by the United States and Israel. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, Trump wrote on Truth Social. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, he wrote. Should this happen, the US will strike back WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! he added. Saturdays attacks targeted key locations where the Iranian leadership was meeting, killing top officials including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the defence minister and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Israeli military said. The assault, which killed more than 200 people according to the Red Crescent, triggered retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military forces based in the Middle East. (dpa/NAN) Thousands of people gathered in Tehran on Sunday morning to mourn the killing of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Khamenei was killed on Saturday in missile attacks by the US and Israel. His death was confirmed by Iranian authorities in the early hours of Sunday. On Sunday morning, thousands of people gathered at the Enghelab (Revolution) Square, waving Iranian flags and holding photos of Mr Khameini. Most of them were dressed in black, Al Jazeera reports. PREMIUM TIMES reports that before Iranian authorities confirmed Mr Khameneis death, US President Donald Trump had announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric, whom he described as one of the most evil people in history. But back in the US, Mr Trump faces criticism from many Americans for starting a war without Congressional backing and in opposition to the wishes of most Americans. Protests are being held in many parts of the US against the war, including in Washington, D.C., and New York, where New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is leading protesters. Mr Trump had justified the war by saying Iran posed a threat to the US. Most Republican lawmakers are, however, in support of the war and the presidents declaration. Irans IRCG on Sunday vowed retaliation for Mr Khameneis death and launched dozens of retaliatory strikes against Israel and US interests in the Middle East. Mr Trump has, however, warned against such retaliation. Many countries, including Nigeria, have called for de-escalation and dialogue between the warring parties. Khameneis successor A three-person council will temporarily govern Iran following the death of Mr Khamenei. The council, made up of President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, as well as a member of the Guardian Council, will assume responsibility for the transitional phase, Iranian state media reported on Sunday. The trio will assume Mr Khameneis duties until the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 influential clerics, nominates a successor. At least nine people were killed after protesters stormed the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday morning. The protests broke out following the confirmation of the killing of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Several others were injured as security forces opened fire to scatter hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters trying to storm the consulate early on Sunday morning, Al Jazeera reports. A police surgeon told the news platform that at least nine bodies were brought to Karachis civil hospital. Large protests were also reported in other parts of Pakistan. Protesters set fire to a United Nations office building in Pakistans northern city of Skardu, in the Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan (GB) region, known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists. A large number of protesters have gathered outside the UN office in GB and burned down the building, local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told Reuters news agency, adding no casualties had been reported, Al Jazeera reported. Although Pakistan is a predominantly Sunni country, it also has millions of Shia Muslims. Apart from being Irans Supreme Leader, Mr Khamenei was also seen as the spiritual leader of millions of Shia Muslims worldwide. There have also been protests against his killing in other countries, including Iraq, Morocco, and Indian-administered Kashmir. Mr Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli strikes on Saturday. His death was confirmed in the early hours of Sunday by Iranian authorities. Irans IRCG on Sunday vowed retaliation for Mr Khameneis death and launched dozens of retaliatory strikes against Israel and US interests in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has, however, warned against such retaliation. Many countries, including Nigeria, have called for de-escalation and dialogue between the warring parties. Nigeria also has a Shia minority population, particularly in the northern part of the country. However, there have been no protests in Nigeria as of the time of this report. Community health workers (CHWs) remain one of the most essential yet under-supported pillars of Nigerias primary healthcare (PHC) system, delivering maternal and child health services, supporting immunisation campaigns, educating families on hygiene and nutrition, and linking communities to health facilities. Yet, despite their central role, they continue to face persistent challenges, including inconsistent training, limited supervision, documentation burdens, and weak communication with higher-level facilities. A new study led by Temitayo Okusanya, a Nigerian-born health systems researcher, has examined how CHWs can be better integrated into digital information systems to improve public health situational awareness. Although conducted in the US, the findings have shown strong relevance for Nigeria, particularly in the context of PHC reforms and the need for real-time community-level data. The research, titled Designing Information Flow with Diverse Community Health Workers to Improve Public Health Situational Awareness During COVID-19, was presented at the 21st Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management conference in Germany. The findings were contained in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday. Lessons for Nigerias PHC system One of the key findings of the study is the importance of community-rooted health workers. In the US model examined by the researchers, CHWs were not temporary external professionals but individuals who lived within the communities they served and maintained long-standing social ties. According to Mrs Okusanya, this positioning enabled CHWs to build trust quickly, navigate cultural and linguistic nuances, and collect more accurate, context-rich data during household visits. She said their identity within the community improved adherence to referrals, symptom reporting, and long-term engagement. The researcher explained that Nigeria already operates structures such as Ward Development Committees and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs). However, their integration into digital health systems and broader community engagement frameworks remains fragmented. The study suggests that strengthening workforce models that prioritise cultural familiarity and trust could help Nigeria unlock the full potential of its CHWs, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban areas where mistrust of the formal health system remains high. Designing digital tools around CHW workflows The study also highlights that digital tools are most effective when they enhance, rather than burden CHW workflows. In the US model, CHWs used mobile phones and simple reporting applications to document household needs, capture health indicators, and initiate referrals. Crucially, these tools were designed around existing workflows and reduced administrative pressure. Nigerias ongoing digital health transformation, including the expansion of DHIS2, SmartPHCs, and electronic medical record pilots, could benefit from a similar principle. Mrs Okusanya noted that tools must be intuitive and aligned with how CHWs operate in the field. She warned that many digital initiatives in low- and middle-income countries fail because they increase workload, require constant internet connectivity, or do not reflect local realities. She suggested that a Nigeria-focused adaptation could include offline-first mobile tools for low-network settings, automated dashboards at local government and state levels, structured fields for recording context and follow-up needs, and built-in referral pathways linking CHWs directly to PHCs and secondary facilities. By aligning digital innovations with day-to-day realities, she said, Nigeria could improve coordination, accountability, and real-time visibility into community health needs. Stronger integration with health facilities The research further highlighted the need for stronger integration between CHWs and formal health facilities. In Nigeria, CHWs often operate in isolation, with limited supervision and weak mechanisms for clinical escalation. The US model demonstrated that even simple digital linkages can clarify responsibilities, ensure timely referrals, reduce service fragmentation, and support consistent follow-up for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Integration is not just about technology. It is about designing workflows that help CHWs, nurses, and facility staff communicate seamlessly. When CHWs are connected to the larger health system, everyone benefits,she said. Cross-context learning Although based on an American health context, the study focused on underserved populations facing challenges similar to those in rural and peri-urban Nigeria. Mrs Okusanya, whose broader research spans health systems strengthening, including mental health care for US veterans and traumatic brain injury care systems in civilian populations, emphasised the importance of cross-context learning. Health systems differ, but human needs and frontline realities often overlap. Lessons from one context can illuminate opportunities in another, especially when it comes to strengthening community-based care, she said. Path forward As Nigeria continues implementing PHC revitalisation strategies, health experts say adopting CHW-centred innovations that combine trust, training, and simple digital enhancements could strengthen service delivery. By positioning CHWs not only as frontline workers but also as system connectors and data contributors, the country could build a more resilient, equitable, and responsive primary healthcare system, the statement added. The lead researcher, Mrs Okusanya is a PhD candidate in Public and Community Health specialising in health systems research, with work spanning community-based care models, human-centred design, mental health system design, and traumatic brain injury care. Other researchers are Jane Gresser, Marquette University, Michael Stevenson, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ajay Kumar, University of Muenster, Md Romael Haque, Marquette University and Zeno Franco, Medical College of Wisconsin. The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, has described the hardships faced by women in the Nigerian artisanal mining sector as unbelievable and affirmed the need for continued empowerment. She made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) office in Abuja on Friday. NIWIMNRO is a non-profit organisation focused on improving the socio-economic well-being of Indigenous women in Nigerias artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The high commissioner was received by the organisations Chief Executive Officer, Dapo Olorunyomi; a board member, Fatimah Maikore; the Executive Director, Felicia Dairo; Research and Grant Officer, Taiwo Ojo; Project Officer, Chiamaka Ozurumba; Communications Lead, Adeiza Sanni, and an intern, Christopher Miri. According to Ms Bin-Juda, the difficult conditions women at mining sites across the country are forced to endure necessitate the need for targeted livelihood support and stronger inclusion in the sector. The struggles that these women, particularly, have to undergo are unbelievable, she said after watching a short documentary produced by NWIMNRO, which highlighted many of these conditions. The documentary showed the back-breaking labour and health hazards faced by women who represent approximately 40 per cent of Nigerias 700,000 artisanal miners. These women are often found digging for gold and iron ore at the surface level using their bare hands and feet, often exposed to toxic chemicals like mercury without safety equipment. The project officer, Ms Ozurumba, explained that the identification of these challenges necessitated the establishment of the organisation. NIWIMNRO exists because we have noticed that women, especially artisan women who contribute significantly to the economy, have been strategically excluded from benefiting from everything that comes from it, she said. NIWIMNRO identified this gap in the mining sector and decided to solve it, while promoting gender equality. Ms Ozurumba said the organisation is addressing this gap using nine strategic points. This includes resources, market value chain integration, evidence-based research, data collection and documentation. It is also prioritising technology and innovation, community development, capacity building and training, policy advocacy and gender inclusion in its efforts. Everything we do is informed by evidence-based research, she said. We are not acting in isolation or in the dark. We conduct visits, speak to some of these women and this interaction informs our intervention. She also stated that the organisation has trained 20 women drawn from Niger State, Kaduna State and the FCT. The executive director, Ms Dairo, explained that the beneficiaries have since informally shared the knowledge acquired with other women miners within their respective communities. As a result, the programmes reach extended beyond the initial cohort. The CEO, Mr Olorunyomi, described the goal of the organisation as a re-elevation of the role of women in development, particularly in sectors where their contributions have historically been overlooked. What we try to do with NIWINRO is to centre our engagement in the role of women in the development of Africa. It revalues the very important, very consequential role women play in the mining economy, he said. NIWIMNRO is also planning to enlarge its footprint beyond the initial three states and scale up training and opportunities for women artisanal miners. Ms Dairo also said the organisation is focused on understanding the unique experience of women miners across the country. ALSO READ: Organisation trains artisanal women miners in Kaduna That would help inform the kind of training, and capacity building we provide for them. So needs assessment is currently ongoing. Well be speaking with the partners, and relevant government bodies to help identify more specific issues affecting the women, she said. The high commissioner commended the vision and ambition of the initiative, noting it was practical and clearly aligned with efforts to improve womens livelihoods at the grassroots level. She also stressed the importance of credible statistics to demonstrate impact. You need bottom-line figures, she said. From when to when did you collect the data? How many women were impacted? That is absolutely key to your deliverables. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said there are growing signs that Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been assassinated. Mr Netanyahu said the Iranian leader was killed by the US and Israel missile strike on his compound in Tehran, Reuters reports. This morning we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei, Mr Netanyahu said in a video statement. This morning, in a powerful surprise strike, the compound of the tyrant Ali Khamenei was destroyed in the heart of Tehran and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive, Mr Netanyahu said. But there is currently no evidence confirming that Mr Khamenei is dead, nor did Mr Nethanyu provide any to back his assertions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi also rejected the claim that the supreme leader is dead. Speaking to the NBC, Mr Aragchi said Mr Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are still alive as far as I know. He stated that the situation was under control and that almost all high-ranking officials were safe, apart from a few commanders. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also said Irans president and supreme leader are safe and sound, according to CNN. Meanwhile, the BBC reported that satellite images earlier showed significant damage to Khameneis compound, which is the Iranian leadership office. Similarly, Reuters also cited a senior Israeli official who claims Mr Khameneis body has been found. But the head of public relations at the office of Mr Khamenei, Seyyed Mahdi, further debunking the reports of his death, said, The enemy has resorted to psychological warfare. We should all be careful about it, the semi-official ISNA news agency reports. The death toll from the US and Israeli strike on an Iranian girls elementary school has now risen to 185. CNN reports that the toll had moved from 95 to 118 to 185 as emergency workers continued to clear the wreckage and identify more victims. PREMIUM TIMES reported the strike at a girls elementary school in Minab, in the Hormozgan province of Southern Iran. Five pupils were initially reported killed on Saturday, before the toll began to rise steadily. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared a photo of the attack, declaring that the US and Israel destroyed the girls school and killed innocent children. These crimes against the Iranian People will not go unanswered, Mr Araghchi wrote in a post on X. Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also condemned the blatant crime and called for the intervention of the United Nations Security Council. CNN reported that it geolocated the site of the wreckage and found that the elementary school is 61 meters from an Iranian military base. It reported that the school appeared to have been formally part of the base but had been separated since at least 2016. The US Central Command spokesperson, Tim Hawkins, confirmed that the US is aware of the attack and has begun looking into them. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimise the risk of unintended harm, he said. In Tehran, thousands gathered in the streets to mourn the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei who was killed in a US and Israeli missile attack on Saturday. They were largely clad in black and carried Iranian flags and Mr Khameneis photo. Some other Iranians, particularly those in the Diaspora, however, celebrated Mr Khameneis death. Iran has a large diaspora community, mainly in Western countries, who are opposed to its leadership. Many of such Diasporans have advocated a change in government in Iran. PREMIUM TIMES reported that a three-person will temporarily govern Iran following the death of Mr Khamenei. The council, made up of President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, as well as a member of the Guardian Council, will assume responsibility for the transitional phase. The US military has confirmed that three American soldiers have been killed and five others seriously injured in Iranian missile strikes. Separately, Israeli authorities have confirmed nine deaths from a single missile attack on Sunday. The US Central Command confirmed the American casualties in a statement. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing, the US Central Command said in the statement. The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, it added. The US did not state which particular Iranian attacks led to the death of the soldiers. Iran has been targeting US bases and interests in the Middle East since Saturday, when the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war on Iran. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country cannot target the US mainland and is forced to deal with its bases in the region and the facilities or installations they use in countries in the region. Irans attack on US interests in the Middle East risks putting it on a collision course with Gulf countries, many of which house US bases and facilities. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Bahrain have all been hit by Iranian missiles, leading them to close their airspaces and impose restrictions on public gatherings. All the countries have criticised Iran for the attacks, although they all cautioned the US not to attack Iran, fearing such reprisals. In Israel, authorities confirmed the death of nine people after an Iranian missile struck the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh. Many others are still trapped in the rubble of the affected building as sirens continue to be heard across Israel, warning citizens of incoming missiles. While Iran continues to fire retaliatory missiles, the death toll in the country continues to rise, with over 200 now confirmed killed, including about 185 schoolgirls in an elementary school hit by US and Israeli missiles. The Iranian casualties also include Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several military leaders. Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also announced that it struck the American aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Gulf with four ballistic missiles. However, the US military said all missiles targeting the aircraft carrier were intercepted, and no damage was sustained. The US has also announced that it has sunk an Iranian naval ship in the Gulf of Oman. Kelly spent part of his remarks explaining the companys plan to divest its biosecurity business, which he said grew out of work begun during COVID. He highlighted the companys monitoring effortsdistinct from diagnostic testingincluding initiatives that helped reopen 5,000 schools nationwide, as well as ongoing monitoring work at airports in partnership with the CDC, including wastewater testing from planes and related programs in other locations such as Doha, Qatar. Demonstrate capabilities in Boston by systematically decommissioning traditional lab benches, walk-up automation, and work cells and moving more work onto a single large autonomous lab controlled by software. Co-founder and CEO Jason Kelly said the company views 2025s fourth quarter as a breakout quarter in defining and leading the category of autonomous labs. He described 2026 as a year focused on investing to win in autonomous labs, which he framed as part of a broader movement combining robotics, AI, and autonomy. Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE:DNA) used its fourth-quarter earnings call to outline a sharpened strategic focus for 2026 centered on autonomous labs, while also detailing year-over-year declines in cell engineering revenue and continued progress on expense reductions and cash burn. Financials and 2026 guidance : cell engineering revenue declined (Q4 down 26% y/y; fullyear $133M vs $174M in 2024) but R&D and G&A cuts substantially improved losses and Adjusted EBITDA, cash burn fell to $171M for 2025 (Q4 $47M), and management is guiding only on cash burn of $125$150M for 2026 rather than revenue. Biosecurity divestiture planned to redirect capital: Ginkgo will spin off and take its biosecurity business private with outside investors while retaining a minority stake, allowing the company to "share in the upside" but free cash for autonomouslab investments. Autonomous labs become Ginkgos core 2026 strategy: the company will concentrate capital there, systematically move work from traditional benches onto its Nebula system in Boston, expand rack capacity toward 100 racks, and commercialize offerings including Solutions, Datapoints and a cloud lab service while integrating AI (e.g., GPT5) into "lab in a loop" experiments. Story Continues AI Is Separating Software Winners From Losers, 2 Experts Explain Kelly said interest in the defense technology sector has expanded in recent years and that Ginkgo received inbound interest from pure play investors who want to build next-generation biodefense companies. Under the planned divestiture approach, Kelly said Ginkgo would spin off the biosecurity business, take it private, and bring in outside investment, while Ginkgo retains a minority stake. He characterized the move as a way for Ginkgo to share in the upside of biosecurity while focusing its cash resources on autonomous labs. Financial results: revenue down, losses and cash burn improve CFO Steve Coen provided an update on fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, including segment revenue, expenses, and Adjusted EBITDA. NVIDIAs AI Boom Isnt Slowing After Blowout Q4 Cell engineering revenue was $26 million in Q4 2025, down 26% from Q4 2024. Coen said the company supported 109 revenue-generating programs during the quarter, down 4% year over year, which he attributed primarily to ongoing program rationalization tied to restructuring activities. For the full year 2025, cell engineering revenue was $133 million, compared with $174 million in 2024. Coen also pointed to revenue items tied to the release of deferred revenue following mutual terminations of prior agreements: Q1 2025 included $7.5 million of non-cash revenue related to termination of the BiomEdit agreement. Q3 2024 included $45 million of non-cash revenue related to termination of the Motif FoodWorks agreement. Excluding those impacts, Coen said cell engineering revenue was $125 million in 2025 and $129 million in 2024, with the decrease driven primarily by restructuring-related customer program rationalization. Biosecurity revenue was $7 million in Q4 2025 and $37 million for the full year 2025. On expenses, Coen said cell engineering R&D expense fell 44% to $28 million in Q4 2025 from $50 million a year earlier. For the full year, cell engineering R&D expense decreased 42% to $159 million from $272 million. Coen also discussed a prior cloud and AI partnership commitment with Google Cloud. He said full-year 2025 R&D included a $21 million shortfall obligation. In October 2025, the company amended and reset annual commitments and settled the shortfall obligation for $14 million. Coen said the reset reduced future minimum commitments by more than $100 million compared to original terms and extended the commitment term from three to six years. Cell engineering G&A expense decreased 40% to $12 million in Q4 2025 from $20 million in Q4 2024. For the full year, G&A expense fell 51% to $56 million from $115 million, which Coen attributed to restructuring efforts. Cell engineering segment operating loss improved to $17 million in Q4 2025 from $38 million a year earlier. For the full year 2025, the segment operating loss was $96 million versus $219 million in 2024, which Coen again tied directly to restructuring actions, with some impact from the previously mentioned items. Coen said biosecurity segment operating loss improved 60% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024 and improved 38% for the full year 2025 compared to 2024. Total Adjusted EBITDA was -$36 million in Q4 2025 versus -$57 million in Q4 2024. For the full year 2025, total Adjusted EBITDA was -$167 million compared with -$293 million in 2024. Coen also noted carrying costs related to excess leased space, describing it as base rent and other charges for space the company is not occupying, net of sublease income. He said the carrying cost was $4 million in 2025 and $15 million in Q4. On liquidity and spending, Coen reported cash burn of $47 million in Q4 2025, down from $55 million in Q4 2024, and full-year 2025 cash burn of $171 million, down from $383 million in 2024. Kelly added that the company reduced annual cash burn by 55% from fiscal 2024 to 2025, and said Ginkgo ended the year with $430 million on its books. 2026 guidance: cash burn range, not revenue For 2026, Coen said the company will not provide revenue guidance and will instead guide on cash burn, which management said better reflects ongoing services and planned investments in autonomous labs. Coen guided to overall 2026 cash burn of $125 million to $150 million, describing the range as balancing cost efficiency, continued services, and investments including the build-out of our frontier autonomous lab in Boston. Kelly reinforced that decision, saying the company wants investor focus on how cash is being deployed as it invests very deliberately in autonomous labs, and said he wants internal teams focused on shifting work from traditional laboratory setups to the autonomous lab rather than targeting short-term service revenue. Autonomous labs: expansion plans, customer interest, and commercialization Kelly highlighted several developments tied to autonomous labs: OpenAI project : Kelly said Ginkgo connected GPT-5 to its autonomous lab in Boston, enabling iterative lab in a loop experiment design and execution. He said the collaboration improved state-of-the-art performance on a cell-free protein synthesis challenge by 40% after six rounds of experimentation. Department of Energy / PNNL : Kelly referenced a ribbon-cutting at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory tied to installation work under the Genesis project. He also cited a new $47 million DOE contract to build a 97-robot, 97-rack autonomous lab at PNNL. SLAS conference tours: Kelly said Ginkgo hosted tours of its Nebula autonomous lab in Boston, now at more than 50 racks, and that 590 people attended. He said the company plans to expand from roughly 50 racks to 100 racks by the first half of the year. In the Q&A, Kelly said the rack expansion is intended to help move work from benches, walk-up automation, and work cells onto the Nebula system, supporting offerings including Solutions, Datapoints, and an upcoming cloud lab service. He said Solutions deals tend to be multi-year but are pursued project by project, while Datapoints is becoming more repeat-driven as customers build trust. He described the cloud lab concept as a forthcoming offering aimed at smaller orderssuch as $50 or $200to let scientists try autonomous lab work before making larger commitments. Kelly also addressed a question about onshoring and manufacturing sites, saying Ginkgo has seen interest in applying its systems to manufacturing quality control protocols and is in discussions with some customers about deploying automation at manufacturing locations. On rack production scalability, he said the company made design changes over the past several years aimed at manufacturability, and that racks are made in San Jose with final assembly and integration in Emeryville, California, through a partner. While he said scaling manufacturing is not the companys immediate problem, he indicated it is planning for potential future expansion through larger partners if demand increases. About Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE:DNA) Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc is a synthetic biology company that designs custom microbes for customers across a range of industries. Utilizing a proprietary organism foundry platform, the company engineers cells to produce high-value chemicals, enzymes, and other biological materials. By integrating automation, data analytics and machine learning, Ginkgo Bioworks seeks to accelerate the development of biologically derived solutions at industrial scale. The company's services span the entire development cycle, from genetic design and strain optimization to fermentation and downstream processing. The article "Ginkgo Bioworks Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. The National Population Commission (NPC) has confirmed that Walida Abdulhadi was born in 2004, making her 22 years old. This contradicts her familys claim that she was born in 2008. The confirmation is in an official letter issued by the NPC to the Jigawa State Command of the State Security Service (SSS) in response to a request to verify her birth certificate. The controversy over Walidas age has been central to the public dispute over her relationship with an SSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, and the circumstances surrounding her departure from Jigawa State for Abuja. PREMIUM TIMES FOI request on Walida On 23 February 2026, PREMIUM TIMES wrote to the Abuja headquarters of the National Population Commission, seeking verification of a birth certificate reportedly issued to Abdulhadi Walida in Hadejia, Jigawa State. The certificate, issued on 21 July 2010 with entry number 2265, lists her date of birth as 7 February 2004. In a letter signed by the companys Administrative Manager, Willie Obase-Ota, the newspaper asked the commission to confirm whether the NPC genuinely issued the certificate and whether the details contained therein were accurate. As of the time of filing this report, the commission had not formally responded to PREMIUM TIMES request. The Commissions Director of Public Affairs, Nma Alhaji Shehu, did not answer or return multiple follow-up calls. NPC confirms certificate is genuine However, an insider at the commission shared with this newspaper a copy of a similar verification response the NPC sent to the Jigawa State Command of the SSS. In the letter dated 22 January 2026, with reference number NPC/JG/CRVS/2026/VOL.I/007, the NPC confirmed that the birth certificate bearing entry number 2265, dated 21/07/2010, is genuine and duly issued by the Commission. The letter, signed by Hannatu Musa Maaji, the Jigawa State Director of the population agency, stated that copies of the relevant registration registers were attached for verification and record purposes. The confirmation that the certificate is genuine means Walida was born in 2004 and is currently 22 years old. The Walida controversy The dispute over Walidas age is central to the wider controversy involving her and Mr Onyewuenyi, an operative of the State Security Service (SSS). Walidas family has alleged that Mr Onyewuenyi abducted her from Jigawa State, transported her to Abuja, converted her to Christianity, and impregnated her while she was still a minor. They insist she was born in 2008 and was therefore underage when the events in question began in 2023. Walida, however, told Weekend Trust in a recent interview that she met Mr Onyewuenyi in Abuja after being brought there by a woman identified as Mariam. She denied being abducted or forcibly converted, maintaining that she relocated to Abuja in 2023 as an adult and was 19 years old at the time. The matter escalated after she refused to return to her parents, alleging that her uncle threatened to kill her for becoming involved with a Christian man. The SSS subsequently said it was holding her and her baby in protective custody following her claims of death threats. READ ALSO: SSS arrests suspect in Kogi church abduction Her family, on the other hand, demanded her release, citing a magistrate court order, and accused the SSS of bias and anti-Islamic conduct. Walida and her baby have since been released to the Jigawa State Government for custody while investigations continue. With the NPCs confirmation that her birth certificate is genuine and that she was born in 2004, a key pillar of the claim that she was a minor at the time of the disputed events appears to have been punctured. Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a fiercely contested London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Nigerias Alex Iwobi also delivered another standout performance as Fulham defeated Tottenham Hotspur in a separate all-London clash. At the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Artetas men once again showed their strength from set-pieces. Both Arsenal goals came from corners, underlining their growing reputation as one of the leagues most dangerous sides from dead-ball situations. The Gunners had to work hard for the win, as Chelsea enjoyed long spells of possession and tested Arsenals defence repeatedly. Chelsea thought they had snatched a late equaliser in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a review. Their hopes of a comeback were further damaged when Pedro Neto was sent off in the second half, another costly moment of indiscipline in a season filled with them. The result restored Arsenals five-point lead at the top of the table as they continue to fend off pressure from Manchester City. Across London at Craven Cottage, Iwobi stole the spotlight in Fulhams 2-1 win over Tottenham. The Super Eagles midfielder scored with a brilliant finish, marking his second goal in as many games and taking his Premier League tally to 35. It is the first time since March 2016 that he has scored in back-to-back league matches. Harry Wilson had earlier given Fulham the lead, while Calvin Bassey impressed at the back with a disciplined defensive display. Samuel Chukwueze also featured as a late substitute to help see out the result. Richarlison pulled one back for Spurs, but it was not enough to prevent another damaging defeat. Tottenham remain just four points above the relegation zone and are still searching for their first league win of 2026. In contrast, Fulham climbed into the top half of the table, boosting their hopes of pushing for a European place. Other matches Elsewhere, Benjamin Sesko continued his hot streak as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot before setting up Sesko for the winner, lifting United to third place. It was a difficult outing for Nigerian duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi as Nottingham Forest lost 2-1 away to Brighton. Awoniyi featured briefly, while Aina endured a tough afternoon in defence. Forest remain just two points above the drop zone ahead of a challenging fixture against Manchester City. With Arsenal maintaining momentum at the summit and Nigerian stars making key contributions, the Premier League season continues to deliver drama at both ends of the table. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it has uncovered criminal syndicates that are deploying artificial intelligence tools to impersonate its officials and defraud candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Registrar of the board, Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja, warning that candidates and parents involved in the scheme would face severe consequences. Mr Oloyede also said three top officials of the board have been found to have collaborated in sabotaging the system and have been recommended for dismissal. He added that two other officials and a member of staff of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, are currently undergoing criminal prosecution for involvement in activities inimical to the integrity of the examination body. Over 100 candidates implicated Mr Oloyede said investigations revealed that more than 100 candidates were linked to the scheme, with 83 confirmed to have made payments to the syndicates. He added that those involved cut across 25 states with three school proprietors in custody for aiding and abetting examination malpractice. He further said the board had made recommendations to the Minister of Education for the cancellation of the affected registrations. What is important for us to emphasise here is that the students themselves and their parents are willing collaborators and cannot be regarded as innocent, he said. Mr Oloyede also expressed concern about the involvement of underage candidates, noting that about 38,000 underage candidates have registered for the 2026 UTME. He said many of the candidates who patronised the syndicate are underaged, who have been pushed by their parents beyond their academic capacity. While noting that JAMBs mandate is limited to conducting examinations, he urged parents to refrain from encouraging malpractice. Parents must understand that paying for fraud does not secure a childs future. It destroys it. You are teaching them that cheating is a strategy, that deception is acceptable, and that merit is optional, he said. We will not negotiate with criminals Mr Oloyede rejected suggestions that the board should negotiate with suspects, including some who allegedly fled the country after last years examination. He added that some computer-based test (CBT) centres had already been sanctioned. He warned that paying for examination fraud or belonging to online groups offering such services would attract sanctions. Let it be clearly understood by all Nigerians that paying for examination fraud is a crime. Receiving illegal assistance is a punishable offence. Being a willing member of a WhatsApp group where these fake services are offered will no longer be condoned. Ignorance will not be accepted as a defence, he said. Security agencies involved Mr Oloyede said the board is working with security agencies to tackle the fraud schemes. He thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Directorate of State Services, the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their support. As for capacity, we have the capacity to deal with all these issues. If we did not have the capacity, we would not be able to stay ahead of them. As they are planning, we are planning, he said. He added that JAMB has strengthened its technical systems, including the ability to detect prohibited devices during examinations. JAMBs long battle with malpractice The latest revelation adds to JAMBs long-running struggle against organised examination fraud. The board transitioned from paper-based tests to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in 2013, a move widely seen as an attempt to curb widespread malpractice, including question leaks and impersonation. Since then, JAMB has blacklisted CBT centres and cancelled results over various infractions. It has also repeatedly introduced biometric verification measures aimed at preventing impersonation during examinations. In the 2025 UTME cycle, JAMB withheld over 39,800 results as investigations into suspected irregularities continued. The investigations, through a committee set up by the board, uncovered cases of biometric fraud, including manipulation of fingerprints and identity data, as well as alleged impersonations during examinations. In response, JAMB blacklisted some CBT centres involved in the malpractices, cancelled compromised results and introduced multiple layers of verification technology aimed at securing the examination process. The Defence Headquarters says troops conducting ongoing military operations across the country recorded significant wins in February. According to statistics released by the Defence Media Operations on Sunday, 354 terrorists, criminals and illegal miners were arrested within the period. The military also disclosed that 409 kidnapped hostages were rescued during various operations carried out nationwide. In the fight against crude oil theft and related crimes, troops destroyed 32 illegal refining sites, it said, adding that a total of 144,050 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. Additionally, security forces recovered N2.4 million (N2,440,000) in cash during operations. The Nigerian military has constituted various joint task forces, leading the war against terrorism and banditry across the country. In the North-east theatre, troops of Operation Hadin Kai are confronting insurgents who continue to threaten peace and stability in places like Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Recently, the troops of the joint force, which also includes an air component, intercepted a terror courier from whom armed drones were recovered. In the North-central, the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke are curbing communal clashes, banditry and resource-based violence often tagged as farmers-herders crisis. The joint task force includes three sectors covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba. As of early 2026, the operation has intensified its efforts, including the destruction of terror enclaves in Takum and Wukari in Taraba State. Similarly, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma are stemming violence in North-west, where many bandit groups are controlling poorly governed local communities. We in ASUU can boldly submitthat BJ lives forever both as an iconic scholar and as a revolutionary activist. Biodun Jeyifo cannot die on either front. His legendary intellectual products, his outstanding records of humanistic interventions, and his teaming mass of achiever-mentees within and outside the academia will be there to speak for him. Live on, Comrade BJ! So much has been said and written about the iconic Comrade Biodun Jeyifo, fondly called BJ, since his passing on 11th February. Many more would still be written and said about his humanism, his scholarship, and his activism. But no account would be complete without referencing his imprints on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). It was in ASUU that Comrade Jeyifos humanist, scholarly and activist credentials were most productively tested within the Nigerian firmament. As the pioneer president, he held everything about ASUU very close to his chest mentoring many presidents who came after him until he breathed his last. BJ was a revolutionary Marxist who saw the need for a movement that would outlive him and his contemporaries. He knew that it is only people who make things happen, and that nothing will change if the people themselves are not changed. He embraced praxis and indeed tested his revolutionary thoughts along with trusted comrades at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, and other Nigerian universities. They got actively involved with students, labour, artisans, market men and women, as well as public intellectuals, to work for the socialist transformation of Nigeria. They took military dictators headlong and got severely bruised on several occasions in the 1970s/1980s. They experimented with the idea of communes. They championed resistance to neoliberal educational policies and teamed with students to drive the Ali-Must-Go national protest. And they transformed the lame-duck National Association of University Teachers (NAUT) into a vibrant and ideologically-driven union of intellectuals, which ASUU has remained since 1978. It was not out of personal desire or inordinate ambition that BJ became the pioneer president of ASUU, it was a responsibility bestowed on him in recognition of his self-sacrificing commitment and sanctimonious dedication to making the union an intellectual vanguard for resisting the capitalist invasion of Nigerias intellectual, economic and socio-political life. So, it is stating the obvious to say that BJ and his generation laid the philosophical foundation for ASUUs engagements beyond the four walls of the university or what infamously became teaching-what-you-are-not-paid-to-teach. In actuality, BJs generation taught us the rudiments of what it means to make a difference in an organisation, in a system, and in the society: clear vision, passion and commitment; collective leadership, accountability and transparency; unity of purpose, selfless service, and resilience; among others. Another past president of that generation, late Festus Iyayi, was to later codify these tenets into five clusters: (i) integrity, transparency and accountability; (ii) professionalism, objectivity and hard work; (iii) courage, sacrifice and total commitment; (iv) internal democracy, team work and group solidarity; and (v) patriotism, anti-imperialism and working class solidarity. By all known standards, BJ exemplified and espoused ASUU principles all through his work-life. Biodun Jeyifos academic profile is intimidating to the uninitiated. Beginning with a First Class in English at the University of Ibadan in 1970, and strengthened by graduate studies at the New York University, where he obtained the Masters and doctorate degrees in 1973 and 1975 respectively, BJ rose phenomenally to become a formidable global scholar. He began his teaching career as Lecturer II at Ibadan in 1975 and transferred his services to Ife in 1977. At Ife, his recommendation to the rank of a full professor by the Senate was halted when Jeyifo resigned for the universitys failure to grant his research leave for a commissioned book project on Wole Soyinka and moved to America in 1987. Jeyifos skilful deployment of a profound intellectual prowess in his decades of discursive journalistic space served more than pedagogical purposes; it provided (and still provides) useful platforms for generating ideas to address complex socio-political problems. His optimism in the possibility of the Nigerian revolution, when viewed against the recorded impacts of revolutionary thinkers like Amilcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, and Paulo Friere, is not in any manner whatsoever misplaced. BJ was appointed professor of English by Oberlin College the same year and later moved to Cornell University where he plied his trade until 2006. He was subsequently appointed a professor of African and African-American Studies and Comparative Literature at the Harvard University, before serving as emeritus professor at both Cornell and Harvard. In all of this, BJ did not prioritise career advancement but his exceptional brilliance won him placements in world class universities and attracted several national and international awards, honours and fellowships that took him to many countries and continents across the world. BJs scholarship is multidimensional. He was a poet, an essayist, a literary critic, a revolutionary thinker, and a newspaper columnist all at the same time. His methodology is rooted in mythology and cultural theory. While receiving an award of D. Lit (Honoris Causa) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 2018, Jeyifo spoke of his profession and methodology through, the Afro-Cuban myth on the body of Truth and the head of Falsehood. He said, in my profession of critical theory and literary studies, this is the kind of ambiguity, conundrum or enigma that we love to work on. He went further to counsel: we must see Truth and Falsehood not as mere opposites but as inevitable contradictions that we must do our utmost best to decipher in order to make the contradiction work for us and not against us. Home or abroad, BJ never lost touch with the talakawa of the land to whom restitution and justice will come one day in our country. His weekly Talakawa Liberation Courier column in The Sunday Guardian from inception in 1983 and the Talakawa Liberation Herald in The Nation forty years later, was dedicated to this underprivileged class, the poorest of the poor, who are neglected by the opportunistic and egotistic ruling elites with insatiable appetite for state-enabled privileges and corruption. In both America and Nigeria, BJ saw the conditions of the talakawa declining each day, not for the lack of resources but for the denial of access to the basic necessities of life. Barack Obamas 2014 State of the Union address, in which the president copiously acknowledged the existence of poverty and inequality in America, prompted BJ, in one of his essays, to remark: there is the widespread phenomenon of the working poor as a social and economic category distinct and separable from the jobless, non-working poor. Indeed, in Nigerian parlance, I would call the former the talakawa of America and the latter the almajiris of the USA.(The Nation, 2 February, 2014). The two-part essay underscores BJs abhorrence of the ills of capitalist exploitation everywhere and anywhere, noting that the inevitable great climatic differences should not obscure the common sources (and) the linkages between inequality and poverty in our world. Jeyifos skilful deployment of a profound intellectual prowess in his decades of discursive journalistic space served more than pedagogical purposes; it provided (and still provides) useful platforms for generating ideas to address complex socio-political problems. His optimism in the possibility of the Nigerian revolution, when viewed against the recorded impacts of revolutionary thinkers like Amilcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, and Paulo Friere, is not in any manner whatsoever misplaced. To overcome the expected ambush of reactionary state agents like Chris Ngige, BJ passionately stressed the imperative of organic solidarity among those working for socialist alternative calling for a deeper and clearer understanding of the dialectics of change. Contradictions are bound to arise, but they must be quickly dispense with, lest they derail the struggle for the talakawas liberation. BJs last major assignment for ASUU hinged on resolving such complex issues. The transition of our teacher, mentor and pathfinder from mortality to immortality presents a rare opportunity for us to act in unison to reclaim the lost glory of our universities and reposition ASUU for the progressive transformation of the country. His inability to achieve a united collective of scholars in his last days was perhaps one of BJs greatest regrets. He would turn for joy in his grave if we give him this well-deserved honour now that he is no longer with us! As the lingering crisis at the OAU branch festered around 2016/2017, BJ saw the split in Ife and quickly stepped in to avert its snowballing effect on ASUU nationwide. At the Ife convocation in 2018, he openly expressed his displeasure at the way OAU authorities and academics were handling the crisis. Specifically, he noted with regret that Ife is the birthplace of ASUU; today, ASUU is in a state of profound and crippling crisis at the University. He did not stop at that. He relocated to Ile-Ife for days, engaging the dramatis personae in order to reconcile the warring parties and reconnect detached members with the national body of ASUU. He expressed shock when presenting the report of his efforts to the ASUU national leadership in January 2019, saying: while historically ASUU had had many local and national crises, none was as critical as the current ASUU-OAU crisis. He went further to stress that no previous crisis in ASUU to date had ever led to the formation of a breakaway faction that had taken its separation from ASUU to the point of seeking the registration of a rival national association of Nigerian academics named, in this instance, Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA). He made far-reaching recommendations that could have laid the matter to a permanent rest if the arrow-head of the separation move had seen reason with BJ. Unfortunately, the splinter group remained adamant and rebuffed all his reconciliation efforts. Once more, ASUU invites the breakaway group to honour the memory of Comrade BJ by returning to the fold. The greatest honour that Nigerian academics can do to the memory of BJ is not to approach his graveside as a divided community. His immutable admonishment is very instructive:contradictions are there not to crush us if we study them carefully. The transition of our teacher, mentor and pathfinder from mortality to immortality presents a rare opportunity for us to act in unison to reclaim the lost glory of our universities and reposition ASUU for the progressive transformation of the country. His inability to achieve a united collective of scholars in his last days was perhaps one of BJs greatest regrets. He would turn for joy in his grave if we give him this well-deserved honour now that he is no longer with us! The renowned historian and African scholar, Toyin Falola, organised an international event to celebrate the life and times of BJ on Sunday, 22nd February, where it was asked if BJ would be remembered more for his scholarship or his activism. We in ASUU can boldly submit, like many participants did at the event, that BJ lives forever both as an iconic scholar and as a revolutionary activist. Biodun Jeyifo cannot die on either front. His legendary intellectual products, his outstanding records of humanistic interventions, and his teaming mass of achiever-mentees within and outside the academia will be there to speak for him. Live on, Comrade BJ! Christopher Piwuna is the president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Critics must talk. When they accused me of killing the opposition, but I didnt have a gun. That was President Bola Tinubu talking last week. It was at the interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Senate which held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He was replying gathering pushback from opposition forces who claimed he was coercing decampers into his APC. The president was in high spirit. You do not have to be a nonverbal communication aficionado to see it coursing through him. But if you are vast in emotion recognition, cognitive neuroscience and emotional intelligence, the presidents joy would be right on your palm. These fields show how humans can decode, interpret and process information from facial expressions, features and movements. Merely looking at you, they penetrate the cordon to understand your emotions, intentions, and, sometimes, personality traits. At that moment, the president was the elephant. In a famous track sung by Yoruba evergreen Juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, he had philosophized: If the elephant enters a forest and eats its grass without being belly-full, the joke is on the forest and not the elephant. In Obeys original Yoruba rendition, the line reads, Berin ba je ti o yoo igbe loju o ti. Not to worry. The president is belly-full. His elephants tummy is filled with castrated manhood of opposition figures. You needed to see joy enveloping his face. Feeling reinforced and impregnable, that night, the president must have sang that evergreen line of Obey. The analogy of death and gun even further reinforce the thesis. He must have felt like the world was in his pocket. Or like a rookie soldier who just won a tombola. My mind tells me that Tinubus deployment of the imagery of death and gun was not a happenstance. It approximates his feeling of invincibility. To be fair to him, it does feel exactly so. The Electoral Act 2026 is a harvest of carefully curated clauses that will enthrone any king for as many times as they desire. INECs timetable too, in the words of the ADC Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, is an Asiwaju coronation leaflet. As we speak, the president has moved with the speed of the cheetah into 2027. Ahmadu Fintiri, ex-VP Atiku Abubakars home state governor, had just become the 30th Nigerian governor to port into his pouch. And as the quiver firmly holds arrows as sheath, the president is not about to let his captives out. As I write this, Bauchi State governor, Bala Muhammed, charged by the Tinubu Nigerian state for terrorism financing, was reported to have held a private meeting with him at the Villa. Tinubu cannot imagine the impossibility and imponderability of not being in the Villa a second time. Just to be sure, the president must have asked for an old tune of Yusuff Olatunji as icing on the cake of his double assurance. A Yoruba Sakara music genre of traditional music, in his Vol 16, after spending sometime serenading the late Alake of Egbaland, Oba Folorunso Lipede; the Osile, Adedamola; Agura, Adeosun; the Olowu, Ajibola as well as the chiefs of Egbaland, which range from the Apena, Toye Coker; Sowemimo; Adegbenro; Seriki Amodemaja and others, the Sakara music great then dwelled upon cosmic-ordained impossibilities. Though it can die by anything else, a fish trap, traditionally constructed by fishermen and made of wire or palm materials, will not kill a grasscutter. Nor will a metal trap kill a fish in the sea, Olatunji sang. To the delight of the president, Olatunji seemed to have assured him that the war was already won. The spike fiddle goje of Olatunji, also known as Baba Legba, twanged submissively like an accomplice. A traditional bowed string musical instrument commonly associated with the Hausa, the goje is almost like the South African banjo. The president probably sucked in the twinging goje, just as he allowed a cigarette clutched between his left hand burn away joyously and admirably. In his mellifluous voice, the Sakara musician sang about these cosmic impossibilities thus: Igere o ni pewuju, takute o ni peja o e. In deploying the gun and death imagery, Tinubu merely chose not to be grandiloquent. He has not been using gun to kill the Nigerian opposition, he said. But, in all material particular, he is the African witch. Africa believes witches have mystical powers which makes them bringers of death and destruction. In my peoples chanting of the witchs cognomen, she is the famous lord of nocturnes who kills without bow, arrow or gun. Upon unaliving her victim, the witch does not need vultures to eat the carrion. Perhaps, by claiming he didnt have a gun, the president was merely following in the footsteps of his Yoruba people. Rather than refer to witches in their very names, they rather shroud the witchs prowess in imagery. Witches are clothed in respectful, dreaded or euphemistic cognomen that shields their deadly strikes. The euphemism however still emphasizes the witchs destructive power and mystery. If you ask the Nigerian opposition today, they would tell you that Tinubu is the witch who eats the head while pretending to be concentrated on masticating the hand; one who eats the heart right from the liver. In all this, you will never see blood on the lips of the witch. That is the witch in Aso Rock. Of a truth, the president has persistently insisted that he does not have a hand in the sucking of the blood of the opposition, especially the rank of the Nigerian governors. However, the situation on ground is that of the bee and the wasp in firm denial of responsibility, yet the farmers face is terribly swollen. A God-knows-who has criminally stung the farmer. Aso Rock is generally believed to be the culprit of this gradual hemorrhage. Yet it says it has no gun. Multipartism and multiplicity of electorates choices are dying in Nigeria as we move towards the general elections. No thanks to Tinubu. Yet, the one who kills without a dagger, the wasp and bee rolled into one, is in outright denial. Labour Party is comatose, NNDP is fractious and APGA is in intensive care unit. The PDP will seem to be the recipient of the cruelest blows from the witch. While the witchs hatchet man claims he is not holding the partys throat down for the witch to suck its blood, on a daily basis, we see PDPs throat held down. The vulture is draining the last of its blood. With the judgement of an Ibadan court on Friday, it is obvious that the PDP convention baby has been birthed already and anyone who wants to kill it will be committing murder. The president and his anvil should have aborted it before its birth. As the president is busy wriggling his waist to Baba Legbas music of a cosmic-ordained impossibility of his political enemies defeating him, on the other side of the coin is Nasir El-Rufai, who currently lies lonely inside the detention house of the Nigerian law. It takes me back to the philosophy of life. Tribulations and human life are Siamese. It is a certainty that no man can live their lives divorced from the ups and downs of life. In the 1970s, when his soaring musical glory had just gained altitude, Yoruba primus inter pares musical behemoth, Chief Ebenezer Obey, who prided self as Commander of the musical cult, faced a huge social turbulence that almost downed his smooth-sailing musical flight. At some point, almost like a choreography, virtually all the creme de la creme of high society whose panegyrics he sang to high heavens, began to meet their existential waterloo. One of them was Ile-Oluji, Ondo State-born industrialist, Henry Fajemirokun. By the early 1970s, Fajemirokun had succeeded in boring deep hole into the sand of time. He was an economic high-flyer. Fajemirokun established and built one of the foremost indigenous private sector business concerns of his time. Chief among these was the Henry Stephens Group of Companies, which he founded and became its chairman. He was also its largest shareholder. To celebrate this icon, Obey painted the dancehall red with his famous hagiographic line proclaiming immortality for Fajemirokun. In his Adventure Of Mr Wise 1973 album, he sang, Iku o ni pa e o, Fajemirokun; arun o ni se e o, Fajemirokun Not long after this vinyl hit the music stand, on February 15, 1978, aged 52, Fajemirokun suddenly slumped and died in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire. He was leading a trade delegation to the country when the calamity occurred. Earlier came Jimoh Ishola, a.k.a Ejigbadero. A notorious land-grabber whose infamy was a legend in the Alimoso area of Lagos, virtually all Yoruba musicians of the early 1970s, in competition for Ejigbaderos heart, idolized this land baron. Yusuff Olatunji also did. Obey, too, joined the bandwagon. As inscrutable as it is to find out how the liquid inside the coconut pod got therein, so was it for Ejigbaderos traducers to locate the sources of his wealth, sang the Juju music lord. Not long after, the Nigerian State unveiled the riddle of Ejigbaderos wealth. In 1975, while investigating the cause of the killing of Raji Oba, one of Alimosho villagers, Ejigbaderos wickedness and criminal wizardry were detected. In August, 1976, he was sentenced to death for killing Oba. After an affirmation of the lower courts death sentence by the Supreme Court, Ejigbadero was executed by firing squad in 1979 at the Kirikiri maximum prison gallows. In a society driven by belief in black magic and mans propensity for manipulating human destiny by sorcery, the short-end-of-the-stick fates suffered by victims of Obeys panegyrics must have been as a result of his magical tweak, it was held. One after the other, Obeys long list of high society clientele began to dwindle. Persuaded by the nuggets in the traditional belief that with a stroke of ones hands, one can redirect ones rail-roading destiny, Obey immediately issued a rebuttal in the form of a musical rendition. Aye o, kaye ma barawo mi je, aye o kaye ma parawo mi da, Wicked world, dont destroy my destiny, he sang. Then, one after the other, he began to mention the names of those he sang their praises who were still at the top of their games. One of them was Titilola Edionseri, alias Cash Madam. Rather than these ones destinies plummeting, they soar high, Obey sang, rendered in Yoruba, according to his musical lines, thus, Kaka kewe e rele, pipele lon pele si. What Obey meant to convey was that the fates of Fajemirokun, Ejigbadero and others were a mere puddle in an ocean. Nigerias political enfant terrible, Nasir El-Rufai, is today at that melancholic intersection where Obey was in the 1970s. Since his emergence as the Director General of the Bureau of Private Enterprises (BPE) and later, a major active participant in Nigerian politicking, El-Rufai has gained notoriety for acting in an unconventional, outspoken, or shocking manner. He has broken tradition for his atypical nature and his boldness to defy social norms, often in an embarrassing manner. His eight years governance of Kaduna State, though laced with achievements acknowledged by global financial institutions, also reveal him as dictatorial, undemocratic and deadly. Those who know him romanticise his brilliance, capacity to bite the bullet and his boldness to pick naked fire-encrusted faggot with his bare hand. But, as native wisdom teaches, wisdom kills the wise. It is a paradox of human existence. Human, or worldly wisdom ultimately fails, leading to mans eclipse. Ultimately, the graveyard of the wise is an affirmation that human, mortal brilliance cannot escape immortal authority. Many a time, worldly wise strategies get trapped by worldly cleverness. The wise man, in the process of exhibiting wisdom, could die like the fool, revealing the ephemeral nature of earthly wisdom and its inability to sustain the wise. El-Rufais current fate in the hands of Tinubu can also be likened to the unexpected fatal ricochet of a dane gun. Even good shots prepare for a day when the gun could ricochet. It is an awkward moment when the hunter or one prepared to aim their shots suddenly finds out that the bullets or shotgun pellets come back, not from the eye of the gun but its buttocks. For El-Rufai, how does a man whose political adversaries dreaded for his serpentine wizardry, ability to outmanoeuvre his assailants, a razor-sharp tongue and calculative permutation, fall like an unwise? In Iremoje, the Yoruba poetic dirge sung at funerals of hunters, bards often gather, in total submission to the omnipotent. In their chants, they acknowledge that no armour is strong enough to shield fate. To capture this, they employ the imagery of the hunters pouch, which the English call the quiver, but which the Yoruba hunter calls the apo. Mourning bards lament that Death kills the hunter like one without the apo. Death kills a sick Babalawo like one whose vestry isnt full of curative barks and roots. It is rendered as, Iku pa ode bi eni ti o lapo, iku pa onisegun bi eni ti o loogun. To reinforce this, Yoruba again say that what will be the death of the hunter lurks right inside his quiver, the apo. Inside the apo is a pot-pourri, from charms in aid of sudden disappearance, to multiple types of powder which, if leaked, make the hunter invincible to forest forces. But, literally, death seems to have eventually caught up with El-Rufai, a man who, up until now, seemed to share cognomen with the Alaafin of Oyo as the son of Death who death could not kill. It will seem that wisdom eventually killed the wise. For, how did that criminal word of wire-tapping come out of the lips of a man as wise as the Kaduna ex-governor? How could he claim he harangued Umaru YarAdua to death? Having fallen on his own sword, the witch came in to drain El-Rufai of his blood. Then, last week, an alleged crime which ordinarily should admit him to bail has had the court rejecting his plea, followed by his arraignment to as far as April. Then, the gadfly got remanded in prison. Talk about blood seldom seen on the witchs lips. El-Rufai should rest assured that indeed, wisdom sometimes kills the wise. Not for him alone but even his traducers. The holy writ says when they think it is peace and safety, a sudden destruction. Electoral Act tweaked. Governors tweaked. Judiciary tweaked. INEC tweaked. But, can they tweak God? Can they tweak over 200 million Nigerians fates? It is why even the gun in Tinubus hand could ricochet. In 2011, this same Tinubu was docked before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja over allegations of operating multiple foreign bank accounts while serving as the Lagos State governor. Who could imagine that a man that down could end up being the Nigerian president? Life is not as curve-less as the rod of a dane gun. The tragedy is that Nigerian politicians dont learn from the repetitive thesis of life. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. If all countries in Africa adopt that as a working definition of leadership and earnestly pursue the quest for the emergence of such leaders, the continent will begin to regain its mojo. At times I wonder what happened to us. This used to be a land of heroes: Nkrumah, Nyerere, Mandela, Awolowo, Murtala Muhammed, Toure, Okpara, Chaka, Jaja, Kaunda, Sankara Fifty-six-year-old President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana made the headlines recently when he declined the invitation of President Trump to visit the White House. There is no quarrel between Trump and Boko. The relationship between the US and Botswana is also cordial. Boko is only living true to the Yoruba proverb which says that a man who has stepped on a thorn ought to be the one seeking the owner of a blade, not the other way round. President Boko reportedly argued that, If there is any business or official engagement to discuss, it should take place in Botswana, not abroad. Botswana is tired of travelling abroad for deals that concern its own resources. If there is genuine interest in our resources, come to Botswana so we can talk business. Let us respect the basic principle of commerce: buyers should go to the sellers. If the situation is reversed, then the buyers interest is not truly valuable. Small But Big I am not surprised that Botswana has given the rest of Africa some kolanuts of wisdom to chew. I had nursed some admiration for the relatively small country of 2.56 million people since 2018 when I was privileged to visit en route to Zimbabwe, during a futile journey to interview the ousted Zimbabwean leader, Robert Mugabe (that is a story for another day). The population of Botswana is young, with a median age in the mid-20s. The country covers a total land area of approximately 581,730 square kilometres (roughly 224,606 square miles). Contrast that with Nigeria, which has a landmass of 923,768 square kilometres (roughly 356,669 square miles and a rumoured population of 250 million people!) Many Nigerians will recall that a Nigerian jurist, Justice Timothy Akinola Aguda (19235 September 2001), was the first indigenous African to assume the position of Chief Justice of Botswana and he also later served on the Courts of Appeal in Swaziland and Lesotho. Back to my 2018 visit. One of the first shocks I had in Gaborone was the exchange rate of the national currency, the Botswana Pula (BWP), at roughly BWP5 to $1. The current exchange rate is BWP13.14 to $1. In Nigerian terms, BWP1 exchanges for 103.16. Botswana is the worlds second-largest diamonds exporter. Its other exports include copper ore, insulated wire, carbonates, and frozen bovine meat. The cattle population generally outnumbers the human population, with the government aiming to reach five million cattle by 2030. When a lion gets used to looking down on other members of the animal kingdom, who is to tell it that the middle name of the honey badger is trouble in the form of incredible tenacity, a thick skin, and willingness to confront much larger predators? The fact that it looks like a grass-cutter (the Thryonomyidae family) does not make it a variant of your regular bushmeat. The honey badger would gladly punch above its weight if it had to. Reason: It takes responsibility for its actions. Africa, Arise! I have always argued that one of the reasons the developed world treats Africa like a shithole is that African leaders dont respect themselves. They sell their countries cheap, stealing money meant for national development and stashing their loot in Western havens. How can a foreigner who knows where you hid all your loot have any respect for you? Until recently, when the Oval Office became a staging ground for raw intimidation and undiplomatic insults, African leaders used to lobby to be invited to the White House. Now President Boko has demonstrated the spirit of the new Africa: We want partners, not colo-masters! This brings me to the question of leadership in Africa. The simplest working definition that continues to inspire me is that proffered by John Quincy Adams. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, he says, you are a leader. If all countries in Africa adopt that as a working definition of leadership and earnestly pursue the quest for the emergence of such leaders, the continent will begin to regain its mojo. At times I wonder what happened to us. This used to be a land of heroes: Nkrumah, Nyerere, Mandela, Awolowo, Murtala Muhammed, Toure, Okpara, Chaka, Jaja, Kaunda, Sankara Invasion of idiots As in ancient Greece, our steps were guided by philosophy, the mother of all disciplines. One of the tragedies of contemporary technological advancement is that society is gliding away from thinking and diving headlong into the allpervasive social media, where intellectual Lilliputians call the shots. I think the analysis made by Umberto Eco, author of The Name of the Rose, is significant for our era because it validates Socrates recommendation to would-be leaders Know Thyself and be intellectually humble. According to the Greek philosopher, great leaders possess self-awareness of their own ignorance and limitations, fostering a culture of continuous learning. As Kayode Olusunmade, a leadership development expert puts it, To lead others, lead self first. Eco thinks that social media is a major culprit in the current crisis of mediocre leadership worldwide. He argues that social media should not be dominating public discourse ahead of the old school process of exercising the brain and profiting from the wisdom of the ages. Social media, he says, gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community. Back then, they were quickly ignored. Now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. He calls it the invasion of the idiots! New Leaders We can no longer afford to treat the contemporary tools of modern development as playthings. Its time to get serious. And the very first thing to do is get the right kind of leadership that can competently handle the challenges facing us. Mark Carney has already warned us that if we are not at the table, we are on the menu. Recent happenings in the West have also shown that there is a nostalgia for the days of the slave trade and a huge appetite for a return to colonialism and imperialism. We cannot confront these challenges with analogue and avaricious leadership. The generation of the Nkrumahs lit the decolonisation torch. The kind of leadership required in Africa at this time is one that will confront our daunting challenges headlong. As Samuel Esson Jonah, a Ghanaian businessman, international corporate leader and chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, recently noted in a must-read op-ed article in AFRICA BRIEFING, our continent needs to act as one, speak with one voice and negotiate partnerships on our terms. Imperatives: Shift from donor dependency to self-financed development. Reform fiscal policies to manage debt, invest in sustainable agriculture aligned with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and leverage our vast resources for value addition rather than raw export. Address security through pan-African cooperation, strengthening the African Unions Peace and Security Architecture to tackle insurgencies and conflicts holistically. Empower our youth and institutions: Confront governance crises head-on. Engage the rising tide of Gen Z protests not as threats, but as calls for accountability. Strengthen institutions to combat corruption, inequality, and democratic backsliding, ensuring our youth see a future on this continent. A fortnight ago, I celebrated General Murtala Muhammed for his commitment to the liberation struggle in Africa. Will the new Murtala Muhammeds and Nkrumahs and Nyereres all over Africa please stand up! Wole Olaoye is a Public Relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on [email protected], Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021 The coroners inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege has generated enormous public attention globally, and understandably so. The involvement of internationally recognised author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, combined with broader conversations about healthcare standards in Nigeria, has placed the proceedings under an unusual level of scrutiny. The Lagos State Government itself has described the matter as one of broader societal concern. Public interest in cases of this nature is natural. When grief intersects with questions of medical care, the desire for clarity and accountability becomes heightened. It is also true that inquests serve an important public function. They are designed not to assign civil or criminal liability, but to establish facts: who died, and by what medical cause. But curiously, critical evidentiary fact has been largely glossed over in public reporting, one that sits at the very foundation of what a coroners inquest is supposed to do. The fact that it is now public knowledge that Baby Nkanu has been cremated changes everything about the forensic landscape of this proceeding. The presiding magistrate at the Yaba Magistrate Court was direct on this point during the preliminary session. She stated, in terms that could not have been clearer, that for every inquest, the starting point is that there must be an autopsy done to give us a professional report. That is not a procedural formality. That is the entire evidentiary bedrock upon which a coroners finding of cause of death is built. The Attorney General similarly acknowledged the obvious: it will be difficult to determine the cause of death without the body. And yet, the conversation in the public square has moved on from this admission almost as quickly as it was made, as though the difficulty were a minor logistical inconvenience rather than a structural challenge to the entire inquiry. The primary physical evidence in any case of disputed or unexplained death, the remains themselves, no longer exist. What remains is documentary and testimonial evidence: hospital records, expert witnesses, the accounts of those present. Cremation, by its nature, is irreversible. There is no going back for another look, no tissue to re-examine if new questions arise, no secondary forensic opinion to be sought on the physical remains. Whatever answers the body might have yielded about the precise cause of death, about the sequence of medical events, about what was or was not done in those final hours, those answers are now permanently unavailable. What happens to an inquest when its central evidentiary pillar is missing? It risks becoming, at its most consequential moments, a competition between expert opinions rather than a determination grounded in primary pathological evidence. Experts may interpret hospital records differently. Medical witnesses may offer competing accounts of what the documentation shows. Without autopsy findings as an anchor, the court is left to weigh opinions against opinions. This is not a theoretical concern. In cases where the cause of death is genuinely disputed, and the question of what exactly happened to Master Nnamdi is disputed, pathological evidence is not supplementary to the inquiry. It is the inquirys most direct access to truth. Hospital records document what was done; an autopsy tells you what was found in the body. They answer different questions, and both are ordinarily necessary for a complete picture. The coroner may still conclude. The proceeding may still proceed to a finding. But there will be a ceiling on the certainty of that finding, a ceiling imposed by the irreversible absence of the body, that the court itself has acknowledged and that any honest legal observer must recognise. The Lagos State Government has been explicit: this is not merely a private family matter. It has positioned the inquest as having implications for medical accountability and standards in the state. That is precisely why the forensic gap at its centre cannot be treated as a footnote. If this inquest, conducted under intense public and governmental scrutiny, proceeds to a finding on cause of death without the benefit of an autopsy and without clearly acknowledging the evidentiary limitations that flow from the cremation, it sets a troubling precedent. Future inquests involving families with far less public prominence may cite this case as authority for proceeding under similarly constrained forensic conditions. The standard, once lowered under sympathetic circumstances, tends to stay lowered. The grief is real. The public interest is real. But so is the fact that the primary evidence is gone, and that fact, openly admitted by the family and acknowledged by the court, deserves to be treated with the seriousness it demands. *Benjamin Odunlamo, a public analyst is based in Lagos. Armed men on motorcycles late Saturday stormed Gada Oli, a village near Wawa and a few kilometres from Woro in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, shooting into the air and looting phone shops, residents have said. SaharaReporters first reported the incident, quoting community sources who said the attackers rode into the village at night, causing panic as residents fled. They entered the community on motorbikes and started shooting in the air to chase people away, a resident told the publication. After people ran, they entered phone stores and took phones. Community members who spoke anonymously for fear of being targeted said no deaths were recorded during the raid, though the terrorists broke into several shops and carted away goods. The latest incident comes weeks after coordinated attacks on Woro and Nuku communities on 3 February left more than 100 residents dead in one of the deadliest assaults recorded in the state in recent years. Humanitarian officials and local authorities reported mass burials in the aftermath, while survivors recounted how the gunmen surrounded the villages and opened fire. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the federal government subsequently launched Operation Savannah Shield, a joint military campaign involving the Army, Navy and Air Force, to stabilise Kwara North and adjoining parts of Niger State. The operation, headquartered at the Sobi Military Cantonment in Ilorin, was described by the Chief of Defence Staff as a sustained offensive to dismantle terrorist networks operating within forest corridors, including areas around the Kainji Lake National Park. Despite the deployment, residents say attacks and threats have persisted. In neighbouring Edu and Patigi local government areas, fear of further violence has disrupted daily life, including religious observances during Ramadan. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Muslim worshippers in communities such as Gbugbu, Kpanpkanragi, Motokun and Agboro have scaled back or abandoned night congregational prayers due to security concerns and movement restrictions. Everyone knows our mosques used to fill every night in Ramadan. But now people are afraid, a resident of Gbugbu said. READ ALSO: Terrorists kill four in another Kebbi mosque attack Many families pray inside their homes because going to the mosque after sunset is risky. Kaiama Local Government authorities recently imposed a night curfew from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., citing lingering threats after the February massacre. Security analysts attribute the recurring attacks to cross-border movements of armed groups and the exploitation of forested terrain that provides cover and mobility. Efforts to obtain official comments were unsuccessful. Calls placed to the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not answered as of the time of filing this report. Residents in Kaiama and surrounding communities say they remain anxious despite ongoing security operations, noting that while troop deployments have increased, fear persists, and many are calling for a sustained, permanent security presence rather than a temporary calm. HARBIN, China, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As a vanguard of China's power equipment industry, Harbin Electric Corporation (HE) is accelerating the development of new power systems centered on green and low-carbon vision. As China's first state-owned enterprise for exporting large-scale power units, HE has been proactively participating in the Belt and Road cooperation as a "Messenger of Light", contributing to global sustainable growth through technological innovation. How China Drives Global Green Energy Transition through Intelligent Manufacturing Speed Speed HE has offered its clean energy solutions to over 50 countries and regions around the world. In South America, the Minas San Francisco Hydropower Project in Ecuador serves as a cornerstone of the Pacific water system, significantly optimizing the local energy structure. In the Middle East, the Hassyan Clean Energy Project sets a benchmark for regional energy diversification and low-carbon transition through its advanced multi-fuel capabilities and rigorous international standards of environmental protection. Furthermore, HE's H-class gas turbine units in Pakistanthe first of its kind in Asiahave set global records for efficiency, construction quality, and deployment speed in heavy-duty gas turbine technologies. HE has made remarkable progress in expanding its shares in high-end global markets with leveraging its advantages in digital twin technologies, AI-driven smart operations, and strategic layouts in hydrogen energy and large-scale energy storage, which also helps drive the industry toward a zero-carbon future. From "Made in China" to "Intelligent Manufacturing in China", HE provides the world with high-efficiency equipment while contributing a robust "China Power" to the global fight against climate change through comprehensive, low-carbon energy solutions. About Harbin Electric Corporation (HE): As the cradle of China's power equipment industry, HE remains committed to innovation-driven growth. By delivering full-chain solutions spanning hydro, nuclear, and wind power, as well as integrated energy services, HE leads the global industry towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/DSec-6551bw SOURCE Harbin Electric Corporation Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) is one of the cheap energy stocks to buy right now. On February 22, PT Pertamina (Persero) and Halliburton entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding/MOU to accelerate the development of unconventional energy resources in Indonesia. This partnership focuses on deploying advanced well construction and stimulation technologies, specifically targeting multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and acid stimulation. The collaboration aims to revitalize mature onshore fields and optimize their production potential to support Indonesias national energy supply. A key highlight of the agreement is the integration of cutting-edge digital solutions, including closed-loop automation and artificial intelligence. By applying these technologies to drilling and fracturing operations, the companies intend to improve operational precision and efficiency. Halliburton (HAL), Pertamina Sign Strategic MOU to Advance Indonesian Unconventional Energy Copyright: 1971yes / 123RF Stock Photo Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) will contribute its global unconventional expertise and localized reservoir insights, while Pertamina seeks to transform its upstream production through sustainable, technology-driven revitalization strategies. The MOU underscores Halliburtons expanding footprint in the Southeast Asian unconventional market and reflects a broader industry trend of using high-tech automation to maximize asset value in complex environments. Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates in two segments: Completion & Production and Drilling & Evaluation. While we acknowledge the potential of HAL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Washington, March 1 : Mounting an expansive defence of US President Donald Trump's decision to launch a deadly strike on Iran, resulting in the death of its Supreme Leader, Senior Administration officials argued that intelligence on missile threats and nuclear activity left the United States with "no choice". Washington, March 1 (IANS) Mounting an expansive defence of US President Donald Trump's decision to launch a deadly strike on Iran, resulting in the death of its Supreme Leader, Senior Administration officials argued that intelligence on missile threats and nuclear activity left the United States with "no choice". "The president decided he was not gonna sit back and allow American forces in the region to absorb attacks from conventional missiles," said a Senior Administration Official describing the operation "Epic Fury" as pre-emptive and defensive, not retaliatory. Speaking on conditions of anonymity, officials noted that the immediate concern was Iran's "conventional missile capability" in the southern belt, alongside its longer-term ambition to acquire nuclear weapons. According to one official, intelligence indicated Iran could use those missiles "potentially preemptively". Waiting to be struck first would have led to "substantially higher" casualties and damage, the official observed. "We are not gonna be held hostage by them, and we are not gonna let them hit us first," another Senior Administration Official said. Officials accused Iran of striking civilian infrastructure in response. "They have now struck multiple civilian sites unrelated to military sites. They have hit a hotel they've hit the airport in Kuwait, they've hit hotels in Abu Dhabi," one official said. The administration said the strikes were also driven by what it described as Iran's systematic rebuilding of nuclear facilities damaged in "Operation Midnight Hammer". Intelligence, officials said, showed Tehran was reconstructing enrichment and conversion sites and expanding centrifuge manufacturing capacity. Iran had developed the ability to build advanced "IR six centrifuges", described as "the fastest ones out there". These machines significantly accelerate enrichment. Officials pointed to enrichment levels and stockpiles. Roughly "450 kilograms of 60 per cent material" would be "only one week away from getting to 90 per cent weapons rate", the Senior Administration Official asserted. They also raised concerns about the Tehran Research Reactor. "Never once did they use any of the fissionable material there to make even a single medicine," the Senior Administration Official said, referring to intelligence obtained from the IEAE. Officials said enrichment at 20 per cent and 60 per cent levels dramatically shortened the pathway to weapons-grade material. "These are all violations," one official said, adding that for "every one of the three violations" cited, "we've got five more". Diplomacy, officials argued, had failed. President Trump sought what officials described as "a real deal" that would ensure Iran would "never have the ability to possess a nuclear weapon". Negotiators offered strict guardrails and even "free nuclear fuel forever" if Iran abandoned enrichment. "They basically said that didn't work for them. They needed to enrich uranium," the Senior Administration Official said, calling that refusal "a big tell". Another official said Iran consistently refused to address ballistic missiles. "They will not even talk about it," the official said. Officials also cited Tehran's unwillingness to address proxy groups that, in their words, have caused "chaos and destruction and instability in the region". The negotiation process, officials said, was marked by "games, tricks, stall tactics". "We could have made another short-term bad deal," a Senior Administration Official said. "It wouldn't have dealt with the long-term issue of Iran." With missile capabilities, enrichment thresholds and proxy networks now at the centre of the confrontation, officials made clear that Washington is signalling a harder line rejecting what they described as incremental or temporary fixes. The administration's message was blunt: the choice, in its view, was between acting now or facing a more dangerous confrontation later. Washington, March 1 : Senior US Republican lawmakers welcomed reports of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and backed "Operation Epic Fury", a joint US-Israel military campaign targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Washington, March 1 (IANS) Senior US Republican lawmakers welcomed reports of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and backed "Operation Epic Fury", a joint US-Israel military campaign targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Congressman Mike Lawler, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, said Khamenei's leadership "has officially ended". "For decades, Ayatollah Khamenei led a regime that openly chanted 'Death to America,' armed and funded proxies responsible for the deaths of American service members, targeted our allies, including Israel, and violently suppressed Iranians - especially women and young girls - seeking basic freedoms and human rights," Lawler said. "The world is safer as a result of his death. We now have a chance for lasting peace in the Middle East." Congresswoman Ann Wagner described Khamenei as commanding "a regime of terror that killed countless innocents and tore families apart around the globe". She said, "The Israeli strikes eliminating the Ayatollah and much of his senior leadership brings this brutal reign of persecution to a definitive and necessary end." She added: "The people of Iran can now choose their own destiny." Congressman Gabe Evans said, "Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests." "For 47 years the Iranian regime has terrorized its own people and supported terrorist groups that killed Americans and our allies," he said, adding that he was "praying for every brave American service member carrying out this mission". Rep. Chris Smith said, "For far too long, Iran has held the world hostage with its nuclear threats and state-sponsored terrorism." He argued that "all diplomatic endeavors to secure peace with the Iranian dictatorship have been exhausted." "President Trump is a man of his word. He pledged U.S. military action if Iran did not immediately halt its nuclear weapons program and cease its bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests," Smith said. Congressman Jeff Van Drew called the moment "the timeless dream and vision of Peace in the Middle East finally coming into focus". He said Americans, Israelis, Saudis, and other Gulf nations were "standing shoulder to shoulder united as never before". US Central Command said: "Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. There have been no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries." Congressman Pete Sessions said, "Operation Epic Fury is a decisive and commendable demonstration of American strength." He added that "threats to our nation, our national security, and our allies will not go unanswered." Iran has been under US sanctions for decades over its nuclear programme and support for armed groups across the Middle East. Tensions have repeatedly flared over Tehran's uranium enrichment activities and its ballistic missile programme. Washington, March 1 : US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that the United States has launched "OPERATION EPIC FURY", calling it "the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history" and warning Tehran of sweeping military consequences. Washington, March 1 (IANS) US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that the United States has launched "OPERATION EPIC FURY", calling it "the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history" and warning Tehran of sweeping military consequences. "Overnight, on President Trump's orders, the Department of War commenced OPERATION EPIC FURY," Hegseth said in a statement. He framed the action as a response to Iran's refusal to negotiate. "The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal and now they are suffering the consequences," he said. Hegseth accused Iran of decades of hostility towards the United States. "For almost fifty years, Iran has targeted and killed Americans, always seeking the world's most powerful weapons to further their radical cause," he said. "Last night, unlike any previous president, President Trump began dealing with this cancer," he added. The Secretary of War outlined an expansive military objective. "We will not tolerate powerful missiles targeting the American people. Those missiles will be destroyed, along with Iran's missile production," he said. "The Iranian navy will be destroyed. And, as President Trump has said his entire life, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." Hegseth insisted Washington was responding to provocation. "The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it," he said. He delivered a blunt warning to Tehran. "If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world as Iran has then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you." Hegseth also praised US forces engaged in the operation. "Our warriors are the best in the world, and they are fully unleashed to achieve our objectives," he said. In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation "at the direction of the President of the United States," started striking targets at 1:15 a.m. Eastern Time "to dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus, prioritising locations that posed an imminent threat," the statement said. According to CENTCOM, targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. "The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call," said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. The command said the first hours of the operation involved precision munitions launched from air, land and sea platforms. It also confirmed that CENTCOM's Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat. Following the initial wave of US and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces "successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks," the statement said. "There have been no reports of US casualties or combat-related injuries," it added, noting that damage to US installations was minimal and has not impacted operations. CENTCOM said Operation Epic Fury represents "the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation," underscoring the scale of the campaign now underway in and around Iran. Washington, March 1 : Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, declared that his country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei "has been erased from the pages of history", asserting that the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end. In a statement addressed to Iranians, Pahlavi described Khamenei as "the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters". "With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history," he said. Pahlavi warned that any move by regime loyalists to install a successor would fail. "Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset," he said. "Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well," he added. Turning directly to Iran's security establishment, Pahlavi issued a blunt appeal. "To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail," he said. "This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." He said Khamenei's death, while not an act of justice, could offer solace to grieving families. "The death of the criminal Khamenei, while it cannot bring back the spilled blood, can serve as a balm for the scorched hearts of the grieving families; the fathers and mothers, spouses and children in mourning; and the families of the selfless martyrs of Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution." Addressing what he called the "Noble and brave people of Iran", Pahlavi urged vigilance and readiness for further mobilisation. "This may be the beginning of our great national celebration, but it is not the end of the road. Stay vigilant and prepared," he said. "The time for a massive and decisive presence in the streets is very near. Together, united and steadfast, we will secure the final victory, and we will celebrate Iran's freedom across our Ahura-created homeland," he said. Pahlavi is the son of Iran's last shah and heir to the Peacock Throne. He has spent decades in exile in the United States. In recent years, he has voiced support for anti-regime protests from abroad and argued that he could return to Tehran as a transitional leader to guide the country towards democracy after Khamenei. Chennai, March 1 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin will celebrate his 73rd birthday on Sunday, with the day's events reflecting both personal reverence and political symbolism as the state moves closer to the Assembly election season. Chennai, March 1 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin will celebrate his 73rd birthday on Sunday, with the dayas events reflecting both personal reverence and political symbolism as the state moves closer to the Assembly election season. The Chief Minister is scheduled to begin the day by paying floral tributes at the memorial of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai at Marina Beach. He will then proceed to the nearby memorial of his father and former CM M. Karunanidhi, reaffirming his ideological and political lineage within the Dravidian movement. Continuing the tradition that has marked his public life, CM Stalin will also visit Periyar Thidal in Vepery to offer homage at the memorial of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. The gesture is seen as a reiteration of the DMKas foundational commitment to the principles of social justice, rationalism, and self-respect championed by Periyar and institutionalised by Annadurai and Karunanidhi. Later in the day, the Chief Minister will travel to Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Teynampet, where he will receive greetings from senior party leaders, district secretaries, legislators, alliance representatives, and cadres. Party workers from across the state are likely to gather in large numbers to extend their wishes, turning the occasion into a show of organisational strength. In the run-up to the elections, the birthday celebrations are being planned on a grand scale across Tamil Nadu. District units of the DMK have reportedly organised welfare initiatives, blood donation camps, distribution of aid to the underprivileged, and public meetings highlighting the governmentas achievements over the past five years. Party insiders say the celebrations will double as a mobilisation exercise, energising cadres and reinforcing the partyas campaign narrative. Banners, public outreach events, and social media campaigns are also expected to mark the occasion. As Stalin steps into his 73rd year, the birthday observances are set to blend homage, political messaging, and grassroots engagement -- underscoring the DMKas attempt to consolidate its base ahead of a crucial electoral battle. New Delhi, March 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday, calling him an experienced leader committed to furthering good governance in the state. Yumnam Khemchand Singh was born on March 1, 1963, in Manipur. He has been serving as the Chief Minister of Manipur since February 4, following the revocation of President's rule. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Birthday wishes to Manipur Chief Minister, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh Ji. He is an experienced leader who is at the forefront of furthering prosperity and good governance for Manipur. May he lead a long and healthy life in the service of the people." Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a sportsman-turned-politician and founder of the Assam Taekwondo Association in the neighbouring state, earlier served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. a During his ministerial career, he held several key portfolios, including Municipal Administration and Housing Development (MAHUD), Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Education. a A member of the majority Meitei community, Singh served as Speaker of the Manipur Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and was elected twice from the Singjamei constituency in Imphal West district as a BJP candidate in the 2017 and 2022 Assembly elections. He was appointed a Cabinet Minister in the second N. Biren Singh-led ministry following the BJP's second consecutive victory in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. a Singh served as a minister from March 20, 2022, until the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025. Known within the BJP as a grassroots organiser with strong organisational credentials, Singh was engaged in business before entering active politics. He is also a long-time Taekwondo practitioner, having begun training in his youth. a Recently, he was awarded the prestigious 5th-Dan Black Belt in traditional Taekwondo by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation, Seoul, South Korea -- an advanced rank signifying decades of discipline and mastery. He is a former Vice President of the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) and was closely associated with the early institutional development of the sport in India's Northeast. a Considered a non-polarising figure, Singh is widely viewed as acceptable across internal party factions during a period of political transition in Manipur. a Kabul, March 1 : Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, was attacked by Pakistani air power at around 5:40 a.m. local time on Sunday, triggering a series of explosions and the Afghan air defence forces' fire response against aerial targets. This round of airstrikes lasted for about 20 minutes. In recent days, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated, with several rounds of exchange of fire, reports Xinhua news agency. Earlier, deputy spokesman of the Afghan government, Hamdullah Fitrat, said that three Afghan returnees lost their lives and seven others were injured after Pakistani forces struck a temporary camp of returnees in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Saturday. Pakistani forces launched the airstrikes and bombarded the temporary camp of returnees in Kandahar at 08:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Fitrat said in a statement posted on his social media X. In a related development, an Afghan official claimed that a pilotless aircraft allegedly sent by Pakistan to attack Afghan territory crashed in the eastern Afghanistan Khost province on Saturday. Fitrat further mentioned that at least 52 people were killed and 66 others injured in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan since last Sunday. According to the official, the casualties were reported across the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Paktika, Khost and Kunar, as well as southern Kandahar. Additionally, Afghan forces shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday, and its pilot has been captured alive, provincial police chief Mohibullah Hamas said. The jet, according to the official, was shot down by Afghan forces on Saturday morning and crashed in Jalalabad, the provincial capital. The pilot, who ejected by parachute, was later captured, the official added. Meanwhile, Sayed Tayeb Hemad, spokesman for Nangarhar provincial police, confirmed that the captured pilot is in police custody. Chennai, March 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended warm birthday greetings to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin on the occasion of his 73rd birthday, praying for his long life and good health. In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, "Best wishes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Thiru MK Stalin on his birthday. May he be blessed with a long life and good health." The greeting quickly drew attention across political circles, with leaders from various parties echoing similar sentiments. Chief Minister Stalin began his birthday on a solemn note by paying floral tributes at the memorials of former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and his father, M. Karunanidhi, at Marina Beach. He also visited Periyar Thidal to offer homage at the memorial of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, reaffirming his party's ideological roots in the Dravidian movement. Earlier in the day, CM Stalin took to X and posted his birthday pledge, saying, "In our Tamil race's journey toward our ideals, our feet must not stray from the path; our heads must not bow to anyone or for anything! We must all unite and shatter the encircling conspiracies with our intellect. For this, I will dedicate myself even more fully. This is my birthday pledge!" He said that he has been serving the nation and its people, "fulfilling my life's duty through action". With Tamil Nadu heading into an election year, the birthday celebrations have assumed political significance. DMK leaders described the day as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to social justice, inclusive development, and welfare-oriented governance under CM Stalin's leadership. Party cadres across the state organised public meetings, community outreach programmes, and social media campaigns highlighting the government's flagship schemes. While political rivalries remain sharp in the state, the Prime Minister's public greeting underscored the conventions of democratic courtesy. As CM Stalin marked another year in public life, the celebrations reflected both personal milestones and the evolving political landscape of Tamil Nadu. James P. Zallie, President and CEO of Ingredion (NYSE:INGR), reported the sale of 9,958 shares of common stock in an open-market transaction on Feb. 18, 2026, according to a SEC Form 4 filing. Transaction summary Metric Value Shares sold (direct) 9,958 Transaction value $1.16 million Post-transaction shares (direct) 33,010 Post-transaction value (direct ownership) $3.84 million Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 reported price ($116.55); post-transaction value based on Feb. 18, 2026 market close ($116.42). Key questions What is the impact on Zallie's direct ownership and broader insider exposure? Zallie's direct holdings were reduced from 42,968 to 33,010 shares, representing 0.0520% of the company's outstanding shares as of the latest report, and he maintains no indirect or derivative positions reported in this filing. Is there any indication this transaction reflects a change in sentiment or is out of pattern? The sale was executed pursuant to a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 plan and falls within the typical cadence and capacity-driven reduction observed in Zallie's recent trading history. Company overview Metric Value Revenue (TTM) $7.22B Net income (TTM) $729M Dividend yield 2.79% 1-year price change (as of Feb. 28, 2026) -10.04% Company snapshot Ingredion is a global ingredient solutions provider that produces and sells starches, sweeteners, corn oil, protein feeds, and specialty food ingredients derived from corn and other starch-based materials. It serves food and beverage manufacturers, animal nutrition producers, and industrial clients globally across North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and EMEA regions. What this transaction means for investors In addition to serving as President and CEO, Zallie was appointed Chairman of the Board of Ingredion on Feb. 11, 2026. He was unanimously elected as Chair after former Chair Gregory Kenny announced his decision to step down. This move and Zallies sale of shares shouldnt concern investors. Board member reshuffling is common among businesses, and Zallies transaction was part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows insiders to plan the purchase or sale of shares in advance. Last week, 33k of his direct shares were sold as part of the plan. What may be of concern to investors though is that the company had a rather lackluster Q4 earnings report for its fiscal year 2025. While net income and earnings per share (EPS) grew year-over-year, revenue declined during that period. In addition, the company posted its third consecutive quarter of decline in net income and EPS after starting the fiscal year strongly. The company is still recovering from global impacts on its production, so that is something investors may want to monitor. Los Angeles, March 1 : Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested once again in New Orleans. He has been charged with an additional misdemeanor count of simple battery. The charge is related to his initial February 17 arrest in New Orleans during a Mardi Gras celebration, reports 'People' magazine. The actor surrendered himself to authorities on Saturday, prior to a bail hearing. He posted a bond of $5,000 and was released from police custody, as per 'The Guardian'. The actor's attorney and the New Orleans Police Department did not immediately return request for comment. During the initial February 17 arrest, LaBeouf was taken into custody on two counts of misdemeanor battery following an alleged altercation at Royal Street Inn & R Bar during Mardi Gras festivities. As per 'People', an initial police report stated that one accuser was struck "in his face with a closed fist causing his nose to possibly dislocate" and said he "pushed his nose back into place" himself. The report also alleges that LaBeouf "used the word 'f----t' " multiple times. The actor was ultimately ordered to enroll in substance abuse treatment, undergo drug testing and post a $100,000 bond as conditions of his release. In a recent interview with Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan, posted on YouTube on Saturday and filmed before the most recent arrest, LaBeouf said that while he doesn't condone the personal behavior that led to his February 17 incident, he also doesn't believe that rehab is the answer for him. "My behavior (was) bulls***. I gotta deal with that. Does that mean I gotta go to rehab again? I'm just not into it. I don't think my answers are there. I just don't I genuinely don't. If I genuinely did, I'd go", he added. New Delhi, March 1 : The US-Israel airstrikes on Iran are reminiscent of India's Operation Sindoor, carried out last year against Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) The US-Israel airstrikes on Iran are reminiscent of Indiaas Operation Sindoor, carried out last year against Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Op Sindoor, which extended from May 7 to May 10, 2025, was a classic case of how India went ahead and destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and simultaneously thwarted missile and drone attacks from the neighbouring country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the operation in Parliament last year and shared how India ensured none of the 1,000 Pakistani missiles and drones hit any of our cities. Speaking about the military actions in Parliament on September 29, 2025, Prime Minister Modi recalled, "On May 9, Pakistan attempted to launch a massive attack on India with approximately 1,000 missiles and drones. Had these missiles hit any part of India, they would have caused significant devastation. But all 1,000 missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by India in the sky." "Everyone in the country is proud of this. However, the Congress party surely waited for something to go wrong, hoping that Modi would fail," he remarked, mocking the opposition party. PM Modi also mentioned the false narrative which Pakistan was trying to set. Criticising Islamabad's false narratives, PM Modi stated, "Pakistan engaged in spreading false propaganda about attacking the Adampur air base. They tried their best to sell that lie and exerted all their strength. So, I visited Adampur the very next day and debunked their claims. Only then did they realise that this lie would not hold anymore." Today, when a similar kind of military action is taking place in Iran, Indiaas Operation Sindoor needs a mention. The joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran have been occurring since Saturday (February 28). Both operations were triggered by significant attacks. Operation Sindoor was India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. The US-Israel strikes, codenamed aOperation Epic Furya and aRoaring Liona, respectively, were launched to dismantle Iran's military and nuclear capabilities following a period of intense regional escalation. India initially attacked only the terror infrastructure -- nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The aim was clear -- to destroy the terrorist network and also maintain a non-escalatory stance. But Pakistan launched a counter strike, targeting civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Following this, India attacked 11 Pakistani airbases. But in both attacks -- May 7 and May 11, 2025, India did not target any civilian area, and no casualties took place. The airstrikes were specific and aimed with ultimate precision. The US-Israel operation directly targeted high-level political and military leadership, resulting in the assassination of Iranas Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. There have been reports of many civilians also having died in the attacks in Iran and Israel. Operation Sindoor was a 25-minute tri-services mission on May 7, 2025. The strikes on Iran involved a massive aerial campaign, with Israel conducting its largest combat sortie in history using approximately 200 fighter jets, followed by the US forces. Iran has also launched extensive retaliatory strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, as well as targets in Israel and Dubai. After the May 10 attack on Pakistan air bases, India agreed to an understanding for a ceasefire, which has held since then. PM Modias government and the top military establishment have repeatedly said that Operation Sindoor has only been paused and any further provocations would trigger an "Operation Sindoor 2.0" that would be significantly "harsher" on Pakistan. As the US and Israel together pound Iran and the latter also vow revenge, Operation Sindoor stands out in terms of its precision, discipline and restraint. India clearly had the upper hand and could have damaged Pakistan more, but as PM Modi said, the intention is never to harm the people but target the specific terror network. New Delhi, March 1 : Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, expressed shock and grief after reports emerged that Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, had been killed in joint USaIsraeli airstrikes. New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, expressed shock and grief after reports emerged that Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, had been killed in joint USIsraeli airstrikes. Speaking to IANS, Maulana Abbas said, "It is very sad news from Iran that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a joint IsraeliUS strike The All India Shia Personal Law Board has announced three days of mourning. The US and Israel think they have destroyed Iran after this -- it is not true. A strong response will be given to Israel from Iran." He urged the community to wear black and said, "Tonight at 8.30 a jalsa will take place, and the effigies of America and Israel will be burnt. I would request people to stand for those people in this difficult time. I urge our nation to support Iran fully." "There is a wave of grief around the world over the martyrdom of Khamenei. After ending Khamenei, America and Israel think they have destroyed Iran, but let me tell you, neither Iran has been destroyed nor has Islam," he added. The remarks come amid rapidly unfolding developments in the Middle East, where coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel have targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint USIsraeli airstrikes, declaring 40 days of national mourning across the country. The airstrikes also killed several of his relatives, including his daughter, grandchild and soninlaw, according to reports citing Iranian outlets and international news agencies. Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Khamenei had been killed, calling it the "single greatest chance" for Iranians to reclaim control of their country. Trump described Khamenei as "one of the most evil people in history" and framed the strikes as "justice for the people of Iran". He also claimed that many Iranian security forces "no longer want to fight" and warned that those seeking immunity should "accept it now or face death later". The unfolding conflict has triggered fierce regional tensions, with Tehran vowing retaliation and global powers urging deescalation as the situation continues to develop. New York, March 1 : Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of "a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability" at the Security Council, where the US and Israel, on one side and Iran and Russia, on the other, traded charges over the latest flare-up in the Middle East. New York, March 1 (IANS) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of "a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability" at the Security Council, where the US and Israel, on one side and Iran and Russia, on the other, traded charges over the latest flare-up in the Middle East. "Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world," Guterres said on Saturday at an emergency meeting of the Council following the US-Israel attack on Iran and its broad retaliation across the Gulf area. Referring to the negotiations last week in Geneva between the US and Iran with Oman as the interlocutor and a technical meeting on the nuclear issues scheduled in Vienna next week, he said, "I deeply regret that this opportunity of diplomacy has been squandered." Condemning the attacks by both sides, he called for an immediate ceasefire. US Permanent Representative Mike Waltz said that "it was a moment that required historical clarity" and the US will act to ensure that "the Iranian regime can never, ever threaten the world with a nuclear weapon". "It's a matter of global security", he said. The US had a focused strategic objective of ending Iran's missile system that threatened its neighbours. He said that Iran had carried out "persistent aggression and violence" that cannot be ignored. Iran's Permanent Representative Amir Saeid Iravani accused the US and Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by hitting civilian areas. "The invocation to 'preemptive attack', claims of imminent threat, or other unsubstantiated political claims, are unfounded legally, morally and politically," he said, dismissing assertions about its nuclear programme, which he said were peaceful. Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia condemned the US-Israel attack, calling it "another unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN Member State". He asserted that it threatened the whole region and brought up US Vice President JD Vance's statements about the Iraq War. In 2023, Vance had said that "the Iraq campaign was 'unforced', that innocent Iraqis and Americans died as a result of it, and that Washington needed to learn this lesson", Nebenzia said. "However, as it turned out, this lesson was never learned," he said. Israel's Permanent Representative Danny Danon referred to the frequent chants in Iran calling for the death of the US and Israel and said, "We are stopping extremism before it becomes unstoppable". With the Council polarised into inertia, no action was possible -- and none was expected. New Delhi, March 1 : At least 17 persons were killed in a massive blast at an explosives factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district on Sunday, police said. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims. In a post on X, the PMO said, "The explosion at a factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is deeply distressing. My condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM." The blast occurred at the SBL Energy Limited factory, a mining and industrial explosives manufacturer, located at Raulgaon in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district. The impact of the explosion was severe, causing significant casualties and injuries. The injured were immediately shifted to hospitals in Nagpur for treatment, police officials said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident "extremely unfortunate and tragic". In a post on X, he said, "The incident of the explosion at an explosives factory in Raulgaon in Nagpur district is extremely unfortunate and tragic. I am in constant contact with the local administration. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police have reached the incident site immediately. NDRF and SDRF teams are also at the site. Teams from PESO and DISH have arrived. Rescue operations have been accelerated, and so far, 17 people have lost their lives. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased. We share in the grief of their families." "In this incident, 18 people have been injured. The injured have been promptly shifted to Nagpur. I pray at the feet of God for their swift recovery. Orders have been issued for a thorough investigation into this incident," he added. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing at the site, with emergency response teams working to clear debris and assess the cause of the blast. Authorities have initiated a detailed probe to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion. Seoul, March 1 : South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday urged North Korea to return to the negotiating table with the United States and join efforts to shape what he called a "new future," vowing to work with relevant countries to turn the Korean War armistice into a peace regime. Lee made the remarks in his first address marking the March 1 Independence Movement at the COEX exhibition centre in southern Seoul as the nation commemorated the 107th anniversary of the nation's 1919 independence movement, a watershed event during Japan's 1910-45 brutal occupation of the Korean Peninsula. "Since North Korea is formulating and implementing a new five-year plan, I hope that it will swiftly return to the negotiating table and join us in shaping a new future," Lee said, stressing that "hostility and confrontation serve neither side's interests." North Korea dismissed dialogue with Seoul but appeared to leave the door open for talks with Washington at a key party congress last month, where it unveiled the country's five-year plans and goals for key sectors, including national defence and foreign affairs, reports Yonhap news agency. "As a 'pacemaker,' we will communicate with the United States and neighbouring countries to ensure that dialogue between North Korea and the United States resumes as soon as possible," he added. Lee emphasised that his administration respects the North Korean system and will not pursue any form of unification by absorption nor engage in any hostile acts. "We will make every effort to convert the armistice system to a peace regime by substantively easing tensions between the two Koreas and working with relevant countries," he said. On the alleged civilian drone flights into the North, Lee pledged to take steps to prevent a recurrence, calling it an incident that was entirely unrelated to the intentions of his government and a "grave threat" to peace on the Korean Peninsula. "There can never be an excuse for actions that provoke tension and clashes on the Korean Peninsula, which is shared by both the South and the North," he said. "We will thoroughly ascertain the truth about this incident and implement institutional safeguards to ensure that it never recurs." Pyongyang has repeatedly demanded that Seoul come up with steps to prevent a recurrence of drone incursions, accusing Seoul of sending drones equipped with surveillance equipment in September and on January 4, prompting the South Korean government to launch an official investigation. Lee also called on South Korea and Japan to step up bilateral cooperation based on the values of peace and joint prosperity while squarely facing history. "Our relationship with Japan must also move forward based on the spirit of the March First Independence Movement, which was driven by the pursuit of peace and coprosperity, Lee said. "Through pragmatic diplomacy, the government of popular sovereignty will do everything possible to squarely face the past, jointly address present challenges and move forward into the future." Lee has pledged to pursue a "two-track" approach to diplomacy with Japan by expanding future-oriented cooperation while continuing to address unresolved wartime history issues stemming from Japan's colonial rule of Korea. He further stressed the importance of deepening trilateral cooperation among Korea, China and Japan, saying harmony in Northeast Asia is "more crucial than ever." "Reflecting on the significance of peace and harmony in Northeast Asia, I emphasised the need for Korea, China and Japan to find common ground, communicate and cooperate during my back-to-back visits to China and Japan at the start of this year," he said. Lee vowed efforts to "unceasingly continue striving for harmony and prosperity" following the "wishes of our forebears, who sought to use peace in Northeast Asia to achieve world peace." In January, Lee visited China and Japan and met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss cooperation and pending issues as part of his shuttle diplomacy efforts. In his speech, Lee also highlighted the need for the global community to reflect on the spirit of South Korea's independence movement in this age of crisis, when "democracy and peace are once again under threat. "I dare say that I am confident that the spirit of the March First Revolution, championed by our forebears and steadfastly upheld by our people, will serve as a beacon for the global community as it endures an era of crisis in which democracy and peace are disrupted, guiding it toward a new world of hope," Lee said. Srinagar, March 1 : A large number of people across the Kashmir Valley, especially in Srinagar city, carried out peaceful protests against the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli bombing, as local political and religious leaders condemned the killing while appealing for peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Protesters came out in processions shouting slogans against the US and Israel as the security forces maintained vigil to ensure that anti-national and anti-social elements were prevented from creating a law and order situation. The demonstrations erupted spontaneously in different parts of Srinagar city, Budgam district and other parts of the valley. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reacted to the development by saying, "I'm deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei." He appealed to all communities to remain calm, "uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest". "We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran," he added. Former CM and National Conference (NC) president, Farooq Abdullah and other leaders of the party condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran. NC headquarters said on its official X, "Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah along with Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq and Senior Leader Agha Syed Mehmood Al-Moosavi have expressed profound anguish over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. Dr. Abdullah has strongly denounced the act, describing it as a tragic and destabilising development with serious implications for peace and stability in the region. He stated that such incidents deepen uncertainty and grief, and underscored the urgent need for wisdom, restraint, and adherence to principles of justice and international law." "Dr. Abdullah has appealed for calm and urged the administration to handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that those who wish to mourn are able to do so respectfully, without fear or undue restrictions, while maintaining public order," the post further read. Former CM and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, said, "Today marks a deeply tragic & shameful point in history with Israel & USA boasting about the killing of Iran's beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khanenei. What's more disgraceful & shocking is the explicit & implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience & expedience over conscience. History will stand testaments to who fought for justice & who helped the oppressors. Prayers with the people of Iran. May Allah grant them strength & victory over forces of tyranny & injustice." Senior religious leader and chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said, "Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab. In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this." He said this is a "moment for the Ummah to rise above divisions and stand united and register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region". "Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike tomorrow. We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness," he said. No untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the Valley so far. Bhopal, March 1 : The Congress has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety of all Indians, including over 100 citizens of Madhya Pradesh, who are stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports due to the US-Israel attack on Iran and the retaliatory action. The Congress requested the Prime Minister to immediately intervene and ensure the safety of stranded Indians, while arranging for their speedy return home. Following the Israeli and American attacks, Iran is targeting the Gulf region. Iran has been continuously attacking Qatar, Jordan, and Dubai. Meanwhile, a drone attack occurred near Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. State chief unit of Congress Jitu Patwari, through his X handle, has appealed to Prime Minister Modi to arrange for the return of all passengers to their homeland. Jitu Patwari shared a post on his social media handle X and wrote, "More than 100 citizens of Madhya Pradesh are stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports due to the Israel-Iran war. Women, children, and family members have been in inconvenience for several hours, and their anxiety has increased after the cancellation of their flights." Following the attack, all Dubai airports have been closed and all flights to and from the airport have been cancelled indefinitely. Air India Express flight IX-256 from Sharjah, Dubai, to Indore has been cancelled. Saturday's flights IX255 (IDRa"SHJ) and IX256 (SHJa"IDR) were cancelled. This has left over 100 passengers from Madhya Pradesh stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports. The stranded passengers include residents from several districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, Bhopal, and Gwalior. A large number of these passengers include families, women, and children. According to information, the flight from Sharjah to Indore was scheduled to depart at 12:20 pm UAE time but was cancelled at the last minute. Passengers learned of this upon arriving at the airport. Many passengers had already arrived in Dubai and were scheduled for connecting flights from Sharjah to Indore. They too are stranded there. New Delhi, March 1 : The USaIran war is likely to disrupt transportation of Bangladesh's exports to Europe and the US and affect the country's overall macroeconomic stability, a report has said. New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) The USIran war is likely to disrupt transportation of Bangladesh's exports to Europe and the US and affect the country's overall macroeconomic stability, a report has said. The report from The Daily Star said rising prices of imported petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and disruptions to industrial raw material supply chains are likely if the conflict continues. "Bangladesh is always a victim of geopolitical tension as the country is an importing nation," HarunUrRashid, chairman of Bangladesh Container Shipping Association, was cited as saying. Unstable energy price and supply would burden the balance of payments and foreign exchange reserves as the Middle East is the main import source for Bangladesh, the report cited another expert as saying. Further the main shipping artery of goods-Suez Canal's proximity to Iran could hinder shipments to Europe and the US, especially garment exports and longterm conflict may discourage Middle Eastern labour markets from recruiting Bangladeshi workers, it detailed. "Any longterm war in the Middle East will invariably have a bad impact on the oil price, transportation of the LPG and availability of the LPG in the international markets," the report cited Mohammed Amirul Haque, managing director of Delta LPG and president of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh. Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, noted that a prolonged conflict could cause the budget of consumers to shrink leading to lesser spending on items such as garments. Bangladesh exported goods worth $10.9 million, mainly garments and pharmaceuticals, to Iran's $65 billion market in FY25, the report noted. Analysts have noted that even shortterm conflicts have outsized effects on prices and supply, citing past incidents in the Gulf during the 1980s IranIraq war. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a new wave of attacks targeting US and Israeli military installations across the Middle East, to avenge the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Lucknow, March 1 : Prominent Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh have strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, terming it a grave loss for the Muslim community and urging the international community to intervene to prevent further escalation in the region. Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said the death of Khamenei -- who led Iran for nearly four decades -- was a grievous loss for the Muslim community. "This is not only a moment of grief and pain for the people of Iran, but for everyone who respected him," the Maulana said. He alleged that the US and Israel had been targeting him for years, calling the attack oppressive and an attempt to weaken Iran's leadership. Razvi appealed to protesters in India to exercise their democratic right peacefully and ensure there was no violence or disruption during demonstrations. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, Chairman of the Lucknow Islamic Centre, described the strikes as a violation of international law and condemned the killing of Khamenei, whom he said had every right to defend his country. "Iran is a sovereign, independent nation, and the attack by Israel and the US demonstrates extreme brutality," he said, calling on the United Nations and the global community to intervene and halt the conflict immediately." Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas also reacted strongly, saying the US-Israel strike was tantamount to a terrorist action and should be condemned by the entire world. "The persistent actions of the United States show a pattern of interference and aggression," Abbas said, criticising global power politics and lamenting the escalation of violence. The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- confirmed by Iranian state media -- has triggered a 40-day national mourning period in Iran amid retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iranian forces on targets in the region, including US and Israeli assets. The conflict has also sparked protests in parts of Kashmir and elsewhere in India, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the military action that led to Khamenei's death. Irans retaliation to the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign has focused heavily on its neighbors around the Persian Gulf, threatening their status as destinations for financial giants, billionaires, and wealthy tourists. The areas success at attracting capital from around the world over the years and diversifying away from oil could also make it a threat to global markets. Moved to Qatar to hide from taxes now I am hiding from Missiles, a worker in the finance sector, who has been documenting the volleys of Iranian airstrikes from his balcony, quipped on X. While the U.S. has military bases in the region that have also been targeted, analysts say Irans strategy is to inflict pain on Americas Mideast allies, including the United Arab Emirates, hoping they will pressure President Donald Trump to end combat operations. Until then, however, social media is filling up with images of luxury hot spots literally on fire as Iran continues to lob missiles and drones at them. An airstrike on Dubais Fairmont The Palm Hotel sparked a fire while also spreading panic on the famous Palm Jumeirah artificial island, where many of the citys wealthiest residents live. Smoke was also seen near the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, after a drone appeared to be intercepted and exploded. And in nearby Abu Dhabi, debris from another drone impacted the Etihad Towers. Kuwait Citys international airport was also attacked by a drone. Meanwhile, DP World suspended operations at the Jebel Ali portthe largest container port in the Middle East and a key piece of Dubais economyafter a berth caught fire because of debris from an intercepted missile. The port and adjacent free-trade zone account for 36% of Dubais GDP, and hundreds of ships near the Strait of Hormuz have frozen in place out of concern that Iran will close the vital chokepoint. On top of that, the attacks from Iran have caused airspace to shut down around the Gulf, which has emerged as a major global airline hub thats also a major driver of the regional economy. What is happening in UAE could be catastrophic, unless they pressure Trump [to] defeat Iran quickly and decisively or to fold (taco) right away, Marko Kolanovic, former chief strategist at JPMorgan, warned on X. With 88% of expats, tourism, finance, air and shipping exposure, this can also send shockwaves globally. He pointed out that Dubai suffered a real estate crisis in 2009 and 2010 that was largely contained to the city, but still had implication for global financial markets. Hyderabad, March 1 : As many as 787 people have been caught for driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol during the special weekend drive in the limits of Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police Commissionerates, police said on Sunday. While 506 drivers were apprehended during the two-day drive in Hyderabad, the Cyberabad Traffic Police caught 281 offenders. Hyderabad Traffic Police conducted a two-day special drive on February 27 and February 28 against drunken driving to ensure road safety. During the special drive, a total of 506 drivers were caught driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol. Of them, 401 were two-wheeler riders, 47 were three-wheeler drivers, 57 were four-wheeler and other vehicle drivers. Offenders were categorised based on their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. A total of 104 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 35 mg/100 ml to 50 mg/100 ml. The police registered 214 cases for BAC levels ranging from 51 to 100. Another 105 cases booked for BAC level of 101-150 and 43 cases for BAC levels ranging from 151-200. A total of 24 offenders were found to have BAC levels ranging from 201 to 250, six had BAC levels of 251-300 and 10 case were booked for BAC levels above 300. Joint Commissioner of Police said that there will be zero tolerance on drunk and drive violations and this special drive will continue. He requested the commuters to cooperate with the traffic Police. Cyberabad Traffic Police conducted a special drunk driving enforcement drive over the weekend, resulting in the apprehension of 281 offenders. A total of 224 offenders were riding two-wheelers. Eight were three-wheeler drivers. Police said 42 violators were driving four-wheelers. Seven others were driving heavy vehicles. Police said 246 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 35 mg/100 ml to 200 mg/100 ml, 19 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 201 mg/100 ml to 300 mg/100 ml, and 16 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 301 mg/100 ml to 550 mg/100 ml. In the last week (Feb 23-28) a total of 218 drunk driving cases were disposed in courts. Thirteen persons were jailed and fined, five persons asked to pay fine and do social service while only fine was imposed on remaining 200. Cyberabad Police reiterated that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. If anyone is found to be driving in an inebriated condition and causes a fatal accident, such individuals will be booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder). The maximum punishment under this section is 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine. New Delhi, March 1 : Reacting to the reported killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, Congress MP Imran Masood said on Sunday that history would remember the Iranian cleric as a courageous figure. Speaking to IANS, Masood said, "If we look at history, the world remembers brave people, and Khamenei will be remembered as a brave leader. He sacrificed his life for his country, and nothing is greater than one's nation. He gave himself for his people. In future accounts, it will be written that because of a cruel and insane man, the whole world is on fire." Expressing personal grief, he added, "My heart is deeply saddened today; I am very hurt. Khamenei was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideologies. I want to appeal to people that, although we are saddened, we should not do anything that disturbs the peace of our nation. Some people may try to incite violence here -- do not follow them. Pray for Khamenei's peace and remain calm and peaceful." Masood's remarks come amid heightened global tensions following the high-profile strike that has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and beyond. Khamenei was reportedly killed in what has been described as an epochal joint attack by the US and Israel, marking a potential inflexion point in Iran's 46-year Shia-theocratic rule. Tehran's retaliation has already triggered fresh conflagrations across parts of the Middle East. US President Donald Trump announced earlier that the 86-year-old cleric had been killed, bringing an end to his 36-year leadership over Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, "He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do." Four relatives of Khamenei, including his daughter, grandchild and son-in-law, were also killed in the US-Israeli strikes, reported Iranian state media. Karachi, March 1 : At least six people were killed, and dozens were injured after clashes broke out between police and protesters on MT Khan Road in Pakistan's Karachi on Sunday as people from the Shia community in large numbers marched towards the US Consulate following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli strikes, local media reported. Visuals circulating on social media showed doors and windows smashed and set on fire, and chaotic scenes outside the consulate premises, with demonstrators damaging property and clashing with security personnel. Protesters were seen breaking windows and attacking the guard area with sticks, prompting a forceful response from law enforcement agencies. Police resorted to tear gas shelling and fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd and restore order. According to a statement issued by the Edhi Rescue service, six people have been confirmed dead, and several have been injured near the protest site after the law enforcement personnel used teargas and baton charges to control the escalating situation, reports leading Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune. An Edhi ambulance transported the injured individuals to Civil Hospital Karachi for medical treatment. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought an immediate report on the situation from Karachi Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Azad Khan, according to a statement released by his office. The unrest also caused significant traffic disruptions in the area. In an update issued at around 11 a.m., Karachi Traffic Police announced that both sides of the road from Sultanabad Traffic Section towards Mai Kolachi had been closed due to the protest, reports leading Pakistan daily Dawn. Speaking to Dawn, Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed also said six bodies were brought to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). Authorities continued to monitor the situation closely as tensions remained high in the port city following the developments linked to the killing of the Iranian leader. Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. New Delhi, March 1 : Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday said the party's rally at Jantar Mantar was aimed at raising the voice of thousands of dismissed contractual workers and to expose what he termed as "vendetta politics" of the BJP, asserting that the event is "a rally, not a protest". New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday said the party's rally at Jantar Mantar was aimed at raising the voice of thousands of dismissed contractual workers and to expose what he termed as "vendetta politics" of the BJP, asserting that the event is "a rally, not a protest". This will be AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's first public rally since he was discharged by the court in the liquor policy case. Police personnel were deployed in and around the venue to maintain security and manage the gathering. Saurabh Bharadwaj clarified that the event is "a rally, not a protest". "This is a rally, not a protest. Our party's National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, our Goa leaders, and our Gujarat leaders will share the stage here. The way the BJP government and the Lieutenant Governor removed thousands of young people from their jobs -- bus marshals were dismissed, bus conductors were removed, nurses and pharmacy staff were removed from Mohalla Clinics -- we will raise our voice for them," Bharadwaj said. He further added that Kejriwal is expected to address what the party describes as "false cases and conspiracies" allegedly filed by the BJP against AAP leaders. AAP leader Gopal Rai said the rally would mark an intensification of the party's political campaign. "The entire Delhi has been suffering for a year. All AAP leaders have been proven innocent. We will continue the politics of honesty and intensify our fight for the rights of Delhi," Rai said. The rally has drawn sharp reactions from leaders of the BJP and its allies. In Patna, Bihar Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said the matter concerning legal proceedings involving AAP leaders is still pending before the High Court. "The appeal has been filed in the High Court. The full case has not been thoroughly reviewed yet. For this reason, this kind of notice has been issued. The High Court will examine it, as it has already reviewed all the related cases. Since the matter is still pending before the court, there is no need to celebrate excessively at this stage," he said. Meanwhile, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, MLC Danish Azad Ansari criticised the AAP chief's move, alleging that the rally is an attempt to divert public attention. "Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal is resorting to stunts to divert public attention. He has deceived the people and betrayed their trust. The public now knows the true character and face of the Aam Aadmi Party, and they will not fall into their agenda," Ansari said. The rally at Jantar Mantar was attended by party workers and supporters from Delhi as well as neighbouring states, with Kejriwal likely to outline AAP's political roadmap and respond to ongoing legal and political challenges. New Delhi, March 1 : Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israel strikes and also the loss of lives in the Middle Eastern nations, while stressing the need to maintain peace. She referenced Mahatma Gandhi's saying, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," emphasising that violent retribution ultimately harms everyone. In a post on X, Priyanka said, "The targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation by the so-called leaders of the democratic world and the killing of multitudes of innocent people is despicable and deserves strong condemnation, no matter what the proclaimed reason for it is." Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. Following this, Iran has launched a large offensive on the US bases across the neighbouring Middle Eastern nations. "It is tragic that multiple nations have now been dragged into conflict. The world needs peace, not more unnecessary wars. Those in charge of it would do well to remember Mahatma Gandhi's words: An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," Priyanka said. She further appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals residing in the conflict-hit region. "I do hope that having genuflected before the Prime Minister of Israel and President Trump, our Prime Minister makes every effort to bring all Indian citizens in the affected countries back home to safety," the Congress MP said. The coordinated attack by the US and Israel on Iran quickly spread throughout the region, with Iranian paramilitary units launching drones and missiles aimed at several Gulf countries. Bahrain reported that a missile strike targeted a US Navy fleet headquarters, while sirens and explosions were audible in Kuwait, which hosts a US Army base. Explosions were also heard in Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Bahrain, and the UAE announced the closure of its airspace. India has issued a warning for travellers stranded at airports in these impacted countries. Numerous Indians are stranded in the Middle Eastern nations as the airspace remains predominantly closed. Kolkata, March 1 : After a long wait, the written examination for the recruitment of Group-C workers of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) was held in the state on Sunday, amidst tight security arrangements. With the publication of the final voters' list after Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the arrival of central paramilitary forces in the state, the WBSSC took extra precautions regarding the security and administrative management of the examination centres. Although there was a possibility of deployment of paramilitary forces in schools and colleges for purpose of upcoming Assembly elections, special instructions were given to the administration to ensure that there was no presence of central forces in the examination centres on the day of the written exam. According to WBSSC sources, the Group-C exam was conducted at 1,693 centres across the state on Sunday. About 8,04,000 candidates had applied for this exam for 2,989 vacancies. On the other hand, the Group-D recruitment exam will be held on March 8. About 8,09,000 applications were received for the Group-D exam. The total number of exam centres for both Group-C and Group-D was about 3,400. For the sake of safety, several restrictions were issued for the candidates. Boots or closed shoes were not allowed. Only students with slippers or Hawaiian sandals were allowed. Carrying any electronic gadgets including mobile phones, calculators, jewellery or additional items was prohibited. Only the admit card, clear water bottle and pen were allowed. Today, Group-C candidates entered the examination centre from 10 a.m. as per rules. Candidates were asked to reach the centre by 10 a.m. and no one was allowed to enter after 11.45 a.m. The total marks for Group-C examination are 60 and the examination concluded at 1:50 pm. Candidates from outside states also appeared for the Group-C exam. The SSC had sent a letter to the state's DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner regarding today's exam. On Saturday, School Service Commission Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar said, "All preparations for the exam have been completed and strict security measures have been put in place." Ahmedabad, March 1 : Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) on Sunday said that operations at Israel's Haifa Port remain normal and all employees are safe, amid the ongoing situation in the region. In a statement, the APSEZ said that Haifa Port Company has confirmed that all its staff members are safe and that port assets and infrastructure are fully secure and operational. The company added that the port continues to function without disruption. "Haifa Port Company confirms that all its employees are safe, and all port assets and infrastructure are fully secure and in operational condition," APSEZ said. The port operator said it is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with Israel's Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. It is operating in line with the instructions issued by the authorities. "The port continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety and operating as per their instructions," it added. APSEZ further said that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of its people and maintaining continuity of operations. The company emphasised that stable port operations are important for Israelas supply chain and international trade. "We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our people and the continuity of operations, maintaining stability for Israelas supply chain and international trade," it said. The statement comes as a reassurance that there has been no damage to infrastructure and that business activities at Haifa Port are continuing as usual amid ongoing tensions following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the latter's retaliation. Tel Aviv, March 1 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed inside his leadership compound in central Tehran, asserting that the operation marked the end of what it described as a decades-long chapter of terror directed against Israel. Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. In its official announcement, the Israeli military detailed the circumstances of the strike, stating, "The Air Force, under precise intelligence guidance from the Military Intelligence and in cooperation with the Military Intelligence, attacked the leadership compound in the heart of Tehran where he was staying along with other senior officials." The Israeli military described Khamenei as the head of what it termed the Iranian "terrorist regime" since 1989 and accused him of advancing an extremist ideology directed against Israel and Western nations. It further alleged that he was "directly responsible for the violent repression of Iranian citizens for many years." "Khamenei was the father of the plan to destroy the State of Israel, the 'head of the Iranian octopus', who sent his arms throughout the Middle East and to the borders of the State of Israel, led by the terrorist organisation Hezbollah. The leader of the regime was responsible for terrorist attacks on the State of Israel and had the blood of many citizens from all over the world on his hands," the IDF added. The military said the killing was part of a broader campaign targeting key figures aligned with what it called the "Iranian terror axis". "The IDF brought to an end a decades-long chapter with the elimination of the leader of the Iranian terror axis. His elimination joins a series of eliminations of senior members of the terror axis carried out by the IDF during the war," it stated. "The assassination of Khamenei expresses the promise between the IDF and the citizens of the State of Israel -- to attack and thwart any element that tries to harm the State of Israel anywhere and at any time," the statement further said. Earlier on Sunday, the IDF announced that Israeli Air Force fighter jets had dropped more than 1,200 munitions in strikes across Iran over the past 24 hours. According to the Israeli military, the aerial campaign targeted hundreds of Iranian military assets, including ballistic missile launchers and air defence systems, as part of the ongoing offensive. Mumbai, March 1 : The market capitalisation of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) dropped by Rs 18,180.89 crore last week, bringing its total valuation down to Rs 9,53,872.59 crore, as equity markets remained under pressure. Overall, nine of the top-10 most valued companies together lost Rs 2,18,902.09 crore in market valuation during the week -- reflecting a bearish trend in the stock market. The BSE benchmark index declined sharply by 1,527.52 points, or 1.84 per cent, over the same period. According to Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research at Religare Broking Limited, equity markets ended the week under notable pressure due to persistent geopolitical tensions and weakness in technology stocks, which hurt overall investor sentiment. Among the biggest losers, Bharti Airtel saw the sharpest fall in valuation, with its market cap tumbling by Rs 55,852.12 crore to Rs 10,71,853.25 crore. HDFC Bank also witnessed a significant decline of Rs 37,580.1 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 13,65,659.38 crore. The market valuation of Reliance Industries fell by Rs 34,846.12 crore to Rs 18,86,832.66 crore. Bajaj Finance lost Rs 20,316.41 crore, with its mcap dropping to Rs 6,20,070.59 crore. The valuation of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) declined by Rs 14,990.24 crore to Rs 5,37,213.68 crore, while Larsen & Toubro saw its market cap fall by Rs 13,714.85 crore to Rs 5,88,837.39 crore. State Bank of India lost Rs 13,061.33 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 11,09,520.23 crore. ICICI Bank also saw its mcap dip by Rs 10,360.03 crore to Rs 9,86,986.64 crore. In contrast, Hindustan Unilever emerged as the only gainer among the top-10 firms. Its market valuation rose by Rs 5,462.81 crore to Rs 5,49,393.18 crore. Despite the weekly losses, Reliance Industries retained its position as the most valued company in India, followed by HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank and TCS. The list also included Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever and LIC. New Delhi, March 1 : Inspired by the Central government's 'One Nation, One Card' initiative, the Rekha Gupta-led government in Delhi is set to roll out the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for women, with President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to formally launch the facility on Monday, an official said. The 'Pink Card' scheme will be launched at a programme titled 'Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi' at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said. On the occasion, selected eligible women beneficiaries will be formally presented with the Pink NCMC cards. The initiative is expected to mark a major reform in advancing a modern, digital and inclusive public transport system in the national capital, the Chief Minister said. She said the card will provide free travel to women residents of the city on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. It will also enable seamless paid access to the Delhi Metro, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and other public transport services through a single smart card. According to the Chief Minister, the initiative represents an important step towards making public transport more accessible, safer and digitally enabled. It will help reduce daily travel costs for women and expand access to education, employment, healthcare and other social opportunities. Chief Minister Gupta said that three types of NCMC cards will be issued under the scheme. "The Pink Card will be for eligible women residents of Delhi, the Blue Card for general commuters, and the Orange Card for monthly pass users. In the initial phase, the Pink and Blue cards will be launched, followed later by the Orange Card," she said. She said these cards will be integrated with the existing Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) operational across Delhi's public transport network. "The Pink Card will be provided completely free of cost to eligible women, with the entire expenditure borne by the Delhi government," the Chief Minister said. As many as 50 centres will be set up for card issuance, including offices of District Magistrates (DMs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), along with selected DTC centres. The card will require minimal documentation to ensure a simple, swift and transparent process, she said. Each Pink Card will be linked to the beneficiary's mobile number and Aadhaar. Aadhaar-based authentication will verify age (above five years), gender (female), and Delhi residency (based on Delhi PIN code) to ensure eligibility and prevent duplication, according to an official statement. The Pink Card will function as a contactless and secure smart card. It will maintain a digital record of every journey, reduce cash transactions and ensure greater transparency in revenue accounting. The travel data generated will assist in route planning, optimising bus deployment and enabling informed decision-making, she said, adding that the Pink Card will replace the existing pink paper tickets, thereby simplifying and modernising the system. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative is inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under 'Digital India' and 'One Nation, One Card', and represents a significant step towards establishing an integrated, modern and women-centric public transport system in Delhi. People can argue over where the artificial intelligence (AI) trend is headed, but there's no denying it's currently driving a surge in electricity demand and reshaping the nation's energy grid. We're seeing some of those effects through a pledge from Japan, which plans to invest roughly $36 billion in the U.S. in the opening phase of a broader $550 billion deal. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue That $36 billion is going to be spread among three projects, but the bulk of it is expected to go toward a proposed natural gas-fueled power plant in Ohio. Image source: Getty Images. As electricity demand from data centers puts more strain on current infrastructure, and with usage only expected to increase, consumers are worried about their electricity bills rising. The 9.2 gigawatt Ohio power plant would be capable of supplying enough electricity to meet the needs of millions of homes. Details are still thin on suppliers and the development timeline, but a project of this size will presumably need some major partners to provide a massive supply of fuel and infrastructure support. Among the potential companies that could be involved, two stand out as worth a closer look for investors. 1. EQT EQT (NYSE: EQT) is a vertically integrated natural gas provider, with operations in exploration, drilling, and production throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. While there's no guarantee EQT will be involved in the Ohio project, it's a company that could be involved thanks to its location and supply capabilities. For location, with 150,000 net acres of leased or owned land in eastern Ohio, it is already operational in the state. It's also building the infrastructure needed to bring more natural gas to Ohio. As for supply, the Ohio facility will require significant, consistent fuel deliveries. EQT is already the second-largest natural gas provider in the U.S. by volume, and CEO Toby Rice believes his company can further scale production capacity if demand is there. EQT has had a stellar run over the last five years, with shares climbing nearly 234%. Trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.5, it is priced for steady growth ahead. 2. Hitachi There's also no guarantee that Japanese conglomerate Hitachi (OTC: HTHIY) will be involved in this project. What we do know is that it has made its interest in being involved in projects of this type known, and it already is working on U.S. projects. In September 2025, it announced a $1 billion investment through a wholly owned subsidiary, Hitachi Energy, to expand production of electrical grid infrastructure components in the U.S. Hyderabad, March 1 : AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday termed the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei as an immoral and unlawful act. The Hyderabad MP, on behalf of his party, offered condolences to the Shia community, who consider Khamenei as their leader. He condemned the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The attacks are absolutely condemnable, especially when Iran-US talks were going on in Geneva," he said. "(US President Donald) Trump and (Israeli PM) Benjamin Netanyahu have jointly attacked Iran. They did not even care that it's the holy month of Ramzan. Anyway, Benjamin Netanyahu does not even believe in humanity," Owaisi told the media. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader said that if a breakthrough was achieved in Geneva, Iran might have agreed not to use whatever nuclear stockpiles it possessed. Noting that more than 200 people have been killed in the attacks on Iran, and the victims include 108 girls who were killed when strikes hit a girls' school, Owaisi demanded an immediate halt to hostilities. "These attacks on Iran should stop at the earliest, otherwise the whole region will be embroiled in instability," he said. He also said that India should play its role in ending this war. "We hope that the present BJP government will condemn the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei and do its best to stop the war. We must remember that 10 million Indians work in Gulf countries," he said. Owaisi said that information has just come that Indian workers were injured on Oman port. He said many Indians who had gone for 'Umra' were stranded as they ran out of money, and all flights have been cancelled. He warned that if the war did not end, it would lead to turmoil in the entire region. Terming it an illegal war, he said there was no threat to anyone. "They (Israel and the US) wanted to coerce Iran. This will have bad consequences. We are underestimating. This is not going to end," he said. He also believes that there will be no regime change in Iran, as Trump and Netanyahu think. Owaisi also drew a comparison between Israel and Pakistan and remarked that both countries are not allowing their neighbours to live in peace. Israel's attack on Iran and Pakistan's on Afghanistan show us that Israel and Pakistan are forces of aggression and mischief in their respective neighbourhoods, he stressed. Owaisi accused Netanyahu of being involved in the genocide of 70,000 Palestinians. "This is a genocidal regime which always indulges in mischief," he added. Abu Dhabi, March 1 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday advised Iran to "return to its senses" and deal with its neighbouring nations with reason and responsibility before the "circle of isolation and escalation widens". Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic advisor to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated that Iran's attack against the Gulf states missed its target and has isolated Tehran at this critical moment. Gargash stressed that Iran's actions confirm the narrative of those who consider Iran as the "primary source of danger, and its missile program as a perpetual threat to instability." "Iran's aggression against the Gulf states missed its target and isolated Iran at its critical moment. Your war is not with your neighbours, and through this escalation, you confirm the narrative of those who see Iran as the region's primary source of danger, and its missile program as a perpetual title for instability," Anwar Gargash posted on X. "Return to your senses, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbours with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens," he added. Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Abu Dhabi has reported that its air defences intercepted Iranian missiles and drones over the UAE territory, with debris causing injuries to two people in Dubai. In a statement shared on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office said: "Authorities confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, resulting in two injuries. The injured have received the necessary medical care. Authorities also clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations." Earlier in the day, the UAE's Ministry of Defence announced that the Air Force and Air Defence Forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country's territories since the start of the Iranian attack. "The Ministry clarified that since the start of the attack, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles were detected and launched toward the country, with 132 of them destroyed, while 5 fell into the sea. Additionally, 209 Iranian drones were detected, 195 of which were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country's territories and waters, causing some collateral damage," it said. "The Ministry indicated that as a result of the effective interception of the missiles and drones, some debris fell in scattered areas of the country, leading to minor material damage to a number of civilian properties. The Ministry confirmed that the relevant authorities moved immediately with full readiness and capabilities to handle the situation in accordance with the approved procedures in such cases, and the necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of residents and secure the affected sites," it added. The UAE's Ministry of Defence condemned the attack and expressed the country's rejection of such acts that showcase a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of people and undermines stability. It stated that this targeting represents a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law. It urged the people to obtain information from official sources in the UAE and avoid circulating rumours or unverified information. The ministry stated that it is on high alert and ready to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront everything that targets the disruption of the UAE's security and stability, and affirmed that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors is an utmost priority that cannot be compromised. On Saturday, Anwar Gargash said that the UAE made every effort to avert war and has warned of its dangers to the region and its stability. He stated that the UAE's priorities are the stability, security and safety of its lands and all those who reside on its soil. "The United Arab Emirates has exerted tremendous and sincere efforts to avert war, and has warned of its dangers to the region and its stability. And today, as we condemn these brazen attacks, and with the escalation of their repercussions on the Arab Gulf states, our internal systems are operating with the highest readiness and steadfast efficiency to protect the homeland and society," Gargash posted on X. "Our priorities are the Emirates: its stability and security, the safety of its lands, and all those who reside on its soil," he added. Kolkata, March 1 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to give a tough fight to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her Assembly constituency Bhabanipur in the upcoming Assembly elections. Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and veteran BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari, has set up a 'war room' in the Bhabanipur constituency, BJP sources said on Sunday. This 'war room' has been set up on the ground floor of a house at 8/1B Chakraberia Road (South) in Ward No-70 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) area. It may be noted that the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency has been formed with eight wards of KMC- 63, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77 and 82. Since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has been consistently receiving decent votes in six wards of the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. Even in several cases, the BJP has been ahead by a large margin, leaving the ruling Trinamool Congress behind in wards 63, 70, 71, 72 and 74. Based on those statistics, Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari wants to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming state Assembly elections. This is the reason the Opposition leader is participating in various BJP programmes in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency at least once a week. In the 2021 state Assembly elections, the Chief Minister left her Assembly constituency to contest from Nandigram in East Midnapore district, the Assembly constituency of Suvendu Adhikari. However, after being defeated by Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, Mamata Banerjee later fulfilled the constitutional requirement to become the Chief Minister by winning the Bhabanipur Assembly by-election. The BJP leadership says that the Chief Minister will contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Bhabanipur. Therefore, the BJP leadership has instructed the Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari to make preparations so that Mamata Banerjee can face a tough contest this time. A West Bengal BJP source said that the strategy to fight against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be implemented from the party's war room office in ward number-70. Since the BJP has the highest number of votes in this ward, it has been decided to set up an office in this ward to fight against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. According to a BJP leader, the Trinamool Congress has repeatedly won the Bhabanipur seat based on the margin of votes obtained only in one ward. Since ward number-77 of Bhabanipur is dominated by minorities, Trinamool Congress received massive number of votes from this ward. Surprisingly, as per statistics, names of around 47,000 voters were deleted in the case of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Assembly constituency, while the same figure in the case of the constituency of Suvendu Adhikari stood at around 11,000. As the data available from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), in the case of Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in Kolkata, where the legislator is the Chief Minister, the total number of deleted names in the final voters' list stands at 47,111. In the case of Bhabanipur, the number of voters whose documents are currently under judicial adjudication stands at 14,154, which means that more names from that constituency are likely to be deleted at the end of the judicial adjudication process. Sources in the BJP said that maximum number of names to have been deleted from the final voter list is from ward number-77. As a result, the BJP hopes to cut short the Trinamool Congress' votes in Bhabanipur and gain an upper hand in the upcoming state Assembly polls. New Delhi, March 1 : As the Iran-Israel-US tensions dominate global headlines and threaten world peace, a different kind of tussle is unfolding at home -- one that pits once foes, then allies, and now adversaries against each other in an evolving political battle. Arvind Kejriwal's court relief in the Delhi excise policy case has triggered visible unease within the Congress -- the only national party consistently positioning itself as the principal challenger to the BJP. After Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court refused to take cognisance of the CBI charge sheet against Kejriwal, his close aide Manish Sisodia, and 21 others, Congress leaders appeared unsettled. Their reaction was swift. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate took to X to lampoon Kejriwal for becoming emotional in his first response to the court order. A meme posted on her handle showed the AAP chief in tears, along with a picture of Rahul Gandhi being described as "our leader, a lion" facing "32 cases" as opposed to Kejriwal's "one case". Shrinate was reacting to Kejriwal's breakdown outside the court on February 27, soon after the verdict. While her remarks may be dismissed as overenthusiastic political commentary, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement was more pointed but reflected anxiety within the party. Addressing the Congress' Kisan Mahachaupal in Barnala, Punjab, Kharge remarked, "Crying and wailing won't get the job done. If you want to fight injustice, fight as Rahul Gandhi does. He (Arvind Kejriwal) is crying and saying his honour is gone and that he is virtuous. If you are virtuous, you don't need to say it -- the people will say it themselves." It was a direct attack, signalling that Congress sees Kejriwal's legal reprieve not merely as a courtroom development but as a political moment. There is no doubt that Rahul Gandhi has been the most visible face of opposition to the Modi government at the Centre. Leaders such as Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin remain influential but are largely focused on their respective states. Kejriwal, however, is among the few opposition leaders with ambitions and appeal beyond state boundaries and can reclaim national space. Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has failed to consolidate either his party or the broader opposition into a cohesive national alternative. Internal dissent has surfaced periodically. Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar recently questioned Rahul Gandhi's leadership and suggested that the INDIA bloc leadership could be handed to Mamata Banerjee or M.K. Stalin. This statement was made before Kejriwal got the court's relief. Whether Kejriwal now enters that speculative list is an open question. Further, the controversy surrounding the AI Summit protest -- particularly the shirtless demonstration by Youth Congress workers -- has drawn criticism not only from rivals but also from sections of the broader opposition ecosystem. Political optics matter, and moments that appear theatrical rather than strategic can create perception gaps. Politics often amplifies coincidence into opportunity. For months, AAP had been on the defensive amid arrests and allegations linked to the liquor policy case. With the immediate legal cloud partially lifted, Kejriwal regains breathing space -- and perhaps a renewed claim to moral and political relevance. Congress, meanwhile, has responded by branding AAP the "B team" of the BJP. The Grand Old Party is forgetting that it repeatedly formed alliances with AAP in Delhi, and this criticism will not stick. Kejriwal's legal relief assumes outsized political value. Timing in politics is never incidental. The court's verdict in the Delhi liquor policy case has provided Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party with breathing space -- and perhaps more importantly, a renewed claim to moral and political relevance. Whether this moment translates into long-term gains remains uncertain. However, its electoral implications are significant. Punjab heads into Assembly elections early next year, where AAP governs, and Congress is the principal challenger. Gujarat, too, presents a shifting opposition landscape, with AAP attempting to consolidate its growth against Congress. In Goa, AAP seeks expansion in a space dominated by Congress as the main opposition force. Kejriwal's legal reprieve, therefore, is not merely procedural; it reshapes political optics. Disenchantment -- even if limited -- can create openings. If sections of the opposition voter base feel unsettled, AAP may seek to fill that vacuum. Kejriwal, for his part, has made it clear that he intends to occupy any vacuum in the opposition space. In a press conference after the verdict, he questioned Congress sharply: "Kejriwal went to jail. Did Robert Vadra go to jail? Sanjay Singh went to jail. Did Rahul Gandhi go to jail? Did Sonia Gandhi go to jail? What is Congress saying?" The statement was not merely a defence; it was a signal. Whether Kejriwal can truly emerge as a credible national-level alternative to Rahul Gandhi remains to be seen. But the development ensures that the Congress leadership must now contend not only with the BJP but also with competition within the opposition space. For now, the courtroom has altered the conversation. The next move will be political. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) Tehran, March 1 : Hours after long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike, Iran on Sunday named Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as his interim successor. Ayatollah Khamenei, whose death in an attack on his residential compound in Tehran was announced by Iran, had been the Supreme Leader since 1989 after the passing away of the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution's leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. After announcing his death, the government said that a three-member council comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and a jurist from the Guardian Council would oversee Iranas leadership during the transitional period, as per the IRNA news agency. Under Iranas constitution, the council assumes leadership duties until a successor is appointed by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body that holds ultimate authority over the countryas political system, armed forces, and key institutions. According to RT, Shia cleric and Islamic jurist Ayatollah Arafi was born in 1959 in Meybod in central Iran. Head of Iranas Centre for the Management of Islamic Seminaries, and Director of the revered Qom Seminary since 2016, he is also a member of the powerful Guardian Council, a constitutional body that vets legislation and oversees elections. He has served as President of Al-Mustafa International University from 2008 to 2018 and is a permanent member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution since 2011. Bengaluru, March 1 : Amid tensions over US-Israel strikes on Iran and the retaliatory actions, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D. K. Shivakumar condemned attack on a school in which several children were killed. Talking to mediapersons, Shivakumar said, "The war currently taking place between the United States, Israel and Iran is not right. Children have died in airstrikes. Why should a school of innocent children who have done nothing be attacked? This is condemnable. Indian citizens stranded in Gulf countries including Dubai must be protected." When asked about the safety of Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and other places, he said, "I will appeal to the Central government to protect Indian citizens including those from Karnataka and Kerala. We will exert whatever pressure is necessary to ensure the safety of citizens. We will work to instill confidence among Indians and Kannadigas. I condemn the loss of human lives anywhere in the world." He said that families of MLAs A.C. Srinivas and Bharat Reddy, and MLC Bhoje Gowda are stranded in Dubai, along with many other citizens. "All of them must be protected. Many South Indians are in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. There are also many Indian educational institutions there," he said. He added that Kannada organisations there must work to instill confidence among people. "We are receiving many calls from acquaintances. Those who have business relations with us and others we know are worried. They have said airstrikes and missiles are visible in Saudi Arabia. I have told them not to panic," he said. When asked if there was information about anyone from Bengaluru being stranded, he said, "For this reason, we and the Chief Minister have issued instructions to the Commissioner." When asked about opening a helpline, he said, "The state government and central government cannot open separate helplines. It must be done by the Ministry of External Affairs. Our role is to provide reassurance and confidence. There must be peace in the world. It is our prayer that no lives should be lost. Victory to humanity. As Gangadhara Ajjayya has said, world peace can come only through humanity." "The United States must stop the war. This war will also create problems for India. Our government is also working to instill confidence among our people. Let all of us appeal for peace," he said. He said, "This is not about Kannadigas or people of any particular state. We are all Indians. Much of Saudi Arabia's functioning depends on Indians. South Indians, in particular, are working there as professionals. In places like Mangaluru and Kerala, at least one member of many families lives in Saudi Arabia. They are contributing to the countryas growth while sustaining their own families." He said that in a single bomb attack, 70 small school children were killed and lakhs of people are living in fear. "Earlier, two major routes to travel across the world were through Saudi Arabia and Singapore, but now travel to more than half the world has become difficult. Warnings had already been issued not to travel two to three days ago," he said. Mumbai, March 1 : India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection rose to Rs 1.83 lakh crore in February 2026, registering an 8.1 per cent increase compared to the previous month, according to official data released on Sunday. Mumbai, March 1 (IANS) Indiaas gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection rose to Rs 1.83 lakh crore in February 2026, registering an 8.1 per cent increase compared to the previous month, according to official data released on Sunday. With this, the total gross GST revenue for the financial year 2025-26 stood at Rs 20.27 lakh crore as of February 28 -- marking an 8.3 per cent year-on-year growth. During February, total refunds amounted to Rs 22,595 crore, up 10.2 per cent compared to the same month last year. After adjusting refunds, the net GST revenue for the month came in at Rs 1.61 lakh crore, as per the data. The gross domestic GST revenue stood at Rs 1.36 lakh crore, reflecting a 5.3 per cent rise. Meanwhile, revenue from imports showed stronger growth, with collections reaching Rs 47,837 crore, up 17.2 per cent. However, net cess revenue declined sharply to Rs 5,063 crore, compared to Rs 13,481 crore in February last year, the data showed. State-wise post-settlement GST revenues presented a mixed trend. Industrialised states reported solid growth, while some smaller and resource-dependent states witnessed a decline in collections. Maharashtra made the highest contribution to the GST kitty with Rs 10,286 crore in pre-settlement revenue. Karnataka and Gujarat followed as the next major contributors. Several states recorded positive growth in post-settlement State GST (SGST) revenues, including Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir saw a contraction in SGST revenue growth. "Gross GST collections are showing a steady increase after GST 2.0, reflecting resilience in economy backed by sustained demand," an expert stated. "Many consumption States have had relatively higher growth than others. The data indicates that GST has entered into a phase stable and predictable growth, which is encouraging to see. Higher growth on imports indicates buoyancy in cross border trade activities," according to the analyst. Gandhinagar, March 1 : The Gujarat government, on Sunday, unveiled its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026-31 as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference-2026 in Gandhinagar and outlined the state's plans to expand semiconductor manufacturing, design and research. Gandhinagar, March 1 (IANS) The Gujarat government, on Sunday, unveiled its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 202631 as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference-2026 in Gandhinagar and outlined the state's plans to expand semiconductor manufacturing, design and research. The conference, organised by Gujarat's Department of Science and Technology under the theme "Gujarat: India's Silicon Gateway", was attended by the Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, State Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia, senior officials and representatives of domestic and international semiconductor companies. In his address, Chief Minister Patel said the conference marked a shift in the state's economic trajectory. "This conference signals the transformation of Gujarat from the growth engine of the nation into a tech engine," he added. "With policy stability, transparency, ease of doing business and political will for development, Gujarat is emerging as a fast mover in semiconductor and chip manufacturing," the Chief Minister said. Referring to the national goals of "Viksit Bharat @ 2047" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat", Chief Minister Patel said that Gujarat was committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve through "a journey from chip to champion". The Chief Minister also added, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is strengthening its identity in the hardware sector and reinforcing the confidence that India is ready, India is reliable and India delivers." Chief Minister Patel said that Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) was "no longer merely a blueprint but is moving towards becoming the country's Semicon City". He added that quality infrastructure, plug-and-play facilities and modern logistics systems had been developed in Dholera and Sanand to meet future requirements of the semiconductor sector. "We are preparing the required infrastructure and logistics along with a young skilled workforce," the Chief Minister said, adding that a nano-fabrication laboratory was being established at IIT Gandhinagar to support advanced research and training. He also noted that as global industries faced concerns over carbon footprint and carbon taxes, Gujarat, as a power-surplus state with a strong renewable energy base, prioritised green growth. On saturday, Union Minister Vaishnaw had marked a milestone in India's semiconductor journey with the inauguration of Micron's first plant in Sanand by Prime Minister Modi. "With the start of Micron's plant, India has secured a special place on the global semiconductor map," he said. Announcing the next phase, he said, "We will launch Semicon 2.0 with the objective of making India not only a manufacturing base but also a global hub for design, machinery and talent." Recalling the early stages of the programme, Union Minister Vaishnaw noted, "When the first presentation on semiconductors was made in 2021, the Prime Minister spent three hours reviewing every detail instead of the scheduled 45 minutes. That reflects the seriousness of this mission." He said that under Semicon 2.0, India would promote deep-tech start-ups so that companies similar to Qualcomm, Broadcom and Nvidia could emerge domestically. "India will develop not only semiconductor chips but also chip-making machinery, materials and testing ecosystems, with a long-term vision," he added. On workforce development, Union Minister Vaishnaw said, "A global shortage of two million semiconductor professionals is expected, and India will help address this gap." He added that the target of training 85,000 engineers in 10 years had been achieved in four years. "Students in 35 universities are already designing real chips. We will expand this network to 500 universities so that youth across states can participate in this high-technology sector," Union Minister Vaishnaw said. He also referred to infrastructure and financial commitments, saying, "At the infrastructure level, commitments of $250 billion have been made, along with $17 billion in deep-tech venture funding." Tax incentives had been assured until 2047 to provide policy stability, the Union Minister said. "With surplus power and clean energy, Gujarat has a strong opportunity to establish data centres and contribute to India's ambition of becoming a global data hub." Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi said that Gujarat had become the first choice for investors across the country. "Gujarat guarantees the highest return on investment in the country," he said, adding: "It offers not just investment opportunities but a secure future." Presenting the economic data, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "With only five per cent of the country's population and six per cent of its geographical area, Gujarat contributes more than 18 per cent to India's manufacturing output, more than 8 per cent to GDP, over 30 per cent to exports and more than 40 per cent to total cargo handling." He added that long-standing political and policy stability was among the state's key strengths and that the state government worked to resolve investors' concerns. State Minister Modhwadia said the Covid-19 pandemic had exposed vulnerabilities in semiconductor supply chains. "When supply chains were disrupted, industries across the world were affected because semiconductors are critical components. Viewing this challenge as an opportunity, India decided to become a semiconductor hub," he added. Referring to the Micron Assembly, Test and Packaging plant in Sanand, the Minister said, "This is an important step, but significant progress remains ahead." New Delhi, March 1 : The Congress, on Sunday, launched an acerbic attack on the Union government's foreign policy in the backdrop of the tension in West Asia, claiming that the country's foreign policy has been "completely exposed". A day after criticising the US-Israel joint strike on Iran and calling upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to intervene citing safety of expatriates, Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary Communications Incharge, publicity and media, in a social media post on X, said, "The country is paying a heavy price for both the substance and the methods of Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy." Ramesh, also a former Union Minister, cited several issues which he claimed demonstrated the Union government's weak foreign policy. "No matter how much the Prime Minister and his coterie try to put on a show, the reality is that India's foreign policy under the leadership of the self-proclaimed 'Vishwa Guru' has been completely exposed," he wrote. He said, "The American President (Donald Trump) has been consistently maintaining his closeness with Pakistan and repeatedly praising the very individual whose inflammatory statements laid the groundwork for the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The US has clearly supported Pakistan in its fight against Afghanistan." Ramesh also pointed to Operation Sindoor and said, "According to the count so far, the American President has claimed more than a hundred times that he intervened to halt Operation Sindoor by threatening to impose tariffs on Indian exports on May 10, 2025. But the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) remains completely silent on these claims by President Trump." The Congress leader also criticised the India-US trade agreement as 'one-sided' and found fault with its announcement by the US President, alleging that "PM Modi pressured President Trump to make the announcement first". Referring to PM Modi's recent visit to Israel, Ramesh said, "The Narendra Modi government's response to this imposed war on Iran is a betrayal of India's values, principles, concerns, and interests." On India's relations with China, Ramesh said, "PM Modi publicly gave China a clean chit on June 19, 2020. This shocking statement came at a time when 20 of our brave soldiers had been martyred on the Ladakh border. This clean chit has seriously undermined our negotiating position." Tel Aviv, March 1 : Residents of Tel Aviv described a night of sirens, explosions and anxious hours in shelters as tensions between Israel and Iran escalated, bringing the conflict to the heart of civilian neighbourhoods. As air raid sirens pierced the silence, families rushed to safe rooms and underground shelters, uncertain of what the night would bring. One local recalled the tense moments. "It was ongoing, but we had enough time to get to the shelter. I heard the sirens and the boom, and was like, 'Okay, we should go to the shelter.' So we went to the shelter the whole day, the whole night," the resident said, describing the prolonged hours spent in the shelter. Another resident said they sought refuge in a reinforced safe room inside their apartment building. "I was in the safe room in my apartment. I have a safe room underground, so I was safe, but we heard a lot of noise. And now we came to see what happened here, and you can see all the damage. But what's most important is that everyone is safe," the local said, pointing to shattered glass and debris scattered across the street. In some cases, residents narrowly escaped tragedy. "Last night, none of us were here. We slept in another place, and in the morning we heard that the apartment had been destroyed," another local said, standing near the ruins of what had been their home. Buildings bore visible scars of the strikes, with broken windows, damaged facades and emergency crews surveying the aftermath. Despite the destruction, many residents expressed relief that there were no reported casualties in their immediate surroundings. The scenes underscore the human cost of the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, as ordinary civilians grapple with fear, displacement and uncertainty while hoping for a swift de-escalation. Investing.com Japanese carriers operating in the Middle East have shifted their operations from "high alert" to a total standstill. On Sunday, Japans largest shipping companies announced a formal suspension of operations in the Persian Gulf, citing the rapid military escalation following the death of Irans Supreme Leader. Nippon Yusen K.K (TYO:9101), the countrys top shipper, confirmed it has halted all operated vessels from traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Similarly, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (TYO:9107) and Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd ADR (OTC:MSLOY) have ordered their fleets to remain on standby in safe waters. The move follows a stark warning from the U.S. military, advising all commercial traffic to maintain a 30-nautical-mile buffer from American assets to avoid being caught in a potential crossfire. The stakes for Tokyo couldnt be higher. Japan relies on the Middle East for roughly 90% of its crude oil, and with Iranian state media now describing the Strait of Hormuz as practically closed, the primary artery for Japans energy security is effectively severed. Aviation and the Doha gap The disruption has also affected the airline industry as Japan Airlines (JAL) has already started adjusting its flight schedules, canceling six major rotations between Haneda and Doha through March 3. The move has affected over 1,000 passengers who have been stranded or rerouted. The aviation sector is providing the first real-time look at how a localized conflict in the Gulf can ripple through global travel hubs in a matter of hours. For JAL and its competitors, the problem isnt just the destination; its the airspace. Flying around a combat zone adds significant fuel costs and flight time, further straining an industry already dealing with fluctuating energy prices. If the "practical closure" of the Gulf extends into next week, we can expect a much broader wave of cancellations across all major Asian carriers. The 90% dependency trap Japan has spent years trying to diversify its energy sources, yet the 90% dependency on Middle Eastern crude remains its greatest economic weakness. Cosmo Energy and other refiners claim there are no "immediate" problems, but that narrative only holds as long as the tankers currently in safe waters can eventually reach their destination. The real test will come if the U.S. warning expands or if the "standby" orders for ships turn into permanent rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Such a move would add weeks to delivery times and send a shockwave through Japanese gas stations. Mumbai, March 1 : As movie buffs wait with bated breath to witness Ram Charan in his next "Peddi", he has finally commenced the dubbing for the much-anticipated drama. Sharing the exciting professional update on his official Instagram handle, Ram Charan uploaded a video of the behind-the-scenes fun at the dubbing session for his next. The video showed the 'RRR' actor pulling director Buchi Babu Sana's leg as he accompanied him during the dubbing session. Dropping the fun BTS clip on the photo-sharing app, Ram Charan wrote, "PEDDI Starts Dubbing..... What is it! What is it! What is it! What is it! What! @peddimovie (sic)." On February 15, as Buchi Babu Sana turned a year older, Ram Charan lauded the filmmaker's passion and eye for detail in a heartfelt birthday post. He wrote on social media, "Wishing my #Peddi captain @BuchiBabuSana Garu a very happy birthday! Your passion, detailing and rooted storytelling are inspiring every single day on set." Expressing his desire to collaborate with the director in the future, he went on to add, "Letas create many more magical stories together. May this year bring you all the recognition your hard work truly deserves." While Ram Charan is the protagonist in the movie, "Peddi" also features Janhvi Kapoor as the leading lady, along with Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyendu Sharma as the ancillary cast. Jointly backed by Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers, and Sukumar Writings, "Peddi" is reported to have been made on a huge scale with a jaw-dropping budget. Shifting our focus to the technical crew of the drama, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has provided the tunes for the film, with acclaimed cinematographer R Rathnavelu looking after the camera work. For the editing, the makers brought on board the National Awarda"winning editor Navin Nooli. "Peddi" is expected to reach the cinema halls on April 30. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, March 1 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday hit out at AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for his failed governance model, castigating the former Delhi chief minister's bid to project himself as a clean and good administrator after the recent court reprieve in the liquor policy case. "The 11-year tenure of Arvind Kejriwal was identified with zero development, corruption, scams, and the 'Sheesh Mahal', whereas the one year of the BJP government has been marked by change and development," said Sachdeva. Reacting to Kejriwal's rally at the Jantar Mantar, the Delhi BJP President said, "The problem with Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party is that the moment they get a little political space, they begin making political statements blaming the BJP for issues ranging from Delhi to Punjab, Gujarat, Goa, and even Israel and America." Sachdeva said that Kejriwal's difficulty is that he had the opportunity to govern Delhi for 11 years and has now been running the government in Punjab for over three years, yet has delivered zero development in either place. "However, instead of addressing this, he seeks to question the one-year-old Delhi government and demands answers from the BJP governments in Gujarat and Goa despite being repeatedly rejected there," he added. The Delhi BJP President said that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has set a unique example nationwide by presenting her one-year report card before the people in all seven parliamentary constituencies within seven days. Sachdeva said that the Rekha Gupta government, through the Public Works Department, Delhi Jal Board, Flood Control Department, and Transport Department, has undertaken development works worth thousands of crores. "In addition, by allocating Rs 100 crore in separate development funds to each Assembly constituency, the government has provided new development opportunities to public representatives," he said. He added that Kejriwal's 11-year tenure was marked by zero development, corruption, scams, and the "Sheesh Mahal," whereas the BJP government's one year has been characterised by change and development. "With nearly Rs 1 lakh crore worth of new schemes, new STPs, a new sewer master plan, initial steps towards cleaning the Yamuna, improved roads, new buses, and citizen-oriented house tax and Jal Board schemes, significant progress has been made," he said. Earlier, addressing AAP workers from several states, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Kejriwal said that the BJP government has ruined the country. "Today, the roads and sewers are in ruins. The airlines sector is in bad shape, the railway sector is in bad shape, and even the air is poisonous," he said, painting a grim picture of the banking, education and health sectors as well. Kejriwal stated that in the past four years, the people of Delhi have suffered due to conspiracies of the BJP. "They kept alleging that Kejriwal is corrupt, he swallowed Rs 100 crore," he said, clarifying that there is no proof to blame him. Bhubaneswar, March 1 : An Army Jawan and his two nephews were arrested on the charges of killing a YouTuber in the Mancheswar Police station area of Bhubaneswar over a petty issue. The accused were identified as Samarendra Behera (20) alias Muna, Sangram Behera (24) alias Kuna and Sangram Kesari Behera (37) alias Satura, police said on Sunday. The accused people, who hail from Kanpur area of Cuttack district, resided at GGP Colony in Bhubaneswar. Speaking to the media, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Zone V, Biswaranjan Senapati stated that YouTuber Rahul Ranjan Maharana was murdered on the high school field in the GGP Colony area under the jurisdiction of Mancheswar Police at around 9.30 p.m. on Saturday. Upon being informed, police immediately reached the crime scene and launched an investigation. ACP Senapati said that there were no CCTV cameras at the spot, so the police relied on human intelligence. Later, on the basis of the human intelligence collected at the spot, the cops managed to fetch the registration number of two motorcycles used by the accused persons. The police, using the vehicle registration numbers, traced the jawan and the other accused to their rental accommodation in GGP Colony and arrested them within just a few hours of the incident. Senapati further informed the media persons that two groups- the victim and his friends, and the accused persons- were present at the field on Saturday evening. "Shiba, a friend of the Rahul, accidentally came near the spot where the accused were sitting while conversing with someone on the phone. As he was using slang during the conversation, the jawan objected, which led to a heated argument between them," said ACP. He also noted that soon the duel turned violent and the jawan and his nephews began assaulting Shiba. "Meanwhile, Rahul rushed to the spot and intervened in an attempt to rescue Shiba. During the incident, one of the jawan's nephews attacked Rahul with a knife, causing severe injuries. Rahul later succumbed to those injuries," Senapati added. ACP Senapati stated that the incident was triggered by sudden provocation and ruled out any previous enmity between the accused and deceased. The police also seized two motorcycles, three mobile phones and one knife. New Delhi, March 1 : Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Sunday inaugurated a computer education centre and reading room in Nangloi, describing it as another step towards 'Viksit Bharat'. Inaugurating the Savitri Devi Goyal Institute of Computer Education and Reading Room, Gupta said, "Every reading room and computer centre is a step towards 'Viksit Bharat'. Computer education today is no longer a luxury but an essential requirement of our era. In the digital age, true literacy must necessarily include digital literacy." Recalling his own student days, Gupta said he often searched for quiet spaces to study and found deep concentration in libraries such as the Ratan Tata Library in Timarpur near the Delhi School of Economics. He noted that such reading spaces play a crucial role for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the IAS, IPS and other civil services, and expressed confidence that the new reading room would help many young aspirants achieve success in their academic and professional journeys. Gupta called upon members of society to treat the centre as a collective community initiative and contribute in whatever way possible, whether by donating books, volunteering time or providing financial support. He expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire the establishment of similar centres in the future and nurture a culture of service, discipline and learning among young people, ultimately benefiting society at large. The programme, organised by Seva Bharati at Raghunath Dharamshala in Nangloi, marks a significant step towards empowering children and youth, especially from economically weaker sections, by providing access to digital learning facilities and a supportive academic environment, he said. Gupta stated that the establishment of the centre is not merely the inauguration of a building or a room, but the opening up of new opportunities for talented youth who often lag behind due to a lack of resources. He appreciated the efforts of Seva Bharati and the Goyal family for installing 15 computers and creating a dedicated reading room to support the educational aspirations of students in the community. On the occasion, Vishal, Prant Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), underscored the collective commitment towards education, social upliftment and inclusive digital empowerment. He expressed confidence that the institute would play a significant role in empowering students from economically weaker sections who are often unable to afford expensive educational facilities. Vishal said that by providing computer education and study facilities at a nominal cost, the centre would open new avenues of learning and opportunity for deserving students, enabling them to acquire essential digital skills and pursue their academic and professional aspirations with confidence. Ahmedabad, March 1 : The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has uncovered an alleged illegal breeding and sale racket of exotic animals and birds operating from a residential flat in the Navrangpura area of the city, officials said on Sunday. Acting on specific intelligence, officers raided a flat at Ravalbhai Apartment, where they found a large number of foreign species being kept and bred inside cages within the residential premises. Officials said several of the species are rare and fetch high prices in international markets. Among the animals recovered were an extremely rare Red-handed Tamarin monkey baby, seven Persian cats and their kittens, 14 small and large hamsters, 15 Mini Lop rabbits and nine Leather Lab Dwarf animals. The birds seized included six African Grey Parrots, five Blue and Gold Macaws, three Eclectus Parrots, four Sun Conures, two Galah Cockatoos and one Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. In addition, a large number of African lovebirds, conures, cockatiels, budgerigars and finches were found at the premises. According to the Crime Branch, the documents produced by the accused through the governmentas PARIVESH portal appeared prima facie incomplete and suspicious. "The documents shown to us on the PARIVESH portal appear incomplete and raise doubts," a senior Crime Branch official told IANS. Officials said that keeping such a large number of wild and exotic species in a densely populated residential area without biosecurity safeguards or scientific facilities poses a serious public health risk. "Maintaining exotic and wild species in a residential flat without biosecurity measures can lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases and endanger local residents," the official said, adding that the use of a residential property for commercial breeding activities amounts to a significant violation of regulations. Officials confirmed the Forest Department, the Municipal Corporation and the Customs Department will jointly verify the authenticity of documents, examine the legality of imports and assess potential health risks as part of a detailed investigation. "We have communicated the matter to the Forest Department and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. They will file a complaint in this case. No arrests have been made so far, and we are working with the concerned authorities on further action," the official added. Guwahati, March 1 : The Bharatiya Janata Party's ongoing 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' received an overwhelming response on its second day, as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led a massive rally from Jagiroad to Morigaon, party leaders said. Thousands of BJP supporters gathered along the rally route, turning the stretch into a vibrant display of party flags, slogans and enthusiastic crowds. The Chief Minister's convoy moved slowly through key localities as people from different sections of society came out to greet him, creating a charged political atmosphere. The Jana Ashirwad Yatra, launched as part of the BJP's extensive public outreach programme, aims to directly connect with citizens, highlight the government's achievements and consolidate organisational strength ahead of upcoming political milestones in Assam. Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika and BJP Assam Pradesh President Dilip Saikia accompanied the Chief Minister during the rally. Senior party leaders and local workers actively engaged with the public, reiterating the government's focus on development-driven governance and welfare-oriented policies. Addressing several roadside gatherings, Chief Minister Sarma outlined key initiatives undertaken by the BJP-led government, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, welfare schemes, education, healthcare and economic growth. He said the government remains committed to ensuring that development reaches every section of society without discrimination. "The Jan Ashirwad Yatra is not merely a political programme but an expression of gratitude to the people of Assam for their continuous support and trust," CM Sarma said, urging citizens to continue blessing the government's vision for a stronger and more prosperous Assam. Party leaders said that the large participation witnessed on the second day of the yatra reflects public confidence in the BJP's leadership and governance model. They added that the yatra will continue across multiple constituencies, serving as a platform to engage with citizens and share the government's roadmap for the future. With strong public mobilisation and enthusiastic participation, the Jan Ashirwad Yatra has emerged as a significant political exercise, underlining the BJP's organisational strength and sustained outreach efforts across Assam. Kolkata, March 1 : BJP President Nitin Nabin, on Sunday, launched a scathing attack against the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, urging people to put an end to the misrule by ousting the government from power in the upcoming Assembly polls. Speaking at the launch of BJP's Parivartan Yatra in West Bengal from Cooch Behar district, Nabin said, "We have to free Bengal from misrule of the corrupt Trinamool Congress government. People in Bengal are yearning for change. This time people want real 'poriborton' (change)." He also criticised the Mamata Banerjee government for allegedly sheltering infiltrators in the state and allowing them to cast votes in the elections by facilitating them with voter cards. "Recently, Mamata Banerjee rushed to the Supreme Court to protect infiltrators in Bengal electoral rolls, as they are her party's vote bank. The Trinamool Congress has been winning elections after elections with the support of illegal voters. After the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, names of more than 50 lakh infiltrators, who were taking away jobs, removed from Bengal electoral rolls," the BJP President said. "We must not only drive out infiltrators from West Bengal but also establish decisive government that can usher in overall development. In Bengal, Mamata didi provided protection to infiltrators by helping them obtain fake documents. This has to end now. The BJP will ensure that not a single infiltrator find place in Bengal voter's list," Nabin added. The BJP, on Sunday, began the 'Parivartan Yatra' with four public rallies from Cooch Behar, Krishnanagar in Nadia, Kulti in West Burdwan and Garbeta in West Midnapore. The remaining five yatras will commence on March 2 from Islampur in North Dinajpur, Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas, Hasan in Birbhum, Mathurapur in South 24 Parganas, and Amta in Howrah. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to flag off the yatra from Mathurapur on Monday while Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the same programme in Amta. Meanwhile, while speaking at the Parivartan Yatra in Krishnanagar of Nadia district, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also targeted the Mamata Banerjee-led state government over the same issue. "Mamata Banerjee is trying to turn West Bengal into hub of infiltrators. There is no law and order here. Mamata Banerjee didn't allow Ayushman Bharat in Bengal. She deprived nearly 40 lakh families of free treatment," Nadda said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while speaking to IANS in West Burdwan district, said, "The Election Commission has corrected everything, and all discrepancies have been resolved. People who are not Indian will not remain on the voter list. The people of Bengal have made up their minds and the change is inevitable." Moscow, March 1 : Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday offered condolences to his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian over the killing of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family. He expressed sympathy with the family and friends of Khamenei and the leadership and people of Iran. In a statement issued by the Kremlin, Putin said: "Please, accept my deepest condolences on the assassination of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law." "In our country, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly ties between Russia and Iran and to raising them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership," he added. Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. He had been Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989 after the passing away of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The Iranian government announced a 40-day mourning period after Khamenei's death. Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday that Khamenei was killed in US-Israel airstrikes. Four relatives of Khamenei, including his daughter, grandchild and son-in-law, were also killed in the US-Israeli strikes, reported Iran's Fars News Agency, citing sources. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to punish the "murderers" of Khamenei, following the confirmation of his death by state television, and promised that the response will be the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against the US and Israel. In a statement posted on its official Telegram page, the IRGC said, "The hand of revenge of the Iranian nation for a severe, decisive and regrettable punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not let go of them." It further said that the IRGC, the Armed Forces, and the Basij forces will "powerfully continue the path of their leader in defending his legacy, standing firm against internal and external plots and delivering what it described as a lesson-giving punishment to aggressors against the Islamic homeland." The Iranian Cabinet has also warned that the "great crime will never go unanswered." Hyderabad, March 1 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has advised all Telugu people residing in Iran and other Gulf countries to remain extremely alert in view of reports of ongoing conflict in the region. The Chief Minister urged them to strictly follow safety guidelines and adhere to advisories and warnings issued from time to time by Indian embassies in the respective countries. The Chief Minister stated that, in case of any emergency, the State Government will coordinate with the Union Government to ensure the safe return of Telugu citizens. He said the Telangana Government is continuously monitoring the situation of people from the State living in Iran and other Gulf nations. Officials have been directed to remain prepared to take appropriate measures in coordination with the Centre if necessary. They were also instructed to maintain contact with Indian embassies and consulates in those countries. The Chief Minister emphasised that the safety of Telangana citizens is the State Governmentas highest priority and expressed hope that all Telugu people remain safe. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu has enquired about the safety and well-being of Telugus living in Bahrain. The situation in Bahrain following Iranas attack on the US naval base is causing concern. About 50,000 people from Andhra Pradesh are employed in Bahrain. They include a large number of people from Narsipatnam, an Assembly constituency in Anakapalli district represented by Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu. The Speaker spoke to a few Telugus living in Bahrain and enquired about their safety. He urged the entire Telugu community to remain alert, take shelter in safe places and follow the advisories issued by the local government from time to time. Ayyanna Patrudu assured the Telugus that if they face any emergency, the state government is ready to help them through the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS). He said, if necessary, he would speak to Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu to safely bring back Telugus. Gurdaspur, March 1 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that together "we must make Punjab 'Rangla Punjab' again", stating it "is the sacred land of the Gurus, sacrifice and martyrdom". Gurdaspur, March 1 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that together "we must make Punjab 'Rangla Punjab' again", stating it "is the sacred land of the Gurus, sacrifice and martyrdom". He said even after suffering the trauma of Partition, the people of Punjab refused to succumb to despair and turned self-belief into their greatest strength. Addressing a programme of the Saini Samaj at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, Saini said the upcoming Punjab Assembly election "is not merely about changing a government, but about changing the political direction of Punjab and ensuring respect for its society". The CM said he felt proud to be present on this sacred land. He called upon everyone to work together to once again make Punjab a leading state on the path of development. The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to give due respect to the Saini samaj. "By making a small worker like him the Chief Minister, he empowered the community." He said that on Monday, he would present his second Budget in the Haryana Assembly. Out of 217 resolutions, 60 have been fulfilled, and work is progressing rapidly on 120 others. Highlighting the state government's schemes, the Chief Minister said free dialysis facilities are being provided to kidney patients in all hospitals and medical colleges in Haryana. Pensions are being delivered to senior citizens at their homes on the 10th of every month. Under the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, women are being given Rs 2,100. Crops are being procured from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) with payment within 48 hours. Farmers are also benefiting from the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. He said houses are being constructed and provided to the poor, and plots are being allotted to families without land. Families residing on Panchayati land for a long time have also been granted ownership rights. The Chief Minister said development in Punjab has been affected because power remained confined to a few hands. "Now is the time to change the direction of politics." He expressed confidence that in the upcoming Assembly elections, the OBC community will unite and play a decisive role in forming a Bharatiya Janata Party government to make Punjab prosperous and vibrant once again. He said the OBC community constitutes 31 per cent of Punjab's population and should come together to become the axis of politics and play a significant role. Saini said the situation in Punjab "is currently very challenging. The state is grappling with unemployment, drug abuse, crime and migration, and the time has come to address these issues. The Saini samaj has a major role to play in this effort". Not long after Backpack teased last Monday that its upcoming token would enable users to earn equity in the crypto exchange, people from across the industry began reaching out with the exact same question, according to co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer Can Sun. Everyone wanted to know how the arrangement was structured in a way that wouldnt turn the token into a security, he told Decrypt. And the answer involves a strategic separation between the digital assets capabilities and Backpacks business, he said. Although regulators in the U.S. have historically scrutinized tokens that offer a direct claim on a companys success, Backpack is betting that a clever bit of legal engineering can keep the regulators at bay. Sun argued that the conversion property wont actually be attached to the token itself. Rather, itll be attached to an upcoming VIP program, he said. Becoming a VIP on Backpack will entail trading on the exchange and using the companys other services, Sun said, in addition to locking the token up for a prolonged period of time. The token could be floating out there to anyone, but if you dont use Backpack, if you dont stake it for a year, then it has none of those rights, Sun explained. Its not a property of the token itself, its the property of a VIP program that were running. Backpack is leaning into that approach amid discussions to raise $50 million at a pre-money valuation of $1 billion, as reported by Axios earlier this month. Meanwhile, Sun said Backpack has generated interest among SPACspublicly traded companies set up for the purpose of acquiring private onesand bankers that want to take the firm public. Crypto Exchange Backpack Plans to Offer Company Equity to Token Stakers We have a lot of interest, but we want to find the right time to do it, he added, noting that the supply of Backpacks token is expected to unlock in relation to that timeline. The companys legal strategy may resemble an unprecedented move amid an increasingly supportive regulatory backdrop in the U.S., but Sun said the company has a backup plan that involves registering the tokens as securities during an anticipated public offering. The remedy for an unlicensed securities offering is registration, he said. Were just going to register an additional class of securities on our IPO. That cures it in the worst-case scenario. Banking Regulator Floats New Stablecoin Yield RulesDo They Hurt Coinbase? Sun, who previously served as general counsel at collapsed crypto exchange FTX, wagered that the token-to-equity conversion program wouldve been allowed under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who notoriously pursued lawsuits against myriad crypto firms. Kolkata, March 1 : Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday announced that party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will sit on a dharna in Kolkata on March 6 to protest against the alleged deletion of names from the final voters' list in West Bengal following the SIR process. Addressing a press conference, Banerjee said, "The BJP cannot win the Assembly polls. That is why it is using the Election Commission to influence the election results by deleting genuine voters. BJP leaders gave a target of deleting over one crore voters in Bengal. This was decided even before the SIR process commenced here. To protest against the arbitrary deletion of names, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will sit on a dharna in Kolkata on March 6." He said the dharna would be held at Esplanade in central Kolkata, where Mamata Banerjee had staged a 26-day hunger strike in 2008. "Why isn't the Election Commission publishing a list of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas who have been identified during the SIR process in Bengal? This is nothing but a lie manufactured by the BJP. Deletion of genuine voters from Bengal's voters' list will not yield any result for the BJP, as it will not win more than 50 seats in the Assembly polls," Banerjee said. Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the exclusion of a large number of names is against the democratic process. He claimed that the voting rights of common people are being curtailed in the name of revising the voters' list and questioned the role of the Election Commission in the matter. "The Election Commission will have to take responsibility for this. So many have died in Bengal due to the SIR process. In the name of logical discrepancies, the Election Commission has only followed the BJP's diktat, which is to remove over one crore names from the voters' list," he said. According to him, party leaders and workers from across the state will attend the dharna on March 6 to stand by Mamata Banerjee in her protest against the deletion of names. Jerusalem, March 1 : As many as nine people were killed in an Iranian missile strike on the civilian neighbourhood of Beit Shemesh in Israel on Sunday, local media reported. The missile hit a residential area in the city, destroying a synagogue and a public bomb shelter while nearby homes suffered extensive damage, The Times of Israel reported. Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg said that they have not been able to contact 20 residents. He stated that it "does not necessarily mean anything happened to them". Speaking to reporters, Greenberg said: "It could very well be that weare not finding them, but we are doing everything we can," according to the Times of Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) accused Iran of firing missiles towards the civilian neighbourhood of Beit Shemesh, killing innocent civilians. In a statement shared on X, it said: "The Iranian Regime directly fired missiles toward the civilian neighborhood of Beit Shemesh, killing innocent civilians. The Iranian regime purposely targets civilian targets while we precisely target terror targets. This is who weare operating againsta"a regime who uses civilian casualties as their war tactic." Earlier in the day, the IDF said that Iranian Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi and other top Iranian security leaders were killed. "Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces. Additionally, the IDF struck & eliminated 7 members of the top Iranian security leadership in Tehran and 40 senior commanders," IDF posted on X. The IDF also revealed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed inside his leadership compound in central Tehran, asserting that the operation marked the end of what it described as a decades-long chapter of terror directed against Israel. Khamenei was killed in an attack by the US and Israel, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, as Tehran's retaliation set off conflagrations in a swath of the Middle East. Detailing the circumstances of the strike, the Israeli military said: "The Air Force, under precise intelligence guidance from the Military Intelligence and in cooperation with the Military Intelligence, attacked the leadership compound in the heart of Tehran where he was staying along with other senior officials." It described Khamenei as the head of what it termed the Iranian "terrorist regime" since 1989 and accused him of advancing an extremist ideology directed against Israel and Western nations. It further alleged that he was "directly responsible for the violent repression of Iranian citizens for many years". "Khamenei was the father of the plan to destroy the State of Israel, the 'head of the Iranian octopus', who sent his arms throughout the Middle East and to the borders of the State of Israel, led by the terrorist organisation Hezbollah. The leader of the regime was responsible for terrorist attacks on the State of Israel and had the blood of many citizens from all over the world on his hands," the IDF added. The military said the killing was part of a broader campaign targeting key figures aligned with what it called the "Iranian terror axis". Patna, March 1 : A tragic incident has been reported from Bihar's Vaishali district, where four members of a family died after inhaling toxic gas from a toilet soak pit in Anwarpur village under the Sarai police station area on Sunday, officials said. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred during the cleaning or repair of the tank. One family member reportedly fell unconscious after entering the pit due to the accumulation of toxic gases. In an attempt to rescue him, other family members entered the tank one after another and also succumbed to suffocation. The entire village has plunged into mourning following the tragedy. The most heartbreaking aspect of the incident is the death of Rahul Kumar, whose wedding was celebrated with great joy on February 24. Within a week of the celebrations, the groom lost his life in an accident, turning happiness into grief. The deceased have been identified as Anand Kumar, his son Rahul Kumar, Anand's brother Pankaj Kumar, and another family member. Three other individuals are reportedly in critical condition and have been admitted to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. After receiving information about the accident, senior administrative officials reached the site. Hajipur-Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rambabu Baitha and Lalganj Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gopal Mandal inspected the site and assessed the situation. Officials said that the deaths were likely caused by oxygen depletion due to the accumulation of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or methane inside the tank. Police have taken the bodies into custody and sent them for post-mortem examination. Further legal proceedings are underway. An eerie silence prevails in Anwarpur village as grieving relatives struggle to come to terms with the loss. Villagers described the sight of four bodies being carried out together as deeply distressing. The administration has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of compensation as per government provisions. The tragedy once again underscores the dangers associated with cleaning septic tanks and soak pits without proper safety equipment and protective measures. Experts have repeatedly warned about the risk of toxic gas accumulation in enclosed spaces, which can cause instant unconsciousness and death due to oxygen deprivation. Raipur, March 1 : The Lakhpati Didi Yojana, launched by the Modi government for the emancipation and empowerment of women, particularly those from rural backgrounds, is giving shape to the dreams and aspirations of crores of middle-class farmers and their families. In Chhattisgarhas Surguja district, the lives of rural women have undergone a sea-change as the villagers are not switched from stoves to gas cylinders but are also becoming self-reliant and self-employed. Here, the women are engaging in businesses and are making rural products marketable in the international market to compete with large companies. The Surguja district administration has introduced another innovation for the betterment of women. An outlet named Asha Bihan Bazaar has opened, branding and attractively packaging the products of women from self-help groups. These products are now available in city shops and e-commerce sites. The special feature is the Chhattis Kala brand, which allows products produced in different regions of the state to be sold in other districts. Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Asha Devi was granted a loan of Rs 5 lakh by the National Rural Livelihood Mission, which has now enabled her to become self-reliant. Asha Devi, from Kishun Nagar village in Surguja, explained that previously, they lacked a permanent place to sell their products. However, they received a Rs 5 lakh loan from the District Panchayat under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which enabled them to open this shop under the name Asha Bihan. She explained that in this Bihan Bazaar, they sell pure products made in their village, all made by the Didis of the group. Moringa powder, mustard oil from raw mustard oil, cumin flower rice, and tikhur flour are all available here. District Panchayat CEO Vinay Agarwal explained that the Bihan Didis in Surguja district manufacture a variety of products, but due to a lack of a proper platform and improved branding and packaging, their products were unable to achieve the same market recognition as other products. Therefore, these products will now be sold in attractive packaging under the brand name 'Chattis Kala'. Bhopal/Sheopur, March 1 : In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday visited Kuno National Park in Sheopur district and personally released baby gharials and endangered turtles into the Una river. The Chief Minister released 53 young gharials -- 28 males and 25 females -- reared at the Deori Gharial Centre. These hatchlings, nurtured for over two years, were carefully reintroduced into their natural habitat to boost the population and restore ecological balance in the river system. Alongside the gharials, 25 baby three-striped roofed turtles, an endangered species found in parts of the country, were also released into the river. The event highlights Madhya Pradesh's efforts in reptile conservation, building on initiatives such as the cheetah reintroduction at nearby Palpur-Kuno, known for India's first cheetah translocation project. "This hands-on release not only gives these ancient river dwellers a fresh start but also sends a strong message about sustainable conservation, community involvement and our resolve to make Madhya Pradesh a model for protecting endangered species," Chief Minister Yadav said. "These ancient creatures, remnants from the dinosaur era, play a vital role in river ecosystems by helping maintain cleanliness and ecological balance," he added. Referring to the Una tributary of the Chambal, the Chief Minister said, "We recently achieved a significant milestone by releasing 53 gharial hatchlings into their natural habitat. These young ones, around two-and-a-half years old, were carefully hatched from eggs in a controlled environment, nurtured and then reintroduced to revive the ecosystem. This effort not only revives the population but also creates a wonderful experience for tourists while contributing immensely to environmental conservation." He said gharials and muggers coexist with river ecosystems and are symbols of ancient biodiversity that have survived for thousands of years. "Alongside them, we have also released three-striped roofed turtles, another rare species in the country, into clean, free-flowing waters to help repopulate riverine areas," he said. Highlighting conservation efforts in the region, Yadav described the Palpur-Kuno area in the Chambal landscape as rich in natural resources and supportive of rural livelihoods amid pristine surroundings. "Recently, we released eight more cheetahs transported by the Air Force into the forest. This has boosted confidence in our conservation efforts. Cheetah reintroduction was a global challenge, but our climate, environment, dedicated staff and supportive local communities have embraced them," he said. "Of the initial 20 cheetahs brought in, 12 survived, and through natural breeding the population has grown from 12 to 38. With the latest release of nine more, it now stands at 48," he added. Washington, March 2 : Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, on Sunday, declared that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "has been eliminated", calling him "the Zahhak of our time" and urging the regime officials to surrender power. Pahlavi, in a statement, described Khamenei as "the demonic figure who just weeks ago issued the order for the massacre of tens of thousands of Iran's finest sons and daughters". "With his ignominious death and that of many of his appointees and loyalists, the Islamic Republic is gasping its final breaths. Through your resolve and courage, it will soon be consigned to the dustbin of history," he said. He asserted that "The great nation of Iran seeks the complete downfall of the Islamic Republic. And we will bring down this demonic regime". Pahlavi addressed what he called the "remaining officials of this Republic of Terror" with a direct demand: "Surrender to the people of Iran. Declare your loyalty to my program and the Transition System. And hand over power without further bloodshed." He warned that any attempt to replace Khamenei would fail. "Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will not only lack legitimacy but will also be complicit in the crimes of this regime," he said. Turning to the security establishment, Pahlavi urged a shift in allegiance. "Your weapons must serve to defend the great nation of Iran -- not the criminal Republic, nor its anti-Iranian thugs and hoodlums," he said. "Join the people of Iran and the Lion-and-Sun Revolution. Use your arms to protect Iranians against the regime's mercenaries of the Islamic Republic. So that this 47-year nightmare may end more swiftly." He said Khamenei's death "cannot atone for the spilled blood" but "can serve as a balm for the scorched hearts of fathers and mothers, spouses and children, sisters and brothers in mourning; a consolation for the proud families of the Lion-and-Sun Revolution's selfless martyrs". Addressing what he called the "Noble and brave people of Iran", Pahlavi urged mobilisation. "Stay vigilant. Stay prepared. The time for a massive and decisive presence in the streets is drawing very near," he said. He called on supporters to express "your satisfaction and support for the dismantling of the Islamic Republic through nighttime chants" and to "raise your voices with your demands for Iran's future". "To Iranians abroad, who for weeks have tirelessly and relentlessly amplified the resounding voice of our compatriots in Iran, I ask that you redouble your efforts," he added, urging them to convey "the Iranian people's support for this humanitarian intervention, and our demand for the regime's total collapse". "Critical days lie ahead. Together, we will traverse the path to victory. And we will overthrow the Islamic Republic system," he said, ending with: "Long live Iran." Pahlavi, heir to the Peacock Throne, has lived in exile in the US since the 1979 Iranian Revolution that overthrew the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic. In recent years, Pahlavi has positioned himself as a potential transitional figure, saying that he could guide Iran towards a democratic order in the event of regime change. Srinagar, March 1 : All schools, colleges and universities in the Kashmir Valley will remain closed for two days from Monday amid protests over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, it was announced even as J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, appealed to communities to stay peaceful and calm. As peaceful protests continued across the Valley on Sunday, authorities today ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, for two days on March 2 and 3. Protesters gathered at many places, including the city centre, Lal Chowk in Srinagar, to carry on peaceful protests. DGP Nalin Prabhat and other senior police officials went to the Lal Chowk and other places in the city to supervise the security arrangements so that miscreants and anti-national elements did not exploit the sentiments of the people. LG Sinha called upon the communities to stay peaceful and calm. "Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronized resolve of our Police and security forces upholding law and order," he said in a post on X. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he was "deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iranas Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei". "I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest. We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures," he said on X. "The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran", he added. National Conference (NC) President and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and other leaders of the party condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran. "Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq and Senior Leader Agha Syed Mehmood Al-Moosavi, have expressed profound anguish over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. Dr Abdullah has strongly denounced the act, describing it as a tragic and destabilising development with serious implications for peace and stability in the region," the NC said on its X handle. "He stated that such incidents deepen uncertainty and grief, and underscored the urgent need for wisdom, restraint, and adherence to principles of justice and international law. "Dr Abdullah has appealed for calm and urged the administration to handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that those who wish to mourn are able to do so respectfully, without fear or undue restrictions, while maintaining public order." Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said: "Today marks a deeply tragic & shameful point in history with Israel & USA boasting about the killing of Iranas beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Whatas more disgraceful & shocking is the explicit & implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience & expedience over conscience." aHistory will stand testaments to who fought for justice & who helped the oppressors. Prayers with the people of Iran. May Allah grant them strength & victory over forces of tyranny & injustice." Senior religious leader and Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said: "Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iranas Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab." "In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this," he said, calling it a "a moment for the Ummah to rise above divisions and stand united and register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region". "Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike tomorrow. We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness." The Mirwaiz has appealed to communities to maintain peace while expressing their feelings about the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Despite being a public holiday, the impact of the public sentiment could be seen in the suspension of all commercial activities otherwise permitted on a Sunday. Security forces are on high alert throughout the Valley as protesters carry out processions shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Valley on Sunday. Hyderabad, March 1 : Hectic lobbying is on in the ruling Congress party in Telangana for two Rajya Sabha seats with several senior leaders aspiring for the tickets. While Congress is likely to re-nominate senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi to the Upper House, all eyes are on who will be the leadershipas choice for the second seat. Some veteran leaders have openly expressed their desire to be nominated to Rajya Sabha and they are engaged in intense lobbying in the national capital. The elections for two Rajya Sabha seats from the state are scheduled on March 16. The terms of sitting members Abhishek Manu Singhvi and KR Suresh Reddy will end on April 9, necessitating elections. Suresh Reddy is currently the BRS Parliamentary Party leader, while Singhvi was elected to the seat as Congress candidate in 2024 replacing K. Keshava Rao who resigned after joining the Congress party. The ruling party has 66 MLAs in 119-member Assembly and the support of its ally Communist Party of India (CPI), which has one MLA, and All India-Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has seven MLAs, it is sitting pretty to win both the seats. Sources indicate that senior Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is likely to retain his seat with the backing of the Congress high command. Singhvias legal acumen and articulate presence in Parliament are seen as key assets for the party at the national level. The second seat, however, has triggered considerable interest within the State unit. Veteran Congress leader Shyam Mohan Anantula, Chief Ministeras advisor Vem Narender Reddy, former Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao, Chairman of the Telangana State Planning Board, G Chinna Reddy, Former MP Madhu Yaskhi Goud, Chairman of the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission, M Kodanda Reddy are among the aspirants. Anantula, younger brother of Madan Mohan Anantula, who was a minister in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, is also seen as a strong contender. A veteran Congressman with over six decades of association with the party, Anantulaas name is being discussed in party circles as a symbol of organisational loyalty and institutional memory. He participated in the 1960-61 All India Youth Congress convention addressed by Indira Gandhi and played a role in the 1969 Telangana movement. Anantula, who is Vice-Chairman of the Telangana Congress Disciplinary Action Committee, has expressed confidence that the AICC will recognise his more than six decades of dedicated service to the party and consider him for nomination to the Rajya Sabha. He told media in New Delhi that he remains committed to strengthening the party organisation and advancing its ideological vision. As March 5 is the last date for filing nominations, a decision on the candidates is likely in a couple of days. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is likely to discuss the issue with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, state Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud and other top leaders during his visit to Telangana on Monday. Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Vikarabad to attend a training programme for the newly appointed District Congress Committee presidents in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Madurai, March 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, turned emotional while addressing a gathering in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, recalling Thiruparankundram devotee Thiru Poornachandran and sharply criticising the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu. "Today, in Madurai, I remembered Thiru Poornachandran. This happened due to the insensitivity of the DMK Government in the state," the Prime Minister said, adding that the tragic incident weighed heavily on his heart. "At the same time, my heart felt heavy," he said. Referring to the 40-year-old man, who set himself on fire amid the Karthigai Deepam row, PM Modi described Poornachandran as a young devotee of Lord Murugan who had "sacrificed his life". "Thiruparankundram's young devotee, Poornachandran, who sacrificed his life -- I met his wife, Indumathi, and their two children. I offered my deepest condolences to them," the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Modi said he had met Thirumathi Indumathi and her children during his visit to Madurai and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. The interaction, the Prime Minister said, was deeply moving and reinforced his resolve to speak about the issue. Stepping up his political attack on the DMK government, the Prime Minister alleged that the situation reflected the state government's insensitivity towards matters of faith and devotees. He asserted that attempts to suppress devotion or ignore religious sentiments would ultimately fail. "No matter what they (DMK government) do, the truth will win. Devotees of Lord Murugan will win," the Prime Minister declared, adding that even if the DMK government stood against them, faith and justice would prevail. Pm Modi's remarks come at a politically charged moment in Tamil Nadu, with Assembly elections approaching and the BJP-led NDA intensifying its campaign against the ruling DMK. The reference to the Karthigai Deepam controversy and Poornachandran's death is expected to further escalate the political debate over governance, religious rights and administrative handling of sensitive issues in poll-bound Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister's speech in Madurai blended development messaging with sharp political criticism, signalling that issues surrounding faith and cultural identity could feature prominently in the state's evolving electoral discourse. Washington, March 1 : The United States' political establishment was sharply divided on Sunday over President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran and the reported killing of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with senior lawmakers clashing over whether the action was a necessary blow against a long-time adversary or, as one senator put it, "a war of choice". Washington, March 1 (IANS) The United States' political establishment was sharply divided on Sunday over President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran and the reported killing of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with senior lawmakers clashing over whether the action was a necessary blow against a long-time adversary or, as one senator put it, "a war of choice". Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton strongly defended the operation. Speaking to CNN, Cotton said, "There's no doubt that Iran is going to continue to target our bases in the region, our Arab friends and Israel." He signalled further military action aimed at crippling Tehran's capabilities. "What the American people will see in the days ahead is going to be a methodical and systematic focus on Iran's missiles, its missile launchers and ultimately its missile manufacturing capability," he said. In a separate interview with CBS News, Cotton said the President had "no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside Iran", describing instead an "extended air and naval campaign" focused on Iran's missile arsenal. But Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, sharply disagreed. In an interview with CNN, Warner called the move "a war of choice". "There was no imminent threat to the United States," he said. "I saw no intelligence that Iran was on the verge of launching any kind of pre-emptive strike against the United States of America." Warner also cautioned that Washington lacked clarity on what would follow inside Iran. "We have had very little visibility into what happens next after the Supreme Leader is eliminated," he said. On ABC News, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff echoed those concerns. "There was simply no basis to go in with this massive military campaign, with the goal of regime change," he said. He added that Iran "posed no imminent threat of attack to the United States". Schiff said he was "glad the regime is gone" and that "at least the leader of that terrible regime is gone", but warned against creating expectations that American troops would back any uprising on the ground in Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Washington's justification. Speaking to ABC News, he said, "What the United States is doing is an act of aggression. What we are doing is an act of self-defence." "We are defending ourselves, whatever it takes," he added. The exchanges underscore a widening debate in Washington over the intelligence underpinning the strikes, the question of Congressional authorisation and the strategic endgame. Supporters frame the action as a decisive attempt to dismantle Iran's military infrastructure. Critics warn of escalation and an open-ended conflict in a volatile region. Iran has been under clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ruptured ties with the United States and led to the 440-day hostage crisis at the US Embassy in Tehran. Over the decades, successive American administrations have sought to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence through sanctions, diplomacy and, at times, covert operations. Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) is one of the most undervalued AI stocks to buy now. With significant analyst and hedge fund sentiment, alongside a low forward price-to-earnings (PE) ratio, Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) secures a spot on our list of the most undervalued AI stocks to buy now. On February 19, 2026, Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) demonstrated its strong operational progress, announcing that its Terminal Flight Data Manager system had started running at Reagan National Airport. Marking a 45% faster rollout than the typical 18-month cycle, the system takes the place of paper flight strips, featuring real-time digital tracking and predictive tools. Dan Simonsen/Shutterstock.com The move reflects the companys focus on mission-critical programs, with the system primarily serving the Federal Aviation Administration. The system is currently live in ten airports, with more planned for the future. Looking ahead, Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) remains well-positioned to capitalize on government plans to modernize U.S. airspace infrastructure. Amid this positive development, analysts at Stifel remain skeptical about Veterans Affairs contract risks and concerns surrounding AIs impact on the stock, prompting a price target cut from $220 to $205. While noting the companys strong fourth-quarter EBITDA, the firm sees limited short-term visibility and describes managements FY26 guidance as conservative. 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Washington, March 1 : Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned the US strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling them unlawful aggression and signalling that Tehran will respond without compromise. Speaking to ABC News, Araghchi rejected Washington's justification outright. "What the United States is doing is an act of aggression. What we are doing is the act of self-defence," he said. The statement lays out Iran's diplomatic and legal position casting the United States as the aggressor and framing Tehran's response as legitimate under international law. Araghchi offered no hint of de-escalation. "We are defending ourselves, whatever it takes," he said. The language signals open-ended retaliation authority. Araghchi did not outline a timeline. He did not specify targets. He did not indicate readiness for negotiations. His remarks come as US officials describe an ongoing campaign aimed at degrading Iran's missile infrastructure. But Araghchi did not acknowledge damage to Iran's military capabilities. Nor did he suggest instability within the political system following Khamenei's death. American lawmakers, meanwhile, signalled that operations would continue. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton said the coming days would see "a methodical and systematic focus on Iran's missiles, its missile launchers, and ultimately its missile manufacturing capability." He also warned, "There's no doubt, though, that Iran is going to continue to target our bases in the region, our Arab friends, and Israel." Other US leaders questioned the intelligence basis of the strike. Senator Mark Warner said, "There was no imminent threat to the United States." He added, "We have had very little visibility into what happens next after the supreme leader is eliminated." Senator Adam Schiff also criticised the scale of the action, saying, "There was simply no basis to go in with this massive military campaign, with the goal of regime change." With its supreme leader dead, Iran now enters a period of transition. Under its constitution, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting a successor, though the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps holds significant influence within the system. For now, Tehran's message remains defiant. Araghchi's words leave little ambiguity: Iran does not view itself as defeated and any response, in his phrase, will come "whatever it takes." New Delhi, March 1 : In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Nepali citizen, absconding since 2014, in a fake Indian currency case involving a Dubai-based Pakistani national, an official said. "Accused Noor Mohammed of district Bara of Nepal, who was carrying a non-bailable warrant (NBW) for his arrest, was apprehended on Sunday from the Police Station Shahpur Patori area in Samastipur, Bihar," the agency said in a statement on Sunday. NIA had charge-sheeted him before its special court at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi in the case in November 2017. "NIA had registered the case RC-02/2014/NIA/DLI in June 2014 under various sections of IPC and UA (P) Act, following the recovery of 4,988 high-quality counterfeit Indian currency notes of Rs 1,000 denomination, having a face value of Rs 49,88,000 in April 2014," the agency said. The currency, seized at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, was brought into the country from Dubai on 17th and 18th April 2014, it said. NIA investigation had revealed that the accused Noor Mohammed had entered into a criminal conspiracy with co-accused Ekramul Ansari and others, including Pakistani national Syed Muhammad Shafi @ Shafi Chacha, for procurement, transportation, supply and circulation of high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) in India. As part of the conspiracy aimed at adversely impacting the country's monetary stability, Noor Mohammed had facilitated meetings between the co-accused persons for the transportation and supply of FICN. NIA found during the investigation that Noor Mohammed had closely monitored the delivery of the seized consignment. Further investigation into the case is ongoing. In a separate case, on February 6 this year, the NIA had filed a charge-sheet against Md. Fasi Uddin, a resident of Hyderabad, in connection with the seizure of high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Banjariya in Bihar's Champaran district, which exposed a transnational counterfeit currency racket allegedly operating through networks linked to Pakistan and Nepal. According to the NIA, Md. Fasi Uddin was an active member of an international network involved in the procurement, smuggling, and circulation of counterfeit currency aimed at undermining India's economic security. Imphal, March 1 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Sunday that the state government would take all possible steps to address the shortage of teachers in schools. Speaking at an event held at Moirangpurel Higher Secondary School in Imphal East district, the Chief Minister noted that the school has been unable to function properly due to an acute shortage of teachers. He assured that necessary measures would be initiated to resolve the issue not only in the school but also in other institutions facing similar challenges. During the programme at Moirangpurel, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh inaugurated three major projects -- the Itham Moirangpurel Bridge under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), a model residential school under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), and the newly constructed Science and Arts Block of Moirangpurel Higher Secondary School under Samagra Shiksha Manipur. He also flagged off the upgradation of a portion of National Highway-2 (Imphala"Dimapur) from Lamlai to Thoubal Dam. Upon receiving information regarding alleged unlawful activities along the highway at Moirangpurel, in which certain security personnel were reportedly involved, the matter was brought to the Chief Minister's attention. Taking serious note of the input, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh directed the Imphal East Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve to conduct a thorough investigation. The Chief Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East, Nivedita Lairenlakpam, to submit a report on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Laikhong village affected by ethnic violence who have not yet received Direct Benefit Transfer assistance for purchasing mattresses. Deputy Commissioner Lairenlakpam assured that, in coordination with the Home Department, the gap would be addressed promptly. The Science and Arts Block of Moirangpurel Higher Secondary School was constructed at an estimated cost of more than Rs 3.78 crore, funded under Samagra Shiksha Manipur and implemented by the Education Engineering Wing. The infrastructure includes classrooms, laboratories, a library, separate toilets for boys and girls, and rainwater harvesting facilities. The Model Residential School was built under the PMJVK scheme with funding from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs at a cost of nearly Rs 25.62 crore. The Itham Moirangpurel Bridge over the Thoubal River at 2.10 km under Keirao Bitra Block in Imphal East district was constructed at a sanctioned cost of around Rs 645.84 lakh. Speaking on the occasion, Manipur BJP MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar lauded the Chief Minister for his guidance and steadfast support for the development of the Andro Assembly constituency. Lamlai BJP MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha said that since the formation of the new state government, development activities have been progressing at a rapid pace across the state. Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing expressed hope that upgrading the road connecting Napet Palli and Ashang Khullen to National Highway status would significantly benefit the public. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, March 1 : Indian-American Republican donor Asha Jadeja Motwani, who attended a two-hour dinner with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this weekend alongside about 20 Republican donors, described the unfolding military action against Iran as a defining geopolitical moment that she believes will "change the destiny of the Middle East". Washington, March 1 (IANS) Indian-American Republican donor Asha Jadeja Motwani, who attended a two-hour dinner with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this weekend alongside about 20 Republican donors, described the unfolding military action against Iran as a defining geopolitical moment that she believes will "change the destiny of the Middle East". "Yes, it is a historic time here in Mar-a-Lago. While we were here for something else, actually, war was declared. This is obviously going to change the destiny of the Middle East. This is not a small war," Motwani told IANS in an interview. Motwani said the group also interacted with senior administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe. "The CIA had been following them (Iranian leadership) for a month," she said, adding that "the CIA and the Mossad were already there in Iran tracking the Ayatollah." Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior leaders were reportedly killed in air strikes carried out jointly by Israel and the United States. She argued that the operation reflected a deliberate and expansive strategy. "I don't think there's going to be a let-up. I think this is part of a much larger geopolitical strategy that President Trump has in mind," she said, describing it as "a well-thought-out strategy to change the course of the Middle East". Asked about the President's broader objective, Motwani said it was "to establish America as the hegemon and to remove all conversation that's happening in the Middle East". Referring to threats against Israel, she said: "You say one word against Israel, and you're going to pay a price. This is huge. This is a good thing. I'm glad this is happening." She added, "Kudos to President Trump for pulling this off." On the atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago, she said, "The mood is upbeat, but focused and very serious." She acknowledged casualties in the early phase of operations. "We already have lost three people, and I think four have been injured," she said, adding that "the administration understands the seriousness of this operation and the potential costs that we could incur." At the same time, she expressed confidence in the outcome. "The mood is serious, but it's mission accomplished right now," she said. On the implications for India, Motwani said it was "not by accident" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been in Israel shortly before the strike. "My guess is that this was well orchestrated, and India and the US are in partnership to support Israel. This is how it's going to be for the future," she said. She added: "Prime Minister Modi, President Trump and Netanyahu are in very close connection and alignment about where they're headed. So it's a good thing for India." However, she cautioned that "the Chabahar port might be affected, and India has invested in that". India has invested in Iran's Chabahar port as part of its connectivity strategy to Afghanistan and Central Asia. New Delhi, March 1 : Attacking Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal over corruption, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Sunday, presented her government's one-year report card in Chandni Chowk Parliamentary constituency along with BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal and other leaders. Speaking at the "One Year of Change, One Year of Development" public meeting, Chief Minister Gupta said that for the past 27 years, BJP workers have worked to safeguard Delhi. "Whenever the then (AAP) government acted against Delhi's interests, they (BJP) protested on the streets, faced baton charges, and even went to police stations," she added. The Chief Minister said their leader is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who clearly states that power is not a means of enjoyment but a tool for service. She added that the previous AAP-led Delhi government would launch schemes without clarity on their ground-level implementation. "The Ladli Scheme was one such example. Benefits had not reached 1.75 lakh girls. The current BJP government identified them and transferred Rs 90 crore via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the first 30,000 girls, and is set to transfer another Rs 100 crore to 40,000 more girls," she said. The Ladli Scheme has been replaced with the Lakhpati Beti Yojana, under which each girl will receive Rs 1.25 lakh to support her education. Chief Minister Gupta said development works worth Rs 260 crore are underway in Shakur Basti, Rs 100 crore in Tri Nagar Assembly, Rs 160 crore in Model Town Assembly, Rs 120 crore in Adarsh Nagar, and several crore rupees in Shalimar Bagh Assembly. "Additionally, Rs 750 crore has been approved solely for road construction in the industrial area of Wazirpur Assembly," she said. The Chief Minister added that road construction worth Rs 5,000 crore from Inderlok Metro Station to Urban Extension Road-II has commenced. To fulfil the promise of providing free LPG cylinders to 17.5 lakh families during Holi, Rs 122 crore will be transferred through DBT, and President Droupadi Murmu is arriving on Monday. "From Monday, Pink cards will be issued to women in Delhi enabling them to travel free of cost in DTC buses," she said. CM Gupta added: "Electricity meter installation had been banned for 1.5 lakh properties sealed by the MCD, but today meters have been installed and power supply restored. A Sewer Master Plan will soon be presented." Referring to the reprieve offered to AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal by a Delhi court in the liquor policy case, the Chief Minister added that Kejriwal claims innocence, but he is guilty in the eyes of people and will never be forgiven. Chief Minister Gupta said that Kejriwal should not celebrate yet as the matter will now be go to the Delhi High Court. "Kejriwal will also have to answer questions on the classroom scam, fake labour bills scam, Jal Board scam, ED-related cases, and the 'Sheesh Mahal' scam related to illegal renovation of Chief Minister's official residence." The meeting was attended by BJP General Secretary Yogendra Chandolia, Delhi BJP Treasurer Satish Garg, Delhi BJP Media Head and Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Chandni Chowk District President Arvind Garg, Keshavpuram District President Ajay Khatana and District In-charges Rajesh Bhatia and Yogesh Atrey. Chief Coordinator of the Chief Minister's outreach programmes, Chandolia said that the public showed special interest in the outreach programmes. As a result, from February 23 till Sunday, more than 50,000 active workers and 497 delegations of civic and trade organisations have participated in the initiative. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, March 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji" in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji" in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. He paid respects to the great Guru, known as "Hind di Chadar", and said it is a matter of great fortune to take part in this historic and sacred event. The Prime Minister stated that India's history is built on bravery, harmony, and cooperation. He noted that the gathering on Maharashtra soil reflects this legacy. During the time of the Gurus, when sacrifice reached its highest level, social unity played a key role. People from every section drew strength from the Gurus to stand firm for truth and culture. Traditions such as the "Guru Nanak Naam-leva Sangat" of "Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji" helped build that unity. PM Modi emphasised that the country needs social unity today more than ever. The large presence of the Sangat at the event shows that the blessings of the Gurus and Saints remain with the nation. He described the Samagam as a continuing journey that started last year in Nagpur, grew stronger at "Takht Sri Hazur Sahib" in Nanded, and has now reached an important stage in Navi Mumbai. This effort has taken the history and teachings of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji" to thousands of villages and settlements across Maharashtra. The Prime Minister congratulated the Government of Maharashtra for organising the programme. He recalled attending a related event in Kurukshetra, Haryana, and said the Union Government marks every major occasion linked to the Guru Sahibs at the national level. These include the "400th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji," marked by a commemorative postage stamp and special coin, the "550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji," and the new annual observance of "Veer Bal Diwas" in honour of the "Sahibzadas". The Prime Minister listed several steps taken by the government. These include completing the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in record time, improving facilities for the "Sri Hemkund Sahib Yatra," giving relief under FCRA to Sikh organisations and Gurdwaras, and including Sikh history in school curricula and cultural discussions. He mentioned the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe the 1984 riots, reopening of closed cases, punishment for the guilty, additional compensation for victim families, and a more active role for the National Commission for Minorities. PM Modi spoke about efforts to ensure the safety of Sikh brothers in Afghanistan, the respectful return of the Swaroop of Guru Granth Sahib, citizenship provisions under CAA for persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, rehabilitation packages for Sikh families in Jammu and Kashmir, simplified OCI and visa rules, and removal of thousands of names from the blacklist to ease travel for overseas Sikhs. He said respecting the faith of the Sikh community and creating new opportunities for their progress is both a responsibility and a privilege for the government. Prime Minister Modi said that the spirit of standing with courage and truth remains as relevant today as it was in the time of "Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji". When the new generation connects with these values, tradition becomes a path to the future rather than just a memory. The purpose of the Samagam is not only to remember history but to live by its principles in daily conduct. Imphal, March 1 : The expansion of the Council of Ministers led by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is likely to take place after the upcoming Budget session of the state Assembly, BJP sources said on Sunday. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Manipur Chief Minister on February 4 after President's Rule was revoked in the state. Along with him, four other MLAs took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers. However, the Khemchand Singh-led Ministry is yet to be fully constituted, with seven ministerial berths still vacant. BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Loishi Dikho of the Naga People's Front (NPF) took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers along with CM Khemchand Singh. BJP MLA Govindas Konthoujam and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People's Party were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers. Former Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the lone woman Minister in Manipur, took oath virtually as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi due to security reasons. A senior BJP leader said that the expansion of the Council of Ministers would "definitely" take place after the Budget session of the Manipur Assembly, which is expected to be convened after the Holi festival. On February 5, a one-day session of the state Assembly was held, during which Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla addressed the House. Earlier, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh underscored that restoring peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including elected representatives. The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which was kept under suspended animation during President's Rule, has a tenure until 2027. The troubled state had been under President's Rule since February 13, 2025, four days after the then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid prolonged ethnic violence. On February 22, the Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, accompanied by the two Deputy Chief Ministers, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed various issues, including the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence. An official from the Chief Minister's Office said that the Union Home Minister Shah reviewed the new state government's initiatives aimed at removing barriers between communities and restoring peace and harmony in the state. During his visit to New Delhi, the Chief Minister also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia and Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Chief Minister and the two Deputy Chief Ministers also met BJP President Nitin Nabin and the party's National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh to discuss various organisational matters. Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday and discussed key issues concerning the state. New Delhi, March 2 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the party unequivocally condemns the targeted assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a military strike carried out by the US and Israeli military forces without a formal declaration of war. He also added that the Congress extends its deepest condolences to the Supreme Leader's family, to the people of Iran, and the Shia community around the world in this moment of profound grief and stands in solidarity with them as they navigate this grave crisis. Taking to his official X account on Sunday, Kharge in a post on X said: "The Indian National Congress (INC) unequivocally condemns the targeted assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, in a military strike carried out without a formal declaration of war. The INC extends its deepest condolences to the Supreme Leader's family, to the people of Iran, and the Shia community around the world in this moment of profound grief. We stand in solidarity with them as they navigate this grave crisis." The Congress President also said that India's foreign policy is anchored in a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and respect for international law, as mandated in Article 51 of the Constitution of India. "These principles-sovereign equality, non- intervention and the promotion of peace are foundational to India's civilisational values. Given this, the conflict in West Asia is deeply antithetical to our commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka ("the world is one family"), Mahatma Gandhi's doctrine of ahimsa (non-violence), Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's policy of non-alignment," Kharge in an X post said. "The targeted use of force to destabilise the leadership and governing structures of a sovereign state whether in Iran or earlier in Venezuela-signals a disturbing revival of regime-change doctrines and coercive unilateralism. It also contravenes the United Nations Charter-especially Article 2(4), which expressly prohibits "the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state," and Article 2(7), which forbids intervention in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state. A targeted killing of a sitting head of state strikes at the heart of these international rules. Sovereignty is not conditional, and political legitimacy cannot be manufactured through force." "The INC reiterates that it is the inalienable right of every nation's citizens to determine their own political future. No external power has the authority to engineer regime change or dictate the leadership of another state. Such actions amount to imperialism and are fundamentally incompatible with a genuinely rules- based international order." NEW from Rise Armament Triggers comes the REV 535 Slide-And-Snap AR trigger! A major change to how the AR trigger is designed, the REV 535 offers new capabilities never seen before. Built for standard mil-spec lowers, the Rev 535 slides into place and installs in less than a minute. With the new built-in pins and TorLok technology, the Rev 535 can be installed without removing the grip or safety selector. Trigger shoe of the Rev 535 uses the new TorLok technology for the trigger shoe. 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They are replaced by Fangfang Cai and Peifeng Li, who joined as new non-executive Directors on February 18, 2026. Management highlighted that all members who are leaving confirmed agreement with the board and noted that they have no issues to raise with shareholders. The company noted the changes as a routine management refresh, common in companies to bring fresh perspectives while ensuring stability. Lufax Holding (LU) Announces Changes in Senior Management and Directors Lufax Holding Ltd (NYSE:LU) is a Chinese holding company that mainly provides financial services to small and micro-sized businesses through its subsidiaries. While we acknowledge the potential of LU as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. A devastating blast at an explosives factory in Nagpur claims 17 lives, prompting immediate rescue efforts and raising concerns about industrial safety standards in explosives manufacturing IMAGE: Injured being rushed to hospital after blast at an explosive factory in Nagpur, March 1, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The blast occurred in the detonator packing unit of the factory early Sunday morning. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on-site conducting rescue operations. The incident follows a similar blast at a cracker unit in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting safety concerns in the explosives industry. At least 18 workers were charred to death, and 24 others were injured, most of them critically, in a powerful blast that tore through an explosives manufacturing factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district on Sunday morning, the police said. The explosion occurred at the detonator packing unit of SBL Energy Limited, a mining and industrial explosives manufacturer, at Raulgaon in Katol tehsil between 7 AM and 7:15 AM. The bodies were charred beyond recognition, and samples of the family members were being taken for DNA testing to ascertain the identities of the deceased, the police said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with officials from Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and Defence Information System for Security (DISS), carried out rescue operations, Fadnavis said. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government would provide Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, while the concerned firm will extend financial aid to the families of those affected. Representatives of SBL Energy Limited told PTI that the blast occurred at the company's detonator packing unit. "The incident occurred in the packing area of the facility, where no active manufacturing operations were underway at the time. The exact cause remains under investigation, and we are cooperating fully with the concerned authorities," the company said in a statement. An internal review has been initiated, and appropriate corrective and preventive measures will be implemented based on the findings of the investigation, it said. The company stated that ensuring all necessary assistance to the affected employees and their families is their immediate priority. In coordination with local authorities, the company is extending immediate financial assistance and bearing the full cost of medical treatment for the injured, it added. A medical status report from one of the hospitals stated that all 18 patients admitted to the facility are in the ICU in a critical condition. "They required urgent operative interventions with intensive care and management," the facility stated. Most of the patients have sustained severe mixed types of thermal burns ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, with splinter injuries due to the blast. "Some of the patients suffered hearing loss/deafness, and others have various mechanical surface wounds and long bone fractures," according to Orange City Hospital and Research Institute, Nagpur (OCHRI). Former Maharashtra home minister and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Anil Deshmukh, meanwhile, claimed that negligence in carrying out safety audits of firms manufacturing explosives has led to a rise in the number of blasts at such facilities in Nagpur district. Deshmukh, a former MLA from Katol, said he had written to CM Fadnavis, Union ministers, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), and related departments six months ago requesting safety audits of such firms in Nagpur, but the matter was neglected. He had written after explosions at units in Bazargaon in the district. A wave of grief swept through Raulgaon, Khedi, and Dhavlapur as most of the deceased women workers were from these very villages. Kanta Chachane, 42, lost her 26-year-old daughter, Mangeshri Yeskar, who was working in a different unit on the premises. "I am shattered," she told PTI. She recalled hearing a huge explosion around 7 am, followed by continuous blasts for nearly an hour and a half. Workers rushed out of the unit as injured persons were carried to hospitals. Among those who perished was 32-year-old Sunita Salame from Khedi village, who had been working at the factory for the past year, striving to support her family. "Her death has left the three girls orphaned," her brother, Ishwar Masram, said. Jyotsna Shendre, 30, also from Khedi, had been employed at the company for about a year. With her sudden passing, her two daughters and son, Mahesh, have lost their mother's protection forever, a relative said. In neighbouring Dhavlapur, 31-year-old Pratibha Walke had been working at the factory for a year and a half. On the day of the explosion, her husband Suresh was on duty in another unit of the same factory and survived. Now, the responsibility of raising their two children rests solely on his shoulders. Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar slams the state government for the severe water crisis in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing them of negligence and corruption ahead of the Attukal Pongala festival. Key Points Kerala BJP blames the state government for the water crisis in Thiruvananthapuram, especially concerning Attukal Pongala festival preparations. BJP alleges the LDF government failed to address the drinking water crisis despite spending significant funds on development. Rajeev Chandrasekhar questions the non-utilization of Jal Jeevan Mission funds and promises to expose corruption related to the water crisis. The BJP has established helpdesks and a toll-free number to assist Non-Resident Keralites affected by the Gulf conflict. Chandrasekhar accuses CPI(M) and Congress of political hypocrisy, citing alliances with Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday blamed the state government for the water crisis in Thiruvananthapuram city, which is gearing up for the Attukal Pongala festival. Addressing a press conference here in connection with the joining of two new members to the BJP, Chandrasekhar said the water shortage in the state capital was a "gift" of the LDF government to people celebrating Attukal Pongala. The Attukal Pongala festival is on March 3, when women from across the state will converge here for rituals. He said Attukal Pongala is one of the largest festivals in the world, but the city is facing a severe water shortage. The party staged a protest on Sunday over the issue. Allegations Against the LDF Government Chandrasekhar alleged that the LDF government, which has ruled the state for 10 years and spent Rs 22 lakh crore on development works, had failed to address the drinking water crisis in the capital city. "They ruled after promising that everything would be made right. But even now, the common people in the state capital are not getting potable water," he said. He said the BJP would expose the reasons behind the water crisis and any corruption involved. "Why was the Jal Jeevan Mission fund not utilised? The negligence that happened here will be exposed by the BJP-NDA in the coming days," he said. The BJP leader said it was unfortunate that people had to face such a crisis during Attukal Pongala. "When people are celebrating an auspicious day like Attukal Pongala, they don't have water. This is the gift of the CPI(M) government, which ruled for 10 years in the state," he alleged. Response to Gulf Conflict and Political Accusations Regarding the ongoing conflict in Gulf countries, Chandrasekhar said the party has set up helpdesks at 30 locations in the state. A toll-free number - 18002574357 - has also been activated to assist affected Non-Resident Keralites and their families by coordinating with the External Affairs Ministry, he said. He further alleged that the CPI(M) and Congress were "political twins" deceiving the public by allying with Jamaat-e-Islami and the SDPI. He claimed that earlier, both fronts in Kerala had secret alliances with communal forces, but now such tie-ups were being done openly. "The CPI(M) and Congress, who are part of the same alliance at the national level, included SDPI in their front in Tamil Nadu. They have no shame in it," he said. He alleged that while the CPI(M) and Congress speak of protecting the Constitution, they support "anti-secular, anti-democratic and anti-Constitution forces" such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the SDPI in politics. "People should realise this. The election is nearing, and it will be decisive in determining the state's future. The Congress and CPI(M) are political twins in appeasement policy," he said. New Members Joining BJP Chandrasekhar welcomed CPI leader and former MLA K Ajith and social media influencer Robin Radhakrishnan, who joined the party. Both promised to actively work for the party in the coming days. A government employee in Uttar Pradesh allegedly took his own life after being denied leave to prepare for his daughter's wedding, sparking protests and raising concerns about work-related stress. Key Points A Booth Level Officer in Fatehpur, UP, allegedly committed suicide after being denied leave for his daughter's wedding. The deceased, Akhilesh Savita, cited work stress and incomplete wedding preparations in a suicide note. Family members and villagers protested against the administration, alleging ignored leave requests. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suicide, including examining the suicide note and postmortem findings. The incident highlights the pressures faced by government employees during intensive revision exercises and the importance of addressing leave requests. Apparently upset over being denied leave for daughter's wedding, a 50-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) on Special Intensive Revision duty allegedly died by suicide inside a government primary school in UP's Fatehpur district, officials said on Sunday. The deceased, Akhilesh Savita, was found hanging inside a primary school at Aliyabad village on Saturday evening, they said. Police said a suicide note recovered from the spot indicated that he was under severe stress due to ongoing BLO duties linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and had been unable to obtain leave despite repeated requests. In the suicide note, Savita allegedly wrote that he was "tired of work" and was taking the extreme step as preparations for his daughter's marriage, scheduled for March 8, remained incomplete due to continuous official assignments. Family members rushed to the school after being informed and brought him down before taking him to the Community Health Centre in Bindki where doctors declared him dead. Protests and Aftermath The incident sparked protests at the hospital, with relatives and villagers accusing the administration of ignoring repeated pleas for leave and raising slogans against officials. Tension escalated when authorities attempted to take custody of the body, following which irate family members removed it from the hospital and took it to the village. Police officials later pacified the family and the body was subsequently sent for postmortem examination. Senior police and administrative officials, including Circle Officer Gaurav Sharma and tehsildar, reached the hospital to manage the situation. Villagers also demanded the presence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), alleging that Savita's appeals for relief from duty had gone unheard. Family's Grief and Allegations Savita is survived by his wife, Manju Devi, daughter Divyanshi (20), whose wedding was scheduled next week, and son Divyansh. Family members alleged that he was seeking leave for several weeks but was compelled to continue election-related work. His brother, Bhupesh Kumar, claimed repeated representations were made to officials for temporary relief from BLO duty but no action followed. Savita's wife also attributed the suicide to mounting workload under the SIR exercise and denial of leave ahead of the daughter's marriage. Additional District Magistrate Avinash Tripathi said the suicide note is being examined and further action will depend on the postmortem findings. Police have launched a probe to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident. A tragic car accident in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, resulted in two deaths and five injuries after a vehicle carrying a family lost control and fell off a bridge on National Highway-148. Key Points A car accident on National Highway-148 in Bhilwara, Rajasthan resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. The vehicle, carrying a family returning from Chittorgarh, lost control and plunged off a bridge near Vijay Nagar. The driver, Naurat, and a family member named Indira were killed in the accident. Five injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Two persons were killed and five others injured after a car carrying a family lost control and fell off a bridge on National Highway-148 in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district on Sunday, police said. The accident occurred near Vijay Nagar within the Gulabpura police station limits. The family was returning home in the Lamba Harisingh area of Tonk district from Chittorgarh. Details of the Accident According to police, the vehicle suddenly went out of control and fell off the bridge, killing Naurat, the driver, and a family member named Indira. Five injured persons are undergoing treatment at a hospital, they said. A family dispute escalated into a violent stabbing at a Delhi hospital, leaving three injured and resulting in multiple arrests by the Delhi police. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Key Points Three men were injured in a stabbing incident at a Delhi hospital due to a family dispute. The attack occurred when a man visited his ailing wife and confronted his in-laws. The attacker and his accomplices have been arrested, and weapons were seized by Delhi police. The stabbing incident stemmed from arguments between the man and his wife, with accusations of interference from the brother-in-law. Three men were injured after being stabbed during a fight over a family dispute at a private hospital in central Delhi's Turkman Gate, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred when a man, identified as Wasim (31) allegedly attacked his in-laws while visiting his ailing wife. According to the police, the confrontation began when the Wasim reached the hospital on February 24 to visit his wife, who was undergoing treatment. Wasim allegedly had frequent arguments with his wife and blamed his brother-in-law for interfering in their personal life. The verbal spat between Wasim and his brother-in-law escalated quickly. The police said Wasim then called his brother, Faeem (33), for assistance. Faeem reached the hospital with two friends, Salman (27) and Md Ali (23). The three allegedly attacked Wasim's brother-in-law with knives, inflicting injuries to his abdomen. The woman's father and maternal uncle were also assaulted and injured when they tried to intervene in the scuffle. Investigation and Arrests During interrogation, Faeem confessed that the attack was premeditated, admitting to asking Salman to bring a knife, who then coordinated with Ali to procure an additional knife, the police said. Based on medical reports and statements of the victims, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police subsequently arrested Wasim (31), Faeem, Salman and Ali, all residents of Chandni Mahal area. Two button-operated knives, one locally made knife and the scooter used by the accused to reach the spot were also seized, they added. A Delhi man, overwhelmed by gambling debts, was arrested for the horrific murder of his wife and three young daughters, highlighting the devastating consequences of addiction and financial strain. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A man was arrested for allegedly slitting the throats of his wife and three young daughters in Delhi. The accused, Munchun Kewat, confessed to the crime, citing heavy gambling debts and pressure from lenders as the motive. Kewat was apprehended in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, after police tracked him via CCTV footage and train routes. The investigation revealed Kewat's habitual gambling and mounting debt as key factors leading to the tragic event. Police are still searching for the murder weapon, and further investigation is underway. A 30-year-old habitual gambler allegedly slit the throats of his wife and three minor daughters before fleeing to Rajasthan, police said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Munchun Kewat, a labourer who also worked as a vegetable vendor at Azadpur Mandi, was apprehended from the Kishangarh Mandi area in Ajmer district. The bodies of Anita (27), Kewat's wife, and their three daughters -- aged three, four and five -- were found with their throats slit inside their residence on Wednesday. Neighbours alerted the police after finding the house locked and the family unresponsive. According to a senior police officer, Kewat had been missing since the incident, prompting police to form multiple teams to trace him. While some teams were sent to different locations, local police scanned CCTV footage to track his movements. The investigation revealed that he had boarded a train towards Ajmer. The team was alerted and he was eventually apprehended from Kishangarh. He was later brought to Delhi for further interrogation. Confession and Motive During questioning, Kewat allegedly confessed that he was under heavy debt and had been repeatedly pressured by a lender for repayment. He admitted to borrowing money over the past few years and losing it in gambling. "Due to mounting debt and constant pressure, he decided to kill his family and leave the place. He also stated that he had intended to end his own life but could not gather the courage and was planning to settle elsewhere," the officer said. The police said Kewat is a habitual gambler. A case of murder was registered and forensic experts examined the scene. The weapon used in the crime is yet to be recovered. The accused has indicated the area where he allegedly disposed of it, and search operations are underway. Further investigation is in progress. In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Delhi Police arrested 27 individuals across India for their involvement in sophisticated cyber fraud schemes that defrauded victims of over Rs 1.5 crore. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Delhi Police arrested 27 individuals across 11 states for cyber fraud involving over Rs 1.5 crore. The cyber fraud syndicates engaged in investment scams, APK file fraud, and social media impersonation. Victims were lured with promises of high returns and commissions through fake schemes and online tasks. Police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, banking cards, and incriminating documents during the operation. The investigation is ongoing to identify more victims and trace the money trail in these cyber fraud cases. The Delhi Police has arrested 27 men in connection with cyber fraud cases involving more than Rs 1.5 crore, from 11 states, following a week-long pan-India operation, an official said on Sunday. According to the police, the accused were involved in at least 10 major cyber fraud cases amounting to more than Rs 1.5 crore, while scrutiny of their suspected bank accounts revealed transactions of over Rs 13.91 crore. Around 150 complaints lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) have been linked to the mobile numbers and bank accounts allegedly operated by the accused, police said. The cyber syndicates were engaged in investment fraud, APK file fraud, social media impersonation, credit card fraud, task-based fraud and visa-related fraud. Pan-India Operation and Arrests The police constituted multiple teams to trace and apprehend them and conducted simultaneous raids in 11 states, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal, leading to the arrest of 27 accused, they said. According to the police, the syndicates lured victims by promising high returns through fake investment schemes, sent malicious APK files posing as bank officials to gain remote access to devices, and created fake social media profiles to impersonate officials. In task-based frauds, they induced victims to complete online tasks with the promise of commissions and duped them of large sums, police said. Among those arrested are Sukhprit Singh, 38, of Dehradun, Rama Shankar Rai, 42, of Delhi, Deepak, 22, of Faridabad, Vansh Walia, 20, of Saharanpur, Chanpreet Singh, 38, of Amritsar, Abhishek, 21, of Nalanda, and several others. Evidence Recovered and Ongoing Investigation During the operation, police recovered 25 mobile phones, 28 SIM cards, 20 banking cards, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, a motorcycle, and various incriminating bank documents and account kits allegedly used in executing the frauds. The drive also helped work out other similar cases, police said. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims and trace the money trail, officials added. Delhi Police have apprehended a proclaimed offender accused of running a multi-state job scam, allegedly cheating numerous aspirants out of crores with false promises of government jobs. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Delhi Police arrested Suresh, a proclaimed offender, for allegedly running a multi-state job scam. Suresh is accused of cheating job aspirants out of crores of rupees by promising government jobs in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The accused was apprehended near the Dwarka Expressway after a chase. Suresh has been declared a proclaimed offender by a court in Hisar in 2017 and is allegedly involved in multiple criminal cases across Delhi and Haryana. Preliminary investigations reveal multiple complaints against Suresh involving cheating of crores of rupees. Delhi Police has arrested a proclaimed offender allegedly involved in a multi-state job scam, cheating several aspirants of crores of rupees by promising government jobs in the Ministry of Home Affairs, officials said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Suresh, was apprehended on Saturday near the Dwarka Expressway after a brief chase, they said. "According to the complaint lodged by Yogesh, a resident of Gurugram, the accused had allegedly taken Rs 8.55 lakh between 2021 and 2022 on the pretext of securing him a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) post in the Ministry of Home Affairs. When the promised job did not materialise, and the money was not returned, the complainant approached the police," police said in a statement. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on November 15, 2025. Investigation Details During the investigation, it was revealed that Suresh targeted job seekers by promising them high-demand posts in various government departments. After collecting large sums of money, he would switch off his mobile phones and vacate his residence along with his family to evade arrest, police said. "He was living off the grid and keeping all communication devices switched off to avoid technical surveillance," a senior police officer said. Acting on a specific tip-off on March 1, police intercepted his vehicle near the Dwarka Expressway. After a sustained chase, the accused was overpowered and taken into custody, police said. Accused's Criminal History Police said Suresh had earlier been declared a proclaimed offender by a court in Hisar in 2017. He is allegedly involved in more than five criminal cases across Delhi and Haryana, including cheating, voluntarily causing hurt and cheque dishonour cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Preliminary verification has also revealed multiple complaints against him in different districts involving cheating of crores of rupees, police said. Further investigation is underway, police added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran possesses conventional weapons solely designed to attack America and attack Americans if they so choose to do so. He warned Tehran is pursuing intercontinental ballistic missiles and called its refusal to discuss the missile program a big problem. Vice President JD Vance went further: You cant let the craziest and worst regime in the world have nuclear weapons. Response from Tehran Irans foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei spoke on Monday with language that left zero room for interpretation: An act of aggression would be regarded as an act of aggression. Period. Any state would react ferociously. Don't Miss: Yet on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck a different tone, saying a deal was within reach if diplomacy is given priority. The mixed messaging captures the bind Tehran is in: threatening retaliation while signaling it would rather negotiate. A third round of talks opened Thursday in Geneva. What Are Prediction Markets Saying? Polymarkets US strikes Iran by? market has now crossed $430 million in total volume, making it one of the largest current markets on Polymarket. Near-term odds remain moderate: 10% by end of February. But by March 31, the odds of a strike have moved from 30% to 55% in a week, as the talks have not led to a cooling of tempers. Trending: Blue-chip art has historically outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, and fractional investing is now opening this institutional asset class to everyday investors. The odds of a strike this year have held roughly steady, at 70%. On the diplomacy side, a US-Iran nuclear deal by March 31 is priced at just 30%. A deal before 2027 is a coin flip at 50%. A separate contract pricing an Iranian strike on U.S. military assets by March 31 sits at 30%. Stocks To Watch RTX Corp (NYSE:RTX) and Boeing (NYSE:BA) supplied the key weapons used in the June 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Boeing built the 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs that collapsed the Fordow enrichment facility, while RTXs Tomahawk cruise missiles hit Isfahan. A renewed military campaign would likely mean fresh orders for both. RTX carries a $251 billion backlog and its stock has gained over 38% in the past year. See Also: This Under-$1 Pre-IPO AI Company Is Still Open to Retail Investors Learn More Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR), whose Pentagon analytics platforms underpin U.S. targeting and intelligence operations in the Gulf, tends to catch a bid every time the military footprint expands. Amidst the volatile conflict in the Middle East, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi affirms India's commitment to the safe evacuation of its citizens, including JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda, stranded in the region. Photograph: Rula Rouhana/Reuters Key Points Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures continuous efforts to safely evacuate Indians stranded in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict. The Indian government acknowledges the volatile situation in the Middle East, making evacuation efforts challenging. Joshi will address the issue with relevant ministers in Delhi to expedite the safe return of Indian citizens. The government highlights its past success in evacuating citizens during wartime, demonstrating its commitment to citizen safety. JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda and his family, stranded in Dubai, are among those the government aims to bring back safely. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday said the Centre was making continuous efforts to ensure the safe return of Indians stranded amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, describing the situation as "volatile". Speaking to reporters at Rambhapuri Mutt in Chikkamagaluru, Joshi said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities in New Delhi. "The situation there (Middle East) is very difficult. It has come to my attention that Kannada people are stranded," Joshi said. Noting that the government was closely monitoring developments, he added, "I will go to Delhi today and talk to the concerned ministers. All efforts will be made to bring back the Indians there safely." Referring to past evacuation operations, the Minister said, "We have successfully brought everyone back during the war in the Modi government." He cautioned that conditions in the region remained unstable. "Currently, the situation there is turbulent. Even flying a plane there is dangerous," Joshi said. "Our efforts are continuous to bring back the people there safely," the Union Minister said, adding, "JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda, who is stranded in Dubai with his family, and all the passengers with him should be brought back safely. The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, a former deputy secretary in the CMO, in connection with the alleged liquor scam, which is being investigated by the ED and EOW. Key Points Saumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary in Chhattisgarh CMO, granted bail in alleged liquor scam cases by the High Court. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) are investigating the liquor scam, with ED focusing on money laundering. The alleged liquor scam reportedly cost the state exchequer Rs 2,883 crore between 2019 and 2023. The High Court cited parity with other accused who have been granted bail and the unlikelihood of a speedy trial as reasons for granting bail to Chaurasia. The court noted a 'troubling pattern' of multiple arrests against Chaurasia across different cases by various agencies. The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, a former deputy secretary in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in the previous Congress government, in two cases about an alleged liquor scam. While the state Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is investigating the criminal aspect of the liquor scam and registered an FIR on January 17, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is looking into money laundering after lodging an ECIR on April 11, 2024. After hearing both the bail applications, Justice Arvind Kumar Verma had reserved the order on February 24. The HC granted bail to Chaurasia on Saturday in the cases registered by the ED and EOW. Details of the Alleged Liquor Scam The alleged liquor scam, as per ED, took place in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2023 during the Congress government of Bhupesh Baghel. The case pertains to allegations that a criminal syndicate, in connivance with the state's political and administrative hierarchy, bootlegged alcohol to government liquor shops and extorted illegal commissions from sales. The ED has claimed it cost the state exchequer Rs 2,883 crore. The EOW's counsel and Additional Advocate General Praveen Das objected to the bail application, claiming that Chaurasia, as a deputy secretary in the CMO, "commanded exceptional influence and authority, wielding the same to orchestrate and facilitate the nefarious operations of the syndicate implicated in this colossal liquor scam". The investigation has unerringly uncovered her active and conscious participation in the criminal conspiracy, placing her at the nerve centre of the syndicate's operations, Das said, while pointing out that incriminating digital evidence was unearthed. Chaurasia's lawyer Siddhartha Dave, however, put forth 20 sets of arguments, including that the applicant's arrest was unnecessary, the absence of incriminating material and that she was not named in the FIR or chargesheets. The order granting Chaurasia bail in the EOW case stated that "these circumstances unmistakably indicate that the trial is unlikely to commence and conclude in the near future and is bound to consume considerable time before reaching its logical conclusion". Continued incarceration of the applicant pending completion of the investigation would not serve the ends of justice, it said. Arguments and Court's Decision While objecting to the bail plea in the ED case, the central probe agency claimed Chaurasia received approximately Rs 43.50 crore from proceeds of the liquor scam, alleging that she handled, assisted, acquired and possessed proceeds of crime to the extent of approximately Rs 115.5 crore. Her counsel put forth 26 sets of arguments seeking bail in the ED case, including that she is a woman, the probe is complete and no proceeds of crime were recovered. Dave also told the court the entire ED case was based on statements of co-accused, arrests were selective and that too after years of investigation. He contended that a prolonged trial justifies bail. ED counsel Zohaib Hossain, however, alleged that Chaurasia played a key and supervisory role in money laundering. He said WhatsApp chats are valid evidence and that there is no requirement for recovery from the accused. The gravity of the offence was extremely high, he said, adding the delay in trial is no ground for bail and the arrest after two years is justified. After listening to both parties, Justice Verma granted bail, stating the investigation was substantially completed. The case against the applicant is largely based on statements and inferential allegations, the evidentiary value of which will be examined during trial, the court said. It cited Supreme Court orders to state that the applicant is entitled to the benefit of parity, as the alleged principal conspirators have already been enlarged on bail. The Supreme Court, in its order of February 9 this year, also directed consideration of the applicant's case on the touchstone of parity, the order said. The SC has already granted bail to the applicant in the coal scam as well as in the DMF scam, and therefore, continued detention in the present matter would be inconsistent with the settled principle of parity, the order said. The court also noted a "troubling pattern" against Chaurasia, stating that she "faces six arrests across multiple cases by diverse agencies (ED/CBI), entailing considerable aggregate incarcerations". She was first arrested in the alleged coal levy scam in 2022. The Allahabad High Court has affirmed that an FIR's validity isn't undermined by legal assistance during its preparation, delivering a key ruling in an acid attack case. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Allahabad High Court ruled that an FIR's credibility isn't automatically doubted if prepared with a lawyer's help. The court upheld a conviction in an acid attack case, emphasizing that witness statements and forensic reports supported the prosecution. The High Court reduced the sentence from life imprisonment to 14 years, considering the time already served by the appellant. Seeking legal assistance when filing an FIR is considered normal and should not automatically cast doubt on the facts presented, according to the court. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has held that credibility of an FIR cannot be doubted merely because it is prepared with the assistance of a lawyer. With this observation, the court upheld a person's conviction, though it reduced his sentence from life imprisonment to 14-year jail in an acid attack case in which two women had lost their lives. A bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice A K Chaudhary passed the verdict on February 27 on the plea of Jagdamba Harijan of Pratapgarh. The sessions court in Pratapgarh had sentenced the appellant to life imprisonment for culpable homicide by acid attack on two women. Arguments and Court's Reasoning The appellant's primary argument was that the FIR was filed two days later and was prepared with the assistance of a private lawyer, making the report untrue. However, the high court rejected this argument and clarified that the preparation of an FIR with the assistance of a lawyer does not automatically affect its credibility. The court stated that while legal assistance is permissible in every criminal proceeding, seeking assistance at the time of filing an FIR is also normal and should not cast doubt on the veracity of any facts. "The evidence on record demonstrates that witness statements, and medical and forensic reports supported the prosecution case," the bench said. However, the court reduced the sentence from life imprisonment to 14 years imprisonment. It also noted that the appellant had already spent 13 years, 9 months and 24 days in prison. Following the death of an accused in the Gurdaspur policemen murder case, his family is demanding a CBI probe and a fresh autopsy, raising questions about the police encounter and seeking justice. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Family of Ranjit Singh, accused in the Gurdaspur policemen murder case, demands a CBI probe into his death during a police encounter. Protests erupted in Gurdaspur, with locals and organizations joining the family's demand for an independent investigation. The family is also seeking a fresh autopsy by PGIMER in Chandigarh to ensure transparency in the investigation. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleges the encounter was fake, criticizing the Punjab government's handling of the case. The family of Ranjit Singh, one of the accused in the murder of two policemen in Gurdaspur, who was killed in an encounter with police, staged a sit-in on Sunday demanding a CBI probe into his death. The family also demanded a fresh autopsy by the PGIMER in Chandigarh. Locals and representatives of social and religious organisations also joined the protest on the Babbri Bypass in Gurdaspur. Punjab Police ASI Gurnam Singh and home guard Ashok Kumar were found dead on February 22 with gunshot wounds inside a checkpost at Adhian village in Gurdaspur district, about 2 km from the International Border with Pakistan. Police later identified Ranjit Singh (19), Inderjit Singh (21) and Dilawar Singh (19) for their alleged involvement in the killings, believed to be at the behest of their Pakistan-based handlers backed by the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Ranjit, a resident of Adhian village, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police on Wednesday after he fled from their custody. Ranjit's family has raised questions over the encounter, which sparked criticism from several political leaders who sought a judicial probe into the matter. Ranjit's family also refused to accept his body for cremation until they got "justice". Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who took part in Sunday's protest, termed the encounter fake and alleged that Punjab had been turned into a police state. "If the AAP government can authorise police to kill people like this, Arvind Kejriwal should remove pictures of B R Ambedkar and shut down the criminal justice system in Punjab, disband the army of prosecution, and announce that only police will decide who will live and who will die," Khaira said in a post on X. Himachal Pradesh Police conducted a major anti-drug operation, seizing significant quantities of heroin, charas, and illegal liquor, demonstrating their commitment to combating drug trafficking and creating a drug-free society. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Himachal Pradesh Police conducted a state-wide anti-drug operation targeting drug trafficking. During the operation, police seized 406 grams of charas and 19.236 grams of heroin (chitta). Authorities also seized 124 grams of poppy husk and 465,100 millilitres of illegal liquor. Multiple cases were registered under the NDPS Act and the Excise Act as a result of the operation. The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to expanding the anti-drug campaign to achieve a drug-free society. A total of 145 locations were searched during the anti-Chitta operation conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Police on Sunday, an official said. During the search, 406 grams of charas, 19.236 grams of chitta (heroin), 124 grams of poppy husk (chura-post), and 465,100 millilitres of illegal liquor were sized and six cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a statement issued here said. Four cases were lodged under the Excise Act, it added. State-Wide Anti-Drug Operation The synchronised search and raid operation against drug trafficking was conducted in all districts of Himachal Pradesh by the state intelligence department, armed forces and district police. The police spokesperson further said that during the campaign, drug detection kits were effectively used and proper videography of the entire process of search, seizure and arrest was ensured. All actions were carried out in full compliance with the NDPS Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Arms Act and other applicable legal provisions, he added. Commitment to a Drug-Free Society The state government and police were fully committed to expanding this campaign in a more comprehensive, scientific, and aggressive manner with zero-tolerance to achieve the goal of a drug-free society. The police department has appealed to citizens, especially the youth, to immediately report any drug-related activity to 112 or the nearest police station. The identity of informants would be kept completely confidential, the statement added. Haryana rice exporters are bracing for payment delays and shipment disruptions to Iran and Afghanistan as military strikes in Iran create uncertainty in the basmati rice market. Photograph: Rajendra Jadhav/Reuters Key Points Military strikes on Iran are causing disruptions to rice shipments from Haryana to Iran and Afghanistan. Haryana's rice exporters anticipate payment delays due to the ongoing conflict. Basmati rice rates have already fallen by Rs 4-5 per kg due to the uncertainty caused by the conflict. Iran is a major buyer of Indian basmati rice, and prolonged conflict could significantly impact exports. Exporters are concerned about the lack of insurance coverage for vessels during war, increasing financial risks. Rice exporters in Haryana are staring at payment delays and disruptions to shipments headed to Iran and Afghanistan following the US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. "Some impact of the conflict on the trade has already started," Sushil Kumar Jain, Rice Exporters Association's state unit president, said on Sunday. The shipments which were headed to Iran or even to Afghanistan via Iran's biggest port, Bandar Abbas, have been held up. "These shipments will remain stuck till the situation improves, and it will impact the market. Payments may also get delayed," Jain told PTI. He, however, said it is too early to assess the impact, as that will depend on how long the conflict lasts. The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump calling on the Iranian public to seize control of their destiny and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled their country since 1979. About rice-basmati exports, Jain said India's total annual exports, nearly 35 per cent contribution, are from Haryana. Impact on Basmati Rice Market Neeraj Kumar, a rice miller from Karnal, said, "Since yesterday, there has been a situation of uncertainty after the conflict began. Within one day of the conflict, trade has impacted, causing a fall of nearly Rs 4-5 per kg in basmati rates, which accounts for Rs 400-500 per quintal". "Last time in June there was an impact," Kumar said, referring to the Iran-Israel conflict in June last year. "Haryana has the maximum contribution in India's basmati exports, and the prevailing situation will have an impact," he said. "Iran is our biggest buyer of basmati, while it is also exported to other countries, including the UAE, Oman, Yemen and Iraq. The shipments for March will be affected. The actual impact on the trade will depend on how long the conflict lasts," he added. While Karnal is the main hub of basmati exports, Kaithal and Sonipat also contribute to the foreign shipments. Exporters are also concerned about the lack of insurance coverage for vessels during war, which increases their risk. Iran is India's second-largest basmati rice market after Saudi Arabia. India exported around 1 million tonnes of the aromatic grain to Iran during the 2024-25 fiscal year, which ended in March. India exported approximately 6 million tonnes of basmati rice during 2024-25, with demand primarily driven by the Middle East and West Asian markets. Other major buyers include Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Following the joint Israel-US attack on Iran, Indian leaders are urgently appealing to Prime Minister Modi to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in affected countries, emphasizing the need for immediate action and special airlifts. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Sukhbir Singh Badal and Kultar Singh Sandhwan urge PM Modi to evacuate Indian citizens from conflict zones following the joint Israel-US attack on Iran. Punjabis in the Middle East are caught in the conflict, prompting calls for immediate action to ensure their safety and return. A special airlift operation is requested to evacuate Indian citizens as soon as air routes become accessible. The Indian government is urged to prioritize the safe and dignified return of Indians stranded in affected countries. Swift diplomatic and administrative measures, including special flights, are essential to support and evacuate all affected Indian citizens. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps for the evacuation of Indian citizens stuck in affected countries in the wake of joint Israel-US attack on Iran. "Punjabis in the Middle East had been caught in a war zone and appealed to PM Modi to take urgent steps to evacuate all Indian citizens from the most affected countries," Badal said. He asserted that a special air-lift drive in this regard should be initiated immediately upon the opening of air routes. In a statement here, Punjab Assembly speaker Sandhwan urged the immediate intervention of Prime Minister Modi to ensure the safe evacuation of Indians stranded at airports and various other countries in view of the ongoing conflict. Expressing serious concern over reports of several Indians facing distress due to the prevailing situation, he emphasised that the Government of India must accord top priority to their safe and dignified return. Sandhwan strongly appealed to the prime minister to personally intervene and direct the concerned ministries and authorities to coordinate swift diplomatic and administrative measures, including arranging special flights for the evacuation of all affected citizens. He stressed that in times of international crisis, prompt action is essential to ensure that no Indian is left without support. The safety, security and dignity of every Indian abroad must remain the foremost responsibility of the central government, he added. The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. Following the US-Israel attack on Iran, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is urging the Centre to prioritize the safety and security of Indian nationals in the Gulf region, where a large Kerala diaspora resides. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan voiced concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf region following the US-Israel attack on Iran. Vijayan urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take necessary measures to safeguard Indian citizens in the Gulf, including potential evacuation plans. The Kerala government offered assistance, including helplines, to help relatives stay connected with expatriates in the Gulf countries. The Chief Minister highlighted the anxiety among families of expatriates, particularly in Kerala, due to the escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed concern over the situation in the Gulf region following the US-Israel attack on Iran and urged the Centre to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Indians there. In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijayan said the developments after the attack on Iran were causing anxiety among families of expatriates and civil society at large, particularly in Kerala, which has a significant diaspora in the Gulf region. He requested the Centre to ensure preparedness to safeguard Indian nationals in the region and to take necessary steps, including arrangements to bring them back safely if the situation demands so. "I write this letter to share our apprehension on the situation consequent to the attack on Iran, which is now having its adverse impact on all the countries of the Gulf region," the chief minister said. He noted that a large number of Indians, including many from Kerala, are living in Gulf countries, and their relatives are deeply concerned about their safety and security. Vijayan said he was confident that the union government would be seriously considering the matter and taking appropriate measures. "At the moment, I am informing the Honourable Prime Minister about our anxiety about the safety and security of our nationals, among whom a large number are from Kerala," he said in the letter. The chief minister also assured that the Kerala government stands ready to extend all possible assistance, including setting up helplines to enable relatives to stay in contact with expatriates, if required. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's heartwarming interaction with a young landslide survivor has ignited a political firestorm, with the CPI (M) contrasting his actions with those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a landslide survivor, Nysa, during a township inauguration became a point of political contention. CPI (M) leaders used the interaction to criticize PM Narendra Modi's previous engagement with Nysa after the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide. Nysa, a young survivor who lost her family in the 2024 landslide, received a new home as part of the government's rehabilitation efforts. The incident sparked a debate on promises made versus actions taken, with CPI (M) leaders highlighting the Left government's commitment to fulfilling its pledges to landslide victims. The township inauguration also saw some political friction, with a Congress legislator facing heckling during his speech. A heartwarming moment between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a three-year-old girl during the inauguration of the much-awaited township for landslide survivors in Wayanad became a focal point for political debate on Sunday. The CPI (M) leaders leveraged the interaction to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comparing his previous interaction with the girl. The girl was identified as Nysa, who gained national attention after PM Modi's interaction with her during his visit to a hospital in this hill district soon after the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide tragedy. One of the youngest survivors of the tragedy, Nysa had lost her father, siblings and home to the disaster that had ravaged Wayanad on July 30, 2024. The video of the heart-touching exchanges between the three-year-old girl and the PM had gone viral on social media platforms and widely carried by the national media. Nysa and her mother also got a home when the CM Vijayan handed over houses to 178 survivors at the newly constructed township. Political Reactions to the Interaction Soon after television channels aired visuals of CM Vijayan's interaction, senior CPI (M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and General Education Minister V Sivankutty hailed the gesture on their social media handles. Brittas, in his FB post, shared the videos of both the PM and the CM with the girl and said one person had left after his "show", and the other has implemented what he promised. The Rajya Sabha MP alleged that the Prime Minister, who took the child in his arms and pampered her during his visit, refused to give anything to her or her family later. The Chief Minister held the girl in his lap and pampered her after fulfilling his promises, he pointed out. In his FB post, Sivankutty also took a dig at PM Modi, saying, "What was seen in the reel then and what is being seen in real today." "The Left government says only what it can do and it does what it says," the senior leader posted. Senior CPI (M) leader K K Shailja also shared the photo of CM Vijayan with Nysa and described the township inauguration as a "new chapter" in the history of survival. Other Events During the Township Inauguration The township inauguration also witnessed Congress' Kalpetta legislator T Siddique being heckled and booed by a crowd during his speech. There was also booing when his name was mentioned during the welcome address. Reacting to the incident, Siddique said it was staged by the CPI (M) workers, who protested against him. Noting that everyone worked along with the government for the rehabilitation of the landslide victims, he said he would continue to work for them in the future as well. During his speech, Revenue Minister K Rajan apparently took a dig at Siddique and the Congress party, saying that the Left government is not the one that merely lays a single stone and leaves, but it places stone upon stone and build further. Karnataka is set to become a leader in the AI-driven creative economy by focusing on the AVGC sector, promoting responsible AI use, and fostering intellectual property creation. Photograph: ANI on X Key Points Karnataka is positioning the AVGC sector at the forefront of its AI-driven creative economy, emphasizing intellectual property creation. The state plans to establish a Responsible Use of AI framework to address concerns like employment disruption and ethical risks in AI-generated content. Karnataka will offer grants up to Rs 50 lakh for original IP creation under the Elevate programme and develop creative clusters across the state. A Creative Tech Skill Grid will be implemented to support reskilling and upskilling initiatives within the AVGC sector. The state will introduce a regulatory sandbox mechanism to allow innovators to test emerging technologies before formal policy implementation. Karnataka is positioning the AVGC sector at the centre of its AI-driven creative economy, with a focus on intellectual property creation, responsible AI adoption and large-scale skilling, state Minister Priyank Kharge said on Sunday. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Kharge, who holds information technology and biotechnology portfolio, outlined a comprehensive roadmap to transition the state from a services-led ecosystem to one driven by original IP ownership and global storytelling leadership. "The Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector today is not just about animation or gaming, it represents digital exports, cultural influence, youth employment and India's creative soft power in a rapidly evolving AI-driven world," he said, underscoring the sector's growing strategic and economic importance. AI Transformation in Animation and Gaming The minister said artificial intelligence was transforming animation and gaming workflows through faster concept creation, automated processes, dynamic environment generation and reduced production timelines. He noted that AI tools could lower production costs by 25-40 per cent in certain animation processes, enabling smaller studios to compete globally. Addressing Concerns and Building a Responsible AI Framework Flagging concerns such as employment disruption, IP ambiguity in AI-generated content, skill mismatches and ethical risks, including deepfakes, Kharge announced that Karnataka would establish a Responsible Use of AI framework involving technologists, legal experts and industry stakeholders. He said the state would strengthen its AVGC-AI mission, build structured IP guidelines covering datasets and royalty mechanisms, and expand grants of up to Rs 50 lakh for original IP creation under the Elevate programme. Supporting Skills and Innovation A Creative Tech Skill Grid will support reskilling and upskilling, while creative clusters will be developed across Karnataka under a hub-and-spoke model beyond Bengaluru, according to the minister. He added that Karnataka will also introduce a regulatory sandbox mechanism to enable innovators to test emerging technologies before formal policy frameworks are put in place, reinforcing its first-mover advantage in the AVGC domain. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) is included among the 13 Best Performing Long Term Stocks to Invest in. Marsh & McLennan (MRSH) Downgraded by Mizuho Following Insurance Sector Selloff Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash On February 27, Mizuho analyst Yaron Kinar downgraded Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) to Neutral from Outperform. The analyst also lowered the price target to $199 from $213. The firm made the change after the recent selloff across the insurance property and casualty sector. The analyst said there is a low disruption threat to insurance brokerage firms that focus on middle-market and large accounts from AI. He explained in a research note that Mizuho sees disintermediation risk as geared to mass market personal lines and the smaller end of SME. This suggests the pressure is more likely to affect smaller accounts rather than the companys core client base. On February 2, the company announced it had acquired Robinson & Son, LLC., an agency based in Hudson Falls, New York. The firm specializes in the maritime industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Robinson & Son was founded in 2005 by James Robinson and his father, Peter Robinson, who has since retired. The agency provides property and casualty insurance solutions to businesses and individuals nationwide, with a strong focus on marine insurance. All employees, including Co-Founder and Agency Principal James Robinson, will join Marsh McLennan Agency and continue working from their current office. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) operates as a professional services firm focused on risk, strategy, and people. Its business runs through two main segments: Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting. While we acknowledge the potential of MRSH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 14 Value Stocks to Buy With High Dividend Yields and 13 Best March Dividend Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. A notorious criminal, Amit Kumar, was apprehended in Patna following a dramatic shootout with police, thwarting a planned crime and bringing an end to his evasion from justice. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Amit Kumar, wanted in multiple criminal cases, was arrested in Patna after a shootout with police. The arrest occurred after police received information that Kumar was planning a crime on Marine Drive. Kumar sustained a leg injury during the exchange of fire and is receiving treatment. Kumar was also wanted in connection with an attempt to enter the Patna Civil Court premises earlier this year. Police arrested a man, identified as Amit Kumar, wanted in several criminal cases, after a brief exchange of fire in Pirbahor locality of Patna, an officer said on Sunday. Talking to reporters, SP (Central) Patna, Mamta Kalyani said, "The incident took place in the early hours on Sunday. Police received information that Kumar was preparing to commit a crime on Marine Drive. A team was formed, and a trap was laid. After noticing the police, Kumar fired at the cops. Police retaliated and resorted to controlled firing. Finally, police overpowered him." "Kumar sustained a bullet injury in his leg... he is undergoing treatment at a government hospital," said the SP. Investigation Details He was also wanted in connection with a case pertaining to an attempt by two armed criminals to enter the Patna Civil court premises in January this year. Further investigation is on, the SP said. In a landmark verdict, a Kerala court sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the heinous sexual assault and torture of a four-year-old girl, underscoring the state's commitment to protecting children and prosecuting child abuse cases under the POCSO Act. Photograph: Pixabay.com Key Points A man in Kollam, Kerala, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and torturing a four-year-old girl. The Punalur Fast Track Court sentenced Kalaivanan Kamaraj under the POCSO Act, imposing a Rs 5 lakh fine. The accused inflicted burn injuries and sexually assaulted the child between May and June 2023. The abuse was discovered by a public health nurse who reported the injuries to Childline authorities. The court noted the repeated abuse and the accused's manipulation of the child's mother under the guise of 'deliverance' from an evil spirit. A court here has sentenced a man to imprisonment until death for torturing and sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl. Punalur Fast Track Court (POCSO Act Cases) Special Judge Aravind B Edayodi on Friday awarded the sentence and a fine of Rs 5 lakh to Kalaivanan Kamaraj, a native of Nagapattinam currently residing in Kacheri here. The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment and a Rs 5 lakh fine under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The accused was also sentenced to jail terms under various sections of the IPC and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, with all substantive sentences to run concurrently. Details of the Abuse The prosecution's case is that the victim was residing with her mother and the accused in a rented house. Between May 12 and June 15, 2023, the accused attacked the child, causing burn injuries to her chest and legs with burning cigarette butts, and sexually assaulted her, according to the prosecution's case. The incident came to light when a Junior Public Health nurse from an Urban Primary Health Centre visited the family, noticed the victim's injuries, and informed Childline authorities. The child and her sister were subsequently shifted to a Child Care Institution, and Kollam West Police arrested the accused following a preliminary probe. Court Observations The court observed that the victim was below five years old at the time of the offence and that the accused had repeatedly inflicted physical harm. The court further noted that the accused manipulated the mother by claiming a spirit would enter her, harassing the victim under the guise of "deliverance" from an evil spirit. "There was a long repeated abuse which shocks the judicial conscience," the court said. The trial included the examination of 24 witnesses and 27 documents. Manipur Police have arrested three militants from two proscribed outfits, United National Liberation Front and Kangleipak Communist Party, for their involvement in alleged extortion activities in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, intensifying security measures. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Manipur Police arrested three militants from two different proscribed outfits. The arrests were made in connection with alleged extortion activities in Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Two active cadres of United National Liberation Front (Koireng) were arrested with a pistol and ammunition. One cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba) was apprehended from his residence. Security forces are conducting search operations in vulnerable areas across districts in Manipur. Manipur Police arrested three militants belonging to two different proscribed outfits for their alleged involvement in extortion activities from Imphal East and Imphal West districts, an official statement said on Sunday. The three were arrested on Saturday, police said. Arrests and Recovered Weapons Police arrested two active cadres of United National Liberation Front (Koireng) from Wangkhei Ayangpalli in Imphal East district. One pistol and two magazines loaded with 16 live rounds were recovered from their possession, the police statement said. One cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba) was apprehended from his residence at Khagempalli Pankha Nganapi Thong Mamang in Imphal West district on Saturday. Ongoing Security Operations Police also said "security forces are conducting search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts. In Jharkhand, two CoBRA personnel sustained serious injuries in an IED blast triggered by Maoists during an anti-Naxal operation in West Singhbhum, prompting a large-scale security response. Key Points Two CoBRA personnel were seriously injured in an IED blast during an anti-Naxal operation in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. The IED was allegedly planted by Maoists in the Saranda forests. Security forces launched a retaliatory firing after Maoists opened fire following the blast. A massive anti-Naxal operation has been launched in affected areas. Senior Maoist leaders Misir Besra and Asim Mandal remain at large. Two CoBRA battalion personnel were seriously injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists during an anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district on Sunday, a senior police officer said. The incident took place when security forces were conducting an operation in the Saranda forests when an IED, allegedly planted by the proscribed Communist Party of India (Maoist) beneath a forest track, went off. Following the blast, Maoists opened fire, prompting retaliatory firing by security personnel. While an assistant commandant sustained injuries in the explosion, a CoBRA jawan was injured in the subsequent exchange of fire. Both were airlifted to a hospital in Ranchi. The condition of both was stated to be stable, SP Amit Renu told PTI. Anti-Naxal Operation Launched Condemning the attack, the SP said a massive anti-Naxal operation had been launched in several affected areas, including Chotanagra police station limits. The operation was still underway, he added. Though police have contained Left-wing extremist activities in West Singhbhum to a large extent, some senior leaders, including Misir Besra and Asim Mandal, both carrying rewards of Rs 1 crore each, remain at large, the officer said. In a tragic incident in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, two minors were found dead, with police investigating a possible suicide linked to relationship and social pressures. Key Points Two minors, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were discovered deceased in a field in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. The minors were found hanging from the same tree branch in Gopiapura village. Police preliminary investigation suggests a possible relationship between the minors and potential suicide due to social and familial pressures. A forensic team is investigating the scene, and a post-mortem examination will determine the official cause of death. Two minors, a boy and a girl, were found hanging from the same branch of a tree in a field here on Sunday morning, police said. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shreesh Chandra said the bodies were discovered hanging in the Gopiapura village under the Bakewar police station area. SHO Vipin Kumar Malik reached the spot and got the bodies taken down. Preliminary investigation suggests the boy (17) and girl (16) were allegedly in a relationship and may have taken the extreme step due to social and familial pressures, police said. However, the cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem, they added. A forensic team examined the scene and collected evidence, the police said, adding that further investigation is underway. A tragic motorcycle accident in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of two people and serious injuries to another, prompting a police investigation into the collision. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Two individuals died in a head-on motorcycle collision near Sumer village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh. The accident occurred on Sagar Road under Begumganj police station limits, approximately 80 km from the district headquarters. Amar Singh Bansal, 40, died at the scene, while Nitin Rawat, 18, succumbed to injuries during treatment. Monu Kurmi, 20, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care. Police have initiated an investigation into the fatal motorcycle accident in Raisen. Two persons were killed and one suffered serious injuries after two motorcycles collided in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district, police said on Sunday. The accident occurred on Saturday night near the Sumer village bridge on Sagar Road under Begumganj police station limits, 80 km from the district headquarters. The motorbikes coming from opposite directions collided head-on, Begumganj police station house officer (SHO) Rajeev Uike told PTI. Amar Singh Bansal (40), a resident of neighbouring Sagar district, died on the spot, while a rider of the other motorbike, Nitin Rawat (18), died during treatment at Sagar Medical College. Rawat's friend Monu Kurmi (20) was injured and his condition was reported to be serious, the official said. The police have registered a case and started an investigation, he added. Union Minister JP Nadda accuses the West Bengal government of aiding infiltrators, warning of demographic changes and criticizing the TMC's governance and policies. Photograph: Video grab Key Points JP Nadda accuses the West Bengal government of supporting infiltrators, potentially leading to demographic shifts. Nadda alleges the TMC government is turning West Bengal into a hub for illegal immigration. The Union Minister criticizes the TMC, claiming it stands for terror, Muslim appeasement, and corruption. Nadda asserts that the TMC government has blocked the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, depriving many families of healthcare benefits. Nadda promises to implement Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal if the BJP comes to power. Accusing the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of helping infiltrators, Union minister JP Nadda on Sunday claimed West Bengal's original inhabitants will become a minority because of this. Addressing a rally in Nadia district's Krishnanagar, from where one of the 'Poriborton Yatras' of the BJP was flagged off, Nadda alleged that the TMC was trying to turn the state into a "hub of infiltrators". Allegations Against TMC Alleging that there is no law and order in the state under Banerjee's government, Nadda said TMC stands for "terror, Muslim appeasement and corruption". Ayushman Bharat Scheme Nadda, the Union health minister, said the TMC government didn't allow the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, depriving nearly 40 lakh families of free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. "We will implement Ayushman Bharat in Bengal immediately after coming to power here," he asserted. Union Minister JP Nadda sharply criticized the West Bengal government for allegedly sheltering infiltrators, warning of demographic shifts and accusing the ruling party of corruption and hindering central welfare schemes. Photograph: Video grab Key Points JP Nadda accuses the West Bengal government of providing shelter to infiltrators, potentially leading to a minority status for original inhabitants. Nadda alleges the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is turning West Bengal into a hub for infiltrators and criticizes the breakdown of law and order. The Union Minister claims the TMC government blocked the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, depriving many families of healthcare benefits. Nadda highlights the decline of West Bengal's industrial sector, with numerous investors leaving the state. Nadda asserts that the central government has significantly increased financial assistance to West Bengal, including tax devolution and grants-in-aid. Accusing the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of giving "shelter" to infiltrators, Union minister JP Nadda on Sunday claimed that the state's original inhabitants would become a minority if the trend continued. Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, from where one of the BJP's 'Poriborton Yatras' was flagged off, Nadda alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress was trying to turn the state into a "hub of infiltrators". "Infiltration in Bengal has reached its peak. The state is being turned into a safe hub for infiltrators. The original inhabitants of Bengal will become minorities as infiltrators are being given shelter," he claimed. Alleging a complete breakdown of law and order, Nadda said the TMC stood for "terror, Muslim appeasement and corruption". Nadda, the Union health minister, accused the TMC government of blocking central welfare schemes, particularly Ayushman Bharat. "The TMC government did not allow the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in the state, depriving nearly 40 lakh families of free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh," he said. "We will implement Ayushman Bharat in Bengal immediately after coming to power here," he asserted. Decline of Industry in West Bengal The former BJP president claimed that West Bengal, once known as a land of industry, has witnessed a steady decline over the last 11 years. He alleged that around 6,628 investors have either left the state or shut down their businesses during this period. "A total of 870 industrial units were closed in 2015, 918 in 2016 and 1,027 in 2017 and 2018. About 1,300 investors moved to Maharashtra and 1,057 shifted to Delhi," he said, noting that Britannia Industries also shut down its factory in the state. Nadda claimed that West Bengal's share in the GDP has declined from 10 per cent in 1960 to 5 per cent now. Border Security and Central Assistance Accusing the state government of not providing land for the fencing of the India-Bangladesh border, he said infiltration would be stopped once the BJP comes to power. Nadda said the Centre had given Rs 1.1 lakh crore to the state as a part of tax devolution, which he claimed was 142 per cent higher than earlier allocations, and Rs 37,148 crore as grants-in-aid, over 312 per cent more than before. He claimed that 11 medical colleges, redevelopment of 101 railway stations and several Vande Bharat Express trains have been sanctioned for the state by the Centre. "If you want to come out of appeasement, corruption and infiltration and save Bengal, then bring 'parivartan' (change)," Nadda told the rally. Among those present at the rally were Union minister Sukanta Majumdar and senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha. In a major victory for anti-Naxal operations, fifteen Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh, dismantling a key Maoist division and significantly weakening Left Wing Extremism in the Raipur-Sambalpur region. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Fifteen Naxalites, including veteran ultra Vikas, surrendered in Chhattisgarh, dealing a major blow to Maoist operations in the Raipur-Sambalpur region. The surrendered Naxalites belonged to the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) division of the CPI (Maoist), active along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The surrender was facilitated by the state government's rehabilitation policy, offering financial incentives, healthcare, and employment support. The dismantling of the BBM division signifies a significant step towards eliminating Naxal influence in the region by March 2026. The surrendered Naxalites handed over 14 weapons, including AK-47 and SLR rifles, indicating a weakening of the Maoist armed presence. Fifteen Naxalites, including veteran ultra Vikas, carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 73 lakh on their heads surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district on Sunday, resulting in the outlawed movement getting dismantled in the Raipur-Sambalpur belt straddling the state's border with Odisha, police officials said. The surrendered persons, including nine women, belonged to Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) division of the Communist Party of India (Maoists) active along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, they added. They laid down arms at the Mahasamund district headquarters here in the presence of Chhattisgarh Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Vivekanand Sinha, Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Sambalpur (Odisha), Himanshu Lal, IGP (Rural Zone, Raipur) Amresh Mishra, among others, officials said. With the surrender of these 15, the western sub-zone of the Odisha State Committee of Maoists has been completely dismantled, ADGP Sinha said at a press conference. The Odisha State Committee and the BBM division were formed after 2010. "Until a year ago, the sub-zone comprised two divisions and seven area committees. Now, the Raipur Police Range in Chhattisgarh and the Sambalpur Range in Odisha have become fully free of Naxal influence. This is a significant event towards the complete elimination of Naxalism by March 2026," Sinha said. Factors Leading to the Surrender Police officials said continuous appeals were made to members of the BBM divisional committee active in Mahasamund's border areas through various communication channels, including Akashvani broadcasts, banners, posters and pamphlets. The state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, which offers financial incentives based on rank, additional rewards for surrendering with weapons, healthcare benefits, housing and employment support, was widely publicised as well to get the ultras back into the mainstream, they said. These cadres decided to give up violence after becoming disillusioned with the hollow Maoist ideology, hardships of life in forests, and prolonged separation from their families, the officials said. They were also influenced by former Maoists who had surrendered earlier and were now leading stable lives under the rehabilitation scheme, police said. Details of Key Surrendered Naxalites Among those who surrendered, Vikas (57), also known as Sudarshan, Jangu, Babanna, Rajanna and Muppidi Sambaiah (57), is a native of Warangal district in Telangana, and was active in the outlawed movement since 1985, Sinha said. He was part of the Telangana State Zonal Committee, had served for 10 years as secretary of the southern sub-zone of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) in Chhattisgarh, and was in charge of the Gadchiroli division (in Maharashtra) for two years, the official said. "Vikas was among those who helped establish the Odisha State Committee and carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh. Two other divisional committee members, Mangesh and Babu, carried rewards of Rs 8 lakh each. Five area committee members carried rewards of Rs 5 lakh each, while seven party members had bounties of Rs 1 lakh each," the ADGP told reporters. Six of the surrendered cadres -Neela, Sonu, Reena, Dinesh, Deepna and Ranila - had earlier served as guards to central committee member Jairam alias Chalapati, who was killed in an encounter in January last year in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh. After his death, the six were transferred to the BBM division under Vikas, Sinha said. The surrendered Naxalites handed over 14 weapons, comprising three AK-47 rifles, two SLR rifles, two INSAS rifles, four .303 rifles and three 12-bore guns, the official said. Police urged remaining Naxalites in Bastar as well as those in the eastern sub-zone in Odisha to lay down arms and join the mainstream by embracing the Constitution and the Tricolour. Talking to reporters in Raipur, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the Home portfolio, termed the development as a significant step under the state government's rehabilitation policy. "Today's rehabilitation is very important. Fifteen Naxalites from the BBM division have surrendered. Only 15 members were left in this division, and all of them have now laid down arms," he said. Officials said the group had established contact with security forces on Wednesday night, prior to formally surrendering. According to officials, in the last two years, 532 Maoists were neutralised, more than 2,700 have surrendered, and over 2,000 were arrested in Chhattisgarh. The relentless march of security forces against the ultras in Chhattisgarh and some other states is part of the Centre's resolve to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) from the country by March 31 this year, officials asserted. In a major victory for security forces, fifteen Naxalites, including a high-ranking leader, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district, signaling a weakening of Maoist influence in the region. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Fifteen Naxalites, including a key leader, surrendered in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, dealing a blow to Maoist operations in the region. The surrendered Naxalites belonged to the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division and were active along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The Naxalites surrendered with a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47s and other rifles, highlighting the impact of the surrender. Chhattisgarh has seen significant success in anti-Naxal operations, with hundreds of Maoists neutralized or surrendering in recent years. The central government aims to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, indicating a focused effort to address the issue. Fifteen Naxalites, including Special Zonal Committee-level member Vikas, surrendered before security personnel in Mahasamund district on Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said. According to police, the surrendered cadres, including nine women, belonged to the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division of Maoists and were active along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. Sharma, who holds the Home portfolio, termed the development as a significant step under the state government's rehabilitation policy. "Today's rehabilitation is very important. Fifteen Naxalites from the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division have surrendered. Only 15 members were left in this division, and all of them have now laid down arms," he told reporters in Raipur. Among those who surrendered was Vikas, a Special Zonal Committee-level member. He was serving as the secretary of the West Sub-Zonal wing of the Maoist organisation. The surrendered cadres included six men and nine women. They turned themselves in with a cache of weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, two Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), two INSAS rifles and three .303 rifles, Sharma said. Officials said that the group had established contact with security forces on Wednesday night, prior to formally surrendering. Impact of Anti-Naxal Operations According to officials, in the last two years, 532 Maoists were neutralised, more than 2,700 have surrendered, and as many as 2,000 were arrested in Chhattisgarh. The Centre has resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31 this year. A real estate spinoff from former retail giant Sears is pushing to sell off one of its remaining properties, which happens to be in Washington state. Last year, The News Tribune wrote about the former Sears site at Overlake Plaza property in Redmond, formerly home to a Sears store, which closed in 2018. Demolition took place in 2022. The department store, which opened in 1971, was one of the chains largest at the time, at more than 268,000 square feet on more than 14 acres. In a Feb. 24 media release, Heartland LLC, a Seattle-based real estate advisory and investment firm representing property owner Seritage Growth Properties, announced it was marketing the Overlake Seritage property. Seritage was formed in 2015 to take on more than 200 properties nationwide from Sears Holdings primarily Sears and Kmart store locations. The two retailers merged in 2005, creating Sears Holdings with around 3,500 stores. By 2022, Seritage moved to sell its handful of assets, and Sears itself is down to five U.S. stores in operation. According to Seritage in a November 2025 news release, The remaining assets are either being marketed or are expected to be marketed at the appropriate time based on market conditions, and, as a result, any sales thereof are anticipated to occur in 2026 and beyond. So begins the marketing for the Redmond property, a master-planned, transit-oriented site near the Overlake Village light-rail station and Microsofts headquarters. According to the Feb. 24 marketing release, the site comes with an approved development agreement vested through 2039, completed environmental review, finalized master plan, more than $21 million in infrastructure already invested, and 6.9 net developable acres within a 14-acre district-scale plan. A page from the marketing material for Overlake Seritage site in Redmond touts its potential for residential and retail. Heartland LLC The sites zoning allows for flexible mixed-use development, including multifamily, retail, hospitality, senior living and office uses, with the capacity to allocate uses across parcels, the release stated. In a separate statement in response to questions, The News Tribune was told by a representative for the entities, Heartland and Seritage are not specifying any pricing guidance for the offering, but rather look forward to proposals from interested investors on March 27. Matt Anderson is principal at Heartland, LLC. In a statement, he told The News Tribune via email, In the volatile real estate market that we have been in, many single-use properties like big box retail centers and office parks are increasingly viable for mixed-use redevelopment. There is a critical shortage of workforce housing in both King and Pierce counties, which is opening up new possibilities for redevelopment. More information on the site is available online. Amidst escalating Middle East tensions, an oil tanker attack off the coast of Oman injures Indian crew members, raising concerns about maritime security and regional stability IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Omani authorities reported the attack, stating it occurred off the Musandam peninsula. The attack happened amidst escalating tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel. All crew members, including Indian and Iranian nationals, were safely evacuated after the oil tanker attack. India has expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and the Gulf region, urging restraint and dialogue. A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members came under attack from the Iranian military off Oman's Musandam peninsula and four people were injured in the strike, Omani authorities said on Sunday. Iran has carried out a wave of attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries after the US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday. The Iranian retaliation increased after Tehran announced early Sunday that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the Israel-US strike. Oman's Maritime Security Center said the oil tanker Skylight was subjected to an attack around five nautical miles north of the port of Khasab in the Musandam governorate, according to Oman news agency. The entire crew of 20 individuals, comprising 15 Indian nationals and five Iranians, have been safely evacuated, it said. It said four crew members sustained injuries of varying degrees and have been given medical care. People familiar with the incident indicated that New Delhi is in touch with the relevant authorities. Iran on Sunday said it will avenge the killing of Khamenei, triggering fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. The US-Israel joint strikes on Iran came after weeks of negotiations between Washington and Tehran on the Iranian nuclear programme did not produce any tangible outcome. The ministry of external affairs said on Saturday that India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. "We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," it said. "Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," it added. Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is appealing for calm and urging peace amid widespread protests in the region. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters Key Points Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urges calm following protests over the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protests erupted in Kashmir after reports surfaced of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in a US-Israel strike. The J-K government is coordinating with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of J-K residents in Iran. Omar Abdullah's office appealed to all communities to maintain peace and avoid actions that could incite tension. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday appealed for calm amid widespread protests following the killing of Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protests broke out in several parts of Kashmir on Sunday against the killing of Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, officials said. Hundreds of protestors took to streets at various places in areas with large Shia population, they said. Abdullah said his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of J-K residents, including students, currently in Iran. "Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest," the Office of Chief Minister said in a post on X. Khamenei was killed in an attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday. Pakistan launched its operation on Thursday night in response to the Taliban operatives attacking 53 locations along the more than 2,600km long border, targeting military installations deep in the country through air strikes IMAGE: Taliban soldiers alongside an anti-aircraft gun look out for Pakistani fighter jets in Khost province, Afghanistan, February 27, 2026. Photograph: Reuters Key Points The operation was launched in response to Taliban attacks on 53 locations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan claims to have killed 352 Taliban personnel and destroyed 130 military posts. Pakistani security forces reportedly captured 26 border posts and 32 square kilometers of Afghan territory. Pakistan Air Force women fighter pilots reportedly led airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar. A Pakistani minister on Sunday announced that the operation against Afghan Taliban was continuing, refuting social media reports about the conclusion of the blitz. Pakistan launched its operation on Thursday night in response to the Taliban operatives attacking 53 locations along the more than 2,600km long border, targeting military installations deep in the country through air strikes. Federal Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry refuted reports that Pakistan halted its operations, saying that "false and fabricated news is being spread on social media that Pakistan has stopped its operations against Afghanistan". "The reality is the opposite. In view of the current regional situation, the sharing of PAF and drone footage with the media has been temporarily suspended. The purpose of this decision is to safeguard national security and operational strategy, not to prevent operations," he wrote on X. He further said: "Operations are continuing. The operation against terrorist elements is moving forward with full intensity and wisdom." Chaudhry concluded by saying that the nation stands with the Pakistani armed forces. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said last night that Pakistan security forces had killed at least 352 Taliban personnel while injuring another 535. He also said that the attacks completely destroyed 130 military posts, while the security forces captured another 26 border posts. Tarar also said that 171 tanks, armoured vehicles have been destroyed, adding that Pakistan also hit 41 locations "with precision air strikes". Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on X that airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar were led by Pakistan air force women fighter pilots. "It was women pilots of the Pakistan Air Force who carried out successful airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar," he said. He titled the post as "Revenge of Power" and said that "women pilots delivering hell to those attacking girls' schools" - a reference to Taliban demolishing girls schools in Pakistan. Separately, leading journalist and Geo New anchorperson Hamid Mir claimed that Pakistan captured 32 square kilometers of Afghan territory. "In Zhob Sector, Pakistan Security Forces have captured 32 Square kilometers of Afghanistan territory named Ghudwana Enclave," he claimed in a post on X on Saturday. He then said: "Now Afghan Taliban must show the Pakistani pilot they reportedly captured. They cannot win a war with lies after losing 32 square kilometers." The claim by the journalist could not be verified independently but Pakistan officially claimed that its forces captured 26 border posts of Afghanistan. Earlier, the Afghan side made claims that they shot down a Pakistan fighter jet but it was rejected by the authorities. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level security meeting to address escalating regional tensions stemming from recent events in Iran and Afghanistan, including a military operation and concerns for citizen safety. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters Key Points Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting to assess regional security following developments in Iran and Afghanistan. Pakistan launched operation 'Ghazab Lil Haq' against the Afghan Taliban in response to attacks along the border. The meeting addressed measures for the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran, with facilitation through Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Sharif postponed his planned visit to Russia due to the prevailing regional security situation. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting reviewing the regional and internal security situation following recent developments in Iran and its ongoing military operation against Afghanistan. Pakistan launched operation 'Ghazab Lil Haq' against the Afghan Taliban earlier this week in response to the country attacking 53 locations along the more than 2,600 km long border, targeting military installations through air strikes. Separately, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint airstrikes launched by the US and Israel on Tehran on Saturday. Calling the strikes "unprovoked and illegal", Iran began firing missiles at Israel and other Gulf Arab states in retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and senior civil and military officials attended the meeting. Radio Pakistan reported that the meeting took a detailed review of the prevailing regional environment and overall security dynamics in the region. Pakistan's role and various measures for the "promotion of peace and stability" in the region were also discussed. Participants were also briefed on the country's internal security situation and the arrangements in place to ensure law and order. Evacuation Efforts and Diplomatic Impact On the prime minister's directives, the meeting reviewed measures for the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran. The Foreign Office gave a detailed briefing on efforts being undertaken to ensure their safe return. It was informed that evacuation is being facilitated through Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, ARY News reported that Prime Minister Sharif postponed his planned visit to Russia due to the prevailing regional situation. Though no formal announcement was made about the visit, official sources said last week that Sharif was scheduled to undertake the trip in the first week of March. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a weekly briefing on Thursday had said that announcement would be made at appropriate time. "About the prime minister's visit to Russia, we will inform you in due course. I do not have any information right now. We will inform you in due course about the dates and agenda," he had said. According to the ARY News, the prime minister decided to postpone the trip after consultation with his cabinet. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is urgently requesting the central government to safeguard the well-being of Indian citizens, particularly Kannadigas, who are currently stranded in West Asia due to the escalating conflict. Photograph: PTI Photo Key Points Karnataka government urges the central government to protect Indians, especially Kannadigas, stranded in West Asia due to conflict. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar assures that the state government is coordinating with authorities and elected representatives to gather information and ensure the safety of those affected. The state's Resident Commissioner in New Delhi has been contacted to seek information and coordinate efforts. Karnataka government condemns the attack on a school in Iran and expresses solidarity with those affected. The government advises against panic and assures that all necessary steps will be taken, including exerting pressure on the central government if required. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday urged the Centre that Indians, especially Kannadigas, stranded in West Asia due to the conflict there, must be protected and assured that all efforts were being made to ensure their safety. He said the state government was in touch with authorities and coordinating with elected representatives to gather information about those affected. "They (Indians) must be protected. We are urging the central government to ensure the safety of lakhs of people from Kerala and Karnataka and from other places stuck there," he said. Shivakumar added that the state's Resident Commissioner in New Delhi had already been contacted and information sought. "Two of our MLAs -- Srinivas Bhojegowda and A C Srinivasa-- are there (in Dubai). They are coordinating. I am also trying to get in touch with them," he said. Stating that all citizens must be safeguarded, the deputy chief minister said the developments were disturbing. "What is happening now is not right. This is about peace in our country. We have always respected peace and sacrifice," he said. Response to Attacks and Reassurance Efforts Reacting to the reported attack on a school in Iran, he said, "Those innocent children, what did they do? They are just children. An attack on a school like this is condemnable." He urged people not to panic, saying the state government would take all necessary steps and exert pressure on the Centre if required. "There is no need to panic. On behalf of our government, we will do whatever is required to put pressure on the central government. We are also in touch with our Kannada organisations there and are expressing our solidarity," he said. Referring to the disturbing visuals circulating on social media, Shivakumar said anxiety was high among families. "All of you should also come together and boost their morale. Because a lot of disturbing videos and podcasts are circulating. Everyone is anxious," he said, adding that there was no need for undue alarm despite reports of airstrikes in the region. Government Coordination and Support When asked whether any persons from Bengaluru were reported to be affected and whether a call centre would be set up, he said, "For that, we have our resident commissioner and our government machinery in place." On whether the Centre had started a helpline and if the state would launch a separate one, Shivakumar clarified that such matters must be handled through the Union government. He said the state could not act independently and that whatever action was required would have to be undertaken through the Ministry of External Affairs, while efforts were focused on reassuring people and calming the situation. A tragic car accident in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, claimed the lives of a father and son after their vehicle plunged off a bridge while returning from a temple visit, leaving four other family members injured. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A speeding car accident in Bhilwara, Rajasthan resulted in two fatalities and four injuries. The accident occurred near Vijay Gaushala, under the Gulabpura police station limits. The victims were returning from Sanwaliya Seth temple in Chittorgarh when the driver lost control. The deceased have been identified as Naurat Jangid (50) and his son Kalu Jangid (25). A man and his son were killed and four other family members were injured after a speeding car fell off a bridge in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district on Sunday, police said. The accident occurred near the Vijay Gaushala under the Gulabpura police station limits, killing Naurat Jangid (50) and his son Kalu Jangid (25), who was behind the wheel, they said. Gulabpura SHO Sanjay Gurjar said that Naurat, a resident of Lamba Harisingh town in Tonk district, was returning with his family after offering prayers at the Sanwaliya Seth temple in Chittorgarh. The vehicle went out of control on a bridge near the Vijay Gaushala and fell off it. Police, with the help of locals, shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, from where they were referred to the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Ajmer. Doctors declared Naurat and his son Kalu dead during treatment. The injured were identified as Indira, her daughter Yash (6), Komal (28) and Gaurav (11), the SHO said. A 62-year-old tribal woman was allegedly murdered in Odisha due to suspicions of witchcraft, highlighting the persistence of such beliefs in some regions. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A 62-year-old tribal woman in Odisha was allegedly murdered by a villager. The accused suspected the woman of practicing witchcraft, which he believed caused his father's illness. The incident occurred in Kumbhirda village under Bahalda Police Station in Mayurbhanj district. The accused surrendered to the police after allegedly killing the woman with a sharp weapon. Police have arrested the accused, and an investigation is underway. A 62-year-old tribal woman was allegedly hacked to death by a villager who suspected her of practising witchcraft in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, police said on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Joba Tudu of village Kumbhirda under Bahalda Police Station. Details of the Incident "Jugu Marandi, 26, of the same village, killed Joba Tudu with a sharp weapon while she was sleeping in her house on Friday night. The accused suspected that she was practising witchcraft, which led to ailments of his father," said Birendra Senapati, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Rairangpur. After the incident, the accused surrendered before the police, said Senapati. Police arrested him, and the body was handed over to the family after conducting an autopsy at Rairangpur Sub Divisional Hospital, the SDPO added. Youth Congress leaders faced police questioning after staging a protest in Delhi's Connaught Place without permission, resulting in an FIR and raising concerns about unlawful assembly. Key Points Youth Congress leaders were questioned by Delhi police following a protest in Connaught Place. The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members staged the demonstration without obtaining prior permission, leading to police action. An FIR was filed against women workers of the IYC for allegedly participating in an unlawful gathering. Police recorded statements from the Youth Congress members and granted them bail at the police station. The protest was organized in support of Uday Bhanu Chib's discharge and against issues related to a 'paid deal' and the 'Kejriwal discharge'. Youth Congress office-bearers were questioned at the Connaught Place police station here on Sunday in connection with a protest held earlier this week in the area, police said. The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members had staged a demonstration at Connaught Place two days ago without prior permission, they said. An FIR was registered the same night against several women workers of the organisation who had participated in the protest, alleging that the gathering was unlawful. Around seven to eight women were called to the Connaught Place (CP) police station at about 3 pm on Sunday for questioning in connection with the case, police sources said. Speaking to PTI, Raza Ahmad, an IYC member, said the police had summoned the office-bearers for recording their statements in the matter. "Since the IYC members had major programmes scheduled yesterday, we had requested more time, which the police granted. Today, the police recorded their statements and granted them bail directly from the station; however, no one was taken into custody," he said. No arrests were made in the case, police added. Ahmad said the organisation generally seeks prior permission for its programmes but added that certain situations do not allow sufficient time for formalities. "While we usually take permission, sudden incidents do not allow for a week's notice," he said. He further said that the protest by IYC women workers was organised in support of Uday Bhanu Chib's discharge and against certain issues allegedly linked to a 'paid deal', referring to what he described as the 'Kejriwal discharge'. Further investigation into the matter is underway, police said. A popular YouTuber was tragically stabbed to death in Bhubaneswar after a heated argument, leading to the arrest of three suspects, including an Army jawan, highlighting the dangers of public altercations and the importance of responsible behavior. Key Points A Bhubaneswar-based YouTuber, Rahul Maharana, was fatally stabbed after a dispute. Police arrested three suspects, including an Army jawan and his nephews, in connection with the YouTuber's murder. The stabbing occurred after an argument escalated when the accused objected to abusive language used by a friend of the victim. The incident appears to be a result of sudden provocation, with no prior history of animosity between the parties involved. Authorities are urging the public to report instances of public drinking to prevent similar incidents. A 32-year-old YouTuber has been allegedly stabbed to death following a minor altercation in Bhubaneswar, police said on Sunday. The incident took place in GGP Colony under the jurisdiction of Mancheswar police station around 9.30 pm on Saturday, and the deceased was identified as Rahul Maharana, a resident of Palasuni locality in the city. Three persons, including an Army jawan and his two nephews, were arrested, a police officer said. He said Maharana, who got married a couple of months ago, was attacked with a sharp weapon following an altercation with the intoxicated trio. The arrested persons have been identified as Army jawan Sangram Kesari Behera (37) alias Satura and his two nephews, Samarendra Behera (20) alias Muna, and Sangram Behera (24) alias Kuna, he said. Details of the Altercation "Two groups were sitting a little distance apart on a school ground in GGP Colony. Shiva, a friend of Maharana, was taking a stroll while speaking on the phone and reached near the other group of the accused persons. He was using abusive language on the phone to which the other group objected, leading to a heated argument between them," Bhubaneswar (zone-5) ACP Biswaranjan Senapati said. When the three accused attacked Shiva, Maharana came to his rescue. The younger nephew of the jawan suddenly stabbed Maharana with a knife, which was in his possession, he said. He was left in a pool of blood, and Shiva and other locals took him to a nearby private hospital. He was then shifted to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared him dead, the ACP said. Investigation and Aftermath Police scrutinised the CCTV footage of the area and arrested the three persons, and seized two motorcycles, three mobile phones and a knife used in the crime, he said. Ruling out any past enmity, Senapati said, "The cause of the incident was sudden provocation and a fight." "We appeal to people to inform the police if anyone is seen drinking in public," he added. The strike in Beit Shemesh comes as part of a broader escalation in the region with additional Iranian strikes were reported in Dubai, Qatar's capital Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait. IMAGE: Emergency personnel carry a body at the site of an Iranian strike, after Iran launched missile barrages following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday, in Beit Shemesh, Israel March 1, 2026. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters The number of fatalities following an Iranian ballistic missile strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh has increased to eight, according to reports from Al Jazeera and Israeli emergency services. Key Points The missile struck a residential area, leaving at least 27 people injured Emergency operations are currently underway at the scene of the explosion The Israeli military said that search and rescue units, along with medical personnel and a helicopter, are actively operating at the impact site The missile struck a residential area, leaving at least 27 people injured. Medical officials confirmed that two of the wounded remain in serious condition. Emergency operations are currently underway at the scene of the explosion. Al Jazeera noted that the Times of Israel newspaper also confirmed the missile hit a populated area within the city limits. The Israeli military, in a statement on Telegram, said that search and rescue units, along with medical personnel and a helicopter designated for casualty evacuation, are actively operating at the impact site. The strike in Beit Shemesh comes as part of a broader escalation in the region. Expanding the scope of hostilities, Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was also targeted by missile strikes launched by Iran, according to a report by the Iranian state broadcaster, Press TV. These developments follow heightened tensions in West Asia after joint missile strikes titled Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury were carried out by Israel and the United States on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, along with his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. However, an Israeli newspaper reported that there is no official confirmation regarding the fate of Khamenei. In response, Iran declared 40 days of public mourning and vowed "the most devastating offensive operation" against US bases and Israel. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge, stating that it had launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in West Asia, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Additional Iranian strikes were reported in Dubai, Qatar's capital Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with Tehran stating that US bases in the region were being targeted. Meanwhile, an oil tanker was struck off the coast of Oman, and airlines cancelled or diverted flights in and around the West Asian region amid the escalating conflict. Following Saturday's strikes, Israel on Sunday stated that it is attacking targets "in the heart of Tehran." As the military confrontation intensified, international media outlets carried visuals of contrasting public reactions inside Iran. CNN reported celebrations in several cities, with whistling, cheering, and slogans of "Death to the Islamic Republic" and "Long live the Shah" heard on the streets. Fox News documented similar scenes in Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj. Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon A Levy and activist Masih Alinejad also shared footage of Iranian women dancing in the streets following news of the strikes. Earlier, US President Trump announced the death of Khamenei on Truth Social, describing it as "justice for the people of Iran" and stating that "pinpoint bombing... will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE." As Iran's Supreme Leader's office marks the end of a 37-year chapter by flying flags at half-mast, authorities have heightened security, particularly in Tehran, to prevent unrest. Attention is now focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor and the implications for Iran's future leadership. Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) is one of the Best Value Penny Stocks to Buy Now. On February 23, Brian Nowak from Morgan Stanley reiterated a Hold rating on Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) and lowered the price target from $9.5 to $6.5. Earlier, on February 12, Ronald Josey from Citi also reiterated a Hold rating on the stock and lowered the price target from $10 to $6. Analyst Nowak from Morgan Stanley noted that while the companys core business is performing better than expected, its deal with Perplexity remains in negotiations. The deal is expected to add roughly $400 million of high-margin revenue for the company. The analyst also expressed concerns that the company is lagging behind in the digital ad market. Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) released its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings on February 4. 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If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. The United Arab Emirates intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage, including the Dubai airport and Burj Al Arab, prompting school closures and travel disruptions. IMAGE: Smoke rises over a hotel damaged in Dubai's famed Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 28, 2026. Photograph: Reuters video grab Key Points The UAE intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones targeting key locations, including Dubai International Airport and Burj Al Arab. One person was killed and seven injured in attacks and interception incidents across the UAE. UAE air defense forces successfully engaged and destroyed a significant number of ballistic missiles and drones launched towards the country. Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have shifted to distance learning as a precautionary measure. The UAE government is covering accommodation and sustenance costs for passengers affected by flight rescheduling due to the attacks. At least one person was killed and seven were injured after after the United Arab Emirates intercepted several Iranian missiles on Saturday. Several waves of Iranian attacks targeting the airport and several other sites across the UAE kept people awake on Saturday night. One person was killed and 7 were injured in Drone interception incident targeting Zayed International Airport. Dubai's airport, the iconic Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped ultra-luxury seven-star hotel on artificial island off Jumeirah were among the places hit by what the UAE officials described as drone attacks. On Palm Jumeirah, the citys renowned man-made island famed for luxury resorts and residences, a fire broke out near the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel. A government of Dubai media office statement said a "drone caused its shrapnel to spark a fire at the Burj Al Arab hotel," and that it was brought under control. Authorities in Dubai also revealed that debris resulting from air interception operations caused a fire at one of the berths of Jebel Ali Port without causing any injuries. "Dubai Civil Defence teams immediately responded to handle the fire, while their efforts continue to control it," it said. The authorities also urged the public not to circulate video clips dating back to the Jebel Ali Port fire on July 7, 2021, and confirmed that more reliable information will be broadcast upon receipt. Amid silent alerts sounded across the country for possible missile attacks, an incident of one such attack taking place at the airport was reported. "Dubai Airports has confirmed an incident at Dubai International Airport (DXB) just moments ago. Emergency response teams have been activated immediately, and the incident is being handled in coordination with the relevant authorities," the statement said. It also said that the attack resulted in 4 injuries, and the necessary urgent medical assistance has been provided. "Updated information will be broadcast as soon as it is received," it added. Because of the ongoing fasting month of Ramzan and this being the weekend, people stayed awake late at night, tormented by intermittent sirens on the streets and alerts issued by the authorities. Local media reports claimed that Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport came under overnight attacks, resulting in the death of an unnamed Asian worker and seven injuries. The incident is yet to be confirmed by the government. A similar attack was reported at the Jebel Ali Port. However, no injuries were reported. UAE Air Defense Response The UAE's Ministry of Defence announced that, since the onset of the Iranian attack, the air force and air defence forces of the United Arab Emirates have successfully engaged and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country's territory, underscoring the high readiness of the air defence systems and their capability to address various threats. "The Ministry stated that, since the beginning of the attack, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles launched towards the UAE had been detected, of which 132 were destroyed, while five fell into the sea. A total of 209 Iranian drones were also detected; 195 were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country's territory and waters, causing some minor side damage," it said in a statement. Impact and Aftermath Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been asked to move to distance learning till Thursday. The UAE's General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced that the state will bear all costs of accommodation and sustenance for affected and stranded passengers, as the country's airports and national carriers have dealt with approximately 20,200 individuals impacted by the rescheduling of some flights. "Temporary accommodation has been provided, along with meals and beverages, in addition to facilitating rebooking procedures in accordance with the approved operational plans," it said. Reports claimed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called US President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for 'diplomatic support' to resolve the issue IMAGE: Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters Saudi Arabia reportedly pushed the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to four undisclosed people familiar with the matter. Key Points The joint strike in Iran on Saturday is a rare convergence of interests, reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia pushed the US to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of Khamenei The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran "Operation Epic Fury" (US) and "Operation Roaring Lion" (Israel), the joint strike in Iran on Saturday is a rare convergence of interests, reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Washington Post reported. As per the Washington Post, Saudi Arabia pushed the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to four undisclosed people familiar with the matter. For years, these two powers operated as "frenemies" in the shadow of Iran's regional influence. The frame here is "The Enemy of My Enemy." As per the four people, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called US President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for "diplomatic support" to resolve the issue, said the Washington Post. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his long-standing public campaign for US strikes against what he sees as an existential threat to his country, said the Washington Post. The combined influence of Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly helped lead Trump to order a large-scale aerial operation against Iran's leadership and military, which, in its initial hour, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials, the Washington Post said. Returning to the White House with a mandate of "Strength through Action," Trump obliterated a 37-year-old threat. The death of 86-year-old Ali Khamenei, along with several top military and political leaders, effectively ends the "Second Revolution." The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The supreme leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. Fueled by strong domestic demand, major Indian automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai reported a significant surge in vehicle sales and dispatches to dealers in February. Photograph: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters Key Points Maruti Suzuki's domestic passenger vehicle sales increased to 1,61,000 units in February, driven by strong demand for utility vehicles. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a significant 34% rise in passenger vehicle dispatches, indicating robust growth. Mahindra & Mahindra's utility vehicle sales surged by 19%, reflecting strong customer demand across their portfolio. Hyundai Motor India experienced a 10% year-on-year growth in domestic sales, continuing its positive momentum from January. Hero MotoCorp reported a substantial 45% increase in dispatches to dealers in the two-wheeler segment, showcasing strong market performance. Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai reported an increase in vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, riding on sustained demand in the domestic market. Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India said its domestic passenger vehicle sales rose to 161,000 units last month against 160,791 units in February 2025. Sales of the mini car vertical, comprising Alto and S-Presso, increased slightly to 10,238 units from 10,226 units in the year-ago month. However, the compact car segment, including Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR, witnessed a decline in sales to 66,386 units last month against 72,942 units in February 2025. On the other hand, sales of utility vehicles, consisting of Brezza, Ertiga, e-Vitara, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, Victoris and XL6, increased to 72,756 units compared to 65,033 units a year ago. Maruti Suzuki's Senior Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales Partho Banerjee told reporters that the company has been calibrating production to reduce the waiting period uniformly across models. He noted that the auto major reported record sales of 2.14 lakhs in February, operating at over 100 per cent capacity with a new manufacturing line expected to get operational in April with additional volumes expected from May onward. "Domestic wholesales reached an all-time high of 1.64 lakh for the month of February, and retail sales grew by 12 per cent to 1.51 lakh units. Besides, the network stock is low at 12 days, with 7 days in transit," he said. Banerjee noted that the company's mid-SUV sales have doubled from last year, increasing its market share in the segment from 12.8 per cent to 19 per cent. Responding to a query on the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East, Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Corporate Affairs Rahul Bharti said: "We are closely monitoring the situation. However, our exposure to the Middle East as an export region is not very high. This year it accounts for about 12.5 per cent of our total exports." "In fact, as we export to nearly 100 countries, we have ensured that our portfolio is well diversified and inherently de-risked. It is in times like these that the depth of leadership truly comes through. We are not just increasing exports; we are expanding them in a broad-based manner, ensuring that we remain de-risked at the same time," he added. Other Automakers Report Strong Sales Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a 34 per cent rise in passenger vehicle dispatches at 62,329 units last month as against 46,435 units in the year-ago period. Mahindra & Mahindra said its utility vehicle sales in the domestic market last month increased 19 per cent to 60,018 units compared to 50,420 units in the year-ago period. M&M CEO, Automotive Division, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, said the February performance reflected "robust customer demand across the portfolio". Hyundai Motor India said its domestic sales grew 10 per cent year on year to 52,407 units in February. The company's MD and CEO Tarun Garg said, "We kicked off 2026 on a high note, achieving our highest-ever monthly sales in January, and the momentum continues in February". Toyota Kirloskar Motor said its domestic sales grew 16 per cent to 30,737 units last month against 26,414 units in February 2025. The company's Executive Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Sabari Manohar, said there was sustained demand across the company's product portfolio. Automaker Kia India reported a 10 per cent rise in sales to 27,610 units last month compared to 25,026 units sold in February 2025. Two-Wheeler Sales Also Increase In the two-wheeler space, Hero MotoCorp reported 45 per cent year-on-year rise in dispatches to dealers at 5,16,968 units as compared with 3,57,296 units. As the tension in the Middle East region keeps escalating, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that the land and sea will increasingly become the graveyard of the terrorist aggressors IMAGE: Aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 sit on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran, February 28, 2026. Photograph: US Navy/Handout via Reuters Iran's Revolutionary Guard said that it attacked the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf after the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by US and Israeli air strikes, as per Al Jazeera. Key Points Iran claimed that the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was struck by four ballistic missiles The USS Abraham Lincoln has been operating in the Arabian Sea since the end of January Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran has 'always been open to diplomacy, unlike American, which attacked us for the second time during negotiations.' "The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was struck by four ballistic missiles," the Guard said in a statement carried by local media, warning "the land and sea will increasingly become the graveyard of the terrorist aggressors," Al Jazeera. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been operating in the Arabian Sea since the end of January. Meanwhile, the US Central Command said that they struck an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette during the start of Operation Epic Fury. In a post on X, it said, "An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. As the President said, members of Iran's armed forces, IRGC and police "must lay down your weapons." Abandon ship." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Iran has "always been open to diplomacy, unlike American, which attacked us for the second time during negotiations". Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force detected missiles launched from Iran. In a post on X, it said, "The IDF identified that a short time ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the guidelines - they save lives. One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines." Tensions escalate at the UN Security Council as the US and Israel defend their military actions against Iran, while Iran condemns the strikes as war crimes, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. IMAGE: Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani and US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, at a United Nations Security Council meeting after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, at UN headquarters in New York City on February 28, 2026. Photograph: Heather Khalifa /Reuters Key Points UN Secretary General warns of uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East following military action by the US and Israel against Iran. The US and Israel defend their actions at the UN Security Council, citing Iran's nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism as justification. Iran condemns the US and Israeli strikes as an act of aggression, a war crime, and a crime against humanity, demanding immediate cessation. President Trump announced the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, vowing continued military action to achieve peace in the Middle East. The UN Security Council is urged to take immediate action to stop the aggression and prevent a wider conflict with grave consequences. The United States and Israel clashed with Iran in the UN Security Council as Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that military action in the Middle East risks igniting uncontrollable "chain of events" in the world's most volatile region. "We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security. Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world," Guterres told the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council Saturday. The powerful 15-nation UN body met just hours after the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran and the subsequent attacks by Tehran. Guterres condemned the massive military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran as well as attacks by Tehran "violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. "In Tehran, large explosions were reported in the district that includes the presidential palace and the compound of the Supreme Leader. Several high-ranking officials have reportedly been killed, including Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, that I am not in a position to confirm," Guterres said. As the UNSC meeting was underway in the UN headquarters in New York, US President Donald Trump, currently in his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, announced the Ayatollah's death in a post on Truth Social. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS," Trump said. Trump warned that the "heavy and pinpoint bombing" will continue, "uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" Guterres asserted that the region and the world need a way out now and called for de-escalation and immediate cessation of hostilities. "The alternative is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability," he said. US and Israeli Justifications for Military Action In the UN meeting, the US and Israel clashed with Iran at the Security Council horse-shoe table, with Washington's envoy telling the international community that "history has taught us that the cost of inaction is far greater than the burden of decisive action. And our President, President Trump, has taken that decisive action today. "...this is a moment in history that requires moral clarity, and President Trump has met the moment. The most fundamental duty of any sovereign government is the protection of its people," Ambassador Mike Waltz, US Representative to the United Nations, said. "Iran's continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions despite diplomatic opportunities, presents a grave and mounting danger." "The international community has long affirmed a simple and necessary principle: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That principle is not a matter of politics; it is a matter of global security. And to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions," Waltz said, adding that "where the UN lacks moral clarity, the United States of America will maintain it." Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the Council that his country acted with the United States to "confront and stop an existential threat before it became irreversible." The operation targets nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile sites, the machinery of repression that fuels terror across our region. We did not act of impulse. We did not act of aggression. We acted out of necessity, because the Iranian regime left no reasonable alternative. This joint effort will continue for as long as the threat remains," Danon said. Iran's Condemnation and Call for Action Iran's ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said the US and Israel "initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression" against his country for the second time in the recent months. He termed "the aggression and atrocious crime of the United States regime and the Israeli regime and the deliberate and persistent targeting of civilian infrastructure" as "not only an act of aggression, it is a war crime and a crime against humanity." Iravani said the attack against a school in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran killed more than 100 children. He said the Security Council must immediately determine that the United States and Israel have committed an act of aggression, and demand the immediate cessation of its "unlawful use of force." "Israel and the United States have attacked Iran. They have violated international law and the Charter of the United Nations. They must be held accountable. So long as this aggression continues, Iran will continue to exercise its inherent right of self-defense firmly, proportionately and without hesitation, until the aggression ends. The Security Council must act now and stop this act of aggression immediately. Silence is complicity in this crime," the Iranian envoy said. Iravani and Waltz also engaged in a rare clash of words, with the Iranian envoy telling Waltz to be "polite" to which the American diplomat said "Frankly, I'm not going to dignify this with another response, especially as this representative sits here in this body, representing a regime that has killed tens of thousands of its own people and imprisoned many more simply for wanting freedom from your tyranny. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a formal address and said that the event is a moment of profound religious and historical consequence. IMAGE: Smoke rises after an Israeli military strike on Iran's Basij forces headquarters in Tehran, Iran, in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on March 1, 2026. Photograph: Israeli Military/Handout via Reuters Following the killing of the nation's top leadership, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a formal address and said that the event is a moment of profound religious and historical consequence. In a post on X, the foreign ministry shared Araghchi's reflections, which opened with a scriptural tribute, "Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God. Some of them have fulfilled their vow (by sacrificing their lives), and some are still waiting, and they have never changed in the least."The ministry also warned those responsible for the strike, stating that "He will remain a living nightmare for his killers forever." Expressing the emotional weight of the loss, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated, "With a heart overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, I extend my deepest condolences on the martyrdom--reminiscent of Imam Ali--of our wise Leader and perceptive guide, His Eminence Ayatollah #Imam_Khamenei (may his soul be sanctified), to His Holiness the Imam of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance), the noble nation of Iran, and the Islamic Ummah." Describing the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a moment of immense gravity, he noted that the "sagacious leader, resolute in decision, profound in wisdom, and steadfast on the path of truth, has left behind an enduring legacy of dignity, prudence, and perseverance for history." Addressing the impact of the strikes, Araghchi acknowledged that the "martyrdom of such a towering figure is undoubtedly a tremendous loss and a heartbreaking sorrow, yet his luminous school of thought and steadfast path shall remain alive, dynamic, and inspiring." He further emphasised that the nation is now at a critical juncture, remarking, "Now, at this decisive juncture, safeguarding this precious legacy and continuing the radiant path of that righteous servant of God constitute a historic mission and a grave responsibility upon us all." Regarding the future direction of the nation's ideology, Araghchi characterised it as "the path of faith, resistance, and hope--a path irrigated by the pure blood of martyrs and sustained by the unwavering resolve of its followers." The statement asserted that despite the killing of the leadership, the political vision would persist, noting that "the banner he raised shall not fall to the ground, faithful and steadfast hands will carry it to ever loftier summits." Echoing these sentiments, the Iranian foreign ministry also issued a separate statement following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing his death as a transformative moment for the nation and the wider Islamic world. In a post on X, the ministry reflected on his decades of leadership, stating that "The supreme leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali #Khamenei, lived a pious life, loved #Iran, secured Iran's independence, opposed foreign domination, and worked tirelessly for our country's resilience and fortitude." The statement further addressed the timing and nature of the killing, noting, "His last phase of life--an honorable and dignified death as a martyr on the 10th day of Ramadan at the hands of the most corrupt and criminal individuals on earth--turns him into an inspiring legend in the history of Iran and Islam." As official statements were issued in Tehran, large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across several countries following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets in grief and anger, according to Press TV. In Tehran and other Iranian cities, millions were reported to have mourned the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Crowds filled streets in Isfahan and Zanjan, while chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" echoed at the Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine in Qom, Press TV reported. In a symbolic gesture signalling retaliation, a red "flag of revenge" was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque, a site of religious significance in Iran. Outside Iran, solidarity gatherings were also reported. In Baghdad, crowds gathered in the streets to mourn. In India, visuals showed people assembling outside the Iran Cultural House in Delhi, where a meeting was scheduled to mourn Khamenei's death. Members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir staged a massive protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan headquarters in Srinagar following the news of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israel-led strikes. The protests were described as peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. According to Press TV, protests in Pakistan turned violent in some areas, with thousands reportedly gathering in Skardu, where the United Nations office was set on fire. In Karachi, demonstrators stormed the US consulate, leading to clashes with Pakistani security forces, and reports indicated that more than 10 people were killed after soldiers opened fire on protesters outside the consulate. Pakistani forces were seen confronting demonstrators amid heightened tensions following what protesters described as US and Israeli aggression, Press TV reported. Marking 40 days of public mourning, citizens chanted "God is great," paid tribute at holy sites, and protested the attacks, as Iran braces for a leadership transition and heightened national security IMAGE: Mourners gather at a university after the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Photograph: IRIB/ANI Photo Thousands in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad gathered to mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported. Key Points In the central Iranian city of Isfahan, residents gathered at Imam Square to protest the strikes. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran. Marking 40 days of public mourning, citizens chanted "God is great," paid tribute at holy sites, and protested the attacks, as Iran braces for a leadership transition and heightened national security. In the central Iranian city of Isfahan, residents gathered at Imam Square to protest the strikes and to mourn what state media termed the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei. Demonstrators raised slogans including "God is great" as the airstrikes continued. Meanwhile, in the northeastern city of Mashhad, mourners gathered at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH) to pay tribute to the late leader. This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Reuters cited Iranian state media reporting that 40 days of public mourning was announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. The country's supreme leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic -- the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard -- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. The official Farsi account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged his death and posted a verse from the Quran on X in the early hours of Sunday. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. The official Farsi page posted on X a verse from Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:23, which translates to "Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vow [by death], and some are still waiting, and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least." According to Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday while in office. It said on X, "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred at their workplace in the Leader's Residence. They were engaged in performing their assigned duties and present at their workplace (their office) at the moment of martyrdom, and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning." Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a US-Israeli attack, sparking celebrations in Iran and raising questions about the future of the regime. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Reuters Key Points Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in a joint US-Israeli attack. US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei's death, calling it an opportunity for Iranians to reclaim their country. Reports and videos show celebrations erupting in cities across Iran and among Iranian expatriates following the news of Khamenei's death. Satellite images reportedly show heavy damage to Khamenei's compound in Tehran following the airstrikes. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed. In a post on X, Press TV said, "Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran" United States President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their "greatest chance" to "take back" their country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." The Iranian States media reported that 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. Satellite images showed heavy damage at Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. The State media said that 40 days of public mourning has been announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. Iran vows revenge Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it will launch the "most-intense offensive operation" ever after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The most-intense offensive operation in the history of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin in moments, targeting (Israel) and American terrorist bases," it said. A presenter on Iran's state-run Press TV has warned US President Donald Trump and Israel that massive retaliation is imminent. "A revenge is COMING. A revenge is coming SOON. They will see what they have done," Voice of Press TVs Maryam Azarchehr said during a broadcast. She also drew a historical comparison, stating, "Imam Khamenei will go down in history as did Imam Ali," invoking one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. Celebrations Erupt Following Khamenei's Death Meanwhile, various reports emanating from Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report whistling and cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj in Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." In another self made Video Alinejad further said, "Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run. I want to just run and shout, and shout out of joy." Reports coming out of London also showed videos of expatriate Iranians and Israelis dancing and celebrating side by side on the streets of London. Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite Earlier, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. Due to escalating tensions and airspace restrictions in the Middle East, Indian airlines are bracing for significant flight cancellations, impacting international travel and requiring close monitoring by aviation authorities. IMAGE: Thousands of passengers stranded at airports around the world as geopolitical tensions escalated between Iran and the US. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters Key Points Indian airlines anticipate canceling 444 international flights due to Middle East airspace restrictions. The civil aviation ministry is monitoring the situation following attacks on Iran by Israel and the US. DGCA is coordinating with airlines to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Major airports are on operational alert to manage diversions and facilitate passengers. Indian airlines cancelled 350 international flights on Sunday as operational disruptions continued for the second day due to the escalating Middle East conflict. With airspace closures in the Middle East and security concerns, Air India and IndiGo have also cancelled their flights that use these airspaces. "In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on 01.03.2026," the civil aviation ministry said in a post on X at 1634 hours on Sunday. At 0125 hours, the ministry in an X post said that 444 international flights were expected to be cancelled on Sunday due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East. On February 28, the ministry said 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled. Air India and SpiceJet shared details about the number of flights cancelled through X posts. Air India said Sunday morning it had cancelled a total of 22 international flights, besides 28 it had announced on February 28 due to the Middle East crisis. According to SpiceJet, 33 flights to and from the UAE have been cancelled. Air India Express extended the suspension of flights to and from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates until 2359 hours IST on March 2. IndiGo said the temporary suspension of select international flights that use Middle East airspace, has been extended until 2359 hours IST on March 2. All airlines provided the updates through posts on X while Air India Express issued a statement. Meanwhile, the ministry also said it was closely coordinating with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support. Airlines are also offering waivers for rescheduling and cancellation charges. Air India and Air India Express said that for bookings made on or before February 28 with travel originally planned up to March 5, passengers can reschedule flights at no additional charge or request a full refund. This is for travel to and from the Middle East, which has been impacted due to the ongoing situation. At least 225 flights were cancelled at Delhi and Mumbai airports on Sunday. These include departures and arrivals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a crucial Cabinet Committee of Security meeting to address escalating global tensions following the recent attack on Iran and the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The meeting is prompted by the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US and Israeli operation. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, US military installations, and Dubai, causing widespread disruption. Hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai and other airports due to flight disruptions caused by the military escalation in West Asia. Protests erupted in Pakistan, resulting in casualties as demonstrators clashed with police near the US Consulate in Karachi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security in Delhi on Sunday night, government sources said. The meeting is believed to have been convened in the wake of the prevailing global situation following the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The prime minister will chair a meeting of the CCS on returning to Delhi tonight from his two-day tour of the states. He is expected to land here at around 9.30 pm," a source said. Modi had visited Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the two-day tour. The CCS is the highest decision-making body on security and strategic matters of the country. The prime minister heads the CCS while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are its members. Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States. Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency announced the 86-year-old's death early Sunday. The announcements came after a joint US and Israeli aerial bombardment from Saturday that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. US President Donald Trump said it gave the Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. Trump said the heavy and pinpoint bombing was to continue through the week or as long as necessary. Iran responded to the assault by firing drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf, and also at the global business hub of Dubai. On Sunday, mourners belonging to the Shia community took to the streets in various parts of India to express outrage and grief over the killing of Khamenei. With flight services disrupted due to the military escalation in West Asia, hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports, with many of them taking to social media to appeal to the Indian government for assistance. In Pakistan, at least 10 people were killed and several were injured on Sunday after clashes broke out between police and protesters as they tried to storm the gates of the US Consulate in Pakistan's port city of Karachi. National Bank said it is continuing to integrate CWB with a focus on client transition. Gingras reported the bank has realized CAD 176 million of cost and funding synergies to date, exceeding its year-one target of CAD 135 million , and reiterated it remains on track to deliver CAD 270 million by the end of fiscal 2026. On revenue synergies, management said it is progressing toward a CAD 50 million target by year-end and characterized first-quarter progress as slightly ahead of plan. Management also announced it is seeking regulatory approval to upsize its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 14.5 million shares , up from 8 million . The bank has repurchased 6.4 million shares to date under its current program, representing about 80% of the existing authorization. CFO Marie-Chantal Gingras said buybacks reduced the CET1 ratio by 33 basis points during the quarter. The bank posted a 16.6% return on equity (ROE) and ended the quarter with a CET1 ratio of 13.7% (reported as 13.74% by the CFO). Ferreira also said the bank intends to continue operating with strong capital levels while targeting a CET1 ratio converging towards 13% by the end of 2027 . For the first quarter of 2026, National Bank generated earnings per share (EPS) of CAD 3.25 , an 11% increase year-over-year. President and CEO Laurent Ferreira said results were supported by strong performance across retail and business segments, cost and funding synergies tied to the CWB transaction, and share buybacks. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA) reported a strong start to fiscal 2026, with management highlighting double-digit earnings growth, continued integration progress following the Canadian Western Bank (CWB) transaction, and an expanded share repurchase plan. Management raised its Outlook, expecting 2026 EPS growth at the top end of the prior 510% range and lifting the 2026 ROE target to about 16% , while maintaining cautious credit guidance with PCLs expected in the 2535 bps range for 2026. CWB integration is ahead of planmanagement has realized CAD 176 million of cost and funding synergies (above the yearone target of CAD 135 million ) and remains on track for CAD 270 million by endFY2026, with revenue synergies progressing toward a CAD 50 million target. National Bank delivered a strong Q1 with EPS of CAD 3.25 (up 11% YoY), a 16.6% ROE and a CET1 ratio of 13.7% , and announced plans to upsized its NCIB to repurchase up to 14.5 million shares (buybacks cut CET1 by 33 bps this quarter). Story Continues During the Q&A, Commercial and Private Banking head Judith Menard said early revenue synergies were showing up primarily as non-interest income tied to capital markets, including risk management solutions and M&A activity. She also said the bank expects net interest income synergies to begin materializing in the second half of 2026. Menard noted the final client migration and conversion was completed last weekend, calling it a major milestone, while adding that training and continued integration work remain ongoing. Home Depot & Lowes: Buying the Earnings Dip Separately, Ferreira noted the bank had closed a syndicated loan transaction with Laurentian Bank earlier in the month, with retail SME portfolios expected to close by late 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Gingras reiterated the previously disclosed expectation that the Laurentian transaction should generate 1.5% to 2% EPS accretion in the first year, which management equated to roughly 30 basis points of ROE. Segment performance highlights Management pointed to contributions across all major business lines: Personal and Commercial (P&C) Banking: Revenues were more than $1.5 billion and net income was $442 million . Ferreira said personal mortgages grew 3% sequentially, which he described as a strong start toward a mid-single-digit growth target for 2026. Commercial loans grew 1% sequentially, and management still expects to begin growing the CWB portfolio in the second half of the year. Wealth Management: Net income increased 13% year-over-year to CAD 274 million , supported by fee-based and transaction revenue growth. Asset under administration rose 3% sequentially to nearly CAD 900 billion , helped by resilient equity markets and strong net sales. Capital Markets: Net income was CAD 443 million , up 6% year-over-year, driven by both trading and non-trading activity. Ferreira cited equities strength supported by securities finance and higher structured-product issuance, along with steady opportunities in rates and credit. Management also noted strong equity and debt issuance supporting corporate and investment banking revenues. Credigy: Net income was CAD 47 million , with average assets up 9% year-over-year and 1% sequentially. Management said it remained disciplined given competitive pricing conditions. ABA Bank: Net income increased 9% year-over-year on balance sheet growth and a build in performing provisions. Revenues rose 13% year-over-year, with deposits up 18% and loans up 11%. On the P&C segments ROE, Ferreira acknowledged it was subpar versus our peers and said the bank has started a strategic review with updates expected later in the year. Revenue growth, margins, and balance sheet trends Gingras said first-quarter revenues rose 21% year-over-year and pre-tax pre-provision earnings (PTPP) increased 23%, driven by organic performance across segments and the CWB transaction. Excluding CWB, revenues grew 11% and PTPP rose 12%. Expenses increased 10.2%, largely due to higher variable compensation; excluding variable compensation, expenses were up 8.6% on salaries and benefits. Net interest income (excluding trading) grew 5% sequentially. The bank also generated CAD 12 million in payment revenues in Credigy, adding one basis point to the all-bank margin. In P&C, management cited two basis points of sequential margin expansion driven by higher margins on both loans and deposits. Gingras noted a $30 million reclassification of net interest income from trading to non-trading with no impact on total revenues, and said P&C net interest margin is expected to remain relatively stable next quarter. Loans increased 23% year-over-year (or 9% excluding CWB), reflecting contributions from all segments, while deposits increased $5 billion (or 2%) sequentially. Personal deposits rose CAD 1.5 billion, which management said was driven mostly by wealth management and ABA. In Q&A, Personal Banking head Julie Levesque said personal deposits were down about 1% quarter-over-quarter, largely due to expected attrition in CWBs deposit book, which she described as more rate-sensitive and built around higher-rate offerings. Levesque added that with rates expected to remain low, deposit growth should stay neutral. Credit performance and outlook Chief Risk Officer Jean-Sebastien Grise said Canadian growth remained modest and the labor market soft, with persistent headwinds tied to trade tensions and uncertainty around CUSMA. Despite the environment, he said the banks portfolio mix and provisioning supported strong credit performance. Total provisions for credit losses (PCL) were CAD 244 million, or 32 basis points, down one basis point from the previous quarter. Performing provisions increased by three basis points, driven mainly by portfolio growth and partially offset by more favorable macroeconomic scenarios. PCL on impaired loans were CAD 215 million, or 28 basis points, stable quarter-over-quarter and within the banks 2535 basis point guidance for the full year. The gross impaired loan ratio was 111 basis points (excluding USSF&I), while impaired loans were 81 basis points and flat sequentially. Management said it remains cautious given uncertainty and maintained its impaired PCL outlook of 2535 basis points for 2026. In discussing its ROE framework, Gingras added that the banks 2027 ROE path does not assume any credit upside from improving losses. Looking ahead, Gingras said the bank now expects 2026 EPS growth to be at the top end of its previously communicated 5% to 10% outlook and raised its fiscal 2026 ROE target to around 16% from around 15%, citing first-quarter momentum, synergy execution, credit performance within guidance, and the pace of buybacks. About National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA) National Bank of Canada is the sixth-largest Canadian bank. The bank offers integrated financial services, primarily in the province of Quebec as well as the city of Toronto. Operational segments include personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and a financial markets group. The article "National Bank of Canada Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments. IMAGE: Shiite Muslims gather for a protest march and chant anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes, in Srinagar on March 1, 2026. Photographs: Sharafat Ali/Reuters Key Points Hundreds of protestors, mainly from Shia communities, marched peacefully in the streets. Demonstrators voiced strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments during the protests. The protests were triggered by reports of a US-Israel strike that allegedly killed the Iranian leader. From Kashmir to Karnataka, Shia mourners took to the streets in various parts of India on Sunday to express outrage and grief over the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike. Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint Israel-US attack on Iran. Iranian state media confirmed the same on Sunday, triggering a wave of protests and mourning across the world, including India. Kashmir - which has about 15 lakh Shias - witnessed major protests at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama, an official said. The protesters were seen beating their chests as they shouted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and appealed for calm amid widespread protests. Shiite Muslim women react as they gather for a protest march. "Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest," the Office of Chief Minister said in a post on X. Abdullah also said that his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of J-K residents, including students, currently in Iran. Expressing "profound anguish" over the assassination of Khamenei, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah urged the administration to handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that those who wish to mourn are able to do so respectfully. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, said he was deeply saddened and outraged at Khamenei's killing. "Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab," the Mirwaiz said in a post on X. Scores of mourners took to the streets across Ladakh, too, where men and women, dressed in black and carrying portraits of the slain leader, marched through Leh and Kargil, raising slogans against the United States and Israel. In Kargil, religious organisations announced a seven-day mourning period, including two days of processions to denounce the US-Israel military action on Iran. Special prayers were offered for the departed leader, and the groups said condolence gatherings would continue for 40 days at Jamia Masjid Kargil. Many Muslim bodies and organisations across the country announced a multiple-day mourning period and scheduled their protests on Monday as well in memory of the Iranian leader. Uttar Pradesh, which has a sizeable Muslim population, witnessed widespread anger and sorrow in several places, including Lucknow. A large number of people gathered near the Bara Imambara mosque in the state capital and shouted slogans during the protest, with women mourners clinging to the Iranian leader's photo and weeping. Describing Khamenei's martyrdom as a huge loss to humanity and the silencing of a strong voice for their rights, the protesters held demonstrations at the Chhota Imambara in Lucknow and condemned the "cowardly" act of the US and Israel. Similarly, Jaunpur, Muzzafarnagar, and even Aligharh, where students came out to protests, cried out in anger and condemned the "cowardly" act of the US and Israel. Punjab, which has a minuscule Muslim population, saw protests too with effigies being burnt in Ludhiana. Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, who led the protest, demanded that the central government declare a week-long national mourning. Rehmani urged Muslims worldwide to unite against such challenges, terming Khamenei a great martyr and condemning his killing in the strongest terms. The Shia community in Ajmer announced a three-day mourning over the killing of Khamenei. The announcement was made by Syed Asif Ali, a community leader, who appealed to members of the community to observe mourning and refrain from celebrations during the period. Condolence meetings were also organised at Dargah in Dorai and Taragarh in Ajmer, where members of the community offered prayers and expressed grief over the incident. Meanwhile, several devotees from Jodhpur are stranded in Dubai after their return flights were cancelled following attacks near Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Madhya Pradesh's state capital Bhopal, a condolence meeting was held after Zohr prayers at the Ale Mohammad Shia Jama Masjid in the Karond area. Addressing the gathering, Imam Bankar Hussain said Khamenei's "martyrdom" and contribution to Islam would always be remembered. History bears witness that the departure of an individual does not end an ideology or movement, but gives it renewed momentum, Imam Hussain said. Another cleric, Imam Syed Azhar Hussaini, stated that Khamenei had never discriminated against people based on their sect or community. In Hyderabad, the Purani Haveli area became a centre of protest when a large number of people, including women and children clad in black, participated in a rally and raised slogans against the US and Israel. Sentiments also poured out in Jharkhand, where a procession was taken out by the state unit of the All India Shia Personal Law Board from a mosque near Church Road in Ranchi. Participants displayed photos of Khamenei and raised slogans against his killing. The state unit of All India Shia Personal Law Board said, "The martyrdom of Khamenei will never go in vain. The US and Israel will face the consequences." In neighbouring Chhattisgarh, posters hailing Khamenei and pamphlets slamming the US and Israel were spotted in the Mominpara area of Raipur. A group of men dressed in black kurtas raised slogans against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Police personnel were deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, as locals had planned to organise a candle march. However, in Karnataka's Alipura village, where Khamenei once visited, shops and commercial establishments were voluntarily closed. Villagers announced a three-day mourning period as a mark of tribute to the Shia supreme leader. All celebrations and public events were suspended to maintain a peaceful environment in this village. According to villagers, Ali Khamenei visited the village in 1986. In a coordinated military operation, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, escalating tensions amid stalled nuclear talks and claims of resumed nuclear activities, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader. IMAGE: A still image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) shows a rocket launch from a ship. Photographs: US CENTCOM on X via Reuters Key Points The US and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes in Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, targeting major Iranian cities. The airstrikes were reportedly triggered by stalled nuclear talks and concerns over Iran's nuclear activities. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was reportedly killed in the major strike. US CENTCOM and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the operation as a response to threats from the Iranian regime and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The US has vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to retaliate against any threats to Americans. The United States Central Command has shared glimpses of "swift and decisive action" against the Iranian regime. The US and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes across Iran yesterday after stalled nuclear talks and claims that Iran had resumed its nuclear activities. The mission, named Operation Epic Fury, targeted several major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran. In the major strike, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed. A screengrab from a video released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) shows an unmanned aerial vehicle on a runway at an unknown location. A screengrab from a video shows smoke and dust rising following an explosion at an unknown location following the US and Israel strikes on Iran. In a post on X, US CENTCOM wrote, "As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow." A F/A18 Super Hornet taking off from an aircraft carrier. Trump said that Iran must not take such a step, otherwise it will result in a strong attack with a 'force which they have never seen before.' IMAGE: Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, on February 28, 2026. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a warning to Iran, after it vowed to give a strong response to US-Israel joint strikes that resulted in the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Key Points Iran termed the death of its supreme leader Khamenei as a 'crime of assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution will not go unpunished.' Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a Truth Social post, Trump said that Iran must not take such a step, otherwise it will result in a strong attack with a "force which they have never seen before." "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. According to Press TV, Iran termed the death of its supreme leader Khamenei as a "crime of assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution will not go unpunished" and asserted that the "pure blood of the martyred Leader will uproot the criminal regimes of the US and Israel." Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. His death is being portrayed by state media as the Martyrdom of the Guardian, framing his end not as a defeat, but as a final sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation. As per Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed while at the workplace in the early hours of Sunday. The official Farsi account of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged his death and posted a verse from the Quran from Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:23, which translates to "Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vow [by death], and some are still waiting, and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least." BRATTLEBORO Education, housing and infrastructure are agreed to be important ongoing priorities for legislators in the new session as they t 3 The image on the left of the Tabriz missile base in northwestern Iran was taken on February 23. The image on the right was taken six days later on March 1 after the base was attacked. David Ellison finally got what he wanted but his prize didnt come cheap. His pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. was nearly thwarted by a wealthy rival suitor, Netflix Inc., which ultimately forced Ellisons Paramount Skydance Corp. to shell out at least $31 billion more than it planned for the legendary Hollywood studio. Most Read from Bloomberg The staggering price, representing one of the biggest media deals in the past decade, came to $31-a-share in cash, or $111 billion including debt, and was high enough for Netflix to walk away rather than increase its offer of $27.75. Ellison had to add in other sweeteners too, including securing additional backing of his billionaire father, taking on $57.5 billion in debt and agreeing to pay the $2.8 billion breakup fee to Netflix. We engaged with four bidders, which led to eight price increases and have thus far achieved a 63% increase in value versus the first offer received in September, delivering significant value for WBD shareholders throughout the process, Warner Bros. Chief Executive Officer David Zaslav told investors on a recent call to discuss earnings. Some analysts thought Paramount would have to raise its bid to as high as $32 a share to win out after Warner Bros. signed a deal with Netflix and claimed its offer was superior. If you had asked me at the beginning of this process, is this company going to sell for 30 bucks? I wouldve said, No freaking way, said Douglas Arthur, an analyst at Huber Research Partners. Paramounts proposal values Warner Bros. at 12.5 times forward earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, compared with Walt Disney Co.s purchase of 21st Century Fox Corp. in 2019 at around 14.5 times, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Geetha Ranganathan. Heres how Ellison got there (selected timeline): KARACHI -- At least nine protesters have been killed and 32 injured in clashes after hundreds of Pakistans pro-Iran Shi'a Muslims, angry over the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stormed the US Consulate in the port city of Karachi. The Imamia Students Organization (ISO), the student wing of Shi'a political and religious groups, advanced on the consulate on March 1, a day after Khamenei died in US and Israeli air strikes. The protesters smashed windows and doors at the consulate in an attempt to take over the building. They breached the perimeter, but not the actual building, as Pakistani security forces responded, resulting in the deaths of nine protesters, rescue officials told RFE/RLs Radio Mashaal. Violent Pro-Iran Protest Hits US Consulate In Karachi by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:21 0:00 Officials said the situation remains very tense in Karachi as police struggle to keep the protesters, estimated to number about 1,500, away from the area. Another group estimated to be double in size was seen moving toward the consulate from another road in the city. Clashes with security enforcement was reported there as well. Sources in the city administration told Radio Mashaal that the army may be called into the city if the number of protesters continues to grow. The situation was similar in other cities around Pakistan, with protests by Shi'a Muslims, who comprise about 20 percent of the population, in Peshawar, Lahore, and the capital, Islamabad. In Islamabad, hundreds of protesters faced heavy tear gas shelling by the police as they attempt to reach the US Embassy there. Another group, numbering around 1,000 according to officials, launched a sit-in protest a few kilometers away from the embassy. "We are monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional demonstrations at US Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Peshawar," the embassy in Islamabad said in a post on X. In an attempt to quell unrest, Pakistani authorities have invoked Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings and carrying arms, among other restrictions. In Peshawar, hundreds of Shi'a protesters and ISO members have gathered, and their number is increasing. The organizers told Radio Mashaal that they plan to march on the US consulate. Heavy contingents of police have been deployed around the consulate, and armored vehicles are patrolling parts of the city. Shi'a religious and political groups have also started a sit-in protest in front of the US consulate in Lahore. Numbering around 1,000, they are accompanied by women and children. Police have erected barriers to secure the main gate of the consulate. Pakistan-Afghan Violence Flares Meanwhile, Pakistan is also dealing with what it called "open war" with neighboring Afghanistan. Early on March 2, explosions were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, as the Taliban rulers said they were responding to Pakistani air attacks. Months of clashes near the border regions have killed hundreds of soldiers and civilians on both sides. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harboring extremists who cross the border into Pakistan to conduct operations. Taliban leaders deny the allegations. Jack Keane, a retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, says the US-Israeli military campaign launched against Iran on February 28 is a calculated effort to dismantle the Islamic Republics political and military architecture. Keane, who now serves as chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, told RFE/RL in an interview the strikes, and reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation made for a historic day of tremendous significance. Keane said the first phase of the operation has exceeded expectations, pointing to strikes that targeted senior leadership, missile systems, drone infrastructure, and key elements of Irans military command structure. The campaign was designed to strip away the entire political leadership and the structures that support it, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and to continue for two to three weeks if necessary, depending on how the regime responds, he added. RFE/RL: General, first, what are your thoughts on this extremely busy day, including President Trump's confirmation that Khamenei has been killed? Jack Keane: Well, I think it's an historic day of tremendous significance because President Trump and [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu have made a decision that they're not going to permit the Iranian regime to continue to destabilize the Middle East, to continue to conduct proxy wars, to continue the ballistic missile development program and their nuclear program. They have decided that they want to put the Iranian regime on a pathway to its collapse and return to a democratic form of government at some point. That is the decision that has been made and it's being reflected in this brilliant military operation that is being executed today. So we're stopping the Iranians from having the capability to impose their will in the region, number one, and number two, setting the conditions so that the regime will collapse and eventually the people of Iran will take their country back. RFE/RL: General, what is your assessment of this military operation, your sense of how day 1 has gone and what's going to happen next? Keane: In talking to our US Military leaders and Israeli military leaders, which I have been doing all day, the operation is exceeding their expectations in a couple of areas. Number one, on the offensive side of it, the fact that we have killed 40 leaders to include the Ayatollah is exactly what we expected, but we absolutely did not anticipate that much success. And I think what happened, so our audience understands, is this: Today was Ramadan; it was also Shabbat Saturday. There were also meetings taking place during the daytime. The Iranian military regime certainly is alert at night, believing the Israelis and the Americans would come for them at night. So the operation was actually planned for later tonight, and they accelerated it because of the opportunity to take down these leaders. So that opportunity was seized upon and very successful. The second thing is we have had significant success against Iran's ballistic missile launchers and systems, rockets and drone storage, as well as defending against those attacks. As of this interview, there's been no US casualties, despite the significant numbers of attacks. And there's been some Israeli casualties, I believe. I'm aware of one person killed and light casualties in terms of minor injuries. So the defensive systems by and large are working. So the operation is moving on. We have planned this to go for two to three weeks if necessary. A lot depends on whether the regime stays intact or not or begins to fall apart. If they capitulate and surrender and is willing to turn power over, then likely we would make a deal with them. But without that, we're going to continue to conduct this operation and pursue our military objectives. RFE/RL: What challenges do you see lying ahead? Keane: I think there's two challenges. One, the defensive challenge of protecting so many bases in the region that the United States has, and certainly that is a formidable challenge. And all of those bases as you know, are in close proximity to Iran and particularly to the drones that they have. The Iranian military is very good at producing drones. So our audience understands these drones that they hear about being used in Russia, the Shahed drones that attack the Ukrainian people, five, six, hundred every night, they're all Iranian drones made in Russia. And that is what the Iranians are using. We call them the killer drones because it doesn't fly back. It's a weapon system and that's what they're using against the US bases. So that's a challenge. But so far we've been doing well with it. And certainly the Israelis are concerned about Iran's ability, can they mass a ballistic missiles attack and overwhelmed their defensive systems? They have not been able to do that. And then the other challenge is it just takes time. Our plan so our audience understands we are not taking lightly how the regime holds on to power. So we have deliberate and methodical plans to strip away the entire political leadership and the structures that support it, the parliament, different agencies, the National Security Council, and then on the military and security side to strip away the IRGC. I'm not just talking about the leaders, I'm talking about the whole infrastructure that supports it, the technology that supports them. I'm not just talking about leaders. We're talking about everybody in the system. The Basij militia, the police enforcement and also the defense industrial base, those firms that are out there, the manufacturing capability - this is a very comprehensive plan to take down all that the regime uses to sustain itself. And that is a challenge, but we are absolutely committed to it. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump have said yes to that plan and we are about executing that and we're in the very early stages of it. RFE/RL: General, can this mission be accomplished without boots on the ground? Keane: Yes, in terms of what we want to do. I mean, people make too much out of this. The fact that the day after is ambiguous. When we put boots on the ground in Panama in 89 and Haiti in 94, Afghanistan 2001, and Iraq in 2003, the mission was to change the regime, to change the political order. And we did that. But we also struggled in all four cases except Haiti, where we returned (Jean-Bertrand) Aristide to power, who was deposed. And the three of the other four cases, we still struggle in terms of who's the new government, how effective are they going to be, what kind of help do they need from us? What is the deposed regime going to do as a result of that? Are they going to continue to attack us? So boots on the ground doesn't necessarily make it all that easier. There are still challenges there. I'm not dismissing the challenges that are facing us here without having boots on the ground. But in our judgment, we can accomplish what we want to do without taking the added risk to do that, which would mean we would have to occupy the country as a result of it. And we do not want to do that. We want the Iranian people to occupy their own country and to run it. So our audience understands, mostly authoritarian regimes when they turn over, they turn over to another authoritarian regime, admittedly, maybe less ideological, which I think may happen here, a little bit more nationalistic, but something that we'll be able to work with and bend to our will and then put that regime on a path to transition to elections and a democracy. That won't happen immediately, certainly. It's not happening immediately in Venezuela, although that's a different case study, to be sure, but it's a useful illustration. So, yes, I'm not dismissing the challenges here, but if we're successful in taking down the leadership of this regime and decapitating the ability to sustain itself where it's negative in terms of its military capability and it's stripped of its power over the Iranian people, then I think we have really accomplished something. And we'll go through a process and a transition that will take some time. But look back at where we're coming from and where we're going and how marvelous that will be for the Iranian people. I know they're sheltered, but I also suspect they're very celebratory. Certainly they want to make certain they're not harmed by what is going on by the Israelis and the US Military, and we have no intent to harm them whatsoever. But human beings make mistakes in war, and so do machines. So people have to protect themselves and stay sheltered. But when this is over, they can rise, and rise they will, and I'm totally confident about that. And what a joy that's going to be when the world witnesses the rise of the Iranian people, supported by what Israel and the United States have done. And credit, credit the Iranian people for their steadfastness and what they did to push back on the regime, taking to the streets by the hundreds of thousands, even though they were being wounded and killed by this diabolical regime, what bravery they have displaced. And as they take to the streets once again at the termination of hostilities, I know they will carry in their heart the message that their predecessors did as they were out on those streets and got bloodied doing the very same things the Iranian people would do again. Freedom for Iran is what we want, and we're on the pathway. RFE/RL: General, your personal reflections, if this is indeed the end of the Islamic Republic, it's been 47 years. You've seen with your own eyes the dangers posed by this regime. What are your own personal views right now? Is there anyone who you're thinking about now? Keane: Well, I am thinking about my fellow Americans and my fellow soldiers and Marines that have been killed by this regime, starting back in 1983 when they took down the Marine barracks, 241 Marines and some civilians, and then the US embassy in Lebanon, the US embassy in Kuwait in 84, and then the Khobar Towers, which was an Air Force barracks that existed in Saudi Arabia. And they killed us and wounded us there. And then the Iranians designed a special enhanced IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) that penetrated our tanks and our most armoured fighting vehicles. At a minimum, they killed 600American troops that they targeted. And the reality is, the last commander we had, I asked him: What do you think the real number? This is General Lloyd Austin, who became Secretary of Defense under President Biden. He said, General Keane, I think the number is closer to 2,000. So they have killed thousands of Americans, and obviously they've killed considerably more, tens of thousands of Iranians. I sense of relief for Americans who sacrificed their lives and the families out there, as well as the Iranian families who have been tortured and killed and maimed by this regime and equally important, denied the freedoms and the way of life that people want to have for their children and their grandchildren. We are knocking on freedom's door here. We're not there yet, but we're getting close and a sense of relief is coming as a result of it. Sometimes you just have to use military force to stop evil and to stop something that's bad. That is what drives President Trump. He's a peace president. That's his mantra. But he's not afraid to use force to stop evil from imposing its will on others, and that is what we're seeing happening here. Attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will likely have little effect on the battlefield in Ukraine, but it may make Russian President Vladimir Putin "even more adamant that he has to come out on top" in the full-scale war he launched four years ago, Hanna Notte, an expert on Russian-Iran ties, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Notte, a Berlin-based analyst who is director for Eurasia at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, among other roles, spoke to RFE/RL on March 1. RFE/RL: With[former Syria President Bashar] al-Assad and [Nicolas] Maduro's demise, how big a blow is this after the Syria and Venezuela situations for Russia or [for Russian President Vladimir] Putin's global standing and prestige? Hanna Notte: There are two ways of looking at the question. On the one hand, it's hard to argue that this is not a blow to Russia's reputation because we have now seen a string of actions against Russia's partners and allies -- Assad, Maduro, Khamenei -- that make Russia look rather passive. You have this accumulation of Russian partners coming under pressure. There's concern in Russia that Cuba might be next this year. That would then be the fourth Russian ally to come under pressure. So that's one thing. But then if we ask about the concrete, tangible consequences for Russia, that's where I am less sure this is really consequential for Russia's global standing. I'll give you a few reasons. The first is that I don't think these developments have a direct bearing on Russia's ability to prosecute the war against Ukraine. There's an understanding that how the war in Ukraine ends and how Russia fares in that war [is] the ultimate referendum on Russian power -- not what happens in Venezuela or in Iran but what happens in Ukraine. If the Americans now get sucked into a protracted war in the Middle East, that could alleviate some pressure on Russia in Ukraine. So that's the first thing to say here. When it comes tonon-Western attitudes toward Russia and the question of whether Russia's reputation is suffering because of its inability to protect its partners, I would also be cautious to draw any firm conclusions. In the Global South [there is] a reading of the war in Ukraine, according to which Russia is not just fighting Ukraine but all of NATO. And that is a more forgiving judgment on Russia's power projection elsewhere. Meaning, what you'll hear in the Global South is, 'Well, of course, Russia can't save Maduro or Iran. It is fighting a war in Ukraine against the entire collective West.' So, I'm not sure Russia's reputation is going to massively suffer as a result of this war. What remains to be seen is what this will do to Russian interests in the Middle East. That will very much depend on how this war shakes out further, and on internal developments inside Iran. The future of the Russia-Iran partnership will hinge on the extent to which Iran emerges very weakened out of this war and who will assume leadership. If there's continued clerical rule or if the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) takes over, there are good chances the Russia-Iran partnership will endure. But if there's regime change and forces take over that want more pragmatic relations with the West, with the United States, then that could have a bearing on Russia's relationship with Iran. But it's too early to tell where we're headed on this. RFE/RL: Do you think there's a good chance that Iran could continue with clerical rule or with the IRGC? Notte: I just don't know. We're all speculating on what's going to happen inside Iran over the next weeks or months. So far, there's indication that the regime structures remain in place and that what could replace Khamenei would likely see some continuation in Iranian foreign policy as opposed to a complete break. But we also don't know how this war is going to shake out over the coming days. A key question to watch will be who else the United States and Israel will target in terms of senior leadership structures, mid-tier, lower tier -- who will be left, basically, at the end of this war? What kind of internal dynamics will this usher in? Many dynamics led to this point, but it's also the reality that the economic situation in Iran has been absolutely dire for a long time and hasn't been greatly alleviated by Russian or Chinese support. So sanctions relief and economic relief will be also key for Iran emerging from this, which might be another factor prompting [Tehran] toward some pragmatism vis-a-vis the West. But again, it will be contingent on many factors. RFE/RL: Do you think there's anything that Russia can do, or is maybe doing, to try to steer the outcome to something that's closer to what would enable it to retain some relationship? Notte: What we know is that Russia is very swift in moving in to salvage its interests once it is presented with an undesirable situation. After events in Venezuela, the Russians immediately started to engage Delcy Rodriguez and probably other elements within the Venezuelan system to try to preserve their interests. In Syria, we saw that play out, too, where the Russians, after the fall of the Assad regime, moved in swiftly to leverage their relationships to preserve their interests and their influence. And they did so fairly successfully in Syria. Iran will be no exception to this rule. [Russia] will try to do the same. But, you know, at the moment we have a hot war ongoing. So there's little the Russians can do at this point because they, like everyone else, have to watch how this military operation shakes out. It's highly unlikely Russia could now provide emergency military assistance to Iran or deliver air defenses or deliver weapons while you have a hot war ongoing. Maybe there's intelligence support Russia can provide, but in terms of military equipment, they can't. In terms of steering the actual military exchanges, Russia is very limited in what it can do. Maybe they would weigh in behind the scenes diplomatically to try to add pressure on the US and Israel to end the war. I'm sure Russian diplomats are involved in those kinds of efforts. We saw Russia at the UN Security Council yesterday. But again, the question here is, to what extent are the Russians being listened to? But then when it comes to getting their ducks in a row for a post-Khamenei future, I'm sure this is already in the works and Russia will do what it does, which is to try to turn adversity into opportunity and make sure its interests are preserved to the extent that it is possible, like they did in Venezuela and Syria. RFE/RL: Is it true that this [attack on Iran] will probably have little effect on the battlefield in Ukraine, because the weapons that Russia is getting from Iran [are] not a huge factor anymore? And is the hope in the Kremlin simply that the US will be distracted and will either walk away from Ukraine or that this will somehow lead to the US putting more pressure on Ukraine to accede to Russia's demands? Notte: On the first question, yes, it's my assessment that Russia's ability to prosecute the war in Ukraine does not depend much on Iranian support at this point because of the localization of Shahed [drone] production. It doesn't mean there was no defense cooperation between Russia and Iran in the recent past that benefited Russia. There were still some newer drone designs that they were cooperating on. But by and large the ability to churn out high numbers of improved Shaheds -- the ones that we've seen hit Ukraine's energy infrastructure through the winter -- is no longer dependent on Iranian support. I don't see that Russia's war against Ukraine will be materially affected by what's happening with Iran. As to the second question: From the limited commentary we've seen come out of Russia -- Russian experts weighing in, elites -- there is some hope [in Russia] that the benefit that might accrue to Russia from this situation would be a distraction of the United States in the Middle East, the US getting bogged down, which would then enable Russia to get a beneficial deal in Ukraine. RFE/RL: The last question is mostly about Putin: Is this a personal blow to him, in terms of showing that the US and/or Israel can kill a foreign leader? People say the death of Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi had a big effect on Putin. Supposedly, that was one of the main factors in him returning instead of letting Dmitry Medvedev stay in power in 2012. Do you think that aspect of it is a big deal for Putin, and that this may somehow change his attitude toward Ukraine, making him even more determined to get what he wants? Could these developments [change Putin's attitude toward] the Trump administration or the US? Notte: If I read Putin's remarks this morning correctly, he was harsh in terms of characterizing the killing [of Khamenei], but he did not directly label Trump or the United States. This suggests that Putin's overarching play from the last year, which is to not antagonize Trump and to try to stay on decent terms with Trump, has not changed and will not change as a result of this. I don't see Putin or the Kremlin, as a result of this war and the killing of Khamenei, turning against the United States or being prepared to see their relationship with the United States sour. I think what we'll see is a continuation of this bifurcated rhetoric on the Russian side, where the Russian [Foreign Ministry] and other Russian voices will be allowed to go all in in terms of criticizing the United States, and Putin and the Kremlin will refrain from doing so. Having said that, I think this is shocking for Putin -- to see the ease with which Trump can swoop in and take Maduro and then swoop in [in Iran, where Khamenei was killed during US and Israeli air strikes on February 28.] That is very unwelcome from the Kremlin's point of view, and [Russian foreign policy analyst] Fyodor Lukyanov insinuated that in a way what's happened with Khamenei is even worse than with Qaddafi, because Qaddafi's killing, while enabled by external intervention, was carried out by Libyans, whereas in Iran's case, outside forces directly killed Khamenei. I think all of this will only harden Russia's position on Ukraine. That's my gut feeling: That [it will make] Putin even more adamant that he has to come out on top in Ukraine. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Israel pounded locations across Iran on the second day of a joint attack by Tel Aviv and Washington, as Tehran retaliated, firing missiles at targets around the Persian Gulf. US officials said at least three US military personnel were killed. A day after the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli strike, Iranian officials on March 1 installed new leadership, announcing an interim, three-man council to govern until Khamenei's replacement could be named. Israel's Air Force said on March 1 it was striking targets "belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran." Video from Tehran showed huge clouds of smoke billowing over the city in several locations. In addition to Khamenei, the joint US-Israeli air assault, which started on the morning of February 28, killed several other top political and military officials, including officers with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Ali Larijani, a member of the interim council and the country's top national-security official, vowed that Tehran would hit US and Israeli targets with a force they have never experienced before. US President Donald Trump said that 48 Iranian leaders have been killed. "Nobody can believe the success we're having, 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And it's moving along rapidly," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. Officials from US Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, announced that three US military personnel have been killed in action and five seriously wounded. The announcement gave no details where and how the personnel were targeted saying only that several other troops sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. Gallery Compare: Satellite Images Show Iranian Missile Base Before And After Strikes Satellite images taken by Planet Labs PBC reveal the damage inflicted on an Iranian missile base in northwestern Tabriz. The base was hit on February 28 as the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran, killing the country's supreme leader and top military figures. The assault -- the second in a year that Israel and the United States have attacked Iran -- followed weeks of fraught negotiations over the fate of Iran's nuclear ambitious. Washington and Tel Aviv have accused Tehran of seeking to build atomic weapons; Tehran says its aspirations are peaceful. Attack On US Consulate In Karachi The attacks on Iran prompted an angry response in some parts of the region. In Karachi, Pakistan, a crowd of students tried to storm the US consulate. Several people were killed after gunfire erupted between police and members of the Imamia Students Organization, which is linked to Shi'a political parties. Iranians adhere to the Shi'a form of Islam. Video shot shortly after the incident by RFE/RL showed a building in flames, a charred motorcycle, and the heavy presence of Pakistani security forces. Violent Pro-Iran Protest Hits US Consulate In Karachi by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:21 0:00 Clashes were also reported near the US Embassy in Baghdad, while the US Embassy in Oman's main city instructed staff to "shelter in place" due to unspecified "ongoing activity" outside the capital. A drone attack was reported on an Omani port and on an oil tanker, the Skylight, off the coast. At least four people were injured and the whole crew of 20 people was evacuated, reports said. The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned what it called Iran's "blatant aggression" against Oman, which has been the key mediator in US-Iranian negotiations. Iran has retaliated to the US-Israeli strikes by launching dozens of missiles at Israel itself. Several people were reported killed in a rocket strike on Beit Shemesh, about 40 kilometers west of Jerusalem. Loud blasts were heard in Dubai and the Qatari capital, Doha, for a second day. The Defense Ministry of the United Arab Emirates reported that Iran had now fired 165 ballistic missiles and 54 drones. Most had been intercepted but three people had been killed and 58 injured by those that got through, the ministry said. British Defense Minister John Healey said two Iranian ballistic missiles were shot down as they approached Cyprus. He said British warplanes were involved in defensive operations such as taking down the drones threatening British bases on the island. Who's In Charge In Iran Now? Larijani said a temporary new leadership council was being set up to govern the country until a successor to Khamenei could be announced. Alireza Arafi, a longstanding senior figure in the clerical establishment, was later appointed to the council, along with President Masud Pezeshkian and hard-line judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei. The council will lead the country until the 88-member Assembly of Experts can gather to elect a new supreme leader. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote in a social media post on February 28. In Russia, which has been a lukewarm ally of Tehran even while developing substantial economic ties, Khamenei's killing was condemned by President Vladimir Putin, who called it a "cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law." Hanna Notte, an Berlin-based expert on Russian-Iran ties at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, said Khamenei's killing further damaged Moscow's standing on the global stage, along with the 2024 fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January. "It's hard to argue that this is not a blow to Russia's reputation because we have now seen a string of actions against Russia's partners and allies -- Assad, Maduro, Khamenei -- that make Russia look rather passive," Notte told RFE/RL. "You have this accumulation of Russian partners coming under pressure. There's concern in Russia that Cuba might be next this year." Iranian state media confirmed the death of Khamenei after earlier making several denials that the 86-year-old was dead. Early on March 1, Iran's Fars News Agency -- which is close to the IRGC -- also reported that members of Khamenei's extended family were killed in Israeli attacks. Celebrations of Khamenei's death were reported in several cities -- including Tehran, Karaj, Shahavar, and Isfahan. In Galleh Dar, near Iran's southern coast, video showed crowds toppling a monument to Khamenei's predecessor -- Ayatollah Khomenei. Celebrations also erupted in Shiraz and Abdanan, with car horns blaring and people carrying photos of some of the thousands of protesters killed in the January crackdown on anti-government demonstrations. Thousands of people also gathered in a Tehran square on March 1 to mourn Khamenei's death. A Major Blow To The Regime Khamenei's killing represents a major blow to the countrys embattled leadership. Since becoming taking over in 1989 after the death of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei had held near-dictatorial powers. Khamenei was a vocal opponent of moves by any potential moderate leaders to repair relations with the West. He was also a symbol of hatred by many inside Iran who were angered by the repression of the theocratic regime in Tehran. The Iranian Red Crescent reported on February 28 that at least 201 people were killed and 747 wounded in the air strikes. Iran's Mizan news agency, which is tied to Iran's judiciary, said 108 people died in a strike on a girls school in Minab, blaming Israel. Western journalists were not allowed access to the site and the claim could not be verified. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda and Radio Mashaal, and Russia/Ukraine editor Steven Gutterman The death of Iran's supreme leader -- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- sent shock waves across the Middle East. Now the question has turned to who will replace him. The rubble of the Tehran building where Khamenei and other top Iranian officials were killed continued to smolder on March 1, a day after an Israeli air strike flattened the structure. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran's supreme leader has played a singular role in the country's stewardship, also serving as head of state. A vacuum at the top risks destabilizing the entire regime. Iran's leadership is now scrambling to ensure the power structures that govern the country remain functional, a process that includes quickly finding a successor to Khamenei. That man -- who will become the country's third supreme leader -- will take the helm at a time when US officials have openly called for toppling the theocratic government that has ruled the country since 1979. How Does It Work? Officially, the body charged with picking, and nominally overseeing, the post of supreme leader is the Assembly of Experts, whose 88 male members are elected and is made up overwhelmingly of hard-line theologians. There's no clear parallel elsewhere in the world, though one analogous entity might be the Roman Catholic Church's College of Cardinals: both are elite clerical bodies involved in picking a supreme leader. (There are other profound differences in legal basis, membership selection, relationship to the state, and religious context). The assembly's makeup and functioning came under close scrutiny in 2014, when Khamenei underwent prostate surgery. After the procedure, Khamenei was dogged by rumors of health problems, and a former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, publicly raised the issue of who could come next. Rafsanjani, who was seen as a rival to Khamenei, was later marginalized by clerical hard-liners who disliked his support for the so-called Green Revolution demonstrations that erupted in 2009. Rafsanjani was voted out as chairman of the assembly and died in January 2017. The wrangling offered glimpses into the opaque politicking and political jockeying that characterizes Iran's governing bodies. Reports say a three-man committee within the assembly has for years kept a list of possible successors, which has reportedly not even been seen by other members. Late President Ebrahim Raisi was seen as a protege of Khamenei, who was widely believed to be grooming Raisi to succeed him. However, Raisi died unexpectedly in May 2024 when the helicopter he was on crashed. That threw a wrench in the works for Khamenei's successor. So The Assembly of Experts Chooses Who Comes After Khamenei? Officially, yes. In reality, it's more complicated. That's in part because of the existential stress the authorities face as a result of the attacks by Israel, and the United States. Under Iran's constitution, when the post of supreme leader is vacated, an interim leadership council sort of a war council -- takes over decision-making until a new supreme leader is appointed. President Masud Pezeshkian who is not a cleric is on this interim leadership council, as is the head of Iran's judiciary: Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. On March 1, another, separate decision-making body known as the Expediency Council announced that Alireza Arafi would be the third member of the interim leadership council. Arafi, a cleric who was known to be close to Khamenei, serves as one of two deputy chiefs of the Assembly of Experts. In 2016, Arafi was named by Khamenei to be the head of all of the country's seminaries, a move that suggested that he met the religious criteria to become the next supreme leader. Arafi also serves on a different decision-making body -- the 12-member Guardians Council -- which determines whether laws are compliant with the Islamic republic's constitution and also vets election candidates. So Arafi Will be Khamenei's Successor Then? Not necessarily. In 2018, Khamenei appointed a conservative ally, Sadeq Larijani, to serve on the Expediency Council -- which is sometimes known as the Expediency Discernment Council. At the same time, Larijani, a cleric who is one of three brothers with varying public personas, was also given a seat on the Guardians Council. Taken together, the moves were seen as Khamenei trying to marginalize moderates, and bolster the hand of more conservative officials. And tip the scales for Larijani. Then there's Mojtaba Khamenei, one of the late leader's six children. During the 2009 antiestablishment protests, there were rumors that the younger Khamenei was a strong contender to succeed his father. Khamenei's son was believed to have considerable influence behind the scenes and close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which plays a dominant role in military, political, and economic affairs. But in the wake of Raisi's death, when the question of Khamenei's succession was in public view, a prominent member of the Assembly of Experts said Khamenei was opposed to hereditary rule . That appeared to rule out the younger Khamenei. Another wild card: the IRGC, which will want to protect its vast interests. The IRGC was a loyal backer of Khamenei. However, in addition to Khamenei's death, the Israeli and US air strikes appeared to have killed many -- possibly dozens of top military officials, including top IRGC members. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans spiritual leader and highest authority who led the country for almost four decades, was killed during US and Israeli air strikes on February 28 at the age of 86. Praised by his supporters as a wise leader and denounced by his critics as a dictator, Khamenei will be remembered as a monumental figure of the Islamic Revolution who rode a reputation for piety and fierce devotion to the cause to his ascendancy as supreme leader. Khameneis use of force against his own people, jailing of opposition figures within the establishment itself, and fiery resistance to outside influence -- particularly that of the United States and Israel -- forged his legacy as a harsh and uncompromising authoritarian who led his country into international isolation. History will show Khameneis reign was deeply traumatic for the Iranian people who watched their country isolated and weakened to the point where a majority came to see emigration as their only hope, said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington. The latter years of Khameneis rule were marred by frequent nationwide antiestablishment protests and deadly state crackdowns that killed thousands of demonstrators. The protests over the high cost of living in 2017, gasoline prices in 2019, water shortages in 2021, and the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who allegedly violated the hijab law in 2022, reflected rising anti-regime sentiment in Iran. But the deadliest protests against the Islamic republic came at the end of December 2025 and ran into early January 2026. The unrest was brutally suppressed, with rights groups confirming more than 7,000 deaths but warning that the real toll was likely much higher. Some estimates run as four times more than the confirmed total. Khamenei never took responsibility for the rising dissent against his rule and instead blamed antiestablishment protests on foreign actors who he claimed wanted to weaken the Islamic republic. Throughout his life, Khamenei showed a unique ability to play two sides. Those who met him earlier in life remember him as a tall and slender cleric who loved poetry and literature, smoked a pipe, and was interested in talking to young people. That contrasts greatly with the fiery, bearded, anti-American who captured the world's attention later in life. Under the watch of the once-open leader, repression thrived, Tehran's circle of insiders shrunk, and the Islamic republic became increasingly isolated. For decades he had the ultimate say on virtually all affairs in Iran -- from whether women could ride bicycles in public to the course of the nation's relations with the United States, which he cast as the Great Satan. Khamenei freely wielded his power over key institutions such as the judiciary, state broadcasting, and military. If he needed muscle, he relied on a military security apparatus that included the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Iran's feared intelligence services. By empowering the IRGC, he militarized the countrys politics and by co-opting the clerical establishment, he delegitimized it, said Ali Vaez, the director of Iran Project at the International Crisis Group. Born in Mashhad in 1939, Khamenei was the second son of a clerical father. He began his religious education early in life, was inspired in his early teens by fiery revolutionary Sayyid Navvab Safavi, and studied in the holy city of Qom under the future founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. From Activist To Reviled Leader Khamenei gained a reputation for being a humble and pious religious scholar, and in 1962 joined Khomeini's revolutionary movement, which opposed the shah and Tehran's pro-American policies. His revolutionary activism attracted the authorities' attention, leading to the first of many arrests and imprisonments. In 1964, the 25-year-old Khamenei decided to leave Qom to care for his father -- a "good deed" that he later said was blessed by God and credited for his later success. In Mashhad, Khamenei gave lessons on the Koran and Islamic ideology, leading to imprisonments, torture, and eventually internal exile. When the revolution occurred in 1979, he was named to the Islamic Revolutionary Council by his former teacher, Khomeini. He would go on to hold several prominent positions within the clerical regime -- including two terms as president -- and survived an assassination attempt in 1981 that left his right hand paralyzed. When Khomeini died in 1989 without an heir apparent, Khamenei was chosen to become Iran's second supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, a clerical body. The choice surprised many -- apparently even Khamenei himself. We should shed tears of blood wailing for the Islamic society that has been forced to even propose me [as supreme leader]," Khamenei famously said before his appointment. Unlike his predecessor who didn't fit into any specific political faction, Ayatollah Khamenei was the de facto leader of the conservative camp. He therefore lost the ability to sit above the fray and effectively manage the factional infighting, Vaez said. Throughout his reign, he would maintain an open defiance of the United States, which he claimed sought to overthrow the Islamic republic and restore a patron-client relationship with Tehran. Under his watch, Iran grew its influence in the region through the so-called axis of resistance -- a loose-knit network of proxies, Tehran-backed militant groups, and allied state actors who play an important role in Iran's strategy to oppose the West, Arab foes, and its archrival, Israel. But the network came undone after the fall of Bashar al-Assads government in Syria in 2024 and an Israeli campaign to decapitate Hezbollah in Lebanon, degrade Huthi capabilities in Yemen, and severely weaken Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Khamenei notably disappeared from public view during Israels 12-day war on Iran in June 2025, which raised questions about his leadership in the countrys political circles. Khamenei fell out with many of Irans presidents, who were then ostracized by the establishment. The main exception was Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line cleric who many believe was being groomed to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader. Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May 2024, complicating Khameneis succession plans. The 88-member Assembly of Experts, dominated by conservative clerics, will now have to appoint a successor to Khamenei. He will be remembered as a man who had many opportunities to listen to his people and change course. But as supreme leader he was so set in his rigid ways, so determined to prevail over his domestic and foreign rivals, and deep down so insecure that he never really opted for any serious introspection, Vatanka said. Khamenei is survived by four sons, one daughter, and his wife. A second daughter reportedly died in the same US and Israeli strikes that killed Khamenei. At least nine people were killed when a crowd of students attempted to storm the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on March 1. The deaths followed joing US-Isreali strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Video by a reporter from RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal captured flames, destruction, and the heavy presence of Pakistani security forces. While Grim Reaper guides you to the afterlife, Uncle Sam will be escorting your heirs to the IRS. Death can be a tax-triggering event, with two in particular you should be aware of: the estate tax and inheritance tax. Many people think theyre the same, but they arent. The estate tax is levied on the things the deceased owns or has certain interests in when they die and is paid by the estate. The inheritance tax is paid by heirs. The federal government has an estate tax only, and the threshold is high so most people don't have to worry about it too much. However, states can have one or both with varying thresholds and rules, or none, which makes death taxes even more confusing. Below is what you need to know so you can plan for them. It'll save your loved ones from confusion on top of grief and protect their inheritances. What is the difference between inheritance tax and estate tax? Estate tax is "a tax on your right to transfer property at your death," the IRS says. They're paid by the estate of the person who died before assets are distributed. Inheritance tax is levied on someone whos inherited money, property, or other assets. It only applies when the person who dies and passes on assets lived in one of the states that have an inheritance tax. It's not dependent on where the beneficiary lives. WASHINGTON - JUNE 08: A member of College Republicans National Committee dresses as Grim Reaper as he marches on Capitol Hill to call on the Senate to eliminate the death tax June 8, 2006 in Washington, DC. A vote in effort to repeal the death tax permanently was failed at the Senate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Who levies the estate tax? The federal government levies this tax, but a dozen states and the District of Columbia do too. Federal tax rates range between 18% and 40%, depending on the amount above the $13.99 million threshold, or exemption amount, per person in 2025 or $15 million in 2026. For each tax tier, you pay a base tax charge and an additional marginal rate. Most people probably wont have to pay these taxes because thresholds are high. In 2023, for example, only 9,024 federal estate tax returns were filed, IRS data show. Of those, only about 40% were taxable but the revenue garnered was $44.4 billion. State estate taxes, though, may be a different story. Exemption levels and the top tax rates are usually much lower than the federal governments, making them easier to hit, said Sam Tutko, vice president of Miser Wealth Partners. The dozen states plus the District of Columbia that have an estate tax are: Who levies an inheritance tax? Only five states have an inheritance tax. Tax rates vary depending on the state but range between less than 1% to as high as 16%. Rates depend on the size of your inheritance, state tax laws and your relationship with the deceased. David Raleigh While the world watched in horror as Iran fired missiles at Dubai, Limerick man John Hayes was watching the warheads zip over his head. According to Hayes (38), what followed was a cacophony of booming explosions in the sky as the citys air-defence missile system began taking out missile after missile, drone after drone. We thought we would be safe, but then we started spotting projectiles above us, and they were being intercepted by the air defence system in place here, said Hayes, a journalist with the MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) owned Al Arabiya (English) television news channel. So, in the middle of the day we are watching missiles and drones being taken out in the sky, and then, it just seemed to escalate more and more, said Hayes. In the escalation, Hayes described how a barrage of missiles hit the citys coastline, just as Iftar - the evening meal Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan - was beginning. That sparked the initial phase of panic among the public, where there was panic buying, people rushing to the stores, the petrol stations were full, and so then we felt something is going horribly wrong here, said Hayes, a native of Hospital, Co Limerick. Every single time one of the strikes happened, we thought that it might be done, but it just continued through the evening, every two hours, missile strike after missile strike. Just after midnight into Sunday morning, Dubai time, warning notifications were sent to mobile phones to say wherever you are right now, seek shelter, stay away from windows, get inside and stay safe. At that point, everybody just disappeared into shelters, but everyone had to evacuate high-rise buildings, and we heard another barrage of missiles being intercepted above our heads, said Hayes. Dubai hotels, its airport and port were all hit in the Iranian air strike. Hayes said: Previously, all thought this was an Iran - US war that would never hit our shorelines so, nobody envisaged this. And, now that our airspace is closed, and nobody can get in or get out, it does feel like everyone is on edge, there is a lot of panic, and to be honest with you, its a scary place right now. 'Terrifying' On Saturday, Hayes was stationed in the city as the first wave of Iranian ballistic missiles and so-called suicide drones entered Dubai airspace. If a missile hits a (ground target) and impacts, you hear a loud eruption that also reverberates through the ground; windows vibrate, everything with it reverberates if it makes an impact. The ones that are being hit (by the defence system) also reverberate but they dont appear as intense. This was happening right above our heads, said Hayes, who lives further out towards the coastline. What is worse is that we can see those missiles since sunset, and seeing the missiles is terrifying, because we are actually witnessing in real time the missiles being taken out of the sky. Youre watching the trajectory of the missile to see where it lands and hoping that it burns up before it reaches impact - its a terrifying thing to see. Despite the terror, Hayes remained confident the UAE could cancel out the Iranian military hardware being fired at it. The air defence system that is in place here is impressive, its second to none, you could compare it to Israels Iron Dome mobile air-defence system, and hopefully it holds up. For us right now, there is a lot of panic and a lot of people are scared, but there is obviously not a lot one can do because you cant go anywhere, the airspace is completely closed. Hayes, who is primarily based between Dubai and Riyadh, another city rocked by explosions, said that, while he is used to talking about the news thats happening in another country, it has been sobering to see it on my doorstep. Hayes remarks that it was only last Tuesday he waved goodbye to his parents, Ger and Julia, who had visited on holiday. The timing of his parents exiting the emirate city is not lost on Hayes: Tensions were kind of high last week, and my parents had been here for four months, so I thought, lets get you on a flight back to Ireland, it seems like things might go south, and when things go south in this region - very quickly everything closes down, so they are luckily back in Limerick. I have been in contact with them, theyve been immensely worried but I have put their mind at ease. Hayes lives in a house, but said friends of his have had to evacuate from apartment blocks because they are glass and we have seen from the Fairmount Hotel explosion that windows were blown in. Theres a lot of people who are spending the night in a carpark, or sitting in their car with their pets or with their family, because they cant go into their apartment because it has been evacuated. I certainly dont think that any of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries will stand by and watch this continue and I imagine the retaliation by tomorrow morning will be fierce and swift, offered Hayes. Fighter jets passing over Hayes lives between the coastline, where Irans missiles have been entering from, and a military airbase, so sleep is not on his priority list. The fighter jets have been passing over us all night; it's been hot and heavy for the last few hours, and because they are low flying, their (engines) are also vibrating the house, said Hayes. He tells of meeting up with friends after the first wave of attacks Saturday night, and how people are now panicked when they hear any kind of sound: Everyone thinks its another explosion going off and everyone panics, so there is a real sense of heightened awareness about this now, nobody is sleeping, everyone is on edge. Watching Irans aerial firepower zoom through the skies near his home and workplace has been crazy to see, but Hayes remains confident in the air-defence systems protecting the UAE, it could have been a lot worse if we didnt have those (air defence) missiles in the sky. Despite it all, Hayes remains upbeat that normal life will soon resurface in Dubai, and his initial thought is not to try and jump on a plane and get out of here. I personally feel that, although we are all on edge, and I have a sense of unease, I have faith in the air -defence system, and because this has been home for 16 years, my thinking is to wait it out, said Hayes. Im sure that in the next couple of days, we are going to see the retaliation of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, which I think will be separate from the US retaliation. As the battle in the skies played out, Hayes was fighting a battle in his own thoughts about what to do and when to do it: Okay, of course when you are hearing bombs going off - in your head you are going to panic, but I still feel the authorities will deal with it. We will prepare for the next 72 hours and we will see what happens. Im hopeful that it wanes off, but every 25 minutes my phone receives a warning that more missiles are incoming. Hunkering down at his home with his two pet dogs, Hayes concludes: Its getting tense, its a bit stressful to be honest. Sean McCarthaigh An individual has been charged with the murder of a Roma man killed in a hit-and-run road traffic collision in Balbriggan last year, an inquest has heard. Marcel Rostas (33), a married father of three, died on Railway Street in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, on June 24th, 2025 after being struck by a vehicle which failed to remain at the scene. A black saloon car observed in the area at the time was later abandoned following a collision with another vehicle on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, shortly after the fatal incident, which occurred at around 9pm. At the opening of an inquest into the death of Rostas at Dublin District Coroners Court, a brother of the deceased gave evidence of formally identifying his brothers body to gardai at the Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall. The coroner, Crona Gallagher, said the results of a postmortem showed Rostas had died from multiple traumatic injuries due to a road traffic collision. At the time of the incident, gardai had to appeal to members of the public not to post images and video footage of the scene on social media platforms. Detective Inspector Brian Downey applied for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (2) of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings had been initiated in relation to the circumstances of Rostas death. Det Insp Downey told the coroner that a person had been charged with the deceaseds murder on the direction of the DPP and an individual is currently before the courts. A Romanian national, Daniel Rostas (42) of Hastings Green, Balbriggan, who is not related to the deceased, appeared before Dublin District Court two days after the fatal incident when he was originally charged with assault causing serious harm to Mircea Rostas, contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. The court heard the accused made no reply after being charged at Balbriggan Garda station. The evidence before the inquest shows the Garda inquiry was subsequently updated to a murder investigation. Dr Gallagher adjourned the hearing to a date to be fixed following the conclusion of related criminal proceedings. The former staff in the peat-burning power stations in Lanesboro and throughout the midlands are entitled to be ruefully cynical as they read about the likely removal of the cap on the number of passengers at Dublin Airport. The irony wont be lost either on the many people who still cut and burn turf in Roscommon. As you will remember, the rationale behind banning turf-cutting and closing peat power stations was the move away from fossil fuels. It was reflective of the environmental concerns which were sweeping the world and became central to Irish government policy, accelerated by the presence of The Greens in government. In the space of a few years, attitudes have changed. Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House, climate change has plummeted as a priority in the US. This has extended to Europe and Ireland. Under pressure from critics, most notably Michael OLeary of Ryanair, the government has recently introduced the Dublin Airport Passenger Capacity Bill which will allow the Minister for Transport to amend or revoke the existing cap of 32 million passengers and to preclude any future cap being introduced. This isnt quick enough for OLeary who wants the cap removed by St. Patricks Day. The move has been welcomed by business leaders, tourist groups and travel agents. Before criticising their stance, how many of us have cut back on our air travel over the last five or six years? I can say environmental concerns have not come into my mind when booking flights. However, what is interesting about the prospective removal of the cap is how little traction critics of the governments decision have received politically or in the media. A group called Childrens Rights Over Flights described abolishing the passenger cap as "reckless and irresponsible". They criticised the record levels of aviation fossil fuels being produced and noted that Ireland is "hugely off track on meeting 2030 emissions reductions targets". These criticisms are legitimate, yet have made barely a dent in the public discourse. Its startling how different attitudes are to the removal of the cap than they were to the closure of the power stations. The political and media outlook then was: its sad to see an era end but its for the good of the environment and the future of the planet. There has been hardly any of that narrative about the removal of the passenger cap. Only last week I wrote here about the biblical levels of rain that have hit Roscommon over the last few weeks. Last Saturday was yet another day of incessant rain. Two contrasting views can be true at once: we can have genuine concerns about climate change but be sceptical about the double standards that apply to different sectors of Irish life in implementing environmental policy. UKRAINE Today (Tuesday) marks the fourth anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has already lasted almost as long as World War 1, supposedly the war to end all wars. Initially, a wave of empathy and outrage swept across Europe as the West came to Ukraines aid. Ireland was particularly welcoming. Ukrainians arrived in Roscommon and all over Ireland. The influx has ebbed and flowed since 2022. Many Ukrainians immigrants are still living in Roscommon, with children in our schools and adults in our workplaces. The sympathy and admiration for the bravery of Ukraine hasnt dimmed but the belief that they can triumph in this war has. Since the start of the war Vladimir Putin calculated that the Wests resolve would weaken and, sadly, his Machiavellian calculation has proven correct. The turning-point was the humiliation of President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House. It sent out a message to the world that US support for Ukraines cause was over. The so-called peace negotiations are taking place on Putins terms. The Russians will continue to bomb Ukraine until it suits them to sit down at the table and get all the land they want. The US isnt putting any major pressure on Putin and the EU hasnt been able to fill the void left by what is, at best, US indifference. The shifting of the diplomatic ground underneath Ukraine is extending to sport. The Winter Olympics were wildly entertaining and enjoyable. Nevertheless, one of the most notable stories was the disqualification of a Ukrainian skeleton athlete for wearing a helmet which showed images of some of his compatriots who had been killed in the war. This comes in the context of Russian and Belarusian athletes being allowed to represent their countries in the Winter Paralympics. What was, until recently, unthinkable is becoming normalised. Ellen O'Donoghue The Minister for Justice has confirmed 63 people have been deported. A total of 54 adults, consisting of 28 men and 26 women, and nine children left Dublin Airport on Saturday on a charter flight to South Africa. The children were all part of family groups, gardai said. They landed in Johannesburg shortly after 4am Irish time on Sunday. It is the second such operation this year and the eighth since charter flights for removals and deportations recommenced in 2025. The people on board were accompanied by members of An Garda Siochana, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer. In a statement, Jim OCallaghan said these flights are an "essential part of immigration enforcement for the state" and are now a "routine" part of Ireland's immigration system. Gardai said 10 of the people deported had been convicted of offences in Ireland, with their removal supporting ongoing garda operations, including the targeting of sex offenders and domestic violence offenders; targeting the sale, supply, importation and cultivation of drugs; and targeting road safety. Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE:NWN) is included among the 14 Value Stocks to Buy with High Dividend Yields. Northwest Natural (NWN) Delivers Strong Q4, Introduces Major Storage Expansion Initiative Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE:NWN) reported its Q4 2025 results on February 27. During the earnings call, CEO Justin Palfreyman said the company delivered record adjusted earnings per share, landing at the high end of its guidance range. He also said the company put a record amount of capital to work to support its customers. That investment showed up in customer growth, which reached its strongest level in nearly 20 years. Palfreyman also introduced the MX3 storage expansion project in the Pacific Northwest. He said the project is expected to improve reliability in the region and add more capacity over time. He noted that once approved, the project could play an important role in supporting the companys long-term earnings growth target of 5% to 7%. He also spoke about regulatory progress. He said the company resolved its Oregon rate case in 2025, with the new rates taking effect on October 31. In Washington, he said the company worked closely with regulators and other parties and reached a settlement in principle. This resolved the revenue requirement portion of the case and provided more clarity going forward. Looking ahead, Palfreyman said the company introduced its 2026 adjusted earnings per share guidance in the range of $2.95 to $3.15. He also reaffirmed the long-term outlook, saying the company expects adjusted earnings per share to grow at a compound annual rate of 4% to 6% from 2025 through 2030. Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE:NWN), through its subsidiaries, provides energy as well as water and wastewater services. The company serves nearly one million meters across seven states. While we acknowledge the potential of NWN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 14 Best GARP Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 13 Best Long-Term Dividend Stocks to Invest in Right Now Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. March 1, 2026 UPDATE 2 The Romanian diplomacy strongly recommends avoiding non-essential travel to several states in the Middle East Newsflash Newsroom, 01.03.2026, 12:57 Meeting The Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu is participating today in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, in online format, to discuss ways of diplomatic dialogue to prevent a long-term conflict in the Middle East. Previously, the FM said that the announcement regarding the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei represents a turning point, and Romania supports the right of Iranians to freedom, security and to choose their future. In a Facebook post, she also writes that the risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East remains a major concern, and international collaboration to de-escalate the situation is essential, as is ensuring the safety of Romanian citizens in the area. Oana Toiu participated last night, together with the Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in a meeting of a crisis cell specially established at the level of the Foreign Ministry. She stated that no Romanians were injured and that Romanias representations are in contact with approximately 1,000 people who requested consular assistance. Hundreds of Romanians were turned away or were stranded for hours in airports after flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv or other destinations in the region were canceled or redirected. The Romanian diplomacy strongly recommends avoiding non-essential travel to several states in the area, in addition to Iran and Israel, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Today, 34 flights were canceled at Otopeni International Airport due to the conflict in the Middle East. According to the National Airports Company of Bucharest, most of the canceled flights 21 are to or from Tel Aviv. The other affected destinations are Dubai, Doha, Beirut and Damascus. March 1, 2026 UPDATE 1 News update Newsflash Lacramioara Simion, 01.03.2026, 11:01 Iran New explosions were heard in Tehran today after US President Donald Trump warned that intense and precise bombing would continue, despite the officially confirmed death of Irans supreme religious leader, Ali Khamenei. The United States Central Military Command released a video of US missiles hitting their targets, while the Israeli military announced that it had launched another wave of attacks with dozens of aircraft on air defense systems, missile launchers and military command centers in Iran. These come after a day of US-Israeli bombings and Iranian retaliations on surrounding Arab countries that host US military bases. Authorities in Tehran announced seven days of non-working and 40 days of mourning following the death of Ali Khamenei, as well as a team to ensure the transition of power, led by the countrys President Masoud Pezeshkian. Images have appeared on social media of Iranians rejoicing over the death of the religious leader who ruled the country with an iron hand for nearly four decades. President Donald Trump reiterated in a message on his own platform that this is the great chance for the Iranian people to reclaim their country and again called on Iranian forces to lay down their arms in exchange for total immunity. Reactions UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East and warned that international peace and security were being undermined, but at an emergency meeting of the Security Council, the United States and Israel argued that the attacks in Iran were aimed at removing an imminent danger posed by the Islamic regime, through its nuclear and ballistic programs. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized the joint attacks by the US and Israel, calling them completely unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate. Russia, an ally of Tehran, condemned the aggression against Iran, describing it as irresponsible. In turn, France and Germany called on Iran, in a joint statement, to seek a negotiated solution, and the European Union, through its leaders, urged the parties to show restraint and protect civilian lives. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is ready to act alongside its partners to protect stability in the region. (LS) March 1, 2026 UPDATE 4 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East Newsflash Newsroom, 01.03.2026, 16:53 Reactions The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East and warned that international peace and security were being undermined, but at an emergency meeting of the Security Council, the United States and Israel argued that the attacks in Iran were aimed at removing an imminent danger posed by the Islamic regime, through its nuclear and ballistic programs. Russia, an ally of Tehran, condemned the aggression against Iran. President Vladimir Putin said that the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family was a cynical crime that violated all norms of human morality and international law. China also strongly condemned the killing of Ali Khamenei and called for an immediate halt to military actions. In Brussels, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that the death of the supreme leader was a decisive moment in the history of Iran, which has an open path that the people could have more freedom to shape. For her part, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, spoke both of hope and of a real risk of instability, likely to throw the region into a spiral of violence. March 1, 2026 Update 5 President Nicusor Dan assured on Sunday that Romania is out of danger despite of the deteriorating security context in the Middle East Newsflash Newsroom, 01.03.2026, 18:09 Bucharest Even though the current security context in the Middle East has significantly deteriorated, Romania is out of any danger, President Nicusor Dan assured on Sunday. The priority at present is the safety of Romanian citizens in conflict areas, he wrote on Facebook. According to him, Bucharest will continue to act responsibly, in coordination with its partners, for stability and security. The Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu on Sunday announced her participation in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, for discussions on diplomatic dialogue paths to prevent a long-term conflict in the Middle East. Previously, the FM conveyed that Romania supported the right of Iranians to freedom, security and to choose their future, but that the risk of a spiral of violence remained a major concern, and international collaboration to de-escalate the situation is essential, as is ensuring the safety of Romanian citizens. Romanian representations are in contact with approximately 1,000 people who have requested consular assistance. Hundreds of Romanians have been turned away or have been stranded in the region, after flights to or from destinations in the Middle East were canceled or redirected. Romanian diplomacy strongly recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Iran and Israel, as well as to Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. March 1, 2026 Update 6 The Romanian Defense Ministry informs that there is no military threat to the Romanian national territory Newsflash Newsroom, 01.03.2026, 18:38 Defense Ministry The Romanian Defense Ministry informed on Sunday that, from the data it has at this moment, and given the evolution of the security situation in Iran, there is no military threat to the Romanian national territory and specifies that it is in permanent contact with its allies and coordinates with them. The Romanian Army has permanent forces on duty that ensure the surveillance of the air, naval, land, information and cyber environments, as well as the detection of threats and immediate reaction. Military and civilian specialists are on duty and ready for intervention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the Defense Ministry reports. The army has adjusted its posture and measures have been ordered to increase vigilance and prepare the systems that complement the immediate reaction forces. At the same time, the United States naval facility at Deveselu (south), integrated into the NATO command and control system, ensures anti-ballistic protection against emerging threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area, the Defense Ministry also specifies. March 1, 2026 Iran's state-run television confirms the death of Ali Khamenei. Newsflash Radio Romania International, 01.03.2026, 08:32 Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the US and Israeli strikes across Iran, on February 28. The news, initially made public by Israeli officials, then by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social, was confirmed by the Iranian state-run television on Sunday morning. According to the Iranian state media, other high figures are reported to have died in the attacks, among whom the chief of staff and the defence minister. The state television has also reported that a three-member transition council has been set up, including the current president Masoud Pezeshkian, to assume the duties of Khamenei. Iran has vowed to cary out new strikes following the death of Khamenei. A powerful attack has been launched against 27 US and Israeli military bases. Overnight, blasts were also heard over Dubai and Doha. Sirens were sounded in severeal areas across Israel. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has reported its highest-ever total sales for the month of February, clocking 66,134 units in February 2026. This marks a strong 12.6% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to 58,727 units sold in February 2025. The milestone also includes Hyundais highest-ever domestic sales for any February since its inception in India. Domestic Sales Cross 52,000 Units Hyundai recorded domestic sales of 52,407 units in February 2026, up 9.8% YoY from 47,727 units in February 2025. This makes it the companys best-ever February domestic performance. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, however, domestic sales declined by 11.3% compared to January 2026, when Hyundai had sold 59,107 units. Despite the sequential dip, the YoY growth highlights sustained demand momentum. Exports contributed 13,727 units in February 2026, registering a robust 24.8% YoY growth over 11,000 units shipped in February 2025. The strong export performance played a key role in pushing Hyundais total monthly sales to a record February high. Total Sales Best February Ever With combined domestic and export volumes of 66,134 units, Hyundai achieved its highest-ever February tally. The 7,407-unit increase over last year underlines steady growth across both domestic and overseas markets. Commenting on the February 2026 sales results, Mr. Tarun Garg, MD & CEO HMIL, said: We kicked-off 2026 on a high note achieving our highest-ever monthly sales in January and the momentum continues in February. With a total sales (domestic plus exports) of 66,134 units, the highest for any February in our history, we posted a robust growth of 12.6% YoY. This includes domestic sales of 52,407 units, also the highest-ever February sales since inception. As we approach completing 30 years in our great country, our ambition is very clear to make cutting?edge connected technology accessible to all while elevating every ownership experience and carrying the spirit of Hyundai from India to the world. Overall, Hyundais February 2026 performance reflects healthy YoY growth, record-breaking February volumes and strong export traction, reinforcing its position as one of Indias leading passenger vehicle manufacturers. 1. COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA Central Office: Ajoy Bhawan, 15, Indrajit Gupta Marg, New Delhi-110002 PRESS STATEMENT | 28 FEBRUARY, 2026 The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued today (February 28, 2026) the following statement: The Communist Party of India strongly condemns the unilateral military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. These acts constitute a grave violation of international law and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. Such reckless military adventurism threatens to further destabilise the entire West Asian region, pushing it towards a wider and more destructive conflict. The CPI firmly believes that these attacks are part of a dangerous strategy aimed at imposing regime change in Iran through military force, in complete disregard of the sovereignty of nations and the right of peoples to determine their own political future. The Communist Party of India demands an immediate and unconditional halt to the ongoing military aggression against Iran by the United States and Israel, and calls upon the international community, particularly the United Nations, to urgently intervene to stop further escalation and protect regional peace, as the continuation of these attacks will only intensify instability, suffering and destruction across West Asia. The CPI calls upon the Government of India to categorically condemn these attacks. This aggression is taking place immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel and he should speak up against this dangerous militarism. India must not, in any form, be complicit in or supportive of actions that violate international law and endanger regional and global peace. The Government of India also bears the responsibility of ensuring the safety and protection of Indian citizens in Iran and safeguarding our time tested bilateral relationship, including vital trade and investment ties, which are integral to Indias strategic and economic interests. o o 2. CPI(M) Press Release Condemn the Attacks on Iran The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly condemns the attacks on Iran launched by the US and Israel. These attacks are carried out in flagrant violation of Irans national sovereignty, the UN Charter and all international treaties. The US and Israel carried out these attacks ignoring the ongoing negotiations with Iran. It is amply clear from the attacks and the statements of US President Donald Trump that they never believed in these negotiations. The US is acting as a belligerent bully, attacking sovereign countries at will. The attack on Iran follows its recent attack on Venezuela and threats issued to Cuba. The attack on Iran comes immediately after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Israel. The Government of India should unequivocally condemn the attacks on its friendly country Iran and demand the immediate cessation of hostilities. ? Cpim.org for cpimcc X cpimspeak o o 3. STATEMENT CPIML LIBERATION Condemn the US-Israel Military Aggression Against Iran February 28, 2026 Once again Israel and the US have launched a criminal missile attack on Iran. The attack comes piercing the facade of US talks of diplomacy. The world also understands that this imperialist aggression has nothing to do with the Iranian peoples own struggle against the Iranian government for justice and liberty. India must insist on an immediate cessation of the attack on Iran. That the attack started shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel tells us how ill-advised and detrimental to Indian interests that visit was. We call upon all peace-loving people of India and the world to stand with Iran and the Iranian people against this US-Israel military aggression. Central Committee Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation www.cpiml.org 4. Radical Socialist Statement on the Illegal and Unjustified Attack on Iran It is now clear that the negotiation process between the US and Iran on the latters nuclear energy infrastructure and potential capabilities was meant to serve as a cover while Israel and the US were jointly preparing for a military assault to create stronger conditions for a possible regime change in Iran that would be more accommodating to their respective and shared political ambitions. It is not a coincidence that the day chosen for the attack was an official Israeli commemoration according to Scriptural sources, of the alleged day of deliverance in the pre-Christian era for the Jewish community in ancient Persia (todays Iran). Moreover, everyone including the West knows that the only country in the region to possess nuclear weapons which will not give them up, is Israel. This inauguration of a war that can extend to the other parts of the region must be forcefully and unequivocally condemned. As for the claim by Washington that this assault is partly motivated by the desire to support the popular struggle against a theocratic dictatorship, this is dishonest dissimulation. You dont show respect for a peoples national independence by kidnapping or assassinating presidents (Maduro and Khameini), or show a humane commitment to the Iranian public by bombing different cities and causing large scale destruction and civilian deaths. One must respect the right of the Iranian people to overthrow their own tyrant. The main reasons for this joint attack lie in the regional and geopolitical ambitions of Israel and the US respectively. Trump is more committed than even previous US administrations to maintaining Israel as its regional gendarme to control much of the Middle East while being more willing than previous US governments to use brute military force to intervene and expand US areas of control especially in the Indo-Pacific region and in the Arctic as long as direct ground invasions with the risk of serious casualties among US military personnel is avoided. Israel has successfully used the October 2023 Hamas assault as an excuse to launch a wider military campaign that has enabled it to gain more territory and control in Syria and Lebanon, to forcibly expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank as well as carry out a genocide in Gaza that has resulted in its greater direct military control and ghettoization of a greatly diminished Palestinian population. And this has been done with the connivance of the US whose Board of Peace is meant to preserve, and protect, in the longer term this new situation of a much wider regional hegemony of Israel that can also serve the interests of the Trump government. Given the huge asymmetry between the military capabilities of Iran and those of its opponents, the former can only hope that by attacking various US military bases in the region and causing significant casualties to US personnel there, it can push Washington, and therefore Tel Aviv, to call some kind of a halt to this war. Even so, at least in the short run, the US-Israel combination will have gained strategic political-military ground. The governments of the Arab countries housing such bases and suffering such territorial attacks are, more likely than not, to become more accommodating to the US. As a corollary to this shift, they will have to further reassure Israel that they pose no serious threat to it whether by joining the Abraham Accords or through more informal ways. Only the overthrow of one or more of these Arab governments by their own publics that are rightly and genuinely hostile to the brutal and imperialist behaviours of Israel and the US, can hope to reorganise the regional strategic map in a much more progressive and just direction. But this is not an immediate perspective or perhaps even a short term prospect. As expected, major Western European powers have in one form or the other endorsed what the US and Israel have just done. Others, like India, merely give, mealy mouthed statements of concern about violation of territorial sovereignty without even naming either the victim, Iran, or the victimizers, Israel and the US, let alone take any practical steps to help the former or hinder the latter. Russia and China have made more forceful statements but any expectations from sections of the Indian left that either will take serious steps to oppose the US will be belied. It remains to be seen even to what extent in current circumstances of a raging ongoing war, what military help China might give as distinct from replenishing military supplies when matters quieten down and it is safer politically to do so as well as being economically lucrative. What are the likely consequences within Iran from what has happened? Neither the US and Israel want any genuine non-theocratic and democratic political order to emerge in that country. That would constitute a threat to the USs other anti-democratic and monarchical despotic regimes that are its allies in the region and which also informally carry out substantial trade with Israel, especially imports of military hardware. A despotic Iranian regime that will more willingly toe the American line is enough. But even this is by no means a certainty. It is as likely, if not more so, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) which is the real institutional power domestically in Iran, will control the reins of government for some unknown period and continue to see the US as the Great Satan. Progressives everywhere must of course voice their opposition to what the US and Israel have just done and call on their own governments to show a much stiffer political spine as well as to take a more moral and democratic stand against such violations of international and humanitarian law. Large scale political protests by the ordinary public in as many countries as possible is required more than ever. US and Israel to Halt the War on Iran Immediately and Pay Compensation to the Iranian People! Nvidia, Inc. (NVDA) stock may be deeply oversold after its earnings release last week. It could be worth over 50% more, using an FCF valuation, as shown in my Feb. 27 Barchart article. Two plays: sell short OTM one-month puts for a 3% yield; buy ITM calls six months out. NVDA closed at $177.19 on Friday, Feb. 27, down from the pre-earnings Feb. 25 peak of $195.56, but still higher than a recent trough of $171.88, although its six-month low is $167.02 on Sept. 5. More News from Barchart NVDA stock - last 6 months - Barchart - Feb. 27, 2026 Has this drop been overdone? It looks like that is the case, especially given Nvidia's strong free cash flow (FCF) and FCF margins. I discussed thisin my Feb. 27 Barchart article, Nvidia's Massive Free Cash Flow Margins Could Push NVDA Stock 45% Higher. I showed that NVDA could be worth $263 per share. Higher NVDA Price Target Here is a summary of how I estimated that price target. NVIDIA generated a 44.7% FCF margin in 2025. FCF could rise to $161 billion in 2026. This is based on analysts' 2026 revenue estimates of about $365 billion, using a 44% FCF margin: $364.38b x 0.44 = $160.3b That means its valuation could rise to $6,412 billion, using a 2.5% FCF yield metric: $160.3b est. FCF/ 0.025 = $6,412 billion That's 49% higher than its $4.307 trillion market cap, according to Yahoo! Finance. So, the price target is 48.8% higher: $177.19 price today x 1.488 = $263 price target (PT) The point is that based on Nvidia's strong FCF margins, if they persist over 2026 (and there's every reason to believe this will be the case based on management guidance), NVDA stock looks deeply undervalued. However, NVDA stock could stay cheap for a while. So, what is the best play here? Shorting Out-of-the-Money (OTM) NVDA Puts One way to play NVDA, especially for value investors who want to set a potentially lower buy-in point, is to sell short out-of-the-money (OTM) puts in one-month expiry periods. That way, an investor can get paid after posting collateral and waiting to buy into NVDA at a lower (i.e., OTM) price. For example, the April 2, 2026, expiry period shows that the $165.00 put strike price, which is over 6.8% lower than Friday's close, has a high premium. As a result, its $5.15 midpoint price gives a short-seller of this contract an immediate 3.12% one-month yield (i.e., $5.15/$165.00). In recent weeks, mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran have dominated market sentiment and raised fears of a wider conflict that could see Iran try to block the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint through which 20 percent of the world's oil supply flows (Hussein FALEH) Hussein FALEH/AFP/AFP As a fresh Middle East conflict risks sending oil prices sharply higher, Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other key members of the OPEC+ alliance are widely expected to announce an output increase Sunday, analysts say. The virtual meeting by the eight members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied nations (OPEC+) known as the "Voluntary Eight" (V8) comes a day after the US and Israel launched an ongoing wave of strikes on Iran. Last year, the V8 group -- comprising Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman -- boosted production by around 2.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in total before announcing a three-month pause in output hikes. But now the picture has changed dramatically. Even before the conflict erupted on Saturday, the market had already priced in a growing geopolitical risk premium over months of US military build-up in the region. Brent, the global benchmark for crude oil, jumped more than three percent on Friday to trade over $73 per barrel, up from $61 at the beginning of the year. Several other developments have squeezed oil supply since early January, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. They include "cold weather in the US across January (that) resulted in temporarily production shut-ins", "disruptions in Russia" linked to drone attacks, as well as in Kazakhstan, where "a power outage disrupted production from the Tengiz oil field", he added. That's why, even before Saturday's strikes, the market was anticipating a quota increase of 137,000 barrels per day. "These relatively high prices are a good incentive for OPEC+ to resume its production increases" from April, Kpler analyst Homayoun Falakshahi told AFP. Before the weekend, Falakshahi said a US strike on Iran would not necessarily alter the OPEC+ decision, as the group might prefer to wait and assess the impact on flows before adding more oil to the market than previously planned. - Iran tensions - In the short term, the US attack will likely trigger "a massive surge in prices" with what follows depending on how far the conflict escalates, Falakshahi said. The conflict could certainly severely disrupt global oil supplies and send barrel prices soaring to a level not seen in years. Iran is a significant oil producer, but the principal risk remains a prolonged blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, through which around 20 million barrels of crude pass each day -- around 20 percent of global production. And there are virtually no alternatives for crude transport. Bubble tea shops are now nearly as common on British high streets as coffee chains, drawing crowds with colorful, photo friendly drinks in endless flavor combinations. The Taiwanese beverage, which blends black tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, has spread worldwide since it first appeared in the 1980s. Yet growing evidence suggests this popular treat may come with health concerns that deserve attention. An investigation by Consumer Reports found elevated lead levels in some bubble tea products sold in the United States, raising concerns similar to past warnings about cassava based foods. Tapioca pearls are made from cassava starch, and cassava plants are known to absorb lead and other heavy metals from the soil as they grow. That ability means contamination can make its way into the final product. Digestive Risks From Tapioca Pearls Beyond potential heavy metal exposure, the pearls themselves may create digestive problems. Because they are dense and starchy, eating large amounts can slow the rate at which the stomach empties, a condition known as gastroparesis, or in rare situations, cause a complete blockage. These complications can trigger nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. People who already have sluggish digestion may experience more severe symptoms. Guar gum, a thickener often added to bubble tea and generally safe in small quantities, may also contribute to constipation when consumed frequently. Kidney Stones and Ingredient Concerns Bubble tea may also affect kidney health. In 2023, doctors in Taiwan removed more than 300 kidney stones from a 20 year old woman who had reportedly been drinking bubble tea instead of water. Some ingredients in the drink, including oxalate and high phosphate levels, can promote the formation of kidney stones. Still, this case likely involved unusually heavy consumption. For younger children, the danger can be more immediate. Pediatricians have long warned that tapioca pearls can pose a choking hazard. Adults face risks as well. Media reports in Singapore described a 19-year-old woman who died after inhaling three pearls while trying to suck through a partially blocked straw. In another case, quick action by bystanders prevented a similar tragedy. High Sugar Content and Long Term Health Effects Sugar levels present another concern. A typical serving of bubble tea contains between 20 and 50g of sugar, an amount that matches or even exceeds a can of Coca-Cola (35g). Research in Taiwan found that by age nine, children who drank bubble tea regularly were 1.7 times more likely to develop cavities in their permanent teeth. In California, public health experts have identified the drink as one factor contributing to rising obesity rates among young people, even though many teens and young adults are unaware of the potential risks. The combination of high sugar and fat increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disease. Over time, frequent intake may also play a role in fatty liver disease, similar to other sugary products that spike blood sugar and encourage fat storage in the liver. Possible Mental Health Links Some of the most unexpected findings involve mental health. Studies of children in China who frequently drink bubble tea have found higher rates of anxiety and depression. Research involving Chinese nurses reported similar associations in adults, linking regular bubble tea consumption to anxiety, depression, fatigue, job burnout, and lower overall well-being, even after accounting for other variables. The same study found that people who drank less bubble tea reported fewer thoughts of suicide, although proving a direct cause and effect relationship remains challenging. Tapioca Pearls Showing Up on Medical Scans Doctors have also observed an unusual side effect. Tapioca pearls have appeared on imaging scans of patients who were hospitalized for unrelated reasons. Physicians treating patients after car crashes or appendicitis have spotted clusters of pearls in the stomach and intestines. Because the pearls are denser than surrounding tissue and resemble small stones, they can sometimes complicate diagnosis by mimicking kidney or gallstones. None of this means bubble tea needs to disappear from menus. However, the evidence suggests it may be wiser to treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple. If you do choose to enjoy one, skipping the wide straw and sipping directly from the cup may reduce choking risk and give you more control while drinking. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) ranks among the best sustainability stocks to invest in. On February 17, Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) signed an expansive long-term geothermal power purchase agreement (PPA) with NV Energy to assist with Googles Nevada data center capabilities. By leveraging the companys increased exploration and drilling operations in recent years, the deal fortifies Ormats long-term growth strategy beyond 2028. The arrangement, which requires approval from the Nevada Public Utilities Commission, is slated for completion in the latter half of 2026 and will add up to 150MW of geothermal power. The multi-project strategy is designed to allow Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) to establish a number of additional geothermal projects throughout Nevada, with the initial facilities projected to become operational as early as 2028 and continuing until 2030. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation, as well as energy storage solutions. While we acknowledge the potential of ORA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE:OVV) is one of the cheap energy stocks to buy right now. On February 23, Ovintiv officially completed its multi-year portfolio transformation, narrowing its focus to the Permian and Montney basins following the acquisition of NuVista and the strategic sale of its Anadarko assets. The Anadarko sale, expected to yield $3 billion in cash proceeds, will be used to slash net debt to approximately $3.6 billion and clear out all long-term debt maturities until 2030. Under a newly authorized $3 billion repurchase program, Ovintiv plans to return at least 75% of its 2026 free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Management believes the stock is significantly undervalued and intends to use a flexible return framework (ranging from 50% to 100% of free cash flow) to capitalize on market cycles. For 2026, the company is moving into a maintenance mode, targeting total production of 620,000 to 645,000 BOE/d with a capital budget of ~$2.3 billion. Operational efficiency remains a core theme, particularly through the use of surfactants in the Permian, which delivered a 9% uplift in oil productivity. In the Montney, Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE:OVV) is applying its proprietary drilling and completion techniques to the newly acquired NuVista acreage, targeting $1 million in cost savings per well. Ovintiv (OVV) Completes Portfolio Transformation and Announces Strategic Debt Reduction Plan Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE:OVV), together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and natural gas exploration and production company in North America. The company operates through the USA Operations and Canadian Operations segments. While we acknowledge the potential of OVV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Leader killed in Saturday US-Israel airstrike; Tehran bombed again Oil price jumps to $80; Airline stocks expected to slump Trump says prepared to talk to new Tehran rulers Israel fires missiles at Lebanon in response to Hezbollah attacks The US and Israel continued their bombing of Iran after their assassination of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday in a war targeting regime change in the Persian Gulf state. Israel's military said its air force had started an additional wave of strikes in the heart of the Iranian capital Tehran. Airstrikes over the weekend had also killed other members of the 86-year-old Khamenei's regime. Fears of a regional escalation of the conflict grew on Monday after Lebanons Hezbollah claimed responsibility for missiles and drones launched from Lebanon to Israel in retaliation for Khamenei's killing. Israels military said it had begun striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon in response. European financial markets were bracing for severe volatility when they opened later on Monday. Oil prices jumped 10% to $80 a barrel for Brent crude in Asian trade on Monday after attacks on two ships stopped tanker traffic through the strait of Hormuz out of the Gulf - a key gateway for 20% of the world's oil supplies. Airline stocks were also expected to plunge as more than 1600 flights through the region were cancelled, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded amid official travel warnings. In response to the attack, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against US bases, including the headquarters of the US navys fifth fleet in Bahrain, Israeli residential areas, and targets in other Gulf countries including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. Iranian state media reported that 165 people had been confirmed dead in a bomb attack on a girls primary school in the southern city of Minab on Saturday. In Kuwait three US troops were killed, while there were also fatalities in Israel. US President Donald Trump said he was open to talks with Irans surviving and newly appointed leaders. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he told the Atlantic magazine, although there was no confirmation of this from Tehran. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, the judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and another top official will lead Iran in the transitional period following Khameneis death, state media reported. The surprise war came after officials from Tehran and Washington met on Thursday to discuss Irans nuclear programme but failed to achieve a breakthrough. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Trump wrote in a social media post as he claimed the Iranian leader's death, adding: This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, Trump. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Iranian state media confirmed that supreme leader Ali Khamenei has been killed , following USIsraeli strikes that marked the opening phase of a campaign aimed at regime change. Khamenei had not been seen since the bombardment began, with satellite imagery indicating heavy damage to his secure compound in Saturdays initial barrage. Confirmation of his death came early on Sunday, hours after US president Donald Trump announced the ayatollah's killing on social media. Khamenei had ruled Iran since 1989. The conflict widened rapidly across the region, with Iran striking Dubai's Fairmont hotel, according to the Guardian, setting the building alight after a missile hit the Palm Jumeirah property, injuring four people. Dubai authorities later said debris from an intercepted drone caused a fire at the Burj Al Arab and at Dubai International Airport. Abu Dhabi Airports reported an incident at Zayed International Airport that resulted in one fatality and seven injuries, before deleting the statement. Donald Trump warned that the US would respond "with a force that has never been seen before" if Iran retaliates following Khameneis death. In a social media post, Trump said Iran had signalled plans to strike back "very hard". Iranian state media confirmed Khameneis death early on Sunday, according to the Independent, with Tasnim reporting that several members of his family were also killed. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer backed US efforts to force regime change in Iran but faced questions over why the UK had not granted the US access to British military facilities in the region. Starmer said the UK had played no role in the strikes but reiterated that Iran's regime was "utterly abhorrent", according to the Times, accusing the Middle Eastern nation of murdering its own citizens, crushing dissent and destabilising the region. He added that Iran must "never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon", describing that as the UK's primary objective alongside its allies. A Ministry of Defence source said no British bases were used in the operation. Reform UK unveiled proposals for sweeping changes to the UK's electoral system, according to the Independent, including tight restrictions on postal voting and the removal of voting rights for Commonwealth citizens. Nigel Farage said postal voting had turned UK elections into a "laughing stock" and called the participation of nonBritish citizens "absurd". Under the proposals, postal votes would be limited to the elderly, disabled, serving armed forces personnel and those working overseas during an election. The party also intends to end voting rights for Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK. A Reform UK spokesperson said the changes would not affect Irish citizens, who retain the right to vote in parliamentary elections. Russia has indicated it would accept proposals for Ukraine's postwar security guarantees, said the Times, citing President Zelensky's chief of staff. Kyrylo Budanov told Ukrainian television that, during recent talks, Russia said it would accept the security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the United States. The Kremlin has not confirmed the position, but the development could mark the most significant progress in ceasefire discussions since the fullscale invasion began four years ago. In February 2026, Sanofi and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries reported positive long-term phase 2b extension results for duvakitug, showing sustained clinical and endoscopic efficacy over 44 weeks in ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease with a favorable safety profile. Together with the recent US FDA acceptance of Tevas New Drug Application for a long-acting olanzapine injection for schizophrenia, these data underscore the companys expanding presence in higher-value innovative therapies alongside its traditional generics base. Well now examine how duvakitugs encouraging long-term IBD data could influence Tevas investment narrative around innovation and margins. Outshine the giants: these 22 early-stage AI stocks could fund your retirement. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Investment Narrative Recap To own Teva today, you need to believe its pivot toward higher value branded and innovative drugs can gradually lift margins while the mature generics base at least holds steady. The new duvakitug phase 2b extension data and FDA acceptance of the long acting olanzapine filing both support that innovation story, but they do not change the near term focus on managing debt above US$15 billion and keeping execution risk in the pipeline contained. The FDAs acceptance of Tevas New Drug Application for once monthly olanzapine injection for schizophrenia is the most relevant recent milestone alongside duvakitug. Together, they highlight a late stage pipeline that touches large, chronic disease areas, which many investors already view as a key catalyst for improving the mix toward higher margin products, even as the generics segment faces ongoing pricing and competitive pressures. Yet behind this progress, investors still need to watch the risk that heavy debt and pipeline setbacks could... Read the full narrative on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (it's free!) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' narrative projects $17.8 billion revenue and $1.5 billion earnings by 2028. Uncover how Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' forecasts yield a $37.95 fair value, a 12% upside to its current price. Exploring Other Perspectives TEVA 1-Year Stock Price Chart Some of the lowest analysts were assuming only about 1 percent annual revenue growth to roughly US$17.3 billion by 2028, so compared with the more optimistic view that duvakitug and other late stage drugs could reshape Tevas earnings profile, this is a much more cautious narrative that reminds you how differently people can interpret the same pipeline potential. Explore 6 other fair value estimates on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries - why the stock might be worth as much as 74% more than the current price! Advertisement Exclusive CultureArt & designExhibitions Why these tiny vampires deserve our respect Linda Morris March 2, 2026 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Ticks have long suffered a poor reputation in the world of bloodsucking creatures, and often for good reason. They carry pathogens that incubate bacteria and spread disease, paralysing and killing cattle, pets and native animals. Blood-feeding mites are equally pervasive. They are found in most birds nestseven within their nasal passages and respiratory systemsand alongside possums, sugar gliders, owls, koalas and other mammals. Down the ages, these tiny hitchhikers have altered the course of humanity: the plague, in a series of epidemics, created some of the biggest human mass casualty events in history. This occurred after global trading routes partnered a new strain of plague bacterium from Asia with two other introduced species: the black rat and a rat flea. Dr Matt Shaw examines a common marsupial tick at the Australian Museum. Janie Barrett More recently, European honey bees were brought to Asia and the realm of a once-obscure parasite called varroa. In only 50 years, varroa has spread worldwide and is now causing untold damage to Australias bee populations. Advertisement According to Dr Matt Shaw, Australian Museums collection manager in entomology and arachnology, mites and ticks are not mere pests, but fascinating micro-predators. He hopes an upcoming exhibition at the Australian Museum, Bloodsuckers: Natures Vampires, will help visitors appreciate these tiny critters, warts and all. Developed by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada, the exhibition features more than 100 objects, live specimens and digital interactives, including 18th- and 19th-century bloodletting instruments. Kim McKay, the museums director and chief executive, notes that while some of natures most extraordinary survivors give us the creeps, it is time to change perceptions. She argues we should give these species credit for mastering the art of survival and playing critical roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The diversity of natures bloodsuckers ranges from the famous vampire bat which uses an anticoagulant appropriately named draculin to the oxpecker, a bird commonly seen on the backs of large African mammals such as rhinos and buffalo. These birds act as both mutualistic cleaners and parasites; they consume ticks while also feeding on the hosts blood by irritating existing wounds. Leeches remain the most famous of the bunch, their saliva a complex biochemical cocktail still used in modern medicine to prevent clots and ensure blood flow to congested tissues. Advertisement Shaw describes the ticks feeding mechanism as a marvel of predatory engineering. Ticks have two sets of teeth-like structures, he says. One set slices through skin like a pair of tiny scalpels doing breaststroke. This action drags their prong like the prow of a Phoenician warship, but with barbs to lodge into the fresh wound. Beyond birds and bats, the world of blood-feeders includes certain snails, fish and moths. However, insects and ticks are by far the most numerous, accounting for 25,000 of the 30,000 known species a conservative estimate given how many remain under-studied. The truism is that nature will find a way, and blood is a particularly good resource, Shaw says. Its high in protein; its salty. If you evolve blood-feeding, you may never need to directly drink water again. Its a mother lode of nutritionif you can get it. The sugar glider flea under a microscope. Australian Museum He views the relationship between host and parasite as an evolutionary arms race a dance of exploitation and adaptation in which two creatures form a deeply intimate biological relationship. The exhibition is a window into a much bigger world of interactions, which arent always negative, Shaw says. Its a story about how living things learn to live together, or at least tolerate each other. Advertisement Bloodsuckers doesnt stop at biology; it also explores how these creatures have inspired humanitys darkest imaginations. Long before Bram Stoker wrote Dracula, various cultures used the concept of the bloodsucker to explain disease, sudden death and the boundary between life and death. In ancient Mesopotamia, the utukku were feared as spirit-demons that rose from the underworld to prey on the living. In African folklore, the asanbosam is a vampire-like creature with iron hooks for feet that dangles from trees, while in South-East Asia, the Manananggal is a monster capable of severing her upper torso from her lower body to fly through the night. Related Article Exhibitions Why this artist is turning Australias feral animals into mummies Ultimately, human reactions to these creatures are deeply primal. Its natural to have an aversion to bloodsuckers the idea that these tiny creatures are lurking around hunting you, Shaw says. We dont want to think of ourselves as a mere bag of blood. Leeches get a big reaction, but we are lucky that they dont really transmit much. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are the real problem. Bloodsuckers: Natures Vampires runs at Australian Museum from April 2 to October 11. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Australian government monitoring Middle East The Australian government is still working out if any citizens are affected by the Middle East fighting. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Advertisement NationalGood Weekend Deborahs mother gave birth to nine children. Six of them were taken Benjamin Law March 2, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A This story is part of the March 7 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to discuss the subjects were told to keep private by getting them to roll a die. The numbers they land on are the topics theyre given. This week, he talks to Deborah Cheetham Fraillon. The Yorta Yorta/Yuin soprano, composer and professor, 61, is the founder and artistic director of Short Black Opera. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia. Deborah Cheetham Fraillon: The journey from not knowing to knowing is important. But the journey from knowing to understanding is the only thing that will make any difference. POLITICS You have so many different identities: soprano, composer, lesbian, Yorta Yorta woman, stolen generations member Yes, my short bio is, Yorta Yorta by birth, stolen generation by government policy, composer by necessity, soprano by diligence and lesbian by practice. [Laughs] I got to the point where I wanted to distil it to just a few words. What is the essence of who I am? Where do I come from? For a long time I knew that I was connected to Yorta-Yorta country, even though I was stolen generation, but I hadnt experienced it. That didnt happen until my early 40s. What happened? I was about to write my first opera, Pecan Summer. I moved down to Melbourne and connected with Boon Wurrung elder Aunty Carolyn Briggs. When I told her I wanted to write an opera, she had a bit of a laugh and said, You need to head up home to Yorta-Yorta country. You need to find out about your familys history. There, I met with Aunty Frances Mathyssen, who told me that my family had been part of the story I was about to put into an opera. At the end of that initial meeting, she said, We love you. I love you. And we knew youd come home. Advertisement Is there a unifying mission statement that connects all of your projects? The journey from not knowing to knowing is important. But the journey from knowing to understanding is the only thing that will make any difference. Its the journey I have been on my entire life and it informs everything I do. DEATH What have been the biggest losses youve experienced? The biggest loss happened when I was just three weeks old. I lost the chance to know my Aboriginal mother, Monica, when I was taken from her. My adopted parents were loving and generous people, but the one thing they could not provide for me was my true identity. When I lost my adopted mother in November 2000, the grief was intense and fuelled by the complexities in our relationship. When I lost my Aboriginal mother, two weeks before Pecan Summer premiered in 2010, I experienced a numb, confusing kind of grief. Monicas funeral was devastating Im going to cry. Monica gave birth to nine children and six of us were taken. At the funeral, my eldest brother, Anthony, stood up to speak and said, I have so few memories that I can share with you of my time with Monica. My brothers eulogy brought me undone because he couldnt say the things a son would want to say about his mother because he couldnt recall them. Oh, thats devastating. It was. But my Uncle Jimmy [Little, a fellow musician], was still alive at that time; he was such a wise and gentle man. His eulogy was magnificent. He spoke about his sister, her life, her beautiful voice, the love she felt for her children and her grief for those who had been taken. I learnt so much about my family, and myself, on that day. If you were to die today, what would you be most proud of? Im really proud of the three children I helped to raise [in a previous relationship]. Theyre all amazing human beings. And Im incredibly proud of Short Black Opera and everything it does to create development opportunities and pathways for First Nations musicians who want to connect with classical music. Advertisement Is there any unfinished business? On the evening of October 14, 2023, I was about to give a performance of Eumeralla, a War Requiem for Peace. As I walked onto the stage, I knew already that the Voice to Parliament was lost. It was the most emotionally demanding performance Ive ever had to give. In the weeks and months after that crushing result, I felt gutted. Whatever I had contributed hadnt been enough to help enough people understand why it is vital for the health of our society to give First Nations people agency. Thats my unfinished business. Cheetham Fraillon with early members of the Dhungala Childrens Choir in 2010, two years after she formed the group. Angela Trapani Do you have a playlist for your funeral? Therell be Beethoven, one of my favourite composers: the Emperor piano concerto slow movement. I would love something from Eumaralla to be sung: its a requiem, after all. And I would want the Dhungala Childrens Choir [formed in 2008 by Cheetham Fraillon] to sing Birrama Mana. The chorus is in the language of my ancestors. Translated into English, it means, The sun upon the river red gums in the afternoon is so beautiful / The magpie and the crow are heading home to the nest. SEX Were finishing with sex. [Laughs] Fantastic! Advertisement Youve already mentioned youre a self-declared lesbian by practice Yes, Im a career lesbian. Long before I had a word to describe my feelings, I knew I was attracted to the same sex. Which was problematic as a child who grew up in a strict Baptist family! And Baptists can be hardcore. Indeed! Do you have a type? My most significant relationships have been with musicians and artists. Related Article Good Weekend Ron titled a song God loves everyone. Not everyone was happy In 2022, the public discovered you were dating your now-wife, Nicolette Fraillon [the conductor]. Yes, I inadvertently announced our engagement on Q&A. The only problem was, we hadnt yet told our families. It had been a whirlwind romance. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalForeign relations Empty inside: The Australian family fighting Italy for their unschooled children Amelia Adams, Nichola Younger Natalie Clancy and Updated March 4, 2026 9:33am ,first published March 1, 2026 8:50pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A An Australian family who had their three children taken from them by Italian authorities because of their controversial upbringing has called on the Albanese government to intervene to help get them back. The eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old twins of Australian woman Catherine Birmingham and her British-born husband Nathan Trevallion have been living in a state-run foster care facility in the southern region of Abruzzo for nearly four months. Australian mother Catherine Birmingham with her British husband, Nathan Trevallion, and their children. Website: https://catherinelouisebirmingham.com/ Before that, the couple had been raising the children off the grid on a property near the town of Palmoli that had no running water, electricity or formal schooling. I just feel empty inside, full of sadness, their father, Trevallion told 60 Minutes. They dont deserve whats happening to them. Advertisement The couple is now undergoing court-ordered psychiatric assessments to determine whether they are fit to parent. What Im fighting is the very, very, very ignorant belief that what we have done to our children was wrong, Birmingham said. There are no allegations of abuse or neglect that typically trigger the removal of children from their parents. Instead, it was an extreme bout of food poisoning that drew the eyes of the local police, the Carabinieri, in September 2024. We have been picking edible mushrooms off our property for a long time, and honestly, we had just eaten too many in a few days, Birmingham said. Advertisement Trevallion added: I was vomiting, had diarrhoea, and was starting to get heat flushes and starting to sweat. When emergency responders arrived at the familys property, they were alarmed by their off-the-grid lifestyle and alerted social services. Related Article Australians abroad They lived off-grid in Italys woods. Now their kids have been taken into care Court documents declared the home was a dilapidated ruin without utilities, and that there was a lack of essential care for the children, who had no pediatrician and who were not attending school. The couple were practising what they describe as parental education, a version of homeschooling without a curriculum, drawing inspiration from the Steiner system. It rejects early academics in favour of creativity. Advertisement They know how to sew, they know how to knit, they know how to chop wood, they know how to grow plants from seed, Birmingham said. Theyre learning other life skills that every child that sits there playing with the toys is not learning. Their home doesnt have a bathroom, instead just a compost toilet that is a short walk from the house. They wash in an old tub. The base philosophy behind it for us is that the children are growing up in this environment where they have freedom with a boundary, Birmingham said. Trevallion said: You wake up in the morning and do whatever you feel like doing. Advertisement We dont have to run out the door to take the children to school. Its just a very relaxed way of waking up, eating breakfast together as a family and continuing through the day. But authorities were unimpressed. In Italy, inside a home there must be a toilet, mayor Giuseppe Masciulli told 60 Minutes. The house had some damage the children did not attend school and did not practise homeschooling, which is a recognised private way of educating children in Italy, but were actually practising unschooling, which is not recognised by Italian law. In April 2025, the couple were ordered to make some key changes to their lifestyle for the sake of the children. Advertisement They wanted us to force [our daughter] into school, attach to mains water in our house, and put a flushing toilet in, Birmingham said. We were getting ready to attach the water and talk about the toilet, but we were not going to force [our daughter into school]. Ive always said to them, If you ever want to go into school, you go to school. They dont want to. Related Article Australians abroad Off-grid family offered free home in Italy to help with return of children But it wasnt just the lack of formal education that concerned authorities; it was also the parents lack of co-operation. A court order revealed that Birmingham and Trevallion had refused to meet with social workers or participate in parenting support activities and that they wouldnt allow mandatory health checks. Advertisement We did say yes to a lot of things, but we were not going to do things that were going to damage our children, Birmingham said. Last November, the court took the step of removing the three children and placing them in a foster care facility, alongside other children in the care of the state. Birmingham negotiated a deal so she could live in the facility with them. Trevallion, gets three visits a week. Its been the toughest time of my life, he said. I cant support my family right now. I cant help them. The Italian public has become obsessed with the story, according to Claudio Giambene, a reporter for the countrys national broadcaster, Radiotelevisione Italiana. Advertisement They seem like aliens, aliens coming from a different era, he said. They want to be free. They dont want to respect the rules. And the typical Italian behaviour with some people coming from abroad is if you dont want to stay here, you can go home. Why dont you go back to Australia? The family have told authorities theyre ready to move to a nearby property, equipped with running water and connected to electricity, if their children are handed back to them. Theyve also promised to allow a teacher to visit the property and assist with homeschooling. The final hurdle is the ongoing psychiatric assessment of the parents, which could take months. Advertisement Asked if she felt let down by a lack of support from the Australian government in their bid to have their children returned, Birmingham said: Humanity, in multiple ways, has let us down. The last resort was the Australian government, that just that killed me. Professor Tonino Cantelmi, associate lecturer, Institute of Psychology at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, who has spent hours with the couple, will give evidence in their defence. They are very good parents, very affectionate, very present, he said. We have to do something to bring this family back together. Advertisement The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was engaging with Italian authorities and providing consular assistance to the Birmingham-Trevallion family. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A man has been arrested after he allegedly brandished a replica firearm and barricaded himself within a Sydney brothel on Sunday afternoon, triggering a heavy police response that shut down a suburban street for more than six hours. Authorities were called to a brothel on Vangeli Street in Arndell Park, in Sydneys west, at 2pm on Sunday. A heavy police response has shut down a street in western Sydney. Sam Mooy Negotiators and the tactical police unit were stationed outside the premises for more than six hours, with backup from PolAir and the Public Order and Riot Squad. It was initially reported to police the man held a firearm. The man was the only person who remained inside the building during the operation, a police spokesperson said. Chief Operating and Finance Officer Robin Washington added that subscription and support revenue grew slightly above 10% year over year in both nominal and constant currency. She said Informaticas Q4 results outperformed expectations, but that the strength was partially offset by continued weakness in marketing and commerce, weaker-than-expected Tableau performance, and the on-prem revenue timing in Tableau and MuleSoft referenced previously. Washington said Q4 revenue attrition ended the year at approximately 8%, in line with recent trends. Remaining performance obligations were a major focus of managements commentary. Benioff said current remaining performance obligations (CRPO) rose to $35.1 billion, up 16% year over year, and that total RPO reached $72 billion, up 14% year over year. Chair and CEO Marc Benioff said the company delivered phenomenal performance across revenue, across margin expansion, across cash flow, and CRPO and RPO. For the full year, Salesforce reported $41.5 billion in revenue, up 10% year over year (9% in constant currency). Fourth-quarter revenue was $11.2 billion, up 12% year over year (10% in constant currency). Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) executives used the companys fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings call to emphasize revenue growth, margin expansion, and accelerating adoption of its Agentforce and Data 360 offerings, while also outlining an expanded shareholder return program and updated long-term targets following a fast start with Informatica. After a Brutal Selloff, Are These 3 SaaS Giants About to Bounce? Salesforce raised its quarterly dividend 5.8% to $0.44, expanded its share repurchase authorization to $50 billion , and issued FY27 revenue guidance of $45.846.2 billion while updating a FY30 revenue target of $63 billion (implying an ~11% CAGR). Agentforce and Data 360 ARR reached $2.9 billion (over 200% YoY growth) with Agentforce ARR about $800 million (169% YoY), and the company introduced an AI usage metric Agentic Work Units (AWUs) totaling 2.4 billion to date. FY26 revenue $41.5 billion (up 10% YoY) and Q4 revenue $11.2 billion (up 12% YoY); management also reported CRPO $35.1 billion (up 16% YoY) and total RPO $72 billion (up 14% YoY). Story Continues ServiceNow Insiders Buy as Wall Street Panics Over an AI SaaSpocalypse Benioff described Agentforce as a rapidly scaling product line, saying it just became an $800 million business. Washington provided more detail, stating that Agentforce and Data 360 annual recurring revenue (ARR), inclusive of Informatica Cloud ARR, reached $2.9 billion, up over 200% year over year. That total included Informatica Cloud ARR of $1.1 billion and Agentforce ARR of approximately $800 million, which she said was up 169% year over year. Washington also said new bookings for Agentforce 1 Edition and Agentforce for Apps (A4X), which she described as the companys most premium SKUs, nearly tripled quarter-over-quarter. She added that more than 60% of Agentforce and Data 360 bookings in the quarter came from existing customers expanding commitments. In Salesforces largest deals, she said every one of the top 10 wins included Agentforce, data, sales, service, platform, and analytics, and Informatica appeared in six of those top 10 wins. AI Is Separating Software Winners From Losers, 2 Experts Explain To provide more visibility into AI usage beyond token counts, Benioff introduced a new metric: Agentic Work Units (AWUs). He said AI agents on Salesforces platform have delivered 2.4 billion AWUs to date, including about 771 million in Q4. Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Stokes explained AWUs are intended to measure work coming out of the systemsuch as a record update, workflow trigger, decision made, or an MCP callrather than simply token consumption from model providers. On pricing and margins, Washington said Salesforce expects gross margin impact to be pretty neutral in the short run, noting the company expects model-token costs to decline over time and that engineering work is aimed at improving efficiency. Customer examples: retail, hospitality, and SMB Salesforce highlighted customer deployments across different industries and company sizes. At SharkNinja, an executive said the company stood up a guided shopping agent in eight weeks ahead of the holiday season and that agents participated in a quarter of a million consumer engagements shortly after launch, helping consumer response times while freeing human agents to focus on harder issues. Wyndham described a large rollout, stating it had more than 5,000 Agentforce deployments across more than 8,300 hotels. The company said it used MuleSoft and Data 360 to unify reservation, loyalty, and CRM data into what it called Wyndham Guest360. Wyndham cited faster response times, 0 hold times, a 200-basis-point increase in direct bookings from AI voice agents, and guest satisfaction scores up 400 basis points, while also describing millions of dollars of labor cost savings and ancillary revenue improvements for franchisees. Jason Lemkin of SaaStr described using Agentforce in a small-organization setting, saying the company went from 15 humans to 2.5 and 20 agents and had closed $2.7 million via Agentforce with $3.5 million more in pipeline. Capital returns: dividend increase and expanded buyback authorization Management also addressed shareholder returns. Benioff said Salesforce returned more than $14 billion, or 99% of free cash flow, to shareholders in fiscal 2026. Washington said the board approved a 5.8% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.44 per share. In addition, Salesforce increased its share repurchase authorization to $50 billion. Benioff characterized the move as taking advantage of low prices, and in Q&A he said the company is also evaluating multiple uses of cash, including dividends, buybacks, acquisitions, and debt, noting Salesforce is very under-leveraged on its balance sheet. Guidance and updated FY30 framework For fiscal 2027, Washington initiated revenue guidance of $45.8 billion to $46.2 billion, representing approximately 10% to 11% growth in nominal and constant currency. She guided to subscription and support growth of slightly under 12% year over year (approximately 11% in constant currency), with strength in Agentforce and Data 360 partially offset by weakness in marketing, commerce, and Tableau. Salesforce guided to non-GAAP operating margin of 34.3% (up 20 basis points) and GAAP operating margin of 20.9% (up 80 basis points), with Washington describing fiscal 2027 as a year of further investments to support long-term growth and Agentforce customer success. For Q1, Washington guided to revenue of $11.03 billion to $11.08 billion, and CRPO growth of approximately 14% year over year (13% in constant currency). Salesforce also updated its fiscal 2030 revenue target to $63 billion, which Washington said implies an 11% CAGR from FY26 to FY30. She said the company remains on track to a Rule of 50 target by FY30. Washington added Salesforce plans to reevaluate its revenue-by-cloud disclosures in FY27 to better reflect its agentic enterprise strategy. About Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) Salesforce, founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a global provider of cloud-based software focused on customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise applications. The company popularized the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for CRM and has built a broad portfolio of products designed to help organizations manage sales, service, marketing, commerce and analytics through a unified, cloud-first platform. Core offerings include Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing and engagement, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce. The article "Salesforce Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Advertisement Graphic content NationalNSWDomestic violence She tried to leave her abusive partner. It cost Sophia her children Kayla Olaya March 2, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Key points New referrals have increased by 22 per cent The workforce has shrunk by 12 per cent Two in three new referrals cannot be assigned to a caseworker immediately One in four new referrals is put on a waitlist due to a lack of capacity Source: DVNSW Sophia* finally gained access to a womens refuge while trying to leave an abusive relationship but was then told she couldnt stay. The news meant either returning to the man who threatened to kill her if she left him or becoming homeless with two young children. They were like, Oh, we cant really help you get a place, and I was like, Well, Im about to have open-heart surgery, and Ive got a four-month-old little boy, what do I do? They were just like, Oh, the father was not that bad, Sophia, 35, recalls. Sophia chose to return to her abuser rather than being homeless with her children. Louise Kennerley Looking down at her baby boy, Sophia decided to return home. But about a year later, her seven-year-old daughter was punched in the face by her partner, who was not the father. He launched her daughter across the room before turning to Sophia and battering her. All Sophia remembers, as she drifted in and out of consciousness, was the helpless cries of her baby girl and the paralysing fear of being locked inside a room with her children, desperately waiting for her partner to fall asleep so they could escape. Advertisement Sophias experience is shocking but representative of what is happening on a wider scale. Two in three women seeking domestic violence help cant be allocated a caseworker, the latest report by the peak body Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) reveals. Caseworkers provide support to women impacted by domestic violence by assessing available options, helping them make decisions, discussing safety for them and their children, and supporting them with Centrelink, housing, education, police and community organisations. A room in a womens refuge: Children who grow up with domestic violence can be deeply damaged by it. Louise Kennerley However, the report says domestic violence staffing levels have fallen 12 per cent, while demand has surged. One in six new referrals requiring urgent support are told the provider has no capacity. Domestic violence services are on average supporting 150 per cent more clients than they are funded for, according to a DVNSW member survey. Some services are supporting between 800 and 900 per cent more clients than their funding covers. Advertisement Whenever a woman dies from domestic violence 16 women and three girls were murdered in DV-linked deaths last year in NSW, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research An Le and her colleagues at Bonnie Support Services rush to their database, coursing with anxiety, to check if they had rejected her calls for help. We know that domestic violence its not this rare, sudden event that just happens out of nowhere. Its at the end point of an escalation that someone calls us for help, and were saying, Sorry, we cant help you, Le said. Its devastating. Bonnie Support Services CEO Sarah Morgan and senior project manager An Le. Steven Siewert Le, who has worked in the domestic violence sector for more than 10 years, says her organisation can support only 17 per cent of calls for help to leave abuse. More than four out of five women wanting to leave get rejected. Everyone says, Oh, you do this job for empowerment, for advocacy, for support, but beneath all of that is this persistent anxiety for the safety and wellbeing of the woman we cant support. Because we get those calls, we dont know where she goes or what happens to her during the night. Advertisement The job doesnt neatly end at five oclock ... some of those cases, you bring it home, it follows you home, and it sits with you at dinner, and it sits with you in the middle of the night. Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison said NSW has a no-wrong-door approach for victim-survivors they can receive support from a service, including crisis accommodation, developing a safety plan or access to programs to keep them safe. Minister for Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison. Dion Georgopoulos Domestic violence is unacceptable and a crime. Every woman and child deserves to live in a safe community, free from violence, Harrison said. For Sophia, leaving her abuser was the beginning of her worst nightmare. After her ex-partner was arrested, his mother paid his $20,000 bail and he was freed. Sophia was evicted from their home because his name was first on the lease. Advertisement During their relationship, she had two children with him, and began granting him visitations a year after he was arrested. One day, he decided not to give back their two kids. Since Sophia was technically homeless, having applied throughout the period to enter social housing unsuccessfully, the courts weighed in her ex-partners favour and awarded him custody. She has not seen her two children for two years. Sophia has not seen her children in two years due to her unstable housing situation. Kate Geraghty Its hell every single day, especially because I dont know if theyre OK or not. I know what hes capable of, but no ones going to do anything or see it until its too late, Sophia said. As NSW records about 100 domestic violence-related assaults a day, soaring housing costs and a shortage of crisis accommodation are trapping women and children in unsafe situations for longer, DVNSW states. Advertisement In the most recent state budget, the NSW government invested $272.7 million over four years for frontline domestic, family and sexual violence services. Related Article Crime How Caitlins alleged abuser gained control of her body and her money after she died However, DVNSW Chief Executive Delia Donovan says that most of the previous budgets commitments did not go towards baseline funding to enable frontline services to meet demand and retain staff. Donovan is calling for an additional 50 per cent increase in core funding $177.4 million made into an ongoing investment as the lives of more women and children are at risk. She said the ignored calls for funding have become more than a budget issue it is now a political choice. We live in one of the wealthiest and most well-resourced states in the country, yet women and children are being forced back into violence because we cant commit just 0.1 per cent of the state budget to the services that save their lives, Donovan said. Advertisement Harrison said the government knew there was still more to do and recognised that the work specialist domestic violence workers did was incredibly challenging. Since coming into government, the domestic and family violence program budget has been 50 per cent higher than budgets leading up to the 2022-23 financial year. Labor has also prioritised half of 8400 new social and affordable homes for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence a total investment of $6.6 billion and late last year, invested $130 million towards increasing crisis capacity by at least 200 beds. *Not her real name. If you are experiencing domestic violence call 1800RESPECT. Advertisement The NSW Domestic Violence Line is 1800 65 64 63. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. CORRECTION An earlier version of this story said there was one death per week in NSW last year due to domestic violence, according to Counting Dead Women. This was a national figure. We have updated the article with the latest NSW data from BOCSAR. Advertisement NationalInternational affairs Opinion O Canada, O Albanese: This middle power roars as Australias exemplar George Brandis Former high commissioner to the UK and federal attorney-general March 1, 2026 1:30pm March 1, 2026 1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses a joint sitting of parliament in Canberra on Thursday, he will, no doubt, make a plea for middle powers such as Canada and Australia to work more closely together in the face of disruptions to the world order. He can be expected to reprise some of the themes of his instantly famous speech at the World Economic Forum at Davos in January. Leaders of other important democracies (notably, Donald Trump) also spoke at Davos, but it was Canadas prime minister who grabbed the worlds attention not just by the erudition of his remarks, but by their unsparing candour. While European leaders hedged their words with careful euphemisms about threats and challenges to the rules-based global order, Carney dismissed such diplomatic legerdemain as a pleasant fiction. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Canada PM Mark Carney at the Global Progress Action Summit in London in September. Dominic Lorrimer Criticising the strong tendency for countries to go along to get along, to accommodate, to avoid trouble, to hope that compliance will buy safety, he bluntly warned his fellow leaders: Well. It wont. Rather, he declared, the world faced the beginning of a brutal reality, where geopolitics among the great powers is subject to no limits, no constraints Let me be direct. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition. In years to come, the speech may come to be seen as a defining moment. (It certainly reads as if it were written with one eye on the history books.) Its impact was, to a degree, attributable to Carneys gravitas and prestige. He is unusual among world leaders in being at once a political neophyte he was shoe-horned into the prime ministership from outside parliament by Canadas Liberal Party and a well-established member of the so-called global elite. Advertisement It is unimaginable that Anthony Albanese could have made such an impression: someone whose biggest job before he was an MP was assistant secretary of the NSW branch of the Labor Party is never going to speak with the authority of a former governor of not one but two of the worlds leading central banks (the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England). Related Article Opinion US politics Why Trump just proved Mark Carneys point Ezra Klein US commentator and journalist Whatever one may think of Carneys analysis, the powerful impression it made typified the significant influence, disproportionate to its size, which Canada has on shaping the dialogue of global politics. It is the smallest member of the G7 in both population (42 million) and by GDP. Its armed forces (68,000 full-time personnel) are only slightly larger than Australias (61,000). Canadas contribution of intelligence product to the Five Eyes is roughly the same as ours. According to the latest World University Rankings, it is home to only three of the worlds 100 highest-rated universities. (Australia has six.) Canadas outsized influence in global politics is largely due to its soft power: its reputation as a good global citizen, with a deep-seated commitment to internationalism. Only last week, the UKs leading conservative magazine, The Spectator, described Canada as the moral leader of the middle powers. For instance, by one of the few empirically reliable measures of soft power foreign aid Canadas contribution is one of the worlds largest in per capita terms, almost double that of Australia (0.33 per cent of gross national income versus 0.18 per cent). In the decades after World War II, Canada was also important because geopolitics had a largely Atlantic focus. The division of Europe between NATO states and the nations of the Warsaw Pact was the frontline of the Cold War. Although they fought proxy wars in Asia and elsewhere, Washington and Moscow glowered at each other across the Atlantic Ocean. Canada, as a significant NATO nation both Anglophone and Francophone was in every important conversation. Advertisement We no longer live in a predominantly Atlanticist world. Canadas own National Security Strategy, launched in 2024, recognised: The Indo-Pacific is rapidly becoming the global centre of economic dynamism and strategic challenge. Every issue that matters to Canadians ... will be shaped by the relationships Canada and its allies and partners have with Indo-Pacific countries. Related Article Opinion Political leadership Somethings brewing for Albanese on the global stage Peter Hartcher Political and international editor In the era when the main fault line of geopolitics lay through the Western hemisphere, Canadas leaders projected global influence as they still do. In the 21st century, however, it is Australia situated at the inverse apex of the Indo-Pacific that finds itself in the most contested and strategically fragile region of the world. Yet too many Australians and an alarming number of politicians still indulge the happy complacency inherited from the days when ours seemed a sequestered part of the globe, where crises happened on the other side of the world, and international politics were somebody elses problem. In a sense, we still live in the long shadow of Donald Hornes assessment of Australia as a mediocre, insular, unimportant nation. Australians are anonymous, featureless, nothing-men, he sourly wrote. The Lucky Country was published in 1964. White Australia was still a bipartisan policy (until Harold Holt began to dismantle it in 1966), the word multiculturalism did not exist, and hardly any of the people Horne was describing are still alive. But there is one thing Horne said that remains as true today as it was two generations ago. Speaking of our engagement with Asia (although in very different circumstances), he wrote: Australias problem is that it now exists in a new and dangerous power situation and its people and policies are not properly re-orientated towards this fact. Advertisement Canada has, for decades, been an exemplar of how a middle power can also be a global leader if it appreciates that its interests are international, not just regional, and addresses global issues with the authority that comes from seeing itself as an important player in the great game of geopolitics. There has never been a time when it was more important for Australia to do the same and for our foreign policy to reflect that realisation. George Brandis is a former high commissioner to the UK, and a former Liberal senator and federal attorney-general. He is a professor at the ANUs National Security College. Advertisement NationalQueenslandQueensland Police Two dead, dozens hospitalised after assaults and carnage on Queensland roads Cameron Atfield March 1, 2026 10:31am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Two people have died in separate Queensland traffic incidents, with emergency services responding to a string of crashes and assaults overnight that left 30 others in hospital. A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the Forensic Crash Unit was investigating a fatal crash at Spring Mountain, southwest of Brisbane, after a 21-year-old woman died on Saturday. The spokesperson said two Toyota LandCruisers one purple and one white collided on Centenary Highway near exit 33 while travelling in opposite directions about 5.25pm on Friday. Emergency services have responded to a string of incidents across Queensland overnight. Queensland Police The driver of the purple LandCruiser, a 21yearold woman from Purga, near Ipswich, was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition and died on Saturday. Advertisement The white LandCruisers driver, a 23yearold Greenbank man, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to the PA Hospital. Police were also investigating the death of an 89yearold man who was killed at Earlville in south-west Cairns on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Mulgrave Road about 3.54pm after reports the man had been struck by a bus. He died at the scene. Investigations into the cause of the crash were ongoing, and police appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage. Meanwhile, a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics took dozens of people to hospital overnight following incidents across the state. Advertisement In Brisbane, a man in his 60s was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital with leg and shoulder injuries after he fell from a motorcycle on Gap Creek Road, Mount Coottha, shortly before 5am. Earlier, a man in his 20s was taken to the same hospital after a reported assault on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley about 4.15am. Four people were also taken to hospital after a twovehicle crash at the Murri Way and Wickham Street intersection in Fortitude Valley about 11.26pm. One of the vehicles subsequently hit a building. Two of the patients were taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital and two to the RBWH. All were in stable conditions, the QAS spokesperson said. South of Brisbane, a motorcycle rider in his 30s was taken to the PA Hospital with significant leg injuries following a collision with a vehicle on Rochedale Road in Springwood just after 12.40am on Sunday. Advertisement Five people were taken to Logan Hospital after a twovehicle crash on Compton Road, Woodridge, shortly after 11pm on Saturday, while a sixth person declined transport. Two teenage males were also taken to Logan Hospital following a multivehicle incident involving escooters on Illaweena Street at Drewvale about 8.59pm. Two more patients with minor injuries were taken to the same hospital after a threevehicle collision on Teys Road in Beenleigh. In Ipswich, a man in his 50s was taken to Ipswich Hospital with significant leg injuries after being struck by a vehicle at Fernvale shortly before 11pm. Another man in his 20s was taken to the same hospital following a reported assault at Leichhardt in Ipswich. A woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital after her vehicle struck a pole at Bilinga on the Gold Coast just after 1am. A separate twovehicle crash at Gaven, also on the Gold Coast, resulted in one patient being taken to the same hospital. Further north, four teenage males were taken to Woorabinda Hospital, west of Gladstone, after their vehicle crashed into a tree at Coomoo, while other incidents saw patients taken to hospitals in Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and Redcliffe. Advertisement All patients taken by paramedics overnight were reported to be in stable conditions, the QAS spokesperson said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaRegional Australia Forget city chaos: Peace-seekers pick their own sunflowers in a country field Carolyn Webb March 1, 2026 5:05pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A If you tip-toe through the fields at Pick Your Own Sunflowers, youre sure to stumble on social media enthusiasts taking selfies. But farmer Laiken Britt welcomes all-comers to her familys growing enterprise, which opened on Sunday in Dunnstown, east of Ballarat, for its seventh annual season. Flower power: Farmer Laiken Britt in the Pick Your Own Sunflowers field with three of her sons Ollie, 5, Billy, 12, and Jai,13. Chris Hopkins Britt has seen couples dressed in sunflower costumes, yoga practitioners, and a wedding party pose among the petals, but many customers simply seek a mood-lifting break from a hectic world. I think they want to be in nature, Britt says. They drive up from the concrete jungle, in Melbourne or Ballarat, and its fresh air. You get out of the car, and its peaceful. Everyone says sunflowers never look miserable, they make you smile. Advertisement On Sunday, Tegan Kohlman, of Ballarat, was making her third visit in three years to Pick Your Own Sunflowers. Peaceful day out: Tegan Kohlman, of Ballarat, picks sunflowers. Chris Hopkins Kohlman picked six sunflowers and enjoyed sitting on a hay bale with views of nearby mountains. She described the field as beautiful, lovely, peaceful and blissful. When youre deep into the sunflowers, sometimes you kind of forget there are other people around you. Farm owner Britt says customers have brought in dogs, cats, cockatoos, even a pet chook. Advertisement Pitching in: Brothers Jai, left, and Oscar Britt make twisty potatoes to sell to Pick Your Own Potatoes customers. Chris Hopkins Britt started Pick Your Own Sunflowers in 2020 as a fun sideline to the familys farm thats about mostly cattle but also wheat and barley. That month-long inaugural sunflower season was a hit, ending just as the pandemic began. The best season came in 2021, with good weather and a bumper crop lasting six weeks. Last years season was curtailed due to drought. The Vyas family from Sydney take selfies amid the sunflower crop on Sunday. Chris Hopkins Advertisement The hope this year is to open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday, for at least a month, with any changes announced on their website. But Britt says: Mother Nature is in charge, and we just roll with it. Britt, formerly a hairdresser from the town of Matlock in Englands Peak District, says she had never met a farmer before coming to Dunnstown in 2010 to work on the Britt familys farm, where she met her now-husband Karl. For Pick Your Own Sunflowers, the couples sons Oscar, 14, Jai, 13, Billy, 12, and Ollie, 5, help them sell tickets, run a hay maze, and sell honey and potatoes from local farms. Community groups raise money from sausage sizzles. The entry fee is $10 per person, with children under five free. Each stem customers pick costs $2. Advertisement Customers must bring their own bags or buckets, and can either bring or hire secateurs because stems are too thick to be broken off by hand. Britt likes educating town kids, as she once was, about nature. The plants wilt and die within a month to six weeks, but the seeds cant be sold because frosts start in this area and the seeds dont harden. However, the cattle are let in to eat the plants, which Britt reckons they enjoy. Weve got the shiniest cattle in Dunnstown, she says. From the sunflower oil maybe. They look happy when theyre in there. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTripologist Travel plans disrupted by the war? Your insurer is unlikely to help Michael Gebicki and Craig Platt Updated March 2, 2026 7:40am ,first published 3:46pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Key points The war in the Middle East has caused mass disruption to travel plans Airlines are offering refunds or changing travel dates Travel insurance is unlikely to cover travellers expenses The closure of one of the worlds busiest regions for international airline traffic has caused massive disruption to travel plans for thousands of Australian passengers and travel insurance is unlikely to cover the costs involved. Both Dubai the worlds busiest airport for international travel and Abu Dhabi have been struck by attacks from Iran, while airspace over the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other parts of the region is closed. The Australian governments Smartraveller website has updated its advice for several countries in the region to its highest level: Do not travel. Airspace across parts of the Middle East closed on Monday morning. Flightradar24 Flying to Europe via these Middle East hubs is particularly popular for Australians, so the disruptions will be felt across the country. Which airlines are affected? Advertisement Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are the three biggest carriers affected. Virgin Australia and Qantas passengers will also be affected. The former because Virgin Australia has leased Qatar Airways planes and crew for flights via Doha, and Qantas passengers because the airline has a codeshare agreement with Emirates, so some flights booked by Qantas passengers may fly via Dubai on an Emirates plane. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Im due to fly in the next couple of days. What should I do? While the airlines affected are, for the most part, offering to rebook passengers at a later date or to give refunds, that doesnt help you if you have holiday plans booked in the next few days or are trying to get home. Airlines are advising passengers to act only if they are flying imminently, but dont be surprised to find the disruptions lasting far longer. Aside from damage to the airports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which may take time to repair, US President Donald Trump has suggested the attack on Iran will continue for four to five weeks. Will travel insurance cover the costs of the disruption? Unfortunately, travel insurance is unlikely to come to your rescue to help cover the costs of booking new flights via another route or securing accommodation while you wait for the situation to resolve (in some cases, the airlines may assist with accommodation). Advertisement War is something that comes under travel insurers force majeure clause meaning it is, usually, explicitlycustomarily excluded from coverage in travel insurance policies. What is force majeure? Force majeure is an event that happens outside the control of you or your travel operator. It includes terrorist activity, war, civil unrest, industrial disputes, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, fire, extreme weather conditions or any other event that cannot be predicted but that could disrupt your trip. Volcanoes in Iceland or Bali that halt flights and leave travellers stranded and searching desperately for hotel rooms, and wildfires that send holidaymakers fleeing from Greek Islands are force majeure events, and so is the current situation in the Middle East. Force majeure clauses are commonly found in the terms and conditions of travel suppliers, and these clauses absolve the operator from fulfilling their contractual obligations. When you book a flight with an airline, a hotel room or sign up for a tour, you are agreeing to those T&Cs and Australian common law does not generally override force majeure clauses. According to law firm MinterEllison: As force majeure is a product of contractual negotiations, parties have the freedom to negotiate force majeure clauses as they see fit. In fact, there is no negotiation: the traveller accepts whatever the travel supplier sets out as a condition of their travels. How does travel insurance deal with force majeure? Advertisement Some travel insurance policies offer limited coverage for certain categories of force majeure events, such as severe storms and natural disasters. However, most travel insurers exclude acts of war, political unrest and acts of terrorism from trip cancellation coverage. Allianz spells it out succinctly in its product disclosure statement, listing war under Things we will never cover, which says if your claim arises from any act of war, whether war is declared or not, or from any rebellion, revolution, insurrection or taking of power by the military. So too does Cover-More, which says under the general exclusions in its product disclosure statement that it will not cover claims arising as a result of war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power. Related Article Opinion Tripologist Lost luggage forced me to put free credit card travel insurance to the test Michael Gebicki The Tripologist The point about whether war is declared is significant because the US has not formally declared war on Iran. Only the US Congress can do this, even if President Donald Trump says otherwise. Travel insurers also exclude claims from countries on Smartravellers Do not travel list, which currently includes the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Lebanon and Kuwait (but not Saudi Arabia, Jordan or Oman at this stage). Advertisement What about your tour operator? If youre travelling on a tour and a force majeure event happens before the trip begins, the operator may cancel the trip and offer a refund minus any unrecoverable costs. Those costs could be significant if the event happens close to the start of the trip, since hotel rooms are likely to have been paid for in full. Some will offer a travel credit, but others might have clauses in their T&Cs to the effect that they may cancel or postpone a tour at their own discretion and the traveller has no right to refunds or compensation. The operator may also decide the risk caused by the force majeure event is manageable and that therefore the tour will go ahead. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Tripologist Iran United Arab Emirates Air travel Qatar Israel USA Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favourite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebicki Connect via email Craig Platt is the digital editor of Traveller and has had responsibility for the travel content on the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday digital products since 2007. He has worked in journalism for more than 25 years. Craig has a strong interest in aviation and airlines, as well as wildlife tourism and (increasingly) family travel. He has visited every continent, including once visiting six of the seven in a single year (he missed Africa). Advertisement WorldAsiaAustralians abroad Australian child predator cops 20 years in a Timor-Leste jail Zach Hope March 2, 2026 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Singapore: An Australian man trying to quash a conviction for child sex crimes in Timor-Leste ended up having his prison sentence almost doubled to what is believed to be the longest the tiny nation has ever handed down to a foreigner. Robert Trott, a long-term resident of Timor-Leste and who is now in his late 70s, was convicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor, according to lawyers. Representatives for the family have asked that the nature of the offending not be published to protect the childs identity. Australian Robert Trott has been sentenced to 20 years in jail in Timor-Leste. Neon Metin He was originally convicted and sentenced to 11 years jail in June 2024. In his appeal, the court not only upheld his conviction but also agreed with the victims lawyers that his original sentence had been incorrectly calculated. After a fresh assessment, Trott was sentenced to 20 years in jail on January 15. Advertisement Juridico Social (JU,S), the firm acting for the victim, said the outcome was a positive demonstration of the capacity of Timor-Lestes justice system. Related Article ASEAN When the hangover ends, hard work continues: Timor-Leste welcomed in from geopolitical wilds But despite Trotts being found guilty of serious crimes in 2024, the judges at the time allowed him to remain in the community while he launched an appeal. Delays in the proceedings meant he was free for 18 months time that he appeared to use to work at a Dili school. Facebook posts from Dilis Shine Day Care and International School in July 2025 describe him as Our beloved mentor, Daddy Robert Trott. Another post from a year earlier weeks after he was first convicted also lists him as mentor at the daycare, alongside three others. Timor-Leste does not have a sex offender register but his conviction in 2024 was public knowledge. Advertisement The nature of Trotts mentoring was unclear as the school declined to answer questions. There is no suggestion that he committed further crimes there. Trott is believed to hail from Adelaide. His online presence suggests he spent time in Timor-Leste working as a political media adviser and, more recently, in a Dili kebab shop. Lawyers in Timor-Leste believe the sentence is the longest the nation has ever given to a foreigner. While Trott can appeal against its length, he has exhausted opportunities to appeal the conviction, according to JU,S. A clear message In October last year, Timor-Leste formally joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, fulfilling an ambition since independence in 2002, and delayed for years while it built up its infrastructure and institutions. Advertisement JU,S lawyer Dr Olivio Barros Afonso said the decision against Trott last month was particularly relevant in this context, as it sent a clear message, both domestically and internationally, that Timor-Leste has the institutional, legal and operational capacity to act firmly against foreign nationals who enter the country to exploit and sexually abuse our children. The investigation into Trott began several years ago after a complaint from an Australian to Australian authorities. The AFP did not answer questions from this masthead about its involvement. Attempts to contact Timor-Lestes public defenders office were unsuccessful. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Aussies caught up in Middle East conflict Countries usually considered safe havens are no longer, as the impact of the attack on Iran and the retaliation is felt throughout the Middle East. Advertisement Analysis WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Exaggerated, lacking evidence: Fact-checking Trumps justifications for attacking Iran Linda Qiu March 1, 2026 1:52pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Washington: US President Donald Trump, in announcing a military campaign against Iran, asserted he had done so because of imminent threats posed by the regime. On Saturday (Washington time), he laid out his justifications in an eight-minute video he shared on social media. But three of his key claims were inaccurate. Heres a fact-check. Loading What Trump said: In 2000, [Iran] knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. This lacks evidence. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the October 2000 attack on the US destroyer Cole, and US intelligence agencies have concurred. Advertisement There is no public evidence that Iran was directly responsible for the attack. But for years, US courts have ordered Iran to pay tens of millions of dollars in damages to victims of the attack and their survivors, finding that Iran facilitated the attack by providing material and financial support to al-Qaeda. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: Trump orders Iran to back down in fiery post; nine killed as hundreds storm US consulate The FBI, on its website detailing the history of the attack, notes that the agency ultimately determined that members of the al-Qaeda terrorist network planned and carried out the bombing. It makes no mention of Iran. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, a citizen of Saudi Arabia, is accused of organising the attack and is awaiting trial at Guantanamo Bay. A federal judge ruled in 2015 that Iran was complicit, noting that the countrys support for al-Qaeda made it capable of carrying out the attack on Cole and that one of the masterminds most likely travelled through Iran before and after the bombing. The case was brought by the family of a sailor killed in the attack against Iran and Sudan; neither country responded to the lawsuit. In a similar civil case, a federal judge ruled in 2024 that Iran facilitated the planning and execution of the attack on the Cole through decades of material support to al-Qaeda. Advertisement Advertisement The administration, too, took a more muted approach in assessing the damage. In the National Security Strategy, published last November with an introduction by the president, officials stated that the June airstrikes significantly degraded Irans nuclear program. What Trump said: Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland. This lacks evidence. Officials with access to US intelligence told the Times this past week that Mr Trump exaggerated the immediacy of the threat posed to the United States by Irans missile program. The suggestion that Iran was trying to build a nuclear bomb was also unsupported. Trump is correct that the countrys current missile arsenal could reach parts of Europe and US military bases in the Middle East, but experts and official reports doubt that Irans missiles could reach the United States. According to a 2025 report from the Defence Intelligence Agency, Iran did not have intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the United States, though it could develop 60 such weapons by 2035. Advertisement There is also little evidence that Iran is trying to build a bomb. Related Article Updated Middle East at war One of the most evil people in history: Khamenei killed in strikes, Trump confirms Grossi told a French news network this past week that his agency had not seen evidence that Iran had plans to produce a nuclear weapon. Officials also told the Times this past week that Iran had not built new nuclear sites since the June attacks, though recent activity had been detected at existing sites. Nor was there evidence that Iran was trying to dig out its stash of enriched uranium. There is no imminent threat, Daryl G. Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, wrote in a recent journal article. Iran is not close to weaponising its nuclear material so as to justify another US attack. Advertisement Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war How the CIA pinpointed and doomed a gathering of Iranian leaders Julian E. Barnes , Ronen Bergman , Eric Schmitt and Tyler Pager March 2, 2026 7:53am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Washington: Shortly before the United States and Israel were poised to launch an attack on Iran, the CIA zeroed in on the location of perhaps the most important target: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys supreme leader. The CIA had been tracking Khamenei for months, gaining more confidence about his locations and his patterns, according to people familiar with the operation. A satellite image shows heavy damage to Ayatollah Ali Khameneis compound in Tehran. Airbus Then the agency learnt that a meeting of top Iranian officials would take place on Saturday morning (Iran time) at a leadership compound in the heart of Tehran. Most critically, the CIA learnt that the supreme leader would be at the site. The US and Israel decided to adjust the timing of their attack, in part to take advantage of the new intelligence, according to officials with knowledge of the decisions. Advertisement Advertisement They and others who shared details about the operation spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence and military planning. Israel, using US intelligence and its own, would execute an operation it had been planning for months: the targeted killing of Irans senior leaders. Loading The US and Israeli governments, which had originally planned to launch a strike at night under the cover of darkness, decided to adjust the timing to take advantage of the information about the gathering at the government compound in Tehran on Saturday morning. The leaders were set to meet at the offices of the Iranian presidency, the supreme leader and Irans National Security Council. Advertisement Israel had determined that the gathering would include top Iranian defence officials, including Mohammad Pakpour, the commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guard; Aziz Nasirzadeh, the minister of defense; Ali Shamkhani, the head of the Military Council; Seyyed Majid Mousavi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard Aerospace Force; Mohammad Shirazi, the deputy intelligence minister; and others. The operation began about 6am in Israel, as fighter jets took off from their bases. The strike required relatively few aircraft, but they were armed with long-range and highly accurate munitions. Two hours and five minutes after the jets took off about 9.40am in Tehran the long-range missiles struck the compound. At the time of the strike, senior Iranian national security officials were in one building at the compound. Khamenei was in another nearby building. This mornings strike was carried out simultaneously at several locations in Tehran, in one of which senior figures of Irans political-security echelon had gathered, an Israeli defence official wrote in a message reviewed by The New York Times. Advertisement Related Article Visual Story Middle East at war Within 12 hours of the first strikes, Khamenei was dead. Heres how the attack on Iran unfolded The official said that despite Iranian preparations for war, Israel managed to achieve tactical surprise with its attack on the compound. The White House and the CIA declined to comment. On Sunday, Irans state news agency, IRNA, confirmed the deaths of two high-level military leaders Israel said it had killed Saturday: Shamkhani and Pakpour. People briefed on the operation described it as a product of good intelligence and months of preparation. Advertisement Last June, with planning under way to strike Irans nuclear targets, US President Donald Trump asserted that the US knew where Khamenei was hiding and could have killed him. That intelligence, a former US official said, was based on the same network that the US relied on Saturday. An image provided by Airbus shows the fatal strike on the Iranian Supreme Leaders compound. AP But since then, the information the US has been able to gather has only improved, according to the former official and others briefed on the intelligence. During that 12-day war, the US learnt even more about how the supreme leader and the Revolutionary Guard communicated and moved while under pressure, the former official said. The US used that knowledge to hone its ability to track Khamenei and predict his movements. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Middle East at war Thank you, Trump: The Iranians who hope war will topple the regime The US and Israel had also gathered specifics about the locations of key Iranian intelligence officers. In follow-on strikes after the attack on the leadership compound on Saturday, locations where intelligence leaders were staying were hit, according to people familiar with the operation. Irans top intelligence officer escaped, but the senior ranks of Irans intelligence agencies were decimated, according to people briefed on the operation. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Advertisement Saudi Arabian and Egyptian stocks fell on Sunday, in one of the first signs of the US-Iran war hitting the regions financial markets. Saudi Arabias Tadawul All Share Index fell 2.2%, the biggest daily loss since April and reversing its gains for the year. The drop would have been bigger had it not been for oil-producing giant Aramco, which makes up about 16% of the exchanges weighting, climbing 3.4%. The companys move up was because crude prices are likely to jump when global markets open in Asia. Most Read from Bloomberg Egypts main index dropped 2.5%, extending its slump since mid-February, when the prospects of a US-Iran war rose, to more than 8%. Omani and Bahraini equities also weakened. Kuwaits stock exchange halted trading as a precautionary measure. Israels market wasnt open on Sunday as it recently switched to Monday-Friday trading. Egypt has been among the countries whose financial assets have been hardest hit by the soaring tensions in the past month. The Egyptian pound was among the worlds five-worst performing currencies last week, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It weakened to around 48.8 per dollar on Sunday, its lowest level since mid-2025. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in late 2023, Egypts suffered from shippers avoiding the Suez Canal, a big source of foreign revenue for the Arab country. Another blow came from Israels decision to cut off natural gas supplies to Egypt after the Jewish state and the US struck Iran on Saturday. The Islamic Republic unleashed a wave of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf and on Israel. Cairo, which previously received about 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day from Israel, is now seeking to bring forward some liquefied natural gas cargoes and buy more shipments for the summer, when demand peaks, Bloomberg reported. Its all a reminder of how Egypt despite its distance from Iran and its status as a regional linchpin is particularly vulnerable to turmoil across the broader Middle East. Those factors helped Cairo secure a $57 billion global bailout in early 2024 as the Gaza war piled on pressures. What seemed like a slow revival of Suez transits after an October ceasefire in Gaza is now at risk. Frances CMA CGM SA, the worlds third-largest container line, on Sunday said it had suspended passage through the canal. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Iran conflict to continue for weeks as scope of attacks widens David Crowe Updated March 2, 2026 8:08pm ,first published March 2, 2026 5:58am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: The attacks on Iran are set to continue for four to five weeks in a bid to blast the countrys leaders into surrender as the Islamic Republic retaliates with missile and drone strikes that widen the conflict across the Middle East. US President Donald Trump aired his plan to sustain the bombing campaign for weeks to come in the hope that Iranians would overthrow the regime, declaring its leaders faced certain death if they did not sue for peace. But the Iranian leadership intensified its attacks after confirming the death of their Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killing nine in a strike on Israel and launching missiles and drones against Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other targets. The US embassy compound in Kuwait has also been targeted by Iran. Loading Trump claimed the joint offensive with Israel had killed 48 leaders, including Khamenei, and sunk nine Iranian naval vessels, while US military commanders said their forces had struck more than 1000 targets in Iran over two days. Advertisement The US president said the campaign would take four weeks or less in an interview with The Daily Mail, but put a longer estimate on the operation in remarks to The New York Times. Related Article Middle East at war As it happened: Israeli strikes kill 31 in Lebanon after renewed attacks on Iran following death of Khamenei; Three US troops killed as death toll rises among Iranian civilians Well, we intended four to five weeks, he told the newspaper, adding: It wont be difficult. Australians stranded overseas have been warned it will be difficult to organise emergency repatriation flights as the federal opposition accuses the Albanese government of failing to provide enough notice to leave the region before the strikes began. Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday said there were around 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, with about 11,000 people transiting through the regions airports every day when flights were operating. Advertisement Flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel and Bahrain have been cancelled, causing chaos at major air travel hubs. Iranian retaliation left nine people dead at a synagogue in Beit Shemesh in Israel, while an Iranian missile also wounded three people on a highway near Jerusalem. Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran. AP In a wild series of attacks on targets ranging from military airfields to hotel resorts, the Iranian military also launched missiles and drones against nations across the region, including Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain, an Asian worker was killed by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile. Three workers from Asian countries were killed in the United Arab Emirates, its government said on Sunday, and another 58 people were wounded. Advertisement Iranian forces also launched attacks on three ships in the Persian Gulf, with video showing a tanker on fire near Oman. None of the ships was sunk. The strikes drew a combined response from French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the threat to citizens from their countries and their willingness to destroy Irans ability to launch missiles and drones. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Irans capability to fire missiles and drones at their source, the three leaders said in a joint statement. While the European leaders did not voice support for Trumps decision when the attacks were launched on Saturday, they have criticised Iran and now appear ready to order military strikes if needed to disable the Iranian regime. Advertisement The UK reported an Iranian drone attack on the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri in Cyprus late on Sunday (Monday AEDT) but said there were no casualties. Separately, an RAF fighter jet based in Qatar shot down an Iranian drone. In a dramatic shift, Starmer said US forces would be able to use UK military bases for their defensive actions, days after he ruled out the use of the bases because of concerns over international law. Israeli security forces inspect a damaged road after a missile launched from Iran struck Jerusalem. AP The move broadens the options for US forces to use the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and the Fairford airfield in England. Oil prices surged after Iran attacked oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and shipping companies responded by halting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, sending the price of Brent Crude up 13 per cent to more than $US82 a barrel. Advertisement Australia had 36 days supply of petrol and 34 days supply of diesel, said Energy Minister Chris Bowen, adding that these were the highest levels in 15 years. Related Article Analysis Middle East at war Trump says 48 Iranian leaders are dead. Those left are scrambling to prevent regime collapse The Israeli Defence Forces have continued their assault on Iran, launching another wave of missiles on Monday morning (Monday afternoon AEDT) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the strikes. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, and this will only continue to escalate further over the coming days, Netanyahu said in a televised address. The scope of Israels operations has also widened, with strikes on Lebanon that have killed at least 31 people and injured 149 others, according to Lebanons Health Ministry. Most of the dead were in the countrys south. Advertisement The Israel Defence Forces said it was targeting Hezbollah after the Iranian proxy attacked Israel following the joint US-Israeli operation against Iran. Israel said it would continue to launch attacks into Lebanon. Iranian state media said the death toll from a missile strike on a girls school in southern Iran had risen to 165, while the countrys Health Ministry said the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran had been evacuated and three other hospitals in the country had been struck. Security forces fire tear gas to disperse a protest against the attacks on Iran in Baghdad. AP Internet and mobile services have been cut or disrupted across Iran, and the government claims could not be verified. While some social media footage showed Iranians cheering the death of Khamenei, other footage showed large crowds in mourning. Trump has urged Iranians to rise up against the regime, although his latest video address was likely to be blocked by the internet outage inside the country. Advertisement I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country. America is with you, Trump said. I made a promise to you and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, and well be there to help. Related Article Analysis US politics JD Vances silence on the Iran strikes is starting to get very loud In the first US casualties, the Pentagon said three defence personnel were killed and five were seriously wounded in an Iranian attack, but it did not name the location. Meanwhile in Texas, three people were shot dead and 14 were wounded in a shooting that fuelled concerns it was provoked by Iran. While authorities did not confirm the details, Trump posted on social media that the shooter wore clothing with an Iranian regime flag. Trump is yet to outline a long-term plan for Iran and sent varying signals to the media in a series of interviews on Sunday night (US time) in which he spoke about military attacks lasting for four to five weeks. Advertisement The US president told The New York Times that the Iranian leadership might surrender to the Iranian people as the attacks took their toll on the government and military. What we did in Venezuela, I think, is the perfect, the perfect scenario, he told the newspaper. An explosion in Tehran on Sunday night. AP The remarks hinted at the option of negotiating with one of the remaining Iranian leaders and leaving the government in place, as Trump did when US forces seized Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The US later accepted Maduros deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, as the nations leader. An Ipsos survey conducted for Reuters found that only 27 per cent of US voters approved of the strikes on Iran, while 43 per cent disapproved and 29 per cent were not sure. Advertisement On a related question, it found that 56 per cent believed Trump was too willing to use military force, a challenge for the president given his past rhetoric about peace and his sharp criticism of Republican and Democrat presidents for taking America into foreign wars. Related Article Visual Story Middle East at war Within 12 hours of the first strikes, Khamenei was dead. Heres how the attack on Iran unfolded In Iran, facing its biggest existential challenge since the 1980-88 war with Iraq, President Masoud Pezeshkian said a leadership council composed of himself, the judiciary head and a member of the powerful Guardians Council had temporarily assumed the duties of supreme leader. It remained unclear what the longer-term prospects were for Iran to rebuild its leadership and replace the 86-year-old Khamenei, who had held power since the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced Khameneis death as a cynical murder, and Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi described it as blatant killing. Advertisement Israel claimed responsibility for killing Khamenei, while he was in his central leadership compound in Tehran. Inside Iran, some grieved for Khamenei while others celebrated his death, exposing a deep faultline in a country stunned by the sudden demise of the man who ruled for decades. People gather in mourning after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on Sunday. AP Thousands of Iranians were killed in a crackdown authorised by Khamenei against anti-government protests in January, the deadliest wave of unrest since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Khamenei, who built Iran into a powerful anti-US force and spread its sway across the Middle East during his 36-year iron-fisted rule, was working in his office at the time of Saturdays attack, state media said. The raid also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Advertisement Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Opinion Trump killed Irans leader. Its doubtful he has ideas beyond that Rodger Shanahan Middle East and security analyst March 1, 2026 4:10pm March 1, 2026 4:10pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A How long the US and Israeli air campaign against Iran lasts will, as it should, depend on when the missions aim has been achieved. But exactly what that aim is remains somewhat vague. The use of military force is the gravest of decisions a political leader can make, but the justification posted on social media by US President Donald Trump made reference to imminent threats from the Iranian regime without saying what those threats were. The United States ambassador to the United Nations claimed that the missions aims were to dismantle missile capabilities, to degrade Irans navy, to disrupt Irans ability to arm proxy forces and to ensure that Iran could not threaten the world with a nuclear weapon. The real aim of the campaign, though, appeared to come at the end of Trumps video when he said: Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. This was a clear call to arms for the Iranian people with the intent of changing the regime. Government supporters mourn during a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shown in the poster, in Tehran. AP There is, however, a disconnect between Trumps aim for regime change and the ways and means of trying to achieve it. With the US announcement of the death of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic of Irans theocratic succession process is now being tested for only the second time. Given Khameneis age, discussions about succession were widespread. But the system for appointing a new leader was certainly not designed for such circumstances. New ground is being traversed and the theocratic governance structure is under unprecedented pressure. Advertisement Editor's pick Visual Story Middle East at war Within 12 hours of the first strikes, Khamenei was dead. Heres how the attack on Iran unfolded The Iranian Constitution allows for an interim leadership council the president, the head of the judiciary and a cleric from the Council of Guardians to assume control until a new Supreme Leader is appointed. There will be the utmost urgency in ensuring the interim arrangement is in place. The regime will understand that it needs to avoid any sense of a power vacuum and that the systems continuity is assured and advertised. External leadership aspirants have been busily building their profile in the hope of riding the wave of US military might to power. The real threat to the Iranian regime, though, is not from the slick PR machine that touts the leadership potential of Reza Pahlavi, whose only credentials are being the son of the former Shah whose rule was so disliked that a broad-based popular revolution unseated him in 1979. Nor is it from the Albanian-based and rather cult-like Peoples Mujahideen of Iran. Exile groups and individuals lose contact and a feel for the concerns of those left behind, and it is only natural that those inside the country who have suffered over the decades want to be in charge, rather than wealthy exiles resident in Europe and the United States. Any viable regime change must come from the people within Iran, and a new government must also be headed by someone from within. Therein lies the rub, as the regime has been ruthless over the years in suppressing dissent and preventing the emergence of just such a person. With external leadership pretenders lacking domestic legitimacy, and independent internal candidates lacking the ability to organise, the options for regime change from within Iran imposed via an air campaign are limited in the extreme. Advertisement It may well be that Washington has a well-thought through plan for a legitimate post-revolutionary governance structure but its track record is poor in this regard. Alternatively, it might be satisfied with the emergence of a group of more pragmatic, less ideologically rigid leaders to fill out the new regimes positions of authority. A leadership that is less threatening to the region and that will give up any nuclear aspirations. It is a big ask for the current government and security apparatus to do this, though, because without its ideological underpinnings, the revolutionary Shiite Islamist project is nothing. A more pragmatic ruler and ruling clique may be possible following the demise of Khamenei. Whether there is the desire, willingness or even the ability to reform the current theocratic system while still maintaining its Shiite Islamic character is another question altogether. For true believers of the Shiite project, resistance against overwhelming odds is a foundational narrative of the Shiite faith. To what degree the unpopular regime is able to harness this into a kind of religio-nationalist sentiment sufficient to absorb the punishment meted out by the air campaign, or whether its stocks are so low that people seek to hasten its end regardless of the cost, will define whether Trumps high risk-high reward move results in the collapse of the Islamic Republic or whether it hardens its resolve to survive and simply results in a recalibration of its immediate strategic direction. Dr Rodger Shanahan is a Middle East analyst, an author and a former army officer. Read more on the US-Israel-Iran conflict: Live updates: US, Israel attack Iran Moment by moment : How the US and Israels deadly assault on Iran unfolded : How the US and Israels deadly assault on Iran unfolded Supreme Leader killed : Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in strikes : Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in strikes What we know so far: Why have Israel and the US attacked Iran? Why have Israel and the US attacked Iran? Trump and Netanyahu decide on war: US-Israeli alliance now above any other, writes David Crowe Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. PHILIPSBURG The investigation into disturbing allegations of abuse involving two prominent local physicians has taken a new turn, with the younger suspect facing extended detention while his father has been released under strict conditions. A judge has ordered that Dr. Danny Dennaoui remain in pretrial detention for an additional eight days. The decision comes as detectives continue to build their case regarding accusations of kidnapping, torture, and severe ill-treatment of a domestic employee. The ruling to extend the younger doctor's custody underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the inquiry. Prosecutors successfully argued that his continued detention is necessary for the investigation to proceed without interference. This development follows the release of his father, Dr. Michael Dennaoui, earlier this week. The senior physician was released from police custody solely due to medical reasons. The Prosecutors Office has made it clear that, despite his release, Dr. Michael Dennaoui remains a primary suspect in the case and remains subject to legal proceedings. The investigation, launched by the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), centers on a formal complaint filed by the doctors former maid. The victim alleges she was held against her will, injected with some sort of drug and antedote, and threatened with a weapon by her employers. According to preliminary reports, the violence allegedly stemmed from an accusation that the employee had stolen $50,000 from the household. Detectives are reportedly working swiftly to gather evidence and conduct further interviews to corroborate the victim's account of the ordeal. KPSM has reiterated that this is a highly sensitive and active case. Authorities are urging the public to allow the legal process to unfold as they work to ensure justice is served for all parties involved. Thank you so much for believing in me when I didnt really believe in myself sometimes this album is just about love and loving each other in a world that feels lovelessness right now, so I dont know, thank you. Starting a band can be the hardest part, and we couldnt have done it without all the people who lent us money, drove us around the country, let us sleep on their floors, bought tickets to our early shows, and even bought a piece of our atrocious merch. In one early case, a Fairfield County woman said she paid $1,153 for an order placed in 2024 that never arrived, according to The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County (4). Her last contact with Schronce was a November 2025 email. After that, she was blocked on Facebook. The Anderson County Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, said a single customer had paid more than $920 and that the agency was investigating at least eight individual cases as of early January, per FOX Carolina (5). What customers describe is the same story on repeat. They placed an order. They paid. Nothing shipped. When they followed up, they were told refunds or store credit were coming. Then the communication stopped Schronce allegedly blocked buyers on the boutique's Facebook page, ignored emails, or went silent entirely. Thomas and Turner Boutique sold smocked children's clothing and women's apparel out of Anderson County, largely through online orders, according to FOX Carolina. "The victim, just like all the others, tried repeatedly to get an answer from the suspect but eventually was blocked and they would not respond," Mueller said. "So, investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant ... and we waited in line with all the other agencies to get her booked." Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller didn't mince words when his office booked Schronce for the 11th time on Feb. 23. A victim in his county had ordered $360 in products and received nothing, Mueller said, per FOX Carolina (3). The charges all stem from the same accusation: customers paid the boutique for children's and women's clothing, never received what they ordered, and got nowhere when they asked for a refund. The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said Schronce scammed at least 54 victims who placed online orders but never received their merchandise, according to FOX Carolina (2). Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people dont realize theyre actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Schronce, the 30-year-old owner of Thomas and Turner Boutique in Belton, South Carolina, faces fraud charges from law enforcement agencies in nearly a dozen counties across the state, according to FOX Carolina (1). Her most recent arrest came on Feb. 25, when she was booked into the Pickens County Detention Center on one count of obtaining property under false pretense valued at less than $2,000. She was granted a $2,000 bond. Pamela Brooke Schronce has been arrested 12 times since New Year's Day. Not over 12 years, or 12 months 12 times in under two months. Story Continues A Richland County case involved a customer who placed four separate orders in October and November 2025, totaling just over $202 including one listed as "ready to ship" and received none of them, according to FOX Carolina (6). Schronce reportedly stopped responding around mid-December. Why she keeps getting arrested and what the charges carry Twelve arrests for what amounts to the same alleged scheme sounds redundant until you look at how South Carolina handles criminal charges. Each case has to be filed in the jurisdiction where the victim lives. Schronce's customers were scattered from Fairfield County in the Midlands to Cherokee County near the North Carolina border, so every agency where a victim came forward had to file and process its own charges. The result was exactly what Sheriff Mueller described: a queue of law enforcement agencies waiting their turn to book the same woman. The charges fall under South Carolina Code 16-13-240, which covers obtaining property through false pretense or misrepresentation with intent to defraud, per the South Carolina Legislature (7). Because each individual victim's losses were under $2,000, every charge is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both. That's also why Schronce kept walking out. Bond amounts across her arrests have ranged from $1,000 to $6,000. She posted bond multiple times, only to get picked up by the next county in line. On Feb. 5, she was released from the Spartanburg County jail at 6:25 p.m. and re-arrested by the Easley Police Department roughly an hour later. In Greenwood, the charges looked slightly different. Police Chief Chaudoin said Schronce was charged with three counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent a related but distinct offense and given a $6,000 total bond, per FOX Carolina. Each individual order was modest $200, $360, $920. But the Anderson County Sheriff's Office count of at least 54 victims makes clear the aggregate is something else entirely. So far shes alleged to have taken at least $10,000 plus in scam dollars. Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Heres the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket) Here's the full timeline of Schronce's arrests: Jan. 1 Taken into custody in Anderson County; extradited to Fairfield County for formal charging. Jan. 7 Picked up by Easley Police. Feb. 5 Booked by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Out on bond by 6:25 p.m. Feb. 5 Back in custody less than an hour later, this time with Easley PD. Feb. 9 Charged again in Anderson County. Feb. 11 Surrendered to the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office. Feb. 13 Booked by the Pickens County Sheriff's Office. Feb. 13 Booked by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office the same day. Feb. 19 Processed at the Richland County Detention Center; held on a Greenwood PD warrant. Feb. 20 Transferred to Greenwood Police custody. Feb. 23 Booked at the Cherokee County Detention Center. Feb. 25 Booked at the Pickens County Detention Center. The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office flagged the scope of this case early. In a Facebook post after the first arrest, the agency said it was aware of claims from numerous individuals, including complaints circulating on social media. The office asked anyone who believed they were a victim to contact local law enforcement. Based on what's happened since, a lot of them did. What to do if you paid for an online order that never arrived Several of Schronce's alleged victims spent months trying to get answers from the boutique before going to police. If you've been in a similar spot you paid an online seller, got nothing, and can't get a response federal law gives you more options than you might think. The FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule requires sellers to ship within the timeframe they promise, or within 30 days if no date is given, according to the Federal Trade Commission (8). If there's a delay, the seller has to notify you and offer a full refund if you want to cancel. If you paid with a credit card, the Fair Credit Billing Act lets you dispute the charge as a billing error. You have 60 days from the date the first statement containing the charge was sent to you. Send the dispute in writing to the billing disputes address listed by your card issuer not the payment address. Debit card protections are weaker under federal law, but contact your bank right away some issuers voluntarily offer buyer protections beyond what's required. You can also report the seller at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and file a complaint with your state attorney general's office. And keep everything: order confirmations, receipts, screenshots of messages, and any shipping promises. That paper trail matters whether you're filing a chargeback or a police report. You May Also Like Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. FOX Carolina (1, 2, 3, 5, 6); The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County (4); South Carolina Legislature (7); Federal Trade Commission (8) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. He said: We dont believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless, its an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region. Sir Laurie added: I see no basis for advising you of any breach of the Ministerial Code by Mr Simons but you will wish to consider, in the light of this distraction and potential reputational damage, whether he continues to hold your confidence as a member of your Government. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue This was due to be the end of their visit but after getting into their vehicle and being driven for a short period, William and Kate got out to meet well-wishers who had gathered in the rain. Tony Plohetski is a national award-winning journalist whose reporting is featured in print, digital and television platforms. He has chronicled some of Texas' most significant stories, and his investigative and accountability reporting has led to indictments and prompted new state laws. He joined the Austin American-Statesman in 2000 and since 2013, he has worked in partnership with KVUE, where he is the stations senior reporter. Plohetski was the lead reporter for the Statesmans groundbreaking coverage of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize Gold Medal for public service. The coverage also received the Taylor Family Award for Fairness in Journalism from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard. Additionally, Plohetski has received more than two dozen national and state journalism prizes for his work with the Statesman and KVUE, including a national Edward R. Murrow Award, four National Headliner awards, the Hillman Prize and the August 2022 Sidney Award. He was the inaugural winner in 2021 of the Dan Rather Medal for News & Guts for journalistic courage and was named Star Reporter of the Year by Texas Managing Editors in 2021 and 2023 and was a key part of two teams that won Sigma Delta Chi Awards in 2019. Plohetski also has received multiple regional Emmy awards and was named Best Television Reporter by the Texas Association of Broadcasters and the Texas Headliners Foundation in 2023. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday said the state will respond with decisive and overwhelming force in response to any threat following the mass shooting in downtown Austin that left three people dead and 14 others injured. The shooting early Sunday outside Bufords bar on West Sixth Street prompted an ongoing investigation involving local, state and federal authorities, including the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force. Officials have said it is too early to determine a motive but that evidence found at the scene suggests a potential nexus to terrorism. Abbott and other Texas leaders responded Sunday with a mix of condolences, security measures and renewed calls for action. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last nights attack in Austin, he said Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. Abbott said he has been in contact with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman Martin, and that the state is offering resources to assist local authorities. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Texans are strong," Abbott said in a statement. "We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An Austin police officer guards the scene on West Sixth Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman The governor also announced several security measures, including activating Texas Military Department service members under Operation Fury Shield to work with state and federal partners to protect critical infrastructure. He said patrols have been increased at energy facilities, ports and along the border, with expanded cybersecurity monitoring and aerial surveillance. Abbott also directed DPS to increase patrols and law enforcement presence in Austins Sixth Street district during weekends. Legislators abhor gun violence, call for action U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, said he was horrified and heartbroken by the shooting and called for renewed efforts to address gun violence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We must end Americas gun violence epidemic, Casar wrote on social media. Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this one and I will redouble my efforts in Congress to prevent the next tragedy like this. An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett echoed that sentiment, saying he and his wife are mourning and praying for the victims and thanking first responders for their swift response. Gun violence is preventable, Doggett said. This devastating loss of life was preventable. Until Republicans find the courage to say no to the NRA, our country will be plagued with more tragedies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Several Democratic members of the Texas House signed a joint statement condemning gun violence and thanking first responders. The statement was signed by John Bucy, Sheryl Cole, Lulu Flores, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard, James Talarico and Erin Zwiener. Gun violence continues to steal the lives of far too many Texans, the statement said. Our hearts are with the victims of todays shooting and their families. We will never stop fighting for them. Local officials grieve Police investigate the site of a shooting on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Through press conferences on Sunday morning, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson continually praised first responders, saying their rapid response likely saved lives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im very thankful for the speed with which our officials responded to this, Watson said. I dont think theres any question: It saved lives. Council member Zohaib Zo Qadri, whose district includes downtown, said he was deeply shaken and heartbroken and has been in contact with local, state and federal law enforcement as the investigation continues. City Council member Vanessa Fuentes said the city was shaken, grieving and looking for answers, while Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela also thanked first responders for their quick action. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza also offered condolences, saying his office is working with law enforcement partners. We are heartbroken for all the shooting victims and our community impacted by this senseless violence, Garza said. We are grateful for the courageous response from first responders, who undoubtedly saved lives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Officials have urged anyone with information, photos or video related to the shooting to contact Austin police as the investigation remains ongoing. Austin city officials hosted a press conference at 9:30 a.m. to give an update after a mass shooting early Sunday outside Bufords bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. Three people are dead and 14 others were injured. Among the dead was the suspected gunman who was shot by officers. Watch the press conference below, and read the full story here. Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police identified Ndiaga Diagne, 53, as the lone suspect in the mass shooting on West Sixth Street early Sunday. The shooting left three people dead including Diagne and 14 others injured. Not much is known publicly about the alleged shooter or why he carried out the attack Austins deadliest mass shooting in 60 years but authorities have release some details. Advertisement Article continues below this ad FBI agents arrive at the site of a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police and barricades are stationed outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A man points to the sky after making the sign of the cross while passing police outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Mason Arsenault, fraternity brother of shooting victim Ryder Harrington, pays his respect at the memorial outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A man visits the memorial outside as Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Police and barricades are stationed outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Tributes to shooting victims Savitha Shan, Jorge Munoz-Pederson and Ryder Harrington are seen outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Tributes to shooting victims Ryder Harrington and Jorge Munoz-Pederson are seen outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Police barricades are stationed outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Sylvia Alkis, left, and Susan Crum, volunteers with Lutheran Church Charities, place three wooden crosses at a growing memorial for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Three people were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas students and community members gather for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to remember and pray for the three people shot and killed, including UT student Savitha Shan, in Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, March 4, 2026. Around 300 people gathered on the Main Mall to pray, listen to speakers from Student Government and lay flowers on the Tower steps. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Piper Leleux, 21, places a bouquet of flowers at a memorial for victims of the mass shooting at Bufords bar on West Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, on Monday, March 2, 2026. Leleux said she was working at the Toke Truck near the entrance and witnessed the shooting, taking cover nearby as gunfire erupted. I never, ever thought that this could happen in Austin, she said. Its heartbreaking. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas students and community members gather for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to remember and pray for the three people shot and killed, including UT student Savitha Shan, in Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, March 4, 2026. Around 300 people gathered on the Main Mall to pray, listen to speakers from Student Government and lay flowers on the Tower steps. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis watches footage from a parked vehicle near the scene that shows the suspected gunman during a press conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at APD headquarters about the release of audio and video footage from Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Police radio audio plays during a press conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at APD headquarters about the release of audio and video footage from Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas students Giselle Hoang, left, and Bhuvi Sanghavi holds hands during a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to remember and pray for the three people shot and killed, including UT student Savitha Shan, in Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, March 4, 2026. Around 300 people gathered on the Main Mall to pray, listen to speakers from Student Government and lay flowers on the Tower steps. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman An Austin resident that asked not to be named places flowers at a small memorial outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Thie resident said he lives nearby and has been to Buford's, a popular bar on west 6th. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman People donate blood at We Are Blood mobile donation stations outside City Hall in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. The organization sent more than 150 blood products to Austin hospitals to help survivors of Sunday's West 6th Street shooting, and now those supplies need to be replenished. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The facility manager of Marfa Lights repairs a bullet hole on Monday March 2, 2026, after at a mass shooting at Bufords bar on West 6th Street Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Trampled roses on West 6th Street on Monday March 2, 2026, after a mass shooting at Bufords bar on West 6th Street. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman People wait to donate blood at We Are Blood mobile donation stations outside City Hall in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. The organization sent more than 150 blood products to Austin hospitals to help survivors of Sunday's West 6th Street shooting, and now those supplies need to be replenished. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on the wall outside Green Light Social on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Mayor Kirk Watson addresses the press, alongside Police Chief Lisa Davis and City Manager T.C. Broadnax, regarding the West 6th Street mass shooting while at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Council member Zohaib Zo Qadri attends the press conference regarding the West 6th Street mass shooting while at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman A woman walks away from the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Police tape closes off the site of a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Crystal Muntz, left, and Brenna Smeall, right, visitors from out of town, walk past Kung Fu Saloon on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bufords bar on West 6th Street is closed on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A memorial to the victims of a mass shooting at Bufords bar on West 6th Street on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin resident that asked not to be named places flowers at a small memorial outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Thie resident said he lives nearby and has been to Buford's, a popular bar on west 6th. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Alex Doran, active special agent with the FBIs San Antonio office, addresses the press regarding the West 6th Street mass shooting while at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Blood is visible on dry leaves outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is visible on a railing at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police barriers block the entrances to Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A Waymo cap drives past Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Blood stains the concrete at the spot where police killed a shooter outside Green Light Social on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on the wall outside Green Light Social on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bouquets of flowers are placed outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An empty bottle of alcohol is left on the floor near police tape outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman People wait to donate blood at We Are Blood mobile donation stations outside City Hall in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. The organization sent more than 150 blood products to Austin hospitals to help survivors of Sunday's West 6th Street shooting, and now those supplies need to be replenished. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police officer Simonton speaks with pedestrians as he guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin Mayor Kirk Watson provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An FBI agent investigates the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue following a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Police investigate the site of a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police investigate the site of a shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officers bows his head at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Mayor Kirk Watson, Police Chief Lisa Davis, and other city officials leave a press conference after briefing the public on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police talk to a woman at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Debris litters the sidewalk at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police and FBI work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bouquets of flowers are placed outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Buford's, bottom right, is at the corner of west 6th street, bottom, and Rio Grande street, right, in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on a treel outside a commercial building on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on the wall outside Kung Fu Saloon on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bufords bar on West 6th Street is closed on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Broken glass and a boarded-up patio door are seen at the home of Austin mass shooting suspect Ndiaga Diagne at the Eastridge Apartments in Del Valle on Monday, March 2, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Broken glass and a boarded-up patio door are seen at the home of Austin mass shooting suspect Ndiaga Diagne at the Eastridge Apartments in Del Valle on Monday, March 2, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Bufords bar on West 6th Street is closed on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police vehicles are seen blocking roads in downtown after a mass shooting left multiple dead and injured early Sunday, March 1. City of Austin A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Heidi Case places a heart at a growing memorial for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Three people were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. We watched them carrying out the bodies, said Case, who lives in apartments across the street from Bufords. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Sylvia Alkis, left, and Susan Crum, volunteers with Lutheran Church Charities, place three wooden crosses at a growing memorial for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Three people were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A photo of Jorge Pederson is part of a growing memorial of for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Who was Ndiaga Diagne? Diagne, a native of Senegal, came to the U.S. in March 2000 on a tourist visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security. He became a lawful permanent resident in June 2006 based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen and then naturalized as a U.S. citizen in April 2013, the agency said. In 2022, he was arrested in Texas in connection to a vehicle collision, although DHS did not specify the location of the arrest or which agency arrested Diagne. Aside from that, Diagne doesnt appear to have a criminal history in the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What do authorities say about Diagnes motive? Officials have not determined a motive, but an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBIs San Antonio field office, said at a Sunday morning press briefing that evidence recovered from Diagnes person and vehicle suggests a possible link to extremism. He did not say what those materials were. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Local authorities confirmed that Diagne was wearing clothing at the time of the shooting that bore the words Property of Allah and an image of the Iranian flag, raising questions about whether Diagne may have been motivated by the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran a day earlier. Still, Doran stressed that it was way too early to determine motivation. What happened during the Austin shooting? The attack began just before 2 a.m. outside Bufords bar in the 700 block of West Sixth Street, according to Police Chief Lisa Davis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Investigators said Diagne drove a large SUV around the block multiple times before stopping in front of the bar, activating his hazard lights and opening fire on the bar patio and front sidewalk through his car window. He then drove west on Sixth Street, parked on Wood Street and walked east along the corridor carrying what police described as an assault rifle, firing at pedestrians as he moved. Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Officers who were already stationed nearby responded within moments to reports of an active shooter and confronted Diagne along Sixth Street. Police fatally shot him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Was there a possible connection to events overseas? The shooting occurred one day after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which prompted heightened security concerns nationwide. Authorities have not said whether those events played any role in the attack. Doran, the FBI official, declined to speculate about a connection, reiterating that investigators are still working to determine Diagnes motive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a statement condemning the shooting, Gov. Greg Abbott warned that anyone who might use the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or critical infrastructure would be met with decisive and overwhelming force. Abbott noted that he had directed increased patrols and security measures statewide due to the international conflict. What evidence has been recovered? Investigators executed a search warrant Sunday at a home in Pflugerville linked to a possible relative of Diagne. Authorities have not disclosed what, if anything, was seized. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Law enforcement personnel from the Austin Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were stationed at the residence on and off for much of the day Sunday. APD SWAT executed a search warrant at a home in Pflugerville, Texas, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman What did neighbors say? Neighbors in the Pflugerville subdivision where investigators executed a search warrant said they were unaware of any prior disturbances at the home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Todd Bruder, a U.S. Navy veteran who has lived in the area since 2015, said he once spoke with a woman at the Pflugerville residence while searching for a lost dog. He described her as friendly. Im shocked that this happened here, Bruder said. Eddie Garcia, president of the neighborhood homeowners association, said he was not aware of any previous issues at the property, and that it is common for residents to keep to themselves. Weve never had any issues like this before, Garcia said. Were all neighbors and respect each other, but we are also private and keep to ourselves. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Law enforcement and federal investigators carried out a search warrant at a home in Pflugerville, Texas, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman What happens next? Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence collected from the scene, Diagnes vehicle and possibly material from the Pflugerville home and a vehicle parked in its driveway. Officials have said they will provide additional information as the investigation develops, including any findings related to motive and victim identities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Where is Senegal? Senegal, a country in West Africa, is highlighted in red. TUBS/Wikipedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-3.0 Senegal is a West African country on the westernmost point of the continent. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the countries of Mauritania, Mali and Guinea/Guinea-Bissau. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) is one of the Top 10 Stocks Warren Buffett Would Buy in 2026. Significant Insider Activity at The Travelers (TRV) On February 26, 2026, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) saw significant insider activity with two of its top executives disclosing major sales of the companys shares. Maria Olivo, EVP, ERM & Chief Risk Officer, sold 10,400 shares of the companys stock. The sales generated proceeds of approximately $3,188,536 and reduced Marias ownership value by 8%. David Donnay Rowland, the companys EVP & Co-Chief Investment Officer, sold 4,731 shares in a transaction valued at $1,459,560. With this transaction, Davids ownership stake in the company decreased by 11%. In another development, on February 26, 2026, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) by $15, from $295 to $310, while keeping an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The firm, while updating targets for the property and casualty insurance group, told that insurers with differentiated underwriting and durable margins will outperform peers, despite weak pricing and AI headwinds. Founded in 1853, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) is an American multinational insurance company operating through three main segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance, serving millions of customers globally. Its headquarters is in New York. While we acknowledge the potential of TRV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Stocks to Buy in 2026 According to Reddit and 13 High-Quality S&P 500 Financial Stocks According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure. None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. File photo, protestors arrive to the Austin Police Department headquarters from the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas May 31, 2020 Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman If you recently paid your property tax bill, you may be wondering: Where does all that money actually go? In Austin, most of it goes to public safety. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police, fire and emergency medical services consume about 60% of the citys tax-supported budget the part of the budget funded by property and sales taxes that pays for services not covered by user fees (like utilities or trash collection). Loading... Loading... In the current budget, adopted in November: Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Austin Police Department receives more than $500 million. The Austin Fire Department receives $264 million. Emergency Medical Services receives $155 million. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Together, those three departments account for roughly three out of every five tax-funded dollars the city spends. And that share is likely to grow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Why public safety dominates the budget There are three primary reasons police, fire and EMS take up such a large portion of Austins tax dollars. The Austin Fire Department honors 9/11 firefighters with a memorial stair climb at the Public Safety Wellness Center in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Firefighters in full gear climb the training tower nine times, over 1,000 stairs, to climb the equivalent of the World Trade Centers height. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman They employ the most people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police officers, firefighters and paramedics make up the largest share of employees paid out of the citys general fund. More personnel means higher payroll costs. 2. They have union contracts that guarantee raises. Unlike most city employees, police officers, firefighters and medics are represented by unions that can negotiate binding labor contracts under state law. Those contracts guarantee annual wage increases. Police signed their first contract in 1998. Firefighters signed theirs in 1997. EMS followed in 2008. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For more than two decades, the city has been legally required to provide raises to these employees. Civilian city staff often receive raises as well but the city is not obligated to provide them. In tighter budget years, those raises can be reduced or skipped. 3. Public safety is politically protected. City leaders, like most residents, consistently rank police, fire and EMS as core government functions. As a result, elected officials have historically been reluctant to cut those budgets. How state laws tightened the squeeze Two recent state laws significantly reduced Austins budget flexibility. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2, which limits how much cities can increase property tax revenue each year without voter approval. The cap is 3.5% growth over the previous year. Between 2002 and 2020, Austin leaders increased taxes by at least 5% in all but five years, allowing the city to expand other services alongside rising public safety costs. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services paramedics check on a woman lying on the ground in East, Austin Thursday, July 27, 2023. Paramedics gave her water and assessed her symptoms. The temperature was a high of 101 degrees. Mikala Compton, Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman In 2021, lawmakers passed another law making it illegal for cities to reduce their police department budgets. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Together, those laws restrict the citys ability to either raise additional revenue or shift money away from policing. Last year, city leaders asked voters to approve a higher tax rate. Voters rejected it. That left officials making smaller cuts across departments instead of expanding services. Early projections show that next years budget will be even tighter and public safetys share is expected to grow again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Why that share is unlikely to shrink Recent labor contracts will further increase public safety spending. In 2024, the Austin Police Association signed a five-year, $220 million contract that will raise officer pay by 28% by the end of the agreement. In December, the firefighters union signed a four-year, $63 million deal. The contract may also require the city to hire additional firefighters to accommodate a new shift schedule. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The EMS unions contract expires in September 2027, and negotiations for a new agreement begin next year. Both the police and fire contracts contain provisions that allow the city to reduce raises if voters reject a property tax increase. The city chose not to use that option last year. As a result, police officers, firefighters and medics are likely to receive raises next year which means their departments budgets will increase again. What it means for the rest of the budget Because public safety spending is contractually locked in and politically difficult to cut and because state law limits new tax revenue other services face increasing pressure. That includes parks, libraries, housing assistance and other community programs funded by the general fund. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Readers couldn't visit Austin Public Library branches for most of 2020, but the system's Libby app saw an explosion in books borrowed. AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE Unless voters approve higher taxes or lawmakers loosen restrictions on cities, public safety will continue to consume a growing share of Austins tax-supported budget. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting on West Sixth Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police and barricades are stationed outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A man points to the sky after making the sign of the cross while passing police outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Mason Arsenault, fraternity brother of shooting victim Ryder Harrington, pays his respect at the memorial outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A man visits the memorial outside as Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Police and barricades are stationed outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Tributes to shooting victims Savitha Shan, Jorge Munoz-Pederson and Ryder Harrington are seen outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Tributes to shooting victims Ryder Harrington and Jorge Munoz-Pederson are seen outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bufords reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Police barricades are stationed outside Bufords as the bar reopens for the first time since the mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin Friday, March 6, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Sylvia Alkis, left, and Susan Crum, volunteers with Lutheran Church Charities, place three wooden crosses at a growing memorial for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Three people were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas students and community members gather for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to remember and pray for the three people shot and killed, including UT student Savitha Shan, in Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, March 4, 2026. Around 300 people gathered on the Main Mall to pray, listen to speakers from Student Government and lay flowers on the Tower steps. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Piper Leleux, 21, places a bouquet of flowers at a memorial for victims of the mass shooting at Bufords bar on West Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, on Monday, March 2, 2026. Leleux said she was working at the Toke Truck near the entrance and witnessed the shooting, taking cover nearby as gunfire erupted. I never, ever thought that this could happen in Austin, she said. Its heartbreaking. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas students and community members gather for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to remember and pray for the three people shot and killed, including UT student Savitha Shan, in Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, March 4, 2026. Around 300 people gathered on the Main Mall to pray, listen to speakers from Student Government and lay flowers on the Tower steps. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis watches footage from a parked vehicle near the scene that shows the suspected gunman during a press conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at APD headquarters about the release of audio and video footage from Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Police radio audio plays during a press conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at APD headquarters about the release of audio and video footage from Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas students Giselle Hoang, left, and Bhuvi Sanghavi holds hands during a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to remember and pray for the three people shot and killed, including UT student Savitha Shan, in Sunday mornings mass shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, March 4, 2026. Around 300 people gathered on the Main Mall to pray, listen to speakers from Student Government and lay flowers on the Tower steps. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman An Austin resident that asked not to be named places flowers at a small memorial outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Thie resident said he lives nearby and has been to Buford's, a popular bar on west 6th. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman People donate blood at We Are Blood mobile donation stations outside City Hall in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. The organization sent more than 150 blood products to Austin hospitals to help survivors of Sunday's West 6th Street shooting, and now those supplies need to be replenished. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The facility manager of Marfa Lights repairs a bullet hole on Monday March 2, 2026, after at a mass shooting at Bufords bar on West 6th Street Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Trampled roses on West 6th Street on Monday March 2, 2026, after a mass shooting at Bufords bar on West 6th Street. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman People wait to donate blood at We Are Blood mobile donation stations outside City Hall in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. The organization sent more than 150 blood products to Austin hospitals to help survivors of Sunday's West 6th Street shooting, and now those supplies need to be replenished. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on the wall outside Green Light Social on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Mayor Kirk Watson addresses the press, alongside Police Chief Lisa Davis and City Manager T.C. Broadnax, regarding the West 6th Street mass shooting while at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Council member Zohaib Zo Qadri attends the press conference regarding the West 6th Street mass shooting while at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman A woman walks away from the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Police tape closes off the site of a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Crystal Muntz, left, and Brenna Smeall, right, visitors from out of town, walk past Kung Fu Saloon on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bufords bar on West 6th Street is closed on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A memorial to the victims of a mass shooting at Bufords bar on West 6th Street on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin resident that asked not to be named places flowers at a small memorial outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Thie resident said he lives nearby and has been to Buford's, a popular bar on west 6th. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Alex Doran, active special agent with the FBIs San Antonio office, addresses the press regarding the West 6th Street mass shooting while at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Blood is visible on dry leaves outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is visible on a railing at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police barriers block the entrances to Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A Waymo cap drives past Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Blood stains the concrete at the spot where police killed a shooter outside Green Light Social on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on the wall outside Green Light Social on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bouquets of flowers are placed outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An empty bottle of alcohol is left on the floor near police tape outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman People wait to donate blood at We Are Blood mobile donation stations outside City Hall in Austin Monday, March 2, 2026. The organization sent more than 150 blood products to Austin hospitals to help survivors of Sunday's West 6th Street shooting, and now those supplies need to be replenished. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police officer Simonton speaks with pedestrians as he guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin Mayor Kirk Watson provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An FBI agent investigates the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue following a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Police investigate the site of a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police investigate the site of a shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officers bows his head at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Mayor Kirk Watson, Police Chief Lisa Davis, and other city officials leave a press conference after briefing the public on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police talk to a woman at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Debris litters the sidewalk at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police and FBI work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Bouquets of flowers are placed outside Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Buford's, bottom right, is at the corner of west 6th street, bottom, and Rio Grande street, right, in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on a treel outside a commercial building on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A bullet impact is marked on the wall outside Kung Fu Saloon on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Monday, March 2, 2026. Three people are dead including a shooter and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at Buford's on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Bufords bar on West 6th Street is closed on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Broken glass and a boarded-up patio door are seen at the home of Austin mass shooting suspect Ndiaga Diagne at the Eastridge Apartments in Del Valle on Monday, March 2, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Broken glass and a boarded-up patio door are seen at the home of Austin mass shooting suspect Ndiaga Diagne at the Eastridge Apartments in Del Valle on Monday, March 2, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Bufords bar on West 6th Street is closed on Monday March 2, 2026, a day after a mass shooting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police vehicles are seen blocking roads in downtown after a mass shooting left multiple dead and injured early Sunday, March 1. City of Austin A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Heidi Case places a heart at a growing memorial for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Three people were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. We watched them carrying out the bodies, said Case, who lives in apartments across the street from Bufords. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Sylvia Alkis, left, and Susan Crum, volunteers with Lutheran Church Charities, place three wooden crosses at a growing memorial for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Three people were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A photo of Jorge Pederson is part of a growing memorial of for the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Bufords Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officers bows his head at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West Sixth Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An FBI agent investigates the scene on West Sixth Street at West Avenue following a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth and Nueces streets in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West Sixth Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West Sixth Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West Sixth Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin Mayor Kirk Watson provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Austin police work at the scene of a shooting on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Mayor Kirk Watson, Police Chief Lisa Davis, and other city officials leave a press conference after briefing the public on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman APD SWAT executed a search warrant at a home in Pflugerville, Texas, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Editor's note: Updates to this live blog have ended. Visit Monday's live blog for the latest updates in the investigation into the mass shooting on Sunday on West Sixth Street in Austin. University of Texas police said the campus will see increased law enforcement patrols throughout the week on campus and in the West Campus neighborhood following Sunday's mass shooting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While there is currently no threat to campus, our officers are positioned 24/7 to patrol, provide support, answer questions and respond to any concerns, the police department said on X. The department encouraged the UT community to use the LiveSafe app to connect with the department or call 911. Austin police officially identified the suspect in Sunday's shooting as Ndiaga Diagne and released a new photo of the 53-year-old Senegalese native who became a U.S. citizen in 2012. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin police identified the suspect in the March 1, 2026 mass shooting as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Courtesy Austin Police Department Diagne was shot and killed when confronted by police after the rampage that left two others dead and 14 people injured. As of 6 p.m. Sunday, the section of West Sixth Street where Buford's stands was still blocked off by police tape, with federal and local officials still on the scene investigating. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The section of West Sixth Street containing Bufords was still blocked off Sunday evening after a mass shooting that left three dead including the shooter and 14 injured. Austin Sanders The music had shut off at Bufords bar when Karan Bhakta was making his way to the exit with his friends. But with the door in sight, the 21-year-old senior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Texas was thrust into a situation he has trouble distilling into words. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source A loud pop rang out. At first, he thought it was a car backfiring. But when a second one came, he realized exactly what they were gunshots. He quickly pulled his friends to the ground before standing up again. That's when he felt a warm sensation pooling down his head. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I looked down and I could just see drips pouring onto my hands, Bhakta said. Then I put my hands on top of my head and felt something gushing out. At that moment, I was just hoping there was not enough blood to get me to the point where I would pass out. Bhakta had been grazed in the scalp by a bullet, only inches away from being a fatal wound. Luckily, his wounds were only superficial. I've never seen that much of my own blood, Bhakta told the American-Statesman. The group stayed in the bar until they were ushered out by police and Bhakta was taken to the field infirmary, then to Dell-Seton Medical Center. There, he was treated, visited by friends and interviewed by detectives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bhakta, who grew up in the Texas Panhandle, said the experience reinforced his belief in gun control legislation. I've been around guns for a long time, but it's a completely, utterly different experience when you're getting shot at, Bhakta said. Its a reality a lot of people don't understand. According to Bhakta, other UT students were injured in the shooting, including an acquaintance of his who was shot in the shoulder. Officials have not confirmed if any of those hospitalized are students. UT President Jim Davis sent out a note to the university community Sunday saying members of the Longhorn family had been impacted by the early-morning mass shooting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I want to express my gratitude to the first responders and medical teams whose actions helped protect and save lives, Davis' statement said in part. I also want to thank the dedicated counselors and staff members in our Dean of Students Office who have been communicating with families and students, visiting those injured in hospitals, and providing care and support throughout the day. Bhakta said he believes the incident will impact how this years graduating class views Sixth Street, one of Austins most popular entertainment districts. Im never going to Sixth Street again, he said. Buford's, where the shooting occurred, is a popular bar among UT students and recent graduates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) issued a statement Sunday afternoon condemning the shooting. We also reject any efforts to ascribe collective blame or punishment to entire communities or faiths based on the actions of individual criminals, the statement said. While a single person carried out this heinous attack last night, hundreds of thousands of Texas Muslims finished their night prayers and headed to their homes while calling on God for global peace and justice. CAIR also stressed unity between "elected officials, law enforcement, faith leaders, and community members" to support the victims and promote public safety. to come together to support the families of the victims and reaffirm our shared commitment to public safety. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In this time of mourning, our communities must unite in compassion and resilience, standing together for justice, understanding, and peace, the statement said. In January, Gov. Greg Abbott asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to shut down CAIR-Texas, saying the Muslim civil rights organization is masquerading as a nonprofit. Last year, CAIR sued Abbott, calling the governors designation of the group as a foreign terrorist organization unconstitutional and defamatory. Federal officials have identified Ndiaga Diagne as the suspect in the mass shooting that left three people dead, including Diagne, and 14 others injured Sunday morning outside of Buford's bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. Diagne has been a citizen of the United States since 2012 and is originally from the African nation of Senegal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officials said Diagne was wearing clothing that said Property of Allah and had a design of an Iranian flag. 12:17 p.m. Law enforcement officials confirmed they were serving a search warrant at a home on Kickapoo Cavern Drive in Pflugerville in connection with the mass shooting that left three people dead and 14 others injured early Sunday outside Buford's bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. SWAT and other law enforcement were on scene as of noon Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation based on preliminary evidence found at the scene, authorities said. The shooter is believed to have used a pistol and an assault rifle, law enforcement officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation. FBI official Alex Doran said in a Sunday press conference that while its way too early to determine motivation, evidence found on the shooter and in his vehicle indicate a potential nexus to terrorism. Advertisement Article continues below this ad GET ALERTS: Sign up for breaking news emails here Police Chief Lisa Davis said the shooter drove a large SUV around the block multiple times before he stopped, put his flashers on, rolled down the window and began firing a pistol striking patrons on the Bufords patio and in front of the bar. He then drove westbound on Sixth Street, parked on Wood Street and began walking east on Sixth Street with an assault rifle, shooting at people walking by, Davis said. Officers confronted him at an intersection, where he was shot and killed, Davis said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police said officers and investigators took precautions around the suspects vehicle after seeing items inside that raised concerns, prompting a bomb squad response. Police later said it was cleared pretty quickly and that there was no bomb. Davis said police were able to respond promptly due to their presence on East Sixth Street, the citys busiest strip of bars and restaurants. The first call reporting the shooting came in at 1:58 a.m. West Sixth Street was closed to traffic between Guadalupe Street and North Lamar Boulevard Sunday as officials continued to investigate the shooting. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Rob Luckritz said three of the 14 individuals taken to hospitals were in critical condition, and medical care was on scene treating patients within about 57 seconds. Three victims were pronounced dead on the scene. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Five victims were treated at St. Davids Medical Center, hospital officials confirmed. Four people were treated and released and one was transferred to St. Davids South Austin Medical Center. Three victims were at the south location as of 11 a.m. Sunday, and all were in good condition, hospital officials said. Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders for their prompt arrival at the scene. Im very thankful for the speed with which our officials responded to this, Watson said. I dont think theres any question: It saved lives. @austin_statesman Three people are dead and 17 others were injured in a mass shooting early Sunday at Bufords bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, officials said. Latest updates at our link in bio original sound - Austin American-Statesman A few Bufords employees were gathered outside at 5 a.m. but declined to comment. A former manager, Scott Yancy, hugged one of the workers and burst out in tears. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yancy said no one at Bufords had been injured. Im so glad everyone is OK, Yancy said. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, said on social media that he was horrified and heartbroken by the mass shooting and called for prayers for those in critical condition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We must end Americas gun violence epidemic, Casar said on X. Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this one and I will redouble my efforts in Congress to prevent the next tragedy like this. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett echoed that sentiment, saying he and his wife are mourning and praying for the victims and thanking first responders for their swift response. "Gun violence is preventable," Doggett said. "This devastating loss of life was preventable. Until Republicans find the courage to say no to the NRA, our country will be plagued with more tragedies." Austin City Council member Vanessa Fuentes thanked first responders and said the shooting left the city shaken, grieving and looking for answers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To the victims, their families, and loved ones: our hearts are with you during this tragic time, Fuentes said on Instagram. Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela said on X he was heartbroken over the incident. Thanks to our police, EMS and firefighters for the quick response, Vela wrote. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza also issued a statement Sunday morning offering his condolences. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are heartbroken for all the shooting victims and our community impacted by this senseless violence, Garza said in the statement. We are grateful for the courageous response from first responders, who undoubtedly saved lives. We are in touch with our law enforcement partners to support the investigation. City Council member Zohaib Zo Qadri, whose district includes downtown, said he was deeply shaken and heartbroken by the shooting. I have been in touch with Austin Police as well as state and federal law enforcement while we look for answers and ensure everyones safety in the days to come, Qadri said on X. Several Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives issued a joint statement thanking first responders and condemning gun violence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gun violence continues to steal the lives of far too many Texans. Our hearts are with the victims of todays shooting and their families. We will never stop fighting for them, the statement said in part. The statement was signed by John Bucy, Sheryl Cole, Lulu Flores, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard, James Talarico and Erin Zwiener. Mason Whitt, a 29-year-old video editor, was walking past Bufords just before 2 a.m. on a night out when he said he heard what sounded like six shots from the bar. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He saw people running but remained calm. He wondered if it had been the sound of a car backfiring. But when a shirtless man came up to him with a flesh wound from a bullet, he realized there had been a shooter. He said, 'I just got shot,' and he began to take his pants off to see if he had been hit again. Whitt said. Whitt said he saw people cowering behind nearby buildings. As he was walking away, he said he heard what sounded like automatic gunfire with a much larger magazine. Whitt said he eventually got in an Uber. The driver agreed to take him and a group of young women away from the scene. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Matthew Gauna, 28, and his friend had left Bufords at about 1:45 a.m. and gone across the street to the bar POP in time for the bartenders last call. He described Bufords that night as packed. Gauna said neither he nor his friend heard the shots due to the loud music, but that they left POP they stumbled into a chaotic scene outside. Gauna said they saw some people crying and others dancing by the police officers, seemingly unaware of what was happening. Marc White said he was at Mayfair Nightclub & Terrace, about a block and a half away from Bufords, when the shooting happened but he didnt hear it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its terrifying to hear that people died, he said. You dont expect this to happen on West Sixth Street. Jeremiah Carbajal, a concierge at Hanover Republic Square on West Fifth Street, said he heard what sounded like something twice as powerful as fireworks going off. I heard screaming and yelling and crying, he said. Anyone searching for family members or friends in connection with the shooting is asked to call the Austin Police Departments Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police also said anyone with photos, videos or other information is encouraged to submit them to investigators. This is a developing story; check back for updates. This story has been corrected to say there were 14 injuries. Summary The Travelers Companies (TRV) demonstrates strong technical momentum, with a Trend Seeker 'Buy' signal and 9.54% gain over the past month. TRV trades at an 11.01x trailing P/E, notably below the Value Line average of 19.50, suggesting valuation remains attractive despite recent price highs. More News from Barchart Revenue is projected to grow modestly (2.01% this year, 2.90% next), though earnings are forecast to decline slightly over the next two years. I maintain a positive long-term outlook for TRV, citing its consistent growth in revenue, earnings, and cash flow, and low short interest (1.72% of float). Todays Featured Stock Valued at $66.22 billion, The Travelers Companies TRV, a holding company, is principally engaged, through its subsidiaries, in providing a wide variety of property and casualty insurance and surety products and services to businesses, organizations and individuals in the United States and select international markets. Travelers' Business Insurance segment offers a broad array of property and casualty insurance and insurance-related services to its customers, primarily in the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Brazil and throughout other parts of the world as a corporate member of Lloyd's. Its products include offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. What Im Watching I found todays Chart of the Day by using Barcharts powerful screening functions to sort for stocks with the highest technical buy signals; superior current momentum in both strength and direction; and a Trend Seeker buy signal. I then used Barcharts Flipcharts feature to review the charts for consistent price appreciation. TRV checks those boxes. Since the Trend Seeker issued a new Buy on Feb. 4, shares are up 4.18%. TRV TRV (Barchart) On the balance sheet, McDonald said SM Energy reduced net debt by $437 million and ended the year at roughly one times leverage. She added the company returned $104 million to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases. McDonald also said the company expanded scale and inventory through organic reserve growth and its announced merger with Civitas. Operationally, McDonald said the company found new ways to rapidly apply best practices and increase operational efficiencies, citing longer laterals and development of deeper zones. She also pointed to the integration of SM Energys oil-weighted Uinta assets, saying the company has applied its technical capabilities to the basins multiple stack pays since late 2024. President and CEO Beth McDonald said 2025 set the stage for what she called a transformational moment for the company. She highlighted records in operating cash flow, adjusted EBITDAX, total production, and oil volumes. McDonald noted that oil represented 53% of total production during the year. SM Energy (NYSE:SM) executives used the companys fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results call to frame 2025 as a pivotal year and to outline a 2026 plan centered on free cash flow, balance sheet improvement, and integration work tied to its announced merger with Civitas. SM strengthened liquidity and the balance sheetnet debt fell ~$437 million to roughly 1x leverage, the borrowing base was expanded and liquidity is near $3 billionannounced a $950 million South Texas divestiture, raised the fixed dividend 10% to $0.88, and will allocate post-dividend FCF 80% to debt reduction and 20% to buybacks. The 2026 capital program calls for $2.65$2.85 billion of capex (about 14% below pro forma 2025), activity trimmed to ~11 rigs, and guidance built to maximize free cash flow at $60 oil / $3.50 gas with second-half production expected at 420,000430,000 BOE/d (55% oil). SM is centering 2026 on an integrate, execute, bolster plan for the Civitas deal, targeting $200$300 million in synergies (with $185 million already actioned) and claiming total synergies could unlock up to $1.5 billion in present value. Story Continues 5 Hot Small Caps Setting Up for Big Gains: Buy, Sell, or Hold? Looking ahead, management organized its outlook around three objectives: integrate Civitas, execute a capital plan designed to maximize sustainable free cash flow, and bolster the balance sheet while increasing returns to shareholders. McDonald said the company is targeting $200 million to $300 million in synergies from the Civitas combination and has already actioned $185 million of that target. She characterized those actions as close to $1 billion in present value and just under 20% of SM Energys market cap, adding that total synergies could unlock up to $1.5 billion in present value, or nearly 30% of market cap. Capital, activity levels, and production cadence 5 Hot Buys Ready to Spring Higher in March Management said the 2026 plan was built to maximize free cash flow at $60 oil and $3.50 gas. SM Energy guided to 2026 capital investments of $2.65 billion to $2.85 billion, with about 45% directed to the Permian. McDonald said total expected capital spending is about 14% lower than pro forma 2025 levels. As part of the shift, the company is reducing activity to 11 rigs, down three rigs from a pro forma average of 14. McDonald emphasized the company is prioritizing value over volume, and noted that first-quarter estimates reflect only two months of Civitas. For production, management pointed investors to the back half of 2026 as the more representative go-forward run rate. Executives said second-half volumes are expected to range between 420,000 and 430,000 BOE per day at 55% oil. In Q&A, executives addressed why capital spending is front-end loaded. McDonald said the company entered the year with 15 rigs and expects spending to step down as activity is optimized to average around 11 rigs. She said the portfolio combination provides optionality and optimization beyond what either company could do individually. Stream conversion impacts and basin-level details In response to a question on year-over-year production changes and a shift from three-stream to two-stream reporting, CFO Wade Pursell said the plan is focused on free cash flow and that a production reconciliation is provided in the companys materials. Pursell said there is really no change from this conversion in SM South Texas or the Uinta Basin. He provided additional basin-level color for modeling: DJ Basin: The company expects about 20% of DJ BOEs to be allocated to NGLs. Pursell said investors can use Civitas historical gas and NGL realizations as estimates. Permian Basin: Pursell said the impact is really small, with about 5% of BOE expected to be reported as NGLs going forward. He suggested using Civitas historical NGL realizations and SM Energys realizations for Permian gas. McDonald also broke down the expected Permian program composition as roughly one-third Delaware and two-thirds Midland. She said the company is still optimizing the allocation within the Midland. Executives also discussed the DJ program, saying they like its returns and capital efficiency. McDonald said slowing activity there provides flexibility and time for the combined technical teams to optimize development and maximize free cash flow. Liquidity actions, divestiture plans, and shareholder returns Pursell said SM Energy is focused on strengthening what he described as an already strong capital structure, emphasizing liquidity, maturity profile, and leverage. He said the borrowing base on the secured bank facility was increased to $5 billion, lender commitments were increased to $2.5 billion, and the maturity was extended to Jan. 30, 2031. Pursell said the company currently has nearly $3 billion of liquidity. He also discussed a recently announced $950 million sale of select natural gas-weighted South Texas assets, which the company expects to close in the second quarter. Pursell said the company anticipates using liquidity to address debt maturities, including taking out all 2026 bond maturities this year and potentially the $417 million bond due in 2027. He added that SM Energy recently received credit upgrades from S&P and Fitch. On leverage, Pursell said pro forma leverage is in the mid ones area and that the company aims to move into the low ones area over time. He said that as leverage moves lowerassuming liquidity and the maturity profile remain manageablethe company expects to increase the portion of free cash flow directed to stock buybacks. Management also announced a 10% increase in the fixed dividend to $0.88 per share annually. Pursell said the increased dividend provides a yield of just under 4% and remains a core component of the companys framework. After dividends, management plans to allocate quarterly free cash flow 80% to debt reduction and 20% to share repurchases. When asked about the dividend increase, Pursell said it was not driven by investor pressure, but rather by managements confidence in the combined company, the strength of the balance sheet, asset quality, and visibility. He said this was the third time the company has increased the fixed dividend since it was set in late 2022. Executives also said cash taxes in 2026 are expected to be pretty minimal, citing the benefit of IDCs and what they referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill. Pursell said that even with the divestiture and associated gain, the company is projecting minimal cash taxes for the year. In closing remarks, McDonald reiterated the integrate, execute, bolster priorities and said the Civitas integration is progressing well. She added that the $950 million divestiture is intended to further strengthen the balance sheet and accelerate capital returns under the companys updated program. About SM Energy (NYSE:SM) SM Energy Company (NYSE: SM) is an independent energy firm engaged in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company focuses on identifying and exploiting unconventional onshore basins, leveraging advanced drilling and completion techniques to optimize resource recovery. SM Energy's operations are supported by an integrated approach to reservoir management and strategic midstream partnerships, enabling efficient transportation and marketing of hydrocarbons. The company's core asset areas include prolific basins such as the Permian, Eagle Ford, and the Rocky Mountain region. The article "SM Energy Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Stablecoins have become one of the most widely used applications in crypto. They now power corporate treasury management, cross border payments, and merchant payouts at a scale that few other crypto products have reached. The challenge is that much of this activity remains poorly understood outside crypto native circles. That gap is what motivated Solana Foundation to launch payments.org, a new site aimed at educating fintech and payments professionals about stablecoins and the infrastructure supporting them as well as giving them tools to build new products in the Solana ecosystem. In an with TheStreet Roundtable, Sheraz Shere, general manager of payments and commerce at the Solana Foundation, said the timing reflects a shift in adoption. Related: U.S. state proposes ban on crypto ATMs Real actual use cases are taking form Were at the point in the innovation cycle where real actual use cases are taking form, he said, pointing to increasing uptake by major payment companies. Payments.org is designed as a reference hub. The site explains how stablecoins are being used today, why they matter for payments, and how blockchain infrastructure like Solana fits into those workflows. Shere described it as a living, breathing site that will continue to expand as new use cases emerge. The examples highlighted so far center on areas where traditional systems struggle. Corporate treasury management is one. Global companies often need to move dollars across jurisdictions quickly while minimizing settlement delays and banking fees. Stablecoins allow that capital to move with the speed of software. Anything where money is moving across borders typically is a use case that shines on blockchains and stablecoins, he said. Trending on Roundtable: Neo banking and embedded finance are also part of the picture. As fintech companies look to offer global services without building regional banking relationships from scratch, stablecoins provide a common settlement layer that works across markets. The site does not attempt to predict future applications. Instead, it documents what is already happening. Shere said the goal is to meet institutions where they are, as adoption shifts from experimentation to implementation. Notably, stablecoin market dominance rose to 13.3% in February as broader crypto prices declined, pushing total market cap to $309 billion. While USDT slipped to 59.4% dominance, USDC gained ground, with its market cap rising 6.39% to $74.5 billion and trading share hitting a record 19.7%. Airman First Class McKenzie C. Cooper was found dead Feb. 23 at her off-base home in Sumter, S.C. (The State) (Tribune News Service) Airman First Class McKenzie C. Cooper was found dead Feb. 23 at her off-base home in Sumter, S.C., officials at Shaw Air Force Base said in a news release. Cooper was a Force Support Squadron airman serving with the 20th Fighter Wing, according to the release. The 20-year-old Trenton, Tenn., native enlisted in the Air Force on Feb. 18, 2025, and she arrived at the Air Force base in Sumter, S.C., on June 10, officials said. As a member of the 20th Fighter Wing, Cooper served as a retirements, separations and promotions technician, according to the release. Information about Coopers cause of death was not made public. There was no word if her death is being investigated by either the Air Force or the Sumter County Coroners Office. Officials did not say if foul play was suspected. The heart of our squadron is heavy. We didnt just lose an airman; we lost a vital part of our FSS family, base commander Lt. Col. Joseph A. Mitchell said in the release. McKenzie was someone who brought genuine warmth and spirit to our team. The empty space she leaves behind is immense, and we are all feeling this painful loss. Our thoughts, our strength, and our prayers are with her family and all who cherished McKenzie. In a four-month stretch during 2019, at least five airmen stationed at Shaw died. The deaths were reported from May through August 2019, and three of them were suicides while the others were victims of health complications, The State previously reported. Shaw is home to more than 8,200 active-duty military members, 1,200 civilian employees and about 12,000 family members, according to the U.S. government. 2026 The State. Visit thestate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks with students and staff, during a visit to the Walbottle Academy Campus in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (Scott Heppell, PA via AP) BRUSSELS How long will it last? Will it grow? What will the conflict and the reported death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mean to us, and to global security overall? Those questions echoed across the Middle East and the planet Saturday as world leaders reacted warily to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that Khamenei was dead, calling it the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. Iranian state media said early Sunday the 86-year-old leader had died without elaborating on a cause. Israeli officials previously told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that Khamenei was dead. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, said there were growing signs that Khamenei had been killed when Israel struck his compound early Saturday. The apparent demise of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, would likely throw its future into uncertainty and exacerbate already growing concerns of a broader conflict. The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting. Perhaps cautious about upsetting already strained relations with Trump, many nations abstained from commenting directly or pointedly on the joint strikes but condemned Tehrans retaliation. Similarly to Europeans, governments across the Middle East condemned Irans strikes on Arab neighbors while staying silent on the U.S. and Israeli military action. Other countries were more explicit: Australia and Canada expressed open support for the U.S. strikes, while Russia and China responded with direct criticism. The U.S. and Isreael launched a major attack against Iran on Saturday, and Trump called on the Iranian public to seize control of your destiny by rising up against the Islamic theocracy that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Some leaders urge resumption of talks In a statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the U.S. and Iran to resume talks and said they favored a negotiated settlement. They said their countries didnt take part in the strikes on Iran but are in close contact with the U.S., Israel and partners in the region. The three countries have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution over Irans nuclear program. We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes, they said. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future, they said. Later, at an emergency security meeting, Macron said France was neither warned nor involved in the strikes. He called for intensified efforts for a negotiated solution, saying no one can think that the questions of Irans nuclear program, ballistic activity, regional destabilization will be settled by strikes alone. The 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability. That coalition of nations has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region. Morocco, Jordan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates denounced Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military bases in the region including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the Emirates. Under former President Bashar Assad, Syria was among Irans closest regional allies and a staunch critic of Israel, yet a statement from its foreign ministry singularly condemned Iran, reflecting the new governments efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic heavyweights and the United States. Saudi Arabia said it condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of sovereignty. Oman, which has been mediating the talks between Iran and the U.S., said in a statement that the U.S. action constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means, rather than through hostility and the shedding of blood. Careful wording is (mostly) the order of the day New Zealand refrained from full-throated support but acknowledged Saturday that the U.S. and Israeli attacks were keeping the Iranian regime from remaining an ongoing threat. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a joint statement. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support. Countries in Europe and the Middle East used careful wording, avoiding perceptions that they either support unilateral American action or are directly condemning the United States. Others were more blunt. Russias Foreign Ministry called the strikes a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state. The ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of hiding behind concerns about Irans nuclear program while actually pursuing regime change. Similarly, Chinas government said it was highly concerned about the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and called for an immediate halt to the military action and a return to negotiations. Irans sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said. Despite recent tensions with the U.S., Canada too expressed its support for the military action. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. And the U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, at the request of Bahrain and France. Concerns expressed of new, extensive war Palestinians in the occupied West Bank said they were largely unfazed as war erupted Saturday, barely pausing as booms echoed across the sky from Israels Iron Dome intercepting missiles overhead. Unlike Israel, Palestinian cities have no warning sirens or bomb shelters, despite the risk of falling debris or errant missiles. As people sheltered less than 10 miles away in Jerusalem, streets in Ramallah swarmed with shoppers browsing meat counters, vegetable stalls and Ramadan sweets, some stopping to record the sounds of distant sirens and missile interceptions. But as Israel closed checkpoints to the movement of people and goods on Saturday, gas stations saw longer-than-usual lines as residents filled spare canisters in case of supply disruptions. The Palestinian Authority, in a statement, condemned the Iranian attacks on Arab nations, many which have historically helped underwrite its finances. It made no mention of the Israeli or U.S. strikes. Nervousness is perceptible across multiple countries. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he was concerned the failure of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran meant a new, extensive war in the Middle East. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in harsher words. These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons, said its executive director, Melissa Parke. EU leaders issued a joint statement Saturday calling for restraint and engaging in regional diplomacy in hopes of ensuring nuclear safety. The Arab League, too, appealed to all international parties to work towards de-escalation as soon as possible, to spare the region the scourge of instability and violence, and to return to dialogue. Ciobanu reported from Warsaw and Metz from Ramallah. Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Angela Charlton in Paris, Paolo Santalucia in Rome, Suman Naishadham in Madrid, Elise Morton and Krutika Pathi in London, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Fatma Khaled and Sam Magdy in Cairo, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing, Adam Schreck in Bangkok and Rod McGuirk in Melbourne, Australia, contributed to this report. LUCAS drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Nov. 23, 2025. The aircraft are fielded by Task Force Scorpion Strike, which was specifically formed to develop and deploy one-way attack drones at scale. (U.S. Central Command) The major U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Iran on Saturday featured a U.S. Central Command task forces first ever deployment of low-cost, one-way attack drones in combat, the command said. They were launched by CENTCOMs Task Force Scorpion Strike, which was specifically formed to develop and deploy one-way attack drones at scale. The drones deployed for Operation Epic Fury are modeled after Irans Shahed drones, which have wreaked havoc on the battlefield in Ukraine and have been employed by Iran-backed militias throughout the Middle East. The task force in December successfully completed its first launch of the LUCAS drone at sea. LUCAS is an abbreviation for low-cost unmanned combat attack system. The drones have an extensive range and are designed to operate autonomously. The command did not specify how many of the one-way drones were fired or what they targeted. They were among munitions fired from air, land and sea, the command said. Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, on Saturday evening said at least 201 people had been killed and more than 700 injured. Various members of Irans leadership were targeted, and at least 85 people were reported killed when a girls school was struck in southern Iran, according to a regional governor. A spokesperson for CENTCOM said the strike on the school was being looked into. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the strikes, but that the heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary. Contributing: Stars and Stripes reporter Shannon Renfroe, the Associated Press. Municipal and civil workers work on the impact site of a Patriot interceptor missile that fell in the city of Haifa, Israel, on June 22, 2025. The air defense system intercepted a missile launched from Iran. Heavy damage occurred from the blast on nearby buildings, with no casualties reported. (Aldema Milstein, Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) The ability of the U.S., Israel and gulf Arab states to weather Irans retaliatory strikes will depend on how many missile interceptors they have and stocks are most likely dangerously low after intense combat with the Islamic Republic last year. Tehrans main means of offensive operations is long-range attacks with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, all of which it launched after Israeli strikes in June 2025. This time around, Iran reacted to U.S. and Israeli attacks by almost immediately firing on Israel and countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Defending against such weapons requires an even bigger number of interceptors typical military doctrine calls for firing two or three at each incoming target to maximize the chances of hitting it. Stocks of missile interceptors could be in danger of running low within days if the intensity of current Iranian attacks persists, according to a person familiar with the matter. Missile interceptors are a big concern, particularly anti-ballistic interceptors, said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center. We are using these interceptors faster than we can make them. Dozens or more Iranian missiles were intercepted on Saturday around the region, but at least a few got through. The result of continued strikes is that if Iran has more missiles than its targets have interceptors, more attacks will start getting through. Magazine capacity was already low for the U.S. and its partner nations after last year, said William Alberque, a senior adjunct fellow at the Pacific Forum, a foreign policy research institute. The U.S. fired about 150 THAAD interceptors last June to defend Israel during the 12-day war against Iran, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Those weapons are the highest-end ground-based missile defense system in the American inventory, with each Lockheed Martin Corp. interceptor costing about $15 million. But only a few dozen were purchased last year. Such weapons are designed to be able to take out ballistic missiles beyond the Earths atmosphere. The costs of firing hundreds of them as well as other types of interceptors is enormous. In April 2024, Bloomberg reported that it probably cost Israel as well as the American, British, French and Jordanian air forces around $1.1 billion to foil missile and drone attacks from Iran. That was for a few hours work. The U.S. and Israeli militaries will try to reduce the number of missiles and launchers Iran has available, and kill top commanders to prevent their use. The question of which side can outlast the other is a sobering one, said Eyal Pinko, a former naval commander who does research at Bar Ilan University outside Tel Aviv. A lot more attacks are coming, he said in a briefing to the Jerusalem Press Club. They have thousands of missiles and drones, huge stocks. They will do everything to maintain the regime. This is now an all-out war for their survival. Ethan Bronner contributed to this report. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Breaker residential tower in Manamas Seef district stands blackened and gutted after an apparent aerial strike Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, as Iranian retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Bahrain extended into civilian neighborhoods. (Stars and Stripes) MANAMA, Bahrain Iranian drones and missiles struck high-rise apartments and hotels in Bahrain this weekend as attacks on the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet headquarters spread into civilian districts, amid Irans unprecedented attacks on American bases across the Middle East. Sirens continued into Sunday afternoon in Manama, the capital, with alerts instructing U.S. military personnel to shelter in place in a bunker until further notice. On Saturday, the Navy base sustained damage to a large building and at least one other structure. The extent of the damage remains unclear, and U.S. Central Command has so far declined to provide details. The Iranian counterstrikes came as the United States and Israel launched attacks throughout Iran that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many senior military leaders. For U.S. service members and residents of the Bahraini capital, the geopolitical stakes coexist with more immediate concerns: blocked roads, suspended flights, limited base access and preparations for another night of potential attacks. The island nations airspace is restricted and commercial flights are suspended, meaning family members authorized by the Defense Department on Saturday to depart the country must take shelter for now. The Crowne Plaza Hotel, a five-star property in central Manama, was struck Sunday morning, resulting in injuries. In its fifth security update of the day, the U.S. Embassy advised all U.S. citizens to avoid hotels in the capital, warning they could be targets. The nearby Juffair district, home to the U.S. Navy base and many businesses, fell noticeably quiet Sunday, which is a workday in Bahrain. The grocery delivery service Talabat was unavailable early Sunday, limiting access to essentials for residents unable to leave their buildings. By afternoon, the service had partially returned, though many outlets remained marked busy. Base access remained restricted following damage from the attacks, according to official messages distributed to personnel. Overnight, area residents described hearing a low buzz they believe was a drone. Last night when that drone flew over my head, it did something to me, said Philippe Jean-Jacques, a defense contractor. To the point that this morning I saw from the corner of my eye a black bird, and I thought it was a drone. My stomach is still in knots. In the Seef neighborhood of Manama, about 20 minutes from Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the skyline told the story. The ivory-colored Breaker residential tower now bears vertical scars of blackened glass running along nearly the height of the building following an aerial attack Saturday. A section of the buildings exterior collapsed inward across two to three floors, while fire burned from within the breach. Flames spread down the facade while sparks fell toward the street. The smell of burning metal and glass lingered between neighboring towers as black smoke drifted toward other buildings. Displaced tenants gathered in a nearby dirt lot as the tower burned and police cordoned sections of the street overnight. I came outside to save my own life, said Justin Uzo, 44, a housekeeper at an apartment building roughly a third of a mile from the Breaker. I dont know what is going to happen next. His mother does not know his building was hit. If I inform my mom, she will be heartbroken, he said. I just pray everything will calm down. In the Hoora neighborhood, about four miles from the Navy base, the Era View residential tower sustained heavy damage from what authorities described as a direct drone strike. A third apartment complex was also reported to be damaged. The incidents remain under investigation, said Abdullah Alameeri with the Bahrain police. The Bahrain Defense Force said Sunday that its air defense systems have successfully intercepted 45 missiles and nine drones, including Shahed-136 type drones. Bahrain hosts U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters and 5th Fleet, with about 8,300 sailors stationed there. An F-35A Lightning II takes off from an undisclosed location in support of Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Air Force) EDITORS NOTE: This report was updated Sunday, March 8, 2026. U.S. forces across the Middle East continued to endure air raid sirens and explosions over the weekend as Operation Epic Fury entered its second week. Airstrikes continued across the region on Sunday despite earlier comments from Iranian leaders that the attacks would cease. Irans president on Saturday had issued a message saying the country would not strike its Middle Eastern neighbors, but later appeared to walk that statement back. Iran has fired counterstrikes at more than a dozen nations in the last week, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. U.S. forces, meanwhile, have struck nearly 3,000 targets throughout Iran, killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and crippled the countrys leadership. Israeli forces targeted fuel depots in Iran on Sunday morning, filling the skies over Tehran with smoke. Six U.S. service members have been killed and at least 10 have been seriously injured as of Saturday, U.S. Central Command officials said. President Donald Trump joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday for the dignified transfer of the six soldiers. A seventh service member who was also a New York City police officer suffered a fatal medical issue and died on Friday while deployed to Kuwait, the NYPD said in a statement. Maj. Sorffly Davius served in the 42nd Infantry Division in the U.S. Army National Guard, the department said. Bahrain Bahrain officials accused Iran of striking a desalination plant early Sunday morning, as well as striking a university building, injuring three people who were hit by missile fragments. Bahrains water and electricity authority said there was no impact on water supplies or water network capacity. Dozens of drones and missiles have targeted military and civilian infrastructure on the island nation, which is home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and typically hosts some 8,300 sailors and their families. The attacks have targeted high-rise residential buildings, hotels, and the U.S. base, and caused damage to the surrounding neighborhood. The U.S. naval base appears to have taken extensive damage following several days of Iranian missiles and drone attacks. Iran struck the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, as well as multiple warehouses and satellite dishes on base. Its unclear how many, if any, U.S. troops were on base during the attacks. U.S. Central Command has not reported any deaths or injuries out of Bahrain. The Bahrain International Airport remained closed as of Sunday, and the U.S. Embassy was encouraging Americans to take overland routes to Saudi Arabia, which is offering commercial flights. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups are in the region and represent the vanguard of one of the largest buildups of U.S. naval power in the Middle East in recent years. Kuwait Air defenses were still intercepting incoming missiles and drones as of Sunday, according to the Kuwait Army, with some debris damaging property. Officials on Sunday also announced the deaths of two Kuwaiti officers. Six Army reservists assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were killed in a drone attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on the second day of Operation Epic Fury. The unit is based in Des Moines, Iowa. The incident remains under investigation. The soldiers were: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla. Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb. Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn. Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Maj. Jeffrey R. OBrien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif. Kuwait air defenses earlier in the week mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles. All six U.S. crew members were safely recovered and sustained no major injuries, CENTCOM said. Qatar Qatari officials continued to sound air raid sirens on Saturday, warning residents of incoming fire. A pair of Iranian fighter planes flying less than 100 feet above the ground came within minutes of hitting Al Udeid, the U.S. militarys largest base in the Middle East, CNN reported this week. The incident, which happened Monday morning, involved two Russian-made Su-24 bombers that were headed toward the base. Qatar dispatched American-made F-15 fighters, which were able to down the Iranian planes. Al Udeid, located about 25 miles outside the capital Doha, is the forward deployed headquarters for U.S. Air Forces Central Command and typically hosts some 10,000 service members. The U.S. Embassy in Doha was offering overland and air options to Americans wishing to leave Qatar, as of Sunday. Limited commercial flights were operating out of Qatar.. United Arab Emirates Dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones have targeted parts of the United Arab Emirates, which hosts U.S. Air Force and Army assets at Al Dhafra Air Base. The UAE has been Irans main target in its retaliation campaign, the U.S. embassy there said Saturday. On Saturday, an Iranian drone appeared to hit the Dubai airport, according to the BBC. Emirates Airlines temporarily suspended its operations, resuming flights a few hours later. Etihad Airways had resumed a limited flight schedule on Friday, and was offering flights to 20 locations on Sunday, including Rome, Paris, London, and Zurich on Sunday. A total of 1,422 drones, eight cruise missiles and 238 ballistic missiles have been detected in the UAE as of Sunday, the countrys defense ministry said. The majority of those have been intercepted, but two missiles and 80 drones made impact on land. The attacks have resulted in four deaths. The victims were Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals. The hostilities have caused at least 112 cases of minor injuries, UAE officials said. No Americans were listed among those hurt. Jordan U.S. and Jordanian officials have reported ongoing threats from missiles and drones in the country since combat operations began a week ago, when Jordanian armed forces said they intercepted two ballistic missiles. The U.S. Embassy in Amman was temporarily evacuated due to a threat earlier this week and on Tuesday, U.S. officials ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and family members. As of Wednesday, Jordan had ended the temporary closure of its airspace. Queen Alia International Airport remained open as of Friday with flights departing daily, the U.S. embassy said, and several land routes are still available under restricted hours. Queen Alia International Airport remained open as of Sunday with flights departing daily, the U.S. Embassy said, and several land routes are still available under restricted hours. The U.S. has sent dozens of attack aircraft to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base over the past month. The base is a key hub for U.S. air power in the region. Iraq As of Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Iraq was strongly encouraging Americans to depart as soon as they are safely able to do so. Those who did not choose to leave should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods, the embassy added. Iran and its proxy militia groups have continued to pose a threat to Americans, the embassy said. Calls have been issued for attacks against U.S. citizens and hotels frequented by foreigners have been targeted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Commercial flights were not operating out of Iraq as of Sunday. Most land routes to Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia remained open, but could close on short notice, the embassy said. Saudi Arabia Saudi officials continued to report incoming drone and missile attacks on Saturday. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones Tuesday, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building, the Saudi defense ministry said. Eight drones were intercepted near the cities of Riyadh and Al-Kharj, the ministry said. The U.S. Embassy closed on Tuesday until further notice due to an attack on the facility and recommended that all Americans in the country shelter in place. Commercial flights were operating out of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran as of Sunday, with occasional operational pauses, according to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia. This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F-35C Lightning II preparing for launch on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury on Monday, March 2, 2026. (U.S. Navy) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iran struck the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabias capital with a drone early Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region, while the United States and Israel pounded Iran with airstrikes in what U.S. President Donald Trump suggested was just the start of a relentless campaign that could last more than a month. The attack from two drones on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh caused a limited fire and minor damage, according to Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry, and the embassy urged Americans to avoid the compound. It followed an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, and the U.S. State Department on Tuesday ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Bahrain and Jordan as a precaution. Across Irans capital, explosions rang out throughout the night into the early morning, with witnesses describing hearing aircraft overhead. It was not immediately clear what had been hit. And in Lebanon, Israel launched more strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group. The expansion of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the intensity of the Israeli and American attacks, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the lack of any apparent exit plan portend a possibly prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences. Many countries deemed safe havens in the Mideast have been hit by Iran in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli strikes, with recent targets including two Amazon data centers in the United Arab Emirates and a drone impact near another in Bahrain that caused damage, the company said Tuesday. Iran has also hit energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and attacked several ships Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, sending global oil and natural gas prices soaring. The U.S. State Department urged U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks, as have many other countries, though with much of the airspace closed many remain stranded. Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared to go far longer than that. As the conflict spiraled, the State Department urged U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks. The hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters before briefing members of Congress about the Iran operation. Hundreds dead in Iran and dozens in Lebanon along with 11 in Israel The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 555 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. Israels retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed 52 people in Lebanon. Military escalation would force more families from their homes and hit civilians hard, said Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization on Migration as she called Tuesday for the international community to press for de-escalation. Millions are already displaced in the region, she said. The U.S. military has confirmed six deaths of American service members. All six were Army soldiers and part of the same logistics unit in Kuwait, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Three people were reported killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain. Irans top diplomat on Monday shared a photo showing graves he said were for more than 160 girls killed during a U.S.-Israeli strike on a school in Minab. Their bodies were torn to shreds, Abbas Araghchi, the countrys foreign minister, said on X. In Israel, three young siblings killed by an Iranian strike were being laid to rest at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem on Monday night. The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the U.S. military said Kuwait had mistakenly shot down three American fighter jets while Iran was attacking it with aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely. Israel and U.S. target nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure Iranian state TV said strikes caused two explosions early Tuesday at a broadcasting facility in Tehran, but said no one was injured. Reza Najafi, Irans ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters that airstrikes targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Sunday. Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie, he said. Israel and the U.S. have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the U.S. bombed in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. Israel has said it is targeting the leadership and nuclear infrastructure. Trump said the military campaigns objectives are to destroy Irans missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it cannot continue to support allied groups like Lebanons Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel on Monday. Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to do so and says its nuclear program is peaceful. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained, however, that Iran was rebuilding new sites, new places underground for making atomic bombs in an interview broadcast late Monday on Fox News Channels Hannity. We had to take the action now and we did, said Netanyahu, who offered no evidence to support his claim. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showed limited activity at two nuclear sites in Iran before the war. Analysts said Tehran was likely assessing damage from the 2025 U.S. strikes and possibly salvaging what remained. Attacks on Iran have drawn in proxy forces from around region The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday, though there were no reports of injuries or damage. Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon. The countrys Health Ministry reported at least 52 people were killed and 154 wounded in overnight strikes in the Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon. An Israeli military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, said Israel is keeping all options on the table, including a potential ground invasion of Lebanon. Israel hit Beirut with more airstrikes early Tuesday morning, saying it was targeting Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities. Hezbollah also said it launched drones targeting an Israeli air base. The Israeli military said it downed two drones. An Iranian-linked militant in Iraq has also claimed strikes on U.S. military facilities. Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Hallie Golden in Seattle, Washington and Giovanna DellOrto in Miami contributed to this report. Rising reported from Bangkok and Magdy from Cairo. An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 41 takes off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy) Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five seriously wounded in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, U.S. Central Command said Sunday. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of returning to duty. Major combat operations continue, the command said. The Pentagon is withholding the names of those killed as officials work to notify next of kin. Identities will be released 24 hours after families have been notified, the command said. CENTCOM did not provide further details about the circumstances of the deaths or injuries. NBC News and The Washington Post reported earlier that the three service killed were members of the U.S. Army who were deployed to Kuwait. The U.S. and Israel launched extensive strikes against Iran on Saturday morning after months of stalling negotiations over the countrys nuclear program. President Donald Trump later that night announced the operation had resulted in the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader. Addressing the nation shortly after strikes began, Trump said the U.S. would never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and vowed to raze Irans missile industry to the ground and annihilate its navy. He also acknowledged U.S. service members may die in the process. In another video message on Sunday, Trump said the U.S. would avenge the deaths of the service members and that there will likely be more killed before the conflict ends. The president made the comments in a roughly six-minute video he posted on social media. He called the three service members true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives. He added: Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. Thats the way it is. Likely be more. Iran has responded to the attacks with hundreds of missiles and drones aimed at U.S. military installations around the region. In Bahrain, a U.S. naval base was struck multiple times on Saturday, damaging U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters and warehouses. Multiple residential buildings were struck elsewhere on the island and attacks continued well into Sunday. Other U.S. bases in the region have also been targeted. Authorities in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and the UAE have reported shooting down missiles and drones since the strikes began. In a post on X, CENTCOM appeared to confirm that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles but said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims Sunday that the ship had been struck were a lie. The Lincoln was not hit, CENTCOM said in the post the same day. The missiles launched didnt even come close. The command added that the ship was continuing to launch aircraft in support of the campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sovereign Metals Limited recently announced it had signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Traxys North America to market graphite concentrate from the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi, initially targeting refractory markets and potentially battery anode customers. The MOU outlines the potential marketing of up to 80,000 tonnes of graphite per year over a contemplated 510 year term, underscoring progress toward commercial routes for Kasiyas graphite alongside existing project partners. Well now examine how this proposed long-term graphite offtake framework with Traxys reshapes Sovereign Metals investment narrative and growth prospects. The future of work is here. Discover the 30 top robotics and automation stocks leading the charge in AI-driven automation and industrial transformation. What Is Sovereign Metals' Investment Narrative? To own Sovereign Metals today, you really have to believe that Kasiya evolves into a multi-commodity project where rutile, graphite and potentially rare earths all find credible paths to market, underpinned by partners like Rio Tinto and the IFC. The new Traxys MOU is helpful here because it sketches out a potential commercial route for up to 80,000 tonnes a year of graphite, which could sharpen one of the key near term catalysts: converting technical graphite testwork and DFS studies into line of sight on offtake and financing. That said, the agreement is non binding, pricing is unsettled, and the company is still loss making with less than a year of cash runway, so funding, permitting and execution remain front and center risks even if the market has recently turned more optimistic. However, investors should understand how dependent the story still is on external funding and approvals. Upon reviewing our latest valuation report, Sovereign Metals' share price might be too optimistic. Exploring Other Perspectives ASX:SVM 1-Year Stock Price Chart Six Simply Wall St Community fair value views span A$0.20 to A$2.00 per share, underlining how differently people see the upside. Set that against Sovereigns cash runway risk and unproven revenue base, and it becomes clear why examining multiple viewpoints before forming your own stance really matters here. Explore 6 other fair value estimates on Sovereign Metals - why the stock might be worth over 2x more than the current price! Form Your Own Verdict Disagree with this assessment? Extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd, so go with your instincts. U.S. Forged Rings (USFR) announced plans to establish a factory in North Carolina. The manufacturer of large steel components expects the project to reach $875 million in investments and create up to 625 jobs. The company did not provide details regarding when the facility would begin production. USFR makes specialty steel products and large-diameter steel fabrications. Products include critical service fabrications, specialty tubulars and forgings used in power generation, industrial components and a variety of other industries, like the marine, mining, defense and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) markets. USFR anticipates the project will occur over three phases, with the first two adding 625 jobs. The company will locate the manufacturing facility next to Nucor Steels processing plant through a supply chain partnership and sit along the Chowan River, which feeds into the Albemarle Sound and then the Atlantic Ocean. This investment into the first two phases of our Hertford County facility will bring good paying jobs back to America, substitute imports, lower dependency on foreign suppliers and increase the resilience of the U.S. economy," USFR President and CEO Giacomo Sozzi said. Most read on Manufacturing.net: The project would be the largest in Hertford County economic development history, according to EDPNC data which goes back to 2014. Incorporated in March 2022, USFR is a privately owned business and member of the Sozzi familys group of companies. In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Railroad Company, CSX Corp., Hertford County, Dominion Energy and others. The missiles arrived on a Saturday, puncturing the uneasy quiet of a region already conditioned to the sound of sirens. Coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran reportedly near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mark a grave escalation that violates the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. Smoke rising over Tehran and shuttered airspace from Iraq to Israel are not merely images of conflict; they are warnings of a perilous path that risks igniting wider instability. The objective of crippling Iran's naval forces, combined with the US incitations for "regime change", ignores international law. This follows a pattern of increasing belligerence. The unilateral military adventurism of the US and Israel do not enhance security; they breed chaos, inviting a cycle of retaliation that could engulf the entire region. China consistently opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and advocates that disputes be resolved through political and diplomatic means. As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged recently as the rhetoric of war increased, all parties should exercise restraint, cherish peace and resolve differences through dialogue. The timing of the strikes is particularly troubling. They occurred as negotiations over Iran's nuclear program were at a critical juncture and as diplomatic efforts on other global flash points, including the Ukraine crisis, struggle toward fragile progress. Military actions at such a moment risk derailing dialogue and undermining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. One cannot claim to defend non-proliferation while simultaneously resorting to force that erodes trust and verification mechanisms. Domestic political calculations in Washington and Tel Aviv appear to have cast long shadows over the decision to use force. In the US, deep partisan divisions, legal setbacks to economic policies, and looming midterm elections have intensified political pressure. An AP-NORC poll shows only about 3 in 10 Americans express strong trust in the administration's judgment on military force a sobering figure that underscores domestic skepticism. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting domestic opposition over the Gaza conflict and a looming election that will determine his political future. History shows that external confrontation can be used to consolidate internal support, but such tactics carry dangerous broader consequences. China calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities. All parties, the US and Israel in particular, must exercise restraint and cease hostilities to prevent spiraling escalation. Respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and a commitment to dialogue are essential to cooling tensions. China stands ready to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation. The priority must be the prevention of a broader war a catastrophe that serves the interests of no nation. Miscalculation layered upon miscalculation, each justified as deterrence, each increasing the risk of catastrophe. Meanwhile, instability in the Middle East threatens global energy markets, trade routes, and economic recovery far beyond the region. From Dubai to Singapore, markets have already shown signs of unease. A return to diplomacy, however painstaking, offers the only sustainable path to peace. Confrontation leads only to greater suffering; the path of dialogue is the sole route to lasting stability in the Middle East. What is needed is sustained, serious negotiations, not more strikes. KEY TAKEAWAYS About 14.3 million federal student loan borrowers are aged 25 to 34, with the average balance for this age group at $33,566. Payment pauses and lawsuits against the Saving on a Valuable Education repayment plan have made repayment schedules unusually chaotic. As of September 2025, there were about 14.3 million borrowers aged 25 to 34, owing a total of $480 billion in federal student loans, according to data from the Department of Education. The average borrower in this age group has a student loan balance of about $33,566. That's below the average loan amount of $39,546 held by all borrowers. The age group 25 to 34 has the second-highest borrower countabout a third of the 42.8 million total. Payment Pauses and Policy Shifts Defined Their Early Repayment During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education paused payments for all borrowers. But this pause, along with later efforts to lower monthly payments, made repayment more confusing for borrowers aged 25 to 34. When the pandemic began, borrowers in this age group were 19 to 28. Some of these borrowers have not made a payment in almost six years, and others who graduated during or after the pandemic have also yet to make any payments. The COVID-19 payment pause ended in 2023, and missed payments began to negatively impact borrowers' credit or lead to default in 2024. In addition, borrowers who entered Biden's signature income-driven repayment plan, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), in 2023 have faced unprecedented changes to their repayment plan as lawsuits challenged the plan's legality. Borrowers in the SAVE plan have been in an administrative forbearance since July 2024. In December 2025, the Department of Education announced that the SAVE plan was ending. It's still unclear when borrowers must leave the plan and how they'll manage once payments resume. Where These Borrowers Go From Here Borrowers on the SAVE plan will eventually have to move to a repayment plan, but other income-driven plans could also offer low monthly payments. Federal Student Aid's Loan Simulator allows borrowers to compare different repayment plans and their monthly payments. In addition, a new income-driven repayment plan, the Repayment Assistance Plan, will be open for enrollment on July 1, 2026. For some borrowers, monthly payments under the RAP plan will be lower or similar to those under income-driven plans. With payment pauses and changes to the SAVE plan confusing borrowers, millions have fallen behind on their payments. While fewer younger borrowers are delinquent on their loans than older borrowers, about 10% of the loan portfolio held by borrowers ages 18 to 29 is in serious delinquency, according to the New York Federal Reserve. May NY world sugar #11 (SBK26) today is down -0.04 (-0.29%), and May London ICE white sugar #5 (SWK26) is down -0.20 (-0.05%). Sugar prices are slightly lower today after the International Sugar Organization (ISO) forecast a +1.22 million MT sugar surplus in 2025-26, following a -3.46 million MT deficit in 2024-25. ISO said the surplus is being driven by increased sugar production in India, Thailand, and Pakistan. ISO is forecasting a +3.0% y/y rise in global sugar production to 181.3 million MT in 2025-26. More News from Barchart On February 12, sugar prices plunged to 5.25-year nearest-futures lows on concern that a global sugar surplus will persist. On February 11, analysts from sugar trader Czarnikow said they expect a global sugar surplus of 3.4 MMT in the 2026/27 crop year, following an 8.3 MMT surplus in 2025/26. Also, Green Pool Commodity Specialists said on January 29 that they expect a 2.74 MMT global sugar surplus for 2025/26 and a 156,000 MT surplus for 2026/27. Meanwhile, StoneX said February 13 that it expects a global sugar surplus of 2.9 MMT in 2025/26. Signs of lower sugar output in Brazil are supportive of sugar prices, after Unica last Wednesday reported that sugar production in Brazil's Center-South in the second half of January fell by 36% y/y to only 5,000 MT. However, cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through January is up by +0.9% y/y to 40.24 MMT. Also, the ratio of cane crushed for sugar rose to 50.74% in 2025/26 from 48.14% in 2024/25. An excessively short position by funds in NY sugar futures could add fuel to a short-covering rally. Last Friday's weekly Commitment of Traders (COT) report showed funds boosted their short position in NY sugar futures and options by 14,381 in the week ended February 17 to a record high 265,324 net short positions (data from 2006). Consulting firm Safras & Mercado said on December 23 that Brazil's sugar production in 2026/27 will fall by -3.91% to 41.8 MMT from 43.5 MMT expected in 2025/26. The firm expects Brazil's sugar exports in 2026/27 to fall by -11% y/y to 30 MMT. On Wednesday, the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) projected India's 2025/26 sugar production at 29.3 MMT, up 12% y/y, below an earlier projection of 30.95 MMT. The ISMA reported January 19 that India's 2025-26 sugar output from Oct 1-Jan 15 was up +22% y/y to 15.9 MMT. The ISMA also cut its estimate for sugar used for ethanol production in India to 3.4 MMT from a July forecast of 5 MMT, which may allow India to boost its sugar exports. India is the world's second-largest sugar producer. Some 1.9 billion people around the globe live with chronic pain. In Tell Me Where It Hurts: The Science of Pain and How to Heal (Allen Lane), Rachel Zoffness offers constructive advice on how we can all dial down our pain volume and confront negative emotions. Good sleep is important, she insists. Incidentally, Zoffness states that the risk of a heart attack increases 21-fold the day after a loved one dies, suggesting novelist Saul Bellow was right when he wrote his novel More Die of Heartbreak. There is plenty of agonising pain in Paul OKeeffes Trafalgar: Battle and Aftermath (The Bodley Head), although one needs strong sea legs to cope with the gory descriptions of the brutality of naval warfare in 1805. His gripping history deals with the life and death of Admiral Horatio Nelson and the mournful aftermath. London was bursting with people who wanted to be part of Nelsons funeral service at St Pauls cathedral and OKeeffe describes how a vast gang of pickpockets helped themselves to a feast as they preyed on well-wishers. The cost of war adds up in so many ways. Late in life, while living in Berlin, sozzled poet WH Auden was reported to the police for driving erratically. When he appeared in court, he was asked if he took alcohol and replied: I have been drinking every night of my adult life. The German authorities acquitted him and, according to Peter Ackroyd, in his first-class new biography Auden (Reaktion Books), Audens typically Auden comment to his friend Peter Hayworth was the judge was rather a dish, my dear, didnt you think? There are 450 pages of drollness in Alan Bennetts fourth and final diaries collection Enough Said (Profile Books and Faber), which starts in 2016 and ends in 2024, the year the playwright turned 90. Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoffs Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed (Allen Lane), meanwhile, is a timely study of Elon Musk that highlights the X owners obsession with the decline of white populations. If you are looking for a nourishing snack of a book (albeit 12.99 for 116 pages, in a small format publication), then I would recommend The Quotable Nora Ephron: Someday This Will be a Funny Story (Doubleday), which displays the sharp humour of the late screenwriter. My favourite quip was: Try flying on any plane with a baby if you want a sense of what it must have been like to be a leper in the fourteenth century. March is a rich month for impressive new fiction. There are new novels by the reliably good Brandon Taylor (Minor Black Figures, Jonathan Cape) and Tayari Jones (Kin, Oneworld) and a riveting tale of the displacement set in Italy by Emanuela Anechoum (Tangerinn, Europa Editions, translated by Lucy Rand). If you enjoy historical epics, then I would also wholeheartedly recommend Michael Ardittis The Tribe (Salt), the enthralling tale of a Sephardic dynasty in Salonica. Finally, if you are interested in Londons history, check out the stunning London in the 18th Century, Street by Street by Wallace Crawford Snowden and revised and edited by Marie Clayton (Atlantic Publishing), which features the fascinating 1746 maps drawn by John Rocque. Those who know the capital well will find themselves poring over revealing old maps. The choices for memoir, non-fiction book and novel of the month are reviewed in full below: Non-fiction book of the month The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg, and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema by Paul Fischer Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are three titans of modern cinema and Harrison Ford performed in films by all of them. In Paul Fischers marvellous book The Last Kings of Hollywood, Ford, a former stoner-carpenter turned Hollywood superstar, is the subject of a hilarious anecdote following his breakthrough role in Star Wars. Michelle Phillips, of the Mamas & the Papas, went to see Star Wars and leapt out of her seat when Han Solo appeared on screen. Thats my pot dealer! she yelled out. Fischers book sparkles with similarly entertaining tales. The writer starts with some of the formative events that shaped the three great filmmakers, including the car crash that nearly killed George Lucas when he was a high school senior, the polio Coppola suffered when he was about nine and which left him paralysed for a year and the parental rows and antisemitic bullying that blighted Spielbergs childhood. open image in gallery Paul Fischer traces the lives and careers of three brilliant, driven men ( Faber & Faber ) All three brilliantly talented, driven men shared a similar dream: how to make their own special films independently, away from studio control and interference. The movie industry is the backdrop to the personal interconnected life stories of the trio and that strange business is depicted in full technicolour detail as one marked by sexism, misogyny, corruption, greed, ambition and venal behaviour. Fischer describes the chaos of filmmaking and the tough times working in it brought to three flawed men. Coppolas infidelities, for example, brought loneliness, stress and health problems, leading him to reflect that maybe I became too ambitious. Fischers book, which concentrates on the 1970s and early 1980s, is superbly researched and engagingly structured and he provides a clear-eyed and humorous account of their relationships through interviews, anecdotes and analysis. A special joy of the book are the behind-the-scenes accounts of some of the most celebrated films of all time (including Jaws, The Godfather and Star Wars) in a book that throws up memorable stories about odd interactions a life in the limelight brings (Coppolas experience with Imelda Marcos in the Philippines during Apocalypse Now made me laugh aloud). If you are a movie fan, this book will dazzle and delight. The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema by Paul Fischer is published by Faber on 12 March, 22 Biography of the Month Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs The stormy story of writer, activist James Baldwin is told in four parts, through his life in New York, Paris, The Transatlantic Years and in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where he died on 1 December 1987 at the age of 63 from cancer of the oesophagus. Baldwin used to repeat an aphorism he heard while living in Turkey: that life is a water wheel and the trick is to hold your nose when youre under and not get dizzy when youre up. A life of ups and downs began as a child growing up in Harlem, where his stepfather called him the ugliest boy ever. Sex and sexuality became a major theme of the work of a boy who had been called a sissy by playmates. One time at a West Fourth Street subway station, he was taunted as a f** by a gang of white boys, only to be surprised when one of them called out, Jimmy?. It was a youth who had once tried to sleep with him, confirming his belief that homophobia was the result of insecurity and self-hatred. Baldwin slept with women and men (he was planning to propose to a woman called Grace but threw the engagement ring off the George Washington Bridge), and once reflected: Im bisexual, whatever that means. open image in gallery Boggss biography of Baldwin is affectionate and painstakingly researched ( Bloomsbury ) Politically, he was aware of the complications of class and race and believed that society always needed scapegoats Georgia has the Negro and Harlem has the Jew, he wrote. He experienced bigotry countless times as a successful writer, including on a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, when he was asked by a white waitress, What do you want, boy? as she ordered him toward the coloured entrance. He had the last word, describing her as having a face like a rusty hatchet, and eyes like two rusty nails. Baldwin was a complex, conflicted and often lonely man he loved the blues of Bessie Smith but said he was ashamed of stereotypical Negro music traits explored deftly in Boggss affectionate and painstakingly researched 700-page biography. An interesting cast comes into the story, including actors Marlon Brando and Rip Torn, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King. Baldwins activism in such a tumultuous period led to the FBI compiling a 1,884-page file on him. Boggs reports that JFK and Robert Kennedy purportedly referred to Baldwin privately as Martin Luther Queen. Above all, Baldwin understood the damage done by the way America worships and nourishes violence. If a society permits one portion of its citizenry to be menaced or destroyed, then, very soon, no one in that society will be safe, he wrote. Words as relevant as ever. Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs is published by Bloomsbury Circus on 12 March, 30 Novel of the Month Look What You Made Me Do by John Lanchester John Lanchesters new novel, Look What You Made Me Do, his first since the Booker-longlisted The Wall seven years ago, is built around middle-aged Kates sudden shock realisation that the most talked about television show, Cheating, seems to be based on her own marriage. Could her longstanding, seemingly loving and faithful husband Jack really have been cheating on her with Phoebe, the brazen young screenwriter of a hit Netflix drama? open image in gallery A middle-aged woman is shocked to discover her marriage appears to be the basis of a new Netflix hit show penned by her husbands mistress, in John Lanchesters pacy new novel ( Faber & Faber ) Lanchester is a skilled and experienced novelist, evident as he weaves together a pacy tale of treachery, deceit and deranged grief within a comedy about the bitter resentment and generational rivalry between Kate and Phoebe. There are plenty of familiar in-jokes about London (and Oxford University) and amid the breezy humour, the north London aspirational bourgeoisie get a bit of a kicking; as do the complacent and affluent middle-aged who have cruised through life sitting on the great sofa of baby boomer entitlement. The world of Look What You Made Me Do is a materialistic one, in a smartphone-obsessed age where everyones life seems to be a performance. The plot takes darker turns as the two female protagonists are drawn into direct conflict. I wont spoil the surprises by revealing the twists which are neat or contrived depending on your rating system all of which lead to a dramatic denouement in a novel that holds a mirror up to a British culture with an edge of something really nasty in it. Look What You Made Me Do by John Lanchester is published by Faber on 12 March, 20 Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Shia LaBeouf claimed that he doesnt have a drink problem or need to go to rehab, days before getting arrested again on a count of simple battery. Court records showed that the 39-year-old actor was arrested Saturday in New Orleans. However, it is not clear whether the new charge of simple battery is connected to the February 17 brawl outside the Royal Street Inn & R Bar, where he allegedly attacked two bartenders and repeatedly used homophobic slurs. He was first arrested earlier this month after the bar incident on Mardi Gras. He was later released on his own recognizance and charged with two counts of simple battery. The Holes star addressed the alleged bar fight in a newly released interview with Andrew Callaghan on Channel 5, filmed one week after his initial arrest. He said that while he has to deal with his behavior, he doesnt necessarily think he needs to go to rehab. Im just not into it, bro, he said. I dont think my answers are there. I dont. I really, genuinely, dont. If I genuinely did, Id go. I dont think I have a drinking problem. open image in gallery Shia LaBeouf says hes not into going to rehab again after Mardi Gras bar fight ( Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan ) LaBeouf, who was ordered by a judge in New Orleans Thursday to go to rehab, instead argued that he struggles with a Napoleon complex. The term is often used to describe a shorter man who displays aggressive behavior. I think I have a small man problem, he said. I dont know what it is. I think its something that has to do with anger and ego more so than my drinking, but thats where Im at now on my journey, and Im trying to navigate it. When Callaghan asked him what sets off that anger, LaBeouf claimed that big gay people are scary to him. Im like, standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg, I get scared. Im sorry, if thats homophobic, then Im that, he said, before claiming that this happened to him during Mardi Gras before his arrest. I am wrong for touching anyone ever. And thats the end of my statement on this whole s***, the actor concluded. After LaBeoufs release from jail earlier this month, one of the victims he allegedly attacked in the bar, Jeffrey Damnit, asked prosecutors to upgrade the Transformers stars charges. Damnit said he ran into the actor around 5 p.m. on February 16, when the LaBeouf allegedly knocked him over. He recalled to The Hollywood Reporter, Then he turned around screaming, Dont you f***ing push me. Ill kill you. I hadnt touched him. open image in gallery Shia LaBeouf was first arrested on February 17 after he allegedly attacked two bartenders ( Getty ) He said he tried to de-escalate the situation, but LaBeouf allegedly then shoved a finger in his face and called him a homophobic slur. Damnit, an actor who visits New Orleans several times a year, told local Fox affiliate WVUE that he wants LaBeouf to be charged with a hate crime. During LaBeoufs court appearance Thursday, New Orleans Criminal District Court judge Simone Levine set his bail at $100,000 and ordered him to seek treatment. Levine said her biggest concern was the possible danger LaBeouf poses not only to his alleged victims, but to the wider community as a whole, in particular the marginalized community that has faced so much terror. In addition to the $100,000 bail and mandated rehab, LaBeouf is also required to undergo a drug testing program upon his release. Ahead of the hearing, LaBeouf who did a court-ordered rehab stint in 2017 after a disorderly conduct arrest in Georgia was required to take a drug and alcohol test. While his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, insisted the results did not show her client under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances, Levine still expressed worry that the test results showed that the actor does not take his alcohol addiction seriously. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jack White, Rosie ODonnell and Carrie Coon are among the celebrities speaking out after the US-Israeli military carried out airstrikes against Iran overnight. President Donald Trump has since announced that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. White, the former frontman of rock duo The White Stripes, earlier criticized Trump for the attack, as well as the manner in which it was announced. Dont you love seeing him declare war on a country while wearing a trucker hat that says USA on it? White wrote on Instagram. Behold the leader of the Board of Peace. For the next war announcement donny, may I suggest having your feet up on the Resolute desk while eating a Big Mac in a velvet track suit? Venezuela, Greenland, Iran, Cuba, whats the difference right? don jr. and barron wont have to fight or die, just other peoples children, soinvade and bomb away! New sign ups for the board of peace starting at one billion dollars! Can you believe donny hasnt received a real Nobel Peace Prize yet? Unfair! Maybe in his third term hell get one. Jack White and Rosie O'Donnell are among those speaking out after Donald Trump announced that the U.S. has attached Iran ( Getty ) Comedian ODonnell also used social media to suggest that Trumps decision to order the airstrikes went against his own campaign promises. He lies only and always #impeachtrump, wrote ODonnell in the caption of a post that showed two quotes from Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. The first: If Kamala wins, only death and destruction await because she is the candidate of endless wars. I am the candidate of peace. I am peace. The second read: Im not going ot start a war, Im going to stop wars. Meanwhile, The White Lotus star Carrie Coon took to X to write: Department of War. They werent kidding about that. Horror author Stephen King pointed out: Under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war, as well as to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and fund and regulate the military. He added: Impeach the SOB. In a public statement via his Truth Social platform, Trump said: Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. A senior Israeli government source told The Independent that the clerical ruler, who oversaw Irans transformation into one of the Middle Easts dominant powers in the years since 1989, was killed in a strike that flattened his compound. Donald Trump confirmed that the US had carried out major combat operations in Iran. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A popular emo-punk music festival, When We Were Young, has officially been canceled for the fall. The festival announced it was taking a hiatus this year Friday on social media. Usually, the event, which was first launched in 2022, takes place every October in Las Vegas, Nevada. Organizers did not give a specific reason why this years festival was canceled. To our When We Were Young Family, the songs, the memories, the moments, none of it exists without you, the statement reads. After an unforgettable run in Las Vegas, weve decided to take 2026 off to give this festival the care it deserves and to make sure what comes next feels just as special as what came before. When We Were Young festival will return to Las Vegas in October 2027, the post continues. Thank you for showing up with your whole hearts every year. This isnt goodbye its just a pause. Well see you in 2027. The event was canceled before the lineup of guests for this year was announced. For the last four years, the festival has tajen place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, which is where its expected to return in 2027. When We Were Young festival canceled in 2026, with plans to return next year ( Getty Images ) In 2025, the When We Were Young festival featured Blink-182 and Panic! at the Disco as headliners. The lineup also included Avril Lavigne, Plain White Ts, Weezer, All Time Low, The Offspring, Simple Plan and Knocked Loose. When the event was launched in 2022, it sparked outrage for canceling on its first day, only hours before it was supposed to begin. The first day of the two-day festival was canceled because of a weather warning. The National Weather Service has now upgraded their Saturday forecast to a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30 to 40 mph sustained winds with potential 60 mph gusts, a statement read at the time. We have no other choice than to cancel todays When We Were Young Festival. The safety of our fans, artists and staff will always be our top priority. This was not a decision that came lightly. The event, which featured Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, Lavigne and more, still went ahead on the following Sunday. However, fans were disappointed about the 2022 event cancellation at the time, with some saying they had traveled from overseas to attend the festival. Meanwhile, others questioned why organizers waited until the last moment to make the announcement. Its a chilly evening in a community centre in Gatley, a quiet suburb of Stockport. But underneath the glow of the halls overhead strip lights, a group of teenagers are also preparing for a moon landing. Or in the royal court of an imperious queen. Trekking in the Arctic. Screaming at a Taylor Swift concert. All entirely imaginary scenarios, of course. Especially the one where I have to briefly stand in for Taylor Swift. But the performers are so full of energy and conviction that its hard not to be transported along with them. As soon as we step through the doors, put our phones down, I feel like time just stops here, do you know what I mean? one of the girls tells me. Its like a break from reality. This weeknight session is just one of the classes run by the Drama MOB, the Manchester drama school and talent agency founded by Esther Morgan and longtime Coronation Street actor Tina OBrien. Theyve been in business since 2013, but over the past year, the whirlwind ascent of one of their star pupils has brought their work into the spotlight, too. When Netflixs Adolescence was released last March, the single-shot drama exploring the pernicious influence of the manosphere on teenage boys soon became 2025s most talked-about television show. Much of that conversation centred around the truly extraordinary performance of Warrington-born teenager Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate. The show marked Coopers first ever professional role; as the Adolescence cultural juggernaut gathered pace, breathless headlines seemed to suggest that Cooper had simply been plucked from nowhere for his television debut. But this wasnt the full story. In the two years leading up to his casting, hed attended lessons with Drama MOB the same class that Im visiting, in fact. Morgan describes him as a very focused pupil who was up for a laugh as well, while OBrien notes that he had his parents support behind him, which is obviously massive for a young actor. Back in January, the now 16-year-old became the youngest ever winner of the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television award at the Golden Globes, beating nominees with decades more experience. In his acceptance speech, Cooper spoke of how he took a risk on the classes, unsure if his interest in acting would ever amount to much. I was the only boy there, it was embarrassing, he said. But I got through it. On Sunday night, he broke another industry record, becoming the youngest ever individual winner at acting union SAG-AFTRAs Actor Awards after being crowned Best Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series. We didnt think wed end up with a Golden Globe Award or an Emmy winner, Morgan says. We were laughing because he won the National Television Award first [in September] and it was the first time anybodys ever won one of those [from the classes], and we were really pleased then. open image in gallery Cooper as Jamie Miller, on the set of Adolescence. In the two years leading up to his casting, hed attended lessons with Drama MOB ( Netflix ) Morgan and OBrien have been friends for more than three decades, since meeting at the age of 11. We started high school together, OBrien explains. When her daughter Scarlett was about three or four, she started looking around for local drama groups, but really struggled to find anywhere that was good enough quality, as Morgan puts it. So they decided, she says, lets just set up our own. Given their joint experience, it made sense. OBrien has played Sarah Louise Platt daughter of Corrie icon Gail since 1999; Morgan had previously taught drama to primary school pupils. They held their first class in January 2013 down the road in Didsbury, another leafy Manchester suburb, and we had seven children come along, Morgan says. These days, they run 29 classes across the region, and have just under 600 children attending each week. Their casting agency, which Morgan oversees, launched in 2015, because we were getting lots of requests from people wanting really good northern kids, because they were struggling to find them. Obviously, we have them coming to class. They now have about 300 performers on the books, with ages ranging from newborns to grown-ups. We didnt think wed end up with a Golden Globe Award or an Emmy winner Esther Morgan Over the years, theyve built up their reputation with casting directors, who are now coming to us directly for different jobs. Pupils have done feature films, weve got a number of regulars on the soaps, Morgan says, and in 2018, one of their students played a young Elton John in the John Lewis Christmas advert. For the teens in Gatley, the session eases in with everyone sharing a bit of news in a circle, from mock exam results to working up the courage to join a new club at school to excitement about the Champions League. Then its onto warm-up games and improv exercises, designed to get them thinking about how to use their physicality and be creative with the space on stage. Some of them have been coming along for years, and have their sights set on professional work; some are just here for the fun of it, or for the confidence boost it provides. Accessibility has always been important to Morgan and OBrien. Acting is an increasingly elitist profession, and the class ceiling can force talented young performers to give up early on. In each of our classes, weve got a number of places that are free, Morgan explains. Weve both said it was something really important to us we dont want there to be a barrier. open image in gallery Drama MOB founders Tina OBrien and Esther Morgan ( Drama MOB ) OBrien agrees. As a child myself, I know that I was very fortunate to be able to go to drama classes, but we didnt have any money, she says. I remember my mum and dad saying, Well, you can choose between going to drama or gymnastics. She was so fortunate that she did choose the former shed go on to start working as an actor in her teens but for some children theres not even the possibility of that. Through their funded places, were trying to really target those kids that really want to do it, but maybe they wouldnt [otherwise] be able to, Morgan adds. And although they work with plenty of great casting directors in the North, the industry can still feel very London-centric which can add another layer of expense for parents. We would still like to see more things being cast here, Morgan says. Often, recalls are still happening in London, so youve got to factor in train fares for a child and an adult, maybe a hotel. Call it the Owen Cooper effect if you will, but since Adolescence aired, theyve noticed a leap in the number of boys signing up for classes. As Cooper put it in his Golden Globes speech, there is still a lingering preconception that drama is somehow embarrassing or not something for boys. open image in gallery Cooper with his Golden Globe trophy ( Getty ) But in Gatley, in the session for 12- and 13-year-olds, the gender split is almost 50/50; it skews more female in the adjacent session, for older teens, though the boys still make up a good third or so of the numbers. It does leave you feeling positive afterwards, and like you can take on anything else, I guess, one of them tells me. The classes, Morgan says, are somewhere they can express themselves and feel safe to do so with other boys. Weve seen a bigger uptake since Owen other boys going, Oh actually, its alright to do drama. Sometimes, she adds, sport might not be their thing, so theyre looking for something where they feel like they fit and they can meet other like-minded kids. OBrien is hopeful that they will see more of them keep acting for longer, rather than dropping out when they start high school. You find when theyre younger, theyre not embarrassed or bothered. But they get to a certain age, and theyre like, Ugh, she says. Shes seen plenty of discussions online and in the media focusing on how boys are being brought up, asking, Are we setting up young men to be all I am a provider, I am strong, I dont feel? But in the classes, the emphasis is on getting attuned to the emotions. Here, its all about expressing how does your character feel? How would you say that? And I think thats really healthy. Were both parents of boys, and I think for us personally, we would say that to be able to have those conversations and skills is incredible. Going forward, there are other northern areas that wed like to tap into to launch more classes, Morgan says, but rather than just opening up all over the place, we want to make sure that its [still] good quality. The goal is to keep pushing our northern talent, finding the Owen Coopers of the future and making sure they have fun too. I remember, years ago, we used to take all the classes, and whatever mood you were in, by the end of the evening you were just so happy because they were so happy, OBrien says. Its such a lovely thing to be part of. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jonathan Ross has suggested Graham Norton gets bigger chat show guests than he does because he is more willing to compromise with Hollywood stars demands. The presenter used to host a series in Nortons slot, starting in 2001, but he jumped to ITV after being dropped by the BBC in 2010. Since then, The Graham Norton Show, which premiered on BBC Two in 2007, has gone from strength to strength, becoming a favourite stop-off for the most globally recognisable faces, including Julia Roberts and Harrison Ford and even earning him an invite to Taylor Swifts wedding. Ross, whose ITV chat show has aired on Saturday nights since 2011, has expressed confusion over why Norton books all the A-listers from overseas while his sofa is typically filled with British talent. He gets American names and I am not quite sure why that is, he told The Times when asked if Norton gets more famous guests. I think they have a better relationship with the studios, and by better, I mean more conciliatory. However, the presenter, who appeared on BBCs Celebrity Traitors in 2025, said he doesnt think his show is any weaker because of the lower calibre of celebrity guests. We put a lot of thought into the mix of people we get on. I try not to have all actors. I try not to have all comedians. I try to have a variety of ages and, obviously, sexes. He also acknowledged that Nortons overnight viewing figures are slightly better, but said on catch-up, we are about the same. Ross continued: Last week, for example, our show beat the BBC until the news came on. So its a healthy show. I dont think his figures are much better than mine. The Independent has contacted the BBC and Norton for comment. open image in gallery Jonathan Ross has reflected on his chat show rivalry with Graham Norton ( BBC ) Norton presented his first chat show, So Graham Norton, on Channel 4 from 1998 to 2003. Two years later, he began hosting a myriad of shows for the BBC, including several Andrew Lloyd Webber reality shows searching for new leads for West End productions. The success of these led to Norton being given his own 30-minute chat show on BBC Two in 2007, which was promoted to an hour-long slot on BBC One in 2009. In 2025, Nortons show, now onto its 33rd series and averaging 2.9 million viewers per episode, was renewed for another three runs, ensuring the host would remain on the air until at least 2028. At its height, Rosss former BBC show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross averaged 3.1 million weekly viewers. The show, which ended permanently in 2010, was initially pulled in 2008 after the presenter and Russell Brand prank-called Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs during Brands BBC Radio 2 show. The pair made several calls to Sachs, and Brand left a voice message saying hed had sex with Sachss granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. They were both suspended by the BBC without pay and, while it was reported he decided against a new contract with the corporation, he has since said he got kicked out. open image in gallery Jonathan Ross has hosted his ITV chat show since 2011 ( ITV ) At the time, Ross said: "I am deeply sorry and greatly regret the upset and distress that my juvenile and thoughtless remarks on the Russell Brand show have caused. I have not issued a statement previously because it was my intention and desire to offer an apology to all those offended on my Friday night programme. However, it was a stupid error of judgement on my part, and I offer a full apology." In the new interview, Ross said he didnt want to talk about the subject as he wants to avoid the issue as it has an impact on the lives of those who should never have been dragged into something like that in the first place. At its height, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross averaged 3.1 million weekly viewers. In March, Traitors and former Strictly host Claudia Winkleman will launch her own Friday night show on the BBC. open image in gallery Claudia Winkleman is set to launch her own BBC chat show in March ( BBC ) Clarifying where his show fits in this new landscape, Norton told ITV morning show Lorraine: When I finish at the end of February, I used to come back and do kind of April, May series, so I stopped doing that a few years ago and this idea came up that Claudia could come and do it." He continued: "It's a very kind of stand alone show. She stood in for me last year and she had an amazing job. I thought she was very Claudia and this is going to be even more Claudia because, you know, it's her own set, her own everything." Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Pitt executive producer John Wells has revealed that HBO requested the hit medical drama ensure their upcoming storyline about ICE is balanced. HBO is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is currently in the midst of high-profile takeover talks. While a bid from Netflix was initially accepted, it now looks likely that Paramount Skydance will buy the film studio and media company. The Pitt has not shied away from politically contentious stories, with plots that have explored controversy over vaccines, for-profit healthcare and mass shootings. Wells was asked by The Daily Beast whether it was true that, amidst the merger, HBO had asked the show to tone down a story about the impact a U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown might have on the shows medical team. No, not tone it down, responded Wells. There is an ICE situation coming up, because it is a real issue in emergency rooms. In fact, there was just recently a New York Times article about this even though we shot this a couple of months ago. open image in gallery Noah Wyle stars in The Pitt ( Max ) He continued: No, they just wanted to make sure it was balanced. The thing we have to be careful about, when were talking about any of these issues, were talking about vaccines, were talking about the way in which the healthcare system works, is to make certain that were actually presenting both points of view. Because were not really in the business of preaching to the choir on the show. There are real issues about immigration, and real issues about immigration enforcement in a healthcare system in which you really need people to come in. So, thats what we were dealing with, and they just wanted to make sure it was balanced. They werent saying dont do this or dont do that. In fact, quite the opposite. We showed them a lot of the research and they said: Yeah, that looks like a good story. open image in gallery Executive producer John Wells, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill and star Noah Wyle with the Golden Globe for 'Best Television Series - Drama' for 'The Pitt' in January 2026 ( Brianna Bryson/Getty Images ) Asked whether he thought HBOs note to keep the story balanced reflected a concern about ruffling political feathers, Wells replied: Not that I heard from them specifically. I can say that all of us are approaching whats going on in this country right now with a certain trepidation, and also awareness that there are some possible risks to telling certain kinds of stories. When we first pitched it, I thought, Uh oh, you know. We were getting ready to shoot it right when Warner Bros. was negotiating with Paramount, Netflix, Comcast and whoever. So I was a little, like, Im going to let them know that were doing it. I dont want to be in a situation where its a surprise. Their response was: Good story, just make sure its balanced and were not just treating this situation as if it doesnt have other points of view. I actually think thats.... Were tying to appeal to a broad audience, so we know that there are plenty of people in our audience who have a different point of view to our point of view. So what is it that these doctors and nurses are going through thats truthful? As along as its truthful, I think people stick with us. One evening last May, Alex Warwick, a fourth-year Liverpool University medical student, was having dinner with his friends when he suddenly developed stroke-like symptoms. Alex phoned us at midnight apologising, because one of his siblings was getting married in two days and he did not want to worry us, says his father, Ian. Obviously, we ignored that and drove straight up. As Ian and his wife, Indira, drove through the night from their home in Dorset, Alexs friends rushed him to hospital, and Ian credits them with saving Alexs life. As soon as he got there, he had seizures that would have been potentially fatal if they had not been there. They would not let him go to sleep and took him to A&E. Without them, there is a chance that Alex would not be here. However, what followed was the stuff of parental nightmares. After undergoing emergency brain surgery, Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumour that was cancerous, aggressive, and grade 4, and which typically has a 12- to 18-month prognosis. open image in gallery Alex with his father, Ian, and mother, Indira ( Supplied ) But what amplified the appalling shock surrounding his diagnosis was the fact that Alex, who had been having worrying symptoms for years, had repeatedly been told by a diverse series of medical experts that there was nothing wrong. He had symptoms for a long time, says Ian. He was incredibly tired, sleeping at inappropriate times like during his Geography GCSE, when he was struggling to stay awake. And he had episodes when one side of his face was dropping. But these were temporary. He would sleep and then seemingly be OK afterwards. Alex and his family strongly suspected that something was seriously wrong. Of course, we were worried, says Ian. They took him to the GP multiple times, then sleep specialists and neurologists. He probably went to 50 doctors appointments. We were reassured by a lot of medical experts that it was down to stress because of GCSEs. And then his A-levels. And then his medical degree. Alex was then told that, as is common in medical students, it was health anxiety, and was prescribed CBT. However, a simple scan would have revealed a tumour, which during the years it was dismissed as a possibility was growing and mutating. open image in gallery Alex with his girlfriend Rachel at a Liverpool match in September 2025 after having brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy ( Supplied ) The reassurance from all the medical professionals meant that the likelihood of escalation of his case was reduced, says Ian. It is almost as if normalisation accumulates. The constant reassurance meant that Alex did not escalate it and neither did we. He is talking about Alexs story, in part, to raise awareness of Jesss Rule, an NHS England patient safety initiative launched in September 2025 that requires GPs to reflect, review and rethink a diagnosis if a patient presents three times with the same or escalating symptoms. It promotes a fresh eyes approach, encouraging face-to-face examinations and specialist referrals to prevent missed, serious illnesses like cancer. It is named in memory of 27-year-old Jessica Brady, who died from cancer in 2020 after multiple GP consultations missed and dismissed her symptoms. Had Jesss Rule been in place over the years when Alex was returning repeatedly to his GP, things may well have turned out very differently. Even if something is uniquely rare, that should not rule it out, says Ian. None of this is about pinning blame, but if someone presents five or six times with the same thing, take it seriously. Escalate and be more curious about why. At this point, Alex joins the conversation, taking over from his father, describing his symptoms. If you picture a mini-stroke, he says. I would suddenly feel really sleepy. One half of my face would be paralysed, with my left eyelid drooping and the left side of my face paralysed. I could not grip things with my left hand. I would feel confused, like half my body was shutting down. I would try to fight through it and stay awake, then it would pass after a few minutes. open image in gallery Alex as a baby with his parents ( Supplied ) Hearing him speak, it seems truly astonishing that the significance of these symptoms could be missed in one appointment, let alone 50. But his reflection on why it happened is generously sanguine. All the GP and neurological exams were normal because I was not having any episodes at the time, he says. I present really well. I am articulate and fit, so no one would think even now that there would be anything wrong with me. There were also partial symptomatic improvements, he continues, sounding like the medical student he is. Once I slept, the symptoms went away, which reinforced more benign interpretations. But to be told it was health anxiety was pretty horrible, especially as a medical student. I would estimate I had the tumour for seven or eight years. All it would have taken was someone saying they were not sure what was going on and booking me for a scan. When I did have a scan, it was 5cm, a big tumour that you could not really miss, he says without a trace of anger or bitterness. With matter-of-fact understatement, he describes his doctors failure to reappraise their conclusions despite the persistence of his symptoms as disappointing. It makes me disappointed that this slipped through the net, but it allows me to advocate for it not happening again, he says, segueing towards a silver lining that would probably be invisible for most people. I hope it means that GPs take young people more seriously, especially when presenting with the same thing many times. open image in gallery The Warwicks dropped everything to devote themselves to their son ( Supplied ) After the diagnosis, Ian, a writer and educational policy advisor, stopped work, dropping everything to devote himself to helping Alex. This is now 24 hours a day, he explains. Everything else in life pales completely into insignificance. It makes you realise that everything that matters is normally extremely close to you. He and Indira embarked on a research project into Alexs cancer; a rare, high-grade glioma. There is hugely contradictory advice out there. We get as much advice as possible from amazing people in the UK, US and Germany and keep reading about new things all the time. After the surgery, which removed most of the tumour, Alex had radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and a shunt was inserted into his brain. Ian and Indira moved to Liverpool for Alexs treatment, his sisters visited every weekend for months, and Ian and Alex would drive to the appointments blasting their favourite music at top volume to boost their spirits. open image in gallery Alexs sisters started fundraising and, with the support of the Brainstrust charity, launched an appeal on JustGiving. ( Supplied ) For a while, the treatment appeared to be working. But over Christmas, Alex suddenly developed new symptoms, including difficulty walking. An MRI showed that the cancer had spread. The problem with brain cancers is that they mutate, explains Ian. This highly aggressive one has spread to his spinal cord. It is a rare glioma, pretty much a unique one, but it has mutated, and Alex now has leptomeningeal disease (LMD) LMD is a rare, severe complication that involves cancer cells spreading to the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. When the chemotherapy finished, Alex reached the end of the NHS treatment options and his medical team advised him to investigate private treatment, which led the family towards a cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment available in Germany, which activates the bodys own immune defences against the tumour. Brutally put, says Ian, Germany has different laws, so if you are diagnosed with something where you have less than a year to live, you are allowed to try far more experimental treatments that are not fully research-based in the sense of double-blind testing. And it comes at a price. The cost for the immunotherapy plus insurance and travel would be around 200,000. Undeterred, Alexs sisters started fundraising and, with the support of the Brainstrust charity, launched an appeal on JustGiving. Alex is the best of all of us, their post reads. He is the kindest, funniest son, brother, boyfriend, friend and grandson, who always has time for other people and brings endless joy to all of us. Despite receiving this diagnosis so young and at the beginning of his adult life, he has faced it with his characteristic strength, humour and optimism Alexs sisters have been astonishing, says Ian. Three weeks ago, Ian and Indira drove Alex to Cologne for the first immunotherapy treatment, a positive experience that restored their sense of agency. The next trip will be in a few weeks time, all being well; they are awaiting an MRI to see if he needs lumbar punctures and intra-chemotherapy, which could impede travel. In the meantime, Alex has moved back home and life is going on. Alex is a beautiful young man, the most thoughtful, empathetic, kind person and an amazing friend. He is the heart and soul of our family and always has been, says Ian. He is the centre of our world and utterly, utterly loved. open image in gallery Alex is still undergoing treatment, paid for by crowdfunding and charity help organised by his family ( Supplied ) Rather than dwelling on regret, the family has chosen a remarkable path of positivity and optimism. We are a close family and we could not have done this without each other. The network of the family has been the reason that Alex has maintained such positivity. And Alex reads every single message on his JustGiving page every night, his father says. It gives him hope, that people love him. Sunoco LP (NYSE:SUN) is one of the cheap energy stocks to buy right now. On February 17, Sunoco delivered financial results for 2025, capped by a Q4 that saw adjusted EBITDA reach $706 million. This result was largely driven by the integration of the Parkland Corporation acquisition, which closed in late October and transformed Sunoco into the largest independent fuel distributor in the Americas. For the full year, the company achieved a 36% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $2.12 billion. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a 1.9x coverage ratio and $2.5 billion in liquidity, ending the year at its long-term leverage target of approximately 4x. This stability encouraged management to target an annual distribution growth rate of at least 5% for 2026, backed by a strong fuel distribution margin of $0.177 per gallon. Sunoco (SUN ) Reports 36% Annual EBITDA Growth Driven by Strategic Parkland Integration Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo For 2026, Sunoco LP (NYSE:SUN) issued optimistic adjusted EBITDA guidance of $3.1 to $3.3 billion. The company plans to invest at least $600 million in growth capital projects and between $400 and $450 million in maintenance. While a 50-day maintenance turnaround at its refinery may impact Q1, the partnership remains focused on bolt-on acquisitions and further geographic expansion across the US, Canada, and Europe to sustain its multi-year growth trajectory. Sunoco LP (NYSE:SUN), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the energy infrastructure and distribution of motor fuels in the US. It operates in four segments: Fuel Distribution, Pipeline Systems, Refinery, and Terminals. While we acknowledge the potential of SUN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Every restaurant featured in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. See all stories . The same locals that hit the happy hour at next doors Saint Maries head to this eatery for flat whites, miso scrambled eggs and breakfast burgers. Our pick is the Uncle Dutchy, with fried egg, bacon, hash brown and avo. The burger theme carries through to lunch, where you can get almost any style you desire, from chicken to fish and beef. Its hard to go past the fighting fish (grilled fish, slaw, kimchi, coriander, aioli and chilli), although we have a soft spot for the Hawaii (beef, cheese, grilled pineapple and bacon). The cafe closes at 8pm and allows BYO, so grab a bottle from nearby Bottle and Hoop and take a seat on the outside tables. When next doors music is pumping, this too is a good spot to linger. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWEducation Every public student granted access to gifted education programs Christopher Harris March 1, 2026 7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A More than 750,000 students in comprehensive public schools will be able to access specialist gifted programs this year, as part of a major overhaul designed to ensure the needs of high-potential students are being met beyond prestigious selective options. The shake-up comes amid intensifying competition for selective places while over the past five years, 37,000 parents rejected their local public comprehensive school in favour of Catholic and private schools. Education Minister Prue Car first revealed the plans for universal gifted education in public schools two years ago and will at Mondays Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit detail how the new program called Inspire will deliver enrichment streams, extension classes and STEM programs. Education Minister Prue Car will detail how a new program called Inspire will ensure every school is challenging gifted students. Rhett Wyman We have more selective schools than almost any other jurisdiction in the world. For a long time, this meant high potential and gifted education was focused in these, incredibly popular, selective settings, Car is expected to tell the summit of education leaders, principals and teachers. Advertisement She will say limiting gifted education to certain schools impacts the entire education system while many families felt like they arent able to access the best public education for their child. Selective schools and opportunity classes are no longer the only pathways for gifted students to pursue excellence in our public schools. Families deserve to know that their local public school will challenge their child to meet their full potential. Eight non-selective schools across the state established the extension classes this year, with a further 20 set to offer a gifted class from 2027. Port Hacking High School students Willow Middleton and Luca Barnsley are in an extension class this year. Sam Mooy In Sydneys west, Chifley Colleges Dunheved Campus and Riverstone High are already offering the classes, as well as several regional schools including Kooringal High in Wagga Wagga. Advertisement Other schools included in the program this year include Elderslie High, Georges River Colleges Peakhurst Campus and Port Hacking High School. The schools were selected based on enrolment and selective school testing data that suggested an unmet demand for an extension class-style offering. Related Article Opinion Education Inspiring students to excel is an idea worth pursuing The Herald's View Editorial The previous Coalition government policy announced in 2019 was supposed to make gifted education training available at all schools to ensure 80,000 gifted students were extended even if they did not attend a selective school or opportunity class. In 2024, it was estimated only half of the 2200 public schools had any program in place. Under the Inspire program, high potential and gifted offerings will be brought under one banner and on school websites so parents can clearly see what is on offer and comes after teachers received targeted professional development around gifted education last year. Advertisement Other changes designed to boost enrolments include relaxing strict catchment rules so parents could more easily enrol in out of area; over 2000 school websites are being refreshed; preschools are being built on public school sites while numerous single-sex high schools have been converted to co-ed, to appeal to primary school parents. Related Article Exclusive HSC Public school students were promised the International Baccalaureate. No school has taken up the offer Port Hacking High in Sydneys south selected the class of about 20 students after working with local primary schools to identify students who had high potential in both academic and creative domains, principal Rick Turansky said. What we find is that not all students who are gifted and displaying high potential want to either go to their specialist, selective school or a non-gov school, he said. They want to go to the public comprehensive high school with their friends, which also caters for their needs. Advertisement Five weeks into the school year, Luca Barnsley, 12, said he simply appreciated lack of repetition in the class. We dont go over the same things over and over again we cover things briefly if we already know them from a test, he said. Port Hacking Highs head of teaching and learning, Nathan Dwyer, said four weeks into the program, teachers were modifying what was taught in class, including compacting parts of the curriculum because the students learnt concepts so quickly. So we had to look at, well, how do we extend them? Dwyer said. Advertisement Willow Middleton, 12, said in one lesson about how kilojoules were measured and Australias nutritional guidelines, after key concepts were covered, the class moved on to look at what other countries, such as Canada, were doing and why. It makes sure that were still challenged, she said. Her experience is in contrast to her final year of primary school when she was in a composite class with year 5 students. I like it in high school that there arent any conjoined classes it gives more time to learn about what your year should be learning about, she said. The Education Departments gifted policy uses Francoys Gagnes Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent which says students can be gifted in the creative, intellectual, physical and social emotional domains. Advertisement This distinguishes between different tiers of giftedness, ranging from high potential to gifted students (the top 10 per cent of an age group). The top tier is highly gifted pupils, who are in the top one per cent of students. University of NSW gifted education expert Professor Jae Jung said if schools did not cater to gifted students, it was typical for those students to fail to engage. They will tune out, they will be bored, they will drop out of school. Some estimates have it up to more than 50 per cent of gifted students are not achieving to their full potential, he said. I think it is a good idea, we do have gifted students in every school. Some gifted kids prefer a comprehensive school. More than 30 schools are getting upgrades to provide new STEM classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces and other to help support students. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandQueensland councils Council CEO has decade-long conflict with developer and wont say when it was registered Julius Dennis and Matt Dennien March 2, 2026 6:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A south-east Queensland council CEO has refused to say whether she had a registered conflict of interest with a local developer when she recommended they pay a reduced fee for a billion-dollar housing development. Redland City Council chief Louise Rusan now has a registered conflict of interest with development company Fox and Bell due to a family link with one of the directors, Greg Bell, but documents show she signed off on their projects as far back as 2014. The conflict was revealed in reporting by this masthead about the cancellation of a Redland Bay development that would have been competition for a Fox and Bell-developed shopping centre. Redland City Council CEO Louise Rusan. Monique Westermann In December, the council voted to end a two-year agreement with Consolidated Properties Group for a Coles-anchored shopping centre to be built at Weinam Creek, roughly a kilometre from the Woolworths-anchored Redland Bay Shopping Village. Advertisement That project would have also delivered a much-needed multi-storey carpark for residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to store their cars near the Weinam Creek ferry terminal. After the council decided to can the plans and opt for the state government to build a standalone car park, CPG chief Don ORorke told this masthead Fox and Bell stood to profit. Since being put on the market, the Redland Bay Shopping Village has been advertised as the only full-line supermarket servicing the area. In response to questions, Fox and Bell principal Garry Hargrave said his company had not sought to influence councillors or Rusan to have the Coles development sunk. Advertisement Greg Bell told local media outlet Redland Bayside News that the conflict began 15 years ago, but he had never discussed council matters with Rusan, who has worked at the council in varying roles since 2011. Rusan said the conflict had been registered for more than a decade, but would not provide a specific date. The professional links between Rusan and the firm date back more than a decade to a contentious development involving major land use changes. Internal council emails from 2014 show Rusan signed off on a plan recommending a change to development application fees, described as a fee waiver, for the Shoreline housing development, which counted Fox and Bell directors as major stakeholders. Advertisement The emails show the developers paid discounted fees for the 3000-home estate, built on what had been farmland, in two stages: half before the application was submitted, and the rest after. Rusan, then the general manager of community and customer services at the council, was the officer who reviewed and recommended the plan to more senior staff. The Fox and Bell offices are around the corner from the Redland City Council building. Julius Dennis When the council approved the plan in November 2015, Rusan was the authorising officer. In 2018, housing developer Lendlease took over as the project lead, before they offloaded Shoreline along with 11 other developments to Stockland in 2024. Advertisement When Lendlease came on board, the project was reportedly worth $2.3 billion. Related Article Exclusive Queensland councils A council dumped plans for a new supermarket. Its developer questions why Hargrave said the firm did not seek to influence Rusans Shoreline recommendation, and added the project went through 14 years of scrutiny and deliberation by the council and state. A process of that duration and complexity simply does not support any claim of preferential treatment for Fox and Bell, he said. Hargrave said, to his knowledge, the developers did not receive the fee waiver before the official application in 2014. Advertisement A council spokesperson said it was not unusual for fees to be discussed before lodging an application for large and detailed developments. In the case of Shoreline, the spokesperson said the calculated fee was considered more than it would cost the council to assess the application. Consequently, a lower fee was paid, they said. A representation was made prior to lodgement, stating that the proposed fee was not commensurate and provided examples from other south-east Queensland councils for application fees for similar types of development. Rusan said she had acted with integrity in all her council roles. Advertisement I take my professional responsibilities seriously and at no point have I engaged in unethical behaviour, she said in a statement. A Redland City Council spokesperson has repeatedly said Rusans conflict of interest was managed under the appropriate governance processes. More recently, Rusan was also involved in negotiations for a 1000-square-metre library space at the Victoria Point Lakeside shopping centre, another Fox and Bell development. While the lease was discussed during a confidential meeting in January, council officers had recommended it would be cheaper to move the library than to renew the lease with Fox and Bell, according to comments made online by councillors. But that recommendation was overridden by the council, who voted eight to two for Rusan to oversee negotiations with Fox and Bell. Advertisement Ten years earlier, in 2016, Rusan had also been the authorising officer recommending the library lease, then worth more than $520,000 a year, with a market review locked in after five years. Hargrave said nobody from Fox and Bell had sought to influence Rusans role in the lease, and that to his knowledge Rusan was not involved in any direct talks. The Victoria Point Lakeside centre owners which include Bell and Hargrave and council were unable to agree on a rental figure during the rent review, Hargrave said. Under such circumstances, the lease required an independent valuer to determine the rent, he said. Advertisement Hargrave said no councillor, council officer, or representative of Fox and Bell or Victoria Point Lakeside had any direct or indirect influence over the determination. This masthead is not suggesting the outcome of the library leases or the Shoreline development were influenced, manipulated, or improperly shaped by any party. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Suddenly, Albos a hard-nosed patriot (with an acute scent for votes) Parnell Palme McGuinness Columnist and communications adviser March 1, 2026 5:00am March 1, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Anthony Albanese has never been so sure of anything in his life: he does not want the ISIS women and children to come to Australia. As he hit the airwaves on the issue over the past week and a bit, it struck me that Ive never before heard him so certain. Once upon a time, when a politician spoke with such unadulterated confidence, it was time to sit up and listen. It would have indicated deep-seated conviction. Now my first instinct is to check the polls. Anthony Albanese says Well, we are doing nothing to repatriate or to assist these people. I think its unfortunate that children are caught up in this. The Age New polling shop Fox & Hedgehog confirmed my suspicions. A national poll out last Sunday found that 64 per cent of voters oppose or strongly oppose allowing the return of the wives and family members of Australian men who flew to the Middle East to fight for ISIS. Now, it is of course statistically likely that the prime minister is genuinely among the slightly lower, but still majority, 56 per cent of Labor voters who oppose or strongly oppose the repatriation. But it cant hurt that he knows the Australian people are overwhelmingly with him. Since Australians have started to worry more about social cohesion, Albanese has been shifting his stance. Hes begun to champion patriotism (with progressive as a modifier, to make it less scary) and updated his usage of social cohesion to imply integration. One of his ministers even defended Australia Day in a public speech made this week. Yes, even if it continues to be held on the current date. Ive got whiplash. This is a massive about-turn. Advertisement For as long as I can remember, the generalisable position of the two major parties was that the Coalition was concerned with vetting new migrants for skills, character and civic contribution, vehemently against asylum-seekers arriving through illegal channels, and deeply concerned with integration. The Labor Party, on the other hand, perhaps as a repudiation of its historical support for the White Australia Policy, became almost utopian in its attitude to multiculturalism under prime minister Gough Whitlam. Related Article Islamic State ISIS brides prepared to go to jail to get their children to Australia Since then, Labor has been allergic to any suggestion of integration, horrified by its antecedent assimilation, and at least until Kevin Rudd was elected and the consequences of dismantling it became alarmingly apparent very much against the system prime minister John Howard had created to discourage asylum-seeker arrivals by boat. I have been arguing for years that the European experience recommended against this type of utopianism and broadly in favour of the approach adopted by the Coalition. So Im not mad that the Labor Party has finally come around. But I do feel a bit gaslit in the way it has done it. When the facts change, reasonable people will change their minds. But the facts have not changed unless polls following the Bondi attack are the facts in question. Yet, Albanese and his team have flipped their former position with no admission that they have done a 180. Theres nothing to see here, it seems. In Orwellian terms, we have always been at war with Eastasia. Advertisement Indeed, in a speech to the McKell Institute on Wednesday, Julian Hill, the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs the minister whos confessed to liking Australia Day discovered that debates over the scale and focus of the migration program are entirely legitimate ... there are genuine community anxieties. Related Article Exclusive Islamic State Sydney doctors campaign letter: re-electing Burke the only hope of bringing ISIS brides home Hill says hes concerned about extremely culturally conservative behaviour, forced marriage, reports from high schools in parts of Melbourne and no doubt elsewhere about homophobic abuse of gay kids in schools by some newly arrived migrants from multiple countries and faith groups. And he says, Calling such things out can be done in a way that asserts shared Australian values without smearing an ethnic or religious group, and we should not be afraid to do so. In fact, Hill says, it is our responsibility to do so. Bizarrely, though, from there he pivoted to blaming precisely the people who have tried to navigate those debates for the recent decline in social cohesion. The Liberal Party, in Hills telling, has picked on or failed to defend various groups of immigrants. Im not going to defend the Liberal Party on this individually or collectively. Some have no doubt said things that were insensitive. But, over the past couple of decades, any attempt to call out behaviour which didnt accord with Australian values which Hill now says is our responsibility was slandered and smeared by the Labor team. I know this from personal experience: regardless of how carefully I have pointed out emerging problems, theres always someone like Hill who will turn around and accuse me of dog-whistling. Advertisement I know, and Ive still done it for years, because its important. As far back as 2016, I tried to explain to an Australian audience the important concept of a leitkultur a leading culture, or shared core values developed by Syrian-German intellectual Bassam Tibi. I pointed out the foundations of Australias successful multi-ethnic society and the need to refresh and reinforce the principles on which it was built. I argued we had a responsibility to citizens born Australian, to immigrants who became Australian, and to those who sought to join us, to preserve our liberal democracy. Related Article Letters Must we be cruel to ISIS brides to be kind to our MPs margins? Doing so got me branded a conservative. Which is why I find this U-turn highly suspect. It reeks of political calculation. For the last 30 years, Labors two Achilles heels have been the economy and finances, and security and borders, Resolve pollster Jim Reed tells me. Albanese has managed to neutralise those Coalition strengths, and without those foundational brand attributes, its difficult to see how the Coalition can come back. The prime ministers response to the Bondi attacks was seen as weak, so he needed a way to show strength and conviction to shore up his position and keep his advantage. Advertisement At least hes got it right, if for the wrong reasons. If theres one thing Albanese knows with conviction, its that he wants to remain in the Lodge. Parnell Palme McGuinness is an insights and advocacy strategist. She has done work for the Liberal Party and the German Greens and is a senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies. She is also an advisory board member of Australians For Prosperity, which is part-funded by the coal industry. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement InspirationFoodie travel This comfort-food dish is one of Chiles favourites Ben Groundwater March 2, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The dish Pastel de choclo, Chile Plate up Pastel de choclo grew in popularity during the 20th century when rural workers migrated to cities such as Santiago. iStock What do you get when you cross cottage pie with empanadas, and multiply that by tamales with a touch of moussaka? You get pastel de choclo, one of Chiles favourite dishes, and one that has probably never been described that way before and may never again but still, work with us. Because heres what pastel de choclo is: you begin with a base of beef mince, which is cooked with onions, spices such as paprika, and stock to form a rough ragu, which is then mixed with boiled eggs, olives and raisins. Sound familiar? You will find something very similar stuffed into Chilean empanadas. Here though, the mixture is ladled into a casserole dish and topped with pre-cooked cornmeal made from choclo, a type of large-kernelled corn native to Chile and Peru. The whole lot is then baked until golden, and served either in the dish or scooped onto plates. So its a little like all the dishes we have mentioned above, and yet very much its own thing, so reminiscent of Latin America. Advertisement First serve Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Theres a small problem here, because many countries in Latin America Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina consider this a staple. In Chile, however, pastel de choclo is a national dish, and it very likely originated in that country. Historians believe pastel de choclo was created by Mapuche cooks, who were forced to staff kitchens in early colonial times. These cooks took traditional ingredients such as choclo and adapted them to Spanish tastes, combining them with picadillo, a classic Spanish minced beef dish. Pastel de choclo grew in popularity during the 20th century when rural workers migrated to cities such as Santiago. Order there Though pastel de choclo is a revered comfort food to eat at home, in Santiago you can try a restaurant version at Restaurante Galindo (instagram.com/restaurante_galindo). Order here Advertisement Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Foodie travel Chile South America Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist, broadcaster, author and occasional tour guide with more than 25 years experience in media, and a lifetime of experience traversing the globe. He specialises in food and wine writing about it, as well as consuming it and at any given moment in time Ben is probably thinking about either ramen in Tokyo, pintxos in San Sebastian, or carbonara in Rome. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwater Connect via email Traveller Guides Photographer: Ash Ponders/Bloomberg Holders of notes issued by Tricolor Holdings sued JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays Plc and Fifth Third Bancorp., accusing the banks of helping to perpetuate a fraud at the now-bankrupt used-car dealer and lender. The banks were named in a lawsuit filed Thursday in New York by several investment firms including One William Street Capital Management and Janus Henderson Group Plc. The plaintiffs said they collectively hold more than $230 million in Tricolor notes. Most Read from Bloomberg Tricolor filed for bankruptcy in September. Company founder and former Chief Executive Officer Daniel Chu and others were charged in December with allegedly defrauding Tricolors banks and investors by double-pledging or inflating the value of near-worthless loan collateral. Chu has pleaded not guilty. In their suit, the noteholders claim the banks ignored clear evidence of fraud, including alarming 2022 and 2024 audits of the company, because they were earning millions of dollars in fees underwriting Tricolors securitized notes. Spokespeople for JPMorgan, Barclays and Fifth Third declined to comment on the suit. In the wake of Tricolors collapse, the three banks disclosed they collectively faced hundreds of millions of dollars in potential losses. It is not our finest moment, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said during an October call with reporters. According to the noteholders, red flags in the audit reports included that nearly half the payments received on a given day were posted to the wrong bank account for the wrong lender, that defaulted loan accounts showed recoveries that were never actually obtained from car repossessions that never actually occurred, and that loan delinquencies were inaccurately reported and aged. The banks responded by hiding what they had learned and sticking their heads in the sand to avoid learning more, the noteholders claim. JPMorgan, Barclays and Fifth Third also allegedly concealed or misrepresented concerning information in offering materials for investors. In doing so, defendants fueled and perpetuated Tricolors Ponzi-like fraud, the plaintiffs claim. The suit is One William Street Capital Master Fund Ltd. et al v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association et al, 26-cv-01622, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Advertisement WorldMiddle EastIran A bitter enemy of the West who ruled Iran with an iron fist for decades Parisa Hafezi Updated March 1, 2026 5:15pm ,first published 3:56pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was an inveterate foe of the West, crushing internal opposition while supporting proxy forces around the region in the hope of making his country respected and feared. US President Donald Trump confirmed on social media that Khamenei had been killed in an airstrike on Saturday, describing him as one of the most evil people in history. Satellite images showed significant damage to the Iranian leaders Tehran compound, one of the first targets of the bombing campaign. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been moulded by revolution, years of turmoil and war with Iraq, decades of sparring with the US and a ruthless accumulation of power. AP Khameneis death represents a massive blow to the Islamic Republic that he had led since 1989, a decade after rising to prominence in the theocratic revolution that toppled Irans monarchy and rocked the Middle East. He had survived foreign pressure before but, even before Saturdays attack, was facing the gravest crisis of his 36-year rule, attempting to spin out negotiations with the United States over Irans nuclear program. Advertisement Deadly crackdown Already this year, he had ordered the deadliest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, saying those protesting nationwide, initially against soaring prices, should be put in their place, before security forces opened fire on demonstrators who were chanting Death to the dictator! Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: Trump orders Iran to back down in fiery post; nine killed as hundreds storm US consulate And only last June, Khamenei had been forced into hiding during 12 days of airstrikes by Israel and then the US that killed several close associates and Revolutionary Guard commanders and smashed prized nuclear and missile facilities. That assault was among the many indirect results of the attack on Israel by the Iranian-backed Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza and spurred Israel to hammer Tehrans other regional proxies. Advertisement With Hezbollah weakened in Lebanon and Syrias Bashar al-Assad toppled, Khameneis reach across the Middle East was stunted, while the US demanded he abandon Irans last major strategic lever its ballistic missiles. Khamenei refused to even discuss giving up missiles, which Iran saw as its only remaining deterrent to Israeli attack, a display of intransigence that may have helped invite the airstrikes that targeted him. As the US military massed air and naval forces in the region, Khameneis calculations drew on a character moulded by revolution, years of turmoil and war with Iraq, decades of sparring with the US and a ruthless accumulation of power. While elected officials managed day-to-day affairs, no major policy especially one concerning the US could proceed without his explicit approval; Khameneis mastery of Irans complex system of clerical rule combined with limited democracy ensured that no other group could challenge his decisions. Advertisement An unlikely rise to power Early in his rule, Khamenei was often dismissed as weak and an unlikely successor to the Islamic Republics late founder, the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khamenei pictured in October 1981. AP Not having achieved the religious rank of ayatollah when he was appointed supreme leader, Khamenei had difficulty wielding power through religious authority, as the theocratic system foresaw. After struggling for a long time to emerge from the shadow of his mentor, it was by forging a formidable security apparatus devoted solely to him that he finally imposed himself. Advertisement Khamenei always distrusted the West, particularly the US, frequently accusing it of seeking to topple him. In a typically pugnacious speech after Januarys protests, he blamed US President Donald Trump for the unrest, saying: We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation. Yet despite his ideological rigidity, he showed a willingness to bend when the survival of the Islamic Republic was at stake. Related Article Analysis Middle East at war Exaggerated, lacking evidence: Fact-checking Trumps justifications for attacking Iran The concept of heroic flexibility, first mentioned by Khamenei in 2013, permitted tactical compromises to advance his goals, mirroring Khomeinis choice in 1988 to embrace a ceasefire after eight years of war with Iraq. Khameneis guarded endorsement of Irans 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers was another such moment, as he calculated that sanctions relief was necessary to stabilise the economy and buttress his grip on power. Advertisement Trump quit the 2015 pact during his first term in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran. Tehran reacted by gradually violating all agreed curbs on its nuclear program. Security loyalty key At times of increasing pressure, Khamenei repeatedly turned to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij, a paramilitary force numbering hundreds of thousands of volunteers, to snuff out dissent. Protests erupted across Iran in 2022 after the death in police custody of young woman, Mahsa Amini. AP It was they who crushed the protests that exploded after Mahmoud Ahmadinejads re-election as president in 2009 amid allegations of vote fraud. Advertisement In 2022, Khamenei was just as ruthless in arresting, imprisoning or executing protesters enraged by the death in custody of the young Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. And it was again the Revolutionary Guard and Basij that crushed the latest round of protests in January. Khamenei visits military manoeuvres in south-western Iran in 2004. AP Khameneis power has also owed much to the parastatal financial empire known as Setad, under his direct control. Worth tens of billions of dollars, it grew hugely during his rule, investing billions in the Revolutionary Guard. Scholars outside Iran have painted a picture of a secretive ideologue fearful of betrayal an anxiety fuelled by an assassination attempt in June 1981 that involved a bomb hidden in a tape recorder that paralysed his right arm. Advertisement Khamenei himself suffered severe torture, according to his official biography, in 1963, when at 24 he served the first of many terms in prison for political activities under the rule of the Shah. After the Iranian Revolution, as deputy defence minister, Khamenei became close to the Revolutionary Guard during the 1980-88 war with Iraq, which claimed a million lives from both sides. Khamenei succeeded Irans first Islamic leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in June 1989, but was initially seen as lacking his predecessors credentials. AP He won the presidency with Khomeinis support but was a surprise choice as successor when the supreme leader died, lacking both Khomeinis popular appeal and his superior clerical credentials. Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said that accident of history had transformed a weak president to an initially weak supreme leader to one of the five most powerful Iranians of the last 100 years. Advertisement Washington: It is customary some would say mandatory for Donald Trumps cabinet and inner circle to relentlessly boost and praise the US president on his success. Cabinet meetings, at least the on-camera portion, are now Kumbaya sessions in which secretaries take turns to thank Trump for his leadership. Vice President JD Vances only public comment was to re-post a photo from the White House showing him in the Situation Room with cabinet secretaries during the operation. The White House via AP And when something big happens like, say, bombing Iran and killing the supreme leader they inevitably use social media to certify the brilliance of Trumps latest action. So it is noteworthy that for the past 48 hours, Vice President JD Vance has said next to nothing about Operation Epic Fury. Vances only public comment on X was to repost from his vice presidential account a White House photograph showing him in the Situation Room during the operation, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. It might be instructive that Vance wasnt at Mar-a-Lago with Trump and top military adviser Dan Razin Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, during the operation. Some commentators mocked the Situation Room gathering as the kids table. Vance was elsewhere during the raid on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, too, and later explained his absence as a strategic move to avoid raising suspicion in the Maduro regime. Perhaps thats fair enough. Its also true that the whole administration has been uncharacteristically quiet since the strikes began. But Vances total silence is striking, especially as he is ordinarily a prolific social media poster. Read the full analysis here. Mark Hancock, CEO: 'Character formation requires moral steadiness not cultural reinvention' GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 27, 2026 -- Following comments by Secretary Pete Hegseth indicating the Department of War will closely review youth organizations for compliance with the administration's executive order, Trail Life USA reaffirmed that it has never wavered in its mission to form courageous, principled young men grounded in timeless values. The Secretary's comments came in a video noting that Scouting America (originally the Boy Scouts of America) had agreed to drop "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" (DEI) elements from its program, including a new DEI-centric merit badge required for Eagle, in response to an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump. The department will monitor their progress and evaluate it during the next six months, Hegseth said. "There are also additional youth and boys' organizations, groups like Trail Life USA that are already compliant with President Trump's executive order, that the Department may eventually support as well. But we're watching, and we're watching closely," he said in the video . Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, stated, "We are grateful for Pete Hegseth's recognition of Trail Life USA as a premier national character development organization for young men, which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. Since our inception, Trail Life has remained true to its mission: to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. "When institutions responsible for forming boys allow their core convictions to shift with cultural or political pressure, they lose moral authority and boys lose trust. Character formation requires moral steadiness, not constant reinvention," Hancock added. "It's important to remind boys that their 'Y' matters, that they matter to their families, their communities and to their nation. We are ready to answer America's call to assist boys in discovering their God-given purpose and potential." Trail Life USA is the premier national character development organization for young men, producing godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. Trail Life's mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Troops exist in all 50 states and are growing as Trail Life USA expands around the country. Find a Troop today, or Start a Troop in your community. Find out more at TrailLifeUSA.com . Trail Life USA's K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man's skills. A robust awards program motivates young men to grow on a personal level to become role models and leaders among their peers. Living the Trail Life USA is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible. Discover more about Trail Life USA at TrailLifeUSA.com , Facebook , Instagram , X (formerly Twitter), YouTube , or Vimeo . SOURCE Trail Life USA The Auto Channel Trusted automotive reporting for 31 years. This article is part of The Auto Channels independent automotive coverage library one of the longest-running automotive publications online (since 1995). Our editors test, research, and document vehicles, technologies, recalls, and ownership experiences to help drivers make informed decisions. Unlike short news blurbs, our content is written for long-term usefulness explaining what the vehicle is, why it matters, and how it affects real owners. Coverage includes reviews, specifications, safety data, recall history, industry context, and real-world driving impressions collected over decades of reporting. Nutson's Weekly Auto News Wrapup February 22-28, 2026 LEARN MORE FROM THE WEB'S LONGEST RUNNING AUTOMOTIVE COLUMN * EV owner loyalty. A study by J.D. Power shows thal-time high, with 96% of EV drivers saying they would choose another EV for their next car, regardless of the expiration of federal tax incentives. The strong retention rate reflects growing satisfaction with battery improvements, expanded charging infrastructure and enhanced vehicle performance. The availability of public charging is by far the most improved index factor in both premium and mass market BEV segments (Editor comment: the horse has finally moved in front of the cart!). Concerns like range anxiety are fading for everyday drivers. Most EV owners simply arent driving hundreds of miles a day, and better range accuracy means fewer unpleasant surprises. More details HERE * Chinese auto brands. New research by Cox Automotive on Chinese automakers shows a polarized U.S. market, limited brand awareness, and a wide gap between consumer curiosity and dealer readiness highlighting why low prices alone may not be enough for Chinese brands to succeed if they enter the U.S. market. This research explores how consumers and dealers actually feel and what those perceptions signal for automakers, retailers and the broader market. Take a look HERE * About the Frunk. All the world was abuzz about front trunks in EVs...even though front trunks came in all VW Beetles since way back in 1937. Now MotorTrend reports Ford has made the previously standard equipped Mach-e frunk an option because, well, drivers weren't using them. If you want a frunk the price is $495. Here's the story. HERE * Best for families. Parents.com has announced their 2026 Best Family Cars Awards, recognizing each vehicle as the best in its respective category and wholeheartedly recommending them to buyers. Parents.com panel of experts spent the year test driving over 150 cars, trucks, and SUVs to determine the magazines annual Best Family Cars Awards. See the winners HERE * Springtime gas price increase. According to gasbuddy.com, gas prices will soon rise 10-25c/gal in KS, OK, NE, SD, ND, MN, IA, MO, TN, KY, WI, IL (and already did in MI, IN, OH) as the tradeable specs start shifting toward summer gasoline. It'll be a few weeks before those blends are in your tank. * Volvo recall. Volvo Cars is recalling more than 40,000 of its all-electric EX30 compact SUVs worldwide over a potential battery fire risk, with US owners among those affected, according to reporting from Reuters. The recall covers 40,323 EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance models equipped with certain high-voltage battery cells. * Ford recall. Ford is recalling 412,774 Explorer SUVs in the U.S., citing an issue with rear suspension toe links, which may fracture, leading to a loss of steering control, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The recall affects 2017 to 2019 model years. The dealers will replace the toe links free of charge as a remedy for the affected vehicles. * And, another Ford recall. Ford is recalling over 4.3 million vehicles in the U.S., including 20212026 F-150, F-250F-600, Ranger, and Maverick trucks, due to a software glitch in the trailer brake module. A software error in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) may cause it to fail to communicate upon startup, resulting in a loss of trailer brakes, turn signals, and brake lights. * 2DIE4 Film (2026). An immersive, 61-minute documentary-style film directed by the Abdala Brothers follows Brazilian racer Felipe Nasr during his intense, high-stakes 2024 Le Mans campaign. Shot for IMAX, it provides a raw, first-person perspective of endurance racing, focusing on real, unscripted drama, danger, and the psychological pressure of top-tier motorsport. Porsche Penske Motorsport, the team for which Nasr was racing, and with which he just won the 2026 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, agreed to let Salomao and Andre film the race. The racing documentary 2DIE4 is primarily available to watch in theaters, specifically in IMAX format, with special screenings and a nationwide release starting in early 2026, including locations in Daytona and New York. You can find tickets and showtimes at HERE * Route 66 Road Trip Guide. Wanderlab, Tripadvisor's in-house creative studio, and Choice Hotels International are joining forces to celebrate 100 years of Route 66, one of America's most storied and beloved highways. To mark a century of cross-country adventures, the brands are launching a dynamic, interactive Century of Route 66 road trip guide that pays tribute to the communities, roadside stops, and travelers that have shaped Route 66 into a true American classic. HERE * The 1000 Miglia Experience USA Florida. This week this "regularity race" brought the spirit of Italys legendary Red Arrow to the Sunshine State, featuring a stunning mix of historic and modern cars. The 2026 event ran from Feb 2123 with the 1,000-mile drive starting Day 1 in Naples, heading through Venice and ending in Tampa. Day 2 traveled from Tampa through Lakeland, including an exclusive track session at the Sebring International Raceway before arriving in West Palm Beach. The final Day 3 leg from West Palm Beach finished in Miami, with a grand closing ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel. Victory in the 1000 Miglia Originals category went to Bruno Ricci and Gustavo Gallo in a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster. The Argentine crew also earned the most coveted prize: guarantees of acceptance to the 1000 Miglia 2027, the centenary year. The winners in the Classic Icons category were Americans Bruce and Harrison Roch in a 1950 Jaguar Xk120, while in Hyper/Supercars the Italian crew of Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo won in a 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider. * Detroit Autorama. It first started in 1953 as a fundraiser for a drag strip. Now, it runs Feb. 27-March 1 at Huntington Place. The Detroit Autorama will feature about 680 custom cars, guest appearances and the competition for the Ridler Award. Cars competing for the prestigious Ridler Award, considered top custom car builder honor, make their first public appearance at Detroit Autorama. More info HERE * Oberoi Concours in Udaipur India. The second edition of the Oberoi Concours dElegancejust concluded at the Oberoi Udaivilas resort in Udaipur in northwest Indiawas one of only a handful of concours ever held on the subcontinent and helped reaffirm Indias status as an emerging force in the classic-car world. Learn more HERE Stay safe. Be Well. Kind regards, Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy The Auto Channel f: Chicago Car Guy i: chicago_car_guy According to the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), a bipartisan public policy research firm, 42% of full-time working Americans excluding government workers and the self-employed dont have access to a workplace retirement plan, while 44.1% in total do not participate in one and 50.5% of all workers dont benefit from an employer match (2). Workplace programs like 401(k)s can make saving easier by automatically deducting contributions from paychecks and offering employer-matched features that help workers build savings over time with less effort. Those without access to workplace plans also tend to earn less. The EIG reports only a quarter of the top half of American workers by income don't have access to one compared to 65.2% of the bottom half. Even if the proposal doesnt move ahead, millions of Americans are already saving for retirement without employer-sponsored plans. Heres where the average worker falls and what you can do if your job doesnt offer a match. Many Americans arent where they want to be in their retirement saving journey. Data from the Federal Reserves Economic Well-Being of the U.S. Households report shows that only 35% of non-retired adults believe their retirement savings are on track. Half of all of working Americans still do not have access to a retirement plan with matching contributions from an employer, Trump said during the address (1). To remedy this gross disparity, Im announcing that next year my administration will give these often-forgotten American workers access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year as we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market. Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people dont realize theyre actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Announced during his State of the Union address on Feb. 24, the plan aims to extend retirement investment opportunities to workers without employer-sponsored programs, such as 401(k)s , a gap that often affects employees at smaller companies and lower-wage earners. President Donald Trump unveiled a proposal that would broaden retirement-saving options for Americans who currently lack access to workplace plans. Story Continues Trumps proposal builds on changes already expected to roll out in the coming years, including a federal Savers Match that would deposit government contributions directly into eligible retirement accounts. This will replace the nonrefundable Savers Credit starting in 2027. Under the match program, someone who saves $2,000 annually, for example, could receive up to $1,000 in matching funds. The benefit would primarily apply to lower- and middle-income households. Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Heres the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket) Although its unclear at this stage exactly how the new savings accounts will work, its noteworthy that federal government workers are able to save through the Thrift Savings Plan, which provides low-cost investment options and matching contributions. The savings gap the proposal aims to address is substantial. Workers who had savings in their employer-sponsored accounts had a median balance of $40,000 as of late 2022, according to an analysis by the National Institute on Retirement Security (3). But across all workers, including those with no savings, the balance dropped to $955. Build your savings without an employer plan Teresa Ghilarducci, an economics professor at The New School who studies retirement security, told CNBC that expanding access to match-based retirement accounts could help low-income Americans start building savings for the future (4). Many, many people who are left out of the system will start accumulating for retirement, Ghilarducci said. They will also be able to reap the benefits of compounding. For many households juggling housing costs, child care, debt and other financial pressures, saving for the future may seem out of reach, but there are still ways to begin saving for the future even before these new accounts materialize. One common option is opening an individual retirement account, or IRA, which allows workers to save on a tax-advantaged basis outside of an employer plan. For 2026, individuals can contribute up to $7,500 annually, with additional catch-up contributions available for those age 50 and older. Some savers also set up automatic transfers from their bank accounts to create the same consistency typically built into workplace retirement plans. Gradually increasing contributions over time, such as directing raises, bonuses or tax refunds toward savings, can also help make progress feel more manageable. It can also be helpful to review monthly expenses for small adjustments that may create additional room to save without requiring major lifestyle changes. For those who are self-employed and dont have access to an employer retirement plan, there are also options. Business owners and freelancers can open a self-employed 401(k), sometimes called a solo 401(k), which allows them to contribute both as an employee and as the employer. For example, in 2026 individuals could defer up to $24,500 of compensation, or more with catch-up contributions for those age 50 and older, while making additional employer contributions. Another option is a Simplified Employee Pension or SEP IRA, which allows self-employed workers to contribute up to the lesser of 25% of their annual compensation or a yearly limit, which is $72,000 in 2026. You May Also Like Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. NBC News (1); Economic Innovation Group (2); National Institute on Retirement Security (3); CNBC (4) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. 9 cheetahs from Botswana released into Kuno National Park Staff Reporter : BHOPAL : Indias ambitious cheetah revival program reached a new milestone on Saturday as nine more cheetahs from Botswana landed safely at the Kuno National Park (KNP). This third batch from Africa, consisting of six females and three males, brings the total count of big cats in the country to 48. Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, ceremoniously released three of the new arrivals into specially prepared quarantine enclosures. Speaking on the occasion, Yadav stated that the arrival of these cheetahs marks the beginning of a historic partnership between Botswana and India in biodiversity conservation. Under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project to reintroduce cheetahs in India has been a resounding success. Over the last three and a half years, the cheetah family has continued to grow, and today we have 48 cheetahs in India, 45 at Kuno and 3 at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, the Minister said. Strategic Airlift and Logistics: The cheetahs were flown from Botswana to Gwalior on a heavy-lift Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. From Gwalior, three IAF helicopters transported the animals directly to KNP in Sheopur. Following the release, the Union Minister met with the team of cheetah experts from Botswana and presented them with mementoes on behalf of the park administration. Project Cheetah Director Uttam Sharma noted that the IAF has been a critical partner in the program, having previously assisted in the translocation of big cats from Namibia in 2022 and South Africa in 2023. The project has seen encouraging results in breeding. Since 2023, 39 cubs have been born at KNP, with 27 of them surviving. Most recently, nine cubs were born in two separate litters between February 7 and 18. To mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks, wildlife officials are diversifying habitats. Currently, 36 cheetahs remain at Kuno, while three have been relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Experts emphasise that spreading the population across different habitats is essential for the long-term survival of the endangered species. The minister highlighted that Indias efforts have gained international recognition, with 97 countries now joining the global platform for biodiversity conservation. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla, MP Shivmangal Singh Tomar and senior forest officials. About 352 Afghan Taliban personnel, its allied terrorist groups killed: Pak ISLAMABAD : PAKISTANI security forces have killed 352 Afghan Taliban personnel and their allied terrorist groups in the ongoing air and ground attacks, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Saturday. The Minister said that the Pakistani forces completely destroyed 130 military posts, while they captured another 26 border posts. Providing an update at 9 pm (local time) on the losses of the Afghan Taliban, Tarar said so far 352 Taliban personnel have been killed and another 535 injured. Tarar also said that 171 tanks and armoured vehicles have been destroyed, adding that Pakistan also hit 41 locations with precision air strikes. Pakistan launched a massive retaliatory attack code-named Operation Ghazab lil Haq, after the Afghan side simultaneously attacked 53 locations along the more than 2,600 km-long border. Addressing media on Friday evening, the army spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, said that the Afghan Taliban should choose between Pakistan and the terrorist organisations. I want to make one thing clear: the oppressive Afghan Taliban regime has to make a clear choice. The choice is to choose between Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch Liberation Army, Daesh, Al Qaeda, the terrorists and terrorist organisations and Pakistan, he said. They have to make this choice. It has been made clear by the government of Pakistan. It is not something new I am saying...They have to make this choice. Whether they choose terrorists and terrorism or Pakistan. We are clear... Let it be known that our choice is absolutely clear. It will always be Pakistan over everything. Air Arabia, Qatar Airlinessuspend flights temporarily from Nagpur Staff Reporter : In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, the flights to all destinations in that part have been suspended. From Nagpur, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways suspended operations temporarily. Air Arabia flights fly to Sharjah from Nagpurs Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Qatar Airways flight goes to Doha. Qatar Airways operates its flight five days a week, while Air Arabia runs its flights twice every week. For Sharjah and Doha, these are the only flights from Nagpur. Though the suspension of these flights is temporary, it will cause inconvenience to a lot of passengers from Nagpur. Both airlines have made it clear that they would keep assessing the situation and identify the safety and security environment for the flight Cervical Cancer: Admn launches free HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls Staff Reporter : Taking a step ahead for womens health, the district administration has launched free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign for adolescent girls through the office of Chief Medical and Health Officer in Jabalpur district on Saturday. The initiative, aimed at protecting young girls from the threat of cervical cancer, was launched at the Seth Govind Das (Victoria) District Hospital under the leadership of Collector, Raghavendra Singh. The girls within 14-years age were administered with HPV vaccine. Abhishek Gehlot, CEO, Jila Panchayat, Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Vinod Gupta, District Immunization Officer and Dr. Vineeta Uppal, District Health Officer were also present. Addressing the gathering, Collector Singh emphasized that cervical cancer remains the second most prevalent form of cancer among women. Mentioning HPV a critical tool in securing the future health of adolescent girls, Collector, Singh stated that the HPV vaccine is rigorously tested for efficacy and designed to provide long-term immunity against the virus. The Collector appealed parents of 14-year-old girls to ensure their children receive this essential vaccination. CMHO Dr. Mishra highlighted the economic significance of this government-led initiative. While a single dose of the HPV vaccine exceeds a market value of Rs 5,000, the Government of India is now providing it free to eligible beneficiaries. Currently, the campaign is operational across 13 designated locations within the district. Plans are underway to increase the number of vaccination centers to improve local accessibility. Dr Mishra said that this campaign represents a monumental step toward the eradication of cervical cancer. Historic Milestone in Abujhmad Local school brings hope Our Correspondent : NARAYANPUR : IN a landmark development for one of Chhattisgarhs most remote and long-isolated regions, history has been created in Kodenar village of the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district. For the first time since Indias Independence, a regular government school has begun functioning within the village, marking a transformative moment for generations of children who had never seen a classroom in their own settlement. Abujhmad, known for its dense forests, difficult terrain and prolonged impact of left-wing extremism, has long remained cut off from mainstream development. Basic facilities such as road connectivity, healthcare and education have historically been limited in several interior habitations. Kodenar, a small village under Gram Panchayat Kachchapal, was among those settlements where formal schooling remained out of reach for decades. Driven by the firm resolve of the district administration and under the guidance of Collector Namrata Jain, the long-standing educational gap in the village has finally been addressed. The commencement of the school represents not merely the start of academic activity, but the beginning of a new chapter of inclusion, opportunity and social integration for the community. Notably, Kodenar is home to just 14 families. For years, children in the village grew up without the presence of a school building, a teacher or even the sound of a school bell. Education, though recognised as important, remained physically distant and practically inaccessible. A detailed survey conducted by the administration identified 25 children above the age of six residing in the village. Until now, these children had to travel between six and seven kilometres daily to attend school in another village. The route required them to cross rugged hill tracks, uneven pathways and dense forest stretches. During the monsoon, the paths became slippery and hazardous, further increasing the risk and discouraging regular attendance. The geographical challenges, combined with safety concerns and the sheer distance involved, resulted in irregular schooling. Several children were unable to continue their education consistently, and some were on the verge of dropping out altogether. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the district administration took a decisive step to establish and operationalise an alternative school within Kodenar itself, ensuring that education would no longer remain beyond reach. The opening of the school turned into a historic and emotional occasion for the residents. Public representatives, officials from the education department, local panchayat members and villagers gathered to witness the beginning of formal schooling in their own village. For the first time in Kodenars history, the National Anthem was sung collectively by the assembled villagers and children. Patriotic slogans echoed across the hills, creating an atmosphere of pride and renewed confidence. For many elders in the village, it was a deeply moving moment, a visible sign that their remote habitation was gradually being connected to the broader national mainstream. During the ceremony, all 25 identified children were formally enrolled in the newly established school. The enthusiasm on their faces reflected curiosity, hope and the promise of a different future. Parents, who had long worried about sending their children through forested stretches to distant schools, expressed relief at the availability of education within the village itself. In a bid to ensure that the school begins on a strong footing, the children were provided with free uniforms, school bags, textbooks, notebooks and other essential learning materials. The initiative aims not only to facilitate enrolment but also to sustain attendance and encourage consistent learning. District Education Officer Ashok Kumar Patel informed that the school has commenced regular functioning under the supervision of a guest teacher, Sainu Ram Dhruv. Structured teaching activities have begun, enabling children to pursue their studies in a safe and familiar environment. With the removal of long daily commutes and associated risks, the new arrangement is expected to significantly improve attendance and learning outcomes. Officials stated that the administration will continue monitoring the functioning of the school to ensure that quality education reaches the children of this remote region. The establishment of the school has created an atmosphere of celebration in Kodenar. Villagers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the district administration, describing the move as a historic gift for their children and future generations. Collector Namrata Jain stated that the initiative goes beyond opening a school; it represents a foundational step in the broader development of the Abujhmad region. She emphasised that education is the most powerful instrument for lasting social transformation and for bringing remote and vulnerable communities into the mainstream. In a region once defined by isolation and limited access to public services, the presence of a functioning school signals a meaningful shift. The quiet forest village that remained disconnected for decades is now witnessing the first signs of structured learning and opportunity. Where silence and uncertainty once prevailed, the sound of children reciting lessons has begun to resonate. The story of Kodenar stands as a compelling example of how determined governance, community participation and focused intervention can bring tangible change, even in the most inaccessible corners of the State. HoABL signs Kartik Aaryan as brand ambassador for Nagpur Marina Business Reporter : The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), Indias largest branded land developer, on Friday announced Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as the face of HoABL Nagpur Marina, its marquee waterfront plotted development in Nagpur. Kartik Aaryans relationship with HoABL began as an investor, with his purchase of a 2,000 sq ft plot at the Sol-de-Alibaug project. This trust-led relationship has now naturally evolved into Kartik endorsing Nagpur Marina based on his conviction in HoABLs transparency in processes, proven track-record in quality and timelines, consumer-centricity, and long-term vision. I am excited to be associated with HoABL as the brand ambassador for its prestigious project - Nagpur Marina. What drew me to the brand was its clarity of vision, disciplined execution, and a seamless digital experience, especially for someone like me who is constantly on the move, said Kartik Aaryan. Designed as a limited, destination-grade address for long-horizon investors, Nagpur Marinas scale, scarcity, and legacy value have already attracted strong HNI participation, with over 350 families fromover 10 countries investing in the project. Samujjwal Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, The House of Abhinandan Lodha said, Kartiks association with us began as an investment decision, which is the strongest vote of confidence any brand can earn. His decision to now be the face of Nagpur Marina reflects the values we focus on every day - trust, transparency, and building assets designed to endure. Waterfront-led and thoughtfully planned, Nagpur Marina is a unique address, and we are excited to have Kartik represent that story. Strategically located next to the Samruddhi Expressway and the New Nagpur IBFC, Nagpur Marina offers a rare opportunity to own plotted land in Nagpur, designed for discerning, long-term investors. In 2020, Abhinandan Lodha founded The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), Indias largest branded land developer, revolutionizing real estate transactions through security, technology, transparency, convenience and trust. HoABL has swiftly gained prominence by focusing on plotted developments in key locations where the governments are focused on quality infrastructure, offering a seamless and transparent experience to investors and homebuyers alike. In less than five years, HoABL has sold about 13 million sq.ft. of developed landall without meeting a single customer face-to-face and ahead of promised timelinesand has around 34 million sq.ft. under active development. The company has expanded its footprint across prime locations such as Alibaug, Anjarle, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Dapoli, Goa, Khopoli, Nagpur, and Neral in Maharashtra, with upcoming developments in Amritsar, Shimla, and Varanasi. With plans to be in 48 cities nationwide, HoABL is tapping into the growing demand for plotted developments driven by existing and upcoming infrastructure projects and the appeal of tourist destinations. Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs 16,600 crore in Ajmer JAIPUR : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi was in Ajmer to lay the foundation stones of and inaugurate 43 development projects worth over Rs 16,600 crore. Addressing a large public gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects at Kayad Vishram Sthali in Ajmer, in the presence of Governor Haribhau Bagde and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the Prime Minister said the government is working with the vision of Developed India through Developed Rajasthan. He stated that in the past two years, the State has embarked on a new path of rapid progress and the double-engine Government is swiftly delivering on its development promises. In Ajmer, Modi said the projects will accelerate Rajasthans growth. He said before 2014, many women faced hardship and humiliation while girls dropped out of school because of lack of toilets and poor women could not afford sanitary pads. For us, the dignity and health of our sisters and daughters is a serious matter, he said, adding that the BJP Government addressed these problems in mission mode. Modi said the Government is also focusing on modern connectivity in Rajasthan and the expansion of infrastructure is increasing investment opportunities. Referring to the development taking place around the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, he said efforts are being made to turn Rajasthan into a land of opportunities. MP launches HPV vaccination drive Staff Reporter : In a major push for preventive healthcare, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday virtually launched a state-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. Alongside this, the Government introduced Mission Madhuhari, a specialised initiative to provide comprehensive care for children and youth suffering from Type-1 diabetes. The HPV campaign, launched following Prime Minister Narendra Modis nation-wide rollout from Ajmer, targets approximately 8 lakh girls in Madhya Pradesh. The State has already received over 7.58 lakh vaccine doses from the Centre to facilitate this free immunisation drive. The campaign will run for the next 90 days (March, April, and May) across 471 designated health centres, including medical colleges and district hospitals. Target Group: Girls who have completed their 14th year but are under 15. Those turning 15 within 90 days of the campaigns start are also eligible. Timing: Sessions will be held daily from 9 am to 2 pm. Vaccination is voluntary and requires mandatory parental consent. Registration will be handled via the U-Win portal, where guardians can register using their ID and mobile number. For the safety purpose, girls will be observed for 30 minutes post-vaccination. Health officials emphasised that the vaccine should not be taken on an empty stomach. A dedicated helpline (104) has been established for assistance. The State-level inauguration of the HPV vaccination campaign was performed by Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla at Dr Kailashnath Katju Hospital in Bhopal. Simultaneously, the Deputy CM inaugurated Mission Madhuhari, which is initially being rolled out across 16 districts in two divisions. This mission is designed for children and adolescents whose bodies do not produce insulin, requiring lifelong management. Weekly Clinics: Specialised Type-1 diabetes clinics will now operate weekly in all district hospitals, providing insulin testing, expert consultations, and regular follow-ups under one roof. Free Kits: As a part of the launch, T1D (Type-1 Diabetes) kits, containing glucometers, test strips, and other essential equipment, were distributed to five girls. In the initial phase, 759 kits are being provided free of cost across the 16 identified districts. Addressing the event, Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, with a prevalence of 156 per lakh. Prevention is better than cure. This campaign is a decisive step toward a cervical cancer-free Madhya Pradesh, he said. He further highlighted the States broader goals, including the Hub and Spoke model providing 85 types of tests at primary health centres, the promotion of telemedicine in rural areas, and the ongoing effort to establish a medical college in every Lok Sabha constituency. The Deputy CM also noted administrative progress such as the approval of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for doctors and timely Ayushman incentive payments. The launch ceremony was attended by MLA Bhagwan Das Sabnani and Mayor Malti Rai along with senior health officials including ACS Health Ashok Barnwal and NHM MD Dr Saloni Sidana. Key Takeaways The richest 1% of Americans will benefit the most from tax cuts, receiving an average of $8,850 in 2026, according to a recent analysis. Tariffs disproportionately impact low- and middle-income households, as they typically spend a larger share of their income on goods. President Donald Trump's first year in office ushered in significant change, from tariffs to massive tax legislation. But not everyone benefits equally from these policies, according to a new brief from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), a think tank. In brief, the researchers analyzed the effects of policies backed by Trump and Republican Congressional memberssuch as tariffs, the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)on Americans of all incomes. The analysis found that the richest 1% of Americans, or those with incomes of more than $916,900, will receive the largest tax cuts in 2026, an average of $8,850. By contrast, those with an income of between $92,100 and $153,600 will pay an additional $980. What This Means For You Trump's policies are affecting households differently depending on income. Those who earn more may gain more from these policies, as these households tend to spend a smaller proportion of their income on goods and rely less on public benefits. Tariffs are also impacting Americans' wallets. Martha Gimbel, cofounder and executive director of the Yale Budget Lab, notes that tariffs tend to have a disproportionate impact on low and middle-income consumers because they tend to spend a greater share of their income on goods. (While the Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's tariffs last Friday, his administration has reimposed many of those tariffs under a different law.) Those with higher income, Gimbel said, "spend more money on services, dog walkers, tutors, things like that. And so mechanically, something that increases the price of goods is just going to hit lower-income consumers harder than higher-income consumers." A Yale Budget Lab analysis found the new tariffs, set at 15% and in effect for 150 days unless they're extended by Congress, would cost households between $600 and $800. However, Gimbel acknowledged that the uncertainty about the future of Trump's tariffs makes determining their economic cost less than an exact science. "It is unclear whether the 150-day tariffs will survive legal scrutiny," said Gimbel. "Uncertainty has an economic cost. We will simply have to see how large that cost is." Two vehicles of YC leader torched in Raipur Staff Reporter : Raipur : Tension prevailed in the DD Nagar police station area after two vehicles parked outside the residence of Youth Congress leader Vinod Kashyap in Mahadev Ghat were allegedly set on fire by unidentified persons. According to preliminary information, a Maruti Brezza and a Hyundai Venue parked outside Kashyaps house were gutted in the incident. CCTV footage from the locality has reportedly captured two unidentified motorcycle borne individuals carrying an inflammable substance towards the vehicles. The footage also shows the suspects fleeing the spot after setting the vehicles ablaze. In one clip, they are seen making a phone call immediately after the incident. Following the incident, Youth Congress members along with Congress workers staged a protest and gheraoed the DD Nagar police station, demanding immediate arrest of those involved. City Congress president Menon, former MLA Vikas Upadhyay and former Mayor Pramod Dubey were among the leaders who joined the protest. Congress leaders alleged that the act was carried out under a planned conspiracy and claimed that the vehicles were deliberately targeted. They demanded swift action and stringent measures against the perpetrators. ACP West Devansh Singh Rathore reached the spot and held discussions with party representatives to pacify the protesters. Senior police officials said an FIR has been registered at DD Nagar police station and investigation is underway. They added that efforts are being made to identify the suspects seen in the CCTV footage and that security has been tightened in the area while technical evidence and other leads are being examined. Shares of 3i Infrastructure plc (LON:3IN Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 359.77 and traded as high as GBX 360.50. 3i Infrastructure shares last traded at GBX 360, with a volume of 906,834 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a GBX 450 price target on shares of 3i Infrastructure in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 450. Get 3i Infrastructure alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on 3IN 3i Infrastructure Stock Up 0.7% 3i Infrastructure Company Profile The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.26. The stock has a market cap of 3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 7.86 and a beta of 0.50. The business has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 364.58 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 359.83. (Get Free Report) 3i Infrastructure plc is a Jersey-incorporated, closed-ended investment company, an approved UK Investment Trust, listed on the London Stock Exchange and regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. The Companys purpose is to deliver a long-term sustainable return to shareholders from investing in infrastructure. 3i Investments plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3i Group plc, is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and acts as Investment Manager to 3i Infrastructure plc. Read More Receive News & Ratings for 3i Infrastructure Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 3i Infrastructure and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The US-Israeli attacks on Iran have triggered swift retaliatory attacks from Tehran, targeting their assets in multiple Middle East countries, including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman. Analysts are warning of a spike in global oil prices after Iranian officials hinted at shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime routes in the world. On Saturday, an official from the European Union told the Reuters news agency that vessels crossing the strait have been receiving very high frequency (VHF) transmissions from Irans elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), saying no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz. However, the EU official added, Iran has not officially closed the strait. Instead, several tanker owners have suspended oil and gas shipments through the strait amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Our ships will stay put for several days, a top executive at a major trading desk told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Countries like Greece have also advised their vessels to avoid transiting through the waterway. Any instability in this important maritime route could rattle economic stability worldwide. So what is the Strait of Hormuz, and how will its closure impact oil prices? Where is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is located between Oman and the UAE on one side and Iran on the other. It links the Arabian Gulf, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea beyond. It is 33km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 3km (2 miles) wide in either direction, making it vulnerable to attack. Despite its narrow width, the channel accommodates the worlds largest crude carriers. Major oil and gas exporters in the Middle East rely on it to move supplies to international markets, while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation. INTERACTIVE - Strait of Hormuz - FEB24, 2026-1772104775 How much oil and gas pass through the strait? According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20 million barrels of oil, worth about $500bn in annual global energy trade, transited through the Strait of Hormuz each day in 2024. The crude oil passing through the strait originates from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The strait also plays a critical role in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. According to the EIA, in 2024, roughly a fifth of global LNG shipments moved through the corridor, with Qatar accounting for the vast majority of those volumes. Where does it all go? The strait handles both oil and gas exports and imports. Loader Please wait while your request is being verified... Aviso Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 13.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 83,350 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after purchasing an additional 9,558 shares during the period. Aviso Financial Inc.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $12,047,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TJX. High Note Wealth LLC boosted its stake in TJX Companies by 12.1% during the 3rd quarter. High Note Wealth LLC now owns 667 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $96,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 2.3% during the third quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 3,271 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $472,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Webster Bank N. A. boosted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 1.6% during the third quarter. Webster Bank N. A. now owns 4,574 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $661,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in TJX Companies by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 676 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $98,000 after buying an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Banco de Sabadell S.A raised its position in TJX Companies by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Banco de Sabadell S.A now owns 20,951 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $2,587,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. 91.09% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get TJX Companies alerts: TJX Companies News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting TJX Companies this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently issued reports on TJX shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $154.00 to $173.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, February 23rd. Guggenheim raised shares of TJX Companies to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $184.00 target price on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $168.00 price target (up from $160.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-two have issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $167.55. Read Our Latest Research Report on TJX Companies TJX Companies Stock Up 1.7% Shares of TJX stock opened at $161.40 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $112.10 and a 12 month high of $162.68. The stock has a market cap of $179.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.07, a P/E/G ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $154.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $147.71. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.38 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $17.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.36 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 9.10% and a return on equity of 57.70%. The companys revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.23 EPS. TJX Companies has set its FY 2027 guidance at 4.930-5.020 EPS and its Q1 2027 guidance at 0.970-0.990 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current year. TJX Companies Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a $0.425 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 34.84%. TJX Companies Company Profile (Free Report) TJX Companies, Inc is a leading off-price retailer of apparel, footwear, home fashions and other consumer goods. The company operates multiple retail concepts that offer discounted brand-name and designer merchandise, including well-known banners such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States, HomeGoods for home furnishings, TK Maxx in parts of Europe, and Winners and Homesense in Canada. Merchandise categories span womens, mens and childrens apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor, kitchenware and small furniture, with frequent changes in assortment that create a treasure-hunt shopping experience for consumers. The companys business model centers on opportunistic buying, purchasing excess, irregular or out-of-season inventory from manufacturers, department stores and other suppliers, and passing savings to customers through lower prices. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aviso Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN Free Report) by 1.1% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,402,621 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,638 shares during the quarter. Brookfield accounts for 3.9% of Aviso Financial Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Aviso Financial Inc.s holdings in Brookfield were worth $96,253,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BN. Norges Bank bought a new position in Brookfield in the second quarter worth approximately $1,040,160,000. Lone Pine Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Brookfield in the 2nd quarter worth $347,683,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its holdings in Brookfield by 132.5% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 6,540,631 shares of the companys stock worth $405,065,000 after purchasing an additional 3,727,628 shares during the period. Picton Mahoney Asset Management bought a new position in Brookfield in the 2nd quarter worth $140,555,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Brookfield by 19.4% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,882,122 shares of the companys stock valued at $679,852,000 after purchasing an additional 1,770,378 shares in the last quarter. 61.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Brookfield alerts: Brookfield Trading Down 3.6% Shares of Brookfield stock opened at $43.82 on Friday. Brookfield Corporation has a twelve month low of $29.07 and a twelve month high of $49.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $46.59 and a 200-day moving average price of $45.73. The firm has a market cap of $107.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 88.82 and a beta of 1.57. Brookfield Increases Dividend Brookfield ( NYSE:BN Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.63 billion. Brookfield had a return on equity of 3.87% and a net margin of 1.74%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Brookfield Corporation will post 3.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a $0.07 dividend. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. This is a boost from Brookfields previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Brookfields payout ratio is 48.98%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have weighed in on BN shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Brookfield in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Brookfield from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 31st. Zacks Research upgraded Brookfield from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 19th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reissued an outperform rating and set a $52.00 price target (up from $50.67) on shares of Brookfield in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on Brookfield from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brookfield has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $54.59. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BN About Brookfield (Free Report) Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) is a global alternative asset manager that specializes in real assets. The company invests in and operates businesses across real estate, infrastructure, renewable power and energy, private equity and credit. Its activities span both ownership and active management of physical assets as well as the operation of investment funds and vehicles that provide institutional and retail investors access to longlived, cashgenerating assets. Brookfields services include asset management, direct investing, property development and the operation of infrastructure and energy businesses. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Comercial Portugues, S.A. (OTCMKTS:BPCGF Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 1,304,397 shares, a drop of 36.9% from the January 29th total of 2,065,906 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently days. Banco Comercial Portugues Stock Performance Banco Comercial Portugues stock remained flat at $0.96 during mid-day trading on Friday. Banco Comercial Portugues has a twelve month low of $0.50 and a twelve month high of $0.96. The companys 50 day moving average price is $0.96 and its 200-day moving average price is $0.92. Get Banco Comercial Portugues alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Banco Comercial Portugues in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold. About Banco Comercial Portugues (Get Free Report) Banco Comercial Portugues, SA operates as the largest private sector bank in Portugal, conducting a broad range of banking activities under the brand Millennium bcp. The bank serves individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporate clients through a network of branches, online channels and partner points of sale. Its core services include deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, payment cards and electronic banking. Founded in 1985 during the privatization of state-owned banking assets, Banco Comercial Portugues has expanded beyond its domestic market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Comercial Portugues Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Comercial Portugues and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 894,881 shares, an increase of 66.0% from the January 29th total of 539,088 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 262,309 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 262,309 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.4 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Santander Chile A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BSAC. TT International Asset Management LTD bought a new position in shares of Banco Santander Chile in the third quarter valued at approximately $24,685,000. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander Chile by 200.9% during the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 832,647 shares of the banks stock worth $22,065,000 after buying an additional 555,919 shares during the period. USS Investment Management Ltd grew its stake in Banco Santander Chile by 45.5% in the 4th quarter. USS Investment Management Ltd now owns 1,561,544 shares of the banks stock valued at $48,603,000 after buying an additional 488,676 shares during the last quarter. INCA Investments LLC raised its holdings in Banco Santander Chile by 48.8% in the 4th quarter. INCA Investments LLC now owns 1,064,274 shares of the banks stock worth $33,110,000 after acquiring an additional 349,082 shares during the period. Finally, Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in Banco Santander Chile by 221.0% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 271,827 shares of the banks stock worth $8,457,000 after acquiring an additional 187,151 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 6.42% of the companys stock. Get Banco Santander Chile alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Banco Santander Chile from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Banco Santander Chile from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. UBS Group raised their price target on Banco Santander Chile from $24.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco Santander Chile in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Citigroup downgraded Banco Santander Chile from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $27.67. Banco Santander Chile Stock Performance Banco Santander Chile stock traded down $1.18 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $33.89. 544,751 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 256,353. Banco Santander Chile has a 1-year low of $20.77 and a 1-year high of $37.72. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $34.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of $29.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.51. Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The bank reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $740.07 million during the quarter. Banco Santander Chile had a return on equity of 23.25% and a net margin of 24.57%. On average, equities analysts expect that Banco Santander Chile will post 2.07 EPS for the current year. Banco Santander Chile Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC) is one of the leading financial institutions in Chile and a key component of the global Santander Group. The bank offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services, including retail and commercial lending, deposit accounts, credit cards, wealth management, insurance products and corporate banking solutions. Headquartered in Santiago, it operates an extensive network of branches, ATMs and digital platforms to serve individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations across the country. Originally founded as Banco de Santiago in the late 1970s, the institution became part of the Santander Group following the privatization wave in Chile during the late 1980s. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SoundHound AI, Ambarella, Tempus AI, Hut 8, OneStream, Upstart, and BigBear.ai are the seven Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies that develop, sell, or heavily deploy AI technologies including software platforms, cloud services, semiconductor chips, and AI-driven applications. For investors, these stocks offer targeted exposure to the potential growth and disruption from AI but often carry higher volatility and company- or technology-specific risks tied to model performance, data access, competition, and regulation. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Ambarella (AMBA) Ambarella, Inc. develops semiconductor solutions that enable high-definition (HD) and ultra HD compression, image signal processing, and artificial intelligence processing worldwide. The company's system-on-a-chip designs integrated HD video processing, image processing, artificial intelligence computer vision algorithms, audio processing, and system functions onto a single chip for delivering video and image quality, differentiated functionality, and low power consumption. Read Our Latest Research Report on AMBA Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUT OneStream (OS) Read Our Latest Research Report on OS Upstart (UPST) Upstart Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform in the United States. Its platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans that connects consumer demand for loans to its to bank and credit unions. Read Our Latest Research Report on UPST BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Read Our Latest Research Report on BBAI Featured Stories Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Bank Of Montreal, and TC Energy are the five Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of companies incorporated in Canada or primarily listed on Canadian exchanges (for example the Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture, or Canadian Securities Exchange), representing an ownership stake in those firms. For investors, they provide direct exposure to the Canadian economy and sectors like financials, energy, and materials, and may be held via domestic listings or foreign listings/ADRs. Key considerations include Canadian-dollar currency risk, domestic regulatory and tax rules, and typical dividend and sector concentration characteristics. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Bank Of Montreal (BMO) Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products. Read Our Latest Research Report on BMO TC Energy (TRP) TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Energy Solutions. The company builds and operates a network of 93,600 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRP Featured Articles Shares of Silgan Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SLGN Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the ten analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $52.8750. A number of research firms have issued reports on SLGN. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Silgan from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Silgan in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Truist Financial set a $50.00 target price on Silgan and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Zacks Research raised Silgan from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a $56.00 price target (up from $47.00) on shares of Silgan in a report on Friday, February 6th. Get Silgan alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SLGN Silgan Stock Performance Shares of Silgan stock opened at $48.06 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 0.49 and a quick ratio of 0.31. The business has a 50-day moving average of $44.34 and a 200 day moving average of $42.91. Silgan has a 12 month low of $36.15 and a 12 month high of $57.04. Silgan (NYSE:SLGN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The industrial products company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.02. Silgan had a net margin of 4.45% and a return on equity of 17.94%. The business had revenue of $1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.46 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.85 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. Silgan has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.700-3.900 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.700-0.800 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Silgan will post 4.11 earnings per share for the current year. Silgan Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.21 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a positive change from Silgans previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. Silgans payout ratio is currently 29.74%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Swiss National Bank boosted its position in shares of Silgan by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 173,700 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $9,411,000 after purchasing an additional 8,100 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC lifted its stake in Silgan by 238.4% in the second quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC now owns 69,504 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,766,000 after buying an additional 48,967 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in shares of Silgan by 7.2% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 825,057 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,486,000 after acquiring an additional 55,288 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund grew its position in shares of Silgan by 26.9% during the second quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 186,194 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $10,088,000 after acquiring an additional 39,496 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Silgan by 11.4% in the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 647,323 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,072,000 after acquiring an additional 66,192 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.25% of the companys stock. Silgan Company Profile (Get Free Report) Silgan Holdings Inc (NYSE: SLGN) is a leading supplier of rigid packaging solutions for consumer goods manufacturers. The companys core business activities center on the design, production and distribution of metal and plastic containers, closures and dispense systems. Silgan serves a broad array of end markets, including food and beverage, home and personal care, health care and industrial products, providing both standard and custom packaging formats. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Silgan has grown organically and through strategic acquisitions to establish a global manufacturing footprint. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Silgan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Silgan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG Get Free Report) declared that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, February 26th, RTT News reports. The company plans to repurchase $10.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the energy company to repurchase up to 21.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Cheniere Energy Stock Up 1.3% Shares of LNG stock opened at $235.64 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.94, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $50.72 billion, a PE ratio of 9.70 and a beta of 0.27. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $207.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $216.34. Cheniere Energy has a fifty-two week low of $186.20 and a fifty-two week high of $246.42. Get Cheniere Energy alerts: Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The energy company reported $10.68 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.90 by $6.78. The firm had revenue of $5.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.48 billion. Cheniere Energy had a net margin of 26.68% and a return on equity of 33.56%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 22.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.33 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Cheniere Energy will post 11.69 earnings per share for the current year. Cheniere Energy Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Friday, February 6th were paid a dividend of $0.555 per share. This represents a $2.22 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 6th. Cheniere Energys payout ratio is presently 9.14%. A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on LNG shares. Morgan Stanley set a $236.00 price objective on Cheniere Energy and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $275.00 target price on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Cheniere Energy from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $266.00 target price on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research report on Friday, January 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $262.50. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LNG More Cheniere Energy News Here are the key news stories impacting Cheniere Energy this week: Positive Sentiment: Board authorizes a massive share buyback program management approved up to $10.0 billion in repurchases (about 21.1% of shares), a clear capital-return signal that typically supports the share price. Press Release Board authorizes a massive share buyback program management approved up to $10.0 billion in repurchases (about 21.1% of shares), a clear capital-return signal that typically supports the share price. Positive Sentiment: Strong 2025 operating and financial results: company reported record LNG exports, a large year-over-year revenue increase and robust quarterly earnings metrics that management highlighted in its 2025 results and guidance. These fundamentals underpin upgraded sentiment. Earnings Release Strong 2025 operating and financial results: company reported record LNG exports, a large year-over-year revenue increase and robust quarterly earnings metrics that management highlighted in its 2025 results and guidance. These fundamentals underpin upgraded sentiment. Positive Sentiment: Export and contract expansion: U.S. DOE approved a ~12% export increase at Corpus Christi and Cheniere signed long-term sales with CPC (extending contracted revenues), supporting longer-term cash flow visibility. Export Approval CPC Deal Export and contract expansion: U.S. DOE approved a ~12% export increase at Corpus Christi and Cheniere signed long-term sales with CPC (extending contracted revenues), supporting longer-term cash flow visibility. Positive Sentiment: Analyst bullishness: Barclays raised its price target to $271 (overweight) and TD Cowen raised its target to $255 (buy), reinforcing buy-side momentum. Analyst Coverage Analyst bullishness: Barclays raised its price target to $271 (overweight) and TD Cowen raised its target to $255 (buy), reinforcing buy-side momentum. Neutral Sentiment: Growth pipeline progressing: Cheniere has filed for a Stage 4 Corpus Christi expansion and is advancing Sabine Pass projects positive long-term capacity moves but subject to execution and multi-year timelines. Growth Plans Growth pipeline progressing: Cheniere has filed for a Stage 4 Corpus Christi expansion and is advancing Sabine Pass projects positive long-term capacity moves but subject to execution and multi-year timelines. Neutral Sentiment: Mixed headlines on quarterly metrics: some outlets flagged an EPS miss under certain measures while company releases showed strong adjusted results the GAAP vs. adjusted framing creates short-term noise for traders. Earnings Coverage Mixed headlines on quarterly metrics: some outlets flagged an EPS miss under certain measures while company releases showed strong adjusted results the GAAP vs. adjusted framing creates short-term noise for traders. Negative Sentiment: Tax-credit controversy: Reuters reported Cheniere received a $370M alternative fuel tax break for LNG used in tankers, which critics say was intended for much smaller vessels this could prompt regulatory scrutiny or reputational damage. Tax Break Story Cheniere Energy Company Profile Get Free Report) Cheniere Energy, Inc is a U.S.-based energy company that develops, owns and operates liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and markets LNG to global customers. The companys core activities include natural gas liquefaction, longterm and shortterm LNG sales and marketing, and the associated midstream services required to move gas from production basins to international markets. Cheniere focuses on converting domestic natural gas into LNG for export, providing a bridge between North American supply and overseas demand. Chenieres principal operating assets are large-scale LNG export terminals located on the U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cheniere Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cheniere Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The US and Israel struck Iran early Saturday morning in what President Trump said was a bid to destroy the country's nuclear program and potentially remove the current regime from power. The move triggered immediate retaliation and may provoke a wider conflict that poses serious risk for the oil markets. Trump said on Truth Social that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed, but did not provide further details. The Iranian government later confirmed the death. Futures on Brent crude (BZ=F), the international pricing benchmark, had jumped by roughly 2.9% to close above $72.80 on Friday, while those on US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude (CL=F) had moved up by a slightly smaller 2.8% to trade above $67 by Friday's close. Without signs of deescalation over the weekend, prices could surge upward by as much as $10 to $20 per barrel when the market reopens Sunday night, Jorge Leon, head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad Energy, told Yahoo Finance. "Given the scale of retaliation, most of the strategic initiative now lies with Iran," Leon said. "How Tehran chooses to respond over the next 24-72 hours especially toward energy infrastructure or regional shipping will be the primary driver of near-term oil market dynamics." Throughout Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched dozens of air strikes into the Iranian capital Tehran and other major cities across the country after what were seen as last-ditch talks between US and Iranian negotiators on Thursday ended with no deal. The Oman foreign minister, serving as mediator in the talks, said on Face the Nation Friday that he believed "progress" had been made and that a deal was within reach. Iran immediately retaliated against the US and Israeli strikes, launching missiles against both US military assets and infrastructure throughout other Gulf states such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, according to news reports from the region. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister claimed in a statement that its capital Riyadh and the country's oil-rich provinces in the east had been targeted. Kuwait's Kuwait International Airport, the UAE's Zayed International Airport in Riyadh, and the UAE's Dubai International Airport have all been targeted or directly struck. Iranian missile attacks have reportedly targeted U.S. military facilities throughout the Middle East, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and others in Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain, according to The New York Times. Inside Tehran, the US struck the compound that holds the Ayatollah Khamenei's primary residence, The New York Times reported. Wabash National (NYSE:WNC Get Free Report) and Miller Industries (NYSE:MLR Get Free Report) are both small-cap auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, earnings, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Institutional & Insider Ownership 97.1% of Wabash National shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.2% of Miller Industries shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.2% of Wabash National shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of Miller Industries shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Wabash National alerts: Risk & Volatility Wabash National has a beta of 1.67, indicating that its stock price is 67% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Miller Industries has a beta of 1.25, indicating that its stock price is 25% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wabash National 1 2 0 0 1.67 Miller Industries 0 2 1 0 2.33 This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Wabash National and Miller Industries, as reported by MarketBeat. Wabash National presently has a consensus price target of $10.00, indicating a potential downside of 1.34%. Miller Industries has a consensus price target of $55.00, indicating a potential upside of 31.01%. Given Miller Industries stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Miller Industries is more favorable than Wabash National. Profitability This table compares Wabash National and Miller Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wabash National 13.71% -22.79% -6.77% Miller Industries 3.59% 7.32% 4.76% Dividends Wabash National pays an annual dividend of $0.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Miller Industries pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Wabash National pays out 6.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Miller Industries pays out 30.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Miller Industries has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Wabash National is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Wabash National and Miller Industriess gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wabash National $1.54 billion 0.27 $211.45 million $4.87 2.08 Miller Industries $1.26 billion 0.38 $63.49 million $2.60 16.15 Wabash National has higher revenue and earnings than Miller Industries. Wabash National is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Miller Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Miller Industries beats Wabash National on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Wabash National (Get Free Report) Wabash National Corporation provides connected solutions for the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries primarily in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Transportation Solutions and Parts & Services. The Transportation Solutions segment designs and manufactures transportation-related equipment and products dry and refrigerated van trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers, and truck-mounted tanks; truck bodies for dry-freight transportation; cargo and cargo XL bodies for commercial applications; refrigerated truck bodies; platform truck bodies; and used trailers, as well as laminated hardwood oak flooring products. The Parts & Services segment provides aftermarket parts and services; steel flatbed bodies, truck body mounting, shelving for package delivery, partitions, roof racks, hitches, liftgates, thermal solutions, and others; truck body repair parts; and door repair and replacement, collision repair, and basic maintenance services. It also develops and scales a digital marketplace for the transportation and logistics distribution industry; operates a parts and services distribution platform; and stainless steel storage tanks and silos, mixers, and processors for the dairy, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, craft brewing, and biotech markets; trailers as a service; and composite products, including truck bodies, overhead doors, and other industrial application products, as well as used trailers. The company offers its products under the Wabash, DuraPlate, DuraPlateHD, DuraPlate AeroSkirt, and AeroSkirt CX brands, as well as EcoNex brand. It serves its products to truckload common carriers, leasing companies, private fleet carriers, less-than-truckload common carriers, and package carriers. Wabash National Corporation was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana. About Miller Industries (Get Free Report) Miller Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells towing and recovery equipment. The company offers wreckers that are used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment; and car carriers, which are specialized flat-bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms, which are used to transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment. It also provides transport trailers for moving various vehicles for auto auctions, car dealerships, leasing companies, and other similar operations. The company markets its products under the Century, Vulcan, Challenger, Holmes, Champion, Chevron, Eagle, Titan, Jige, and Boniface brands. Miller Industries, Inc. sells its products through independent distributors in North America, and Canada, Mexico; and through prime contractors to governmental entities. Miller Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Receive News & Ratings for Wabash National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wabash National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortune Minerals Limited (TSE:FT Get Free Report)s share price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$0.09 and traded as high as C$0.12. Fortune Minerals shares last traded at C$0.12, with a volume of 1,375,193 shares trading hands. Fortune Minerals Stock Down 4.2% The company has a market cap of C$67.27 million, a PE ratio of -5.75 and a beta of -1.84. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$0.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$0.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of -111.61. About Fortune Minerals (Get Free Report) Fortune Minerals Ltd is a Canadian mining and mine development company focused on developing the NICO Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth Copper Project in the Northwest Territories. The company plans to build a hydrometallurgical plant in southern Canada to process NICO metal concentrates. It also owns the satellite Sue-Dianne Copper-Silver-Gold Deposit located 25 km north of the NICO Project, which is a potential future source of incremental mill feed to extend the life. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fortune Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortune Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen ratings firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $255.9231. GWRE has been the topic of a number of research reports. Citizens Jmp restated a market outperform rating and issued a $281.00 price target on shares of Guidewire Software in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Wall Street Zen lowered Guidewire Software from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Guidewire Software in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Oppenheimer cut their price target on Guidewire Software from $300.00 to $250.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Guidewire Software from $250.00 to $210.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Get Guidewire Software alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Guidewire Software Guidewire Software Stock Up 1.0% Guidewire Software stock opened at $145.53 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $159.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $202.74. Guidewire Software has a 1-year low of $120.37 and a 1-year high of $272.60. The company has a market cap of $12.37 billion, a PE ratio of 138.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.37 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 3.48 and a quick ratio of 3.48. Guidewire Software (NYSE:GWRE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The technology company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.66. The firm had revenue of $332.64 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $316.62 million. Guidewire Software had a return on equity of 10.15% and a net margin of 7.23%.Guidewire Softwares revenue was up 26.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.43 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Guidewire Software will post 0.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Guidewire Software announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, January 8th that allows the company to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to buy up to 3.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Activity at Guidewire Software In other Guidewire Software news, CFO Jeffrey Elliott Cooper sold 216 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.87, for a total transaction of $39,067.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 72,753 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,158,835.11. This trade represents a 0.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Michael George Rosenbaum sold 1,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.50, for a total value of $150,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 229,543 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,807,646.50. This trade represents a 0.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 47,160 shares of company stock worth $8,917,644 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Guidewire Software A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GWRE. Advisors Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Guidewire Software in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Guidewire Software in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Guidewire Software during the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Guidewire Software during the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Guidewire Software during the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. About Guidewire Software (Get Free Report) Guidewire Software, Inc develops software products and cloud services for property and casualty (P&C) insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, the companys offerings are designed to help insurers manage the core functions of their businesspolicy administration, billing and claimswhile supporting digital engagement, analytics and operational modernization. Guidewires core product portfolio is commonly known as the InsuranceSuite, which includes PolicyCenter for policy administration, BillingCenter for billing and receivables, and ClaimCenter for claims management. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Guidewire Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guidewire Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF (NYSEARCA:ITDE Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 19,961 shares, a growth of 70.7% from the January 29th total of 11,695 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 13,897 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.4 days. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 13,897 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.4 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ITDE. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $53,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its stake in iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF by 2,054.5% during the third quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 2,607 shares of the companys stock worth $94,000 after buying an additional 2,486 shares in the last quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP increased its holdings in iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF by 38.4% in the 3rd quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 9,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,000 after buying an additional 2,496 shares during the period. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. Get iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF alerts: iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF Stock Down 0.2% iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF stock traded down $0.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $37.93. The company had a trading volume of 9,322 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,957. The firm has a market cap of $59.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.03 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a 50 day moving average of $37.16 and a 200-day moving average of $36.33. iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF has a 52 week low of $27.42 and a 52 week high of $38.24. About iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF The iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF USD (ITDE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in target date asset allocation. The fund is an actively managed fund-of-funds that invests in equity, fixed income, and money market ETFs using an asset allocation strategy that shifts exposure as the target retirement date approaches. The fund is intended for investors who anticipate retiring around 2045 ITDE was launched on Oct 17, 2023 and is issued by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares LifePath Target Date 2045 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Michael Hill International (ASX:MHJ) reported a stronger first half of FY26, with management pointing to improved execution across product, marketing, and operating discipline as the key drivers behind higher earnings and positive momentum in all three core markets. Get alerts: First-half performance driven by sales growth and operating leverage Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Waecker, presenting his first half-year results since joining in August 2025, said the group delivered profitable growth across Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Comparable EBIT for the half was $31 million, up 28.6% on the prior year, supported by revenue growth, a broadly flat gross margin, and stronger operating leverage. Market results: Canada leads, Australia improves, New Zealand returns to growth Chief Financial Officer Elodie Guillaumond said group revenue increased, while group same-store sales rose. Gross margin was, described as broadly in line with the prior period, with higher input costs (particularly gold and silver) offset by focused promotional activity and improved product mix, including strength in bridal, diamond fashion, and colored stones. Management highlighted improving momentum compared with the companys FY26 AGM trading update (which covered the first 16 weeks). For the full 26-week half: Canada : same-store sales grew 6.1% , which management described as another record performance. Segment revenue rose 6.2% to CAD 96 million , gross margin increased 70 basis points , and the network ended the half with 82 stores . : same-store sales grew , which management described as another record performance. Segment revenue rose , gross margin increased , and the network ended the half with . Australia (including Bevilles) : same-store sales increased 4.8% , an improvement from earlier in the period. Segment revenue rose 2.1% to AUD 209 million , gross margin increased 20 basis points , and the network ended with 160 stores , including 37 Bevilles locations. : same-store sales increased , an improvement from earlier in the period. Segment revenue rose , gross margin increased , and the network ended with , including locations. New Zealand: same-store sales increased 1.8%, returning to positive growth. Segment revenue rose 2.4% to NZD 62 million. Gross margin declined 60 basis points, which the company attributed largely to the deliberate introduction of more attractive price-point products that supported sales and gross profit growth. The network ended with 43 stores. Waecker also told investors that New Zealand is being managed with more market-specific nuance than in the past, rather than a homogenous approach across countries. In response to a question, he said New Zealand EBIT increased 1.6% to NZD 9.6 million, alongside top-line growth, as the market pulled different levers heading into Christmas. Product, store and supply chain initiatives Waecker said feedback from store teams and customers has been consistent: simplifying operations, staying close to the customer, and focusing on retail fundamentals drives performance. He said the group tightened product focus, sharpened go-to-market execution, and introduced more deliberate price point marketing to clarify opening, core, and premium ranges while supporting margin discipline. Management credited new collections and conceptsVermeil, Lume LAB., and the Earring Baras well as an expanded Pendant Bar range, as contributors to customer interest and in-store newness. The company also expanded curated Christmas gift sets, limited edition items, and novelty ranges to capture peak gifting demand. The company opened three flagship stores ahead of the Christmas period: Rundle Mall (Adelaide), Bondi Junction (Sydney), and Yorkdale (Toronto), each incorporating a new brand design and updated in-store customer experience. Operationally, the company highlighted the transition to a new New Zealand distribution center, which became operational early in the financial year. Waecker said around 70% of New Zealand customer orders now ship the same day, stores can be replenished daily, and replenishment frequency has increased approximately 25% to 40%. He also said a recent New Zealand stocktake produced a zero item and dollar variance, which he attributed to improved accuracy from the new approach. Balance sheet improvement, refinancing, and dividends Guillaumond said the group ended the half with net cash of AUD 20.7 million, an improvement of AUD 30.5 million versus the prior years closing net debt of AUD 9.8 million. She attributed the change to working capital initiatives, including improved supplier terms and a reduction in inventory of AUD 11.3 million to AUD 201.9 million. In Q&A, Guillaumond described a new arrangement with one supplier where the company pays for stock when it is sold and may be able to return unsold stock. She said the structure improves working capital, reduces inventory risk, and increases availability for customers. She noted it increased payables by around $10 million at the half, with the accounting benefit flowing through payables while inventory is still recognized on the balance sheet. The company also refinanced its existing debt facility for an additional two years with ANZ on improved margins and added CBA as a new lender. While the board did not declare an interim dividend, Guillaumond said returning to a sustainable and consistent dividend remains a priority, and the board intends to return to dividends at the full-year results, subject to trading conditions and the companys dividend policy. Second-half trading update and Investor Day Waecker said momentum continued into the second half. For the first eight weeks of H2, total group sales were up 4.5% and group same-store sales were up 6%. By market, same-store sales were up 6.5% in Australia, up 13% in Canada (local currency), and up 7.1% in New Zealand (local currency). On gross margin, management said precious metal prices remain a key variable to manage rather than an assumed drag, noting the company has levers including pricing, promotion, and portfolio mix. Waecker said the business is focused on maintaining and ideally growing margins and that, on average, changes in metal costs flow through cost of goods sold over roughly a year, reflecting the groups stock turn profile. The company will hold an Investor Day on Tuesday, 14 April 2026 at its global head office in Cannon Hill, Queensland, including a tour of the on-site Brisbane distribution center and manufacturing facility. Management said it was not planning to broadcast the event but will upload materials to the ASX and NZX. In response to questions about capital allocation and Bevilles growth targets, Waecker said Bevilles experienced softer trading in the first half but saw an inflection point in early December with improved execution and promotional clarity, alongside early signs of margin recovery. He said Bevilles has continued that momentum into the third quarter and is trading ahead of the group average in the first eight weeks of H2, with further details to be provided at Investor Day. About Michael Hill International (ASX:MHJ) Michael Hill International Limited owns and operates jewelry stores and provides related services in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The company offers rings, earrings, bracelets and bangles, necklaces and pendants, chains, watches, collections, and gifts, as well as birthstones. It also provides care plans and diamond warranty services. Michael Hill International Limited was founded in 1979 and is based in Cannon Hill, Australia. Recommended Stories PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:PSGTF Get Free Report) is projected to issue its results before the market opens on Monday, March 2nd. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of ($0.0174) per share and revenue of $585.7770 million for the quarter. PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Price Performance OTCMKTS PSGTF opened at $0.16 on Friday. PT Semen Indonesia has a 1-year low of $0.12 and a 1-year high of $0.20. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $0.16 and a 200-day moving average of $0.16. Get PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk alerts: About PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Get Free Report) PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS: PSGTF) is Indonesias largest cement manufacturer, specializing in the production and distribution of Portland cement, white cement, cement bags and clinker. Headquartered in Gresik, East Java, the company also markets ready-mix concrete, aggregates and other building materials through its Solusi Bangun Indonesia subsidiary. Its integrated operations cover quarrying, production, logistics and sales, serving both the public infrastructure and private construction sectors. Founded in 1957 following the nationalization of NV Semen Gresik, Semen Indonesia has expanded through organic capacity additions and strategic acquisitions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Free Report) from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report published on Thursday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage currently has $310.00 price target on the insurance providers stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on RNR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on RenaissanceRe from $303.00 to $329.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $303.00 target price on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Friday, December 5th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of RenaissanceRe from $277.00 to $313.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of RenaissanceRe from $281.00 to $306.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of RenaissanceRe from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, RenaissanceRe currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $310.27. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on RenaissanceRe RenaissanceRe Stock Up 1.3% NYSE RNR opened at $302.24 on Thursday. RenaissanceRe has a 12 month low of $219.00 and a 12 month high of $315.88. The company has a market capitalization of $13.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.33, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.24. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $285.71 and its 200 day simple moving average is $265.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 1.43. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The insurance provider reported $13.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.59 by $2.75. The company had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.73 billion. RenaissanceRe had a return on equity of 18.29% and a net margin of 20.88%.The firms revenue was up 29.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $8.06 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. RenaissanceRe Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. This is a positive change from RenaissanceRes previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. RenaissanceRes payout ratio is 2.82%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other RenaissanceRe news, EVP Robert Qutub sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $305.75, for a total value of $1,528,750.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 73,023 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,326,782.25. This represents a 6.41% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On RenaissanceRe A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd boosted its position in RenaissanceRe by 812.8% during the third quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 17,078 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,337,000 after purchasing an additional 15,207 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of RenaissanceRe in the third quarter worth $1,564,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of RenaissanceRe by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 334,326 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $81,208,000 after buying an additional 3,070 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its stake in RenaissanceRe by 207.2% in the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 41,871 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $10,539,000 after buying an additional 28,241 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 16.0% in the 3rd quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. now owns 119,240 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $30,279,000 after acquiring an additional 16,448 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.97% of the companys stock. About RenaissanceRe (Get Free Report) RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance solutions, specializing in property catastrophe, casualty, and specialty lines. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Bermuda, the company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RNR. With a focus on underwriting and risk assessment, RenaissanceRe offers tailored programs designed to help insurers and corporations manage exposure to natural disasters, liability claims, and other complex risks. The company operates through two primary segments: Reinsurance and Insurance. See Also Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, and Booking are the three Retail stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Retail stocks commonly refers to shares bought and sold by individual, noninstitutional investors as opposed to large institutional traders. The term is also used to describe stocks of companies in the retail sector (e.g., stores and ecommerce firms), with context determining which meaning applies. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Retail stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Amazon.com (AMZN) Amazon.com, Inc. engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, Echo, Ring, Blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content. Costco Wholesale (COST) Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. The company offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories. Read Our Latest Research Report on COST Booking (BKNG) Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands. Read Our Latest Research Report on BKNG Further Reading Scout24 (ETR:G24) reported preliminary full-year 2025 results that management described as another great year, highlighting double-digit growth across revenue, earnings, and cash flow alongside continued investment in AI and platform connectivity. On the call, CEO Ralf Weitz and CFO Dirk Schmelzer emphasized that growth was driven primarily by the companys B2B and B2C subscription businesses, while profitability improved through operating leverage and technology-driven efficiencies. Get alerts: Full-year results: revenue up 15% and margin expansion Scout24 said 2025 revenue rose 15% to EUR 649.6 million. Ordinary operating EBITDA increased 16.5% to EUR 405.7 million, with the ordinary operating EBITDA margin expanding by 100 basis points to 62.5%. Adjusted EPS rose 19.6% to EUR 3.47, while basic EPS increased to EUR 3.33 on net income of EUR 240 million. Schmelzer pointed to operating leverage and what he called disciplined cost growth while continuing to invest in product, AI, and acquisition integration. Operating expenses increased 9.6% in 2025, which management said was largely driven by consolidating recent acquisitions, while organic cost growth remained controlled. Cash generation remained a key theme. Operating cash flow rose 11% to EUR 284.8 million, and free cash flow increased 13% to EUR 253.1 million. The company said free cash flow conversion was 101% of adjusted net income and 62% of ordinary operating EBITDA. Segment performance: professional and private both deliver double-digit growth In the professional segment, Scout24 reported 2025 revenue of EUR 470.5 million, up 14.8%, driven by subscription growth of 15.4%. Average customers increased 5.7% to 26,027, and the company ended the year with 26,400 professional customers. ARPU increased 9.5% for the full year and accelerated further in Q4, Schmelzer said. Management said it completed over 5,000 migrations to its new membership model, bringing adoption to around 60% of the base, with particularly strong growth in the Bronze tier. Transaction enablement revenue rose 17.5%, supported by CRM expansion and M&A contributions, while overall lead demand was described as muted. Homeowner lead products grew 9% in 2025. Professional ordinary operating EBITDA rose 14.5% to EUR 292.9 million, with a full-year margin of 62.3% and a Q4 margin of 63.4%. Management said acquisition-related dilution was offset by operational improvements. In the private segment, revenue increased 14.5% to EUR 179 million, driven by subscription growth of 18.8% and strong PPA performance. The average customer base grew 14% year-over-year to about 507,000, while the company ended the year with 503.6 thousand subscribers. ARPU rose 4.2% for the year. Weitz said private subscriber growth moderated in Q4 due to normal year-end seasonality, softer rental demand, and the rollout of a new group-wide ERP system. In Q&A, Schmelzer quantified the ERP impact, saying investors should deduct around 2 percentage points in Q3 and put another 2 percentage points in Q4 for growth due to timing effects related to the order-to-cash module migration. He added that the migration was finished in Q4, with no spillover into Q1 2026. Private ordinary operating EBITDA increased 22.3% to EUR 112.8 million, and the margin expanded by 4 percentage points to 63%. Schmelzer said there was no reason for private margins to deteriorate, noting the business has scaled from 30%40% margins in the early product phase to professional margins. Strategy and AI: interconnectivity, proprietary data, and search innovation Weitz framed Scout24s positioning as an ecosystem rather than only a listing platform, citing more than EUR 400 million invested over the past years in its interconnectivity strategy. He said more than 10% of residential units are registered in the companys property hub, and around 25% of annual real estate transactions in Germany involve a Scout24 B2C subscription product. Management highlighted the rollout of AI across the user journey, including semantic and agentic experiences through HeyImmo and an ImmoScout24 app integration in ChatGPT. Weitz stressed that referral traffic from external LLMs remained insignificant, at 0.4% in December and below last years peak levels. On the OpenAI/ChatGPT app integration, Weitz said Scout24 does not pay for the app and described it as an API wrapper that lets users search Scout24s listings database, while proprietary data remains guarded behind lock and vaults. He said users must complete actions such as contacting on listings within Scout24s ecosystem. Scout24 also emphasized its agent software platform Propstack, describing it as cloud-based and embedded in agent workflows. Weitz said more than 30,000 AI actions have been executed within workflows and cited Voice to Listing reducing listing creation time by over 80%. He estimated Propstack market share in Germany at around 30% and growing, with an ambition to transform the product toward agentic AI that actively drives workflows. Market indicators and capital allocation Weitz said Scout24s Scout Transaction Momentum Index stood at 97, describing the residential transaction market as stabilized. Based on preliminary data, he said Germany recorded around 600,000 transactions in 2025, up 14% versus 2024. The companys listings index reached 146 in January, while approachable content grew to 17 million objects. On balance sheet and shareholder returns, Scout24 ended 2025 with net debt of EUR 144.5 million, a leverage ratio of 0.36x. The company returned capital through EUR 124.3 million of share buybacks and EUR 95.4 million of dividends in 2025. In Q&A, Schmelzer referenced a EUR 500 million buyback program announced in December and said the first EUR 100 million tranche began in early January, with roughly EUR 50 million already completed at the time of the call. He added management continued to discuss additional buyback programs and believes intrinsic value is higher than the current share price. 2026 outlook: higher growth with Spain contribution, margin expected up to 61% For 2026, Scout24 guided to 16%18% revenue growth and an ordinary operating EBITDA margin of up to 61%. Schmelzer said 6 to 7 percentage points of revenue growth are expected to come from Spain, reflecting roughly 10 months of contribution, with the company expecting to close the transaction tomorrow. Excluding Spain, Scout24 guided to an organic ordinary operating EBITDA margin of up to 64%. Management said the implied margin contribution from Spain includes one-off transition-related costs such as TSA arrangements recorded in operating expenses, which are expected to unwind from 2027. Schmelzer also said Spains advertising revenue mix (around 10% of revenue) is expected to be reduced toward Germanys level (below 2%), which he said could impact 2026 by about EUR 5 million6 million. The company also flagged phasing effects: B2B membership started 2026 strongly with lower churn, while B2C growth could be softer in Q1 as Scout24 tests new product tiering and pricing initiatives, with acceleration expected from Q2. Scout24s next Capital Markets Day is scheduled for May 12, 2026, where it plans to provide updated midterm targets for 20272029 and higher margin ambition. Schmelzer said the call was his final earnings call after more than six years as CFO, with Weitz thanking him for his contributions to margin expansion and cash generation. About Scout24 (ETR:G24) Scout24 SE operates ImmoScout24, a digital platform for the residential and commercial real estate sectors in Germany and internationally. The company offers Realtor Lead Engine and Immoverkauf24 products for selling real estate; Mortgage Lead Engine, a mortgage financing product under the pay-per-lead model; mortgage and real estate financing advisory services; FLOWFACT and Propstack, which are CRM software solutions for real estate agents; and TenantPlus that provides rental properties. In addition, it offers BuyerPlus for users looking to buy properties; LivingPlus provides coverage and support for tenant protection; and LettingPlus, a cloud-based software solution. Featured Articles Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF (NYSEARCA:IOPP Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 2,023 shares, a drop of 30.0% from the January 29th total of 2,892 shares. Currently, 0.6% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 1,782 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,782 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Currently, 0.6% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF Price Performance IOPP traded down $0.22 during trading on Friday, hitting $26.28. 2,416 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,952. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $26.68 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.12. Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF has a twelve month low of $22.85 and a twelve month high of $28.40. The company has a market cap of $8.41 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.40 and a beta of -0.13. Get Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF alerts: Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles The Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF (IOPP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund is an actively managed ETF that invests in Indian equity securities of any market capitalization. The fund targets companies that are expected to benefit from the broad themes capturing Indias growth story. IOPP was launched on Mar 4, 2024 and is issued by Simplify. Receive News & Ratings for Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Simplify Tara India Opportunities ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge. Why Vontier Stock Is Drawing Fresh Attention Vontier (VNT) is back on investors screens after a period of relatively steady trading, with recent returns over the past month and past 3 months prompting a closer look at the mobility solutions group. See our latest analysis for Vontier. The recent 10.9% 1 month share price return has added to Vontiers 12.8% 3 month share price gain, while the 1 year total shareholder return of 9.9% points to a solid multi year track record. If Vontiers move has you looking across the mobility and infrastructure space, it could be worth scanning our screener of 23 power grid technology and infrastructure stocks as another way to find potential ideas. With Vontier trading at US$40.92 against an analyst price target of US$49 and an estimated intrinsic value implying a 38.5% discount, you have to ask: is there a genuine opening here, or is the market already pricing in future growth? Most Popular Narrative: 24.3% Undervalued According to the most followed valuation narrative, Vontiers fair value sits at $54.08, comfortably above the last close at $40.92, which naturally raises questions about what is built into that gap. Vontier has inherited a proven business system of disciplined capital allocation and continuous improvement from its former parent companies, Danaher and Fortive. u The spinoff from Fortive will allow Vontier to redeploy capital to its business, as its former parent invested less than 5% of its total M&A capital in Vontier. Read the complete narrative. This narrative, built by julio, leans heavily on a specific mix of revenue growth expectations, margin assumptions and a future earnings multiple that is usually reserved for higher rated compounders. If you are curious which of those levers does most of the heavy lifting in reaching a $54.08 fair value against a $40.92 share price, and how sensitive that result is to small changes in those inputs, the full narrative lays out the numbers in detail for you to judge. Result: Fair Value of $54.08 (UNDERVALUED) Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts. However, sluggish core revenue growth and the risk that electric vehicles reduce demand for retail fueling could both challenge the underpriced story if these trends accelerate. Find out about the key risks to this Vontier narrative. Next Steps With both risks and rewards in the mix, does the story so far feel one sided to you, or more balanced and nuanced? If you want to move quickly and shape your own view based on the full risk and reward picture, take a look at the 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs. Solventum (NYSE:SOLV) executives said the company ended fiscal 2025 with solid momentum in its first full year as a standalone public company, pointing to improved organic sales growth, continued separation progress from 3M, and portfolio actions that included the sale of its Purification & Filtration (P&F) business and the tuck-in acquisition of Acera Surgical. Get alerts: Strategic progress and portfolio actions Chief Executive Officer Bryan Hanson said the company launched its long-range plan in 2025 and prioritized five growth drivers expected to deliver more than 80% of future growth. He also highlighted leadership team upgrades, a revamped innovation process, a restructuring of the global sales organization, and a SKU rationalization initiative. Hanson added that Solventum advanced its portfolio strategy through the sale of P&F and the acquisition of Acera, while continuing separation work from 3M. During the quarter, Solventum announced and closed its acquisition of Acera Surgical, which Hanson said opens access to the fast growth synthetic tissue market and complements Solventums existing technology categories and customer call points. He said portfolio optimization will remain a key lever, with the company continuing to evaluate acquisitions and assess existing assets for strategic fit. Management also emphasized a shift toward a more balanced capital allocation plan. In the quarter, Solventum announced a $1 billion share repurchase program, which it began executing in January. CFO Wayde McMillan said a key objective is offsetting dilution from stock-based compensation, with flexibility to repurchase additional shares depending on performance and board decisions. Fourth-quarter results: growth led by MedSurg and Dental McMillan said fourth-quarter sales were $2.0 billion, up 3.5% organically year-over-year but down 3.7% on a reported basis, reflecting the first full-quarter impact of the P&F divestiture, which was sold in September 2025. Foreign exchange provided a 170-basis-point benefit to reported growth, while the net impact of the P&F divestiture and the Acera acquisition was an 890-basis-point headwind to reported growth. Volume was described as the main driver of growth, with pricing within the expected range of 1%. The SKU rationalization program represented a 70-basis-point impact in the quarter, bringing the full-year impact to 60 basis points, according to McMillan. By segment: MedSurg sales were $1.2 billion, up 3.2% organically. Advanced wound care grew 1.7%, with growth in negative pressure wound therapy partially offset by headwinds in advanced wound dressings tied to SKU exits and back orders. Infection prevention and surgical solutions grew 4.2%, driven by business strength and supported by the sterilization assurance and IV site management growth drivers, partially offset by volume timing reversal and SKU rationalization impacts. sales were $1.2 billion, up 3.2% organically. Advanced wound care grew 1.7%, with growth in negative pressure wound therapy partially offset by headwinds in advanced wound dressings tied to SKU exits and back orders. Infection prevention and surgical solutions grew 4.2%, driven by business strength and supported by the sterilization assurance and IV site management growth drivers, partially offset by volume timing reversal and SKU rationalization impacts. Dental Solutions sales were $343 million, up 5.9% organically. McMillan said growth was driven by core restoratives and benefited from further backorder improvement; on a normalized basis, dental growth was closer to 3%. Hanson attributed dental momentum primarily to new products, with backorder recovery also boosting results but characterized as more of a one-time benefit. sales were $343 million, up 5.9% organically. McMillan said growth was driven by core restoratives and benefited from further backorder improvement; on a normalized basis, dental growth was closer to 3%. Hanson attributed dental momentum primarily to new products, with backorder recovery also boosting results but characterized as more of a one-time benefit. Health Information Systems (HIS) sales were $348 million, up 3.2% organically, driven by revenue cycle management and performance management solutions, offsetting expected declines in clinician productivity solutions. Margins, tariffs, and one-time gross margin pressures Solventum reported gross margin of 53.5% of sales, a 230-basis-point sequential decline. McMillan attributed the drop to higher logistics costs and the timing of manufacturing performance, with higher logistics costs mainly driven by ERP and distribution center cutover mitigation efforts. He said gross margin was closer to 55% on a normalized basis. In response to analyst questions, McMillan said approximately 150 basis points of fourth-quarter gross margin costs were one time in nature, driven by separation-related activity. Adjusted operating income was $397 million, translating to a 19.9% operating margin, which was below expectations due to gross margin headwinds, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Below the line, net interest expense and other non-operating spending improved versus the third quarter, driven by a $30 million reduction in interest expense and higher interest income. McMillan attributed that to the full-quarter benefit of the P&F divestiture, which enabled a $2.7 billion debt paydown and resulted in a higher cash balance. The effective tax rate was 16.6%, helped by an end-of-year release of tax reserves and favorable geographic mix. The company reported earnings per share of $1.57 (non-GAAP basis as discussed on the call). Solventum ended the quarter with just under $900 million in cash and equivalents and net debt of $4.2 billion, including funding for the $725 million Acera acquisition. Cash flow was $33 million, below expectations due to higher divestiture costs, the earlier-than-expected Acera close, and costs tied to ERP and distribution center cutovers. Separation update and 2026 outlook McMillan said separation activities are progressing well. Solventum has exited more than 40% of transition service agreements (TSAs) from 3M and remains on track to exit about 90% by the end of 2026. ERP deployments are continuing, with the latest go-live across Asia Pacific (including China) and additional European countries, and the company has transitioned about half of more than 1,000 systems to gain independence from 3M. Solventum also reduced its distribution center network to 55 locations, progressing toward a goal of 45. For 2026, Solventum guided to: Organic sales growth: 2% to 3% (3% to 4% excluding an estimated 100-basis-point impact from SKU exits). Management said Acera is expected to contribute meaningfully to reported growth, and foreign exchange is expected to provide a modest 100-basis-point tailwind, mostly in the first half. 2% to 3% (3% to 4% excluding an estimated 100-basis-point impact from SKU exits). Management said Acera is expected to contribute meaningfully to reported growth, and foreign exchange is expected to provide a modest 100-basis-point tailwind, mostly in the first half. Operating margin: 21% to 21.5%, up from 20.5% in 2025, driven by sales leverage, supply chain savings, and the Transform for the Future program. 21% to 21.5%, up from 20.5% in 2025, driven by sales leverage, supply chain savings, and the Transform for the Future program. Earnings per share: $6.40 to $6.60. $6.40 to $6.60. Free cash flow: approximately $200 million (closer to $1 billion excluding separation-related costs, payments due to 3M, and costs supporting the divestiture). McMillan said tariff impacts in place before a recent Supreme Court ruling were estimated at $100 million to $120 million for 2026, and the company is assuming any new tariffs would be within a similar range. Management cautioned that the first quarter of 2026 will face a tough comparison due to approximately 180 basis points of additional sales volume benefit in the prior year. McMillan also said operating margin is expected to be the lowest of the year in Q1 due to normal seasonality in gross margins, tariff headwinds, and higher operating expenses versus an unnaturally low Q4 level that benefited from project timing and cost actions. About Solventum (NYSE:SOLV) Solventum Corporation, a healthcare company, engages in the developing, manufacturing, and commercializing a portfolio of solutions to address critical customer and patient needs. It operates through four segments: Medsurg, Dental Solutions, Health Information Systems, and Purification and Filtration. The Medsurg segment is a provider of solutions including advanced wound care, I.V. site management, sterilization assurance, temperature management, surgical supplies, stethoscopes, and medical electrodes. Recommended Stories TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX) reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results that management said were well above expectations, citing broad-based comparable sales growth, improved margins, and continued customer traffic gains across most banners. Executives also outlined fiscal 2027 guidance calling for steady comp growth, continued merchandise margin improvement, and ongoing investment in new stores and remodels, while noting they are monitoring a shifting tariff environment. Get alerts: Q4 results topped internal expectations CEO Ernie Herrman said the company delivered an excellent quarter, with sales, profitability, and earnings per share above plan. On an adjusted basis (excluding the net impact of a litigation settlement related to credit card interchange fees and associated expenses), CFO John described Q4 performance as follows: Net sales: $17.7 billion, up 9% year over year $17.7 billion, up 9% year over year Comparable sales: up 5%, on top of a 5% comp in the prior-year quarter up 5%, on top of a 5% comp in the prior-year quarter Adjusted pre-tax profit margin: 12.2%, up 60 basis points from 11.6% 12.2%, up 60 basis points from 11.6% Adjusted gross margin: 31.1%, up 60 basis points from 30.5% 31.1%, up 60 basis points from 30.5% Adjusted SG&A: 19.1% of sales versus 19.2% last year 19.1% of sales versus 19.2% last year Adjusted diluted EPS: $1.43, up 16% from $1.23 Traffic and basket trends, pricing, and customer response John said results benefited primarily from lower shrink and expense leverage on above-plan sales, partially offset by higher incentive compensation accruals. He also noted that comp sales were trending higher before winter storms in North America late in the quarter, with sales picking up again after the storms passed. Management said the Q4 comp was driven by both a higher average basket and an increase in customer transactions. John added that transactions were up across divisions in the quarter, with the exception of HomeGoods, where transactions were essentially flat in Q4; he said HomeGoods transactions had been running up prior to the late-quarter storms. On pricing actions and higher ticket prices, Herrman said changes have been selective and tied to maintaining a value gap versus competitors. He also pointed to mix as a factor, citing more better goods at higher prices at Marmaxx in Q4. Herrman said the company has not seen negative customer reaction and that customer surveys indicated value perception actually improved over the last six months. Executives also said Q4 performance was balanced across income demographics, noting similar comps above and below $100,000 income in the U.S. Full-year performance: sales surpass $60 billion milestone For the full year, TJX reported net sales of $60.4 billion on an adjusted basis, up 7% year over year, with comps up 5%. Herrman highlighted surpassing $60 billion in annual sales as a milestone and said the company believes it attracted new shoppers in every country where it operates. John said full-year adjusted profitability also improved: Adjusted pre-tax profit margin: 11.7% versus 11.5% last year 11.7% versus 11.5% last year Adjusted gross margin: 31.0% versus 30.6% last year, including a 20-basis-point benefit from shrink favorability 31.0% versus 30.6% last year, including a 20-basis-point benefit from shrink favorability Adjusted SG&A: 19.5% versus 19.4% last year 19.5% versus 19.4% last year Adjusted diluted EPS: $4.73 versus $4.26 last year Executives emphasized shrink improvement, with John saying shrink is essentially back to pre-COVID levels after two consecutive years of 20-basis-point improvements. He said the company is not taking the foot off the gas on shrink, but suggested future gains may be smaller now that performance has returned near prior levels. Inventory rose 14% on the balance sheet, with inventory per store up 10%, but management said it feels great about inventory levels given excellent availability in the marketplace. Divisional highlights: HomeGoods tops $10 billion and international expansion continues Herrman said every division posted comp sales growth of 4% or better for the year and attracted new shoppers. He provided the following divisional updates: Marmaxx: Full-year sales of $36.6 billion; comp sales up 4% with strength in apparel and home; adjusted segment profit margin of 14.4%. Full-year sales of $36.6 billion; comp sales up 4% with strength in apparel and home; adjusted segment profit margin of 14.4%. HomeGoods: Annual sales surpassed $10 billion; comps up 5%; 27 stores opened; adjusted segment profit margin of 12%. Executives said HomeGoods benefited from sales leverage, merchandise margin improvement, freight favorability, shrink, and operational efficiencies. Annual sales surpassed $10 billion; comps up 5%; 27 stores opened; adjusted segment profit margin of 12%. Executives said HomeGoods benefited from sales leverage, merchandise margin improvement, freight favorability, shrink, and operational efficiencies. TJX Canada: Sales of $5.6 billion; comps up 7%; constant-currency adjusted segment profit margin of 13.8%. Sales of $5.6 billion; comps up 7%; constant-currency adjusted segment profit margin of 13.8%. TJX International: Sales of $8.0 billion; comps up 4% with strength in Europe and Australia; constant-currency adjusted segment profit margin improved to 7.3%. Herrman said the company expects to open its first stores in Spain in the spring. Herrman also discussed the companys joint venture in Mexico and minority investment in the Middle East, saying the Mexico business has made progress in merchandising and Brands For Less stores in the Middle East continue to perform well with plans for additional store openings. Fiscal 2027 outlook: steady comps, store growth, and shareholder returns Looking ahead, John guided to fiscal 2027 comp sales growth of 2% to 3% and sales of $62.7 billion to $63.3 billion, up 4% to 5%. The company expects pre-tax profit margin of 11.7% to 11.8% and gross margin of 31.1% to 31.2%, driven by an expected increase in merchandise margin. Full-year diluted EPS is projected at $4.93 to $5.02. Management said it is evaluating the potential impact of a recent ruling on tariffs and monitoring the changing tariff environment, but the companys full-year guidance assumes it will be able to offset tariff pressure. For Q1, TJX expects comps up 2% to 3%, sales of $13.8 billion to $13.9 billion, and diluted EPS of $0.97 to $0.99. The company forecast Q1 gross margin improvement driven by favorable inventory hedge comparisons and higher merchandise margin, while SG&A is expected to be higher as a percent of sales due primarily to incremental store wage and payroll costs. On capital allocation, John said TJX plans capital expenditures of $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion and expects to add 146 net new stores in fiscal 2027, with about 540 remodels and approximately 40 relocations. He also said the company expects its board to increase the quarterly dividend by 13% to $0.48 per share and plans to repurchase $2.5 billion to $2.75 billion of stock in fiscal 2027. About TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX) TJX Companies, Inc is a leading off-price retailer of apparel, footwear, home fashions and other consumer goods. The company operates multiple retail concepts that offer discounted brand-name and designer merchandise, including well-known banners such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States, HomeGoods for home furnishings, TK Maxx in parts of Europe, and Winners and Homesense in Canada. Merchandise categories span womens, mens and childrens apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor, kitchenware and small furniture, with frequent changes in assortment that create a treasure-hunt shopping experience for consumers. The companys business model centers on opportunistic buying, purchasing excess, irregular or out-of-season inventory from manufacturers, department stores and other suppliers, and passing savings to customers through lower prices. Featured Articles Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT) is one of the Best Value Penny Stocks to Buy Now. Wall Street has maintained a cautious stance on Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT) since the companys fiscal Q3 2026 earnings. The company missed revenue estimates during the quarter. Recently, on February 24, Akshat Agarwal from Jefferies maintained a Sell rating on Wipro Limited with a price target of INR180. Earlier on February 20, Geojit Research maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a price target of INR227. During the fiscal third quarter, Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT posted $2.62 billion in revenue, reflecting 0.6% year-over-year growth, but fell short of the expectations by $7.73 million. The EPS of $0.04 stayed in line with the consensus. Management noted that the quarterly performance was broad-based, with three of its top four markets posting gains, along with four of its top five sectors also posting growth. Jim Cramer Discusses Salesforce (CRM) Stock During the quarter, Wipros Americas 1 delivered subsequent growth driven by strong performance in health care, consumer, and LATAM. However, Americas 2 witnessed a subsequent decline. On the bright side, Europe saw growth in the fiscal third quarter, led by a ramp-up from the companys mega deal. Notably, the company closed $3.3 billion in total contract value and $871 million in large deal bookings. Looking ahead, management expects fiscal Q4 2026 revenue in the range of $2.64 billion to $2.69 billion, representing 0% to 2.0% subsequent growth in constant currency terms. Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT) is a leading global information technology (IT), consulting, and business process services (BPS) company. It provides services such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital transformation to clients across 65 countries. While we acknowledge the potential of WIT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the worst of them all? If the question is about Roman emperors, many historians would say it is the narcissistic Nero. He demanded flattery, renamed institutions after himself, built a gold-leafed palace, installed a 100-foot statute of himself and wanted to rename Rome Neropolis. Clarifying that ancient Rome is not modern US and Neros extreme actions are incomparable, several western analysts are likening Donald Trump to Nero. It is Neroesque when Trump expects applause after his rambling infantile, self-praising jokes. He transformed the dignified Oval Office into a gaudy, gilt-and-gold bling den, demolished a White House wing to construct an ornate ballroom and is renaming institutions and airports after him. Its not hard to imagine a Trumpolis. Trump and Nero are erratic and grandiose, but these are minor examples compared to their egregious actions. The pain and chaos caused by Trumps caprice, bullying, abuse and vendetta provoke commentators to see Nero in him. Polish parliamentarian Wodzimierz Czarzasty warned Trump: The times when Nero, under threat of punishment, demanded recognition for his musical talents have been regarded as the beginning of the decline of the Roman empire. Republican donor and hedge fund manager Ken Griffin said the Trump administrations decisions have been very, very enrichingfor his own family. Donald Trump | AFP Backlash brews. British journalist Gideon Rachman writes, As Trumps behaviour becomes more and more indefensible, a genuine backlash is finally under way and is steadily increasing the chance that his presidency will ultimately be seen as a grotesque aberrationrather than a lasting shift. Several democraciesincluding India during the Emergencyhave faced authoritarianism, ended finally by voters. The descent into autocracy can lead to civil war and repression. It can also be reversed and the character of the nation restored. Faced with backlash, Trump habitually denies, doubles-down and defames. Trumps temper tantrum, following the supreme court ruling against his tariffs, showcased his stark them-against-me world view where critics are traitors and supporters genius. Judges who opposed him are fools and lapdogs, unpatriotic and disloyal while those who filed the lawsuit against him foreign-centric sleazebags. In fury, he slapped an additional 15 per cent global tariff under a different legal clause. The world does not believe his bombast, but Trump himself does. Spawned by distortions and false beliefs, his fantasies endanger the world. He believes his landslide victory and the US stock market rise to 70,000, grant him supranational powers. I can destroy the trade; I can destroy the country, he thundered. He is America. And those who thwart himthe treacherous court, congress, citizensdisgraced the nation. He would have us believe that the opponents ganging up against him stifle his better instincts. I want to be a good boy, he complains. Trump is no Jacob Blivens in Mark Twains The Story of the Good Little Boy. Blivens was caring, righteous and never told lies. Experts say the US decline is an overstatement, given its powerful military, economy and democratic pillars. Nero killed his mother and wives, though modern historians believe some stories are exaggerated. But his successors buried his gigantic palace, reclaiming the 200 acres for public use. More apt is comparing Trump to 18-year-old Commodus who became Roman emperor 100 years after Nero. Says American scholar Robert Denham, Trump and Commodus represent a structural flaw. The ancient Roman imperial system and the current American monarchical executive and personalised party allowed inexperienced immature men to gain near-absolute power with semi-divine status. But there is a difference. He adds, Trump is an old, immature man. Pratap is an author and journalist. MY MONOGRAM IS PM, and the M could rightfully be Mumbaikar. It could also be Maximum, as a tribute to the metropolis where I was born. So, when Chief of Bureau (Mumbai) Dnyanesh V. Jathar told us all about the Third Mumbai proposal, the article instantly had my vote. After Navi Mumbai, this will be the biggest infrastructural push. In an interview, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told Dnyanesh that Third Mumbai will initially attract investment worth Rs15 lakh crore. The city will cover 575sqkm, making it larger than Pune. Fadnavis also left a teaser that there will be a Fourth Mumbai linked to Vadhavan Port. Travel in Mumbai has always been a challenge, and journalist Anil Singh calls it an extreme sport which requires the guts of a gladiator and the nimbleness of a gymnast. I think Singh is being mellow! CIDCO Managing Director Vijay Singhal told Dnyanesh that Third Mumbai will outsize Maximum City as it stands. Representative Image | CIDCO The original Mumbai itself has changed beyond my wildest dreams, and it barely resembles the city I knew as a child. Third Mumbai will come up in a region known to us as the Kolaba district, later renamed Raigad district in the 1980s. Though I moved out of Mumbai half a century ago, the city has stayed with me as a quiet presence in every official document. And like every other Mumbaikar, I have always wished it well. With Third Mumbai set to host multiple Global Capability Centres, we should expect the AI era of tech to be in full flow there. Our coverage of the India AI Impact Summit continues with Senior Assistant Editor K. Sunil Thomas taking stock of the event. Sunil also interviewed Anne Neuberger, former US deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology. AI is a strong thread running through Chief of Bureau (Delhi) Namrata Biji Ahujas interview with Richard Rossow, a senior adviser at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Interestingly, there is more AI in Special Correspondent K. Vijaya Bhaskara Reddys article on how Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams are harnessing the technology for pilgrim welfare. An article by Senior Correspondent Shubhangi Shah looks at the Delhi state governments promise of a cleaner Yamuna. She feels that there is a mismatch between promises and performance. For the closing note, I am heading home. Kerala is soon set to become Keralam, after the Union Cabinet cleared the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu will now send it to the state assembly for its views. Last week, I closed with a Shashi Tharoor quote. Yesterday, he made a wisecrack about the renaming of Kerala. What will the residents be called now, he wonders. Keralamites? He said that sounds odd. Keralamans? Well, that sounds too skewed to one sex. Malayalis should do, shouldnt it, Shashi? Most Indians wouldnt have heard of Vanuatu. That applies to a Supreme Court judge, too. Not a matter of concern, though advisable for them to get copies of the Manorama Yearbook; it names its president and PM. While hearing a Vanuatu mans appeal over a bail order, Justice Sandeep Mehta exclaimed: There is no country like that. This country is like Kailasa, referring to the fictitious island-republic where fake godman Nithyananda has fled with his bhakts and wealth. No surprise in India where a high court judge, M.C. Sharma (now retired, thank God!) of Rajasthan, said peacocks dont procreate through sex; instead peahens get pregnant by drinking the tears shed by peacocks. Considering that this entire act ought to be performed without glycerin which peacocks have no access to, the fowls would need several moments of melancholy before procreation begins. Lucky we, who procreate in pleasure, not pathos. Former PM of Vanuatu Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau greeting PM Modi; also seen is James Marape, PM of Papua New Guinea | PIB Lets veer back to Vanuatu. The judge was unaware of the real Vanuatu, a Commonwealth country (earlier New Hebrides) that got freedom in 1980 from an Anglo-French joint rule, and is a UN member. The honble judge was also unaware that a brother judge had only a year ago delivered a milestone constitutional judgment about governors powers in which an order of the Vanuatu supreme court was touched on. As a common law country, Vanuatus SC judgments have as much precedent value in Indian constitutional courts as do the judgments of the English, Australian, Canadian or US apex courts. Justice Pardiwala had quoted Australian constitutional lawyer Anne Twomeys contention that where a constitution is prescriptive, and a constitutional breach is involved, a court is more likely to hold the breach to be a justiciable issue, even if it relates to the grant of assent to a bill. She had referred to the opinion of Millhouse, J. in Constitutional Reference No 1 of 2008 reported in [2009] 1 LRC 453, which held that where a country has a written constitution, the courts always have the jurisdiction to remedy breaches of the constitution. The said decision was also accepted by the Court of Appeal of Vanuatu in Republic of Vanuatu v Carcasses which held that while a court will not otherwise inquire into or adjudicate upon issues arising in Parliament, it would be empowered to interpret and determine whether there has been a breach of a constitutional right. Carcasses, by the way, doesnt refer to any cadaver material, but to Vanuatus former prime minister Moana Carcasses who, in a one-year stint from March 2013, indulged in several acts of corruption, but also aided the advancement of constitutional law by triggering many a legal battle over the legitimacy of his government and parliamentary actions. The lands apex court had to adjudicate them for the benefit of the rule of law in Vanuatu, which also would help further the cause of judicial scrutiny in common law countries like India. Otherwise, Vanuatu was in the news for all the wrong reasons last year. IPL fugitive Lalit Modi paid a crore or more to get a golden citizenship in the tax haven isle only to be revoked a month later by their current law-abiding PM with whom India has a healthy bond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his delegates during a 2023 visit to neighbouring Papua New Guinea, and offered them and other isle states sea ambulances, dialysis units, generic drugs, and cyber training to their techies. Later, in January 2025, he sent Vanuatu a relief cheque of $500,000 when the isles were hit by a deadly earthquake. How sad! Fugitives from law know Vanuatu; not one of our lords of law! Wisconsin drivers for a Walmart grocery delivery program will receive over $600,000 as part of a settlement the retail giant agreed to with multiple states and a federal agency. The Wisconsin Department of Justice announced the settlement on Feb. 27, saying it came following allegations that Walmart misrepresented payments to drivers, including withholding portions of tips and changing pay after orders were accepted. Wisconsin was one of 11 states, along with the Federal Trade Commission, that sued Walmart. In total, the settlement is for $100 million. The settlement includes other stipulations. Walmart must give annual drivers' pay reports to the Federal Trade Commission for 10 years, and the company cannot modify orders following a driver's acceptance or misrepresent the earnings from a delivery. "People deserve to get honest information about what theyll be paid," said Attorney General Josh Kaul in the news release. Walmart's program is called Spark Driver, and it pays people to deliver groceries and other goods to customers. The DOJ's news release said the program has nearly one million drivers, who have made 272 million deliveries. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin DOJ announces settlement for Walmart delivery program drivers Intelligence reports indicated that Iran was planning to use its ballistic missiles either preemptively or simultaneously with any US action; this convinced Donald Trump to authorise the joint action with Israel on Saturday, reports said. In light of Iran's willingness to strike simultaneously, it was considered better to hit them when they least expected itand it worked. ALSO READ | Who is Iran's Ali Larijani? After Khamenei's death, Israel-US axis wants his possible successor killed| 5 POINTS Trump was not willing to take any chances with a preemptive strike from Tehran, as it would risk the lives of US service personnel across the Middle East. The POTUS was not willing to let his forces await barrages of ballistic missiles arriving at their positionspinning their hopes on air defence systems to save themand decided to act, The Times of Israel quoted a senior US official as revealing on condition of anonymity. Thus, Operation Epic Fury was launched as a defensive step to ensure Iran was not capable of a preemptive strike of any degree against US forces. The operation "hit the snake in the head," taking out Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. ALSO READ | Khameneis death leaves power vacuum in Iran. Who are the potential successors? Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour were killed alongside many other high-ranking officials. The decision has undoubtedly helped to reduce the potential loss of life and damage suffered on the US side, The Times of Israel quoted the official as saying. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India He added that had Trump not given the go-ahead, the alternative was to remain "hostage" to Iran and risk lives in allied nations as a potential strike loomed. The strikes opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear programme. The killing of Khamenei after decades in power appeared certain to create a significant leadership vacuum, given the absence of a known successor and because the Supreme Leader had the final say on all major policies. ALSO READ | Iran's Supreme Leader killed: When regime change enters the equation, wars dont stay small On Sunday, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its "most intense offensive operation" ever, targeting Israel and US bases. A restored version of Arundhati Roy's 1989 cult film "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones" is set to premiere at the 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival. The film, directed by Pradip Krishen and written by Arundhati Roy, was a portrait of student life at a Delhi architecture school in the mid-1970s. A National award winner in India, the film, co-starring Arjun Raina and Roshan Seth, has now been restored in 4K by the Film Heritage Foundation. Both Krishen and Roy (who also acted in the film and later won the Booker Prize) will attend the Berlin premiere along with the foundations director, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur. When the film was first made nearly 40 years ago, it stood out for focusing on a group rarely shown on screen: English-speaking college students with their own slang, humor, and culture. Despite its originality, the film was only shown once on television and then largely disappeared from public view. Director Pradip Krishen reflected on that journey: When we made 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' almost four decades ago, it was unique in the sense that no one was making films about people like us, about the English-speaking student subculture where the characters spoke their own patois. But the film went out of circulation after a single screening on television. When I donated my film material to Film Heritage Foundation, I didnt imagine that In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones would be restored and have a second innings. I am delighted that the restoration has been selected for a world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival where a film that virtually went underground will be presented to the world on such a major platform. Film Heritage Foundation has done remarkable work on the restoration of the film and I am looking forward to presenting the film in Berlin with Arundhati and Shivendra. The restored version officially had its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in 2026. It will be released theatrically across 14 cities and 19 cinemas. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, who leads the Film Heritage Foundation, explained why restoring the film was so important: Film Heritage Foundations policy has been to restore rare gems of Indian cinema that are in danger of being lost and forgotten and showcase Indias rich film heritage to contemporary audiences. When Pradip Krishen donated a print of In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones to the foundation, I knew that this was a film that must be restored. Shot on 16 mm, 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' was a pathbreaking film at the time it was made arguably the first English film, irreverent and idiosyncratic, with a screenplay and dialogues that captured so authentically the student milieu of the 70s. Film Heritage Foundation restorations have been premiered every year at the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals for the last few years. 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' will be our first restoration to have its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. I know that this is a film that will be a discovery for cinephiles all over the world. Shahrukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee, who were aspiring actors back then, appear in the film in small roles. A new adaptation of Jo Nesbo's work is on the way from Netflix, thereby marking the 11th of the Norwegian author's books to receive a cinematic treatment. Titled "Jo Nesbo's Detective Harry Hole", it is coming to Netflix as a nine-episode series headlined by Tobias Santelmann as Hole and Joel Kinnaman as his colleague Tom Waaler, who also happens to be his rival. The show is set to premiere on March 26. The story is based on Nesbos book The Devil Star, centred on Hole's hunt for a serial killer while also trying to apprehend the corrupt Waaler. Nesbo, who is the creator and showrunner, told Netflix: Its been just great working with Tobias Santelmann and creating a character that i00s fresh, still true to the character and his universe in the novels. Im really looking forward to presenting this Harry Hole to the audience. Adding further, Nesbo said, For me, storytelling isnt about serving people what they think they want, but what they didnt know they wanted. We will try to create something fresh, exciting, and surprising with respect to the book version of Harry, added Nesb. Im guessing that all readers of the book series have their own vision of what Harry Hole would look like, and they should be allowed to keep that. We will create a Harry that is based not only on the books but also on the actor Tobias Santelmann and everyone involved in this project both in front and behind the camera. As for his portrayal of the popular detective, Santelmann said, Harry Hole isnt just another detective. Hes a character [who] readers around the world have lived with for almost 30 years, and Im grateful for the opportunity to bring him to the screen. I approached this role with deep respect for Jo Nesbs work and for the audience that has followed Harry for so long. At the same time, I had to find my Harry or our Harry and I hope weve created something that feels true to the spirit of the books while also standing on its own. Two more Jo Nesbo adaptations are on the way Meanwhile, filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga, of "True Detective: Season 1" and the last James Bond film "No Time to Die", is bringing out "Blood on Snow", an adaptation of the 2015 Jo Nesbo novel of the same name, for which he has assembled a stellar cast comprising Benedict Cumberbatch, Pilou Asbk, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Eva Green, Ben Mendelsohn, and Emma Laird. According to the official synopsis of the book, the story is set in Oslo in the 1970s: "the story of an unusually complicated contract killerthe perfectly sympathetic antiherothat is, as well, an edgy, lyrical meditation on death and love. Olav lives the lonely life of a fixer. When you 'fix' people for a livingterminallyit's hard to get close to anyone. Olavs latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, just as he's finally met the woman of his dreams. But there are two problems. She's his boss's wife. And Olav's just been hired to kill her." There is no release date on it yet. Additionally, Nesbo has another film adaptation coming up, titled "The Night House", starring Aaron Paul. It is Nesbo's only horror standalone novel. Moreover, it has been learnt that filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is no longer attached to directing the series adaptation of Nesbos The Son. It was originally expected to be a reunion between Villeneuve and actor Jake Gyllenhaal following Prisoners. You must have watched heartwarming videos of baby monkey Punch on social media - clips of him clinging tightly to a stuffed orange orangutan, wandering alone, and at times being chased by older monkeys. What began as a few short clips soon became a collective emotional response online, with viewers projecting their own stories of rejection and comfort onto him. So much so that people are now creating AI-generated videos of Punch taking revenge on his bullies. And Punchs fame has even spilled into the commercial world. IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant behind the plush orangutan he carries, leaned into the moment. It posted a picture of two of the plush toys hugging each other with the title, Sometimes, family is who we find along the way, and the caption, Were ALL Punchs family now." But who is Punch? Why was he abandoned? What is the story behind the stuffed orangutan? And what does science actually say about maternal rejection, abandonment trauma, and emotional stress in primates? Story of Punch Punch is a baby Japanese macaque born in July last year at Ichikawa City Zoo, located outside Tokyo. The species, scientifically known as Macaca fuscata, is native to Japan and is known for its strong social bonds and complex troop hierarchies. Punchs life began under difficult circumstances. Shortly after birth, his mother abandoned him. According to zoo officials, an onlooker first noticed something was wrong and alerted the keepers. In Japanese macaques, infants typically cling to their mothers almost constantly during early life. This contact is not only crucial for warmth and nutrition but also for muscle development, emotional security, and learning social cues. Without that attachment, survival becomes precarious. Zookeeper Kosuke Shikano told Reuters that intervention had to be swift. This stuffed animal has relatively long hair and several easy places to hold," Shikano said. "We thought that its resemblance to a monkey might help Punch integrate back into the troop later on, and thats why we chose it. Screengrab: Google celebrates viral Macaque with adorable animation Before settling on the now-famous orange plush, the keepers experimented with substitutes, including rolled-up towels and other stuffed toys. None worked as effectively as the IKEA orangutan. Punch has rarely been seen without it since, dragging the toy everywhere despite it being larger than him. Early viral clips showed him wandering alone, clutching the toy tightly after being pushed away by older macaques. In some videos, he is seen being dragged and chased. Viewers around the world expressed concern and heartbreak. Shikano believes Punchs mother may have abandoned him because of the extreme July heat at the time of his birth. While abandonment may appear harsh, in the animal kingdom it can sometimes be linked to stress, inexperience, or environmental pressures. Punch has had some differences with other monkeys while trying to communicate, zoo officials say, but they describe this as part of the normal integration process. I think there will come a day when he no longer needs his stuffed toy, Shikano said. For now, however, the orangutan remains his anchor - a surrogate comfort in the absence of maternal care. Why do mothers abandon? What science says about maternal rejection Punchs story raises a deeper question: why would a mother abandon her infant? Is it purely stress, or is there more complexity behind maternal behaviour in primates? Maternal rejection in Japanese macaques is complex and not always purely harmful. Studies show that while some infants are abandoned due to stress or inexperience, especially first-time or low-ranking mothers, early rejection can sometimes be linked to greater independence and better coping with stress later in life. A 2001 study investigating Japanese macaques examined the relationship between early maternal style and later behaviour in offspring. The researchers reported that, Early maternal style had no effect on baseline behaviour of offspring when adult. In contrast, early maternal style was correlated with the response of adult offspring to stressful social interactions, and particularly with their response to actual or potential aggression. Infants whose mothers encouraged more independence showing high rates of rejection were less fearful and did cope better with stressful situations when adult. Although based on correlational data, these results suggest that in macaques maternal rejection can promote offspring independence and the development of a less anxious personality, it added. In other words, maternal rejection is not always purely detrimental. In some cases, higher early rejection was associated with greater independence and resilience later in life. However, this does not mean abandonment is harmless; rather, it highlights that maternal behaviour operates along a spectrum. A 2005 study analysing long-term demographic data from a captive colony of Japanese macaques offered further insight. It found that 7.7% of liveborn infants were abandoned at birth. The probability of abandonment increased significantly among primiparous mothers - those giving birth for the first time, and, to a lesser extent, low-ranking mothers. Primiparous mothers abandoned about 40% of their infants at birth. Mother age and infant sex had no independent effects on the probability of neonatal abandonment, the researchers reported. They added that primiparous mothers who did not abandon their infants still faced increased infant mortality and longer intervals before subsequent births. The study concluded that these findings were partially consistent with adaptive hypotheses predicting maternal divestment under unfavourable conditions, and with proximate explanations linking abandonment to inexperience and stress. More recently, a 2024 study following two wild groups of Japanese macaques on Yakushima Island examined whether maternal behaviour influences juvenile development beyond infancy. Researchers observed 35 juveniles and assessed whether maternal rejection or protectiveness affected social behaviours. They found that juveniles whose mothers frequently rejected them approached and played with others more often, independent of the mothers presence. In contrast, juveniles of more protective mothers interacted less, but only when their mothers were nearby. The researchers concluded that maternal rejection appears to exert a generalised effect on offspring behaviour that endures when mothers are absent, whereas the effects of maternal protectiveness may be more temporary. Stress, hormones, and social behaviour Maternal behaviour in macaques is not only shaped by social hierarchy but also by physiological stress. A 2003 study examined the link between hormonal changes and maternal responsiveness in Japanese macaques. Eight females were observed during the first 12 weeks after giving birth. Researchers collected faecal samples before and after parturition to measure cortisol and estradiol levels. They found that postpartum cortisol levels showed a positive correlation with maternal rejection. The study reported that postpartum cortisol levels showed a positive correlation with maternal rejection. The cortisol/estradiol ratio was positively correlated with rejection and latency of response, and negatively correlated with maternal responsiveness. The researchers concluded that stress hormones alone do not predict maternal quality. Our findings suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity per se is not enough to predict the quality of interaction between mother and infant. Only when cortisol is high relative to estradiol could it be symptomatic of a possible negative feedback response involving stress, adrenal activity, and the ability of mothers to cope with the additional problems imposed by newborns. This suggests that environmental or physiological stress, such as extreme heat, which Punchs zookeeper mentioned, may disrupt maternal bonding by altering hormonal balance. Another study explored the social dynamics of aggression and grooming in captive Japanese macaques. It found that female macaques did not necessarily reduce aggression toward those who groomed them most. Interestingly, while they did not generally groom those who attacked them most, they did show increased grooming toward aggressive non-kin group mates. Although generally they did not direct more grooming to those group mates that attacked them most, they did show increased grooming towards those nonkin group mates that showed the most aggression, the researchers noted. These findings highlight the complex and sometimes strategic nature of macaque social interactions. The zoo culture Research on zoo environments shows that exhibit design and space significantly shape the behaviour of Japanese macaque. A 2019 study at Zoo de Granby examined what happened when two groups were merged and moved into a larger, more complex enclosure. The researchers noted, Zoos invest a large amount of effort into building exhibits; therefore, it is beneficial to have empirical data on the animals behaviour before and after they are translocated. After relocation, the newly formed group was more inactive (p<0.001), self-groomed less (p=0.009), and showed less vigilance (p=0.014) compared to one previous group, while most differences with the other group were not significant. Over four months, inactivity decreased and vigilance stabilised, suggesting gradual habituation to the new space. Another 2022 review found that larger enclosures with natural vegetation improve activity patterns in Japanese macaque. The authors note, Larger enclosures with natural substrate and vegetation increase foraging behaviour and lead to activity budgets that are more similar to activity budgets of wild NHPs. In the reviewed study, although macaques had 24-hour access to indoor and outdoor spaces, space and foraging opportunities were still restricted. They spent 54.6% of their time resting and only 11.5% foraging. Compared to other captive groups in larger enclosures, resting and grooming were higher, while moving and foraging were lower. The review concludes that differences in housing conditions likely explain why activity budgets differ between captive studies. This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS With several flights to the Middle East cancelled due to attacks on Iran by Israel and the US, several passengers were stranded at various airports across India on Sunday. According to the civil aviation ministry, Indian airlines are expected to cancel over 400 international flights on Sunday due to airport restrictions. Also read | Khamenei killed: How Israel dropped 30 bombs on Supreme Leaders underground compound in minutes Closure of airspaces in Iran, Israel, Iraq, UAE, Jordan, Syria and parts of the Gulf region has also hit the common people. "Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March," the ministry said in a post on X. #FLIGHTUPDATE | Kindly take note of the list of flight cancellations at Chennai International Airport due to airspace closures over parts of the Middle East. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates.@MoCA_GoI | @AAI_Official | pic.twitter.com/l3pAFNJEW2 Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) March 1, 2026 As per the authorities, the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal. On Saturday, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances. Due to the evolving situation in parts of the Middle East, some international flights are experiencing schedule changes. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to BLR Airport. To support passengers, a dedicated pic.twitter.com/r0t8yinrt6 BLR Airport (@BLRAirport) February 28, 2026 Travellers at Bengaluru airport bound for Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Italy faced abrupt flight cancellations. Ground staff reportedly informed passengers that services would remain suspended until a ceasefire is established, leaving many in a state of indefinite travel uncertainty. The Kempegowda International Airport shared an advisory for travellers on X. Meanwhile, people stranded at Mumbai airport complained of poor communication from the airline and airport authorities. "We were trying to fly back to the US, and our flight got cancelled... We did not get any information regarding our flight cancellation... We have not received any messages. We've been here for almost an hour now... We were going via Bahrain..." a passenger was quoted by ANI. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport shared a passenger advisory in this regard in a post on X, stating, Due to temporary closures and restrictions affecting multiple international airspaces in West Asia, certain international flights may experience delays, rerouting, or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport and plan their journey accordingly. At Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), 35 flights to the Gulf region were cancelled as per the schedule posted on the official website. Similarly, a Saudia Airlines flight to Jeddah, Oman Air's flight to Muscat, an IndiGo flight to Dubai, Air Arabia flights to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, an Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi, and a SpiceJet flight to Dubai are listed as scheduled on the website. "My kids from Scotland were planning to come home next week. With these flight disruptions and uncertainty, I don't know whether they will come. They were planning to stay in Dubai for two days before reaching Kerala," said Gayathri Nair, a resident of Kochi. As many as 37 international flights scheduled to depart from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (TIAL) to various Gulf countries have been cancelled since Saturday afternoon. Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death has sparked protests in several parts of India. Members of the Shia community in Lucknow and Jammu and Kashmir held mourning marches on Sunday morning following the confirmation of the death in the US-Israel strike. Protesters took to the streets in large numbers to condemn the US and Israel for the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. Demonstrators raised slogans against 'the oppression of innocents,' with many vowing that the leader's legacy would live on through a new generation of followers, In Alipur, a village in Bengaluru, a three-day mourning was declared. Many demonstrators were seen clutching portraits of the Supreme Leader, with several overcome by emotion and in tears. An unofficial shutdown took hold across Alipura as shopkeepers and business owners voluntarily closed their doors in solidarity. Speaking to ANI, India's Shia community leader Syed Samar Kazmi said that the Supreme Leader was "killed because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent." In Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, mourners also held a protest march. They (US) kept deceiving with talks and threatened about war, but our leader did not get afraid and did not bow... A thousand Khameneis will rise, and this war will continue... Trump cannot win easily," a protester was quoted by ANI. #WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Shia Muslims take to the streets in Lucknow to protest against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/CupcvHASaT ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 Jammu and Kashmir's Shia association has also issued a statement of mourning. Protesters marched through the streets shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Protests were held at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama areas of the valley, the officials said. #WATCH | Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir: Shia Muslims in Budgam stage a demonstration against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/NuyNcyp6WT ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, said he was deeply saddened and outraged at Khamenei's killing. "Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, by the US and Israel, which has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab," the Mirwaiz said in a post on X. The religious leaders said this is a moment for the Muslims to rise above divisions and stand united and "register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region". Amid tensions in the area, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm. "I'm deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest," said Abdullah. The district police officials were directed to keep a close watch on the emerging situation and ensure peace. As many as 12 people were killed, and over 18 people were seriously injured following an explosion at SBL Energy Limited at Katol in Nagpur district, Maharashtra, on Sunday. Reportedly, the blast occurred at the company's detonator packing unit around 7 am. The facility that was affected was a mining and industrial explosives manufacturing factory. Superintendent of Police (Nagpur Rural) Harrsh Podar said that the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. VIDEO | On the Nagpur blast, District Magistrate Vipin Itankar says, As per our primary information, around 30 to 35 workers were present in the detonator assembly factory during the 6 am shift. Following the blast, we have so far confirmed 10 to 12 deaths. Eighteen injured pic.twitter.com/n3KxAcR4Oz Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2026 Rescue operations were being carried out by NDRF, SDRF, police administration and revenue administration teams. District Collector Vipin Itankar also reached the spot. According to Itankar, around 35 workers were present in the detonator assembly factory during the 6 am shift. "So far, 12 deaths have been confirmed. 18 workers were shifted to the hospital...Our immediate priority is to recover bodies and ensure medical care for the injured," he said. The forensic department is also on the site to ascertain the cause of the incident. The incident comes a day after a blast at a cracker unit in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada district claimed 21 lives. Further details awaited. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry. While addressing a public gathering at the Helipad Ground in Lawspet, he also welcomed the commencement of the Second Global Spirituality Mahotsav at Auroville, being held from March 1 to 3, 2026. Modi said he was happy to know that Auroville was hosting the event, which brings together nations, ideas and spiritual aspirations. The theme of the Mahotsav, Realising Sri Aurobindos Five Dreams for a New Humanity, revisits a vision articulated on the eve of Indias Independence, revolving around freedom, unity, spiritual awakening and the evolutionary progress of mankind. Established on February 28, 1968, by Mirra Alfassa, known as 'The Mother', the universal township of Auroville was imagined as a space where people from every country could live in peaceful and evolving harmony, beyond the boundaries of religion, politics and nationality. Sri Aurobindo and The Mother gave a new spiritual vision to the whole world, Modi said, describing Puducherry as the land of saints, poets and freedom fighters. He said, It is an honour to be here in Puducherry. This is the land where poet Subramania Bharati ignited the fire of nationalism, and from here Sri Aurobindo gave a new spiritual vision to the whole world. Over the three-day event, Auroville will host plenary discussions, meditative sessions, cultural presentations and thematic dialogues designed to nourish both the mind and the inner self. With assembly elections approaching in Puducherry, Modi also criticised the DMKCongress alliance, accusing it of long neglect of the Union Territory. There was no rice in ration shops back in those days, no political stability and rampant corruption, he alleged. By contrast, Modi said Puducherry had seen improved governance and faster development since the NDA came to power in 2021. He talked about the significant increase in per capita income and noted that the Union Territory had secured the highest Coastal Progress Index score in the country. When the Centre and the UT work with a shared vision and commitment, outcomes are faster, much more effective. It is there for all to see. The double-engine NDA government will now give further momentum to Puducherrys growth, he said. Modi spoke in the presence of Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy, whose party, the All India NR Congress (AINRC) leads the Puducherry government as an alliance partner of the BJP. Rangaswamy formed the AINRC in 2011 after parting ways with the Congress. PM Narendra Modi chaired a vital meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Sunday night. This high-level meeting on security and strategic matters of the country included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who are all its members. Other officials present at the meeting included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The meeting took place soon after PM Modi returned to Delhi after a two-day tour of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/yIdcryEt6o ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 The safety of Indians stranded en masse in various airports across the Middle East due to airspace closures, as well as those living in Iran and Israel is reportedly the key focus of the late-night meeting, government sources told PTI. They added that the meeting was also likely to decide India's possible response, should the situation in the Middle East deteriorate further. This also comes after Modi phoned UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and condemned Iran's attacks on the UAE, which are a part of Tehran's response to US-Israel airstrikes that killed its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. "Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times," he wrote in an X post. Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times. Thanked him for taking care of the Indian Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026 "Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability," Modi added. Meanwhile, the tensions in the Middle East have also spilt over into India, with news of Khamenei's death sparking protests in several parts of India earlier on Sunday. Members of the Shia community in parts of Uttar Pradesh and J&K held condolence marches, while a three-day mourning period was declared in Bengaluru's Alipur village. Protest marches have also broken out in a few places. The Indian National Congress (INC) unequivocally condemns the targeted assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, in a military strike carried out without a formal declaration of war. The INC extends its deepest condolences to the Supreme Leader's family, to pic.twitter.com/CSQAbds3tS Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 1, 2026 Congress, which had attacked Modi for his earlier silence on the assassination of Khameneicalling it a "surrender of moral authority"later released an elaborate statement condemning the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. "Sovereignty is not conditional, and political legitimacy cannot be manufactured through force," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote in the post. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a 33-kilometre narrow passageway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, plummeted after the joint military strikes by the US and Israel on Tehran. Ship tracking platform MarineTraffic showed a 70 per cent drop in vessel traffic through the Strait late in the evening on Saturday, Dimitris Ampatzidis, a senior risk and compliance analyst at Kpler, MarineTraffics parent company, told The New York Times. On Sunday afternoon, a Palau flagged Skylight tanker vessel, 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port off the coast of Musandam peninsula in Oman was hit by a Iranian drone strike. At least four people were injured in the attack, Oman's Maritime Security Centre (MSC) confirmed. The oil tanker had a 20 person crew, 15 Indians and 5 Iranian nationals. Facilities at the Port of Duqm in Oman were also targeted by two drones, despite Muscat being a mediator in the tensions just last week. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday sent VHF transmission messages to ships telling then that no ship is allowed to cross the strait. However, a formal closure announcement regarding a full closure have not been made. ALSO READ | Trouble at Hormuz Strait again? Iran's naval forces block ships from oil corridor amid tensions with US, Israel Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are the most exposed, said Ampatzidis, as the majority of their seaborne crude and liquefied natural gas exports pass through Hormuz. Several senior traders have taken Irans threats as credible and have halted all of their shipment throught the Strait. Shipping firms suspended their shipments and rerouted their tankers amid the safety concerns. BREAKING: Iran has attacked the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight as it was passinf through the Strait of Hormuz right off the coast of Oman. 4 sailors wounded in the attack. The entire crew has been evacuated. pic.twitter.com/wDX5X2czq6 Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) March 1, 2026 One tanker was seen making a U-turn near the Bab el-Mandeb on Saturday amid fears of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. Hapag-Lloyd suspended all of its vessel transits through the strait. However, some traffic still continued. It is also not clear if some vessels travelled through the strait with their AIS switched off. As traffic at the Strait drops, oil prices are expected to trade higher in the coming days if the conflict escalates and there are further disruptions. About 30 per cent of the world traded oil and petroleum products from countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran pass through the strait daily according to Lloyds list. The Strait has been subject to pressure amid conflict as Iran periodically asserts control over the international passage. However, Iran is unlikely to shut down passage completely, even with the recent warning to ships. Cutting off the Strait could invite a further naval response from the US making Iran's ports vulnerable. Even minor drops in shipments could also affect the already volatile oil market and Irans own crude oil trade. The country exports about 1.65 million barrels per day of crude oil and gas condensate, according to Kpler. A majority of Irans experts also move to China and a potential shutdown would then mean pressure from the country. A prolonged shut down of the strait, would be hard to maintain and could result in an increase in oil prices, supply chain disruptions and broader economic strains in the region. Iran also has never actually attempted to shut down the Strait of Hormuz officially despite issuing warnings since 1979. What happened A SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, shows Waterfall Asset Management, LLC initiated a new stake in National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA), purchasing 297,700 shares. The quarter-end position value also rose by $8.42 million, a figure that includes both the new shares and any price movement over the period. What else to know This is a new position for the fund, representing 4.53% of its 13F reportable AUM as of December 31, 2025 Top holdings after the filing: NYSE: CPT: $11.80 million (12.1% of AUM) NYSE: AVB: $11.65 million (12.0% of AUM) NYSE: APLE: $10.49 million (10.8% of AUM) NYSE: RC: $8.48 million (8.7% of AUM) NYSE: AAT: $7.70 million (7.9% of AUM) As of February 12, 2026, shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust were priced at $33.05. Company overview Metric Value Revenue (TTM) $741.51 million Net income (TTM) $47.12 million Dividend yield 6.51% Price (as of market close February 12, 2026) $33.05 Company snapshot National Storage Affiliates Trust is a leading self-storage REIT with a substantial presence in the top 100 U.S. metropolitan markets. The company leverages a scalable operating platform and a broad geographic footprint to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency. Its focus on high-occupancy assets and consistent dividend payments positions it as a competitive player in the self-storage sector. National Storage Affiliates Trust operates, owns, and acquires self-storage properties across major U.S. metropolitan areas, generating revenue primarily from rental income. It targets individuals and businesses seeking secure, flexible storage solutions in urban and suburban markets nationwide. The company employs a real estate investment trust (REIT) model, aggregating a diversified portfolio of storage assets to deliver stable cash flows and regular dividends. What this transaction means for investors Self-storage is no longer seeing the high demand that came after the pandemic, when many households moved or changed their living situations. Operators enjoyed strong pricing following the pandemic, and rents hit record highs. As demand slowed and new supply entered some markets, those gains diminished. Current performance now depends on local competition and supply, with occupancy and rent growth varying by market. National Storage Affiliates owns and buys self-storage properties in major U.S. markets, earning most of its revenue from month-to-month rental contracts. This setup lets them adjust prices often, but success depends on keeping properties full in competitive areas. Unlike some bigger companies, NSA uses a Participating Regional Operator model, where local operators keep equity and manage properties in their regions. This can help find deals and improve local management, but it also makes it harder to control spending when growth slows. Indians are among thousands of people stranded at the Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday amid Iran's retaliatory strikes that have prompted airspace closures in various parts of the Middle East. The UAE remains on high alert as it repels the third wave of Iran's offensive, titled Operation True Promise 4, which Tehran says was its response to the ongoing US-Israel military airstrikes on its soil. #WATCH | UAE | Passengers stranded at Abu Dhabi airport amid flight disruptions and cancellations due to the situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/7vtXPoBEix ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2026 This could be felt at the airport, one of the busiest in the Middle East, as alarms blared across terminals, scaring passengers towards the exits and causing pure panic. This third wave has already led to a fire at the Fairmont Hotel in Palm Jumeirah, the evacuation of the Burj Khalifa, and the death of a Pakistani national due to sharpnel from an airborne interception by the UAE's air defence systems. The UAE's National Guard personnel moved in to control the situation and prevent the stampede, advising the remaining passengers to stay inside the building for their safety. #WATCH | UAE | Visuals from Abu Dhabi International Airport as flights have been cancelled, after Iran launched several missiles and drones towards UAE https://t.co/9DMHY7DDQX pic.twitter.com/2ElGLcjeoc ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2026 The explosionsmainly aimed at Washington's Al Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabihave completely halted the airport's operations, as all international departures stand cancelled. "I came to Abu Dhabi to attend a friend's party over the weekend, and we are stuck here ... there is a bit of a commotion ... The local people who had come here are slowly leaving, but the guards are advising us to stay inside. All the flights are suspended, and no flights are going to any country anywhere," said stranded traveller Sanjeev Mehta to ANI. "I'm flying back from Chennai to Chicago via Abu Dhabi. This morning when I left Chennai at 10 AM, there was no issue. We took off, flew here, and now I'm kind of stuck. My flight is supposed to go only at midnight tonight, so there are still a few more hours. I hope things can still start functioning by the end of the day, but it is completely unknown," explained Vil Varadhan, an American citizen from Chicago, his voice filled with anxiety. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday declared that the first wave of its attack on Iran jointly conducted with the US military's Central Command, saw 40 senior Iranian leaders killed in just 60 seconds. According to IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Chief of Staff of Iran's armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi, had been the main targets of Operation Roaring Lion. Those killed in the airstrikes included seven members from the top brass of Iran's security forces, "who had gathered at several locations in Tehran", Shoshani said in a statement. "One core objective ... was to significantly degrade the Iranian regime's command-and-control capabilities and its ability to coordinate regional aggression," the statement read. Codenamed 'Genesis', the US-Israel airstrikes on Iran that began on Saturday saw nearly 200 Israeli aircraft involved, in what the IDF has called "the largest coordinated air strike in the Israeli Air Forces history". The IDF also claimed that it had "eliminated most of the aerial defence systems" in western and central Iran, while strikes against other targets, active missile defence, and missile-hunting operations are currently ongoing. Iran's response Especially since the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran has ramped up its offensive against Israel and US bases in various Middle Eastern countries, plunging the entire region into chaos. Beit Shemesh is one of the latest casualties of its retaliatory offensive, termed Operation True Promise 4, on Israel. Apart from US bases in the Middle East, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is also one of the latest alleged targets of Iran's ramped-up offensive, the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said. At least nine people died in Israel's Beit Shemesh region after Iran ramped up its offensive against Tel Aviv and US bases in the Middle East. The latest ballistic missile strikewhich is Iran's response to coordinated US-Israel airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneistruck a residential area, causing major damage to a public bomb shelter and homes in the vicinity. Iranian missile directly hit a shelter in Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/aylxegldEq Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 A synagogue has also reportedly been destroyed. Around 28 people have been injured, of which two are said to be in a serious condition, a Times of Israel report said, citing medics. It added that a four-year-old boy was among those injured, who was later admitted to the trauma care unit of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Calling it a "difficult scene" with "great chaos" everywhere, Chaim Weingarten, Deputy Director of Operations at Jerusalem's rescue nonprofit ZAKAwhich is engaged in relief operations at the site of the strike along with the city's rescue personnelurged people to follow advisories issued by the Israeli authorities. "I urge the public again to follow the Home Front Commands instructions, which are life-saving ... follow them more strictly in order to prevent further casualties, God forbid," he said. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces has condemned civilian deaths after the missile strike on Beit Shemesh, and is currently investigating its failure to intercept the missile. The Iranian Regime directly fired missiles toward the civilian neighborhood of Beit Shemesh, killing innocent civilians. The Iranian regime purposely targets civilian targets while we precisely target terror targets. This is who were operating againsta regime who uses pic.twitter.com/9W8Fp4T2tH Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 "The Iranian regime purposely targets civilian targets while we precisely target terror targets," it said in an X post on Sunday. However, the IDF has also pointed out that the Home Front Commands early warning system still worked as intended, and had been activated in Bet Shemesh ahead of the actual sirens, which also sounded. Shortly before the United States and Israel launched their coordinated assault on Iran, the CIA identified its most consequential target: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The agency has been tracking Khameneis movements with growing precision for months, following his routines and security patterns. According to the New York Times, it reached a turning point after finding out that a high-level meeting of Irans political and military leadership, chaired by Khamenei himself, would take place on the morning of February 28 at a secure compound in central Tehran. It forced the US and Israel to adjust the timing of an operation that had originally been planned as a nighttime strike. The new information offered a narrow window to take out Irans leadership in a single blow. The compound housed the offices of the Iranian presidency, the supreme leader and the Supreme National Security Council. Mossad analysts reportedly determined that the gathering would include, apart from Khamenei, senior defence officials, such as Mohammad Pakpour, commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Ali Shamkhani, a senior military adviser. Shortly after 6am in Israel, fighter jets took off carrying long-range, precision-guided munitions. By 9.40am Tehran time (8:10am in Jerusalem), they launched their missiles on multiple buildings within the compound. An Israeli defence official said the strikes were carried out simultaneously at several locations in Tehran, achieving what he described as tactical surprise despite Iranian preparations for war. Iranian media reported explosions in the capital shortly after the attack. Smoke was seen rising above Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square. Blasts were also reported in Karaj, Isfahan, Qom and Kermanshah. A spokesman for the Iranian Red Crescent said 24 of Irans 31 provinces had been hit in American and Israeli strikes. Videos circulating online showed scenes of panic near impact sites. Verified footage captured explosions within a kilometre of the Leadership House, Khameneis compound. Satellite imagery later revealed blackened buildings and debris scattered across the complex. Iranian state media confirmed the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early on March 1, in air strikes by Israel and the US that pulverized his central Tehran compound. Follow the full coverage https://t.co/nBXZuBuH4B pic.twitter.com/SYtMqApooF Reuters (@Reuters) March 1, 2026 By evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a televised address that we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei in the heart of Tehran, adding that there were many signs that the tyrant himself is no more. US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Khamenei was dead, claiming he had been unable to evade American intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems. Confirmation came on Sunday from Irans Supreme National Security Council, whose statement was read on state television. The official news agency IRNA subsequently reported the deaths of Rear Shamkhani and Pakpour, two of the senior figures Israel had said it targeted. The speed and precision of the strike reflected an unusually deep level of intelligence co-operation between Washington and Israel, especially in the wake of last years 12-day war. During that conflict, US officials said, American agencies learned more about how Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard communicated and moved under pressure. That knowledge was used to refine surveillance networks and predictive models tracking his movements. Saturdays strike relied on the same network that had allowed Trump to assert publicly last June that Washington knew where Khamenei was hiding. Since then, the quality of information has improved markedly. Although Irans top intelligence chief reportedly escaped, officials briefed on the operation said the upper ranks of the countrys intelligence services had been severely degraded. The decision to mount such a sweeping assault marked a dramatic break from decades of American restraint. US intelligence assessments had concluded that Iran was unlikely to pose a direct threat to the US mainland within the next decade. Yet Trump authorised what amounted to a regime-destruction campaign against a country of more than 90 million people. Scattered celebrations in the streets of Tehran after news filtered through that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint air strike by US and Israel. pic.twitter.com/qqIDIENIBv Francis Gaitho (@FGaitho237) February 28, 2026 There were reports that the move followed weeks of lobbying by Israel and Saudi Arabia. According to the Washington Post, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private calls urging Trump to strike, even as Riyadh publicly supported a diplomatic track. Netanyahu, for his part, had long pressed for decisive action against what he views as an existential threat to Israel. The Saudi position was complicated. Publicly, Riyadh insisted its airspace would not be used in an attack. Privately, MbS and his brother, Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, warned US officials that Iran would emerge stronger if not confronted while American forces were heavily deployed in the region. At the same time, Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner were pursuing talks with Iranian officials in Geneva over Tehrans nuclear and missile programmes. Their final meeting took place two days before the strike. According to a senior administration official, they were convinced that Iran intended to preserve enrichment capabilities that could, over time, support a nuclear weapon. By Friday, Trumps frustration was evident. He spoke cryptically of a very big decision. Within hours, he had returned to Florida and finalised a speech announcing the attack. The outcome was the sudden removal of a leader who had dominated Irans political system for nearly four decades. Rather than a managed succession, the Islamic Republic now faces a turbulent and uncertain transition, unfolding under the shadow of foreign airstrikes and the most profound leadership vacuum since 1979. The Central Command of the US military (CENTCOM) has denied claims that one of its aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was hit by four ballistic missiles from Iran. The aircraft carrier is part of a larger strike group of the US military stationed in the Middle East as Iran continues to ramp up its response to coordinated attacks by Washington and Tel Aviv that killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The missiles launched didnt even come close," CENTCOM wrote in an X post, noting that the aircraft carrier was not hit. Irans IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE. The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didnt even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOMs relentless campaign to defend the American people by pic.twitter.com/AjaeHMemtA U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 "The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOMs relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime," it added. This comes in response to claims by the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it had launched four ballistic missiles that had "struck" the USS Abraham Lincoln. "The land and sea will increasingly become the graveyard of the terrorist aggressors," the IRGC statement added, as per an AFP report. At least three US military personnel have been wounded amid the US-Israel joint attack on Iranwhich Washington calls Operation Epic Furyas per the latest official updates. Five have also been "seriously wounded", CENTCOM noted in another post. CENTCOM Update TAMPA, Fla. As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 "Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussionsand are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," it added. Meanwhile, CENTCOM also claimed earlier that it had struck a Jamaran-class Iranian warship off the Chabahar Port in the southern part of the Islamic Republic, and that the vessel was "sinking". An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. As the President said, members of Irans armed forces, IRGC and police must lay down your pic.twitter.com/NzsR3dI2Hs U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 "As the President said, members of Irans armed forces, IRGC and police 'must lay down your weapons'. Abandon ship," the CENTCOM post had said. Multiple explosions were heard on Sunday morning across the Qatari capital city Doha, Kuwait and in Dubai as Iran continues its retaliatory strikes against US military bases. The strikes come after the death of multiple Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Several blasts were heard at around 8:15 am in Dubai. Debris from one aerial strike, which was intercepted, caused a fire in the citys major commercial port, Jebel Ali, CNN reported. The Ministry of Defence of UAE confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country since the start of the Iranian attack. Out of the 137 missiles detected 132 were destroyed, and five fell into the sea. Authorities have temporarily closed section of the country's airspace and have suspended flights and shifted schools. One Pakistani national was killed due to falling debris from the drone interceptions. Explosions were also heard from Doha at around 7:30 local time on Sunday morning. Qatar's air defence system has been intercepting Iranian missiles. In a post on X, Bahrain's interior ministry said that sirens have been sounded in the country on Sunday morning and warned residents remain calm and head to the nearest safe space. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that it launched a sixth wave of missile and drone strikes on Israel and US bases in the region, according to Irans Tasnim News Agency. The IRGC also said that it launched a extensive missile and drone attacks on around 27 US bases in the region. The locations include Israeli Tel Nof airbase, the Israeli armys command headquarters at HaKirya in Tel Aviv, and a large defence industrial complex in the same city, The IRGC said that the it was launching the most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic, according to a statement published by the semi-official Fars news agency. Heavy explosions were also heard from Erbil airport in Iraq. Reports of the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have triggered scenes of celebration across parts of Iran and within sections of the Iranian diaspora across the world. The killing followed joint military operations identified as 'Operation Roaring Lion' and 'Operation Epic Fury', which targeted senior Iranian leaders and strategic military facilities. US President Donald Trump announced Khameneis death on social media, calling him one of historys most evil figures and framing the strike as justice for victims of the Islamic Republic. Iran later confirmed that Khameneis body had been recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran. Khameneis death represents a profound political shift in Iran. Despite communication networks being disrupted, there were major celebrations in Iran. In Tehran, residents cheered from balconies and windows, setting off fireworks, playing music and chanting freedom, freedom. Witnesses described spontaneous applause echoing through neighbourhoods even as aircraft and missiles crossed the night sky. Similar scenes were reported in cities and towns across the country. In Karaj and Besat Town, crowds honked car horns and gathered in the streets. In Fuladshahr, Borazjan and Mamasani, residents waved flags, whistled and danced. In the southern city of Gal-e-Dar, demonstrators reportedly toppled a statue of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. In Shiraz and Isfahan, hundreds gathered for impromptu street parties, some waving white cloths as a symbol of peace. In Abdanan, a Kurdish city that has faced repeated crackdowns, young men and women drove through the streets flashing victory signs. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East For many Iranians, the emotional intensity of the moment reflected years of repression. Human rights organisations have long accused the state of using lethal force against protesters and imprisoning dissidents. Families of those jailed or killed under Khameneis rule described the news as cathartic. One resident was quoted as saying: This war is not our war. Its Trumps war with the hateful Islamic regime, expressing hope that the regimes collapse might open the path to political freedom. Supporters of the Islamic Republic were largely absent from public spaces during the initial celebrations, though reports suggested that paramilitary units were mobilised in some areas to contain gatherings. The scale and durability of public jubilation remained difficult to verify amid information blackouts and heightened security. Beyond Irans borders, sections of the diaspora marked the moment with rallies and street gatherings. Celebrations were reported in Madrid, London, Berlin and parts of Armenia. In Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside the country, hundreds gathered in neighbourhoods such as Westwood, waving Iranian and American flags. Some carried placards reading Make Iran Great Again, while activists publicly thanked Trump for ordering the strike. Yet, Irans political future remains deeply uncertain. Trump urged Iranians, including defecting members of the Revolutionary Guard, to unite peacefully and reclaim their country, hinting that a post-Khamenei leadership path was already under discussion. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah, declared that the Islamic Republic had effectively ended and argued that any attempt by regime insiders to appoint a successor would lack legitimacy. Some demonstrators in Los Angeles called for Pahlavi to assume a leadership role. Analysts caution that the removal of a long-entrenched authoritarian ruler does not automatically produce a democratic transition. Irans political system is underpinned by powerful institutions, including the Revolutionary Guard and religious foundations, with access to arms, resources and loyal constituencies. A sudden power vacuum could produce competing centres of authority, raising the risk of military rule, factional infighting or even civil conflict. For now, scenes of celebration coexist with profound uncertainty. Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday in US and Israeli airstrikes, state media confirmed. The Iranian cabinet has also announced seven days of public holiday and 40 days of national mourning. The confirmation came just hours after US President Donald Trump declared the 86-year-olds death. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that US strikes would continue uninterrupted for the coming week or until peace is secured in Iran. Trump also wrote on social media that Khameneis death was not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world [who] have been killed or mutilated by [him] and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was killed in an Israeli strike on his compound on Saturday morning, according to an Israeli official, who added that his body has also been found. Israels Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been shown an image of his body after it was recovered from the compound in Tehran. The Prime Minister added that Khamenei's compound had been destroyed in the attack. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The airstrike also killed Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law was also killed. Celebrations in Iranian cities Cheers could be heard on Tehrans streets after reports of the death. According to Reuters, some Iranians took to the streets in Tehran, the nearby city of Karaj and the central city of Isfahan to celebrate after the reports of Khamenei's death. Though Iran claims Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had anticipated that he would be targeted by the US and Israeli forces, the Ayatollah did everything in his ability to stay safe. The Supreme Leader was reportedly in an underground bunker when Israeli bombs hit his compound, but not in one of the two deepest bunkers that only US bombs could have penetrated. With the escalation of tensions and the possibility of a military attack, Khamenei moved to a private hideout, and the regime officials who wished to meet with him were being blindfolded before being taken to his hiding place. This measure is intended to ensure the secrecy of Khamenei's hiding place and prevent any leaks of its location. An Iranian Revolutionary Guard member, who declined to be named, told Iran International that the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, was among the officials recently taken to Khameneis hideout, blindfolded, before he travelled to Oman to meet with officials there. This month, Khamenei disappeared into a private underground bunker in Tehran, which includes a complex network of interlocking tunnels. This was his second time since the 12-day war with Israel, based on an assessment by senior Iranian military and security officials of the high likelihood of an American attack Trump had repeatedly asserted that he knew where Khamenei was hiding but did not intend to target him at that time. On June 17, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he knew where Khamenei was hiding, but had no intention of killing him. "We knew exactly where the Iranian Supreme Leader was hiding. He's an easy target, but he's safe where he is now, and we have no intention of taking him out, at least not at this time," he said. On June 27, Trump asserted that he had saved the Iranian Supreme Leader from an ugly and humiliating death, noting that Khameneis post-ceasefire statements claiming victory over Israel were false, and that his country had been devastated. On Saturday, the CIA identified Khameneis hiding place and alerted Mossad. The agency has been tracking Khameneis movements with growing precision for months, following his routines and security patterns. According to the New York Times, it reached a turning point after finding out that a high-level meeting of Irans political and military leadership, chaired by Khamenei himself, would take place on the morning of February 28 at a secure compound in central Tehran. More details are emerging regarding the Israeli airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims that the Supreme Leader was killed at his workplace in the Leadership Residence, Israeli sources claim they easily tracked the 86-year-old leaders hiding spot. Khamenei was underground at the location, but not in one of the two deepest bunkers that only US bombs could have penetrated, according to Israeli media Channel 12. The Supreme Leader was reportedly carrying out his assigned duties and had even met with his aide, Ali Shamkhani, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes began. Shamkhani was also killed in an Israeli air strike. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East US media reported that the US and Israel identified three meetings of senior political and military officials in Iran that were taking place simultaneously this morning, and decided to attack in broad daylight. As many as 30 bombs were dropped on Khamenei's residence in the opening minutes of the assault, and about 40 senior Iranian officials have been killed so far. The strike destroyed the entire compound. Khameneis daughter, grandchild, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law were also killed. It was the Israeli strikes that killed the leader, but the US had a major role in coordinating with the former. According to US President Donald Trump, Khamenei was unable to avoid US intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems. There was not a thing he, or the other leaders [who] have been killed along with him, could do, Trump bragged. After the attacks in Tehran, satellite images were released of Khamenei's residence in Tehran, showing extensive destruction of the buildings and billowing smoke. Though the US has claimed that it wont stop until the regime is toppled, Iran claims that Khamenei had reportedly put in place detailed plans for his succession and emergency chains of command should he, or other top leaders, be killed in potential US or Israeli strikes. Speculation is that longtime loyalist Larijani will take over the rule. Iranian state media reported that a council consisting of Iranian President Masoud Pazakhian, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohsen-Azaei, and a representative from the Guardian Council would temporarily assume leadership roles in the Islamic Republic. 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Iran officially announced on Sunday that Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a seasoned cleric of the Guardian Council, was appointed to the Leadership Council, hours after the death of Ali Khamenei (at the hands of US-Israel attacks on Iran) was confirmed. Arafi is now the jurist member of this three-person council, alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, a report from the semi-official Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) said. This is in line with Article 111 of its Constitution, as per which the emergency three-member Leadership Council rules Iran temporarily until the Assembly of Experts elects a permanent leader as soon as possible", according to Expediency Discernment Council spokesperson Mohsen Dehnavi. The three members of this council will split the powers of the Supreme Leader between them in this interim period. Who is Ayatollah Alireza Arafi? Born in 1959 in Meybod, a town in Iran's Yazd province, 67-year-old Ayatollah Alireza Arafi is an experienced cleric and a longtime aide of Khamenei. 'No ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz,' say a number of VHF transmissions from Iran's naval forces to ships in the Middle East. (us iran news israel trump war, palm jumeirah fairmont, hormuz strait oil prices, maritime news, houthis)https://t.co/lTkPHgmHb1 THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) February 28, 2026 About a decade later, aged 11, he had already moved to Qom for further religious studies, having obtained the basics from his father. The next few decades saw his gradual, carefully managed ascent through the clerical ranks, which, in time, gave him an entrance to Khamenei's inner circle, as per the think tank Middle East Institute. Said to be one of the frontrunners to succeed Khamenei, he has also held other vital positions, apart from his role on the Guardian Council, which reviews legislation passed by Iran's parliament and vets election candidates. As per the authorities, the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) continues to closely monitor passenger concerns and facilitate prompt redressal. On Saturday, AirSewa recorded 216 grievances.#FlightCancellations #Iran #Khamenei https://t.co/DvcmwK5KAa THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) March 1, 2026 Before his new council role, the former chairman of the Al Mustafa International University also happened to be an important member of the Assembly of Expertswhich appoints Supreme Leadersas well as the head of Iran's seminary network. Notably, he is said to be able to speak fluently in both English and Arabic, and has often advocated for the modernisation of the regime by using artificial intelligence to spread its brand of Islam. Amid the tumult in Iran caused by coordinated joint strikes by Israel and the US, it is yet to be seen whether he can rise to become the next Supreme Leader or if he will step aside for another leader backed by Washington and Tel Aviv. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, Tehran's state media confirmed early Sunday. While there is no official confirmation on who will be elevated as the next leader of the Islamic Republic, the name of Ali Ardashir Larijani is quickly gaining traction. Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was close to Ali Khamenei and was among the last people to meet him. Often considered a moderate conservative, he has been a central figure in Irans legislative and national security affairs for decades and has held several senior positions. "The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will deliver an unforgettable lesson to the hellish international oppressors," he posted on Saturday on X amidst the escalations. ALSO READ | Iran's Supreme Leader killed: When regime change enters the equation, wars dont stay small As the succession talks gain momentum, here are five things to know about Ali Ardashir Larijani, who could well be the next priority target for the USIsrael axis: 1. Larijani was not born in Iran, but in Najaf, Iraq. His father, the prominent Grand Ayatollah Mirza Hashem Amoli, reportedly moved to Najaf to escape the pressures of the Pahlavi dynasty. The family only returned to Iran in 1961 when Larijani was three years old. Larijani earned a PhD in philosophy from the University of Tehran, specialising in "Kant's Philosophy of Mathematics." His brother, Sadeq Larijani, once led the Iranian judiciary, while another brother, Mohammad Javad Larijani, has held senior diplomatic roles, news articles claimed. ALSO READ | Khamenei killed: How Israel dropped 30 bombs on Supreme Leaders underground compound in minutes 2. Larijani does not wear clerical robes or hold a formal seminary rank. Initially, he was part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), eventually becoming a Brigadier General. However, there is little information on him serving in any frontline command roles with the organisation during conflicts, and he later transitioned fully into political and security roles. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East 3. Larijani wanted the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) to happen and backed parliamentary approval for it. Between 2005 and 2007, he was the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council and served as Irans chief nuclear negotiator during early talks with the EU-3 (UK, France, and Germany), reports said. This stint was brief, reportedly due to differences with then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over negotiation strategy. 4. He was also entrusted with running the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) from 1994 to 2004. During his tenure, the IRIB not only expanded its reach but also became more ideologically aligned with the hardline clerics. Under his leadership, the controversial documentary Hoviat (Identity) was released, which reportedly broadcast the forced confessions of prominent intellectuals and writers. This led to his long-standing blacklisting by human rights organisations, reports added. 5. Despite his credentials, Irans Guardian Council barred Larijani from running in the 2021 presidential election. Though surprising to a vast section of society, the move was interpreted as a consolidation of hardline power. According to available information, the Council did not initially provide a detailed public explanation, even after Larijani himself demanded clarity. This tilted the polls heavily towards hardline candidates such as Ebrahim Raisi, who ultimately won. The assassination of Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli operation has plunged the Islamic Republic into its gravest crisis since its establishment in 1979. Khamenei, who fused clerical authority, military power and political control, balanced rival factions through patronage, coercion and ideological discipline for nearly four decades. His sudden removal has shattered that equilibrium. Rather than a managed transition, succession is unfolding under sustained airstrikes on Irans nuclear and missile infrastructure and amid deep public exhaustion after years of sanctions, repression and economic decline. The question confronting Tehran is no longer simply who will succeed Khamenei, but whether the Islamic Republic in its present form can withstand the shock. Under Irans constitution, the authority to appoint, supervise and theoretically dismiss the Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body elected every eight years. The constitution does not fix its size; the Assembly itself determines the number of seats. It began with 82 members in 1982 and has remained at 88 since 2006. The Guardian Council, a 12-member body acting as ideological gatekeeper, vets candidates for the Assembly. Six members are Islamic jurists appointed directly by the Supreme Leader. The other six are legal experts nominated by the head of the judiciary, himself appointed by the Supreme Leader, and confirmed by parliament. This circular structure has long ensured institutional loyalty to the ruling establishment. When the office of the Supreme Leader falls vacant, a provisional council assumes temporary charge of the government. It consists of the president, the head of the judiciary and a cleric chosen by the Guardian Council from among its members. The Assembly of Experts then convenes to select a permanent successor, requiring a two-thirds majority. Article 109 of the constitution stipulates that the leader must possess recognised religious scholarship, justice and piety, as well as political acumen and administrative competence. A 1989 constitutional amendment lowered the clerical threshold from Grand Ayatollah to a lesser rank, enabling Khameneis own elevation. That precedent now looms large. Yet the decisive actor is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Even in peacetime, the Guards wield vast economic, political and military influence. In wartime, their leverage expands further. Hardliners within the IRGC can plausibly argue that only a security-first state, armed with sweeping emergency powers, can defend Iran against external assault and internal unrest. Such a shift would tilt the system towards overt military dominance, reducing the clerical establishment to symbolic cover and producing a more openly coercive order. Reports before Khameneis death suggested he had increasingly relied on veteran insider Ali Larijani to coordinate national security affairs, bypassing formal executive channels in favour of regime preservation. That reliance reflected a narrowing circle of trust and a growing securitisation of governance. The Assembly of Experts could choose a consensus candidate or establish a temporary collective leadership council to project unity. The aim would be to reassure the bureaucracy, the security apparatus and foreign observers that the state remains intact. Such an outcome would prioritise ideological continuity and depend on a tacit bargain between senior clerics and IRGC commanders: stability in exchange for preserving, and perhaps expanding, the Guards influence. Another path would see the IRGC dominate the selection process without formally abolishing clerical rule, turning Iran into a security state draped in religious legitimacy. It could, however, deepen international isolation and intensify domestic resentment, particularly among the anti-regime population. A final option is the overthrow of the existing order. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have openly urged Iranians to challenge the regime. Exiled opposition figures are manoeuvring for relevance. Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, calls for a secular democratic transition rooted in popular mobilisation. Yet the regimes security apparatus has historically demonstrated ruthless efficiency in crushing uprisings. A collapse would probably require fractures within the elite, especially between the clerical hierarchy and the IRGC. Several figures are seen as potential successors. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leaders son, maintains deep ties with the IRGC and the Basij militia and is reputed to wield significant influence behind the scenes. His elevation would raise uncomfortable questions about dynastic succession in a republic born of anti-monarchical revolution. He also lacks senior clerical standing and formal administrative experience. Alireza Arafi, a senior cleric embedded in both the Assembly of Experts and the Guardian Council, represents doctrinal continuity from Qoms seminary establishment. He is regarded as a safe insider but lacks an independent power base within the security sphere. Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the judiciary chief and long-time regime loyalist with a security background, could bridge clerical authority and coercive power. Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini, could serve as a conciliatory figure if the regime seeks to defuse domestic anger or recalibrate internationally. But his moderate views may alarm hardline clergy. Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, a senior figure within the Assemblys leadership, is institutionally well placed but politically low profile, a continuity option that may lack authority. Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, by contrast, embodies uncompromising religious conservatism. His ascent would signal a decisive turn towards ideological militancy. Khameneis rule rested on calibrated repression and careful factional balancing. His death has upended that equilibrium. Whether the Islamic Republic adapts, hardens or fractures will depend less on constitutional procedure than on the calculations of men with guns and the clerics who seek to restrain them. Hundreds of protesters stormed the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, after the the death of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday. Videos showed several men armed with sticks and bats breaking windows and doors of the consulate building. Locals protesting Iran strikes are currently smashing windows at a U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/hlOd8cipgb Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 1, 2026 At least eight people were killed after clashes broke out between police and protesters according to Edhi Rescue Service. Police resorted to using tear gas and baton charges to disperse the angry mob. Several people were also said to be injured after a clash between the protesters and the police. The injured were taken to the civil hospital. The crowd also resorted to stone throwing, the Express Tribune reported The march was organised in protest by Shia organisations. The crowd, which set off from Abbas town on Abul Hasan Isphanu road, had marched to MT Khan road, where the building is located, after Kjamenier was reported dead after a joint US-Israeli strike on Saturday. As recieved: Visuals from inside the compound of the US Embassy in #Karachi.#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/oXxo3Llj0C Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) March 1, 2026 Routes leading to Numaish Chowrangi had been closed, and alternative routes were being provided to motorists. Angry protesters also set the traffic police post in Sultanabad on fire. The United States and Israel confirmed the death of the Countrys supreme leaders after they launched what is considered one of the most ambitious attacks on Iran in decades. Khameneis death has angered Shia muslim communities in several countries, as he was also considered a religious leader of the sect The viral 'smoking girl' of the Iranian protestsfamous for using a flaming image of Ali Khamenei to light her cigarettehas reacted to the news of his killing. Her viral act of defiance has taken on new significance following the strikes that eliminated the Supreme Leader. In a post on X, she posted a video of herself taking part in an anti-Iran regime rally in Canada. The woman, who uses the pseudonym Morticia Addams, wrote: "I said we'd dance on your grave, did'I?" She is currently based in Canada. In a separate post, she was seen "cheering to mooshali's pathetic death". "As the president (Donald) Trump said, "He died like a rat." Cheers to mooshalis pathetic death As the president Trump said He died like a rat pic.twitter.com/LeV6mdX581 Morticia Addams (@melianouss) March 1, 2026 In January, Addams had gone viral when a video showed her setting fire to an A4 picture of Khamenei and using it to re-spark the cigarette in her mouth. Heres the video of the now iconic smoking Persian girl. pic.twitter.com/zsIJ0dL086 BORED (@BoredElonMusk) January 9, 2026 For her own protection, she operates under a pseudonym, citing a traumatic journey from Iranwhere she was a dissident subjected to arrest and abuseto the safety of Turkey. Now residing in Toronto on a student visa, she has reportedly established a new life in Canada after her harrowing escape. Khamenei was killed on Saturday after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Khamenei's compound in Tehran had been destroyed. Iranian media said Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law were also killed in the strikes. Iran's Cabinet vowed that this "great crime will never go unanswered", and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its "most intense offensive operation" ever, targeting Israeli and American bases. However, US President Donald Trump warned that any retaliation would only lead to further escalation. Ramesh Pokhrel KATHMANDU Across the rugged mountains, lush valleys and teeming cities, Nepal is preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5. At first glance, the preparations resemble the familiar rhythm of democracy: volunteers handing out sample ballots in rural villages, banners fluttering across city streets and the local media reporting on rallies and speeches. Yet beneath this surface, the election is more than a routine political exercise. It is a test of Nepals institutions, a measure of governance and a reflection of generational change. In small villages, volunteers are moving from house to house, explaining the mechanics of voting and patiently answering questions from citizens. It is important that every citizen understands how to cast a valid vote, says 22-year-old volunteer Ritu Shrestha. If you stray outside the box, your vote will not count. The effort reflects a broader initiative by the election commission to reduce invalid votes and foster civic engagement. Meanwhile, in urban centres such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar and Jhapa, the tone is different, with Gen Z emerging as a politically engaged and digitally connected electorate. Students are livestreaming debates, fact-checking party manifestos and sharing clips of campaign speeches on social media. Political discussions have migrated from the narrow alleyways of old city neighbourhoods to the endless feeds of digital platforms. This generation approaches politics with scepticism and curiosity, demanding accountability and transparency. They question promises, challenge inconsistencies and are quick to compare rhetoric with past performance. Their engagement is both a reflection of their aspirations and a reminder that Nepali democracy is entering a new, digitally mediated era. Complicating the security environment is Nepals open border with India.... Political parties walk a fine line, emphasising sovereignty publicly while relying on regional cooperation The stakes are particularly high for Gen Z voters who bring digital literacy, global awareness and scepticism to the political process. The elections are also a test of security and state capacity. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has emphasised that safety and order are central to the electoral process. Since the dissolution of parliament, authorities have deployed the army, the police, and the national investigation department under an integrated security plan. Provincial and district command posts monitor potential threats daily, and special attention is being given to residual risks from the Gen Z movement last year, during which prisoners escaped and weapons were looted. Officials report that most of these weapons have been recovered and that escaped prisoners no longer pose a significant threat, yet sporadic clashes continue to remind citizens of the fragility of security. Complicating the security environment is Nepals open border with India, which is vital for trade, energy and the movement of people. It also presents risks of cross-border crime, smuggling and political influence. Intelligence-sharing mechanisms between the two countries help monitor potential threats and ensure the smooth conduct of elections. Political parties walk a fine line, emphasising sovereignty publicly while relying on regional cooperation to maintain stability and secure logistics. This dynamic illustrates how Nepals domestic politics are deeply intertwined with regional geopolitics, creating layers of complexity that extend beyond the ballot box. Economic ambition is also dominating party platforms, yet the feasibility of these promises raises questions. Nepals current GDP hovers around 6.1 trillion rupees, or roughly $40 billion. The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) pledges to expand it to 100 trillion rupees in five years and 200 trillion in ten. The Nepali Congress targets 115 trillion rupees in five years, emphasising large-scale mobilisation of both public and private investment. Achieving sustained high growth will require structural reforms: expanding industrial capacity, developing hydropower resources, diversifying exports, streamlining infrastructure projects and ensuring policy continuity. Historical growth rates of 45 per cent over the past decade highlight the magnitude of the challenge. The stakes are particularly high for education and employment, which are central to the concerns of young voters. The Nepali Congress promises to allocate 20 per cent of the national budget to education, reform university governance and ensure the timely distribution of textbooks. The CPN-UML emphasises employment-oriented and digitally integrated curricula under a framework it describes as earn while you learn. The Rastriya Swatantra Party seeks to depoliticise schools and universities, removing party affiliations from teachers while introducing inclusive modern educational institutions across provinces. For young voters, education is not merely a domestic issue; it is a pathway to international opportunities and a hedge against the need for migration, which has long shaped Nepals labour and social dynamics. Soaring spirit: Biraj Bhakta Shrestha of the Rastriya Swatantra Party waves at voters while campaigning in Kathmandu | AFP Employment promises are equally ambitious. The Nepali Congress projects the creation of 1.5 million jobs over five years, while CPN-UML targets 500,000 annually, including positions in the burgeoning information technology sector. The Rastriya Swatantra Party emphasises digital employment, remote work and programmes to attract foreign talent and facilitate cross-border services. Yet millions of Nepalis still depend on remittances from labour migration. Reducing reliance on foreign employment without creating viable domestic opportunities could intensify economic pressures on families and communities. Health care and social welfare also feature prominently in party manifestos. Health insurance, province-level speciality centres, integration of mental health services and capped private hospital fees are recurring themes. Social security initiatives encompass pensions for farmers, allowances for mothers, disability support and programmes targeting vulnerable age groups. Implementation, however, remains a formidable challenge. Fiscal constraints and administrative limitations could hinder the expansion of these programmes. Representation and inclusivity are central yet contested issues. Women and marginalised communities often remain underrepresented despite public commitments to equity. Ticket allocation frequently favours politically connected elites, reflecting patterns that persist even among newer political parties. Nepals institutions like the judiciary, bureaucracy and police are facing intense scrutiny during this electoral cycle. The judiciary is perceived as politicised, with appointments often reflecting party allegiance. Bureaucrats are sometimes partisan, undermining neutral policy implementation. Police practices remain uneven, particularly with regard to dalits and other marginalised communities, reminding citizens that law enforcement continues to grapple with legacy issues of bias. Economic growth, social reform and democratic legitimacy hinge on the effectiveness and impartiality of these institutions. Social media, digital campaigning and Gen Z activism have transformed the electoral landscape. Youth engagement is increasingly digital. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for accountability, they also magnify the risks of misinformation. Security agencies are coordinating with regional partners to monitor potential threats, reflecting the transnational nature of modern electoral oversight. Nepals relationship with India, youth activism, economic uncertainty and institutional weaknesses have converged to make this election more than a contest for parliamentary seats. It is a referendum on governance, institutional integrity and the nations capacity to meet the expectations of its citizens. Volunteers distributing sample ballots may appear minor, yet they symbolise the lifeblood of democracy, connecting citizens with the process, the promises and the possibilities of political participation. Nepali democracy has always been fragile, shaped by complex geography, historical legacies and regional interdependencies. This election, characterised by the interplay of economic ambition, generational activism, institutional performance and regional diplomacy, could define the nations trajectory for decades. The stakes are particularly high for Gen Z voters who bring digital literacy, global awareness and scepticism to the political process. Their engagement may determine whether the promises of political elites are scrutinised, challenged and ultimately delivered. The true story of this elections will be written in the years that follow, in whether Nepal can convert the energy of a digitally connected youth, the vigilance of civil society and the commitment of institutions into enduring progress. The ballots themselves are a tool, but what they produceequity, growth, accountability and opportunitywill determine the future of the nation. The writer is a journalist in Kathmandu. Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust (NYSEARCA:FXA Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 21,676 shares, a drop of 76.7% from the January 29th total of 93,143 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 34,877 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Currently, 1.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Currently, 1.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 34,877 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Institutional Trading of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FXA. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its stake in Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust by 427.3% in the 4th quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 93,337 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,170,000 after buying an additional 75,637 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust by 156.0% in the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 39,451 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,573,000 after purchasing an additional 24,043 shares during the last quarter. Haven Private LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $605,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust by 10.7% during the third quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 87,245 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,717,000 after purchasing an additional 8,412 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust during the third quarter worth approximately $487,000. Get Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust alerts: Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Stock Up 0.1% Shares of FXA stock traded up $0.07 during trading on Friday, reaching $70.53. 30,942 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 31,140. Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust has a twelve month low of $58.90 and a twelve month high of $70.71. The firms fifty day moving average price is $68.14 and its 200-day moving average price is $66.00. Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Increases Dividend Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were issued a $0.0549 dividend. This is an increase from Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.05. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 2nd. (Get Free Report) Guggenheim CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust, formerly The CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust, is a grantor trust. The Trust issues shares (the Shares) in blocks of 50,000 (a Basket) in exchange for deposits of Australian Dollars and distributes Australian Dollars in connection with the redemption of Baskets. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the price of Australian Dollars plus accrued interest, if any, less the expenses of the Trusts operations. The Shares are intended to offer investors an opportunity to participate in the market for the Australian Dollar through an investment in securities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) executives used the companys full-year 2025 results call to frame the year as a reset, while pointing to a return to top-line growth in the second half and outlining priorities for execution in 2026. Chief Executive Officer Antonio Filosa and Chief Financial Officer Joao Laranjo reiterated themes first shared in the companys preliminary results announcement on Feb. 6, emphasizing customer-driven product decisions, improved operational discipline, and a push to restore profitable growth. Get alerts: 2025 results reflected reset costs; second-half revenue growth returned Laranjo said consolidated shipments totaled 5.5 million units in 2025, up 1%, with increases in South America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa. Net revenues were EUR 153 billion, down 2% year-over-year. The adjusted operating income (AOI) margin was negative 0.5%, which Laranjo attributed to the early stage of the recovery, substantial net tariff expenses, and a number of specific items. Cash flow improved sequentially, liquidity remained strong Despite the full-year decline, management highlighted a materially stronger second half. Laranjo said net revenues increased 10% in H2 2025, driven by volume and pricing, with net price improvement in North America and the Middle East and Africa partially offset by negative net pricing in Europe. He also noted foreign exchange headwinds that were even stronger in the second half, particularly due to the Turkish lira. Industrial free cash flow was negative EUR 4.5 billion for full-year 2025. However, Laranjo said both the full year and second half showed improvement, primarily due to better working capital and lower capital expenditures. H2 industrial free cash flow was negative EUR 1.5 billion, representing a 50% sequential improvement versus H1 2025 and a 73% improvement year-over-year. On inventory, management said 2025 featured strong inventory discipline and described stock increases into year-end as aligned with sales growth and the launch of new products. North American and European order books both finished 2025 at roughly three months of sales, according to Laranjo. The company reported a net loss of EUR 22 billion, which Laranjo said primarily reflects a strategic shift to adjust to customer preferences and changes in the U.S. regulatory framework. He added that most of the impact was non-cash, leaving the balance sheet in a strong place, with industrial liquidity of about EUR 46 billion, or about 30% of revenuesat the upper end of the companys target range. Regional performance: North America drove second-half shipment growth Laranjos regional review focused on H2 2025. He said shipments increased across all regions year-over-year, with North America the largest contributor. North America shipments rose 39% and revenues increased 31% in H2 2025, which management attributed to normalized inventory dynamics and higher sales. AOI in North America improved year-over-year on higher volume and pricing, partially offset by higher industrial costs, mainly tariffs. In Enlarged Europe, Laranjo said H2 AOI declined year-over-year, pressured by a higher LEV mix and net pricing declines amid a strong competitive environment. South America also saw an H2 AOI decline due to increased costs, while Middle East and Africa posted solid shipment growth driven by production in Algeria and a strong Turkish market, but margins fell due to competition in Turkey that prevented FX pressures from being fully offset by pricing. Customer-focused reset and 2026 execution priorities Filosa said the companys reset is designed to put customers back at the center, including changes to the organization to empower regional teams, adjustments to stakeholder relationships, and a revised product plan and EV supply chain to reflect demand. He characterized 2026 as a year of execution, with a commitment to progressive performance improvements across key performance indicators. Filosa provided several operational and product updates tied to the reset: Stellantis launched 10 all-new products in 2025, including the return of the Jeep Cherokee in the mid-size SUV segment, rollout of the Smart Car platform in Europe, and the Ram Dakota launch in South America. The company hired more than 2,000 engineers as part of a deep reset of the quality organization. Stellantis plans to increase HEMI V8 engine production by 100,000 units in 2026, and Filosa said the company already relaunched the SRT division in the U.S. Filosa said production began on three new Dodge Charger Six-Pack variants, which management expects will represent 90% of anticipated volumes for that lineup. On quality trends, Filosa said indicators were improving already, and a lot, citing improvements in the one month in service measure of about 50% in North America, more than 30% in Europe, and 20% in South America versus 2025. Guidance, reporting changes, and key themes from Q&A Management confirmed 2026 financial guidance previously provided on Feb. 6. Laranjo also said Stellantis will begin reporting full-year earnings results on a quarterly basis. In segment reporting, he said the Maserati business will be integrated into regional segments, and the company plans to publish an updated financial reference sheet in March showing updated segments and 2025 quarterly results. During the Q&A, executives addressed several investor concerns: Europe profitability and restructuring: Filosa cited a rebound in market share and volumes early in 2026, strong demand for STLA AutoDrive products, an order portfolio up 80% year-over-year, and Stellantis roughly 30% share in European light commercial vehicles as key levers for profit building, while also pointing to regulatory uncertaintyespecially for electrification requirements in LCVs. Filosa cited a rebound in market share and volumes early in 2026, strong demand for STLA AutoDrive products, an order portfolio up 80% year-over-year, and Stellantis roughly 30% share in European light commercial vehicles as key levers for profit building, while also pointing to regulatory uncertaintyespecially for electrification requirements in LCVs. North America operating leverage and mix: Filosa attributed weaker operating leverage in H2 2025 to mix effects from constrained light-duty and heavy-duty truck production due to plant ramp-up issues that he said have been solved. He said mix should improve beginning in Q1 2026 as truck production rises and HEMI V8 demand remains strong, while also noting plans to build and sell fewer PHEVs. Filosa attributed weaker operating leverage in H2 2025 to mix effects from constrained light-duty and heavy-duty truck production due to plant ramp-up issues that he said have been solved. He said mix should improve beginning in Q1 2026 as truck production rises and HEMI V8 demand remains strong, while also noting plans to build and sell fewer PHEVs. Positive AOI in 2026 for core regions: Asked directly whether North America and Europe could be in positive territory in 2026 in terms of AOI, Filosa responded yes, calling North America the largest contributor to 2026 profitable growth. Asked directly whether North America and Europe could be in positive territory in 2026 in terms of AOI, Filosa responded yes, calling North America the largest contributor to 2026 profitable growth. 2026 market assumptions and pricing: Laranjo said Stellantis forecasts the North American market down about 2% year-over-year and Europe about flat. On pricing, he said the U.S. environment is expected to be stable to slightly positive, while Europe should remain highly competitive with continued price pressure. Overall, Stellantis expects pricing to be basically flat, with positives in North America offset by Europe. Laranjo said Stellantis forecasts the North American market down about 2% year-over-year and Europe about flat. On pricing, he said the U.S. environment is expected to be stable to slightly positive, while Europe should remain highly competitive with continued price pressure. Overall, Stellantis expects pricing to be basically flat, with positives in North America offset by Europe. Capex and investment levels: Laranjo said 2026 investments are forecast to be flattish year-over-year and include stated commitments, adding that the $13 billion North America investment plan spans four years. He later said capex is expected to increase in coming years, with more details to be shared at the May investor day. Laranjo said 2026 investments are forecast to be flattish year-over-year and include stated commitments, adding that the $13 billion North America investment plan spans four years. He later said capex is expected to increase in coming years, with more details to be shared at the May investor day. Working capital and cash items: Laranjo reiterated earlier disclosures that of the announced charge, cash outflow would be EUR 6.5 billion, including EUR 2 billion in 2026 (EUR 1 billion in Q1). Excluding those payments, he said working capital would be a tailwind, primarily due to forecast volume growth. Laranjo reiterated earlier disclosures that of the announced charge, cash outflow would be EUR 6.5 billion, including EUR 2 billion in 2026 (EUR 1 billion in Q1). Excluding those payments, he said working capital would be a tailwind, primarily due to forecast volume growth. Leapmotor partnership: Filosa said Stellantis shipped around 50,000 units in 2025 in the first full year of the partnership and plans local production in Spain starting in the second half of 2026, followed by local production in South America at the Pernambuco plant, describing both commercial and technical benefits, particularly for EV competitiveness in Europe. Filosa also announced that this was the final earnings call for Head of Investor Relations Ed Ditmire, who will be succeeded by Charles Creasman after a transition period. Looking ahead, Stellantis plans to share a new strategic plan at its Investor Day on May 21 in Auburn Hills or via webcast, where management said it would provide additional detail on investments, brand portfolio topics, and the companys execution roadmap. About Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) Stellantis N.V. is a global automotive manufacturer formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA, a transaction completed in January 2021. The company designs, manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and related powertrains under a large number of well-known brands, including (but not limited to) Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. Stellantis also provides parts, accessories, service operations and branded aftersales support through legacy networks such as Mopar and regional dealer ecosystems. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, Stellantis operates mobility- and software-related businesses and financial services. Featured Stories Toronto Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) reported record first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with management pointing to broad-based revenue momentum, moderating expense growth, and continued progress on strategic priorities, including U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) remediation and structural cost reduction. Get alerts: During the earnings call, CEO Raymond Chun said the bank delivered record earnings of CAD 4.2 billion and EPS of CAD 2.44. He also cited ROE of 14.2%, up 100 basis points year-over-year, and highlighted strong performance in markets-driven businesses, volume growth in Canadian personal and commercial banking, and margin expansion. Capital levels and shareholder returns TD reported aat quarter-end, which CFO Kelvin Tran said was down 15 basis points sequentially. Tran attributed the decline in part toin the quarter. Chun emphasized capital return plans, noting that TD completed an $8 billion share buyback in January and launched a new $7 billion buyback. By the end of the quarter, the bank had repurchased approximately 84 million shares across the two programs. Management said it is aiming to manage toward a 13% CET1 ratio by the second half of fiscal 2027. Revenue growth, expenses, and restructuring Tran said revenue rose 11% year-over-year, reflecting growth across all businesses. Total bank pre-tax, pre-provision profit (PTPP) increased 19% year-over-year after removing specified impacts (including the U.S. strategic card portfolio, foreign exchange, and insurance service expenses, as referenced on the banks slide materials). Expenses increased 7% year-over-year, with management attributing about 1% of that growth to variable compensation, FX, and the impact of the U.S. strategic card portfolio. The bank posted positive operating leverage for the third consecutive quarter, and Chun reiterated TD remains on track for its 3% to 4% expense growth target for fiscal 2026. TD recorded CAD 200 million pre-tax in restructuring charges in the quarter tied to workforce optimization. Tran said the bank has now concluded the restructuring program with total charges of CAD 886 million pre-tax, and it expects fully realized annual cost savings of CAD 775 million pre-tax. Management also reiterated a broader medium-term target of CAD 2.2 billion to CAD 2.5 billion in annualized cost savings, with initiatives spanning AI, process improvements, vendor optimization, and procurement. Segment highlights: Canada, U.S., wealth, and wholesale Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking posted record revenue, PTPP, earnings, deposits, and loan volumes, according to both Chun and Tran. Tran said average deposits increased 3% year-over-year (personal deposits up 3% and business deposits up 5%), while average loans grew 5% year-over-year (personal volumes up 5% and business volumes up 6%). Net interest margin was described as stable, up 1 basis point quarter-over-quarter, and the segment delivered more than 200 basis points of operating leverage. Management also cited continued progress in real estate-secured lending and strong credit card acquisition activity. US Banking (a renamed segment beginning this quarter) reported earnings up 22% year-over-year, PTPP up 7%, and ROTCE of 14.7%, up 330 basis points. Net interest margin was 3.38%, up 13 basis points sequentially. Management said the quarters margin expansion was driven by the remaining impact of loan repositioning actions taken last year, selective repricing across deposits and loans, and tracker on rates tailwinds, partially offset by Fed rate cuts. Looking ahead, the bank guided to a modest NIM increase in Q2. On volume trends, executives said core loans grew 2% year-over-year while total loans declined due to runoff and other factors. In Q&A, TDs U.S. leadership highlighted growth in bank cards (with 15% balance growth and 33% unit sales growth year-over-year) and said the bank is targeting net total loan growth in the U.S. by the third quarter, including runoff portfolios. TD also discussed a strategic milestone in its U.S. credit card business: the completion of the conversion of Nordstrom card clients onto TDs servicing platform. Management said TD will have a higher share of revenue and expected losses going forward, and it expects a $145 million receivable adjustment to be treated as an item of note in Q2, consistent with similar transactions. Executives also said the Nordstrom conversion drove an increase in U.S. staffingparticularly in call centers, collections, and fraudto support the larger volume now managed directly by TD. Wealth Management and Insurance delivered record earnings and assets, with management citing market share gains. Tran noted Direct Investing revenue share growth of 97 basis points year-over-year and said trades per day rose 10% year-over-year. ETF assets exceeded CAD 31 billion, up from CAD 17 billion at the end of fiscal 2024. In insurance, the bank said it remained focused on profitable growth and increased ROE by 80 basis points year-over-year, while also pursuing claims cost reductions through vendor optimization, AI, and fraud detection. Wholesale Banking produced record revenue and earnings, driven by client activity across global markets and corporate and investment banking. Tran cited strength in commodities, global equity derivatives, advisory fees, and equity underwriting, along with constructive market conditions. Segment ROE was 12.6%. Management noted impaired provisions increased due to a small number of borrowers across various industries. Credit quality and provision outlook Chief Risk Officer Ajai Bambawale said the banks credit performance was in line with expectations, with provision for credit losses (PCLs) of 43 basis points, within guidance. Gross impaired loan formations were 27 basis points, up four basis points sequentially, largely tied to wholesale banking and U.S. commercial lending exposures involving a small number of borrowers. Impaired PCLs rose to CAD 1.16 billion, up CAD 221 million quarter-over-quarter. Bambawale said more than half of the increase was tied to a single wholesale borrower and added that management does not expect the quarters wholesale impaired provisions to represent a typical run rate. The bank recorded a performing PCL recovery of CAD 125 million, which management attributed to an improved macroeconomic forecast and migration from performing to impaired in certain wholesale and U.S. commercial exposures. TD reiterated its expectation that fiscal 2026 PCLs will remain in a 40 to 50 basis point range. Bambawale also said the bank maintains more than CAD 500 million in reserves related to elevated policy and trade uncertainty. AML remediation progress and AI initiatives Group Head of U.S. Banking Leo Salom said the bank continues to make progress on its U.S. AML remediation program, with improvements in efficiency, efficacy, and accuracy. Salom noted that TDs new KYC platform went live to business users, creating a centralized customer information profile. He also said TD has deployed machine learning models in transaction monitoring and expects to roll out additional models in coming quarters. TD continues to expect $500 million of AML remediation spend in fiscal 2026, while noting spending will shift toward validation work and look-back costs. Management repeatedly pointed to AI as a driver of both growth and cost reduction. Chun said TDs medium-term AI target is $1 billion in value, and indicated the bank may ultimately exceed that figure as deployments scale, including agentic AI use cases such as simplifying real estate-secured lending (RESL) pre-adjudication processes. In closing remarks, Chun said fiscal 2026 is off to a strong start, citing robust top-line growth, continued positive operating leverage, and record earnings. About Toronto Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a Canadian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Formed through the 1955 merger of the Bank of Toronto (founded 1855) and the Dominion Bank (founded 1869), TD is one of Canadas largest banks and offers a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial and institutional clients. TDs core businesses include Canadian and U.S. personal and commercial banking, wealth management, wholesale banking and insurance. Further Reading Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) and Gates Industrial (NYSE:GTES Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk and dividends. Profitability This table compares Parker-Hannifin and Gates Industrials net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Parker-Hannifin 17.29% 27.56% 12.72% Gates Industrial 7.30% 10.36% 5.27% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Parker-Hannifin and Gates Industrials gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Parker-Hannifin $19.85 billion 6.42 $3.53 billion $27.42 36.80 Gates Industrial $3.44 billion 2.03 $251.40 million $0.97 28.43 Parker-Hannifin has higher revenue and earnings than Gates Industrial. Gates Industrial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Parker-Hannifin, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional & Insider Ownership 82.4% of Parker-Hannifin shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.5% of Gates Industrial shares are held by institutional investors. 0.3% of Parker-Hannifin shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 2.7% of Gates Industrial shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations for Parker-Hannifin and Gates Industrial, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Parker-Hannifin 0 5 16 0 2.76 Gates Industrial 0 5 6 0 2.55 Parker-Hannifin currently has a consensus price target of $995.37, indicating a potential downside of 1.36%. Gates Industrial has a consensus price target of $30.27, indicating a potential upside of 9.79%. Given Gates Industrials higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Gates Industrial is more favorable than Parker-Hannifin. Risk and Volatility Parker-Hannifin has a beta of 1.25, indicating that its share price is 25% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Gates Industrial has a beta of 1.27, indicating that its share price is 27% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Parker-Hannifin beats Gates Industrial on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Parker-Hannifin (Get Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. This segment sells its products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors who serve the replacement markets in manufacturing, packaging, processing, transportation, construction, refrigeration and air conditioning, agricultural, and military machinery and equipment industries. The Aerospace Systems segment offers products for use in commercial and military airframe and engine programs, such as control actuation systems and components, engine build-up ducting, engine exhaust nozzles and assemblies, engine systems and components, fluid conveyance systems and components, fuel systems and components, fuel tank inerting systems, hydraulic systems and components, lubrication components, avionics, sensors, pneumatic control components, thermal management products, fire detection and suppression systems and components, and wheels and brakes, as well as fluid metering, delivery, and atomization devices. This segment markets its products directly to OEMs and end users. The company markets its products through direct-sales employees, independent distributors, and sales representatives. Parker-Hannifin Corporation was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. About Gates Industrial (Get Free Report) Gates Industrial Corporation PLC designs and manufactures power transmission equipment. Its products serves harsh and hazardous industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and energy, to everyday consumer applications such as printers, power washers, automatic doors and vacuum cleaners and virtually every form of transportation. Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Western Midstream Partners (NYSE:WES) is one of the cheap energy stocks to buy right now. On February 17, Western Midstream Partners announced financial results for 2025, reporting a net income of $1.15 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $2.48 billion. The partnerships success was driven by increased throughput in the Delaware and DJ Basins, alongside aggressive cost-reduction efforts that lowered core operating expenses. The integration of the Aris Water acquisition is ahead of schedule, already delivering $40 million in cost synergies and driving a 121% sequential increase in produced-water throughput in Q4. Management highlighted produced water as Western Midstream Partners (NYSE:WES), fastest-growing segment, significantly expanding its footprint in the Delaware Basin. However, the partnership is navigating headwinds from weak natural gas pricing at the Waha Hub, which has led to producer curtailments that are expected to persist through H1 2026. Western Midstream (WES) Reports $2.48B Adjusted EBITDA Driven by Robust Basin Throughput stockphoto mania/Shutterstock.com For 2026, Western Midstream Partners issued a transition-year outlook, guiding for adjusted EBITDA between $2.5 and $2.7 billion. In response to moderated producer activity, the partnership lowered its capital expenditure guidance to a midpoint of $925 million, with major investments directed toward the Pathfinder Produced Water Pipeline. Western Midstream Partners (NYSE:WES), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a midstream energy company primarily in the US. While we acknowledge the potential of WES as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. American Well Corporation (NYSE:AMWL Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 345,059 shares, an increase of 109.8% from the January 29th total of 164,468 shares. Currently, 2.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 211,717 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 211,717 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.6 days. Currently, 2.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have weighed in on AMWL. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of American Well from $12.00 to $9.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (e+) rating on shares of American Well in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen raised American Well from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 14th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on American Well from $6.00 to $5.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on American Well from $10.50 to $6.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $7.42. Get American Well alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on American Well American Well Stock Down 1.8% AMWL stock traded down $0.10 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $5.65. 22,959 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 146,653. The firms 50 day moving average price is $4.89 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.32. The stock has a market cap of $93.49 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.95 and a beta of 1.36. American Well has a fifty-two week low of $3.71 and a fifty-two week high of $10.12. American Well (NYSE:AMWL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported ($1.52) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.59) by $0.07. American Well had a negative net margin of 38.38% and a negative return on equity of 35.33%. The firm had revenue of $55.31 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $52.71 million. On average, analysts anticipate that American Well will post -9.34 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other American Well news, insider Dmitry Zamansky sold 6,243 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.85, for a total transaction of $30,278.55. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 191,468 shares in the company, valued at approximately $928,619.80. This trade represents a 3.16% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders have sold a total of 14,633 shares of company stock worth $67,972 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 11.82% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Well A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Corton Capital Inc. lifted its stake in shares of American Well by 71.7% during the 2nd quarter. Corton Capital Inc. now owns 27,402 shares of the companys stock valued at $244,000 after buying an additional 11,445 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new position in American Well in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $215,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC bought a new stake in American Well during the 4th quarter valued at $82,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in American Well during the 3rd quarter valued at $173,000. Finally, Monaco Asset Management SAM bought a new stake in American Well during the 4th quarter valued at $338,000. 56.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About American Well (Get Free Report) American Well, operating under the trade name Amwell, is a Boston-based digital health company that develops and delivers telehealth solutions to healthcare providers, payers, employers and patients. Through its cloud-based platform, the company enables secure virtual visits, remote patient monitoring and integrated care coordination across a range of medical disciplines, including primary care, behavioral health, chronic disease management and urgent care. The companys core offering, the Amwell Telehealth Platform, facilitates live video consultations, asynchronous messaging, e-prescribing and electronic health record integration. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Well Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Well and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 9,304 shares, a drop of 60.6% from the January 29th total of 23,617 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 58,427 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 58,427 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Institutional Trading of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Stifel Financial Corp lifted its holdings in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 86,733 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,043,000 after buying an additional 302 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 4.8% in the second quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 10,674 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $378,000 after buying an additional 491 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 2.5% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 22,951 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $813,000 after acquiring an additional 552 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 1.6% in the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 35,695 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,264,000 after acquiring an additional 568 shares during the period. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund in the third quarter worth approximately $36,000. 19.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund alerts: John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Stock Down 4.7% NYSE:BTO traded down $1.76 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $35.70. 119,821 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 46,309. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has a fifty-two week low of $27.73 and a fifty-two week high of $39.85. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $37.00 and a 200-day simple moving average of $35.89. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Dividend Announcement About John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 11th were issued a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.3%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 11th. (Get Free Report) John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: BTO) is a closed-end management investment company sponsored by John Hancock Investment Management, a division of Manulife Investment Management. Since its inception in August 2004, the fund has sought to deliver total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. As a publicly traded fund, it offers investors access to a diversified portfolio of financial services companies that might otherwise require direct equity investments or specialized mandates. The fund primarily invests in common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities issued by companies in the banking, insurance, brokerage and specialty finance sectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mfs Govt Mkts (NYSE:MGF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 64,051 shares, a growth of 59.1% from the January 29th total of 40,270 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 55,740 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.1 days. Approximately 0.2% of the companys shares are short sold. Approximately 0.2% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 55,740 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.1 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mfs Govt Mkts Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. PVG Asset Management Corp acquired a new position in shares of Mfs Govt Mkts in the 2nd quarter valued at $94,000. Sheets Smith Investment Management purchased a new position in shares of Mfs Govt Mkts in the 3rd quarter worth $90,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in Mfs Govt Mkts by 20.3% in the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,155,974 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,607,000 after acquiring an additional 195,101 shares during the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. purchased a new stake in Mfs Govt Mkts during the third quarter valued at about $78,000. Finally, BankPlus Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Mfs Govt Mkts during the third quarter worth about $48,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.77% of the companys stock. Get Mfs Govt Mkts alerts: Mfs Govt Mkts Stock Performance Mfs Govt Mkts stock traded down $0.03 during trading on Friday, hitting $2.99. The companys stock had a trading volume of 164,912 shares, compared to its average volume of 73,816. The stocks fifty day moving average is $3.02 and its 200 day moving average is $3.06. Mfs Govt Mkts has a 1-year low of $2.93 and a 1-year high of $3.17. Mfs Govt Mkts Cuts Dividend Mfs Govt Mkts Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th were issued a dividend of $0.0191 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.7%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 17th. (Get Free Report) MFS Government Markets Fund (NYSE: MGF) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide current income consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity by investing primarily in U.S. government and government-related debt securities. The funds portfolio typically consists of U.S. Treasury obligations, agency securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by government-backed instruments. By concentrating on high-quality, sovereign-issued fixed income, MGF aims to offer investors relatively stable returns while minimizing exposure to credit risk. The fund employs a disciplined, yield-curve-aware approach, blending short-term and intermediate-term maturities to balance income generation with interest-rate sensitivity. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mfs Govt Mkts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mfs Govt Mkts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (NYSEARCA:QUSA Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 15,242 shares, a growth of 63.8% from the January 29th total of 9,308 shares. Currently, 1.6% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 11,604 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 11,604 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. Currently, 1.6% of the companys stock are short sold. VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF Stock Up 0.6% QUSA traded up $0.10 on Friday, reaching $18.21. The company had a trading volume of 9,005 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,810. VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF has a 1 year low of $17.85 and a 1 year high of $20.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.30 million, a PE ratio of 31.64 and a beta of -0.75. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $18.26 and a 200-day moving average price of $18.85. Get VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF alerts: About VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (Get Free Report) See Also The VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund seeks to generate a 15% annual income through a mix of US equities and an active options strategy. The fund aims for steady income alongside potential long-term capital growth by prioritizing firms with strong financial stability and low earnings variability QUSA was launched on May 6, 2025 and is issued by VistaShares. Receive News & Ratings for VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (NYSEARCA:PCY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 560,877 shares, a decrease of 70.7% from the January 29th total of 1,915,228 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 434,797 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.3 days. Approximately 1.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 1.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 434,797 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.3 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PCY. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 2.2% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 79,446 shares of the companys stock worth $1,602,000 after purchasing an additional 1,739 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 139.9% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 28,539 shares of the companys stock valued at $591,000 after acquiring an additional 16,642 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 15.9% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 121,867 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,458,000 after purchasing an additional 16,745 shares during the period. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 528.3% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,596 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,342 shares during the last quarter. Finally, World Investment Advisors lifted its stake in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 5.2% in the second quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 59,708 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,220,000 after buying an additional 2,935 shares during the period. 69.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF alerts: Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:PCY traded up $0.01 on Friday, reaching $21.98. The stock had a trading volume of 204,179 shares, compared to its average volume of 641,669. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF has a 1-year low of $18.71 and a 1-year high of $22.18. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $21.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $21.62. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Cuts Dividend About Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 23rd were paid a $0.1043 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 23rd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.7%. (Get Free Report) The Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (PCY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks a tier-weighted index of US-dollar-denominated sovereign debt in emerging markets with at least 3 years to maturity. PCY was launched on Oct 11, 2007 and is managed by Invesco. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pampa Energia (NYSE:PAM Get Free Report) will likely be announcing its Q4 2025 results after the market closes on Monday, March 2nd. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.39 per share and revenue of $737.2965 billion for the quarter. Interested persons can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 7:00 AM ET. Pampa Energia Stock Performance NYSE PAM opened at $77.72 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.33, a current ratio of 2.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $84.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $77.74. Pampa Energia has a twelve month low of $54.95 and a twelve month high of $94.50. Get Pampa Energia alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on PAM. Wall Street Zen raised Pampa Energia from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Citigroup raised shares of Pampa Energia from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $113.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pampa Energia in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Pampa Energia from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $113.00. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pampa Energia Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in shares of Pampa Energia by 10.4% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 13,672 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $821,000 after acquiring an additional 1,290 shares during the period. Engineers Gate Manager LP increased its stake in shares of Pampa Energia by 89.5% in the 4th quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 8,656 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $766,000 after purchasing an additional 4,087 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Pampa Energia in the 2nd quarter valued at about $578,000. Banco Santander S.A. raised its holdings in Pampa Energia by 76.1% in the 4th quarter. Banco Santander S.A. now owns 6,248 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $553,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares during the period. Finally, Diversify Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in Pampa Energia by 23.3% during the second quarter. Diversify Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,172 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $546,000 after purchasing an additional 1,353 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 12.77% of the companys stock. Pampa Energia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Pampa Energia SA is Argentinas largest independent energy company, with integrated operations spanning electricity generation, transmission, distribution and oil and gas activities. The company holds a diversified portfolio of thermal and hydroelectric power plants, along with growing investments in renewable energy projects, serving both domestic and regional markets. In its electricity business, Pampa Energia develops and operates plants that supply energy to Argentinas power grid. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Pampa Energia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pampa Energia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Reduce from the fourteen ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, seven have issued a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $274.3846. A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a sell rating and issued a $253.00 price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Bank of America upgraded shares of Illinois Tool Works from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $220.00 to $255.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $270.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $275.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Read Our Latest Report on ITW Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance Shares of ITW stock opened at $290.08 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $83.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.65, a PEG ratio of 15.56 and a beta of 1.15. Illinois Tool Works has a one year low of $214.66 and a one year high of $303.15. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $269.75 and its 200-day simple moving average is $259.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.21. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The industrial products company reported $2.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.69 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $4.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.07 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.16% and a net margin of 19.11%.Illinois Tool Workss revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.54 earnings per share. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.000-11.400 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works will post 10.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be given a dividend of $1.61 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is currently 61.39%. Insider Buying and Selling at Illinois Tool Works In other news, EVP Axel Beck sold 4,223 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $290.22, for a total transaction of $1,225,599.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 5,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,680,083.58. The trade was a 42.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Ernest Scott Santi sold 167,345 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $290.93, for a total transaction of $48,685,680.85. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 258,766 shares in the company, valued at approximately $75,282,792.38. This trade represents a 39.27% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.88% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Illinois Tool Works A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ITW. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Illinois Tool Works by 128.4% in the third quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,128 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,380,000 after purchasing an additional 5,131 shares in the last quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd grew its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 10.4% in the 3rd quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd now owns 103,161 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,964,000 after purchasing an additional 9,738 shares during the period. Brendel Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 1,328.6% in the 3rd quarter. Brendel Financial Advisors LLC now owns 13,929 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,632,000 after buying an additional 12,954 shares in the last quarter. Madison Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 411.8% during the 3rd quarter. Madison Asset Management LLC now owns 87,875 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $22,914,000 after buying an additional 70,704 shares during the period. Finally, Davis Capital Management acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,162,000. 79.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Illinois Tool Works (Get Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer that designs and produces a broad array of engineered products, consumables and related service solutions for industrial customers. Its offerings span engineered fastening systems, specialty components, industrial equipment, welding products, foodservice and packaging equipment, adhesives and polymer products, and test-and-measurement technologies. These products are used as critical inputs by customers across automotive, construction, electronics, foodservice, maintenance and other industrial end markets. The company operates a decentralized business model in which independently managed businesses focus on niche product lines and close customer relationships. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aviso Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 10.9% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 172,568 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 16,967 shares during the period. Aviso Financial Inc.s holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $5,377,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Manulife Financial by 4.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. now owns 8,203 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $272,000 after buying an additional 337 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Alliance LLC increased its position in Manulife Financial by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Alliance LLC now owns 20,984 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $671,000 after acquiring an additional 345 shares during the period. HM Payson & Co. raised its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 9.0% during the third quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 4,308 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $134,000 after acquiring an additional 354 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 0.7% during the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 53,762 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,675,000 after purchasing an additional 373 shares during the period. Finally, Haven Private LLC grew its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 4.0% in the third quarter. Haven Private LLC now owns 9,954 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 387 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.56% of the companys stock. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Manulife Financial Trading Down 0.8% MFC stock opened at $35.55 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $59.60 billion, a PE ratio of 16.01 and a beta of 0.83. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $36.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $34.13. Manulife Financial Corp has a 1-year low of $25.92 and a 1-year high of $38.72. Manulife Financial Increases Dividend Manulife Financial ( NYSE:MFC Get Free Report ) (TSE:MFC) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.04. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 16.43% and a net margin of 9.18%.The company had revenue of $11.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.32 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.03 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Corp will post 2.87 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be given a dividend of $0.485 per share. This is a positive change from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.5%. Manulife Financials payout ratio is 63.51%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently weighed in on MFC shares. Morgan Stanley set a $51.00 price objective on Manulife Financial in a report on Monday, December 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce upgraded Manulife Financial from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Thursday, February 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and five have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $51.50. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MFC Manulife Financial Profile (Free Report) Manulife Financial Corporation is a multinational insurance and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in the late 19th century as The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, Manulife provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual and institutional clients. Its core businesses include life and health insurance, retirement and pension solutions, wealth and asset management, and group benefits. In wealth and asset management, Manulife operates through Manulife Investment Management and offers mutual funds, segregated funds, institutional asset management, and retirement plan solutions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC). Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (OTCMKTS:SVNLY Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Reduce from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a hold rating to the company. Separately, Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating on shares of Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Get Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on SVNLY Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ Trading Down 0.5% OTCMKTS:SVNLY opened at $7.95 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.66 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $6.96. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ has a 12 month low of $4.93 and a 12 month high of $8.26. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (OTCMKTS:SVNLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.10. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ had a return on equity of 14.18% and a net margin of 16.69%.The firm had revenue of $1.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.53 billion. Sell-side analysts expect that Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (Get Free Report) Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) is a Sweden-based universal bank offering a broad range of financial services to private individuals, businesses and institutions. Established in 1871 and headquartered in Stockholm, the bank operates on a decentralized branch model that empowers locally managed offices to deliver tailored banking solutions. Svenska Handelsbanken provides core services such as deposit accounts, lending, payment services and credit cards, alongside specialized corporate offerings including trade finance, cash management and leasing. In addition to its commercial banking activities, Handelsbanken maintains a dedicated investment banking arm known as Handelsbanken Capital Markets, which offers services in equity and debt underwriting, corporate finance advisory and research. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its position in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFI Free Report) by 15.3% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 645,987 shares of the companys stock after selling 117,056 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF were worth $29,438,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TFI. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $69,000. Private Trust Co. NA increased its holdings in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF by 172.4% during the 3rd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,367 shares of the companys stock valued at $108,000 after purchasing an additional 1,498 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF by 33.5% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,622 shares of the companys stock valued at $119,000 after purchasing an additional 658 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $135,000. Finally, Wealthfront Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $201,000. Institutional investors own 89.83% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF alerts: SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Price Performance TFI opened at $46.50 on Friday. SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $42.84 and a 52-week high of $46.50. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $45.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $45.66. SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Cuts Dividend About SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd were given a dividend of $0.1315 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 2nd. (Free Report) Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Donaldson Company (NYSE: DCI) were up nearly 24% this year through mid-February. Investor sentiment waned as earnings approached, and the stock dropped 18.2% at its lowest point this week, soon after its earnings were released on the morning of Feb. 26. Donaldson delivered record numbers for its second quarter of fiscal 2026, but they fell short of analysts' estimates. Even projections of a record year ahead couldn't save the stock price from falling. Here's why. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Image source: Getty Images. Why is Donaldson stock falling? Donaldson's sales volumes dipped in Q2 as sales of on-road equipment fell, primarily because of lower global truck production and volume declines in aerospace and defense. The company, however, still reported 3% revenue growth, driven by better pricing and favorable foreign currency translation. Its operating margin dipped slightly from 14.4% to 13.2%. Donaldson also trimmed its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share guidance to a range of $3.93-$4.01 per share, down from the previous range of $3.95-$4.11 a share, signaling ongoing near-term challenges. While life sciences remains a bright spot, project timings in aerospace and defense, and weakness in trucking are expected to hurt sales. Because the new midpoint is below consensus estimates, Donaldson stock plunged after earnings. Why this drop could be an opportunity to buy Those numbers aren't nearly as bad as even the revised guidance points at a record 2026. Moreover, Donaldson recently announced plans to acquire Facet for $820 million in cash and debt. Facet specializes in filtration solutions for the aerospace and defense industries and power generation. Importantly, Facet also caters to mission-critical industries, deriving a quarter of its sales from military applications across aviation, marine, and land. Facet should also significantly expand Donaldson's international footprint, as it generates over 40% of its sales outside North America. Donaldson will pause its share repurchase program for the second half of 2026 to fund the acquisition, but that's not a bad thing. Facet should add substantial value to Donaldson's business, which is why investors shouldn't write off this industrials stock just yet. In fact, a dip could even be an opportunity to buy now. Should you buy stock in Donaldson right now? Before you buy stock in Donaldson, consider this: Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Free Report) by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 874,192 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 17,988 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Citizens Financial Group were worth $46,472,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. AlphaCore Capital LLC acquired a new position in Citizens Financial Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $60,000. Intech Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 43.9% during the third quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 82,794 shares of the banks stock worth $4,401,000 after purchasing an additional 25,274 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 1.9% in the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 33,254 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,768,000 after purchasing an additional 611 shares during the period. Hager Investment Management Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 52.5% in the third quarter. Hager Investment Management Services LLC now owns 21,324 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,134,000 after purchasing an additional 7,344 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management grew its holdings in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 71.8% in the third quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 9,555 shares of the banks stock valued at $508,000 after purchasing an additional 3,992 shares in the last quarter. 94.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Citizens Financial Group alerts: Citizens Financial Group Stock Performance Shares of CFG opened at $60.07 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $25.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 0.72. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $32.60 and a 52-week high of $68.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $62.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $55.99. Citizens Financial Group Dividend Announcement Citizens Financial Group ( NYSE:CFG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The bank reported $1.13 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.02. Citizens Financial Group had a net margin of 15.19% and a return on equity of 7.81%. The company had revenue of $2.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.16 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.85 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Citizens Financial Group, Inc. will post 3.92 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 18th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 4th were given a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 4th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Citizens Financial Groups payout ratio is 47.55%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have commented on CFG shares. Evercore raised their price target on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $69.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Raymond James Financial cut Citizens Financial Group from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $62.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays set a $77.00 target price on Citizens Financial Group and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $80.00 price target on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on Citizens Financial Group from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $68.77. Check Out Our Latest Report on Citizens Financial Group About Citizens Financial Group (Free Report) Citizens Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: CFG) is a bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, small and middle-market businesses, corporations and institutional clients. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens conducts its banking operations principally through its primary banking subsidiary, Citizens Bank, and serves customers through a combination of branch locations, ATMs and digital channels. The company is publicly traded and operates under the regulatory framework applicable to U.S. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citizens Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citizens Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Free Report) by 7.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 185,879 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 12,505 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Packaging Corporation of America were worth $40,509,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. MAI Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 41.2% during the third quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 3,544 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $772,000 after acquiring an additional 1,034 shares during the last quarter. Waddell & Associates LLC acquired a new stake in Packaging Corporation of America in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $214,000. Mount Lucas Management LP boosted its stake in Packaging Corporation of America by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Mount Lucas Management LP now owns 6,367 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,388,000 after purchasing an additional 216 shares in the last quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. grew its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 21.7% during the 3rd quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. now owns 2,410 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $525,000 after purchasing an additional 430 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Compound Planning Inc. increased its stake in Packaging Corporation of America by 6.0% during the 3rd quarter. Compound Planning Inc. now owns 1,723 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $375,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.78% of the companys stock. Get Packaging Corporation of America alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes PKG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Packaging Corporation of America from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Packaging Corporation of America from $273.00 to $270.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Packaging Corporation of America from $226.00 to $227.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Argus upgraded Packaging Corporation of America to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $233.00 to $234.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Packaging Corporation of America currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $236.00. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Packaging Corporation of America news, President Thomas A. Hassfurther sold 12,129 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.50, for a total value of $2,795,734.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the president owned 197,062 shares in the company, valued at approximately $45,422,791. This represents a 5.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Packaging Corporation of America Stock Down 0.0% Shares of PKG stock opened at $231.75 on Friday. Packaging Corporation of America has a twelve month low of $172.71 and a twelve month high of $249.51. The stock has a market cap of $20.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.88. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $223.31 and a 200 day moving average of $212.12. The company has a current ratio of 3.16, a quick ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The industrial products company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.41 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $2.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.43 billion. Packaging Corporation of America had a return on equity of 19.18% and a net margin of 8.61%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.47 EPS. Packaging Corporation of America has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.200-2.20 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Packaging Corporation of America will post 10.44 EPS for the current year. Packaging Corporation of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. Packaging Corporation of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 58.34%. Packaging Corporation of America Company Profile (Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) is a leading North American manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products. The company produces a range of paper-based packaging solutions including linerboard, corrugating medium, corrugated shipping containers, retail-ready packaging and point-of-purchase displays. In addition to core packaging products, Packaging Corporation of America offers packaging design, testing and supply-chain services intended to optimize protection, cost and sustainability for customers. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, the company operates an integrated network of mills and corrugated manufacturing facilities across the United States and serves customers throughout North America in industries such as e-commerce, grocery and food & beverage, consumer packaged goods and industrial markets. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PKG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Corporation of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Corporation of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 51.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 23,998 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 25,664 shares during the quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $8,537,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of GLD. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 870 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $309,000 after buying an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Norris Perne & French LLP MI grew its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Norris Perne & French LLP MI now owns 873 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $310,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Revisor Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Revisor Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,237 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $452,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the period. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC lifted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 12.0% during the third quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $96,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Patten Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 0.5% during the third quarter. Patten Group Inc. now owns 5,592 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,988,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the period. 42.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: Trending Headlines about SPDR Gold Shares Here are the key news stories impacting SPDR Gold Shares this week: SPDR Gold Shares Trading Up 1.3% About SPDR Gold Shares SPDR Gold Shares stock opened at $483.75 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $183.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.09. SPDR Gold Shares has a 12 month low of $261.25 and a 12 month high of $509.70. The stocks 50 day moving average is $440.84 and its 200-day moving average is $387.98. (Free Report) SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to certain authorized participants (Authorized Participants) on an ongoing basis. The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of gold and any cash represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which will be based on the combined net asset value of various Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNB Asset Management AS increased its stake in BBB Foods Inc. (NYSE:TBBB Free Report) by 60.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 374,275 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 140,409 shares during the quarter. DNB Asset Management AS owned about 0.33% of BBB Foods worth $10,090,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of TBBB. Citigroup Inc. increased its stake in BBB Foods by 108.9% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 281,023 shares of the companys stock worth $7,576,000 after buying an additional 146,488 shares during the period. Barings LLC bought a new position in BBB Foods in the third quarter worth about $1,959,000. Savant Capital LLC purchased a new position in BBB Foods in the third quarter worth $317,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in BBB Foods by 26.1% in the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 2,869 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,000 after buying an additional 593 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baillie Gifford & Co. boosted its stake in BBB Foods by 123.4% in the 3rd quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 194,851 shares of the companys stock worth $5,253,000 after purchasing an additional 107,622 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.42% of the companys stock. Get BBB Foods alerts: BBB Foods Stock Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE TBBB opened at $36.37 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.15 billion, a PE ratio of -43.30 and a beta of -0.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.21, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The firms 50-day moving average is $35.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.67. BBB Foods Inc. has a 12-month low of $23.00 and a 12-month high of $40.09. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have commented on TBBB shares. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of BBB Foods from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of BBB Foods to an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of BBB Foods in a research report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of BBB Foods from $31.00 to $43.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 20th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of BBB Foods from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $39.00. Read Our Latest Report on TBBB About BBB Foods (Free Report) BBB Foods Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates a chain of grocery retail stores in Mexico. It offers household cleaning, personal hyenine, cosmetics and beauty, pharmacy, and general merchandise products, as well as jellies and desserts, foods and drinks, pet supplies, coffee, tea, chocolates, breads, dry and frozen foods, snacks and sweets, and toilet papers and napkins. The company also provides branded, private label, and spot products. It serves low-to-middle income households through online channels. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TBBB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BBB Foods Inc. (NYSE:TBBB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BBB Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BBB Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Wall Motor Company Limited (OTCMKTS:GWLLF Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 304,962 shares, a growth of 148.6% from the January 29th total of 122,670 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,119 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 272.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,119 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 272.5 days. Great Wall Motor Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS GWLLF opened at $1.70 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $1.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.97. Great Wall Motor has a one year low of $1.38 and a one year high of $2.51. Get Great Wall Motor alerts: About Great Wall Motor (Get Free Report) Great Wall Motor Company Limited is a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer based in Baoding, Hebei Province. The company specializes in the design, development and production of sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks and electric vehicles. Its portfolio includes the Haval brand of SUVs, the WEY luxury SUV line, the Tank series of off-road vehicles and the ORA electric vehicle brand. Great Wall Motors vertical integration spans steel stamping, welding, painting and final assembly, allowing the company to maintain control over key production processes and quality standards. Founded in 1984 as the Baoding Great Wall Foundry Factory, the company adopted the name Great Wall Motor in 1996 to reflect its automotive ambitions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Great Wall Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Wall Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LaFleur & Godfrey LLC reduced its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 4.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 132,177 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 6,661 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for about 5.1% of LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $41,693,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 450.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 92.6% during the third quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC now owns 104 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Collier Financial bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the third quarter worth about $60,000. Finally, Clarity Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 87.1% in the second quarter. Clarity Asset Management Inc. now owns 217 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $63,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.55% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades JPM has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $334.00 to $330.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Wolfe Research cut shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $330.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $336.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Barclays reissued a buy rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Friday, February 13th. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $339.55. Insider Buying and Selling In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 3,404 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $306.40, for a total transaction of $1,042,985.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 61,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,981,173.60. This trade represents a 5.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO Jennifer Piepszak sold 8,571 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $312.79, for a total transaction of $2,680,923.09. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 71,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,216,535.33. This trade represents a 10.77% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 71,596 shares of company stock worth $22,067,932 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Down 2.3% Shares of NYSE JPM opened at $299.10 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27. The business has a 50-day moving average of $313.51 and a 200-day moving average of $308.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $806.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.95, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.07. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 12 month low of $202.16 and a 12 month high of $337.25. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.93 by $0.30. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.35% and a return on equity of 17.16%. The firm had revenue of $45.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.98 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $4.81 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, January 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 6th were issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.99%. Key Stories Impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services. The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Erste Asset Management GmbH lowered its holdings in CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 39.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 27,343 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after selling 17,762 shares during the quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbHs holdings in CVS Health were worth $2,066,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of CVS Health in the second quarter worth about $1,228,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in CVS Health by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 52,553 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $3,625,000 after purchasing an additional 501 shares in the last quarter. Savvy Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of CVS Health by 57.3% during the 2nd quarter. Savvy Advisors Inc. now owns 5,493 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $379,000 after purchasing an additional 2,001 shares during the period. Atria Investments Inc increased its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 7.0% during the 2nd quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 73,684 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $5,083,000 after purchasing an additional 4,795 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AlphaStar Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of CVS Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $385,000. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get CVS Health alerts: CVS Health Stock Up 2.2% Shares of CVS opened at $79.74 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $78.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $77.21. CVS Health Corporation has a one year low of $58.35 and a one year high of $85.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.84. The stock has a market capitalization of $101.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 57.78, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.50. CVS Health Announces Dividend CVS Health ( NYSE:CVS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. CVS Health had a return on equity of 11.31% and a net margin of 0.44%.The company had revenue of $105.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $103.67 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.19 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. CVS Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.940-6.140 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 22nd were issued a $0.665 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. CVS Healths dividend payout ratio is currently 192.75%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently commented on CVS shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $91.00 target price on shares of CVS Health in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on CVS Health from $89.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, UBS Group reissued an outperform rating on shares of CVS Health in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Nineteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, CVS Health has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $94.91. Read Our Latest Analysis on CVS About CVS Health (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, over?the?counter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and in?store clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities. Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walk?in medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intech Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR Free Report) by 142.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 149,833 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 88,096 shares during the quarter. Intech Investment Management LLCs holdings in Par Pacific were worth $5,307,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PARR. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Par Pacific by 157.4% during the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,596 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 976 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new position in shares of Par Pacific in the third quarter worth approximately $44,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Par Pacific by 81.1% in the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,340 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 1,048 shares in the last quarter. USA Financial Formulas bought a new position in shares of Par Pacific during the third quarter valued at $82,000. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Par Pacific by 19.7% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 5,838 shares of the companys stock valued at $154,000 after acquiring an additional 961 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.15% of the companys stock. Get Par Pacific alerts: Par Pacific Stock Performance PARR stock opened at $42.62 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $2.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.85 and a beta of 1.23. Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. has a twelve month low of $11.86 and a twelve month high of $48.40. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $38.39 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $38.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. Analyst Ratings Changes Par Pacific ( NYSE:PARR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported $1.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.21 by ($0.04). Par Pacific had a net margin of 4.95% and a return on equity of 32.01%. The company had revenue of $1.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.68 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.79) earnings per share. Par Pacifics quarterly revenue was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. will post 0.15 earnings per share for the current year. A number of research firms have recently issued reports on PARR. Tudor Pickering upgraded Par Pacific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Par Pacific from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and set a $50.00 target price on shares of Par Pacific in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Par Pacific in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $57.00 price objective on Par Pacific in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.33. Read Our Latest Research Report on Par Pacific Par Pacific Profile (Free Report) Par Pacific Holdings, Inc (NYSE: PARR) is a diversified downstream energy company engaged in the refining, marketing and logistics of petroleum products. Through its subsidiaries, Par Pacific operates the Par Hawaii Refinery on the island of O?ahu, which processes crude oil into transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as asphalt, petroleum coke and sulfur. In the Rocky Mountain region, the company owns and operates the Salt Lake City Refinery in Utah and associated logistics infrastructure, including pipelines and storage terminals, to support both crude supply and product distribution. In marketing its refined products, Par Pacific maintains a network of branded and unbranded wholesale accounts across Hawaii and the U.S. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PARR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Par Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Par Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund acquired 73,965 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $5,202,000. Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti in the third quarter worth $25,000. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its position in AngloGold Ashanti by 129.0% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 490 shares of the mining companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares during the period. Optimum Investment Advisors acquired a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti during the third quarter worth about $35,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in AngloGold Ashanti by 30.3% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,023 shares of the mining companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 238 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC bought a new position in AngloGold Ashanti in the 3rd quarter valued at about $53,000. 36.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get AngloGold Ashanti alerts: AngloGold Ashanti Stock Up 1.3% Shares of NYSE:AU opened at $127.73 on Friday. AngloGold Ashanti PLC has a 52-week low of $28.44 and a 52-week high of $128.54. The company has a market capitalization of $64.49 billion, a PE ratio of 24.61 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a current ratio of 2.58. The company has a fifty day moving average of $101.77 and a 200-day moving average of $81.71. AngloGold Ashanti Cuts Dividend AngloGold Ashanti ( NYSE:AU Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 20th. The mining company reported $1.90 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.90. AngloGold Ashanti had a return on equity of 29.70% and a net margin of 26.65%.The business had revenue of $3.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.99 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that AngloGold Ashanti PLC will post 3.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a $0.173 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. This represents a $0.69 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. AngloGold Ashantis dividend payout ratio is currently 70.13%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently weighed in on AU shares. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a report on Wednesday. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and set a $122.00 target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research note on Friday, February 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on AngloGold Ashanti from $128.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Wall Street Zen raised AngloGold Ashanti from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price objective on AngloGold Ashanti from $105.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, AngloGold Ashanti currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $100.50. Get Our Latest Stock Report on AU About AngloGold Ashanti (Free Report) AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, processing and sale of gold. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the companys core activities span the full mining value chain from greenfield exploration and mine development through to ore processing and rehabilitation. Gold is the primary commodity produced, with individual operations sometimes yielding other by?products depending on local geology and processing methods. The company was formed in 2004 through the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti Goldfields, creating a diversified international gold producer. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AngloGold Ashanti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AngloGold Ashanti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. APi Group (NYSE:APG Free Report) had its target price lifted by UBS Group from $49.00 to $54.00 in a research note published on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a buy rating on the stock. Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of APi Group in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of APi Group from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays raised their target price on shares of APi Group from $44.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. CJS Securities upgraded APi Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a $49.00 price objective (up from $45.00) on shares of APi Group in a research note on Monday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, APi Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.57. Get APi Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on APi Group APi Group Price Performance APi Group stock opened at $44.41 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $19.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -58.69 and a beta of 1.70. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. APi Group has a 12 month low of $20.50 and a 12 month high of $46.89. The stocks 50 day moving average is $42.25 and its 200-day moving average is $38.28. APi Group (NYSE:APG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $2.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.09 billion. APi Group had a return on equity of 37.92% and a net margin of 3.70%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.51 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that APi Group will post 1.83 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity at APi Group In other APi Group news, Director Anthony E. Malkin purchased 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was bought at an average price of $39.58 per share, with a total value of $118,740.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 7,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $277,060. This represents a 75.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Louis Lambert sold 22,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.71, for a total value of $983,620.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 16,148 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $721,977.08. This represents a 57.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 17.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its stake in APi Group by 47.4% in the third quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 337,089 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,586,000 after acquiring an additional 108,433 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of APi Group by 72.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 4,960,278 shares of the companys stock worth $170,485,000 after purchasing an additional 2,077,705 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of APi Group by 48.6% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 674,203 shares of the companys stock worth $23,172,000 after purchasing an additional 220,551 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its position in APi Group by 29.5% in the 3rd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 189,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,523,000 after purchasing an additional 43,202 shares during the period. Finally, Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH increased its stake in APi Group by 128.2% during the 3rd quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 246,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,465,000 after purchasing an additional 138,369 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.62% of the companys stock. More APi Group News Here are the key news stories impacting APi Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat expectations: APi reported $0.44 EPS vs. $0.40 consensus and revenue of $2.12B vs. $2.09B, with 13.8% year-over-year revenue growth and improved adjusted EBITDA margins the core catalyst for the recent rally. Read More. Q4 results beat expectations: APi reported $0.44 EPS vs. $0.40 consensus and revenue of $2.12B vs. $2.09B, with 13.8% year-over-year revenue growth and improved adjusted EBITDA margins the core catalyst for the recent rally. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Multiple banks raised price targets and ratings (UBS, Citi, RBC, Barclays, Truist), increasing street conviction and providing near-term upside targets in the $52$54 range. Read More. Multiple banks raised price targets and ratings (UBS, Citi, RBC, Barclays, Truist), increasing street conviction and providing near-term upside targets in the $52$54 range. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Company reported record fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results and management framed outcomes as validation of a recurring-services model narrative that supports multiple-quarter growth expectations. Read More. Company reported record fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results and management framed outcomes as validation of a recurring-services model narrative that supports multiple-quarter growth expectations. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Investor access events scheduled: APis senior team will present at Bank of America (Mar 12) and J.P. Morgan (Mar 17) conferences increases visibility and gives investors a chance to probe guidance and margin drivers. Read More. Investor access events scheduled: APis senior team will present at Bank of America (Mar 12) and J.P. Morgan (Mar 17) conferences increases visibility and gives investors a chance to probe guidance and margin drivers. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call transcript and full disclosures are available for investors who want segment-level detail and management commentary on margin improvement and backlog. Useful for confirming whether the beat is sustainable. Read More. Earnings call transcript and full disclosures are available for investors who want segment-level detail and management commentary on margin improvement and backlog. Useful for confirming whether the beat is sustainable. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Near-term guidance caution: Q1 2026 revenue was guided to ~$1.9B$2.0B versus an implied ~ $2.1B consensus, creating execution risk and a potential cap on short-term upside if conservatism persists. Read More. Near-term guidance caution: Q1 2026 revenue was guided to ~$1.9B$2.0B versus an implied ~ $2.1B consensus, creating execution risk and a potential cap on short-term upside if conservatism persists. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: SVP Louis Lambert sold 22,000 shares (~$984k at ~$44.71), reducing his position by ~58% some investors may view this as a cautionary signal on timing or liquidity needs. Read More. APi Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) APi Group Corp. is a global specialty contractor that provides fire protection, security, mechanical insulation and energy services to commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minnesota, the company designs, installs, inspects, tests, maintains and repairs a wide range of safety and infrastructure systems. Through its network of operating subsidiaries, APi Group delivers end-to-end solutions for new construction, facility renovations and ongoing maintenance requirements. Its service portfolio spans life safety and industrial servicessuch as fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lightingand specialized offerings including technical insulation, access solutions, passive fire protection and energy efficiency upgrades. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Historically, if you wanted a mortgage, your first stop was likely at a bank or a local credit union. But in recent years, youre more likely to have borrowed from a specialized mortgage company that isnt a bank at all, like CrossCountry Mortgage, Rocket, or loanDepot. The Federal Reserve would like to change that. Its considering tweaking the rules designed to incentivize banks to lend more and stay involved in mortgage servicing, the long-term administrative process of collecting and distributing payments. The goal is to introduce fresh lending competition into the frozen housing market and help lower mortgage rates. The capital treatment of mortgage loans and mortgage servicing assets under the U.S. standardized approach has resulted in banks reducing their participation in this important lending activity, limiting access to mortgage credit, Michelle Bowman, the Fed vice chair of supervision, said in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday. We are considering approaches to differentiate the riskiness of mortgages in ways that will benefit financial institutions of all sizes, not just the largest banks. Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Subscribe In 2008, banks originated at least 60% of US mortgages and serviced almost all of them, while nonbank lenders did the rest. But in recent years, those numbers have essentially flipped. As of 2023, banks accounted for around 35% of originations and less than half of servicing, according to Treasury data. Banks have been retreating from the mortgage market for several reasons. The mortgage business has thin margins compared to other common banking services, and rising rates have depressed business in recent years. Regulatory changes that went into effect in the aftermath of the financial crisis also play a role. Those rules, designed to ensure banks have enough money set aside to cover losses on risky assets, made it more onerous for banks to hold mortgage loans and servicing rights on their books. Nonbanks, meanwhile, are governed by a different set of regulatory requirements, often from states, and have worked to grow their businesses as banks stepped away. The added competition has made it even less enticing for banks to stay in the business. On Thursday, Willamette Valley Bank, a community bank based in Salem, Ore., announced it was exiting the mortgage lending business, saying that higher rates and the growth of nonbank lenders were making it harder to compete sustainably in this segment. Last year, banks including Popular, Ally Financial, and WaFd Bank ended mortgage lending as well. Rafferty Asset Management LLC lowered its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report) by 8.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 582,608 shares of the companys stock after selling 53,294 shares during the quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC owned approximately 0.34% of iShares MSCI India ETF worth $30,331,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF in the third quarter worth about $25,000. WealthShield Partners LLC grew its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 278.7% during the second quarter. WealthShield Partners LLC now owns 693 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 510 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI India ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF by 54.9% during the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 945 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 335 shares during the period. Finally, Bradley & Co. Private Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI India ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $53,000. Get iShares MSCI India ETF alerts: iShares MSCI India ETF Price Performance Shares of BATS:INDA opened at $52.27 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $53.07 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $53.37. The company has a market cap of $9.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.20 and a beta of 0.48. iShares MSCI India ETF has a one year low of $47.60 and a one year high of $56.01. iShares MSCI India ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INDA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntington National Bank lowered its holdings in shares of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC Free Report) by 5.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,788 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 1,215 shares during the period. Huntington National Banks holdings in Northrop Grumman were worth $12,667,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of NOC. Accredited Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Northrop Grumman by 1,122.2% in the 3rd quarter. Accredited Wealth Management LLC now owns 550 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $335,000 after buying an additional 505 shares in the last quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV lifted its position in shares of Northrop Grumman by 1,310.1% in the third quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 1,537 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $936,000 after acquiring an additional 1,428 shares in the last quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in shares of Northrop Grumman by 729.9% in the third quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH now owns 2,000 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,191,000 after acquiring an additional 1,759 shares in the last quarter. TIAA Trust National Association boosted its stake in shares of Northrop Grumman by 1.1% during the third quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 16,576 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $10,100,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Integrated Advisors Network LLC increased its position in Northrop Grumman by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 1,800 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,097,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. 83.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Northrop Grumman alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Michael A. Hardesty sold 147 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $732.98, for a total transaction of $107,748.06. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,525 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,850,774.50. This trade represents a 5.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Mark A. Welsh III sold 95 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $684.52, for a total value of $65,029.40. Following the sale, the director owned 4,203 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,877,037.56. This represents a 2.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 32,431 shares of company stock worth $21,969,404 over the last three months. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Northrop Grumman Price Performance Shares of Northrop Grumman stock opened at $725.81 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $103.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.92, a PEG ratio of 5.38 and a beta of 0.04. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $657.85 and its 200 day moving average price is $608.49. Northrop Grumman Corporation has a twelve month low of $450.13 and a twelve month high of $745.55. Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The aerospace company reported $7.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.97 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $11.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.61 billion. Northrop Grumman had a return on equity of 25.57% and a net margin of 9.97%.The companys revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $6.39 EPS. Northrop Grumman has set its FY 2026 guidance at 27.400-27.900 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Northrop Grumman Corporation will post 28.05 earnings per share for the current year. Northrop Grumman Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be given a $2.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 23rd. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. Northrop Grummans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.72%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have issued reports on NOC. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. Truist Financial reissued a hold rating and set a $623.00 price objective (down from $688.00) on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research note on Friday, January 9th. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Northrop Grumman from $777.00 to $778.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Argus set a $785.00 price target on Northrop Grumman in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $727.00 price target on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research note on Monday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Northrop Grumman has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $693.60. Get Our Latest Analysis on NOC Northrop Grumman Profile (Free Report) Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a leading U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, builds and sustains advanced systems, products and technologies for government and commercial customers. Formed through the combination of Northrop and Grumman businesses in the 1990s, the companys portfolio spans manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems, missile defense, radar and sensor systems, and integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions. The companys work includes airframe and platform manufacturing, space hardware and satellite systems, advanced mission systems and cybersecurity services, as well as logistics, sustainment and modernization programs. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Northrop Grumman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northrop Grumman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mufg Securities Canada LTD. trimmed its position in Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Free Report) (TSE:BMO) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,185,390 shares of the banks stock after selling 42,089 shares during the period. Bank Of Montreal accounts for 4.3% of Mufg Securities Canada LTD.s portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest position. Mufg Securities Canada LTD. owned approximately 0.17% of Bank Of Montreal worth $154,447,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in BMO. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank Of Montreal in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in Bank Of Montreal during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp bought a new stake in Bank Of Montreal during the third quarter worth about $52,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Bank Of Montreal by 107.7% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 407 shares of the banks stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 211 shares during the period. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of Bank Of Montreal during the second quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Institutional investors own 45.82% of the companys stock. Get Bank Of Montreal alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on BMO. TD Securities raised Bank Of Montreal from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a report on Wednesday. Raymond James Financial upgraded Bank Of Montreal from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. National Bank Financial reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $163.00. Bank Of Montreal Trading Down 3.3% Bank Of Montreal stock opened at $143.93 on Friday. Bank Of Montreal has a one year low of $85.40 and a one year high of $149.01. The businesss fifty day moving average is $137.46 and its 200 day moving average is $129.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $101.65 billion, a PE ratio of 16.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 1.00. Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Get Free Report) (TSE:BMO) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The bank reported $2.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.16. Bank Of Montreal had a net margin of 11.76% and a return on equity of 12.18%. The business had revenue of $7.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.04 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Bank Of Montreal will post 7.71 EPS for the current year. Bank Of Montreal Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 29th will be issued a dividend of $1.67 per share. This represents a $6.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 29th. Bank Of Montreals dividend payout ratio is presently 56.56%. Key Headlines Impacting Bank Of Montreal Here are the key news stories impacting Bank Of Montreal this week: About Bank Of Montreal (Free Report) Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO), commonly known as BMO Financial Group, is one of Canadas largest and longest-established banks. Founded in Montreal and headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the bank provides a broad range of financial services to retail, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. BMO is publicly listed in both Canada and the United States and operates under a consolidated financial services model that integrates banking, capital markets, wealth management and asset management activities. BMOs core businesses include personal and commercial bankingoffering checking and savings accounts, lending, mortgages, and small-business servicesalongside wealth management and private banking through its asset and investment management divisions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank Of Montreal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Of Montreal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mufg Securities Canada LTD. lowered its position in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 2.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 623,286 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 15,127 shares during the period. Brookfield Asset Management comprises approximately 1.0% of Mufg Securities Canada LTD.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Mufg Securities Canada LTD.s holdings in Brookfield Asset Management were worth $35,466,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. PDS Planning Inc raised its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 4,054 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 184 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 1.4% in the third quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 13,240 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $754,000 after buying an additional 187 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 2.1% in the third quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 11,010 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $627,000 after buying an additional 226 shares in the last quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 38.0% during the 3rd quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 846 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 233 shares during the period. Finally, Wulff Hansen & CO. lifted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. now owns 7,830 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $446,000 after buying an additional 240 shares in the last quarter. 68.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Brookfield Asset Management Price Performance NYSE:BAM opened at $46.68 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $76.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 52 week low of $41.78 and a 52 week high of $64.10. The stocks fifty day moving average is $51.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $54.39. Brookfield Asset Management Increases Dividend Brookfield Asset Management ( NYSE:BAM Get Free Report ) (TSE:BAM.A) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $1.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. Brookfield Asset Management had a net margin of 51.59% and a return on equity of 29.67%. Equities analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.7 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.5025 per share. This represents a $2.01 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This is an increase from Brookfield Asset Managements previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is 115.13%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently commented on BAM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Scotiabank set a $64.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. UBS Group set a $52.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Friday, February 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $67.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $63.65. View Our Latest Report on Brookfield Asset Management Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Asset Management is a global alternative asset manager headquartered in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in investments in real assets and related private equity and credit strategies. The firm acquires, manages and develops assets in sectors such as real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and private equity, seeking long-term value through active asset management and operational improvements. Brookfield structures and manages commingled funds, listed partnerships and separate accounts for institutional and retail investors. The companys products and services include fund management across equity and debt strategies, direct asset ownership and operations, property and facilities management, and capital markets solutions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mufg Securities Canada LTD. reduced its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,456,929 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 94,143 shares during the period. Canadian Natural Resources makes up approximately 3.1% of Mufg Securities Canada LTD.s portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Mufg Securities Canada LTD. owned about 0.17% of Canadian Natural Resources worth $110,523,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Tacita Capital Inc raised its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. Tacita Capital Inc now owns 5,753 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $184,000 after buying an additional 330 shares in the last quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp boosted its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 1.2% in the second quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp now owns 32,283 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,014,000 after buying an additional 387 shares in the last quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 2.2% during the third quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC now owns 17,886 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $572,000 after acquiring an additional 390 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 9.4% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,939 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $158,000 after acquiring an additional 426 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 5.7% in the second quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,109 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $255,000 after acquiring an additional 434 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.03% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have commented on CNQ shares. Desjardins lowered shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Evercore cut shares of Canadian Natural Resources from an outperform rating to an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $35.00 target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 2nd. Zacks Research cut shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $48.50. Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 1.5% Shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock opened at $43.73 on Friday. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 1 year low of $24.65 and a 1 year high of $44.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $36.64 and a 200 day moving average price of $33.59. The company has a market capitalization of $91.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.35 and a beta of 0.68. Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile (Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE: CNQ) is a Calgary-based independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Established in the early 1970s and publicly listed in Canada and the United States, the company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its asset base spans conventional and unconventional reservoirs and includes oil sands mining and in-situ thermal projects, midstream processing and upgrading capacity, and related field operations. The companys operations are concentrated in Western Canada, where it develops heavy crude, bitumen from oil sands and conventional light crude and natural gas resources. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLC boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,187,579 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 12,173 shares during the period. Alexandria Real Estate Equities comprises about 3.9% of Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest position. Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLC owned 0.69% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities worth $98,973,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 102.4% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 23,245 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,184,000 after buying an additional 11,762 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4,261.1% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,140 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $290,000 after acquiring an additional 3,068 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC increased its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 6,455 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $597,000 after purchasing an additional 296 shares in the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP raised its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 39.9% in the 1st quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 13,015 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,204,000 after purchasing an additional 3,714 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth raised its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 171.5% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 6,591 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $610,000 after purchasing an additional 4,163 shares during the last quarter. 96.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Alexandria Real Estate Equities Trading Down 1.9% ARE opened at $54.07 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $53.68 and a 200 day simple moving average of $63.28. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $44.10 and a fifty-two week high of $105.14. The company has a market cap of $9.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.55 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.23 and a quick ratio of 0.23. Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( NYSE:ARE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, January 26th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $754.41 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $742.64 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative net margin of 47.23% and a negative return on equity of 6.82%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.39 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.550 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.32 earnings per share for the current year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback plan on Monday, December 8th that authorizes the company to repurchase $500.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the real estate investment trust to buy up to 6.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.3%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is -34.12%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Sheila K. Mcgrath bought 3,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $45.60 per share, for a total transaction of $141,360.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 8,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $382,675.20. This trade represents a 58.58% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Joel S. Marcus acquired 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $53.92 per share, for a total transaction of $1,348,000.00. Following the purchase, the chairman directly owned 562,724 shares in the company, valued at $30,342,078.08. This trade represents a 4.65% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 1.08% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on ARE shares. Citigroup decreased their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $61.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $60.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $60.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $91.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $65.73. View Our Latest Report on ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, development and management of collaborative life science and technology campuses. The companys properties are designed to support research and innovation by providing specialized laboratory, office and manufacturing space tailored to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic and related industries. Since its founding in 1994, Alexandria has cultivated a diversified portfolio of campuses across leading innovation clusters in North America and Europe. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $8,600.00 and last traded at $8,495.00, with a volume of 210 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $8,435.00. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of $1.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.78 and a beta of 0.30. The business has a 50 day moving average of $8,358.46 and a 200 day moving average of $7,675.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. Get Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach alerts: Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 26th. The company reported $141.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $78.60 million for the quarter. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach had a return on equity of 4.89% and a net margin of 15.22%. About Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL) is a community bank founded in 1907 and headquartered in Long Beach, California. As a wholly owned subsidiary of FMB Bancorp, the bank serves individuals, families and local businesses with a focus on personalized relationship banking. Its long history reflects a commitment to supporting the economic growth and development of the communities it serves. The banks primary business activities include a broad range of commercial and retail banking services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Glacier Bancorp (NYSE:GBCI Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Saturday. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on GBCI. Brean Capital cut shares of Glacier Bancorp from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Glacier Bancorp in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Glacier Bancorp from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Piper Sandler upgraded Glacier Bancorp from a hold rating to an overweight rating and set a $58.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Glacier Bancorp currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $56.50. Get Glacier Bancorp alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on GBCI Glacier Bancorp Price Performance Shares of NYSE GBCI opened at $45.45 on Friday. Glacier Bancorp has a fifty-two week low of $36.76 and a fifty-two week high of $53.99. The company has a market cap of $5.91 billion, a PE ratio of 22.84 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.83. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $48.44 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $46.49. Glacier Bancorp (NYSE:GBCI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.59 by ($0.10). The company had revenue of $306.51 million for the quarter. Glacier Bancorp had a net margin of 16.63% and a return on equity of 6.68%. Glacier Bancorp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Glacier Bancorp, Inc is a bank holding company headquartered in Kalispell, Montana. Through its network of community banks, the company delivers commercial and retail banking services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and agricultural clients. With a commitment to relationship-driven banking, Glacier Bancorp combines local market expertise with regional scale to offer customized financial solutions that address the unique needs of the communities it serves. Established in 1955 as Glacier Bank, the company has expanded both organically and through targeted acquisitions to build a presence across the Mountain West and into the Upper Midwest and Southwest. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Glacier Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Glacier Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. River Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG Free Report) by 32.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 24,808 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 6,083 shares during the quarter. River Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Public Service Enterprise Group were worth $2,070,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PEG. HM Payson & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 3,755 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $313,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Rossby Financial LCC increased its position in Public Service Enterprise Group by 5.5% during the third quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 2,311 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $191,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC raised its stake in Public Service Enterprise Group by 26.8% in the third quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 573 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 2.6% in the third quarter. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,916 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $410,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sage Private Wealth Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 4.9% during the 3rd quarter. Sage Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,831 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $236,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.34% of the companys stock. Get Public Service Enterprise Group alerts: Key Headlines Impacting Public Service Enterprise Group Here are the key news stories impacting Public Service Enterprise Group this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from $105.00 to $98.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Argus raised shares of Public Service Enterprise Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $92.00 price target on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group in a report on Thursday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and set a $85.00 price objective (down from $88.00) on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.18. Check Out Our Latest Report on PEG Public Service Enterprise Group Trading Up 0.2% PEG stock opened at $85.98 on Friday. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $74.67 and a 52 week high of $91.25. The company has a market capitalization of $42.92 billion, a PE ratio of 20.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 0.59. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $81.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $81.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.93. Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The utilities provider reported $0.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.01. Public Service Enterprise Group had a net margin of 17.35% and a return on equity of 12.16%. The firm had revenue of $2.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.68 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.84 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 18.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Public Service Enterprise Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.280-4.400 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated will post 3.67 earnings per share for the current year. Public Service Enterprise Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be given a dividend of $0.67 per share. This is an increase from Public Service Enterprise Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 10th. Public Service Enterprise Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 60.58%. Public Service Enterprise Group Company Profile (Free Report) Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) is a diversified energy company that operates primarily in New Jersey. Its core businesses include a regulated utility that delivers electric and natural gas service to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as generation and energy services operations that participate in wholesale power markets. The companys activities encompass transmission and distribution, power generation operations, and related energy infrastructure services. The regulated utility arm, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), is responsible for owning and maintaining electric and gas networks, connecting customers, performing meter and billing services, and managing system reliability and storm response. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PEG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Public Service Enterprise Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Public Service Enterprise Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nicholas Hoffman & Company LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 5,911 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,106,000. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of HSY. Liberty One Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Hershey by 32.4% during the 3rd quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC now owns 38,076 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,122,000 after purchasing an additional 9,309 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hershey by 166.8% in the third quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 39,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,332,000 after purchasing an additional 24,509 shares in the last quarter. CORDA Investment Management LLC. lifted its holdings in shares of Hershey by 6.6% in the third quarter. CORDA Investment Management LLC. now owns 113,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,276,000 after purchasing an additional 7,064 shares in the last quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance boosted its position in shares of Hershey by 6.4% during the third quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 42,538 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,957,000 after buying an additional 2,573 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its holdings in Hershey by 9.4% during the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 60,978 shares of the companys stock worth $11,406,000 after buying an additional 5,239 shares in the last quarter. 57.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hershey alerts: Hershey News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Hershey this week: Positive Sentiment: Hersheys recent quarter beat estimates and management set FY2026 guidance of $8.20$8.52 EPS, confirming solid top-line growth and margin resilience a primary driver for investor confidence. MarketBeat earnings & guidance summary Hersheys recent quarter beat estimates and management set FY2026 guidance of $8.20$8.52 EPS, confirming solid top-line growth and margin resilience a primary driver for investor confidence. Positive Sentiment: The company raised its quarterly dividend to $1.452 (annualized $5.81), increasing yield and income appeal for dividend-focused investors. Dividend growth reinforces the defensive, cash-return profile of HSY. MarketBeat dividend notice The company raised its quarterly dividend to $1.452 (annualized $5.81), increasing yield and income appeal for dividend-focused investors. Dividend growth reinforces the defensive, cash-return profile of HSY. Positive Sentiment: Analysts and financial outlets continue to view Hershey as a high-quality, wide-moat consumer stock it was featured on a list of five non-tech wide-moat leaders, supporting demand from long-term, defensive investors. Buy 5 Non-Tech Wide Moat Stocks to Enhance Your Portfolio Returns Analysts and financial outlets continue to view Hershey as a high-quality, wide-moat consumer stock it was featured on a list of five non-tech wide-moat leaders, supporting demand from long-term, defensive investors. Neutral Sentiment: Food & beverage peers reported mixed results (e.g., Monster, Hormel, Smucker beats/metrics). These sector data points help set category expectations but are not company-specific catalysts for HSY. Monster Q4 earnings Food & beverage peers reported mixed results (e.g., Monster, Hormel, Smucker beats/metrics). These sector data points help set category expectations but are not company-specific catalysts for HSY. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: SVP Jason Reiman sold 2,000 shares (avg. $226.07) and another senior insider, Rohit Grover, sold 3,500 shares on Feb. 24. While small relative to total holdings and not unusual following share-price strength, these sales can be perceived negatively by some investors. Insider selling disclosure Hershey Stock Up 2.1% HSY opened at $236.34 on Friday. Hershey Company has a twelve month low of $150.04 and a twelve month high of $236.78. The companys 50-day moving average price is $202.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $190.24. The stock has a market cap of $47.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.46, a PEG ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 0.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01. Hershey (NYSE:HSY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.40 by $0.31. Hershey had a net margin of 7.55% and a return on equity of 27.90%. The company had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.97 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.69 EPS. Hersheys quarterly revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Hershey has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.200-8.520 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Hershey Company will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current year. Hershey Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of $1.452 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $5.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. This is a boost from Hersheys previous quarterly dividend of $1.37. Hersheys payout ratio is currently 133.87%. Insider Transactions at Hershey In related news, SVP Jason Reiman sold 2,000 shares of Hershey stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $226.07, for a total value of $452,140.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 41,036 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,277,008.52. This trade represents a 4.65% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Rohit Grover sold 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.07, for a total transaction of $791,245.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 34,568 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,814,787.76. This trade represents a 9.19% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 10,000 shares of company stock worth $2,153,645. 0.34% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Hershey in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Hershey from $185.00 to $207.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Stephens upped their price objective on shares of Hershey from $200.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Mizuho increased their price objective on shares of Hershey from $165.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $236.00 target price on shares of Hershey in a research report on Friday, February 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and sixteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hershey has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $222.21. Get Our Latest Research Report on Hershey Hershey Company Profile (Free Report) The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hersheys business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels. Hersheys product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hersheys, Reeses, Hersheys Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Michaud added that the company absorbed rightsizing and restructuring costs in 2025 that reduced margins by about 40 basis points , implying underlying margin expansion of roughly 80 basis points before those costs. On profitability, Michaud said adjusted EBITDA in Q4 was CAD 694 million , up about 9% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA margin in the quarter was 18.9% versus 18.7% in Q4 2024. For the full year, adjusted EBITDA totaled CAD 2.5 billion , up 17% , with adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.3% , which management said represents about 40 basis points of improvement from 2024. Chief Financial Officer Alain Michaud reported that for the full year, revenue increased 13% to CAD 18 billion and net revenue increased 15% to CAD 14 billion , compared with 2024. He said backlog reached a record CAD 17 billion , up 10% over the last 12 months. President and CEO Alexandre LHeureux said 2025 marked the end of a year of strong execution, noting the companys three-year strategic plan Pioneering Change for Empowered Growth and the completion of strategic acquisitions, including Ricardo and TRC. He said fourth-quarter organic net revenue growth was 5.9% when excluding the impact of lower emergency response services volume in the U.S. versus the prior year and revisions to significant Canadian projects in 2024. WSP Global (TSE:WSP) used its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 earnings call to highlight what management described as strong execution against its strategic plan, including organic growth, margin expansion, and record cash generation. Executives also spent a significant portion of the discussion addressing investor concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and how the company expects the technology to affect its business model. For 2026 WSP guides net revenue CAD 1617 billion , adjusted EBITDA CAD 3.03.18 billion and organic growth of 47% , while framing AI as an "augment, not replace" productivity tool and advancing production solutions via a Microsoft partnership. The company has deployed about CAD 7 billion into power and energy through acquisitions like TRC and Power Engineers; pro forma net debt/EBITDA is ~ 2.3x after TRC, with management targeting yearend 2026 leverage around 1.61.7x . WSP delivered strong 2025 results with fullyear revenue up 13% to CAD 18 billion , net revenue up 15% to CAD 14 billion , adjusted EBITDA rising 17% to CAD 2.5 billion , record free cash flow of CAD 1.7 billion , and a backlog of CAD 17 billion . Story Continues Cash flow was a key focus. LHeureux and Michaud both pointed to a record CAD 1.7 billion in free cash flow for 2025, with Michaud stating free cash flow represented 180% of net earnings attributable to shareholders. Days sales outstanding (DSO) ended the year at a record low 63 days. TRC and Power Engineers: building scale in power and energy Home Depot & Lowes: Buying the Earnings Dip LHeureux said WSP had deployed approximately CAD 7 billion over the last 15 months into the power and energy sector through the acquisitions of TRC and Power Engineers. He described TRC as a premier U.S. power and energy brand with about 8,000 professionals and said the combination expands WSPs offering across the value chain, including advisory, digital, and program management capabilities. Michaud said net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 0.9x at year-end 2025, reflecting cash raised through a common share issuance to fund part of the TRC acquisition. Following the closing of TRC earlier in the week, he said the companys pro forma net debt to adjusted EBITDA was approximately 2.3x. The company also discussed portfolio actions. Michaud said WSP disposed of certain non-core businesses over the last 12 months, including an underground storage business in the U.S. and a rail business in Germany, and discontinued operations in various areas in Asia and EMEA. These activities represented about 1% of 2025 net revenue. 2026 outlook: growth, margin improvement, and free cash flow conversion targets For 2026, Michaud provided guidance that includes contributions from recent acquisitions, notably TRC and Ricardo. He said WSP expects: Net revenue of $16 billion to $17 billion , representing total net revenue growth of over 18% at the midpoint Adjusted EBITDA of $3.0 billion to $3.18 billion Organic net revenue growth of 4% to 7% At the midpoint of the EBITDA range, about 40 basis points of margin improvement in 2026 Michaud said the net revenue outlook reflects about $150 million of impact from recent disposals and the annualization of 2025 disposals and discontinued operations. Regionally, he said WSP expects Canada and the Americas to deliver mid- to high-single-digit organic growth, EMEA mid-single-digit organic growth, and APAC stable net revenue versus 2025. For the first quarter of 2026, he guided to net revenue of CAD 3.575 billion to CAD 3.775 billion and adjusted EBITDA of CAD 590 million to CAD 630 million. He noted fewer billable days in Q1 are expected to reduce organic growth by about 1.5%, with offsets expected in Q2 and Q4. On free cash flow and leverage, Michaud told analysts the company is still targeting far beyond 100% free cash flow conversion and said the firm expects to end 2026 with leverage around 1.6x to 1.7x, supported in part by ERP-driven working capital improvements. He added that Power Engineers was onboarded to the ERP platform on January 1, 2026, and that about 80% of WSPs EBITDA is now on the new platform, with additional regions to be onboarded in 2026. On margin guidance, management cited acquisition mix. Michaud said Ricardo carries a lower margin profile and is expected to be a 15 to 20 basis point drag on 2026 margin, while TRC is also at a slightly lower margin than WSP at close, creating potential upside as integration progresses. AI strategy: augment, not replace, and deepen client work LHeureux addressed what he described as market speculation about AI displacing professional services firms, arguing that WSPs work is tied to the physical world and safety-critical accountability. He said WSP is proactively embracing AI as a productivity enhancer and value driver for clients, but framed it as an enabler rather than a substitute for engineering judgment, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and professional liability. He also said more than 60% of WSPs work is fixed price, and argued clients are increasingly looking for solutions and outcomes rather than lower prices. Management said technology has historically improved productivity, but that clients are now often asking for more analysis and more scenarios, not fewer deliverables. Chief Technology Officer Chadi Habib provided an update on WSPs partnership with Microsoft launched about a year ago. Habib said WSP had three objectives in that alliance, including deploying AI tools for frontline staff, supporting Microsofts data center objectives as a client, and co-creating products with client zeros. He said two solutions are now in production with four clients and that WSP is targeting a general availability release in March. Habib also said WSP is pursuing an ecosystem approach to partnerships, citing work with startups such as UrbanLogiq and Fathom, as well as targeted partnerships with Google in transportation and with Schneider in property and buildings. He emphasized protecting WSPs intellectual property and domain expertise as non-negotiable. In Q&A, management also discussed AIs potential impact on M&A evaluation, with LHeureux saying digital capabilities are now assessed more closely during due diligence. He cited TRC as an example, stating TRC has roughly $150 million (U.S.) in digital offerings within its business, and said WSP sees opportunities to expand those capabilities across its global network. About WSP Global (TSE:WSP) WSP Global Inc provides engineering and design services to clients in the Transportation & Infrastructure, Property and Buildings, Environment, Power and Energy, Resources, and Industry sectors. It also offers strategic advisory services. The firm operates through four reportable segments namely, Canada, Americas ( US and Latin America), EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa), and APAC (Asia Pacific, comprising Australia, New Zealand and Asia). The article "WSP Global Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Finemark National Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 40.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 56,535 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,243 shares during the period. Finemark National Bank & Trusts holdings in Chevron were worth $8,779,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in CVX. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. acquired a new stake in Chevron in the third quarter valued at $34,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in Chevron by 86.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the last quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chevron in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $41,000. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chevron by 306.1% in the 3rd quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 268 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA raised its position in shares of Chevron by 106.7% during the 2nd quarter. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA now owns 310 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. 72.42% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have commented on CVX shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Chevron in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Chevron from $180.00 to $174.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 23rd. HSBC downgraded shares of Chevron from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $180.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Bank of America cut their target price on shares of Chevron from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein upped their target price on Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $176.36. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Chevron Insider Activity at Chevron In other Chevron news, Vice Chairman Mark A. Nelson sold 45,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.17, for a total transaction of $7,976,986.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 7,161 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,247,231.37. This trade represents a 86.48% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Andrew Benjamin Walz sold 22,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.53, for a total transaction of $3,918,966.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 666 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $117,568.98. This represents a 97.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 534,898 shares of company stock valued at $89,543,711. 0.21% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Chevron Trading Up 1.3% Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $186.47 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The companys 50-day moving average price is $169.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $159.61. The company has a market cap of $372.07 billion, a PE ratio of 28.00, a P/E/G ratio of 12.36 and a beta of 0.70. Chevron Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $132.04 and a fifty-two week high of $187.90. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $45.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $48.18 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 6.51% and a return on equity of 7.89%. Chevrons revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.06 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current year. Chevron Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $1.78 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This is a positive change from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. This represents a $7.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 106.91%. About Chevron (Free Report) Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide. Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntington National Bank reduced its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 5.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 537,293 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 32,116 shares during the period. Huntington National Banks holdings in Pfizer were worth $13,690,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at about $2,270,157,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 533,363,457 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $12,928,730,000 after acquiring an additional 10,198,330 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 43.4% in the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 18,718,955 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $453,747,000 after acquiring an additional 5,662,309 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its stake in Pfizer by 75.0% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 8,689,103 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $221,398,000 after acquiring an additional 3,722,531 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. grew its holdings in Pfizer by 84.9% during the second quarter. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. now owns 7,561,946 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $183,302,000 after purchasing an additional 3,472,240 shares during the period. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. HSBC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $29.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 price objective for the company. Barclays assumed coverage on Pfizer in a report on Thursday, February 19th. They set an underweight rating and a $25.00 target price on the stock. TD Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Pfizer from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.70. Pfizer Stock Up 1.9% NYSE:PFE opened at $27.61 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $25.41. Pfizer Inc. has a 52-week low of $20.92 and a 52-week high of $27.94. The company has a market cap of $156.97 billion, a PE ratio of 20.30 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.28. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $17.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.93 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.25% and a net margin of 12.42%.The businesss revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.63 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.2%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 126.47%. More Pfizer News Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Get Free Report) EVP Michael Feld sold 75 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.84, for a total value of $13,638.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 21,308 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,874,646.72. This trade represents a 0.35% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Michael Feld also recently made the following trade(s): Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: On Monday, January 26th, Michael Feld sold 75 shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $202.73, for a total value of $15,204.75. On Friday, December 26th, Michael Feld sold 74 shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.08, for a total value of $14,509.92. On Monday, December 1st, Michael Feld sold 75 shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $193.36, for a total value of $14,502.00. Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Down 0.4% Shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock opened at $176.04 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 1.05. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $195.68 and a 200-day moving average of $192.06. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 52-week low of $127.59 and a 52-week high of $187.35. The stock has a market cap of $50.12 billion, a PE ratio of 28.72, a PEG ratio of 12.79 and a beta of 0.25. Becton, Dickinson and Company Dividend Announcement Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.91 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.15 billion. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a net margin of 8.01% and a return on equity of 15.76%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.43 earnings per share. Becton, Dickinson and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 12.350-12.650 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 14.43 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be given a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys payout ratio is presently 68.52%. Becton, Dickinson and Company announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, January 27th that authorizes the company to repurchase $10.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the medical instruments supplier to purchase up to 0% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $190.00 to $175.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $172.00 price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $197.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $195.46. Read Our Latest Report on BDX Institutional Trading of Becton, Dickinson and Company Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 9,056.3% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,232,086 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $979,290,000 after acquiring an additional 5,174,944 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 15.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 32,308,749 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $5,565,182,000 after purchasing an additional 4,305,947 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 23,219.2% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 4,155,709 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $769,397,000 after purchasing an additional 4,137,888 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $653,377,000. Finally, First Eagle Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 59.2% in the second quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 8,786,190 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,513,421,000 after buying an additional 3,268,478 shares in the last quarter. 86.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Becton, Dickinson and Company (Get Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) is a global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells a broad range of medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. BDs products are used by healthcare institutions, clinical laboratories, life science researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to enable safe, effective delivery of care, specimen collection and diagnostic testing. The companys operations span multiple business areas focused on medical devices, life sciences research tools and interventional technologies. BDs product portfolio includes single-use medical devices such as syringes, needles, needlesafety and injection systems, infusion therapy and medication management solutions, as well as vascular access, urology and oncology devices acquired through its interventional business. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Asset Management Inc trimmed its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 25.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 142,717 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 48,089 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $28,676,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in PNC. Westfuller Advisors LLC bought a new stake in The PNC Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Bayforest Capital Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 237.1% during the third quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 209 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 1,133.3% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 222 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 204 shares during the period. Country Trust Bank grew its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 38.9% in the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 243 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Corundum Trust Company INC bought a new position in The PNC Financial Services Group during the third quarter worth $49,000. 83.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: The PNC Financial Services Group Stock Down 4.9% Shares of PNC opened at $211.85 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $222.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $204.44. The stock has a market cap of $85.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.77, a P/E/G ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.99. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc has a 12 month low of $145.12 and a 12 month high of $243.94. The PNC Financial Services Group Dividend Announcement The PNC Financial Services Group ( NYSE:PNC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 16th. The financial services provider reported $4.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.23 by $0.65. The company had revenue of $6.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.90 billion. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 11.87% and a net margin of 20.40%.The companys revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.77 EPS. Equities analysts predict that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will post 15.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were issued a dividend of $1.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.2%. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.99%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have weighed in on PNC shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $228.00 to $247.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $211.00 to $221.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $228.50 to $251.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on The PNC Financial Services Group from $268.00 to $284.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, The PNC Financial Services Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $234.44. Get Our Latest Research Report on The PNC Financial Services Group Insider Activity In related news, CEO William S. Demchak sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.88, for a total transaction of $11,544,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 554,274 shares in the company, valued at $127,970,781.12. This trade represents a 8.27% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Richard Kevin Bynum sold 7,407 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $230.98, for a total transaction of $1,710,868.86. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 1,942 shares in the company, valued at $448,563.16. This represents a 79.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 64,186 shares of company stock worth $14,840,973 over the last 90 days. 0.41% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About The PNC Financial Services Group (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a broad range of banking, lending, investment and wealth management services. PNC operates a national banking franchise with a significant retail branch network and dedicated capabilities for commercial, institutional and government clients. Its services are designed to serve individuals, small businesses, corporations and public sector entities across the United States. PNCs core business activities include consumer and business banking, residential mortgage lending, corporate and institutional banking, asset management and wealth advisory services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xponance Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 180,441 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 10,799 shares during the period. Xponance Inc.s holdings in Truist Financial were worth $8,250,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Aspect Partners LLC lifted its position in Truist Financial by 71.5% during the 2nd quarter. Aspect Partners LLC now owns 643 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the period. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Truist Financial in the third quarter worth about $28,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Truist Financial by 1,189.5% in the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 735 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 678 shares during the last quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 631.6% during the third quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC now owns 695 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Truist Financial in the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 71.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Truist Financial alerts: Truist Financial Price Performance NYSE:TFC opened at $49.26 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $51.21 and a 200-day moving average price of $47.56. Truist Financial Corporation has a 1-year low of $33.56 and a 1-year high of $56.19. The firm has a market cap of $61.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.89. Truist Financial Announces Dividend Truist Financial ( NYSE:TFC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.09 by ($0.09). The firm had revenue of $4.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.32 billion. Truist Financial had a return on equity of 9.03% and a net margin of 17.09%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.91 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. Truist Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.59%. Truist Financial announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, December 16th that authorizes the company to repurchase $10.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the insurance provider to buy up to 15.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on TFC shares. Evercore reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Thursday, February 5th. TD Cowen upped their price objective on shares of Truist Financial from $59.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Barclays lowered shares of Truist Financial from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $47.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Truist Financial from $50.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $58.00 price target on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Truist Financial currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $56.47. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TFC Insider Activity In other Truist Financial news, CFO Michael Baron Maguire sold 13,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.13, for a total value of $651,690.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 74,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,725,811.99. This trade represents a 14.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Cynthia B. Powell sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.49, for a total value of $183,715.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 667 shares of the companys stock, valued at $35,010.83. This trade represents a 83.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.17% of the stock is owned by insiders. Truist Financial Profile (Free Report) Truist Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company that provides a broad range of financial services through its primary subsidiary, Truist Bank, and other operating units. The company offers traditional retail banking products and services such as deposit accounts, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and credit and debit card services. Truist also serves commercial clients with middle-market and corporate lending, treasury and payment solutions, and specialty finance products. Beyond core banking, Truist operates wealth management, asset management, insurance and capital markets businesses. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Truist Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Truist Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royce & Associates LP trimmed its stake in Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI Free Report) (TSE:AGI) by 13.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,274,091 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 191,000 shares during the period. Royce & Associates LP owned about 0.30% of Alamos Gold worth $44,411,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 29.7% in the 3rd quarter. Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. now owns 43,013 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,499,000 after purchasing an additional 9,839 shares in the last quarter. Ninepoint Partners LP bought a new position in Alamos Gold during the 3rd quarter valued at about $10,632,000. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Alamos Gold in the third quarter valued at about $3,799,000. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in Alamos Gold during the third quarter worth about $246,000. Finally, Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Alamos Gold by 36.3% during the third quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. now owns 547,567 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $19,090,000 after buying an additional 145,843 shares in the last quarter. 64.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Alamos Gold alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AGI has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Desjardins began coverage on shares of Alamos Gold in a research report on Friday, November 28th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Alamos Gold has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $45.50. Alamos Gold Stock Performance Shares of Alamos Gold stock opened at $54.27 on Friday. Alamos Gold Inc. has a 12 month low of $22.03 and a 12 month high of $54.37. The company has a current ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The company has a market capitalization of $22.79 billion, a PE ratio of 25.84, a PEG ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 0.61. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $42.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.30. Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The basic materials company reported $0.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $575.30 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $596.18 million. Alamos Gold had a net margin of 48.97% and a return on equity of 14.83%. The firms revenue was up 53.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.25 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Alamos Gold Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. Alamos Gold Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 12th will be given a dividend of $0.04 per share. This represents a $0.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. This is a boost from Alamos Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 12th. Alamos Golds payout ratio is currently 4.76%. About Alamos Gold (Free Report) Alamos Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of mining projects in North America. Its principal activities include the acquisition, exploration and development of gold-bearing properties, and the management of operating mines. The company focuses on sustainable production practices and maintains a portfolio that spans both producing assets and advanced-stage development projects. Alamos Gold operates multiple open pit and underground mines, including the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in Ontario, Canada, and the Mulatos mine in Sonora, Mexico. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI Free Report) (TSE:AGI). Receive News & Ratings for Alamos Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamos Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bubs Australia (ASX:BUB) executives told investors the companys brand continues to resonate with its targeted consumers and said the business is positioned to benefit from premium segments across multiple markets, while monitoring a volatile external backdrop that includes currency moves, tariff uncertainty, and broader geopolitical and regulatory developments. Get alerts: Management highlighted that it is focused on higher-margin subcategories within infant formula, particularly premium natural offerings, and noted ongoing industry quality issues affecting some competitors globally. Executives said the company is working through these conditions with its own quality systems and emphasized its Australian sourcing as a point of differentiation. U.S. expansion: more doors, more products, and logistics pressure The companys U.S. business was a major focus of the discussion, with management pointing to new and expanded retail ranging that is expected to increase distribution materially. Management said Bubs was in a little over 5,500 stores by February and is forecasting more than 8,500 stores by year end as new distribution ramps. Retail partners referenced on the call included Target, Walmart, Sprouts, and Sams Club. Management said Target will increase the number of stores and products on shelf, while Walmart will step up significantly in store count. The company also said it has secured ranging at Sprouts and at Sams Club. Executives said an air freight program was undertaken during the half and described execution as strong operationally. They also noted that U.S. annual range reviews and intake for major retailers are currently underway, with purchase orders rolling in, and described the near-term sales cadence as linked to consumer offtake and subsequent replenishment. Management said it expects the second half to be better in the U.S. as distribution expands. The company also pointed to evolving digital marketing tactics, including increased focus on platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and Reddit, and said it is seeing AI-driven changes in search behavior. China performance: channel momentum and Seabuck stake increase Management described performance in China as encouraging, with activity concentrated in second- and third-tier cities. Executives said they had worked down extra stock sitting in the trade and were pleased with sell out performance and channel results. They also said its online-to-offline approach is performing strongly. The company reported maintaining a number one position on Tmall and said it has secured an additional 77% of Seabuck, which it described as an imported product. Management said it believes the business is well set for sustained growth in China in the second half, citing both Bubs and Seabuck as showing strong growth. In response to a question about Daigou and English-label trends, management said it was not seeing a large shift in its own exposure, noting activity across general trade alongside cross-border e-commerce product. Executives added that broader category shifts could be either a benefit or a headwind depending on how they develop. Australia and Rest of World: investment lift, portfolio change, and regulatory hurdles In Australia, management said it is investing to reestablish performance and acknowledged it need[s] to do better in the home market. The company said advertising and promotion was about 8% of net sales and has been upgraded to 12% in the second half. Management also referenced price activity that it said has been well received by consumers and retailers, and noted improving shelf availability as the business works through prior stock rationing. The company also disclosed it discontinued its food portfolio during the half, stating it expects to cycle into stronger performance in its core Australian business as it moves forward. In the Rest of World segment, management said rationing has been a factor and pointed to regulatory challenges, particularly Vietnam requirements, which it said it worked through with its distributor partner. Japan was described as a strong market, and Malaysia as an emerging buyer. The company also referenced modern platform activity, including TikTok, as well as in-store activations. Financial results: revenue up, EBITDA improvement, and inventory rebuild Chief Financial Officer Naomi Verloop said the key takeaway from the profit and loss statement was an underlying EBITDA result that improved by AUD 0.7 million versus the prior corresponding period. She said overall revenues increased 14% year over year, with the increase in U.S. revenue cited as the major driver. Verloop said performance held up surprisingly well despite the impact of air freight and tariffs, and she attributed resilience to product mix and a greater share of sales into the higher-margin U.S. market. She said operating expenses were lower than the prior period primarily due to the completion of initiatives. On the balance sheet, Verloop said cash increased from AUD 20.1 million to AUD 28.1 million, and indicated the company expects cash of approximately AUD 8 million at the end of the financial year. She said trade receivables increased in line with revenue, while payables rose largely due to extra payments to suppliers for raw materials from Australian farms. She also noted right-of-use assets increased due to a lease at the Deloraine Dairy facility, which she described as the companys manufacturing and office site. On cash flow, Verloop highlighted net cash used in operating activities of AUD 4.4 million versus an outflow of AUD 0.5 million at the prior half, tying the change to an inventory rebuild process. She also said National Australia Bank had extended the limit on the companys working capital facility, which she said would help during the inventory rebuild. Gross margin for the half was described as above 50%, exceeding earlier guidance of 40%45%, despite air freight costs. Verloop said the company still expects margins to be in the 40%45% range through the end of the year as it cycles through tariffs and air freight impacts. Net working capital increased to AUD 33.0 million from AUD 23.2 million, which management attributed to inventory build. Inventory was cited at AUD 30.3 million at the same point last year, with inventory as a percentage of sales down to 26%, and management said it expects that to pare back by year end. Outlook, tariffs and air freight, and operational readiness Management discussed the impact of air freight and tariffs as key moving pieces. On the call, executives referenced AUD 1.8 million in air freight and discussed tariff impacts above the baseline 10% in certain sourcing situations. Management said it expects higher revenues in the second half alongside additional air freight and continued reliance on overseas sourcing to meet demand from new ranging outcomes. For FY26, Verloop said the company anticipates revenue of AUD 25 million, representing 22%27% growth on the prior corresponding period, with gross profit expected in the 40%45% range. She said reported EBITDA is expected to be between AUD 9 million and AUD 11 million. In operations, management said its Dandenong facility is running at about 40%60% of nameplate capacity on a six-day schedule and described a multi-step supply chain involving partners and inputs including goat milk solids and overseas-sourced ingredients. Executives characterized the supply chain as long and thin, but said they are confident they can secure sales associated with increased U.S. distribution. On foreign exchange, management said it hedges transactional exposure and discussed that currency movement can affect reported results due to repatriation, while transactional impacts are hedged. The company also said it is establishing a transformation office and plans to provide more detail at a strategy update later in March. Executives cited initiatives including consumer research in China and the U.S., increased digital marketing, portfolio optimization, product development, supply chain savings, and improved integrated business planning. About Bubs Australia (ASX:BUB) Bubs Australia Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of various infant nutrition products in Australia, China, the United States, and internationally. The company offers organic baby food, goat milk infant formula, cow's milk, adult goat milk powder, and fresh dairy products, as well as plant based baby food pouches, cereals and porridges, rusks, and snacks under the Bubs brand. It also provides vitamins and purees products; canning services for nutritional dairy products; and holds IP and trademarks. See Also TD Asset Management Inc cut its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG Free Report) (TSE:FR) by 31.2% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 2,008,398 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 912,473 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in First Majestic Silver were worth $24,668,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Tidal Investments LLC grew its position in shares of First Majestic Silver by 5.1% during the second quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 18,433,836 shares of the mining companys stock worth $152,448,000 after purchasing an additional 890,153 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in First Majestic Silver by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,050,155 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $221,657,000 after buying an additional 739,315 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in shares of First Majestic Silver by 74.2% during the second quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 13,666,756 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $112,880,000 after buying an additional 5,821,751 shares during the last quarter. Lingotto Investment Management LLP lifted its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver by 2.2% in the second quarter. Lingotto Investment Management LLP now owns 9,964,096 shares of the mining companys stock worth $82,403,000 after buying an additional 213,577 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. boosted its position in shares of First Majestic Silver by 7.6% during the third quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 9,698,674 shares of the mining companys stock worth $119,197,000 after acquiring an additional 685,458 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 27.16% of the companys stock. Get First Majestic Silver alerts: First Majestic Silver Stock Performance NYSE AG opened at $32.02 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $21.89 and its 200-day moving average price is $15.55. First Majestic Silver Corp. has a fifty-two week low of $5.09 and a fifty-two week high of $32.04. The company has a market cap of $15.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 91.50 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 2.96 and a current ratio of 3.38. First Majestic Silver Increases Dividend First Majestic Silver ( NYSE:AG Get Free Report ) (TSE:FR) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The mining company reported $0.30 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.27 by $0.03. First Majestic Silver had a net margin of 13.12% and a return on equity of 7.41%. The company had revenue of $463.92 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $561.30 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.03 earnings per share. First Majestic Silvers quarterly revenue was up 169.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that First Majestic Silver Corp. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $0.0083 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This is an increase from First Majestic Silvers previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. This represents a $0.03 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. First Majestic Silvers payout ratio is 5.71%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have commented on AG. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of First Majestic Silver from $12.50 to $23.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Cormark upgraded First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a report on Friday, January 16th. Zacks Research raised First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, First Majestic Silver has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $25.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AG About First Majestic Silver (Free Report) First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) engages in the production of silver from its wholly owned operations in Mexico. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating high-grade silver projects. Established in 2002, First Majestic has built a multi-mine portfolio to supply silver primarily for the global industrial and investment markets while generating by-products such as gold, lead and zinc concentrates. First Majestics principal operations are located in the historic Mexican Silver Belt, with producing mines including La Encantada in Coahuila, Santa Elena in Sonora and La Parrilla in Durango. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG Free Report) (TSE:FR). Receive News & Ratings for First Majestic Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Majestic Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US Bancorp DE lessened its position in PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG Free Report) by 8.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 140,357 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 13,118 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE owned about 0.06% of PPG Industries worth $14,753,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in PPG Industries by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,576 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $179,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. G&S Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of PPG Industries by 1.9% during the third quarter. G&S Capital LLC now owns 5,620 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $591,000 after buying an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Columbia Bank increased its holdings in shares of PPG Industries by 1.0% during the third quarter. Columbia Bank now owns 10,951 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,090,000 after buying an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 0.5% in the second quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 22,716 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $2,584,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Groupe la Francaise boosted its holdings in shares of PPG Industries by 8.9% in the 2nd quarter. Groupe la Francaise now owns 1,304 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $148,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.86% of the companys stock. Get PPG Industries alerts: PPG Industries Trading Down 0.3% PPG stock opened at $123.15 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.22, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. PPG Industries, Inc. has a twelve month low of $90.24 and a twelve month high of $133.43. The company has a market cap of $27.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.74, a PEG ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a fifty day moving average of $115.12 and a 200-day moving average of $107.70. PPG Industries Announces Dividend PPG Industries ( NYSE:PPG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.77 billion. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 22.30% and a net margin of 9.93%.PPG Industriess revenue for the quarter was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.61 earnings per share. PPG Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.700-8.100 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. PPG Industriess payout ratio is 40.92%. Insider Activity at PPG Industries In other news, CFO Vincent J. Morales sold 78,095 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $131.00, for a total value of $10,230,445.00. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Chancey E. Hagerty sold 2,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.59, for a total value of $260,077.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 8,477 shares in the company, valued at $979,856.43. This represents a 20.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 118,811 shares of company stock worth $15,219,371 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on PPG shares. BNP Paribas Exane dropped their price target on PPG Industries from $113.00 to $112.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of PPG Industries in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Citigroup raised their target price on PPG Industries from $127.00 to $132.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Mizuho upped their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Berenberg Bank decreased their price objective on shares of PPG Industries from $131.00 to $110.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $125.93. View Our Latest Report on PPG About PPG Industries (Free Report) PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials that serves industrial, transportation, consumer and construction markets. Founded in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has evolved from its origins in glass manufacturing into a diversified coatings and materials company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company develops and manufactures a broad array of products used to protect and enhance surfaces, from consumer paints to highly engineered coatings for demanding industrial applications. PPGs product portfolio includes architectural and decorative paints, automotive original equipment and refinish coatings, industrial coatings for machinery and equipment, protective and marine coatings, aerospace and defense coatings, and packaging coatings and materials. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. William Blair Investment Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 3.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,144,086 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 70,401 shares during the period. Agilent Technologies makes up 0.7% of William Blair Investment Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest holding. William Blair Investment Management LLCs holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $275,193,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at $395,088,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Agilent Technologies by 424.1% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,041,826 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $240,956,000 after purchasing an additional 1,652,244 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its stake in Agilent Technologies by 132.2% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,354,111 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $277,807,000 after purchasing an additional 1,340,161 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 10.7% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 13,227,387 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,560,964,000 after purchasing an additional 1,273,994 shares during the period. Finally, Troy Asset Management Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 74.3% during the second quarter. Troy Asset Management Ltd now owns 2,397,820 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $282,967,000 after purchasing an additional 1,021,865 shares during the period. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Agilent Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $170.00 target price for the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Agilent Technologies in a report on Monday, December 29th. Bank of America raised their price objective on Agilent Technologies from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Citigroup upped their target price on Agilent Technologies from $165.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $180.00 to $165.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Agilent Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $161.29. Agilent Technologies Stock Up 0.1% A stock opened at $121.08 on Friday. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $96.43 and a twelve month high of $160.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.52, a current ratio of 1.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stocks 50 day moving average is $134.67 and its 200-day moving average is $136.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.25 billion, a PE ratio of 26.73, a P/E/G ratio of 3.52 and a beta of 1.30. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The medical research company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.37 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.80 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.81 billion. Agilent Technologies had a return on equity of 24.95% and a net margin of 18.26%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.31 EPS. Agilent Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.900-6.040 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 1.390-1.420 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Agilent Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 22nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.255 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a $1.02 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. Agilent Technologiess payout ratio is 22.52%. More Agilent Technologies News Here are the key news stories impacting Agilent Technologies this week: Positive Sentiment: Management raised FY?2026 revenue ambition to $7.3B$7.5B and highlighted expansion of its Ignite operating system as a path to future margin improvement. Read More. Management raised FY?2026 revenue ambition to $7.3B$7.5B and highlighted expansion of its Ignite operating system as a path to future margin improvement. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Most sell?side firms remain constructive (buy/overweight) and retain multi?quarter price targets well above the current level despite trimming targets this week supporting medium?term upside if growth/margins recover. Read More. Most sell?side firms remain constructive (buy/overweight) and retain multi?quarter price targets well above the current level despite trimming targets this week supporting medium?term upside if growth/margins recover. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Agilent issued Q2 FY2026 EPS guidance of $1.391.42 and FY EPS of $5.906.04, which sits roughly around Street expectations guidance is not a major beat or miss. Read More. Agilent issued Q2 FY2026 EPS guidance of $1.391.42 and FY EPS of $5.906.04, which sits roughly around Street expectations guidance is not a major beat or miss. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Q4/CY2025 results were reported in line with expectations earlier, so the current reaction is focused on Q1 specifics and forward execution rather than a broader trend break. Read More. Q4/CY2025 results were reported in line with expectations earlier, so the current reaction is focused on Q1 specifics and forward execution rather than a broader trend break. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Q1 results narrowly missed: EPS $1.36 vs. $1.37 consensus and revenue ~$1.80B vs. ~$1.811.84B estimates the miss (and a weak margin cadence) triggered a near?term selloff in earnings reaction. Read More. Q1 results narrowly missed: EPS $1.36 vs. $1.37 consensus and revenue ~$1.80B vs. ~$1.811.84B estimates the miss (and a weak margin cadence) triggered a near?term selloff in earnings reaction. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Management said a severe U.S. winter storm disrupted shipments and service in the quarter, pressuring near?term revenue and gross margins investors may see this as a risk to near?term execution. Read More. Management said a severe U.S. winter storm disrupted shipments and service in the quarter, pressuring near?term revenue and gross margins investors may see this as a risk to near?term execution. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Operating profit and operating cash flow declined year?over?year (cash from operations down notably), which raises short?term concerns about margin leverage and free?cash?flow conversion. Institutional trimming noted in recent filings adds to near?term selling pressure. Read More. Agilent Technologies Profile (Free Report) Agilent Technologies is a global provider of scientific instrumentation, consumables, software and services for laboratories across the life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. The companys product portfolio includes analytical instruments such as liquid and gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectroscopy systems, and laboratory automation solutions, together with reagents, supplies and informatics tools that support measurement, testing and data analysis workflows. Agilent also offers instrument maintenance, qualification and laboratory services designed to help customers improve productivity and comply with regulatory requirements. Founded as a corporate spin-off from Hewlett?Packard in 1999, Agilent has evolved through a combination of strategic restructuring and acquisitions to concentrate on life sciences, diagnostics and applied laboratories. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding A? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 97.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 212,183 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 9,910,436 shares during the period. Bank of America makes up 1.5% of Laurel Wealth Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $10,947,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Steph & Co. increased its position in Bank of America by 224.3% in the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 379 shares during the period. Collier Financial purchased a new position in shares of Bank of America in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bank of America in the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the third quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 48.7% during the second quarter. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC now owns 681 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Performance BAC opened at $49.68 on Friday. Bank of America Corporation has a 1-year low of $33.06 and a 1-year high of $57.55. The stock has a market cap of $356.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $53.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $52.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. Bank of America Announces Dividend Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 16.23%.The company had revenue of $4.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.82 earnings per share. Bank of Americas quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.24%. More Bank of America News Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Daiwa Securities Group dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $66.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Bank of America from $62.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on Bank of America from $56.00 to $59.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Bank of America from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Wolfe Research downgraded Bank of America from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Twenty-two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of America presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $60.30. View Our Latest Report on BAC Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ted Buchan & Co acquired a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund acquired 27,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,526,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 209.8% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Guerra Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 174.1% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 444 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 282 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allianz SE grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 70.0% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz SE now owns 578 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 238 shares during the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 0.3% Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $37.50 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $52.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $52.87. The firm has a market cap of $167.42 billion, a PE ratio of 10.81 and a beta of 0.67. Novo Nordisk A/S has a twelve month low of $37.31 and a twelve month high of $91.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.80. Novo Nordisk A/S Dividend Announcement Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 33.03% and a return on equity of 68.91%. The business had revenue of $12.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.97 billion. On average, research analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.2751 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 541.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 30th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is currently 23.63%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades NVO has been the subject of several analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. HSBC reiterated a hold rating and issued a $54.00 target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and issued a $42.00 price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets cut shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 24th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.07. Get Our Latest Analysis on Novo Nordisk A/S More Novo Nordisk A/S News Here are the key news stories impacting Novo Nordisk A/S this week: Positive Sentiment: Large Vivtex collaboration expands Novos push into oral obesity/diabetes medicines, which could widen patient access and reduce dependency on injectables a long?term growth signal. Novo Nordisk Pipelines Oral Obesity Drugs Large Vivtex collaboration expands Novos push into oral obesity/diabetes medicines, which could widen patient access and reduce dependency on injectables a long?term growth signal. Positive Sentiment: Strong phase?2 China data for triple?agonist UBT251 (nearly ~20% weight loss reported) supports Novos broader pipeline beyond GLP?1 and bolsters future product optionality. China UBT251 Trial Strong phase?2 China data for triple?agonist UBT251 (nearly ~20% weight loss reported) supports Novos broader pipeline beyond GLP?1 and bolsters future product optionality. Positive Sentiment: Several bullish commentary pieces argue the sell?off overstates fundamental damage: oral Wegovy adoption and expanded Medicare coverage are cited as durable demand drivers and cash?flow support. Why Im Still Bullish On Novo Several bullish commentary pieces argue the sell?off overstates fundamental damage: oral Wegovy adoption and expanded Medicare coverage are cited as durable demand drivers and cash?flow support. Neutral Sentiment: Short interest fell meaningfully in February, reducing one immediate source of potential downside pressure (fewer forced covers), but overall market sentiment remains mixed. Short interest fell meaningfully in February, reducing one immediate source of potential downside pressure (fewer forced covers), but overall market sentiment remains mixed. Neutral Sentiment: Broader market rotation into defensive names and sector dynamics are influencing trading Novos large market cap and dividend yield make it sensitive to flows unrelated to biotech fundamentals. Broader market rotation into defensive names and sector dynamics are influencing trading Novos large market cap and dividend yield make it sensitive to flows unrelated to biotech fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Multiple analyst downgrades and lowered price targets this week prompted selling and contributed directly to intraday weakness; investors are focused on near?term U.S. price compression and margin implications. Analyst Downgrade American Banking News Multiple analyst downgrades and lowered price targets this week prompted selling and contributed directly to intraday weakness; investors are focused on near?term U.S. price compression and margin implications. Negative Sentiment: Pomerantz law?firm investor alert / investigation increases legal risk and uncertainty for shareholders, which typically depresses sentiment until clarity arrives. Pomerantz Investor Alert Pomerantz law?firm investor alert / investigation increases legal risk and uncertainty for shareholders, which typically depresses sentiment until clarity arrives. Negative Sentiment: Market reaction shows concern that large deals (Vivtex) and pipeline expansion may pressure near?term margins and raise execution questions some headlines explicitly note the stock dipped after the Vivtex announcement. Stock Dipped After Vivtex Deal About Novo Nordisk A/S (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. William Blair Investment Management LLC raised its position in Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Free Report) by 196.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 2,544,499 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,687,329 shares during the period. William Blair Investment Management LLCs holdings in Cadence Bank were worth $95,520,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CADE. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Cadence Bank by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,664,361 shares of the companys stock worth $149,182,000 after buying an additional 113,593 shares in the last quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Cadence Bank by 1.2% in the third quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 2,931,570 shares of the companys stock valued at $110,051,000 after purchasing an additional 34,750 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Cadence Bank by 9.4% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,831,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $85,953,000 after purchasing an additional 244,146 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its position in shares of Cadence Bank by 11.5% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,587,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $82,739,000 after purchasing an additional 266,621 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Channing Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cadence Bank during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $75,681,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.61% of the companys stock. Get Cadence Bank alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently issued reports on CADE. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Cadence Bank in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Cadence Bank from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating and upped their price objective for the company from $41.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $42.88. Cadence Bank Trading Down 1.6% Shares of CADE opened at $42.14 on Friday. Cadence Bank has a fifty-two week low of $25.22 and a fifty-two week high of $46.74. The company has a market capitalization of $7.68 billion, a PE ratio of 14.94 and a beta of 0.95. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $43.18 and a two-hundred day moving average of $40.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86. Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $528.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $525.15 million. Cadence Bank had a return on equity of 10.16% and a net margin of 18.12%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.70 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Cadence Bank will post 2.94 EPS for the current year. Cadence Bank Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 30th were issued a dividend of $0.3438 per share. This represents a $1.38 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 30th. This is an increase from Cadence Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. Cadence Banks payout ratio is currently 39.01%. About Cadence Bank (Free Report) Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) is a regional commercial bank that offers a full suite of financial services to individuals, businesses and government entities. Through its network of branches and digital platforms, the bank provides deposit accounts, treasury management solutions, commercial and industrial lending, equipment finance, residential and consumer mortgages, and wealth management services. Cadence Bank serves a mix of small and mid-size companies as well as retail customers in its core markets. The institution traces its heritage to Cadence Bancorporation, which was established in 1987 in Tupelo, Mississippi. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CADE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cadence Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cadence Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pernod Ricard SA (OTCMKTS:PDRDF Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 0.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$94.23 and last traded at C$92.00. 12,873 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 97% from the average session volume of 6,531 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$91.36. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PDRDF has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. BNP Paribas Exane cut shares of Pernod Ricard to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating on shares of Pernod Ricard in a research report on Wednesday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Strong Sell. Get Pernod Ricard alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on PDRDF Pernod Ricard Stock Up 0.7% Pernod Ricard Company Profile The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$90.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$96.92. (Get Free Report) Pernod Ricard SA (OTCMKTS:PDRDF) is a French multinational company specializing in the production, distribution and marketing of wines and spirits. The companys portfolio spans a broad range of premium brands, including whiskies such as Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet, cognacs under the Martell label, vodkas like Absolut, and tequilas including Olmeca. In addition to these core offerings, Pernod Ricard markets rose and sparkling wines, liqueurs and ready-to-drink cocktails, positioning itself among the worlds leading producers in the beverage alcohol industry. Formed in 1975 through the merger of Pernod and Ricardtwo well-established French distillersthe organization has grown organically and through targeted acquisitions to extend its global footprint. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Pernod Ricard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pernod Ricard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund (NYSEARCA:DBB Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 251,661 shares, a decrease of 28.0% from the January 29th total of 349,670 shares. Approximately 2.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 566,119 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 566,119 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 2.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco DB Base Metals Fund A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. MAI Capital Management acquired a new stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $31,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco DB Base Metals Fund in the second quarter valued at approximately $62,000. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco DB Base Metals Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $93,000. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco DB Base Metals Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $103,000. Finally, Ancora Advisors LLC raised its stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 5,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $107,000 after acquiring an additional 2,600 shares during the period. 40.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Invesco DB Base Metals Fund alerts: Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Stock Performance Shares of DBB opened at $24.18 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $280.49 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 0.56. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund has a 1-year low of $17.13 and a 1-year high of $26.02. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $23.69 and its 200 day simple moving average is $21.93. About Invesco DB Base Metals Fund PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (the Fund) is a separate series of PowerShares DB Multi-Sector Commodity Trust (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust organized in seven separate series. The Fund seeks to track changes, whether positive or negative, in the level of the DBIQ Optimum Yield Industrial Metals Index Excess Return (the Index) over time, plus the excess, if any, of the Funds interest income from its holdings of United States Treasury Obligations and other high credit quality short-term fixed income securities over the expenses of the Fund. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ted Buchan & Co increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) by 164.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 158,326 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 98,569 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF accounts for approximately 5.8% of Ted Buchan & Cos holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Ted Buchan & Cos holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $14,783,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 8,818.3% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,291,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $294,185,000 after buying an additional 3,254,128 shares in the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the second quarter worth $209,353,000. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 87.0% during the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 4,430,239 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $413,652,000 after acquiring an additional 2,061,536 shares during the period. Corient Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 50.7% in the 2nd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,768,279 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $504,181,000 after purchasing an additional 1,939,941 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia boosted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 251.9% in the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 2,090,922 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $186,908,000 after acquiring an additional 1,496,680 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.80% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Down 0.2% Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF stock opened at $105.38 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $100.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $96.17. The stock has a market cap of $77.77 billion, a PE ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.84. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 12 month low of $72.14 and a 12 month high of $105.94. About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. The Index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc (NYSE:WHG Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be paid a dividend of 0.15 per share by the asset manager on Wednesday, April 1st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 3rd. Westwood Holdings Group has raised its dividend by an average of 0.1%per year over the last three years. Get Westwood Holdings Group alerts: Westwood Holdings Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WHG opened at $16.95 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $17.71 and its 200-day moving average price is $17.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $159.45 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.45 and a beta of 0.76. Westwood Holdings Group has a one year low of $14.00 and a one year high of $18.99. Insider Activity Institutional Investors Weigh In On Westwood Holdings Group In related news, CEO Brian O. Casey sold 8,341 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.55, for a total transaction of $138,043.55. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 492,359 shares in the company, valued at $8,148,541.45. This trade represents a 1.67% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 11,456 shares of company stock valued at $189,201. 8.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WHG. Settian Capital LP purchased a new position in Westwood Holdings Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $6,708,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its position in shares of Westwood Holdings Group by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 593,753 shares of the asset managers stock worth $9,797,000 after buying an additional 5,033 shares during the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund purchased a new position in shares of Westwood Holdings Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $98,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Westwood Holdings Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $85,000. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. purchased a new stake in Westwood Holdings Group in the second quarter worth $63,000. 56.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Westwood Holdings Group (Get Free Report) Westwood Holdings Group, Inc is an independent, publicly traded asset management firm founded in 1983 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, the company offers a range of investment advisory services tailored to institutional, retail, and high-net-worth clients. Westwoods disciplined, value-oriented approach guides its research process across equity and fixed-income markets, with an emphasis on fundamental analysis and long-term risk management. The firms product lineup includes U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Westwood Holdings Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Westwood Holdings Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Energias de Portugal (OTCMKTS:EDPFY Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $47.28 and traded as high as $53.5950. Energias de Portugal shares last traded at $53.4320, with a volume of 36,026 shares changing hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Energias de Portugal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Energias de Portugal has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Energias de Portugal alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Energias de Portugal Energias de Portugal Trading Up 1.6% Energias de Portugal Company Profile The business has a fifty day moving average of $49.42 and a 200-day moving average of $47.31. (Get Free Report) Energias de Portugal, SA (OTCMKTS:EDPFY) is an integrated energy company headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, with operations spanning electricity generation, distribution, and retail supply. The company manages a diversified portfolio of thermal, hydroelectric, wind and solar power facilities, positioning itself as a prominent player in both conventional and renewable energy markets. In addition to electricity, EDP is active in gas distribution and supply, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers. Founded in 1976 through the nationalization of Portugals power assets, EDP underwent privatization beginning in the mid-1990s and today maintains listings on multiple stock exchanges, including ADRs traded in the United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Energias de Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energias de Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPT Get Free Report) is one of 90 publicly-traded companies in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Medical Properties Trust to related companies based on the strength of its valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, risk, dividends, profitability and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Medical Properties Trust and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Medical Properties Trust alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Medical Properties Trust -28.50% -5.83% -1.85% Medical Properties Trust Competitors -34.14% -18.20% -0.23% Dividends Medical Properties Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.2%. Medical Properties Trust pays out -78.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Real Estate Investment Trusts companies pay a dividend yield of 4.0% and pay out 102.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Medical Properties Trust is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Medical Properties Trust 1 0 1 0 2.00 Medical Properties Trust Competitors 2346 4059 2396 22 2.01 This is a summary of current recommendations for Medical Properties Trust and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Medical Properties Trust currently has a consensus price target of $8.00, indicating a potential upside of 38.41%. As a group, Real Estate Investment Trusts companies have a potential upside of 16.25%. Given Medical Properties Trusts higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Medical Properties Trust is more favorable than its competitors. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Medical Properties Trust and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Medical Properties Trust $972.02 million -$277.05 million -12.57 Medical Properties Trust Competitors $463.86 million $16.35 million 26.60 Medical Properties Trust has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Medical Properties Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Insider & Institutional Ownership 71.8% of Medical Properties Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 63.7% of shares of all Real Estate Investment Trusts companies are owned by institutional investors. 1.3% of Medical Properties Trust shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 7.9% of shares of all Real Estate Investment Trusts companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Volatility & Risk Medical Properties Trust has a beta of 1.43, suggesting that its stock price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Medical Properties Trusts competitors have a beta of 1.15, suggesting that their average stock price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Medical Properties Trust beats its competitors on 9 of the 15 factors compared. Medical Properties Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Medical Properties Trust, Inc. is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed to capitalize on the changing trends in healthcare delivery by acquiring and developing net-leased healthcare facilities. MPTs financing model allows hospitals and other healthcare facilities to unlock the value of their underlying real estate in order to fund facility improvements, technology upgrades, staff additions and new construction. Facilities include acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, and other medical and surgical facilities. Receive News & Ratings for Medical Properties Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medical Properties Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rare Element Resources Ltd. (OTCMKTS:REEMF Get Free Report) shares crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $0.78 and traded as low as $0.57. Rare Element Resources shares last traded at $0.61, with a volume of 152,565 shares traded. Rare Element Resources Trading Up 1.7% The company has a market cap of $314.83 million, a PE ratio of -61.00 and a beta of 1.07. The businesss 50 day moving average is $0.78 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.95. Get Rare Element Resources alerts: About Rare Element Resources (Get Free Report) Rare Element Resources is a U.S.-based exploration and development company focused on rare earth element deposits. The companys flagship asset is the Bear Lodge project in northeastern Wyoming, which hosts both light and heavy rare earth oxides such as neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium. Rare Element Resources is working to advance this project through feasibility, permitting and eventual commercial production to establish a domestic supply of critical minerals. Incorporated in the mid-2000s and headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Rare Element Resources has conducted extensive drilling, metallurgical test work and engineering studies to refine its processing technology. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rare Element Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rare Element Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compagnie de Saint-Gobain (LON:COD) reported what management described as a very strong performance in 2025, closing out its Grow & Impact plan with results the company said met all financial targets set at its 2021 Capital Markets Day. Chief Executive Officer Benoit Bazin and Chief Financial Officer Maud Thuaudet said execution remained solid despite contrasted markets across regions, with improving conditions in Europe in the second half and strong growth in Asia and emerging markets. Get alerts: 2025 financial performance and shareholder returns Saint-Gobain said 2025 sales increased 2.1% in local currencies and were virtually stable on a like-for-like basis. Volumes declined 1.3% for the year, while prices rose 0.8%. Currency translation was a headwind, with a -2.3% impact for the year that worsened to -3% in the second half, reflecting depreciation of most currencies against the euro. The company also cited a positive 2.6% scope impact from acquisitions and portfolio moves including Cemix, Fosroc, Bailey, and CSR. Recurring net income was EUR 3.3 billion. The board proposed a dividend of EUR 2.3 per share, up 4.5%. Free cash flow totaled EUR 3.8 billion, with a 58% cash conversion ratio, exceeding the companys stated 50% target. Net debt to EBITDA was stable at 1.4x. Management said EUR 1.5 billion was returned to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and buybacks, and that over the past five years the group returned more than EUR 7 billion. On profitability, the company said operating income rose 3.8% in local currencies, and it maintained a stable operating margin despite FX pressure. EBITDA increased 3.4% in local currencies with a stable 15.5% EBITDA margin. Thuaudet noted FX reduced operating income by nearly 4%a larger effect than on salesbecause currency weakness was concentrated in higher-margin regions. Regional results: Europe improves in H2, North America pressured, Asia-Pacific surges Europe returned to growth in the second half, according to management. Full-year European sales were up 1.1% in local currencies and up 0.6% like-for-like. Northern Europe was mixed and contrasted by country: the UK continued to grow and outperformed, Germany remained down amid a wait-and-see stance ahead of expected stimulus spending, and the Nordics were mixed with some large infrastructure wins. Management highlighted the companys position in Central and Eastern Europe, citing a network of 100 plants representing over 10% of group sales. In Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Saint-Gobain said performance improved noticeably in the second half, with sales up 1.7% in H2. France stabilized in H2 and grew in Q4, supported by rising permits and housing starts; management said Saint-Gobain outperformed in both new construction and renovation. Spain and Italy continued to grow with market share gains in interior solutions. The Middle East and Africa delivered double-digit growth, supported by the Fosroc integration and major infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. The Americas were uneven. North America sales fell 4.2% for the year and 7.3% in H2, with Q4 down 8.2%. U.S. roofing volumes fell 17% in Q4 due to a lack of major weather events, and management said 2025 had no hurricanes for the first time in 10 years. New construction weakness pressured interior solutions, while construction chemicals accelerated with market share gains. Despite the backdrop, management said it maintained positive pricing and protected margins through production optimization, cost actions, and plant maintenance adjustments. Latin America delivered growth of 13.5% in local currencies and 6.9% like-for-like, with slower growth in H2 on a tougher comparison base and easing prices tied to lower energy costs. Management described the Cemix integration as a great success, citing 15% growth in local currencies in construction chemicals and spillover benefits for broader solution sales in Central America. The Americas region posted a 17.2% operating margin for the year and held 16% in H2, in line with prior commentary. Asia-Pacific posted 17% sales growth in local currencies and 2.4% like-for-like, with a record operating margin supported by volume growth and pricing management. India delivered double-digit growth and market share gains, aided by construction chemicals and the Fosroc integration. Southeast Asia grew on an expanded specified-solutions offering; Saint-Gobain said it delivered 20 data centers in Indonesia and Malaysia during the year. The integration of CSR was described as going well. China was down slightly for the year but improved in H2 with market share gains despite continued market weakness. Portfolio rotation and construction chemicals expansion Management emphasized continued portfolio optimization as a key lever. Bazin said the company rotated EUR 1.2 billion of sales in 2025 and reiterated a goal to rotate more than 20% of sales by 2030 through acquisitions and disposals. The company highlighted construction chemicals as a strategic priority, describing a EUR 6.5 billion platform across 76 countries and a plan to reach more than EUR 9 billion of sales by 2030 in the segment. On recent deals, Bazin said the Fosroc and Cemix integrations were going very well, citing 11% organic sales growth in local currencies and a combined 20% EBITDA margin. Executives also referenced two small construction chemicals acquisitions announced earlier in the week as part of a bolt-on approach. 2026 outlook: weather headwinds early, margin target reaffirmed For 2026, Saint-Gobain guided to an EBITDA margin of more than 15%, while warning that the first half would be affected by extreme weather conditions in Europe and North America. In Q&A, Bazin said France experienced unusually heavy rain and flooding, while the U.S. saw widespread snowstorms, describing a meaningful impact on activity. He said the company assumes weather normalizes in Q2, with improvement into H2. Management quantified a low to mid-single digit negative impact on North American volumes in Q1, estimating roughly -3% to -5% due to weather. The company said it does not guide margins by half-year, but acknowledged that momentum could be more two halves of the year, with different seasonality given the early-year disruption. Thuaudet said capex should remain around 4.5% of sales in 2026, consistent with 2025, and reiterated the free cash flow conversion target of above 50%. On FX, she said the company expects around a -3% sales impact in Q1 2026 and around -2% for H1 at current spot rates, while noting volatility. Strategic priorities under Lead & Grow Bazin outlined Saint-Gobains new strategic plan, Lead & Grow, which aims to deepen the groups solutions offering and expand further into non-residential and infrastructure markets, while sharpening the business profile through continued portfolio rotation. He highlighted mega-trends including sustainable construction, urbanization in Asia and emerging markets, energy-efficiency renovation in Europe, and the need to adapt buildings and infrastructure to extreme weather in North America. He also pointed to opportunities in segments such as hospitals, airports, and data centers. Management said it is working on an active pipeline of more than 600 data center projects across 26 countries. During the call, the company also described contractor and distributor partnerships in North America as a driver of relative outperformance, citing cross-selling across product lines and top-to-top engagement with major national distributors. Looking ahead, Bazin said the company remains focused on outperformance, margins, cash generation, and portfolio rotation, while maintaining its target of a positive price-cost spread. He added that Saint-Gobain expects continued improvement in Europe beyond the early weather disruptions, citing green shoots in new build activity, including rising starts and permits in France. About Compagnie de Saint-Gobain (LON:COD) Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and solutions for the construction and industrial markets worldwide. It operates through five segments: High Performance Solutions; Northern Europe; Southern Europe Middle East (ME) & Africa; Americas; and Asia-Pacific. The company offers glazing solutions for buildings and vehicles under the Saint-Gobain, GlassSolutions, Vetrotech, and SageGlass brands; plaster-based products for construction and renovation markets under the Placo, Rigips, and Gyproc brands; ceilings under the Ecophon, CertainTeed, Eurocoustic, Sonex, and Vinh Tuong brands; and insulation solutions for a range of applications, such as construction, engine compartments, vehicle interiors, household appliances, and photovoltaic panels under the Isover, CertainTeed, and Izocam brands. Read More A.P. Moller-Maersk (OTCMKTS:AMKBY Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 67,647 shares, a growth of 105.3% from the January 29th total of 32,953 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 161,316 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average trading volume of 161,316 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. A.P. Moller-Maersk Stock Performance OTCMKTS:AMKBY traded up $0.31 on Friday, reaching $12.36. 105,583 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 79,411. The firm has a market cap of $39.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.05 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 2.02. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.93 and a 200-day simple moving average of $10.85. A.P. Moller-Maersk has a 52 week low of $6.69 and a 52 week high of $12.69. Get A.P. Moller-Maersk alerts: A.P. Moller-Maersk (OTCMKTS:AMKBY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The transportation company reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by ($0.10). The business had revenue of $13.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.83 billion. A.P. Moller-Maersk had a net margin of 5.05% and a return on equity of 4.87%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that A.P. Moller-Maersk will post 0.41 earnings per share for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on AMKBY. Bank of America downgraded A.P. Moller-Maersk from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Nordea Equity Research downgraded shares of A.P. Moller-Maersk from a buy rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of A.P. Moller-Maersk in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of A.P. Moller-Maersk from a reduce rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Clarkson Capital raised shares of A.P. Moller-Maersk to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and eight have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, A.P. Moller-Maersk presently has an average rating of Reduce. Check Out Our Latest Report on A.P. Moller-Maersk About A.P. Moller-Maersk (Get Free Report) A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S is a Danish integrated transport and logistics company headquartered in Copenhagen. Operating under the Maersk brand worldwide, the group provides container shipping and end-to-end logistics services, combining ocean freight with land-based transportation, contract logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management for global shippers and manufacturers. The companys core activities include container shipping operations, terminal services through APM Terminals, and a growing logistics and services business that offers freight forwarding, customs brokerage, inland transportation and warehousing. Read More Receive News & Ratings for A.P. Moller-Maersk Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A.P. Moller-Maersk and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cellcom Israel, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CELJF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 9,397 shares, a drop of 42.2% from the January 29th total of 16,270 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 961 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 9.8 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 961 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 9.8 days. Cellcom Israel Stock Down 6.4% Shares of OTCMKTS:CELJF traded down $0.75 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $11.00. 101 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 475. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Cellcom Israel has a 12 month low of $3.00 and a 12 month high of $13.42. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $11.70 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.65. Get Cellcom Israel alerts: Cellcom Israel (OTCMKTS:CELJF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 12th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter. Cellcom Israel had a return on equity of 10.12% and a net margin of 5.98%.The business had revenue of $307.28 million for the quarter. Cellcom Israel Company Profile Cellcom Israel Ltd. is a leading provider of wireless telecommunications services in Israel. Established in 1994 and headquartered in Netanya, the company operates one of the countrys most extensive cellular networks. Through its infrastructure, Cellcom delivers voice, messaging and data solutions to a broad customer base that includes individual consumers, small businesses and large enterprises. The companys core offerings encompass mobile voice plans, high-speed 4G and 5G data connectivity, international roaming and value-added content services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cellcom Israel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cellcom Israel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe (NYSEARCA:UPV Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 3,157 shares, a decline of 39.6% from the January 29th total of 5,223 shares. Approximately 2.6% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,597 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,597 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.0 days. Approximately 2.6% of the companys shares are short sold. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Trading Down 0.6% Shares of NYSEARCA:UPV traded down $0.59 on Friday, hitting $103.46. The company had a trading volume of 779 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,635. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $96.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $88.06. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe has a 1 year low of $51.37 and a 1 year high of $104.40. Get ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe alerts: Institutional Trading of ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe An institutional investor recently bought a new position in ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe stock. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in shares of ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe (NYSEARCA:UPV Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 3,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $206,000. Jane Street Group LLC owned 2.72% of ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Company Profile ProShares Ultra MSCI Europe seeks daily investment results that correspond to twice (200%) the daily performance of the MSCI Europe Index (the Index). The Fund seeks investment results for a single day only, not for longer periods. The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe. The Index is divided into large and mid-cap segments, and targets approximately 85% of free float-adjusted market capitalization of the region. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. James Hardie Industries (NYSE:JHX Get Free Report) and Knife River (NYSE:KNF Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and risk. Valuation & Earnings This table compares James Hardie Industries and Knife Rivers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get James Hardie Industries alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio James Hardie Industries $3.88 billion 2.70 $424.00 million $0.27 90.36 Knife River $3.15 billion 1.60 $157.10 million $2.76 32.22 Risk and Volatility James Hardie Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Knife River. Knife River is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than James Hardie Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. James Hardie Industries has a beta of 1.8, meaning that its stock price is 80% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Knife River has a beta of 0.47, meaning that its stock price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 8.0% of James Hardie Industries shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 80.1% of Knife River shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Knife River shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares James Hardie Industries and Knife Rivers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets James Hardie Industries 2.70% 13.52% 5.81% Knife River 4.99% 10.27% 4.41% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for James Hardie Industries and Knife River, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score James Hardie Industries 0 4 12 0 2.75 Knife River 1 3 6 0 2.50 James Hardie Industries currently has a consensus target price of $26.71, suggesting a potential upside of 9.46%. Knife River has a consensus target price of $96.43, suggesting a potential upside of 8.43%. Given James Hardie Industries stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe James Hardie Industries is more favorable than Knife River. Summary James Hardie Industries beats Knife River on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About James Hardie Industries (Get Free Report) James Hardie Industries plc manufactures and sells fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and cement bonded building products for interior and exterior building construction applications primarily in the United States, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The company operates through North America Fiber Cement, Asia Pacific Fiber Cement, and Europe Building Products segments. It offers fiber cement interior linings, exterior siding products, and related accessories; and various fiber cement products for a range of applications, including external cladding, internal walls, ceilings, floors, soffits, fences, and facades. The company also provides fiber gypsum and cement-bonded boards for use in the timber frame construction, dry lining, DIY, and structural fire protection applications. Its products are used in residential repair and remodel, and commercial and residential new construction markets James Hardie Industries plc was founded in 1888 and is based in Dublin, Ireland. About Knife River (Get Free Report) Knife River Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides aggregates- led construction materials and contracting services in the United States. It operates through Pacific, Northwest, Mountain, Central, and Energy Services segments. The company mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, including crushed stone and sand, and gravel; and produces and sells asphalt and ready-mix concrete. It also provides contracting service, such as heavy-civil construction, asphalt and concrete paving, and site development and grading. In addition, the company sells cement, merchandise, and other building materials and related services. The company sells its construction materials to public and private-sector customers, including federal, state, and municipal governments, as well as industrial, commercial and residential developers, and other private parties; and provides its contracting services to public-sector customers for the development and servicing of highways, local roads, bridges, and other public-infrastructure projects. Knife River Corporation was founded in 1917 and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Receive News & Ratings for James Hardie Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for James Hardie Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A peek at today's global circus and the headlines we're watching . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . More Danger On Local Streets KCPD: Driver dies after car gets rear-ended on 103rd, North Oak in the Northland One person is dead after their car was rear-ended by another driver in the Northland early Saturday morning. Show-Me Good Idea Missouri bills would require drunk drivers who kill parents to pay child support Missouri lawmakers propose Bentley's Law to require child support payments from drunk drivers who kill a parent, ensuring financial stability Local Fraud Across Bridge?!? North Kansas City Schools audit examines payments for 'potential fictitious services' Law enforcement investigates hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments made in recent years to a company linked to a former employee's brother. Cowtown Burnout This Weekend Kansas City fire burns 12 people out of apartment building No one was injured in the fire and everyone who lived in the building evacuated before emergency crews arrived. End Game Starts War Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed in Israeli strike, ending 36-year iron rule Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's second supreme leader, has been killed. He had held power since 1989, guiding Iran through difficult times - and overseeing the violent suppression of dissent. Requisite Opposition Protesters rally across US after Iran strikes and reports of Khamenei killing Crowds gather in DC, New York and beyond to denounce Trump's Iran strikes as an illegal act of war MAGA Wagers World Trump's bet on Iranian regime change could be his biggest gamble yet The US president may be forced to wage a political battle at home while presiding over a new war in the Middle East. Educated Guess!?!? Hegseth says Pentagon cutting ties with top universities, calling them "woke breeding grounds" Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the Pentagon would be canceling troops' attendance at some of the nation's top universities. Kim Kardashian fully transforms into Las Vegas showgirl on 'The Fifth Wheel' set Kim Kardashian donned a full showgirl outfit on the Las Vegas set of "The Fifth Wheel." And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. It's very easy to support the start of war . . . Just about every war begins with cheering and the first 24 hours seem to be going well . . . Accordingly . . . Local political sentiment seems to be run-of-the-mill soundbytes that don't offer much insight into the future, potential threats or inevitable costs . . . Still . . . Documenting the statements seems important for now . . . Lawmakers on both sides of the state line are divided following the strikes. Some Republicans in support are praising the attacks as a decisive and necessary step to protect U.S. national security, while Democrats are raising constitutional concerns and warning the actions could draw the nation into another prolonged conflict. Below are some statements issued Saturday from Missouri and Kansas lawmakers . . . Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Missouri, Kansas lawmakers react to US and Israel attack on Iran The United States and Israel launched a series of coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday. The attacks follow sustained pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to reach an agreement... Kansas City area's U.S. senators and representatives split along party lines over Iran strikes The United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday with multiple airstrikes, an Israeli airstrike killing Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. President Trump has long called for regime change and decried the threat of Iran's nuclear capability. Developing . . . A tense scene overnight that has recently concluded as the investigation continues . . . Here's more info shared by police and additional reporting . . . Homicide 76th and Lydia Just after 10:00 PM, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street on a sound of shots call. As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One male was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds. During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck. The Operation 100 remains active and ongoing. If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. CASE UPDATE The Operation 100 has concluded. The residence was unoccupied. Detectives and Crime Scene personnel are now processing the scene for any available physical evidence.########## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Kansas City police searching for suspected shooter One person died and another has non-life threatening injuries after being shot Saturday night. Police initiated a standoff overnight. Standoff Ends: Kansas City man found dead after shooting A standoff has ended after a Kansas City man was found dead following a weekend shooting. Right now we consider the legacy of the angels as we take a moment to consider news by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Morning Burning Sensation Kansas City firefighters battle two blazes in one night Kansas City firefighters battled two blazes in one night. Tech Money Probs Solved?!? Could Independence data center raise residential rates? IPL explains why it won't Independence residents have many concerns about a proposed data center in the Little Blue Valley, but city leaders are confident Independence Power and Light customers won't foot the bill. Here's why. Ugly Cowtown Captives Debut Kansas City Zoo welcomes four new penguin chicks The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is welcoming four new penguins to its family. Celebrating Miracle Cure Kansas City, Missouri, priest thankful for new heart drug that 'changed his life' One Kansas City priest is especially thankful he's able to continue his calling this American Heart Month, thanks to a new drug that was recently approved by the FDA. Crafting Local Community Hidden in the West Bottoms, a massive printmaking space revives centuries of tradition A creative studio in Kansas City is home to hundreds of years of printing technology. Organizers of Greenhouse Print Space host classes and clubs where professionals and hobbyists alike can create new art. Angel Rebrand After Scandal How Victoria's Secret got its sexy back | Fortune CEO Hillary Super is shedding the body-shaming and the performative box-checking-but not the wings, glamour, and glitter. Will MAGA Lose Voters?!? Trump's Iran strike tests MAGA unity ahead of midterms Some MAGA voices warn that Trump's Iran strike could hurt Republicans in the midterms. Progressive Generational Divide 'Are you willing to fight back?': Democrats ready to take on party's old guard ahead of midterms After Zohran Mamdani's upset, a new wave of challengers targets incumbents, driven by fury at Donald Trump Free Speech Teachable Moment Exclusive: Dept. of Education Honors Charlie Kirk, Other 'Visionary Leaders' with Banners for 250th Anniversary The Department of Education (ED) in Washington, D.C., gilded its building with banners on Saturday in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Legal Weed Consequences Supreme Court poised to weigh legal battle over federal gun ban for drug users The Supreme Court is set to convene Monday to hear a Second Amendment dispute over a federal law that bars unlawful drug users from having firearms. Iran From Pain At Pump What a US attack on Iran could mean for oil prices, in charts and maps | CNN The United States and Israel's strikes on Iran are expected to spark volatility in the oil market, with experts warning that oil prices could surge when futures trading opens Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. MAGA Turnabout Backstory Trump was once wary of ordering regime change in Iran. Here's what made him change his mind Guardrails were tossed aside, as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included strikes on Iran's leadership. Violence Targets Americans 9 Killed as Protesters Try to Storm US Consulate in Pakistan Over Killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Protests in the area surrounding the U.S. Consulate in Karachi went on for hours. Feds Share Warning FBI raises counterterror teams to high alert amid Iran tensions FBI places counterterrorism and counterintelligence teams on elevated alert status nationwide as U.S. military operations against Iran continue to unfold. Iran From Balance Sheet What will war in Iran do to the global economy? Conflict has exposed how much growth depends on energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz Kickball Caution . . . FIFA says it will 'monitor developments' ahead of World Cup following U.S. attack on Iran Iran is scheduled to play its three group games in Los Angeles and Seattle. El Papa Condemns Pursuit Of Social Media Clout Pope Slams Thirsty Priests for Chasing Internet Followers The pontiff called out the clergy for proselytizing for likes. Local Retro Decor Stays Winning The Warmth of Wood and the Resurgence of Wood-Paneled Walls - IN Kansas City Magazine Wood walls, both paneled or with wainscoting, have been in use since medieval and gothic times because of their insulating function. But their elegant and stately decorative features have led to their continued usage through the centuries. The mid-20th century brought a resurgence of rich, warm-wood walls, emotionally connected to the outdoors. Newspaper Reheats Stale Foodie Clickbait New ranking says this Kansas City barbecue restaurant is the city's best The list was created using the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in 50 major cities on Yelp. Winter Comeback Today Impact Day: Rain, wintry mix, and snow all possible today Today is an Impact Day due to the chance for rain, wintry mix and snow. Travel impacts are likely. Bob Marley & The Wailers - One Love is the Sunday song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Longtime Kansas City newsman Dan Margolies makes a bold assertion in his Substack blog that's actually much more interesting when social media memesters take a crack at it. We're only linking it for a couple of reasons . . . About twenty years ago we remember sitting on a panel with Mr. Margolies as he advocated against online blogs and internet communication because of a lack of veracity and the fact-checking infrastructure of print media . . . Of course TKC had different ideas about the future of digital publishing and it's clear Mr. Margolies seems to have adopted our enthusiasm for the freedom that lies in online expression. Also . . . We can't help but scoff at his dated movie reference . . . Even back in 1997, "Wag The Dog" was a dumb movie that proved to be progressive Hollywood garbage and offered a silly allegory about the motivation of military interventionism by then Prez Bill Clinton. Here's a quick roundup: "Wag the Dog was released one month before the news broke of the ClintonLewinsky scandal and eight months before the bombing of the Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Sudan by the Clinton administration in August 1998, which prompted the media to draw comparisons between the film and reality. The comparison was also made in December 1998, when the administration initiated a bombing campaign of Iraq during Clinton's impeachment trial for the ClintonLewinsky scandal. It was made again in spring 1999, when the administration intervened in the Kosovo War and initiated a bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, which, coincidentally, bordered Albania and contained ethnic Albanians." It's a cool theory but actually Clinton FAILED in most of his military adventures and created a far more dangerous world because of his inability to lead an international coalition against trending Islamofascism. And because Americans probably remember Monica Lewinsky a lot more than the rise of Osama Bin Laden . . . Former Prez Bubba wasn't even that good at distracting the media. In fact . . . What's really interesting about the latest post from Mr. Margolies is that he seems to reach back to the glory days of local print media was then newspaper was more relevant and he was garnering a steady paycheck. We only mean that to be a little snarky as this blog often retreats into nostalgia more often as we ripen. Still . . . The movie reference is overwrought and we only clown it so that readers don't waste their cash on looking up an old school political flick that was less than stellar. Do yourself a favor and re-watch Mr. Smith Goes To Washington or even Duck Soup for a better political metaphor . . . In fact, TKC always thinks of this number whenever we eye-roll at keyboard warriors or congressional tough guys talking about the glory of war and sacrifice by soldiers on the other side of the world as they mug for the cameras. . . In the meantime, here's the local newsman's screed that says a lot more about his fond memories for newsprint & the 90s than MAGA or the current conflict in the Middle-East . . . Check-it: "If you believe (President) trump was motivated by humanitarian impulses, Ive got a bridge in Tehran to sell you. "Its not a coincidence that hes unleashed Americas military might on Iran just as the Epstein scandal seems to be engulfing his presidency, despite the efforts of his flunkies in the Justice Department and FBI to make it go away. "trump is in the cornered-rat phase of his presidency, and like the president in the 1997 movie 'Wag the Dog,' hes cooked up a war to distract from the centripetal forces sucking him ever more deeper into the scandal." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . It's as if local hipsters were sitting around wondering how they COULD CONVINCE ABSOLUTELY NO ONE . . . Check their answer to that challenge . . . Dozens of people gathered at River Market Park in Kansas City Saturday, united around the message of no war with Iran. The demonstration was organized as an emergency protest following President Trumps announcement that a joint U.S. and Israeli attack killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump also warned of continued strikes throughout the week. An organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberty, said the conflict has direct connections to Kansas City. We have Honeywell here. That is a nuclear arms manufacturer. So, we are connected to the war effort. We are connected to the nuclear arms program, he said. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East, a flow of information is being observed in the media and on social networks that may cause public concern, the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) stated, Trend reports. Due to the high risk of disinformation, we urge all media outlets to rely only on official sources and to avoid manipulating information. We call on journalists and public activists to disseminate only official data and refrain from publications that may cause public alarm, the statement reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. In accordance with the crisis situation, Azerbaijans embassies and general consulates in the region continue to operate in an enhanced mode, the Head of the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Aykhan Hajizada said in a comment on the situation of Azerbaijani citizens amid the military escalation in the region, Trend reports. In response to requests from our citizens, diplomatic missions are providing appropriate support. At present, only one of our citizens has been injured in the region. The diplomatic mission is providing him with the necessary assistance, and his condition is satisfactory. Regarding the evacuation of citizens, currently, according to the travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Azerbaijani citizens in Iran are leaving the country via the land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkiye, depending on their location. To date, 30 of our citizens have crossed the Azerbaijani border. At this time, we urge our citizens in the region to closely monitor the security situation, follow the instructions and recommendations of local authorities, avoid places of mass gatherings, and strengthen personal safety measures, the statement reads. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. On March 1, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The conversation focused on the situation arising from military operations in Iran and the military escalation in the region. The Iranian Foreign Minister provided information on the current situation and the measures taken. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed serious concern over the tragic escalation of the situation in the region. He conveyed condolences regarding the death of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and innocent civilians. Hope was expressed for the prompt cessation of military actions and for resolving the existing situation solely in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, through dialogue and diplomatic means. It was also emphasized that the territory of Azerbaijan cannot be used by any country against neighboring and friendly Iran. During the telephone conversation, an exchange of views was also held on other matters of mutual interest. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, The news of the tragic death of Ayatollah Seyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has deeply saddened us. In connection with this heavy loss, we extend our deepest condolences to you, to the family of the deceased, and to the friendly Iranian people, and wish you patience and fortitude. Ayatollah Seyid Ali Khamenei was a figure who played a vital role in the life of the Iranian state and society over many years and held a special place in his country's political and religious life. His death is a great loss for Iran. On this difficult day, we wish peace, stability, and security to the friendly and brotherly Iranian people. May Allah have mercy on him!" the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. On March 1, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The tense security situation in the region and the ongoing military escalation were discussed during the call. Deep concern was expressed over the situation, which is seriously affecting peace and security in the region. The importance of restraint by the parties to the conflict, preventing the expansion of military confrontation, and taking steps to reduce tensions was emphasized. The necessity of resolving differences in accordance with the norms and principles of international law through political dialogue and diplomatic means was underlined. Within the framework of the telephone conversation, issues arising from the allied relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the continuation of high-level contacts, and prospects for developing cooperation in various fields were also discussed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. On March 1, 2026, a phone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trend reports. The discussion focused primarily on recent military clashes in the Middle East and the tense security situation in the region. The parties expressed deep concern over the situation. They particularly noted the risks that the ongoing military escalation poses to regional stability and emphasized the need to respect the norms and principles of international law, as well as to resolve the conflict through dialogue and political means. It was stated that ensuring the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure remains a top priority. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov conveyed condolences regarding the deaths and injuries of civilians resulting from the conflict. The ministers also exchanged views on other matters of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. A phone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Anita Anand, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The discussion expressed deep concern over the military escalation and growing security risks in the region. It was emphasized that further escalation must be prevented, diplomatic efforts strengthened, and the norms and principles of international law respected. Minister Anita Anand thanked the Azerbaijani side for facilitating the transit of Canadian citizens through Azerbaijan during the military escalation in Iran in June of last year. The operational and humanitarian support provided at that time was highly appreciated. In light of the current security situation, the ministers exchanged views on potential options for using the Azerbaijani border for the evacuation of Canadian citizens from Iran, if necessary. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The Russian embassy in Tehran expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for its assistance in arranging the departure of Russian citizens from Iran through the Astara border crossing, Trend reports. The diplomatic mission noted that the Russian embassy in Azerbaijan is providing assistance to compatriots leaving Iran, and the Azerbaijani side is promptly reviewing issues related to issuing border crossing permits. According to available data, approximately 500 Russian citizens are currently on the list of those leaving through Azerbaijan. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. Microplastics could be a factor contributing to the rising incidence of Parkinson's disease. What's happening? A recent review of the scientific literature indicates that microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics may interfere with certain brain processes associated with Parkinson's disease. The review, forthcoming in its final edited version from the journal npj Parkinson's Disease, identifies these tiny plastic particles as a "potential, emerging environmental hazard," as summarized by News Medical Life Sciences in late January. Advertisement Advertisement The co-authors of the review relied on a variety of studies that explored how microplastics can interact with biological systems and focused on three exposure routes: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. "From protein misfolding to gut-brain signaling, emerging evidence suggests that everyday plastic exposure may intersect with key biological processes implicated in Parkinson's disease," according to News Medical Life Sciences. Why is this research important? This review helps synthesize previous work on the link between microplastics exposure and Parkinson's disease. This is critical, as diagnoses of Parkinson's disease cases are steadily rising around the globe. While age appears to be the primary risk factor, several studies have implicated microplastics as a possible contributor. In one previous experiment, researchers fed mice small amounts of polystyrene for three months and found that the rodents had a damaged intestinal lining and higher liver inflammation, factors that can be linked to the development of Parkinson's disease. Advertisement Advertisement Another study that used mice found a possible link between nanoplastics entering nerve cells and Parkinson's. While the science on the connections between microplastics and potential human health impacts is still emerging, researchers have investigated the potential for exposure to contribute to serious issues, from cancer to neurodevelopmental conditions and reproductive health concerns. What's being done about microplastics? To mitigate exposure, some scientists are focusing on developing methods for removing microplastics from the air, water, food, and soil. In just one example, a research team discovered that egg whites can be used to get microplastics out of ocean water. Other research and policy priorities include stopping microplastics at their source by cutting down on single-use plastic items such as shopping bags, forks, and spoons. Numerous local and national governments are implementing laws banning these items to curb their use and, ultimately, production. Advertisement Advertisement The country of Georgia, for example, recently announced that manufacturers and importers will no longer be allowed to produce (unless for export), import, or sell a variety of single-use plastics, including cutlery, containers, cups, and lids. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hammoud Albusaid, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani MFA. An exchange of views regarding the military escalation and growing tension in the region took place during the telephone conversation. The Ministers expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation in the region and stressed that further escalation of the situation poses a serious threat to regional security and stability. The importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to restore the negotiation process and the need for de-escalation were emphasized. At the same time, the need to protect civilians and infrastructure was emphasized. During the telephone conversation, an exchange of views took place on other regional and international issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The UK Foreign Office has revised its travel advice to countries bordering Iran due to ongoing tensions in the region, Trend reports. The updated warnings apply to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan and Turkiye. The ministry's published information noted that certain restrictions may be imposed on foreign citizens from countries neighboring Iran, and border crossings may be closed for a short period of time. Those in Iran planning to leave the country by land are advised to check the current travel advisories for the country they intend to visit, including visa requirements, before traveling to the border. Travel advice is reported to be updated regularly in line with the risk assessment for UK citizens. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Evacuation from Iran to Azerbaijan continues, Trend reports. In addition to Azerbaijani citizens, foreign nationals, employees of foreign embassies in Iran, diplomats, and other individuals are also being evacuated. The relevant state authorities of Azerbaijan continue to take the necessary measures to carry out the evacuation. To ensure the safe transportation of citizens, special buses have been allocated, emergency medical teams have been deployed on site, and other operational services have been put on standby. 15:29 (GMT +4) The evacuation of both Azerbaijani citizens and citizens of other countries from Iran is ongoing, Trend reports. From 08:00 on February 28 to 14:00 on March 1, 53 Azerbaijani citizens were evacuated from Iran. Safe passage from Iran to Azerbaijan was also ensured for 18 citizens of Saudi Arabia, 5 citizens of Tajikistan, 4 citizens of Jordan, 3 citizens of Qatar, and 1 citizen of Italy. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. Photo: The Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Brussels/Instagram ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 28. Turkmenistan and the European Union discussed ways to expand cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations, Trend reports. The talks were held following a meeting between Turkmen Ambassador to Brussels, Sapar Palvanov, and the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the EU, Juraj Nociar. During the exchange, the diplomats highlighted the importance of maintaining high-level contacts, enhancing the legal and contractual framework, and exploring new areas of cooperation reflecting mutual interests. Particular attention was paid to the evolving EU-Central Asia partnership, with the aim of advancing it to a strategic level. Earlier, Ambassador Palvanov stated that the European direction is among the key priorities of Turkmenistans foreign policy for 2026. He made this remark during a meeting with Jan Dusik, Deputy Director-General of the European Commissions Directorate-General for Climate Action. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 1. I have arrived in Astana for the start of a visit to three important partners: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Georgia, President of Asian Development Bank, Masato Kanda, wrote on his Linkedin account, Trend reports. In Astana, Kanda was welcomed by Vice-Minister of Finance and ADB Alternate Governor Dauren Kengbeil and Vice-Minister of National Economy Assan Darbayev. The sides discussed the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and ADB, including the role of publicprivate partnerships in supporting market economy development. "We discussed the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and ADB and issues, including the importance of publicprivate partnerships in supporting the development of market economies. I look forward to engaging with government leaders and partners to further strengthen our collaboration, advance private sector development, and support priorities that promote Kazakhstans long-term growth, resilience, and competitiveness," Kanda wrote. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. More than 100 children were killed in airstrikes by American and Israeli warplanes on a school in the city of Minab, Hormuzgan Province, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic to the UN Amir Said Iravani said during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Trend reports. Amir Said Iravani emphasized that, in addition to the school, numerous residential buildings were struck, and the number of civilian casualties continues to rise. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. On the morning of February 28, Israel and the U.S. began launching strikes on Iran from land, sea, and air. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Four members of Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis family were reportedly killed in airstrikes carried out by Israel and the United States, Trend reports, citing Iranian media. Among the deceased are Khameneis daughter, his son-in-law, his grandson, and one of his daughters-in-law. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. On the morning of February 28, Israel and the U.S. began launching strikes on Iran from land, sea, and air. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the launch of a largescale missile and drone attack against targets in Israel and United States military bases across the Middle East, the statement of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC/SEPAH) says, Trend reports. The IRGC said its forces struck military and security sites in Israel as well as U.S. facilities in the region as part of what it described as the first phase of Operation True Promise 4, a response to earlier operations conducted against Iran. Details on the scale and impact of the strikes remain limited as the situation continues to develop. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. In a series of airstrikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, Secretary of Irans Supreme National Defense Council, Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, and Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, were killed, Trend reports, citing Iranian media. According to reports, the officials died during yesterdays attacks. It is also noted that the strikes claimed the lives of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family. Earlier today, Israel carried out a preventive strike against Iran (Tehran) to eliminate threats to the state. Later, Israel closed its airspace and switched to a state of emergency restrictions. A second wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran then began. Shortly afterward, Iran also closed its airspace. It was later reported that the attack on Iran was a joint operation by Israel and the United States. In turn, Donald Trump announced the launch of a military operation by the US Armed Forces against Iran. Information subsequently emerged about the targets of Israels strikes on Iran. Shortly afterward, Iran launched its first wave of missiles toward Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu also made a statement amid the start of the operation against Iran. It was later reported that a second wave of missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel. Some time later, a state of emergency was declared in Israel. It was subsequently reported that Iran had attacked 14 US military bases in the region. Closer to the evening, Iran began a wave of retaliatory strikes using ballistic missiles. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The Iranian armed forces have vowed to respond to the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Trend reports. The statement emphasizes that the Supreme Leaders path will continue, and that the army and armed forces are at the forefront, defending the countrys independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. It is noted that on February 28, Israeli airstrikes on Tehran killed Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family. Earlier today, Israel carried out a preventive strike against Iran (Tehran) to eliminate threats to the state. Later, Israel closed its airspace and switched to a state of emergency restrictions. A second wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran then began. Shortly afterward, Iran also closed its airspace. It was later reported that the attack on Iran was a joint operation by Israel and the United States. In turn, Donald Trump announced the launch of a military operation by the US Armed Forces against Iran. Information subsequently emerged about the targets of Israels strikes on Iran. Shortly afterward, Iran launched its first wave of missiles toward Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu also made a statement amid the start of the operation against Iran. It was later reported that a second wave of missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel. Some time later, a state of emergency was declared in Israel. It was subsequently reported that Iran had attacked 14 US military bases in the region. Closer to the evening, Iran began a wave of retaliatory strikes using ballistic missiles. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei will never go unanswered, Trend reports. He said that Iran will make every effort to ensure those responsible for the incident regret their actions. Pezeshkian also noted that the Iranian government expresses condolences over the Supreme Leaders death and has declared a 40-day mourning period and a 7-day nationwide holiday. It is recalled that on February 28, Israeli airstrikes on Tehran killed Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family. Earlier today, Israel carried out a preventive strike against Iran (Tehran) to eliminate threats to the state. Later, Israel closed its airspace and switched to a state of emergency restrictions. A second wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran then began. Shortly afterward, Iran also closed its airspace. It was later reported that the attack on Iran was a joint operation by Israel and the United States. In turn, Donald Trump announced the launch of a military operation by the US Armed Forces against Iran. Information subsequently emerged about the targets of Israels strikes on Iran. Shortly afterward, Iran launched its first wave of missiles toward Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu also made a statement amid the start of the operation against Iran. It was later reported that a second wave of missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel. Some time later, a state of emergency was declared in Israel. It was subsequently reported that Iran had attacked 14 US military bases in the region. Closer to the evening, Iran began a wave of retaliatory strikes using ballistic missiles. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The Iranian armed forces will take another step to carry out severe retaliation, Trend reports, citing a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sixth wave of Irans defensive operation, True Promise 4, was carried out in full force against Israeli territory and U.S. military bases in the region. Targets of the attacks reportedly include 27 U.S. military bases, the top command of the Israeli army, and a major defense-industrial complex in Tel Aviv. The statement also emphasizes that the Iranian armed forces will retaliate ruthlessly. Earlier today, Israel carried out a preventive strike against Iran (Tehran) to eliminate threats to the state. Later, Israel closed its airspace and switched to a state of emergency restrictions. A second wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran then began. Shortly afterward, Iran also closed its airspace. It was later reported that the attack on Iran was a joint operation by Israel and the United States. In turn, Donald Trump announced the launch of a military operation by the US Armed Forces against Iran. Information subsequently emerged about the targets of Israels strikes on Iran. Shortly afterward, Iran launched its first wave of missiles toward Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu also made a statement amid the start of the operation against Iran. It was later reported that a second wave of missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel. Some time later, a state of emergency was declared in Israel. It was subsequently reported that Iran had attacked 14 US military bases in the region. Closer to the evening, Iran began a wave of retaliatory strikes using ballistic missiles. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Iran has confirmed the death of four high-ranking military officials, Trend reports. During military airstrikes by Israel and the United States, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces; Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Ali Shamkhani, Advisor to Irans Supreme Leader and Secretary of the Defense Council; and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. As a result of military airstrikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, the head of the Security Service of Irans Law Enforcement Command, General Gholamreza Rzaian, was killed, Trend reports citing Iranian media. According to the information, the high-ranking military official was killed during the airstrikes carried out the previous day. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. According to information obtained from close relatives of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, reports of his death are false, Trend reports citing Iranian media. It is noted that the news of the former presidents death was removed from some local media portals, while other outlets, providing additional information, stated that the report is not true. 17:37 (GMT +4) Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was killed as a result of Israeli and U.S. military airstrikes, Trend reports citing Iranian media. According to the information, three of the former presidents bodyguards were also killed alongside him. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad served as Irans president from 2005 to 2013. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. In Iran, the Temporary Leadership Council has begun its activities, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a video address to the citizens of Iran, Trend reports. He stated that the council has started its work in accordance with Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution. Pezeshkian noted that the council will continue the path of the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ruhollah Khomeini, and the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Iranian president added that the countrys Armed Forces are striking enemy military bases with full determination. Pezeshkian also expressed condolences to the people of Iran on the passing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Iran's president called on citizens to gather in mosques and take to the streets. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Iran attacked the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated, Trend reports. According to the information, Irans military operation against the U.S. and Israel has entered a new phase. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the death of the country's Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Aziz Nasirzadeh, in a US-Israeli airstrike, the IRGC said in a statement, Trend reports. The statement said his death was considered a grave loss for the Iranian armed forces and people. It is also noted that this will strengthen national unity, accelerate the implementation of major defense programs, and strengthen the country's strategic resolve in protecting national interests. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that an Iranian missile strike on a naval base in Kuwait injured American service members, the statement of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC/SEPAH) says, Trend reports. In a statement, the IRGC said: "The American naval base in Kuwait was hit by four ballistic missiles and attacked by 12 drones." The statement added that the attack "destroyed the base's infrastructure and killed or wounded numerous US military personnel." Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. On the morning of February 28, Israel and the U.S. began launching strikes on Iran from land, sea, and air. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Justice has prevailed, and the axis of evil has been dealt a heavy blow, said Israels Defense Minister Israel Katz, Trend reports. "Khamenei was neutralized in the opening strike of Operation 'Roaring Lion,' along with other high-ranking Iranian officials. Those who acted to destroy Israel were destroyed. Justice has prevailed, and the axis of evil has been dealt a heavy blow. Congratulations to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his leadership and decisiveness, and to the IDF for the brilliant execution. Israel will continue to use all its might to defend itself," Katz said. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Tehran with an attack of unprecedented force if Iran intensifies its strikes, Trend reports. "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!," he wrote on his page on Truth Social. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Although the Serbian Embassy in Tehran was not a direct target of the strike, the building sustained damage due to falling debris, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said, Trend reports. One of the strikes targeted a Basij base. The debris damaged our embassy. As for our personnel in Iran, today our staff will be evacuated in the direction of Azerbaijan, the Serbian leader noted. He also stated that Serbias ambassador will temporarily travel to Azerbaijan but will later return to Tehran. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Qatar strongly condemns Iranian attacks on Duqm Port in Oman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar wrote on its page on X, Trend reports. "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted the commercial port of Duqm in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman and an oil tanker off its coast. Qatar describes the attacks as a violation of the Sultanate's sovereignty, an unacceptable escalation, and a cowardly targeting of a country playing an active mediating role between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the international community to defuse the crisis and promote constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar's full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman in all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability," the statement said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian aggression against the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia wrote on its page on X, Trend reports. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression against the Sultanate of Oman and Irans flagrant violation of its sovereignty, affirming the Kingdoms full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman," the statement said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The USS Abraham Lincoln was not hit in the reported missile launch, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on its X account, Trend reports. The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didnt even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOMs relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime, the post reads. Earlier, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles. According to the IRGC, Irans military operation against the U.S. and Israel has entered a new phase. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The United Arab Emirates has announced the closure of its Embassy in Tehran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates said in a statement, Trend reports. The ministry said that the country also withdraws its ambassador to Iran, along with all members of its diplomatic mission, in response to the Iranian missile attacks the UAEs territory. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that this decision reflects the UAEs firm and unwavering stance against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty. It comes in light of continued hostile and provocative conduct that undermines de-escalation efforts and pushes the region toward a highly dangerous trajectory, threatening regional and international peace and stability, as well as energy security and the stability of the global economy," the ministry said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The state of emergency in Israel will be extended until March 12, Trend reports. According to the information, the decision was approved by the country's government based on the results of a telephone vote. The regime was reportedly introduced on February 28 and could be lifted earlier if the military campaign ends before March 12, or extended if fighting continues. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. The operation against Iran could take about four weeks or less, US President Donald Trump said in an interview to British media, Trend reports. "We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less," D.Tramp said. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. As a result of the military airstrikes carried out the previous day by Israel and the United States, Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family were killed. Margus Tsahkna, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, stated that the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei represents a reputational blow to the Kremlin and demonstrates that Russia does not support its allies. According to Ukrinform, ERR stated this in an article. On Sunday, March 1, Tsahkna held a phone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, who provided an overview of the situation and recent events in the Middle East. Tsahkna said that Estonia is closely monitoring developments in the region. "The events of the past day directly affect European security, as a serious blow was dealt to the Iranian leadership, which played an important role in supporting Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine," he said. According to him, "the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows that Moscow is unable to support its allies, which is a significant reputational loss for the Kremlin." He emphasized that Iran must be prevented from developing nuclear weapons, and international pressure through sanctions must continue until the Iranian regime stops attacks against its neighbors, ends repression of its own citizens, and returns to diplomatic solutions. "The death of Ayatollah Khamenei opens a window for the Iranian people to determine their own future. It is a chance to free themselves from a repressive regime that lasted for decades. The future of Iran should be determined by the people of Iran," Tsahkna added. As Ukrinform previously reported, on February 28 the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on regime facilities in Iran. Following this, Iran attacked U.S. bases in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan. Later, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on the morning of February 28. Whose War is Iran Fighting? The de facto villain in this war against Iran is none other than Israel with an extensive support of U.S. President Donald J. Trump to the war-mongering Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu With skies over the Middle Eastern shores getting red hot, thick and cloudy, it seems that this oil-rich region will only add fuel to the firepower. And the de facto villain in this war is none other than Israel with an extensive support of U.S. President Donald J. Trump to the war-mongering Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu. In fact, Israel's expansionism has been at the core of the long-standing conflict and political instability in the Persian Gulf and Middle East for over seventy years since the illegal formation of the state of Israel on the Arab land. A victim of the Holocaust, Jews were driven away by Hitler. It was the Muslim support that helped its surviving members to sustain. Earlier, the political Zionist movement, started by Theodor Herzl was supported by the Ottoman empire, but later Zionism took a political detour. With the US now blindly supporting the Israeli state and imposing sanctions after sanctions on Iran, Iran had no option left than to attack Israel and the US allies in the Middle East to protect its sovereignty and safeguard its national interest. Iran's multiple attacks are likely to be met with counter attacks by the combined US-Israel forces or even by the politically and militarily weak Arab regimes working at the behest of the US to advance their geostrategic agenda in the region. With another simultaneous conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan , the situation has only turned grave. In recent past, not so many Muslim countries have pitched against one another as in the present time, triggered by the ugly US power politics and leveraged by the expansist design for Greater Israel. Unfortunately, all the countries of the Middle East have major allies across power centres. If these attacks and counter-attacks do not stop without delay, which is the likely scenario now, the region will erupt into a full war zone with the support of each country's allies and with outside leaders plunging into it with their shrewd politics, diplomatic might and possible weapons supply either directly or through states serving as conduits or through non-state actors. India's drifting from its historical pro-Palestine stand during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Israel has added a different angle to the whole regional power configuration. This has made the Israel-Iran conflict more complex with more potential damage. Iran's attacks are a result of decades long support by the US and allies to Israel despite Israel's criminal records of human rights violations and encroachment of the Arab lands in the name of the promised land. Had it not been for the political might and exceptional Iranian courage to counter the systematic US and Israeli aggression, much of what Israel wants, would have been achieved long ago. The Arabs have proved spineless and when Iran is forced by the US and Israel to bend, they, instead of protesting against these clear political misdeeds, become part of the US-Israeli design aimed at capturing the Arab oil resources and having free hand to navigate the kingdoms to check important powers in the South and the East. It has been long debated how a false narrative has been built to support the Israeli claim for a promised land for which this is not the suitable place. However, the truth with which even the Jews agree is that to this land came Prophet Abraham (AS), the ancestor of both Jews and Arabs, from the city of Ur on the river Euphrates. But this historical narrative is the turned in favour of just the Jews as a material promise for the 'foundation of a greater blessing' vis-a-vis a complete socio-political exclusion of the Arabs since the Balfour Declaration in November, 1917 which announced the British policy that Palestine should be a national home for the Jews, calling it the purpose of God, forgetting that this purpose could be for all the Arab children of Abraham (AS). In this nefarious process, the pogroms in Tsarist Russia, and antisemitism in Bismarck's Germany are conveniently forgotten. This practical amnesia generates hatred for the Arabs which is further augmented by the illogical US combat support to the Israeli expansionism for Greater Israel at the cost of the Arab Palestinians. While this is the case, the timing on the other hand of the conflict around the Durand Line leading to an 'open war' as stated by Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif following Taliban's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid's statement that they were carrying out "large-scale offensive operations" against Pakistani military, cannot be said to be a mere coincidence. It says more than what is being stated by the leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Late night reports said that the Iranian missiles hit US bases in the Middle East: Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Airbase in the UAE, the US 5th Fleet Base in Bahrain, Prince Sultan Base in Saudi Arabia, and Muwaffaq al-Salti base in Jordan. President Trump says that the US has begun major combat operations, whatever that means, as if an invasion wasn't combat enough. It is time the Arab monarchs take a serious note of the deeper politics and act wisely to steer clear of this hazardous path of destruction that might culminate into a sinister state of anarchy and lawlessness in the entire Middle East, a price that might be too heavy to be paid in cash or liquid. (The writer, Manzar Imam, has a Ph.D. in International Studies) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) "Be Bold." It means something different to everyone, but on Saturday, it signified an all-women-owned business vendor market. The Women's Ministry of Peace at Peace Lutheran Church hosted their first annual BE BOLD vendor fair, welcoming over 25 women-owned businesses and more than 250 patrons. Annie Allen Jones, an event organizer with Women's Ministry of Peace, said their ministry is new and testing the waters. "I was a little worried, you know, would anyone really be interested in this? But we clearly have a ton of talented women in central Illinois, and they are fierce," Allen Jones said. They plan to host more empowerment events in the future, and hope to bring back the BE BOLD vendor fair next year. Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved. LEE COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) A volunteer firefighter was arrested and accused of starting a field fire in a nature preserve in northern Illinois on Friday. According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, reports of an intentionally set, large grass fire in the Green River State Wildlife Management Area came in just after 11 a.m. The nature preserve is in Lee County, Illinois, just over an hour south of Rockford. Police said witnesses saw 21-year-old Trent W. Schafer get out of a vehicle and set some areas of grass on fire in the preserve. The witnesses then stopped Schafer and detained him until officers arrived, according to the sheriff's office. Schafer, who police said is a volunteer firefighter with the Ohio, Illinois fire department, was arrested on the scene and charged with one count of arson. The sheriff's office said additional arson charges are pending for several other fires previously set in Lee County. According to the sheriff's office, the fire spread quickly due to weather conditions, and it was not brought under control until around 3:45 p.m. Police said fire crews were still putting out hot spots until after 5 p.m. The fire was estimated to cover around 700 acres. Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved. From Vasco to Battiato, the Songs That Still Stop a Conversation They are not the songs of a single genre or a single mood. They range from Neapolitan ballad to new wave, from arena rock to cabaret, from the stadium to the kitchen table. But the ten songs on this list share something that is harder to define and easier to feel: they stayed. Decades after their release, they are still playing in bars and cars and living rooms across Italy, still capable of stopping a conversation or starting one. Here, in no particular order, are ten Italian songs from the late 1970s and 1980s that have earned their place in the canon. Umberto Tozzi, "Gloria" (1979) Before Laura Branigan covered it and introduced it to the world, "Gloria" was already a phenomenon in Italy. Tozzi wrote a song that somehow manages to be both desperate and euphoric at the same time, and the tension between those two things is what has kept it alive. It is one of the most internationally recognised Italian pop songs ever recorded. Lucio Dalla, "Caruso" (1986) Dalla wrote "Caruso" in a hotel room in Sorrento overlooking the Bay of Naples, reportedly in a single night. The song tells the story of the great tenor Enrico Caruso's final days, and it does so with a tenderness and gravity that places it in a category of its own. It has been covered by Pavarotti, by Andrea Bocelli, and by dozens of others, none of whom have quite matched the quiet authority of the original. Vasco Rossi, "Vita spericolata" (1983) The anthem of a generation that did not want to be told what to do. Vasco Rossi had been making records for years before "Vita spericolata" broke through at Sanremo, finishing last in the competition and going on to become one of the most beloved Italian rock songs ever made. The gap between those two facts says something important about the relationship between Italian pop institutions and Italian popular taste. Ricchi e Poveri, "Sara perche ti amo" (1981) Ricchi e Poveri were already a well-established act when "Sara perche ti amo" gave them their biggest hit. The song is almost absurdly simple, which is probably why it has proved so durable. It asks nothing of the listener except to remember what it felt like to be in love and slightly helpless about it. Rino Gaetano, "Il cielo e sempre piu blu" (1975) Rino Gaetano is one of the great what-ifs of Italian music. He died in a road accident in 1981 at the age of 30, leaving behind a body of work that combined social satire with genuine melodic beauty. "Il cielo e sempre piu blu" is the most emblematic thing he ever recorded, a song that lists the contradictions and injustices of Italian society with deadpan precision, set over a melody so cheerful it almost disguises what it is saying. It has aged better than almost anything else from its era. Anna Oxa, "Un'emozione da poco" (1978) Anna Oxa arrived at Sanremo in 1978 at the age of 16 with a punk-inflected energy that nobody in Italian pop was quite prepared for, and "Un'emozione da poco" announced her as something genuinely new. The song has a controlled ferocity to it that still sounds modern, and Oxa's vocal performance remains one of the most distinctive in the history of the festival. Gianna Nannini, "America" (1979) Nannini had been recording for several years when "America" gave her a breakthrough, and the song captures something of the restlessness and ambivalence that Italian artists of her generation felt toward both their own country and the culture that was arriving from abroad. It is a rock song with a sharp edge and a hook that refuses to leave. Renato Zero, "Il triangolo" (1978) Renato Zero has always been a performer as much as a musician, and "Il triangolo" is one of those songs that works equally well as spectacle and as something to listen to alone. Playful, theatrical, and built around a melody that lodges itself immediately in the memory, it is as good an introduction to Zero's world as anything in his catalogue. Francesco De Gregori, "La donna cannone" (1983) De Gregori is a poet who happens to write songs, and "La donna cannone" is one of his finest. The story of a circus strongwoman who falls in love is told with such detail and such feeling that by the end it has become something much larger than its subject. It is a song about longing, about being seen, and about what it costs to be different, and it has lost none of its power in the forty years since it was written. Franco Battiato, "Centro di gravita permanente" (1981) There is nothing else quite like it in Italian music. Battiato assembled the song from fragments of philosophy, travel, and personal obsession, set them over a melody of almost classical simplicity, and somehow produced something that became a mass hit. It is a song about the search for stillness in a chaotic world, and the fact that it found an audience of millions suggests that a great many people knew exactly what he was looking for. Ph: Oke Timpke / Shutterstock.com Alice Anderson: Cosmic Connections at Antichita Alberto Di Castro 20 Feb - 9 April 2026. For the third chapter of The Contemporary Wall, Antichita Alberto Di Castro presents Alice Anderson: Cosmic Connections, curated by Reine Okuliar and Denise Di Castro. The show brings together two bodies of work by the Franco-British artist, who has spent the past two decades exploring the relationships between humans and the objects, tools, and technologies that surround them. The Pixels sculptures on view are the result of Anderson's "Random Chromatic" performances, in which colours and shapes meet through dance. The process references Alan Turing's oracle machine, a theoretical device designed to solve problems that a standard computer cannot, and whose closest existing equivalent Anderson argues is the human brain. The Technological Dances paintings follow a related logic. For each work, Anderson selects a non-human object, from a piece of flint to a contemporary drone, pours liquid paint over it to detach it from its function, and then dances with it, leaving on the canvas a trace of the encounter. Anderson's practice draws on animist traditions and on what she calls "hyper-spaces," expanded states in which connections between humans and all surrounding entities become perceptible. Born in France in 1972, she lives and works in London. Her work has been shown at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, the Wellcome Collection, the Whitechapel Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Arts, among others. When: Open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm. Where: Antichita Alberto Di Castro, Piazza di Spagna 5, Rome Curated by: Reine Okuliar and Denise Di Castro At a recent meeting of the Metropolitan District Council, the success of Waterford Cultural Quarter (WQC) was hotly debated. Sinn Fein Councillor Jim Griffin said were missing a trick down there. He suggested that the council create a designated space for buskers on OConnell Street. Independent Councillor Donal Barry suggested that GOMA gallery should be in the Cultural Quarter rather than on Lombard Street. Fine Gael Councillor Frank Quinlan said that the area "needs to be more vibrant". He mentioned the funding that local pub owners on OConnell Street applied for to set up a music stage over the summer. The funding application was rejected, and Cllr Quinlan said, Were contradicting each other. Many of the councillors also spoke about how the closure of the Granary has led to a gap in eateries on OConnell Street. Read More A 15-year-old Waterford singer has big dreams as she releases debut single Social Democrat Councillor Mary Roche said, I think sometimes in Waterford, we have fostered a culture of the council doing everything. We arent responsible for the food offering. "Yes, between Number 9 now closing and the Granary, theres a huge shortage of places in the city to go and have a good breakfast. Thats an opportunity for an entrepreneur, for a retailer, not the council. "We do the Harvest Festival, we do Winterval, we do concerts, I mean, Council is contributing an awful lot. "Im quite sure that people who will come with ideas, with energy, will not be turned away from our doors. But Id like to encourage people to do that because I dont think were getting bang for our buck in terms of the amount of money that were investing in cultural events and development in our city. "Were all aware of people in the private sector who are complaining that there arent events right outside their door but meanwhile there are 10 thousand people passing their door when there are events on in the city. "We need to encourage a little bit of independence and pushing the chicks out of the nest." Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme During a case involving intoxicated driving in Waterford District Court last week, Judge Kevin Staunton issued a warning to young people. The case being heard concerned an incident, which took place on December 12, 2024, in Waterford city. On the day in question, Gardai searched a black Volkswagen Passat on Parnell Street. They found various forms of cannabis. The defendant, Ryan ONeill (25), of Apartment 14, Block C, Mount Suir Manor, pleaded guilty to Section 4 (1A) of the Road Rraffic Act. He has no previous convictions. He was convicted and disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months, taking effect in April. There was no fine. In convicting the man, Judge Staunton warned young people to never drive whilst under the influence of drugs. It stays in your system longer than alcohol, he said. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme The Transition Year students in a Waterford secondary school were visited by volunteer nurse with the Marie Keating Foundation recently. The visit happened on Thursday, February 26, when former student of St Declan's Community College, Bronagh Lenihan, made a welcome return to the school in her capacity as a volunteer nurse with the Marie Keating Foundation. A spokesperson for the school said: "Our TY students welcomed our former student Bronagh Lenihan back to St. Declan's. Bronagh is a nurse volunteer for the Marie Keating Foundation." Bronagh guided the Transition Year students through a very informative workshop on Cancer Awareness and Wellness. Read More Waterford judge issues warning to young people over drug use "The workshop focused on raising awareness of all of the common cancers affecting men and women in Ireland and the healthy lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of cancer," said a spokesperson for the school. "Thanks to Bronagh and the Marie Keating foundation for this very informative workshop," she added. The students in one County Waterford secondary school enjoyed an informative trip to a local food producing business in the Deise during which they gained great insight into the overall process involved in making one of Waterford and Ireland's staple foods. The 5th and 6th Year Home Economics students from St Declan's Community College had a brilliant day at Flahavans on Tuesday, February 24th. They got to explore the showroom and also have a look at grain intake, the warehouse, bakery and the innovation studio. A spokesperson for the school said the students also got to participate in sampling sessions along with an NPD talk and were given a full bakery tour. The school spokesperson said the students also got an "inspiring behindatheascenes look at Irish food production from grain to greatness". "Huge thanks to Flahavan's and Ms. Harty for organising an excellent trip for our students," said the spokesperson. A weather warning will come into effect for Waterford from midday today, Sunday, March 1. The warning, issued by Waterford City & County Council on behalf of Met Eireann is a moderate warning for rain. It's expected there will be some heavy spells of rainfall which could lead to localised flooding, poor visibility and hazardous travelling conditions. The status yellow level warning will be in place throughout the entire day from 12 noon until midnight. A local woman received a prison sentence in Waterford District Court in relation to a number of incidents. She pleaded guilty to a number of thefts committed in shops across Waterford city. She also appeared in court recently in connection with an incident where she was charged with being in possession of a knife, and on a criminal damage charge committed at Railway Square Apartments. Chelsea Kelly (23), of 27 Charleton Hill, New Ross, entered guilty pleas on a number of theft charges contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 2001. Included were thefts of perfume worth 200 from TK Maxx, and thefts of cosmetics and perfumes from Shaws worth 362. Thefts were also recorded at Mr. Price, Kingmeadow Park, Dunnes Stores City Square and Supervalu Kilbarry. She has 10 previous convictions. Her solicitor, Kenneth Cunningham, outlined to the judge that Ms. Kelly was vulnerable due to her status as a homeless woman with drug misuse issues. Its a brutal old world out there, Mr. Cunningham said. He added that Ms. Kelly has had to thieve to survive. She is currently in custody, where she is finding stability. There's a calmness about Ms. Kelly today, Mr. Cunningham added. Judge Paula Murphy convicted and sentenced Ms. Kelly to six months' imprisonment on the charge of criminal damage. All other matters were taken into consideration. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Advertisement BusinessConsumer affairsDriverless cars You can tell Im not steering: Self-driving Teslas hit Australian roads Elias Visontay March 1, 2026 11:04am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Most Australian motorists may not realise that recently a growing fleet of fully self-driving Teslas has been zooming past them in traffic. Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode - which requires a humans constant supervision to legally operate - has triggered a flood of social-media videos and perplexed reactions from other road users and pedestrians when seeing Teslas move without their drivers touching the steering wheel. A video of Tesla FSD in action, uploaded by Victorian-based YouTuber Ryan Cowan. YouTube/Ryan Cowan. However, roundabouts, as well as Melbournes unique hook turns, appear to be among the features of local roads that the US-based electric-vehicle giant has yet to master. Despite the glitches, Tesla fans who have signed up for the software remain evangelical about its future. Advertisement FSD mode became available for owners of certain newer Model 3 and Y Teslas in Australia in September, allowing those who pay $149 a month or a one-off fee of $10,100 to let their vehicles drive them around. Related Article Privacy Is your car spying on you? The privacy commissioner wants to know The technology relies on cameras fixed on the car that provide 360 degrees of view, which feed information into a neural network navigation software that determines how to steer, accelerate, brake and change lanes to navigate to a users destination. Drivers using FSD must be paying attention to the road, with an internal camera ensuring they are not distracted and are ready to intervene and take over control should the car make an error. By requiring supervision to operate, Teslas FSD is classified as a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System under Australias road rules, with the human behind the wheel considered legally in control of the vehicle. Advertisement While FSD mode does not require a drivers hands to operate, there are overarching vehicle control laws which differ between states, with some jurisdictions calling for at least one or two hands on the wheel when driving. On social media, influencers are routinely posting videos of FSD in action, and subsequent reactions. One Melbourne driver, who describes himself as a Tesla supervisor, last month posted to X about getting off 10-hour overnight flight with zero sleep, running on almost 24 hours awake, and letting his car drive him the 40 minutes home. The drive home felt ... weirdly calm, he wrote. Not because I was fine. Because the car was. Alex Pisarev in his Tesla operating in Full Self-Driving mode Max Mason-Hubers In a Facebook group for Tesla drivers, a Queensland woman recently boasted of how well FSD performed on an intercity trip in which she fell asleep multiple times. Tesla loyalists responded swiftly, commenting that the active attention-monitoring safety feature would not have allowed her to fall asleep. Advertisement Its a safety feature that Ryan Cowan values. The Tesla-focused Youtuber and content creator based in regional Victoria sees FSD as an extra safety layer, in part because it constantly monitors that the driver controller is not distracted. Related Article Electric vehicles Tesla loses title as worlds biggest EV maker as sales fall for second year Its kind of ironic, but when you have it turned on it requires you to pay more attention than if you didnt, he said. You cant take your eyes off the road. Its really smooth, and on a longer trip, it takes away a lot of that risk from fatigue. Cowan said there had been strong interest from his followers to create content about FSD since its launch, but because of the level of automation, joked its at the point where its almost boring to film. Advertisement Reactions from his passengers were more noteworthy, he said. Its an unusual thing for people to grasp, to let the car have that control, he said. Every single time Ive had someone in my car and theyve been behind the wheel, theyve gone on to go and buy a Tesla. Cowan praises the superhuman level of safety he feels when driving with FSD, but acknowledges the technology continues to improve as more Australians use it. On one of his first trips into Melbourne, FSD struggled with the citys unique hook turns, requiring his intervention on two of the five it entered. Alex Pisarev with his Tesla Model Y in Sydney Max Mason-Hubers But every time weve gone back [to Melbourne] its gotten better at them, it understood the logic of the hook turn, Cowan said. Advertisement Sydney driver Alex Pisarev has been using FSD for two weeks. It was the feature that pushed him into buying a Tesla over other EVs. I was driving it on the harbour bridge, there was torrential rain and lots of cars and buses, and even though it felt like driving through a car wash, the car handled fine, he said. However, at one point in his journey during a heavy downpour last week, FSD stopped working due to water obscuring the cameras. He has let his Model Y drive him and his children from his home in Sydneys Thornleigh up the Pacific Highway to Newcastle. It managed quite well following the curves and controlling speed, including erring just under the speed limit, he said. For my kids its fun, but my wife asks me to put my hands on the wheel, just to be ready if I need to take control, Pisarev said. Even those who have encountered the technologys early glitches are excited about its future. Advertisement Brisbane-based Jamie-Lee Nesbitt-Smith began using FSD with her Model Y from the day it rolled out, and uses it for five to 10 hours a day to almost entirely perform her job as a driver for Uber Eats and rideshares. I tell everyone Im a control freak when it comes to cars, I wont let anybody drive me around, but I was comfortable giving up control to my own car, she said. If I was distracted and looking at my screen a second too long, it beeped at me to pay attention. She wishes her grandparents had the feature, so that if a medical emergency occurred when they were behind the wheel, the car would automatically and safely pull over. Nesbitt-Smith said many onlookers appear startled at the technology. Advertisement Elon Musk is turning his attention to Teslas Optimus robots. Bloomberg I do vape, so Ive got the vape in one hand and my other is leaning on the armrest, so you can tell Im not steering. It can catch people by surprise. You do see heads doing double takes. Ive had plenty of moments driving where passengers in other cars pull out their phones and start recording. While her experience is largely positive, about three weeks ago, Nesbitt-Smith decided to end her FSD subscription, after a run of issues where her car stopped in the middle of roundabouts. Related Article Retail A new generation of Chinese companies is expanding around the world Advertisement There was one time, late at night, where there were cars at each point of the roundabout, and it jolted to a stop in the middle, as if it had slammed its brakes on, she recalled. On another occasion, her car entered a roundabout from the wrong lane, travelling straight from a left turning lane only. Despite reverting to traditional control of her car, she is optimistic about Tesla ironing out the local kinks. Still to this day, even with the issues Ive had, I think its an outstanding piece of software, Nesbitt-Smith said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Im a swinging voter. Heres why prospect of a new centre-right party has me excited Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer March 1, 2026 2:00am March 1, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Ive long been the archetypical swing voter. Its now two decades since I first joined the queue at my local public school, nervously skirting the flyers thrust in my direction on the way in, checking whether I had enough coins in my purse for a sanga on the way out. I usually make up my mind before entering the booth, but on a couple of occasions I have been known to decide then and there, standing in front of the cardboard partition with pencil in hand. Given the current state of Australian politics, figuring out who to vote for has never been harder. My vote is usually a toss-up between a couple of candidates. Sometimes I like the local member but dont like the direction their party is travelling. Sometimes my vote in a state election is influenced by the antics of federal counterparts. Sometimes I think the government has been there long enough and should be turfed out as a matter of principle. Illustration by Matt Davidson Im not an expert on voter behaviour, but Id hazard a guess that such tendencies are pretty common in todays Australia, where membership of political parties is at record lows and scorn for the political class is more widespread than ever. Voters like myself sit in the so-called sensible centre all we want is decent leadership, good policies and the continuation of the quality of life that has delivered Australia decades of prosperity, but is now failing younger Australians. Sometimes this recipe can be found on the left and sometimes on the right, but it rarely strays far from the moderate centre ground. Advertisement Populist radicalisation at both ends of the political spectrum, driven by algorithmic polarisation and trends bleeding through from overseas, has left us moderate swing voters desperately trying to anchor ourselves onto a crumbling centre ground. Thats why the prospect of a new centrist party, potentially encompassing a loose coalition of teal independents and disaffected Liberal moderates, has me excited. Much has been written about the success of the teals in cannibalising the centre-right vote in seats that used to be held by the Liberal Party. The reality is that teal independents have far more in common with Liberal moderates than either does with the conservative wing of the Liberal Party, which is now ascendent and given the numbers is likely to remain in charge for some time. Related Article Liberal Party The Coalition is in tatters. The race is on to replace it in the centre Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is rumoured to be behind the push, but has understandably not come out and said so, given the need for such a grouping to distinguish itself from the Liberal Party, of which he is still a member. The resurgence of One Nation on the far right has arguably made the need for moderate political options more critical than ever. One Nation has already pulled the beleaguered Liberal and National parties into its orbit, dragging the Coalition further away from the centre-right policies that have previously won them many an election. Im pessimistic that the valiant efforts of those moderates who are yet to abandon the party, like Tim Wilson, Keith Wolahan and new convenor of Hilmas Network Erin Watson, will be able to dampen the allure of hard-right populism. Advertisement The Greens, once a party of principled environmentalism, is no longer the party to vote for on climate change that mantle has been ceded to the teals. To the average voter, the Greens increasingly appear to be consumed by luxury beliefs more closely associated with whatever social justice cause is in vogue at the time. In this they resemble a left-wing version of One Nation. Both see value in stoking populist culture wars and garnering votes of protest and outrage. Neither has a sensible vision of how to actually govern the country. So why not just vote Labor? One reason Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been so successful is that he has positioned Labor as the only credible party that can lay claim to this sensible centre, a winning strategy that saw him hoover up moderate votes like mine at the last election. Im not a die-hard Labor supporter, however, and I have my concerns about the outsized influence of the union movement over the party. Ive also been around long enough to know that good governance requires a strong opposition. Theres a genuine fear that the Coalitions spiral into unelectable-boys-club irrelevance may ultimately be the undoing of Labor, too. Just look at Victoria. Related Article Building Bad Labor MPs raise concerns about Allans handling of CFMEU crisis Nothing illustrates the plight of the swing voter more starkly than the upcoming Victorian state election. An uninspiring Liberal opposition has long prioritised personal ambition and factional infighting over the need to present itself as an alternative government. The Moira Deeming fiasco was just the latest scandal signalling to voters that this undisciplined rabble cannot be trusted to run a state. However, Labor, in power for more than 12 years, first under Dan Andrews and now his protege Jacinta Allan, is arguably long past its use-by date, saved only by the lack of a credible alternative. Advertisement The Ages revelations of the staggering corruption and links to organised crime that plague Allans Big Build construction projects, fleecing taxpayers out of an estimated $15 billion, should ensure Labor is unelectable. Yet new Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who is fighting to impose her authority over a nest of scorpions while shaking off the toxic taint of the federal Liberal Party, is far from a shoo-in. Bikies driving Ferraris effectively funded by taxpayers should have been Wilsons slam-dunk moment, but the memory of the Victorian Liberals many past shenanigans is yet to fade in the minds of voters. Who is there to vote for, when the choice is between the allegedly compromised and the self-absorbed? In Victorian politics there is no sensible centre option at all. The politically homeless dont want to be stuck voting Labor forever, and we cant wait for the Liberal Party to get its act together either. A new centrist party wouldnt have to do much to win my vote recruiting people who arent in bed with big business or corrupt unions would be a good start. Advertisement Australians yearn for leaders with authenticity and personal integrity. A new party should elevate candidates who can draw on real-world experience and who speak from the heart, rather than rehashing talking points and slogans dreamed up by consultants, pollsters and focus groups. Most Aussies are sensible people who are wary of political extremes. Should a new centrist party form, they will quickly find that votes like mine will be up for grabs. Kylie Moore-Gilbert is a research fellow in Security Studies at Macquarie University and a regular columnist. She is the author of The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalModern slavery Is your new car or TV fuelled by forced labour? The $100b trade risk Rob Harris March 1, 2026 1:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australians appetite for cheap electronics, fast fashion and new cars is carrying a hidden cost, with analysis estimating almost $100 billion worth of imports last year were exposed to forced labour risks. New modelling from supply chain risk intelligence platform Fair Supply found more than 21 per cent of all goods brought into the country in the past financial year about $1 in every $5 spent on imports were linked to supply chains where coercion, debt bondage and other forms of modern slavery are known to occur. Garment workers in Bangladesh, which has been linked in the past to forced labour. AP Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances topped the list, with $12.9 billion of Australias $28.3 billion spend in the category assessed as high risk. Telecommunications equipment, including mobile phones and network hardware, accounted for a further $11.5 billion in imports exposed to modern slavery concerns, much of it sourced from China and Malaysia. The findings come as the federal government reviews Australias Modern Slavery Act, introduced in 2018, which requires large companies to report on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. Critics say the regime has improved transparency but failed to drive meaningful change. Advertisement Related Article Modern slavery Slave-like: Solar panels may be great for the environment but at what human cost? Globally, more than 28 million people are trapped in forced labour on building sites, in factories and on fishing vessels, or working in farms and private homes under threats, violence or coercion they cannot escape. In Australia, more than 40,000 people are trapped in modern slavery. Migrants working in agriculture, construction and meat processing are particularly vulnerable. Grace Forrest, the founding director of Walk Free an international human rights group focused on the eradication of modern slavery said that after eight years Australias laws had failed to bring change at the scale required. Clothing is also among the most vulnerable sectors, with $11.4 billion nearly 90 per cent of Australias total apparel spend tied to countries where forced labour is prevalent in garment production, including China, India, Brazil and Argentina. Road vehicles and parts added $8.9 billion in at-risk imports, while textiles contributed $3.4 billion, representing three-quarters of that categorys total spend. That is a staggering figure which should shock us, she said. But its not about blaming consumers. Supply chains remain opaque and it is nearly impossible to shop slavery-free. The responsibility sits squarely with government and business. Advertisement Forrest said that forced labour was not accidental or rare but built into complex supply chains that stretched across borders and into Australias economy. She said Australia needed to introduce a due diligence obligation, requiring Australian companies to move beyond disclosure and take reasonable, proportionate action to prevent forced labour, identify high-risk supply chains and provide remedy to people who have been exploited. Grace Forrest, founder of the anti-slavery organisation Walk Free. There is a global trend towards tougher laws that compel companies to act rather than simply disclose risks. Mandatory human rights due diligence obligations are already in place across the European Union, Germany, France, Norway and Switzerland, and are being considered in Britain, Canada, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Australias Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, said that introducing a due diligence system would strengthen protections for vulnerable workers while giving businesses greater certainty. Evans noted that due diligence-style obligations were already embedded in other areas of Australian law, including work health and safety, foreign bribery, privacy, illegal logging, environmental protection, sex discrimination and online safety. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Modern slavery Unspeakable violence against girls and women meets global silence Virginia Haussegger Canberra writer and an academic advocate for gender equity. We have known for years that the Modern Slavery Acts transparency measures alone have not created meaningful impact for exploited workers, he said. Currently, reporting is mandatory, but taking action is not, leaving workers exposed and responsible businesses disadvantaged. He said that Australia risked becoming a dumping ground for products rejected elsewhere if it failed to keep pace, as major trading partners including the United States, the European Union, Canada and Mexico banned goods made with forced labour. New European due diligence rules are also expected to have a trickle-down effect on Australian exporters, with businesses needing to demonstrate their supply chains were free of exploitation or risk losing access to key markets. Business groups have signalled concerns that new reporting obligations would risk diverting attention from practical initiatives that more effectively address the modern slavery risks faced by Australian businesses. They argue that when resources are absorbed by mandatory reporting, entities may have less capacity to invest in activities such as staff training, comprehensive risk assessments and supplier audits. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Modern slavery Rob Harris is the national correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age based in Canberra. He is a former Europe correspondent. Connect via email A change in the way Western Australians think about developing houses has the potential to reduce wait times and save money when it comes to building a new home, according to one property professional. According to a 2024 Curtin Economics Centre report, double brick remains the dominant method for detached housing in WA. However, Perth Home Brokers founder Nitesh Jha believes the method is slow to build, heavily reliant on skilled labour and far more expensive than modern alternatives. Double-brick homes can take longer to build than other alternatives. Credit: Steven Siewert. In Perth, many people still think a home isnt solid unless its double-brick, he said. Buchan said the densities contained within the plan addressed the states requirement to achieve targets of at least 50 dwellings per gross hectare near train stations and high-frequency public transport. There are eight sub-precincts within the plan, which all respond to development height in a manner designed to complement and enhance the existing and desired character of each area, she said. In the Southern Residential sub-precinct, the city is encouraging two to three-storey development, while four-storey development is permitted in the Coastal Lot sub-precinct. Artists impression of the Waterfront Village sub-precinct. Credit: City of Rockingham The Waterfront Village sub-precinct includes a component along Rockingham Beach Road that permits 12-storey development and limited potential for 16 storeys, if the plans criteria are met or one large 24-storey development on a large vacant site if the criteria are not met. Just dont call it the Gold Coast of the west. Loading Buchan said comparisons to the development of a high-rise similar in scope to the famed Queensland locale were not accurate due to the proposed height limits. The plan has been carefully designed to create Rockingham as a destination that responds to its unique geographic attributes and strengths, she said. So its definitely not the Gold Coast, but we do want to create as much housing as possible in this area, because of all the transit options and the fact that its already serviced by community infrastructure. Perhaps a more apt comparison could be made with Perths seaside suburb of Scarborough, which features rows of apartments and a busy foreshore district. City of Rockingham major planning projects manager Tristan Fernandes said using established infrastructure would help minimise costs for ratepayers. The city centre will make use of established infrastructure. Credit: City of Rockingham If you think about the time it takes to bring greenfield sites to market, it is about a 10-year period, he said. Theres no easy land to develop, and it is getting further and further away from infrastructure. The cost to taxpayers and ratepayers then starts to become quite a significant concern. So what weve been working on with our planning strategy is to make areas with existing infrastructure perform their role. You can build 200 apartments a lot quicker than you can build 20 four-by-two homes. Fernandes said another key to the strategy is a proposed route for rapid transit between the Rockingham trains station and the foreshore, with options including buses, trackless trams or even a fixed tram. Its a mode agnostic mid-tier transport network with a view to change how people move, he said. Trackless trams could form part of the citys transport system. Credit: City of Rockingham If you live in this area in particular, we are very cognisant of the factors to move in and out of the metro area. The ability for the state government to invest in significant public transport and frequent public transport is challenging. However, if we get the density and the location of different high-frequency routes right and make sure that we reserve the alignment and perpetuity, and then everything can build around it, that route can evolve over time. The citys plan supports more homes, jobs and services for up to 30,000 residents, and strengthens opportunities across key areas including defence, healthcare, tourism, industry and transportled activation. Loading BCEC director, Professor Alan Duncan, said the centres population report also identified housing supply as a binding constraint on sustainable growth especially as WAs project pipeline expanded to include AUKUS, Westport and other large-scale developments. Rockingham sits right on the doorstep of these massive projects, but Buchan said the strategic plan for the city was developed before the AUKUS deal was even announced. Advertisement WorldEuropeWales Opinion Its a day to celebrate the nation that gave us Julia, Kylie and Naomi Matt Lewis Barrister March 1, 2026 2:00am March 1, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Welsh Australians will today celebrate St Davids Day in a state that adopted the name New South Wales, representing one of the more optimistic acts of imperial branding. History suggests that when Captain Cook gazed upon the east coast in 1770, he deemed it close enough to the familiar, verdant landscape of home. Welsh Australians Julia Gillard, Kylie Minogue and Naomi Watts. Cook was certainly not referring to the climate. While Wales is synonymous with rolling, lush hills, choral harmonies and relentless rain, Sydney specialises in iconic harbour views, high-factor SPF and shivering when the temperature dips below 20 degrees. Nevertheless, the Welsh imprint on Australia is ubiquitous. A couple of hours north of Sydney, one finds the transplanted cities of Swansea and Cardiff names moved from the Bristol Channel to a coastline that enjoys far more ultraviolet enthusiasm. A little further afield, the Hunter Valleys coal industry owes its foundations to Welsh miners, such as Thomas Lewis from Merthyr Tydfil, who played a crucial role in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Welsh influence is literally ingrained in Australian history, with slate from the Welsh valleys featuring in historical buildings like Camden Park and Elizabeth House. Similarly, David Jones, the upmarket department store synonymous with taste, was founded by a Welshman from Llandeilo. Advertisement Before soft power became a common term, Welsh influence reached the highest levels of Australian politics. Billy the Little Digger Hughes, born to Welsh immigrants, guided Australia through the First World War with a rhetorical force reminiscent of a chapel pulpit. Related Article Wales Wonders and whimsy in one of Britains most underrated regions A century later, Julia Gillard journeyed from the town of Barry to The Lodge, demonstrating that Gavin & Staceys Nessa was not the only robust woman from Barry to reject misogyny. Ironically, even Tony Abbott carries Welsh DNA. Even the most hallowed of legal institutions the High Court has long been shaped by Welsh influence. Samuel Griffith, a former chief justice and a primary architect of the Australian Constitution, was also born in Merthyr Tydfil. Given the Welsh affinity for song and the dramatic, it is perhaps no surprise that Australias most celebrated performers share these roots. Kylie and Dannii Minogues mother hails from the valley town of Maesteg; Olivia Newton-Johns father was born in Cardiff; and Naomi Watts, whose maternal family is Welsh, was educated at a Welsh-speaking school in north Wales. Even the eisteddfods that generations of Australian school children have, depending on your point of view, endured or enjoyed are, as the name suggests, Welsh in origin. Meaning sitting or session, the tradition traces its lineage back to Cardigan Castle in 1176. The Welsh village of Newtown during St Davids Day celebrations on Wednesday. Getty Images Advertisement Yet despite these deep cultural ties, dont expect a street parade this weekend. That kind of revelry is left to our boisterous, albeit beloved, Celtic neighbours. Just quietly, though, they celebrate another Welshman. St Patrick was almost certainly from South Wales. Instead, the Welsh contribution to the Australian character is defined by a quieter little battler mentality a stoicism grounded in humility. In many ways, there is nothing more Australian than that. This Sunday, whether youre following the Lambassadors orders for a chop and a cold one, or sitting down to a succulent Chinese meal, consider adding some leeks to the menu. It is an understated, characteristic nod to a culture that has quietly stitched itself into the fabric of Australian society. Better still, find a fresh batch of Welsh cakes to devour, or take a stroll through Llankelly Place, Bangor, Menai or Llanthony (among many others). If you do, bring an umbrella; the weekend forecast looks appropriately Welsh. To the Welsh-Australians celebrating: Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus (Happy St Davids Day). To everyone else: Iechyd da (good health). Matt Lewis, SC, is a barrister who specialises in media law and a proud Welsh-Australian. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A The first bombs hit central Tehran on Saturday morning (Iranian time), as the working week began. Footage shows civilians running in horror as blasts rocked the capital, many close to the compound of Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 86-year-old Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989 and recently quashed protests with a bloody crackdown that left thousands dead, was now dead himself. Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran. AP Iranian state media confirmed Khameneis death but it did not comment on its cause. The attack follows an assault on Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year and a rapid US military build-up that began in January and includes the deployment of two aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln. Here is how the attack unfolded. A missile is launched from a US Navy ship taking part in Operation Epic Fury. AP Advertisement February 26 A third round of negotiations between Iran and the US facilitated by Oman in Switzerland concludes with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi saying in a social media post that significant progress had been made. Later he told CBS he was confident a peace deal was within reach after Iran agreed that it would degrade current stockpiles of enriched nuclear material and cease stockpiling further material. February 27 Trump says he prefers diplomacy but says military options remain open to him. February 28 5.30PM (AEDT) About this time, the first strikes are reported to have hit Iran. Locals report hearing blasts in Tehran and other cities and at military sites around the country. Advertisement 6.30PM (AEDT) Trump releases a video address confirming the attack. A short time ago, the United States began major combat operations in Iran, he says. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard terrible people. Loading He urges Iranians to revolt. When we are finished, take over your government, Trump says. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirms Israel has launched a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats against the state of Israel. Advertisement Israel calls the attack Operation Roaring Lion, while the US labels its action Operation Epic Fury. The AFP reports strikes in Tehran appear to target Khameneis offices. Heavy traffic in Tehran, where large explosions shook the city and people reported seeing smoke rising from the district that includes the presidential palace on Saturday morning (Iranian time). The New York Times Residents look out from a rooftop vantage point in Tehran. The New York Times Debris in the aftermath of a US-Israeli strike on Tehran. AP Schools and workplaces in Israel are closed as Iran launches missiles and drones in retaliation. Air raid sirens sound across the country. Advertisement View post on X Al Jazeera reports Iranian missile attacks launched on facilities linked to US forces across the region, including Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain as well as sites in Jordan. Loading Over the coming hours, blasts were reported across the region as Iran struck back. A fire broke out at the luxury Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai, the UAEs largest city; as well as at the Dubai International Airport, where four people had been injured, according to the Dubai Media Office. An Iranian missile hits a building in Tel Aviv on Saturday (Sunday AEDT). AP A fire burns after a missile strike hits central Tel Aviv. Getty Images Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Students are buried: Children killed in strike on girls primary school, Iranian officials say Erika Solomon , Malachy Browne and Haley Willis March 1, 2026 11:05am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Dozens of people, most of them likely to be children, were killed in a strike that hit a girls elementary school in southern Iran, according to Iranian health officials and state media. It was one of two strikes that appear to have hit schools since US and Israeli warplanes launched their attack around 10am (Iran time). Saturday is the start of the workweek in the country, and many Iranians had already dropped off their children and headed into their offices as explosions began to shake the capital and many cities across Iran. A man holds a childrens backpack as rescue workers and residents search through rubble after an Israeli-US strike on what Iranian officials said was on a girls elementary school in Minab. AP On Sunday, Irans state news broadcaster, IRIB, said the toll had risen to 108 dead and dozens more injured in the strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh school in the southern town of Minab, CNN reported. Iranian ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani also told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that more than 100 children had been killed at the girls primary school. Those figures have not been independently verified. Advertisement Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for Irans Health Ministry, said mostly young martyrs were killed at the school. Minab is in Hormozgan province, which sits along the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic international shipping lane. God knows how many more children will be pulled out of the rubble, he wrote in a post on social media. May God give their families strength and patience. Many Iranians had already dropped off their children and headed into their offices as explosions began to shake the capital and many cities across Iran. AP Video verified by The New York Times showed damage to a building described as an elementary school. In one video, black smoke billows up from a crumbling building whose walls are painted with pastel-coloured flowers, as onlookers scream, wail and embrace. Other videos show rescuers digging through the rubble with building cranes and shovels, and piles of bloodied, dusty backpacks. Another video reviewed by the Times shows rescue workers in military gear retrieving the severed hand of one of the victims from the wreckage. Advertisement Under this rubble, students are buried, a man shouts in another video, raising his voice over the sound of rescue workers drilling behind him, and holding up fistfuls of school papers and notebooks: The blood of our loved ones, our students, which you can see on their schoolbooks. The Shajareh Tayyebeh school was holding its first of multiple rotating school shifts when the strike hit, according to Hengaw, a Norway-based group that focuses on human rights violations in Iran. It said in a statement that it was investigating the killings and estimated that about 170 children were in class at the time. Videos verified by the Times show that the school is adjacent to a naval base belonging to the countrys most powerful military force, the Revolutionary Guard. Another video verified by the Times on Saturday showed a strike hitting the same Revolutionary Guard base. Asked to respond to reports of the strike, a Central Command spokesperson said: We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them. Advertisement The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimise the risk of unintended harm. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack, saying in comments reported by the semiofficial news agency Tasnim that the school was bombed in broad daylight. Rescue workers and residents search through the rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli-US strike on a girls elementary school in Minab. AP This crime will not go unanswered, he added. Another strike appeared to have hit the Hedayat High School in the capital, Tehran, near 72nd Square in the district of Narmak, local media and rights groups said. Two students died in that attack, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which focuses on Iran. Advertisement A video from Mehr news, a semi-official news agency, shows rescue workers using fire hoses to douse a building that had collapsed into a heap of rubble. That school may have been hit in a blast that appears to have targeted the residence of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Irans hard-line former president. It is unclear whether Ahmadinejad was there at the time of the strike. The local Iran Newspaper reported that he was unharmed but that three of his bodyguards were killed. The school in Minab is adjacent to a naval base belonging to the countrys most powerful military force, the Revolutionary Guard. AP The strike on the school in Minab, with such a high toll, has already begun to reverberate in the United States. Former Republican US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who broke with US President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again movement last year, condemned the attack on social media. I did not campaign for this. I did not donate money for this. I did not vote for this, in elections or Congress, she wrote. This is heartbreaking and tragic. And how many more innocent will die? What about our own military? This is not what we thought MAGA was supposed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Analysis WorldNorth AmericaDrugs After six decades of the war on drugs, what works? Maria Abi-Habib March 1, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Mexico City: Drug lords have been killed or captured, and cartels have splintered or collapsed, only to see more violent ones replace them and the illicit trade expand. So, in nearly 60 years of the war on drugs, what has actually worked? On Sunday, the Mexican military killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the leader of one of the worlds largest drug cartels. The death of the head of the Jalisco New Generation cartel on Sunday sparked a firestorm of violence. AFP It is called the Jalisco cartel, and its reach can be felt in nearly every corner of the globe. It is more of a conglomerate than a single entity, composed of dozens of groups spread across Mexico that do everything from growing the avocados used in Americans guacamole to smuggling migrants into the United States and, of course, trafficking drugs. Advertisement As Mexican and US officials wait to see what lies ahead for the cartel whether a successor is quickly appointed or it devolves into infighting over who assumes the leadership one thing appears likely: El Menchos death alone is not the end of the group. Related Article Updated Crime Tryst with a lover brought down Mexicos most wanted man, sparking a firestorm of violence The groups full name, the Jalisco New Generation cartel, underscores its ambition and how deeply rooted it is in Mexico. Eradicating it requires a more patient, long-term approach than killing or capturing one man, analysts say. They created a new generation of doing things differently, said Carlos Perez Ricart, an expert at the Centre for Economic Research and Teaching, a Mexican research group. They employed a mode of violence that was very calculated and instrumental. It was narco-terrorism. Perez, like other analysts, said each new generation of cartel members tended to be more violent than its predecessors, as a way to assert authority. With every new generation, what was once unthinkable became the new norm. Advertisement The gratuity of the violence rivals are beheaded, their bodies displayed in public parks was the point, they said. It became the new standard, a gruesome way of outdoing rivals. Todays leaders have a much lower life expectancy, Perez said. Their education is also lower and their attachment to the territory they work in is now almost zero. One result was an especially ruthless detachment from the suffering of the local population. Loading Mexico is now fighting what may turn out to be one of the bloodiest and most consequential wars against the cartels in its history, analysts say. Since 2024, the Mexican government has been bogged down in the north, fighting the Sinaloa cartel. Now, the government has opened up a second front, against the Jalisco New Generation cartel, based in western Mexico and with branches throughout. The two Mexican cartels, arch rivals, are arguably the worlds most powerful drug organisations. Advertisement Perhaps the most comparable battle against drug trafficking was during president Felipe Calderons presidency, which ended in 2012. But then, the government was mostly taking on a single cartel, Los Zetas, and that fight was concentrated in northern Mexico. The histories of the cartels offer important reminders of how resilient they can be, even when the government makes major strides against them. The Sinaloa cartel, after all, did not go away after its chief, Joaquin Guzman Loera, the notorious drug lord known as El Chapo, was captured and extradited to the United States. And the Jalisco cartel itself was born from the ruins of another drug group, the Milenio cartel, which disintegrated into infighting after its leadership was captured and killed. Advertisement By 2009, Oseguera, the Jalisco leader killed on Sunday, had emerged on top in part because of his willingness to embrace spectacular levels of violence to defeat his enemies. Rather than simply going after kingpins like Oseguera, authorities need to take a holistic approach to dismantle these groups more completely, analysts say. The Sinaloa cartel did not go away after its chief, Joaquin Guzman Loera, the notorious drug lord known as El Chapo, was captured and extradited to the United States. AP The Mexican government has to use a combination of force on the ground and smart investigative work to defeat the Jalisco cartel, former diplomats say. It is a model similar to the one Colombia adopted beginning in the 1990s. Mid-level commanders need to be targeted, since they provide critical links between the top leadership and the cartels boots on the ground, analysts and diplomats say. Advertisement And when it comes to the Jalisco cartel, its sprawling business empire and hidden financial network must also be unwound, they say. That investigative capability, however, is still being built up by Mexicos government. Related Article Violence Mexico hunts prisoners sprung by cartel as violence fuels World Cup safety fears That is where the US may be most useful, experts say. On Sunday, the Mexican military credited US officials with sharing vital intelligence that allowed its troops to capture and kill Oseguera. We have the best technical intelligence, and local partners in Mexico and Colombia have the best human, on-the-ground intelligence, said Todd Robinson, a former assistant secretary of state for international narcotics and law enforcement at the US State Department. And if you have that and a government that is willing to fight corruption, you can get positive results, he said. Advertisement Colombias initial success battling the cartels in the 1990s offers a good lesson for Mexico, former US diplomats familiar with both countries say. At that time, the Colombian government deployed its security forces to capture and kill high-ranking cartel members, while also increasing its investigative capacities to unravel the groups hidden financial infrastructure. It also strengthened the judicial system to end impunity. Jalisco showcased its strength and reach when it set fire to banks and shops and blocked highways in some 13 states across Mexico. AFP After Colombia largely brought down the countrys kingpins in that decade, the US helped the government there expand its authority across the country. For every dollar the US spent, Colombia spent three, Robinson said. It was part of an effort to eradicate coca crops and bring schools, roads and other economic incentives to remote communities where the government had dislodged drug trafficking groups. Advertisement But the government was not able to expand its authority to all parts of the country. In the vacuum, guerrilla groups took over cocaine production and trafficking. Cocaine production exploded across the country about a decade ago, analysts say. Related Article Updated Crime Violence rocks Mexico after military kills cartel kingpin The Mexican government needs to immediately start working across municipalities and states to dislodge the Jalisco cartel and start exerting authority, Robinson said. But historically, Mexicos federal governments have been reluctant to work with political rivals, creating a patchy security response that provides safe havens in which cartels can operate. Mexico is not traditionally good at that, Robinson said. The ruling party tends to support the governor or mayor that are part of their party, and leave those mayors who are from the opposition alone to fend for themselves against the cartels. In contrast, the Jalisco cartel works closely with dozens of smaller criminal groups to exert its muscle across the country and to challenge the governments authority. Advertisement On Sunday, the cartel was able to showcase its strength and territorial reach when it set fires to banks and storefronts and blocked roads and highways in some 13 states across Mexico. In many states, the Mexican government failed to respond. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaIran Opinion The stakes for Australia in Trumps Iran gamble Jennifer Parker Defence and national security expert March 1, 2026 5:50am March 1, 2026 5:50am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Last night, a missile struck the United States 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, a base where I served in 2023. That strike is a reminder of how much the strategic landscape has hardened in recent years. The United States and Israel have struck Iran. Tehran has responded immediately, targeting US and Israeli forces across the Gulf. This is not a limited reprise of last years strike on Irans nuclear program. The objective now appears broader. Washington appears to be attempting something far more ambitious than its limited strike in June 2025. It is seeking to remove what it views as a persistent source of instability in the region: the regime of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who US President Donald Trump says was killed in the strikes on his compound. Rescue workers and residents search through the rubble in the aftermath of what Iranian officials said was an Israeli-US strike on a girls elementary school in Minab, Iran, on Saturday. Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News Agency via AP It is a significant gamble. Whether it succeeds will not be clear for some time. How did we get here, and what does it mean for Australia? The answer to both is complex. Much will be written in coming days about the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the 1983 bombing of US Marines in Beirut, and the attack on USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. But the more relevant point is what Iran has represented strategically over the past two decades. Advertisement In recent years, Iran has acted as a destabilising force across the Middle East, relying on proxies to conduct attacks in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Israel, with Iranian-linked activity also reported in Australia last year. This has been reinforced by direct action, including the 2019 missile strikes on Saudi Arabia and persistent harassment of commercial shipping. Some incidents make headlines. Many do not. Related Article Updated Middle East at war One of the most evil people in history: Khamenei killed in strikes, Trump confirms Irans 2019 campaign of attacking merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman, including the seizure of a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, had tangible consequences. War risk insurance premiums rose sharply for vessels transiting the strait, a waterway through which roughly a quarter of the worlds oil flows. It was this pattern of attacks that prompted my 2020 Royal Australian Navy deployment to the Middle East as part of the International Maritime Security Construct, helping protect freedom of navigation through one of the worlds most critical chokepoints. Since 1979, the US and its allies have repeatedly surged forces to manage instability linked to Iran, while also in the past two decades sustaining major commitments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Middle East has consumed strategic attention, military resources and political capital. That sustained focus constrained Washingtons ability to compete as effectively as it might have with China. The Indo-Pacific was emerging as the central theatre of strategic competition while the US and its allies remained absorbed elsewhere. Washington has attempted to step back. During my time at the US 5th Fleet in Bahrain from 2022 to 2023, US naval force flow in the Middle East was at its lowest level in decades. Yet the Middle East still matters. The US has enduring allies and economic interests there, and Irans destabilising activity continued to draw American forces back. Advertisement In 2025 and 2026, aircraft carriers were diverted from the Indo-Pacific, where they were intended to deter China, to respond to crises in the Middle East. For a country that identifies China as its primary strategic competitor, that reallocation sits uneasily with its stated priorities. Related Article Analysis National security Entirely on form: Why Irans Revolutionary Guard targeted Australia Iran has also advanced a nuclear program with long-term weapons ambitions. There is no publicly available evidence that it was on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon, and many assessments suggest it remained years away, if at all. Even so, Irans hardened and dispersed nuclear infrastructure ensured that it would remain a persistent strategic complication for the US. Facilities constructed deep underground and bolstered against air attack are difficult to reconcile with a purely civilian nuclear intent. In his address following the strikes, President Trump indicated that regime change in Tehran was an objective, though not the sole one. That rhetoric raises the stakes. Moving from degrading capability to seeking political transformation alters the scale and risk of the undertaking. There is no widely accepted historical example of air power alone producing regime change without ground invasion, internal uprising or elite defection. US efforts at regime transformation in the Middle East have produced mixed results at best. This is therefore a high-risk strategic play. Advertisement If this succeeds, it could remove one persistent adversary from the US strategic calculus and allow greater focus on the Indo-Pacific. For Australia, Chinas military modernisation and coercive behaviour in our region represent the most consequential long-term security challenge. Sustained US attention there matters to our strategic outlook. Related Article Middle East at war Where are Irans nuclear facilities and does it have a nuclear weapons program? Periods of American distraction have carried costs. While Washington was absorbed in the Middle East, China accelerated island building and militarisation in the South China Sea. More recently, weapons support to Ukraine and operations against the Houthis have drawn down stockpiles and strained force availability. This attack on Iran may be an attempt to consolidate commitments rather than expand them. It may fail. It may deepen instability. But if it succeeds, it could strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and, in doing so, enhance Australias security. Jennifer Parker is an adjunct professor with the University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute and a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute. She served for more than 20 years as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) The YMCA Black Achievers Program held its 47th annual awards celebration, recognizing senior student program graduates. The Black Achievers Program invests in 9th through 12th grade students, giving them opportunities to participate in community service, helping them prepare for college and involving them in mentorship and job readiness activities throughout the school year. During the fundraising event, Kennedi Wathen gave her speech as this year's YMCA Black Achiever of the Year, accepting $6,000 in scholarships. Many sang Wathen's praises. She completed more than 120 hours of community service. She's also involved in several organizations including FBLA, Army JROTC, National Honor Society, and Beta Club. In the essay Wathen submitted to the YMCA Black Achiever Program's scholarship committee, she wrote about her experiences of being judged by her peers. Wathen said her interests have always been different than many of her Black peers. Over the years, she has learned that she doesn't belong in a box. "I'm into K-Pop, and I like watching Korean shows and Thai shows," said Wathen. "I'm into video games, I play games like Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Call of Duty. I've one hundred percent been judged." She said many times, some people made sure she felt like the odd ball out, questioning her blackness because of her interest. "Those interests don't make me whitewashed. They make me who I am, and I wrote it on the term of whitewashed and growing up being called that," she said. While participating in Black Achievers, Wathen gained confidence and support. She said she has built relationships with other students in the program who she now considers as close friends. The program gave her acceptance support when she felt like she needed it most. Chestnut Street Family YMCA executive Director Kamari Wooten said watching students grow in confidence is the most rewarding thing. "The growth we get to see in some of those students where they might have been introducing themself as kind of shy and meek and then they leave," Wooten said. "They're like chest out, firm handshake, you know those kinds of things," Wooten said. "That's just amazing." Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Leesville, LA (71446) Today Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Irish energy transition specialist, Astatine, has announced a beehive biodiversity initiative that will be rolled out at the companys solar PV (photovoltaic) installations across Ireland. The Astatine team unveiled their first installation of six beehives at a solar energy site located at Ballina Beverages. The initiative will see up to 300,000 native Irish honeybees (Apis mellifera mellifera) thriving at each Astatine site during peak summer months, boosting biodiversity and enhancing the environmental benefits of renewable energy. Tom Marren, CEO of Astatine, said: Solar farms already play a key role in reducing carbon emissions, but they can also be powerful drivers for biodiversity. By introducing beehives, were creating a thriving habitat that supports pollination, strengthens local ecosystems, and benefits farmers, wildlife, and the wider community. Indeed, a report from UKs leading bird conservation charity, the RSPB, last year, stated that solar farms can have three times more bird species than nearby arable farmland. The hives installed at the Ballina site will be tended by local beekeeper, Jamel Neary. Louis and David Bolger, the father and son pair who own and operate The Business Beekeeper (thebusinessbeekeeper.ie), will carry out regular inspections to ensure strong, healthy colonies. Honey harvests from the hives will be handled professionally, with colony welfare as the top priority. "We have had a very favourable reaction from our clients to the beehive initiative, and we plan to install beehives at all of our project sites across Ireland. The initiative means that we are not only delivering clean energy for our clients, enabling them to meet their environmental commitments, but also supporting local biodiversity in such a tangible way." A Mayo councillor has said the shortage of available beds in the St Josephs Cancer Ward at University Hospital Galway is very concerning and is causing hardship for patients. Cllr Alma Gallagher raised the matter at the recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and Northwest when she referred to a constituent waiting over four weeks for a bed, as a result of which treatments were postponed. This is very concerning. Deferrals are clearly happening and it seems delays data at the hospital is not being tracked properly. This relates to a very anxious time for these patients, both emotionally and psychologically and when patients are told delays are due to there being no beds, confidence in the service is seriously damaged. These weeks of delay can be very detrimental, and I would like to know where the surge capacity for cancer patients is. A written reply from HSE management noted that the ward contains 26 beds which are primarily used for cancer/oncology patients and for the provision of emergency, acute and elective care for oncology patients. Consultants prioritise patients of highest clinical priority weekly and a multi-disciplinary team also makes a weekly plan for bed occupancy. Integrated Health Area Manager Ann Cosgrove continued: We are currently facing backlogs as the hospital has been in sustained escalation. In cases of emergency admissions, some haematology/oncology patients may need to be allocated to another ward. "As of February 10, the oncology service has 49 inpatients as well as 50 patients a day scheduled for chemotherapy treatment. Unfortunately, a considerable number of patients are on the waiting list (52) as both oncology and haematology services are running at 100% capacity." She added that plans are currently progressing to provide extra space in the day ward which will increase capacity. A recruitment campaign is also ongoing for oncology nurses with positions expected to be filled shortly. Ms Cosgrove agreed it is not acceptable for any patient to be waiting to start their treatment, adding: It is really regrettable that any patient cant get access within their timelines and we do everything we can to get our haematology and oncology patients in. Concerns have been expressed at the low number of HSE staff who are getting flu vaccines each winter. The matter was raised at the recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and Northwest, with one member stating it was fundamentally wrong for staff not to get the vaccine. HSE data showed that fewer than 50% of staff in three western hospitals got the vaccine during the recent flu season. The uptake rate at University Hospital Galway was 35.8%, Portiuncula University Hospital was 48% and Roscommon University Hospital was just 24%. Figures were not available for Mayo University Hospital. Cllr Shane Forde, from Galway, expressed disappointment at the figures. "This needs a full review, those numbers should at least be 50%, not 24% or 30%. Area Health Manager Ann Cosgrove said the figures do not include data of staff going to local GPs and pharmacies for the vaccine but agreed the figures are low, adding: We will definitely be working hard next year to increase those figures. On Sunday evening Britains Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised the United States to attack Iran from all UK military bases, including Diego Garciaa joint military base in the Indian Oceanand Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford in England. This followed significant criticism, aired in the Daily Mail, demanding Starmer reverse the governments decision not to allow Diego Garcia and Fairford to be used in Saturdays initial bombing of Iran by the US and Israel. The newspaper asked pointedly whether the UK had in fact allowed the use of Diego Garcia by the US in its first strikes. Keir Starmer gives a statement on the US bombing of Iran, 10 Downing Street, February 28, 2026 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY 4.0 Speaking from Downing Street Starmer said, Yesterday, Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel. Starmer reiterated Sunday, We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes, adding But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles. As the United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive [!] purpose, this was now agreed. About an hour after Starmers speech, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that RAF Akrotiri, its base on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, had been hit by a suspected drone strike. The MoD said the incident caused only limited damage and there were no casualties. Starmer has from the outset provided political cover for nakedly illegal act of aggression and a regime-change operation and pledged UK participation. Following the initial waves of US and Israeli attacks on Iran, he claimed that the United Kingdom played no role in these strikes. But he added, Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today [Saturday] as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies. UK warplanes taking direct part in the illegal war launched by Trump and Netanyahu include RAF Typhoons operating from Qatar and Cyprus. F-35 fighter jets and air defence systems had already been mobilised to RAF Akrotiri. On Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Sky News that UK forces were taking down the [Iranian] drones [fired in retaliation] that are menacing either our bases, our people or our allies. Weve stepped up alongside the Americans. Weve stepped up our defensive forces in the Middle East. Were flying those sorties. Starmers speech was coordinated with a joint statement issued by the E3 countriesBritain, France and Germanyestablished in 2003 to handle negotiations regarding Irans nuclear programme. The E3 underscored their alignment with the bombardment, stating that the three European powers did not participate in these strikes, but were in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region. Not a single word opposed the US-Israeli assault on Iran. Instead, the E3 portrayed Tehran as the aggressor: We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. While formally disavowing participation in the initial bombing, Starmer gave a full endorsement of the propaganda rationalising it. The regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent, he declared, accusing Tehran of destabilising the region. He claimed that even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community, asserting that over the past year Iran had backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. Not a shred of evidence was presented for these claims framing the US-Israeli assault as an act of self-defence against a terrorist entity threatening Britain itself. The narrative echoes the propaganda used to justify earlier imperialist wars in the Middle East, from Iraqs non-existent weapons of mass destruction to the invocations of humanitarianism in overthrowing governments in Libya and Syria. Starmer parroted Washingtons central pretext for war: Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our alliesincluding the US. He demanded that Tehran refrain from further strikes, give up its weapons programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian peoplewho deserve the right to determine their own future. As always when voiced from Washington and Downing Street, the phrase determine their own future signifies only plans for regime change. The principal demand from opposition party leaders was that Starmer abandon even the pretence of restraint. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch posted on X, I stand with our allies in the US and Israel as they take on the threat of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its vile regime, urging explicit government backing for the bombardment. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage demanded, The Prime Minister needs to change his mind on the use of our military bases and back the Americans in this vital fight against Iran. Farages remarks referenced previous tensions between Washington and London over Diego Garcia and Fairford. Last year, the Labour government signed an agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while retaining full operational control of Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease. This was nevertheless heavily criticised in recent days by Trump as the US finalised its assault on Iran. Britain continued permitting the US to deploy a flood of aircraft and materiel across all other UK-run facilities. Military figures have pressed throughout for open UK participation in the war without reservations. Cited in the Mail, former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe stated: We absolutely should let the US use UK bases in launching targeted strikes against Iran. It would be madness not to. The Americans can use Diego Garcia anyway, as it is a joint base, but we should be actively supporting. The Starmer government was in fact already readied for full participation in the bloody onslaught on Iran as Washingtons junior partner. When asked six times by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg whether the UK backed the strikes or thought they were legal, Healey replied, It is for the US to set out the legal basis of the action that it took. This is equivalent to letting Jack the Ripper determine the legality of stabbing women to death. Despite years of cuts, the UK retains substantial military assets in the Middle East, including a permanent or semi-permanent military presence in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Any Iranian strike causing British casualties could be seized upon as a pretext for direct UK bombing operations. It was already reported Sunday by Iranian sources that three US and UK oil tankers have been hit by Iranian fire. Labours trajectory was entirely predictable. It was brought to power by the ruling class only because of its stated commitment to war and militarism, and tasked with imposing the austerity measures required to fund it. As early as October 2, 2024, the World Socialist Web Site warned that the Labour government, just three months in office, was integrating Britain ever more closely into US war planning. At that time, RAF warplanes were already operating alongside US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles, with Starmer proclaiming that Britain stand[s] with Israel and we recognize her right to self-defence. The WSWS described his fairytale of Iran terrorising the region as a cover for Britains role as Washingtons main military and security partner. On June 17, 2025, the Socialist Equality Party (UK) warned in its statement, Oppose Starmers plans for war against Iran! that advanced preparations were underway for British intervention in an unprovoked, illegal imperialist war, dismissing as a contemptible fraud the claims that Starmer sought restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy. Starmers government has for more than 18 months been a participant in Israels genocide in Gaza, supplying arms and surveillance support while defending Tel Aviv. As the conflict widens, Britain is again embedded militarily, politically and diplomatically in a US-led offensive aimed at recolonising the Middle East, which threatens a wider global conflagration. The illegal imperialist assault launched by the United States and Israel against Tehran on Saturday exposes the collaborationist position of NATO member Turkiyes political establishment and ruling elite. In his first statement on Saturday evening, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he felt deep sorrow and concern over the US-Israel attacks, adding, We deplore this mornings attacks, which clearly violate Irans sovereignty and threaten the peace of our friends and brothers, the Iranian people. But he then immediately denied Irans right to self-defense. Similarly, he said, we find Irans missile and drone attacks against our brotherly countries in the Gulf unacceptable, regardless of the reason. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) with Turkish President Erdogan in Tehran, 2018 [Photo by Khamenei.ir / CC BY-SA 4.0 Erdogan directed his fire at Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continuing to refer to Dear US President Donald Trump as his friend. Yet the fascist US president is the one who has ordered the largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 war against Iraq. Trump ordered the cold-blooded killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as numerous political and military leaders of a sovereign country. This is the president of an imperialist administration that does not hesitate to set the Middle East on fire to establish a puppet regime in Iran and bring this country of 90 million people and its resources under full imperialist domination. The genocide in Gaza by Israel, which began during Joseph Bidens presidency, continues with Trumps approval and support. Erdogan continued, If common sense and reason do not prevail, and if there is no room for diplomacy, our region faces the risk of being dragged into a ring of fire. This must not be allowed. He called for a ceasefire and negotiations, demanding that all actors, especially the Islamic world, including the regimes that directly aid the US-Israel aggression, take urgent action. As was the case before the military attack on Iran last June, negotiations served only to cover up the military preparations of Washington and Tel Aviv. There is an unbridgeable political and class divide between the stance of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi (Socialist Equality Party), the Turkish section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, toward war and the stance of the Erdogan government, which objectively serves imperialism. The SEP and the World Socialist Web Site warned against the imminent imperialist war that has been in preparation for weeks and the regime-change operation planned under the leadership of the puppet crown prince Reza Pahlavi and called on the international working class to take action to defend Iran, an oppressed country. The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi unequivocally condemns the US-Israeli attack on Iran. At the same time, we explain that the Iranian regime or any other bourgeois national leadership cannot, by its very nature, consistently oppose imperialist aggression. This requires mobilizing the working class in Iran, the Middle East, and worldwide against the capitalist system. Imperialism cannot be negotiated with; its elimination through socialist revolution is essential. Turkiye has strong historical, cultural, economic, and political ties with Iran, its neighbour and regional rival. Although Turkiye does not import oil from Iran, approximately 20 percent of its oil supply comes from the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement in 2025. In December, Iran met 7.5 percent of Turkiyes natural gas needs. While there are concerns that the war on Iran could trigger a new wave of refugees to Turkiye, both Ankara and Tehran fear that the Kurdish issue, which they are unable to resolve domestically on a democratic basis, could result in partition. The war against Iran would also further deepen the class polarization in Turkiye that is heading toward an explosion. Dissatisfaction is growing in the working class, which is facing a high cost of living and a brutal austerity program. Over 6,000 workers have joined a wildcat strike movement that has developed among miners in recent days. This is the social force that must be mobilized against imperialist war, based on a socialist program, by building rank-and-file committees in workplaces and neighbourhoods. The Erdogan government is responding to the maelstrom of war engulfing Turkiye, and the spectre of social revolution, by further strengthening its ties with imperialism and building an authoritarian regime. Regardless of Erdogans concerns and criticisms, Turkiye is generally acting in line with the United States new Middle East plans. Despite a pro-war resolution being rejected by parliament in 2003, Ankara supported the US invasion of Iraq, abandoned its initial calls for restraint in Syria in 2011 to become a staunch supporter of the regime-change war, and backed the bombing of Libya. Ankara has constantly rhetorically criticized the genocide that began in Gaza in October 2023, but it has allowed Azerbaijan, a critical oil supplier to Israel, to continue supplying oil through Turkiye, and it continues to do so. Erdogans criticism of Netanyahu reflects an effort to safely channel overwhelming popular opposition to Israel. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 93 percent of people in Turkiye view Israel negatively. At the same time, Ankara is concerned about the growing influence of Israel, its regional rival, in Lebanon and Syria, and fears that a US-Israel-backed regime-change war in Iran could have devastating consequences for the interests of the Turkish ruling elite. Foremost among these concerns is the possibility that, in the event of a power vacuum, Kurdish nationalist movements in Iran could advance toward independence in Iranian Kurdistan with the support of Washington and Israel. Although denied by the Ministry of National Defense, allegations that the Turkish Armed Forces discussed entering Iran to create a buffer zone on the grounds of preventing refugee flows in the event of the Tehran regimes collapse take on even greater significance in this context. The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi unconditionally opposes the repression of the Kurdish people by Turkiye and other regional states and is fighting to unite and mobilize the working class of all nationalities for the immediate recognition of the fundamental democratic rights of oppressed peoples. However, nationalist movements such as the coalition formed in Iranian Kurdistan on February 22 are objectively in the same camp as the imperialist powers, which brings nothing but disaster for the peoples of the region, including the Kurds. The US-Israeli attack on Iran has vindicated the SEPs internationalist and socialist opposition to this pro-imperialist coalition and its perspective. The Erdogan government has verbally criticized the US and Israels preparations for war against Iran but has done nothing to prevent Turkiyes military and intelligence capabilities from being used in these preparations. Bloomberg reported that a few days before the assault on Iran, AWACS surveillance aircraft taking off from the NATO base in the Turkish city of Konya changed their routes from Russia to Iran. The air base in Incirlik, in the south of the country, has been one of the USs operational centres in the Middle East for decades. The Kurecik base in the east provides intelligence to Israel via the US. Bases in Turkiye could be targeted by Iran in retaliation. Following the US-Israel attack, a senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that all American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become legitimate targets and that there are no red lines after this aggression. The Erdogan government has rejected calls for Turkiye to sever its direct or indirect ties with Israel, as well as popular demands for the country to leave NATO and close its military bases. Instead, Turkiye, which boasts of having NATOs second-largest army and hosts more than 25 US and NATO bases, is preparing to host a NATO summit in Ankara in July. All political tendencies calling for neutrality or a third way in the face of this war are objectively on the side of imperialist-Zionist aggression. This war aims to re-colonize the entire Middle East, from Palestine to Lebanon, Syria to Yemen, and Iraq to Iran, as part of an imperialist redivision of the world. Turkiyes main bourgeois opposition parties have again demonstrated their inability to consistently oppose US-NATO imperialism by adopting a stance of neutrality similar to that of the Erdogan government. Republican Peoples Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel, in a statement on X on Sunday, said, We oppose the attacks on our neighbour Iran that disregard international law, but then took a stance that equates the two sides in the war, adding: As the Republican Peoples Party, we call on the parties to exercise restraint and common sense, and we call on regional countries and the international community to stand against all interventions that disregard international law. Ozel, like Erdogan, expressed concern about the dangers that an escalation of the war against Iran could pose to the interests of the Turkish bourgeoisie, stating, A war spreading across the region will lead to irreversible destruction. In this context, we call on the parties to cease hostilities immediately and return to the negotiating table. The inconsistency of the CHPs opposition to imperialism is exposed by its own orientation. Just last September, CHP deputy Utku Cakrozers report to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly repeated the imperialist narrative that distorts reality, declaring Iran the source of regional instability and proposing measures to strengthen US policy against Iran, Russia, and China, while advocating NATOs expansion into Middle Eastern countries. The Kurdish nationalist Peoples Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) also adopted a bankrupt third way stance. DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakrhan said, We, as the DEM Party, neither support these hegemonic imperialist attacks nor the tyrannical, authoritarian system [in Iran], adding, If there is no democracy, there will be external intervention. Without democracy, there will be engineering projects from outside to plunder those countries underground and surface resources and smuggle them elsewhere. Democracy is the cure for everything. Such statements, which fail to condemn the US and Israeli attack on Iran and also legitimize their pretexts, must be rejected. US imperialisms drive for global domination stems from the insoluble contradictions and deep crisis of American and global capitalism. The solution is not the pro-imperialist democratization advocated by the DEM Party or the Turkish political establishment, but the revolutionary mobilization of the working class internationally to end the imperialist nation-state system. Only when the working class takes power and puts an end to the capitalist profit system can a truly peaceful and democratic world order based on the needs of society be established. Spains Socialist Party (PSOE)-Sumar coalition government has formally distanced itself from the US-Israeli attack on Iran, while still providing logistical infrastructure located on Spanish territory to support the illegal operation. On Saturday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted, We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order. He then opposed Irans right to defend itself, stating, We also reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard. We cannot afford another prolonged and devastating war in the Middle East. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, March 6, 2025 [AP Photo/Omar Havana] The level of political cynicism involved is striking. While publicly invoking de-escalation and international law, a posture adopted because this aggression faces mass opposition within the Spanish working class, Sanchez has allowed Spanish territory to be used as a launchpad for the imperialist attack. The US aircraft involved made use of the US military bases at Rota (Cadiz) and Moron (Seville), longstanding US-NATO installations in southern Spain. They operate under bilateral defence agreements between Madrid and Washington that date back to the US defence pact with General Francisco Franco in 1953, and were used in the US-led illegal wars against Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and the Israeli genocide against Palestinians. Pro-PSOE daily El Pais reported Sunday that two Navy anti-missile destroyers deployed at Rota, the USS Roosevelt and the USS Bulkeley, participated in the attack on Iran. According to US military sources, the two destroyers moved to the Eastern Mediterranean to reinforce Israels Iron Dome, neutralizing ballistic missiles launched by Iran in retaliation. El Pais noted, The role that these destroyers have played in the defense of Israel and in the projection of US military power in the Middle East, as well as against Russia through patrol missions in the Black Sea, evidences the key role that the Rota base continues to play in Washingtons global strategy. KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refuelling aircraftcrucial for long-range strike capabilitiesare reported to have operated from Spanish bases to carry out in-flight refuelling Sanchez tasks. US combat aircraft previously stationed in Spain and other regional locations have reportedly been redeployed to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar in the days preceding the strikes. The Strait of Gibraltar has constituted another strategic point in the operation. In recent days, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford transited the strait en route to the Mediterranean. The hypocritical invocation of international law deserves nothing but contempt. Over the past three decades, Madrid has supported every US-led war of aggression, from Kosovo to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. Only days ago, while condemning the US attack on and abduction of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela in the name of international law, Sanchez worked with Washington to ensure Spanish oil corporation Repsol maintained its stakes in the plunder. Trump has since lifted oil sanctions, authorizing Repsol to resume operations. Repsols CEO, Josu Jon Imaz, confirmed the company is preparing to restore and resume daily operations, celebrating a new window of opportunity. This window rests on a foundation of neo-colonial plunder. The Venezuelan state owes Repsol 4.55 billion ($5.37 billion). Imaz acknowledged working in close relationship with both Washington and the new pro-imperialist Venezuelan authorities, headed by Delcy Rodriguez. What passes for the Spanish left has formally opposed the USIsraeli attack, but its position is no less marked by political cynicism. Podemos, though no longer in government, continues to give the support in parliament that the PSOE-Sumar government relies on to pass legislation. Ione Belarra, the current secretary general of Podemos, described the attack as illegal military interventions by the US and Israel that blow up international law, calling them the greatest threat to humanity. Irene Montero, currently serving as a Member of the European Parliament and Podemoss secretary for political strategy, declared: The US and Israel are once again bombing Iran. Illegal aggressions that make the US and Israel the most dangerous criminals on the planet. How long will Europe remain silent, allowing these crimes? Spain must prevent the US from using our military bases and leave NATO now. Podemos promotes the fiction that European powers are passive spectators. Make Europe Great Again is its tacit motto. This is upper-middle-class politics aimed at promoting the delusion that multipolarity, with the European Union as a competing imperialist centre, represents a prospect for peace. The working class has nothing to gain, as European imperialism is driven by the same capitalist drive for plunder as the US, whether in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. In reality, the major European imperialist powers have been active participants in escalating confrontation with Iran. Weeks before the current strikes, the EU, with the backing of Sanchezs government, moved to place Irans Revolutionary Guards on its terror list, facilitating US war preparations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that the days of the Iranian regime are numbered, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his government supports the goal pursued by Washington. Nor is this limited to Iran. European governments, including Spain, have backed Israels genocide against Palestinians, which has left over 70,000 dead. In NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine, European powers helped instigate and fuel a conflict that has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Ukrainians in the meat grinder of eastern Ukraine, where total casualties now stand at 2 million. Podemos is deeply involved in these imperialist crimes. While now denouncing US bases and calling for withdrawal from NATO, it was during Podemoss time in government (20202023) that Madrid signed the agreement with Washington increasing the number of US destroyers stationed at Rota from four to six. The agreement also provides for the garrisoning of up to 3,800 US troops. Podemos thus actively provided the infrastructure now used to attack Iran, while the minister representing Podemos in the coalition, Alberto Garzon, openly defended the agreement because the US military bases create a large number of jobs. During Podemoss time in government (20202023), Spain also deepened military, economic, and diplomatic ties with Benjamin Netanyahus far-right Zionist regime. Arms sales to Israel continued, and Madrid purchased hundreds of millions of euros worth of Israeli weaponry, including Spike missile systems. Spanish imports from Israeli military firms expanded. While Podemos ministers publicly accused Israel of genocide, weapons contracts and military collaboration went ahead. After Podemoss departure from the coalition, its successor formation, Sumar, entered government alongside the PSOE, ensuring the continuity of these war policies. This included the vast expansion of military expenditure. In 2018, real military spending stood at around 30 billion euros; in 2024, it reached approximately 55 billion; and in 2025, it exceeded 66 billion, representing an accumulated increase of nearly 123 percent over seven years. Opposition to war cannot come from Podemos or Sumar, never mind the PSOE. Whatever their rhetoric, these are all pro-imperialist parties. The working class in Spain and around the world must mobilize against the attack on Iran. Across Spain, Europe, and the US, growing social tensions driven by austerity, militarization, and attacks on democratic rights are increasingly bound up with imperialist war. Protests and strikes must be organized demanding Hands off Iran, the withdrawal of all US and other imperialist forces from the Middle East, an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza, and the lifting of all sanctions against Iran. A genuine fight against imperialist war requires the independent mobilization of the working class on an international and socialist basis. This requires new organizations and the building of a new political leadership: a Spanish section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement. Growing up on Norwegian Street in Pottsville, Mark Purcells youth was filled with adventures. We would hike up over the Sharp Mountain, and down the other side, across the Gordon Nagle, Purcell said. We would run all day up there, and our objective was to get to the Indian Run (Reservoir). And he would always be back home by five oclock for dinner. During these expeditions, Purcell and his friends sometimes came across remnants of a time past preserved wood, stonework, abutments. Advertisement Advertisement Those remnants, the now 68-year-old Auburn resident would come to learn, were artifacts of the 19th-century Schuylkill Canal that once stretched 108 miles from Port Carbon all the way to Philadelphia; a lifeline of Pennsylvanias industrial boom. Purcells debut novel, A Hidden Time, dives into this overlooked time in local history, illustrating the danger and ambition that came hand-in-hand with canal life and paying homage to the immigrants who made the canal so noteworthy. The word Schuylkill means hidden river in Dutch who would have thought that this meaning would remain so literal today? Geographic adventures Advertisement Advertisement After graduating from the University of Scranton, where he met his wife, Nancy, Purcell worked various finance jobs in Schuylkill County and Reading. Now, the couple lives in Auburn and has four children and six grandchildren. But the outdoors bug stuck with him all his life when their children were young, the family visited numerous national parks and in 2014, after retiring, he spent over six months traversing the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. He later hiked the over 200-mile John Muir trail in California, too. After landing back in Pennsylvania, Purcell found himself in the reference area of the Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville. He cant recall what brought him there, but he sure knows what stuck with him from the visit: John Bowmans Folklore of the Schuylkill Canal. The Schuylkill Canal, also known as the Schuylkill Navigation System, debuted in 1825 and helped transport coal and timber southeast to the Fairmont Dam, just outside Philadelphia, and other communities along the way. In Philadelphia, a connecting canal could take boats straight to New York City. Then, textiles hardware and other metropolitan goods could be brought back upstream to Schuylkill communities. Advertisement Advertisement Travel on the canal, Purcell says based on his research, died off around the end of the century when railroad development picked up. Published in 1941, Bowmans Folklore of the Schuylkill Canal documents the lives, work and experiences of 19th century canal workers, tales which Purcell felt deserved resurfacing. His intense interest in the subject, he says, was inspired by the lessons he learned about American geography, community and survival from his journeys in Appalachia and beyond. My outdoor life led me to this book, Purcell said. So, Purcell embarked on a research escapade, combing not just through the Schuylkill County Historical Societys documentation, but those in the historical societies of Schuylkill Haven, Hamburg, Phoenixville, Pottstown he even scoured the Philadelphia Free Library to learn more about this time in history. Advertisement Advertisement Id go up to the Schuylkill County Historical Society, pack my lunch and stay there, Purcell said. They knew me really well (there). Historical folklore A Hidden Time follows Jeb Schmidt, a fictional character inspired by a real person documented in Bowmans folklore. Schmidt is a farmer and part-time canalman, and the 400-page novel depicts his downstream journey with his son, Charlie. Historically, the trip would have taken 10 to 12 days. Throughout his journey, Schmidt encounters the dangers yet also the opportunities that canal life has to offer: lawless towns, disease, the money-hungry Schuylkill River Raiders (a real gang from the time.) Advertisement Advertisement Purcell classifies his work as a piece of historical folklore, a genre of his own making. Because while his characters and plot are all imagined, they are steeped in Bowmans folklore, representing the true yet forgotten lives of immigrants at the time. His research shows throughout the text: Purcell sought to use Gaelic, Old English and Pennsylvania Dutch whenever possible and intriguing facts of industrial life are sprinkled throughout for example, the speed limit for boats on the canal was a whopping four miles per hour. There was a lot of boats on the river in the heyday, in 1850, Purcell said. It was booming, there was a lot of money to be made. There was a chance for everybody. You could do all right. Even, and especially, for immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Most of those who lived and worked in the region were immigrants, primarily of Irish and German descent. Purcell dedicated the novel to those early immigrants, our great grandparents and grandparents, recognizing the remarkable way that people of many backgrounds came together to advance local society and industry, motivated by the common goal of being able to live happily and provide. Its almost like a lesson for us to learn today, Purcell noted. Such sentiment hits particularly close to home for Purcell, a fourth-generation Irish-American. His great-grandfather was born in Kilkenny, Ireland and later immigrated to the U.S. where his family settled in Heckscherville, the small coal town just outside of Minersville. Since his book debuted in August 2025, Purcell says he has gotten positive feedback, folks likening the novel to Huckleberry Finn and expressing interest in exploring the old canal sites themselves. Looking forward, Purcell doesnt anticipate a sequel. But he does plan to go on more adventures of his own this time not down the river, but across the pond to Ireland. A Hidden Time was published in August 2025 and is now being sold at the Pottsville Free Public Library for $15 and on Amazon. Graham Norton may have confirmed that Taylor Swifts wedding date has been set. The Graham Norton Show account on X tweeted that they were excited to find out Taylor has a date for her wedding. Swift previous said during her October 2025 appearance on The Graham Norton Show that she would invite Norton to her wedding. When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce finally tie the knot, it will very likely be the wedding of the century. Taylor is naturally keeping all details super under wraps, but a famous friend of her just might have revealed a major clue about the status of her and Traviss wedding planning. On February 27, Graham Nortons official account for The Graham Norton Show tweeted: So exciting that @taylorswift13 has a date for her wedding now! The tweet notably came after the show recapped a Best Bits episode that aired on BBC, which included a clip from Swifts October 2025 appearance on the program. So exciting that @taylorswift13 has a date for her wedding now! #TheGNShow Graham Norton Show (@TheGNShow) February 27, 2026 Is next year the wedding year? Norton asked Swift at the time. Is that when its happening? The pop star replied, Oh, youll know. Advertisement Advertisement I just mean that I was going to invite you to it, Swift said, adding that she was too busy with her album promo to get truly started on planning. Im doing the [Life of a Showgirl] album [promotional tour] now, which is a big thing. Then, I think the wedding is what happens after that in the scheme of the planning, but Im so excited about it. Swift continued, I know its going to be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount [of guests], and people are on the bubble. Then, you have to evaluate or assess your relationship with them to see if they should be there? Im not going to do that. Not sure what that tweet means exactly, but Page Six revealed in December that Taylor and Travis will be getting married at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Another bride had that date set, but according to Page Six, Swift dipped into her deep pockets and made an offer the bride couldnt refuse. The After Works Drinks podcast hinted at this news and said they got a tip from someone a who said, We got a DM from a girlie. I dont know how public this knowledge isbut she sent a screenshot of a phone that said, One of my friends friends is getting married at [bleeped] in Rhode Island on June 13, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement They added, The venue called her and said someone is willing to buy you out of your date. She said, No, I dont want to switch my date. They called her back and said that [the couple] are willing to pay for their whole wedding and honeymoon to have this date. So they said yes. They think it might be Taylor Swift. June 13 is the only 13th that falls on a Saturday, and its near Taylors house in Rhode Island. 13 is Taylors lucky number. Time! Will! Tell! You Might Also Like Don Lemon has had a lot of things to stress about lately, but his 60th birthday isn't one of them ... he told us he's celebrating the milestone with the ultimate way to relax! The big day isn't until Sunday, but the journalist tells TMZ ... he started the festivities Friday night with a dinner at a friend's house in Beverly Hills. Then, it's on to the NAACP Image Awards tonight, where he's being honored with 4 awards, followed by dinner with husband Tim Malone. Getty And on the actual day? He tells us it'll be a "spa day in a beach town." Advertisement Advertisement Can't blame the guy for wanting to just kick back. His birthday comes on the heels of him being named in a lawsuit by an alleged parishioner of The Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota for allegedly disrupting a service last month. Remember ... Lemon covered a protest at The Cities Church last month as demonstrators went to confront pastor David Easterwood, who is a Minneapolis ICE official. He ended up getting arrested and charged with federal crimes -- to which he pleaded not guilty. The lawsuit claims Don acted with the protesters and caused the parishioner "severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and trauma." Don Lemons Speaks After Minnesota Court Appearance As we reported ... Don insists he was simply exercising his First Amendment right as a reporter to document the church demonstration, shining a light on the event as a journalist, and later vowed not to be silenced. TMZ obtained docs Friday, showing 30 more people are being charged in relation to the protest. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." THE RUNDOWN Michael B. Jordan has been romantically linked to a few high-profile stars, including Lori Harvey, Kiki Layne, and Kendall Jenner. His romance with Harvey was his only publicly confirmed relationship, as the others remained speculative. The actor, who is publicly single, has previously spoken about the challenges of dating as a celebrity. Despite being one of Hollywoods most recognizable leading men, Michael B. Jordan has consistently kept his romantic life out of the spotlight. Over the years, the Sinners actor has been linked to a small number of high-profile stars, though he has rarely confirmed relationships publicly. Advertisement Advertisement His only confirmed romance was with Lori Harvey , a model, entrepreneur, and the daughter of Steve Harvey. The pair dated for about a year and a half before breaking up sometime around June 2022. Jordan has spoken candidly about the challenges of dating as a celebrity, once telling GQ that navigating romance in the public eye can make even getting to know someone more complicated. So now, how do you go anywhere normal, chill, just getting to know somebody that you just met, that you may notmay or may nothit it off at all? That part of dating is tough, he told the outlet in 2018. He added, Now, Im not saying options arent there. Im not saying that. But as far as, like, the nuance of dating, its just not the same. Im just going to keep trying to work on myself and build this empire. Currently, Jordan is publicly single. Below, take a look at everyone hes been romantically linked to. Kendall Jenner Michael Kovac - Getty Images Jordan and Kendall Jenner first sparked dating rumors in May 2015 after they were spotted leaving the same Met Gala after-party in New York City. Later that year, Jordan addressed the rumorsand the backlash they generatedin his October 2015 GQ cover story . Its the world we live in, he said. They see white and black. I dont. Advertisement Advertisement He also pushed back against criticism from fans who weighed in on who he should be dating, adding, A lot of Black fans were feeling like, Oh, my God, he should have been with a Black woman and that whole thing. I get it, but on the other hand its, like, relax. You knowits 2015. Its okay! Jordan ultimately clarified that Jenner was simply a friend. Kendalls a friend of mine, you know. I dont know her, like, that well, but I know her enough, he said. Peoples perspective on that is what it is. The two werent romantically linked again after that, but they appeared friendly alongside Hailey Bieber at a W magazine party on Jan. 10, 2026: Jerritt Clark - Getty Images Kiki Layne Emma McIntyre - Getty Images In January 2019, Jordan was linked to If Beale Street Could Talk star Kiki Layne during the Sundance Film Festival, where both were attending events in Park City, Utah. At the time, a source told People that the pair appeared close throughout the evening. Michael and Kiki were super flirty all night, the insider said. He spent literally all night talking and focused on her. Advertisement Advertisement The source added that Jordan left the venue first, with Layne following shortly afterward, further fueling speculation about a possible romance. Despite the attention, neither Jordan nor Layne ever addressed their relationship status. Cindy Bruna Samir Hussein - Getty Images A few months later, in May 2019, Jordan sparked fresh dating rumors when he was photographed having dinner with French model Cindy Bruna at Carbone in New York City. Just Jared also reported at the time that Jordan had been liking Brunas Instagram posts, adding to the speculation. But, par for the course with Jordans reported flings, neither he nor Bruna publicly confirmed whether the dinner marked a romantic connection or a friendly meeting. The pair was not photographed together again afterward, and the rumors faded without comment. Lori Harvey Lionel Hahn - Getty Images Jordans most public relationship was with Lori Harvey. The two first sparked dating rumors in November 2020 after they were photographed arriving together at an airport in Harveys hometown of Atlanta just before Thanksgiving. After months of speculation, they made their relationship Instagram official on Jan. 10, 2021, marking the first time Jordan had publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. Advertisement Advertisement The couple shared glimpses of their life together, from vacations to their anniversary celebration . In April 2021, Jordan explained to People why he chose to go public. Im still private, and I want to protect that, but it just felt like it was a moment of just wanting to put it out there and move on, he said. I am extremely happy. He added, I think when you get older, you feel more comfortable about the [public nature] of the business that were in. Lori also opened up about their romance in a June 2021 interview with Bustle . Just as Ive gotten older and interests change, I think this was something that I just decided to be a little bit more public with because its a more serious relationship, she said, referring to her decision to post pictures of her and Jordan on social media. I think were both very private people naturally. So we just decide, if we take a picture or whatever it is, do you want to post this? Do we not? That same year, they were photographed hand in hand during a rare public outing in L.A.: Hollywood To You/Star Max - Getty Images On March 27, 2022, they made their red carpet debut as a couple at Vanity Fairs Oscars after-party: Kevin Mazur/VF22 - Getty Images The relationship lasted about a year and a half, with People confirming their split in June 2022. At the time, an insider told the outlet, Michael and Lori are both completely heartbroken. They still love each other. Another source close to Jordan told People that Harvey wasnt ready to commit, adding, She is very focused on her career. [She] realized that they werent on the same page [while they] were making plans for their future. Advertisement Advertisement Following the breakup , Jordan later joked about his very first public breakup during his January 2023 Saturday Night Live monologue. I just directed my very first movie, Creed III, but right after that, I went through my very first public breakup, he said on the SNL stage. Now, most people after a breakup are like, Im going to get in better shape. But I was already in Creed shape. So I had to be like, Alright, I guess Ill learn a new language. Anyway, estoy en Raya. He reflected more seriously on the experience during a 2023 appearance on CBS Mornings . It was an experience for me to grow and learn, he told Gayle King. This is my year. Theres so much going on, so many blessings, so many great things. You Might Also Like A newly released police report from the scene ofAnne Burrell's death disclosed that paramedics did not attempt to revive her with Narcan. According to TMZ, Burrell was already deceased when paramedics arrived at the scene. Naloxone, which is sold under the name Narcan, is a drug that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if administered in time. Burrell's husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her lying face up on the shower floor in the bathroom of their home on June, 17, 2025. Burrell was pronounced dead by emergency responders shortly after Claxton found her body. Advertisement Advertisement According to the police report, emergency responders found "numerous over-the-counter medications mixed in a bowl" near Burrell's body. The NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Burrell's cause of death as, "acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine and amphetamine." On Wednesday, Feb. 18, it was disclosed that a suicide note was also found in Burrell's bedroom along with numerous journal entries. Claxton reportedly told officers that his wife had, "never attempted suicide in the past," had "never talked about it," and hadnt shown "any signs that she would do something like this." In a statement to Us Weekly after her death, Burrell's family said, "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend her smile lit up every room she entered. Annes light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal." Advertisement Advertisement Burrell was best known for her culinary expertise and role as a mentor and host on the television series Worst Cooks in America. She also made appearances on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and The Next Iron Chef. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, call or text 988 to connect to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Prince William scores two notable victories in the British Sunday newspapers. According to The Mail on Sunday, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have been told they will not ride in the royal carriage procession at Royal Ascot in June, while The Sunday Times says that William has been lobbying for Andrew to be officially removed from the line of succession since last year. As readers of The Royalist will know, William has long urged his father to cut the York family completely out of royal life and has despaired at his fathers half-measures on the matter. His anguish has increased as the Epstein files have revealed the depth of the former Prince Andrews and the wider York clans involvement with the scandal. Advertisement Advertisement The Royal Ascot carriage parade, from which Andrews daughters have supposedly been banned, is one of the set pieces of the royal year, a highly visible marker of who is in and who is out. It has traditionally showcased the York family, with Andrew and his daughters very much part of the core line-up. To be excluded from that procession is a very public demotion. Princess Eugenie (center) with Mr. and Mrs. Ed Walker arrive by royal carriage during day five of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, on June 21, 2025. The invitation to ride in a carriage is seen as a marker of whos in and whos out of favor at the palace. / John Walton / PA Images via Getty Images Behind the scenes, this looks very much like a win for William. For years, he was infuriated by what he saw as his fathers ambivalent approach toward Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Now that the king has finally had his road-to-Damascus moment, William fears he is making the same mistake with their daughters. And indeed, King Charles has consistently signaled that, whatever happens to Andrew, his children should not be punished for the sins of their father. That message was underlined just three months ago when, days after Andrew was formally stripped of his remaining titles and honors, Princess Beatrice was appointed Deputy Patron of the Outward Bound Trust, a charity closely associated with the late Prince Philip. Allies of William, however, believed the king should at least have waited to see what else might emerge from the vast cache of U.S. Department of Justice Epstein files before elevating Beatrice in this way. That caution now looks prescient. Advertisement Advertisement The latest documents and emails released in January mention the York family repeatedly. They show, among other things, that Sarah Ferguson took her adult children, Beatrice and Eugenie, to visit Jeffrey Epstein in Miami less than a week after his release from prison in July 2009, with Epstein apparently paying thousands of dollars for their flights, and that she later described him in an email as the brother I have always wished for. Princess Eugenie, Sarah Ferguson, and Princess Beatrice. Fergusons relationship with the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was deeper than most people suspected. / Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty Images Further emails suggest Ferguson continued to lean on Epstein for money and advice even after his conviction, including asking him to upgrade flights so she and the girls could visit, and discussing her Mothers Army and other projects with him. Separate correspondence shows Princess Beatrice involved in media-management discussions about how her mothers relationship with Epstein should be framed, and references a possible 2015 trip in which Princess Beatrice will be joining an Epstein party in Mexico. Although there is no suggestion she committed any criminal wrongdoing, the overall picture these documents paint is of a family far more deeply entwined with Epstein than previously believed. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, long-standing questions about the York sisters lifestyle and public role have re-emerged. More than a decade ago, as part of Charles drive for a slimmed-down monarchy, Beatrice and Eugenie lost their taxpayer-funded police protection and were told they were not working royals. Reports at the time highlighted the high security costs associated with their frequent foreign trips and travel, and cemented the idea in some royal circles that the Yorks enjoyed the trappings of royal life without a clearly defined public role. William has long been cool toward his York cousins. One long-remembered flashpoint came when he did not invite their mother, Sarah Ferguson, to his wedding, a decision that left the girls deeply upset and convinced he was being mean. Advertisement Advertisement In their eyes, they were among the first to be pushed out of the inner royal circle once Charles slimming-down agenda began to bite. That history helps explain why, when Harry and Meghan left the royal family, Beatrice and Eugenie instinctively aligned themselves with the Sussexes. That alignment was made very visible when Harry and Meghan allowed Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, to move into Frogmore Cottage when they moved to America. The five-bedroom Windsor home had been renovated at great expense before Megxit, and the Sussexes were subsequently obliged to surrender it back to the Crown. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie stand behind Meghan Markle during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19, 2022. / Samir Hussein / WireImage Eugenie was later photographed visiting the Sussexes in California, including a high-profile outing to the Super Bowl after the couple had settled in Montecito. For many at the palace, these were clear signals that the York sisters saw themselves in Harry and Meghans campfellow exiles who felt they had been sidelined by an uncaring institution. Advertisement Advertisement Now, that calculation looks unwise. Harry and Meghan are heavily invested in portraying themselves as morally and socially above the behavior of the royal institution. In the wake of the Epstein files, no one seeking that kind of high moral ground wants even a second-hand association with anyone whose family is so directly entangled in the scandal. Meghans own name has been dragged into the online frenzy due to an occasional mention in the files, but reputable coverage has stressed that claims linking her to Epstein are misleading and unsupported by evidence. By contrast, the material on Andrew and Ferguson and the princesses is extensive, and the princesses now have to live with the fact that their parents decisions are being raked over in painful detail. Advertisement Advertisement Sources say that last year, in what some saw as a last-chance for the princesses, William and Catherine privately proposed that Beatrice and Eugenie submit their finances to an ethical forensic accountant, so that an independent audit could clear them of any suspicion about how they funded their lavish lifestyles as teenagers and young women. That offer was rejected. The sisters chose to rely on the defense that they had done nothing wrong and that, as private individuals with jobs, their money was their own business. King Charles III, Princess Anne, Princess Eugenie and Queen Camilla attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on Dec. 25, 2025. / Jordan Peck / Getty Images Publicly, the picture at Christmas this year seemed far more positive when Beatrice and Eugenie made a surprise appearance on the Sandringham church walk, joining King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales for the traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene. Coverage at the time framed their presence with Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank walking prominently near the front of the procession as a notable show of unity and alignment with the wider royal family. But it was notable that William did not speak publicly with either of them. Todays Royal Ascot carriage decision makes clear that William does not want the York sisters anywhere near the top tier of royal representation. Advertisement Advertisement The second victory for William today comes via the London Sunday Times, which reports that last year he pushed for Andrew to be stripped of his place in the line of succession altogether. Andrew remains, absurdly, eighth in line to the throne despite having been forced out of public life and arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over alleged sharing of confidential trade information linked to Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne, a situation Prince William, right, is reportedly keen to change. / Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty Images (Max Mumby/Indigo) The government has since confirmed that it is actively considering legal changes to remove Andrew from the succession, a step that would require an act of Parliament and parallel moves in up to 14 Commonwealth realms where the king is head of state. Australia and New Zealand have already indicated they would back such a move. While constitutional experts warn that the process could be complex and time-consuming, at Westminster, there is growing cross-party pressure for Andrew to be removed, with polls showing overwhelming public support for his exclusion. Advertisement Advertisement The Sunday Times reports that William was pushing for this last year, which is significant not just for what it says about his private position but also because it is being briefed into the public domain at this particular moment. Taken together, todays developmentsthe Ascot carriage bombshell and the confirmation that William has been lobbying to remove Andrew from the successionfit neatly into a broader pattern. Over recent months, The Royalist has been reporting that when William becomes king he is planning a bonfire of titles, using royal letters patent to strip non-working royals, including Andrew and the Sussexes, of their HRH styles and princely rank. The aim is a much tighter, more controlled monarchy in which only a small inner circle carries the burdenand the riskof representing the crown. Advertisement Advertisement Against that backdrop, barring Beatrice and Eugenie from the Royal Ascot carriage procession looks less like a one-off snub and more like an early skirmish in a larger campaign. On the evidence of today, Williams hard lineand not his fathers softer, more forgiving approachis now shaping their royal future. Want more royal gossip, scoops and scandal? Click through to follow all Tom Sykes reporting at The Royalist on Substack. Nearly a week after the firestorm that erupted at and after the BAFTA Awards, Sinners star Jayme Lawson blasted both BAFTA and BBC over how the use of a racial slur made it to the broadcast of the awards ceremony. You do not care for our dignity, our humanity, Lawson told THR at the NAACP Image Awards. You want to celebrate our art, but you wont protect. Lawson is of course referring to an incident involving Tourettes activist John Davidson, who shouted the N-word at Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo as a vocal tic due to the disorder while the two presented onstage. On the red carpet for the Image Awards, Lawson broke down the catastrophic chain of decisions that allowed that scene, and all that came after it, to unfold. Advertisement Advertisement In the week after the BAFTAs, new details came to light over the mishandling of the incident that occurred at the ceremony that night. Despite Warner Bros. immediately asking that the slur be cut from the broadcast, producers claimed they had not heard the exclamation before it aired. In an interview with Variety, Davidson questioned why BAFTA sat him, knowing his condition, in close proximity to a microphone. Lindo revealed that nobody from BAFTA spoke with him or Jordan after they left the stage. The result, Lawson said, was unfair to her co-stars, her crew, Davidson and others. Institutionally, we still dont understand what inclusion means. Just because you invite someone into a space, but you dont provide the necessary resources to keep them and everyone else in that room safe by them being there, thats not inclusivity. Thats exploitation, she said. That mans disability got exploited that night, and it led to multiple offenses. Thats the BAFTAs fault. "You want to celebrate our art, but you won't protect it." Jayme Lawson calls out the #BAFTAs slip up at the #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/y19yOIMfrk The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 1, 2026 Lawson took BBC to task for the airing of the offensive material despite the networks willingness to broadcast other speeches. She specifically pointed to Akinola Davies Jr., the director of My Fathers Shadow (An amazing film, by the way, Lawson said). Advertisement Advertisement Davies used his speech after winning Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer to call for a free Palestine. This statement did not make it past the censors. The BBC, to air what they aired, right, is careless and not like some haphazard accident. No, like a real lack of care was exercised for those two Black men, she said. And we know the BBC knows how to take care of what they care about, right now? Because they censored a bunch of other they went so far as to make sure certain things werent topics of conversation. Lawson praised Lindo and Jordan for their composure in the face of such a devastating scene. The two men have been at top of mind on the awards trail this week, with Lindo getting a standing ovation as soon as he walked onstage at the NAACP Image Awards. Lets continue to honor them for how they handled that in real time, the grace and the dignity they exercised, Lawson said. The whole home team, everybody that was out there really carried themselves well. The post Sinners Star Jayme Lawson Blasts BAFTA, BBCs Handling of Slur: You Do Not Care for Our Dignity | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Tom Hanks' son, Chet Hanks, says he is stranded in Colombia after attempting to return to the United States without his American passport. The 35-year-old actor and musician said he had traveled to Puerto Rico for a friend's birthday before making a detour to Medellin, Colombia, in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, Feb. 28. Trouble began, he said, when he tried to board an international flight back to the United States using his Greek passport. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm traveling with my Greek passport because I'm a dual citizen," Hanks said in the video, explaining that he left his U.S. passport at home because it was close to expiring. "Sometimes they don't let you in the country, even if it hasn't expired, but it's about to expire." At the airport, he said, airline staff told him that if he was traveling on a foreign passport, he would need a green card to re-enter the United States. "I don't have a green card, because I'm an American citizen," Hanks, who was born in Los Angeles, said. "I don't have my American passport here. I'm literally stuck in Colombia, I'm literally stuck in Medellin." American citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter the country by air, according to the State Department. Lawful permanent residents, by contrast, use green cards to reenter the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Hanks added that "the only embassy to get this st settled is in Bogota," referring to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia's capital, about an hour by plane from Medellin. "Free me," he captioned the post. Online, commenters were quick to invoke his father's filmography, joking about "Cast Away" and "The Terminal," both of which featured East Bay native Tom Hanks in travel-related predicaments. Chet Hanks, who has been open about his sobriety in recent years, appeared in Netflix's "Running Point" in 2025. For now, he remains, by his own account, waiting for a way home. This article originally published at Tom Hanks' son Chet says he's stranded in Colombia without U.S. passport. Tom Hanks son Chet Hanks is stranded in Colombia. Yall ready for story time? Chet said in an Instagram video shared on Friday, noting that he travelled to Puerto Rico last week for his home Maxs birthday party, where he had a good time. The Running Point actor who is the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson then explained he decided to take a detour to Medellin to visit a pal named Taylor. Advertisement Advertisement Sounds good, right? he said while speaking to fans. Well check this out. Chet Hanks shared via Instagram that hes stuck in Colombia after experiencing a passport technicality. Chet Hanks/Instagram Chet admitted that theres worse places to be stuck. Chet Hanks/Instagram The actor and musician who wore a black Los Angeles Dodgers ball cap, black shirt and heavy chain link necklace for the video then shared how things had taken a stressful turn. Im traveling with my Greek passport because Im a dual citizen, he said, adding that he didnt use his American passport because its about to expire, and sometimes they dont let you in the country, even if it hasnt expired, but its about to expire. He continued, I go to the airport to check in [for] my flight three hours early. This is an international flight. They tell me that if Im using a foreign passport, I need a green card to get back into America. Free me, the Surreal Life alum joked on Friday. Chet Hanks/Instagram Chet is the eldest of two sons born to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Theyre pictured here at a pre-Grammy event in Los Angeles in February 2024. Getty Images for The Recording Academy Advertisement Advertisement The incredulous Surreal Life alum then explained that he doesnt have a green card because Im an American citizen, so hes literally stuck in Colombia. Im stuck in Medellin. He added, Granted, theres worse places to be stuck, but I literally have no fking idea what Im gonna do, and the only embassy to get this st settled is in Bogota. Chet shared that he doesnt want to go to Bogota, which is roughly an hour away from Medellin by air, so free me. A rep for Chet did not immediately return Page Sixs request for additional comment on Saturday. Chet has previously shared details of his battle with substance use. Hes seen here with Jimmy Fallon last March. Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images Chet marked two years of sobriety in 2024. Hes seen here at a Running Point event in Los Angeles in May 2025. Variety via Getty Images Followers took to the comments thread with advice, jokes and sympathy. Better call someone in your family to have them FedEx your passport to you ASAP, one person wrote, with another responding, Tom Hanks doesnt have the best of luck with FedEx referencing the Oscar winners iconic turn in Cast Away, in which his character crashes on a deserted island aboard a FedEx airplane. Advertisement Advertisement A third joked, Time to start a family out there , while a fourth quipped, The one time you shouldve pulled the my dad is card. Still, others were amused by Chets declaration that he doesnt have a green card. Crying at I dont have a green card cuz Im an American citizen one Instagram user chimed in. Chet, 35, appeared to have been making the most of the predicament via Instagram Stories on Friday, the rapper shared clips from a dance club, where revelers danced among laser lights and fog. The Running Point actor has previously shared insight his father gave him about acting. Theyre seen here at a November 2025 event in New York. Bruce Glikas/WireImage Tom told his son that if you show up on time, and youre nice to everybody, that gets you a long way, Chet told Page Six last year. Hes pictured here at a West Hollywood event in January. Getty Images for Clarins USA Advertisement Advertisement The influencer who is the first of two sons born to The Da Vinci Code actor and Mamma Mia! actress, both 69 has previously been open about his previous battle with substance use. In 2024, he marked two years of sobriety. And though his father doesnt appear to have yet been able to help him with his predicament in Colombia, the actor did once tell Page Six how Tom helped him prepare for his role opposite Kate Hudson in Running Point. He just said, If you just know your lines, and you show up on time, and youre nice to everybody, that gets you a long way, he divulged to us back in March 2025. I know we all love learning about history, but sometimes, the classroom can't cover everything. So, when I saw this post on the popular " History " subreddit wherein user Wildcat190 asked, "What is an extremely interesting yet often unknown historical event/period?" I wanted to see what people had to say. Here are some of their most interesting answers: 1. "The Korean War of 1871 . It was a punitive war in which the US invaded Korea after attempts to open diplomatic relations failed, and the Koreans attacked American ships. It was a decisive American military victory, but it failed to open Korea to trade. It was the first time the Medal of Honor was awarded in a foreign conflict. The US recently returned a captured Korean battle flag that had been on display at the US Naval Academy for over a century (though some members of Congress wanted to trade it for the USS Pueblo)." Getty Images / Getty Images u/Treliske 2. "I think Bleeding Kansas before the American Civil War would be hilarious if it weren't so depressing. I mean, John Brown found guys that were maybe associated with slavers and then killed them with BROADSWORDS. Fotosearch / Getty Images, Bettmann / Getty Images u/dickimaa "A fun aspect of this period that's still evident today is the Jayhawk (the mascot of the University of Kansas). Jayhawkers was the name applied to the Free-State sect of the Border War that crossed over into Missouri, pillaging, burning, and killing numerous people. Though the origin of the term Jayhawk isn't known, it's been retconned to mean a combination of the blue jay and the hawk. In case you didn't know, the blue jay is known for robbing the nests of other birds, and hawks are obviously birds of prey that swoop in for quick, devastating attacks. These two aspects reflected the actions of the Jayhawkers during the Border War." Advertisement Advertisement u/deleted Related: Sorry, Only Your Parents And Grandparents Can Get 20/20 On This Historical Trivia Quiz Dea / Getty Images u/jdb229 "I'm a bit surprised to see my miniscule hometown mentioned on Reddit. I'm always saddened that the only fame we have is for being burnt to the ground. You make it sound a lot more interesting than the people at the fire museum." u/deleted Edward Moran / Via commons.wikimedia.org u/Aaronf989 Dea / Getty Images "During this period, Sicily was an important place for the transmission of ancient Greek knowledge back into Europe from the Byzantines and the Arabs. But it wasn't just simple copying of the ancients. Roger II commissioned and championed new work, for example, commissioning the top geographical work of the time, the tabula Rogeriana by Muhammad al-Idrisi. Sicily was also the home of the Salerno Medical School, possibly the top medical school in Europe at that time." Advertisement Advertisement u/modeler Author Unknown / Via commons.wikimedia.org u/deleted "Agreed! The Banana Wars are rarely taught due to the fact that they did not advance American foreign policy. Instead, they advanced the commercial interests of the United Fruit Company." u/deleted 7. "Easily, I would say the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. It was pretty much the first war to be won by an Asian power against a European great power in modern times, heralding a wave of anti-European aggression across the world, from the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, Persia, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, where people looked to Japan as a hero of the times, as well as launching Japan into Great Power status." Hulton Archive / Getty Images Related: Only True Disney Fans Can Name These Movies With Just 3 Hints Hulton Deutsch / Getty Images, Heritage Images / Getty Images u/deleted 8. The Holodomor. It was a man-made famine induced by the USSR in Ukraine in 1932 and into 1933. Anywhere between 5 and 10 million people died as a result." Hulton Archive / Getty Images u/GoNavy_09 "What makes it even more interesting is that there is no consensus (that I know of) today in the Ukrainian government on whether it was a genocide or not. I traveled there a while back with my school and wrote a paper about Russia-Ukraine relations. During history classes, a teacher from the Eastern areas of the country is more likely to deny the genocide, while a teacher in Western Ukraine will probably agree that it was a genocide. Or at least, so was my impression. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainians, Russians, please correct me if I am wrong!" u/FrejDexter 9. The Utah War a military stand-off between the Federal government and the Mormons, with the biggest casualties being 140 Arkansan emigrants heading for California, killed by the Mormons ." Mpi / Getty Images, Heritage Images / Getty Images u/copaceticzombie Historical / Getty Images u/deleted Related: 10 Historical Lies We Were Told When The Truth Is Sooooo Much Juicier u/hairy1ime 12. "My humble submission: King Philip's War, fought in 1675-78 between Native Americans and English colonists. It had the highest casualty rate of any American war and was a critical turning point in relations between the colonists and native people, only one generation after the 'First Thanksgiving.' Super fascinating time, especially if colonial America is your thing..." Universal History Archive / Getty Images u/deadheadmon 13. "The Tulsa race riots are a hidden part of Oklahoma history and American history." Universal History Archive / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement u/ms_g_unit_smith Universal History Archive / Getty Images u/Flowhard 15. "The Philippine-American War . After the Spanish-American War, the United States gained the Philippines. An independent Filipino government fought a war to secure the country's independence. Atrocities were committed by both sides, and the war had a terrifying death toll, but most Americans have never heard of it." Interim Archives / Getty Images u/hmditters Related: "Rich White People In The Bay Area Are So Entitled": People Are Sharing The Most Spoiled Behavior They've Ever Seen 16. "The near-secession of the South over the tariff laws in the 1830s. The United States almost fought the Civil War 30 years earlier, and it was only stopped because three men ( Henry Clay John Calhoun , and Daniel Webster ) were able to bring people together for a compromise on the issue. By the time the Civil War did roll around in 1861, all three were either dead or very ill. There's a lot to be learned from that period in history, namely the importance of compromise in politics, but it often seems to get overlooked." Stock Montage / Getty Images, Library Of Congress / Getty Images u/clockaby 17. "Not a global event, but I had never heard of Juneteenth before moving to Texas. Texans celebrate the day the word got to Texas that slavery had ended TWO AND A HALF YEARS AFTER the Emancipation Proclamation. Since there were little to no Union soldiers in Texas at the time, nobody was there to enforce the end of slavery, so the slaves didn't know they had been freed, federally speaking. This blows my mind." Universal History Archive / Getty Images u/iamcrazynuts 18. Gilligan's Island. An ill-fated British expedition in the 1840s to find the Northwest Passage (a route to Asia that didn't involve going around Africa). A boat full of guys runs aground in a sea of ice in Northern Canada, totals the ship, and kicks off a six-year-long, unimaginably psychotic survival nightmare that involved everything from tuberculosis to lead poisoning to cannibalism." "The Franklin Expedition . Think Donner Party meets. An ill-fated British expedition in the 1840s to find the Northwest Passage (a route to Asia that didn't involve going around Africa). A boat full of guys runs aground in a sea of ice in Northern Canada, totals the ship, and kicks off a six-year-long, unimaginably psychotic survival nightmare that involved everything from tuberculosis to lead poisoning to cannibalism." Sepia Times / Getty Images, Dea Picture Library / Getty Images "When the first few crew members died, there were enough men remaining to dig graves. The bodies were so well-preserved after 150 years encased in ice at sub-zero temperatures that it's like looking back in time. For six years, they all died off, one by one, trying desperately to move south to find civilization...frost-bitten, starving to death, and delirious from the elements." Advertisement Advertisement u/bpoag So, what do you think? If you're inspired to share your own historical fact you think ought to be more well-known, feel free to tell me all about it in the comments. Or, if you want to write in but prefer to stay anonymous, you can use the anonymous form below! Who knows your take could be featured in a future BuzzFeed article. Please note: some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity. You Might Like: 34 Things To Help With Those Bodily Functions That Are Yes, Perfectly Normal, But Also Completely Obnoxious You Might Like: These 27 Products May Not Make You *Love* Cleaning, But They'll Make You Loathe It Less Also in Rewind: If You Can Identify More Than 9/13 Of These '90s And '00s TV Shows, There's Absolutely No Way You're Under 25 Read it on BuzzFeed.com The days are growing longer and warmer, a sign that spring is near and daylight savings time begins soon. Here's when to set the clocks forward for the 2026 time change and daylight saving time start and end. Many countries around the world and most of the United States still observe the practice of turning the clocks forward or backward an hour, in the effort to extend daylight hours seasonally, though some argue the practice should be brought to an end. Last year, President Donald Trump urged Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, writing in a Truth Social post, The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day. Very popular and, most importantly, no more changing of the clocks, a big inconvenience and, for our government, A VERY COSTLY EVENT!!! Advertisement Advertisement However, that April post followed a Trump post in December 2024 saying he would work to end daylight saving time and make standard time permanent. And in between those posts, in March, he called the issue "50/50," noting that some people prefer permanent daylight saving time while others prefer permanent standard time. The difference is daylight saving time would mean later sunrises and sunsets, allowing for more time for outdoor activities after work in the evenings, whereas standard time would mean earlier sunrises and sunsets, which some argue increase safety in the mornings for school children and is more in line with our biological circadian rhythms, according to savestandardtime. Daylight saving time is approximately eight months, starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November. When is daylight saving time 2026 start and end? Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at which time clocks "spring forward" and reset to 3 a.m. and it ends 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 at which time clocks "fall back" and reset to 1 a.m. When do clocks spring forward for 2026 time change? The clocks will spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning March 8, 2026. Clocks can be changed on Saturday night before bedtime or upon waking on Sunday morning, at which time you will have lost one hour. Will we lose an hour or gain an hour for daylight saving time? Spring forward In the spring, clocks spring forward one hour. You will have lost an hour when you awake that morning. Advertisement Advertisement In the fall, clocks fall back one hour. You will gain an extra hour of potential sleep or play. When does daylight savings time end in 2026? Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November each year. This year the clocks will fall back an hour on Sunday, Nov. 1. When is the first day of spring? Spring equinox 2026 The first day of spring or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET. The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in nearly equal hours of day and night globally due to the Earth's axial tilt. Why do we change the clocks every year? According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the idea behind daylight saving time was meant to give us more daylight during the summer evenings and then move it back to give us more daylight during winter mornings. Is daylight saving time permanent or ending? Daylight saving has not been made permanent, nor is it ending as of yet, although the push to make it permanent has been reintroduced multiple times as the Sunshine Protection Act. This would establish permanent DST across the country, extending daylight saving time from eight months of the year to the full year. Advertisement Advertisement The Sunshine Protection Act passed the senate in 2022 but stalled in the House. It was reintroduced in 2025 but has not passed. Pennsylvania legislature introduced a bill in 2023 to establish year-round daylight saving time but it never passed. More recently in March, they passed a Senate resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to end the outdated practice of changing the clocks twice a year. They are one of 29 states thus far, that have introduced legislation to stop the clock changes. Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based reporter with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: What day does the time change 2026? Daylight Savings Time 2026 When Clarity the UK's oldest social enterprise collapsed five years ago, more than a hundred workers lost their jobs and salaries. Clarity was founded in 1854 to provide employment opportunities for blind people, and in recent times focused on making soap. The former owner was taken to court for stealing his workers' pensions, and he sued two employees who spoke out. Now one of those who was sued has launched a new business, aiming to carry on Clarity's social mission in a new way. Advertisement Advertisement Over its long history, Clarity's patrons have included Queen Victoria and actress Joanna Lumley. However, in 2020, a big shortfall in its pension fund caused the business to collapse, and a man called Nicholas Marks bought the company out of administration, promising to keep the business going. It didn't turn out that way. "He wasn't interested in growing jobs for disabled people and even protecting the jobs for the disabled people that we had working with us, which was truly heart-breaking to watch unfold," says Camilla Marcus-Dew, who was the company's head of commercial. Advertisement Advertisement The workers, many of them blind or visually impaired, were laid off, and didn't get the wages, furlough or redundancy payments they were owed. The factory closed and the company was shut down for good owing more than 400,000 to 84 employees. Shortly after the BBC reported on the story, Marks took Marcus-Dew and another person to court, wrongly blaming them for the company's problems. After a long legal battle, the case was thrown out. The pensions regulator then charged Marks with fraudulently taking workers' pensions, but he died before that case came to court. A factory in London run by General Welfare of the Blind, which later became Clarity, in about 1901 [Getty Images] That could have been the end of the story, but Marcus-Dew has taken what she learned and started again. Advertisement Advertisement In a corner of a large warehouse in London operated by the homelessness charity Crisis, a group of workers gather once a week to pack soap products for a new business Amplify Goods. It provides paid work experience at the London living wage to homeless people, disabled people, and prison leavers. "The longer you're out of employment, you start to lose confidence that you do have something to offer even just in being yourself," says Pasha Michaelsen, who co-founded the company with Marcus-Dew. Taylor is autistic and has verbal dyspraxia. She works at the company one day a week. "I like to get out of the house so I can get money and buy my own stuff," she says. "I learn to pack the soap box properly, so that it could be on my CV." Advertisement Advertisement For another worker, Jentital, the organisation has provided the first job he's ever had. "I like coming here, learning new skills," he says. He has to travel across London, and the job has given him the confidence to take the tube on his own for the first time. The main customers for their soap are businesses, either for washrooms or corporate gifts, but it is also sold to the public online through Amplify's website. The products are designed to minimise waste. The soap bars are packed in reused (rather than recycled) cardboard and the liquid soap is sold in refillable bottles. Like Clarity once was, Amplify is a social enterprise. That means it is run as a business but is focused on a social purpose and donates more than half its profits to good causes. Advertisement Advertisement "We're not selling things as fast as we can and giving some money away. We're putting people who want work at the centre," says Marcus-Dew. Camilla Marcus-Dew, co-founder of Amplify Goods, says she is putting people who want to work at the centre of her social enterprise [BBC] Yusuf Hussein now works at Network Rail, after a work experience placement at Amplify Goods [BBC] Amplify has already helped Yusuf Hussein to return to work, after he lost his driving licence and his job as a taxi driver and his relationship broke down. He did 10 days' work experience with them, and they put him in touch with an organisation called Standing Tall, which offered him a home for 12 months and helped him prepare for work. He now works in customer service for Network Rail at Waterloo Station. "They did give me assurance like 'OK, it's not the end of the life, we'll help you and you'll get somewhere'," he says. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Amplify created over 1,000 hours of work. It's still early days, but Marcus-Dew hopes the business can make a big impact. "It was a massive loss for the disability sector when Clarity went under. So, will we ever have businesses again that are of that scale, that are public facing, doing those amazing things? Maybe not, but we're doing it in our own way now at Amplify Goods," she says. "I think often people go: 'I don't have influence to create jobs for homeless and disabled people'. I promise you do. I promise you do, through the change of something like soap in a washroom." Some of Americas most popular national parks have gotten much more expensive for foreign tourists to visit with the introduction of America-first pricing. However, hundreds of parks within the National Park System offer free entry, regardless of residency. Throughout the country, there's more than 430 national parks, so they're often closer than people think, National Park Service spokesperson Kathy Kupper said, referring to the various sites ranging from national battlefields to national seashores. "There's at least one in every state ... Each one is important to the American story. Each one tells a chapter. Advertisement Advertisement Most are free to enter including a third of the 63 parks with national park in their name. However, travelers who are trying to pinch pennies should note that some free parks are expensive to reach, while others charge fees for certain experiences. Here are 12 national parks that you can drive to and visit for free all year-round. Location: South Carolina What stands out: Congaree features the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the Southeast and the highest concentration of champion-sized trees anywhere in North America, according to the parks website. Its average forest canopy is over 100 feet tall. A hiker takes in the view from the Overlook at the Ledges in Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Location: Ohio Advertisement Advertisement What stands out: Located about 7 miles from Akron and less than 20 miles from Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley was one of the nations first urban national parks. Its land and waters were restored after decades of industrial pollution and now welcome visitors with 125 miles of hiking trails. The Gateway Arch of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Mississippi River as seen from East St. Louis, Illinois, on June 27, 2022. Location: Missouri What stands out: The park is home to the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch and also tells the story of Americas westward expansion. Visitors can go up the arch on a tram, but unlike the rest of the park, that experience is not free. Associated fees: Tram rides start at $15 for visitors over the age of 16, with discounts for children over age 2 and America the Beautiful federal lands pass holders. Great Basin National Park uses red lights to minimize light pollution as stargazers enjoy the night sky. Location: Nevada Advertisement Advertisement What stands out: Great Basin features one of the highest points in Nevada, among the darkest skies in the country, and some of the oldest trees in the world, Bristlecone Pines. Lush green trees frame a stream at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Location: Tennessee and North Carolina What stands out: Great Smoky Mountains is consistently the most visited national park for good reason. Its misty mountains are mesmerizing and home to all kinds of plants and wildlife, including fireflies that synchronize for a few weeks each year. Associated fees: Theres no entry fee, but there are parking fees for vehicles staying in the park longer than 15 minutes. Daily parking costs $5. Weekly parking costs $15. The historic Ozark Bathhouse now serves at Hot Springs National Park's cultural center. Location: Arkansas Advertisement Advertisement What stands out: Unlike other springs that get their heat from volcanic activity, the ones here are heated by the Earth itself to upwards of 140 degrees. The waters were historically heralded for medicinal and therapeutic properties. Associated fees: While the park doesnt offer hot springs bathing, two third-party bathhouses on park property offer it for a fee. Mammoth Cave. Location: Kentucky What stands out: Mammoth Cave is the longest-known cave system in the world and is still growing. Not only have explorers mapped new areas over the years, but new caves are still forming. Advertisement Advertisement Associated fees: Theres no fee to enter the park, but the only way to enter its caves is through tours, which typically have a fee. Those start at $12 for adults, $9 for kids ages 6 to 12, and $3 for kids ages 3 to 5 on the Discovery Self-Guided Tour. Certain tour fees are waived on select fee-free days for U.S. residents. Kates Falls Trail is a short, but steep and strenuous trail with picturesque views in the Glades Creek area of New River Gorge. Location: West Virginia What stands out: The park is a haven for outdoor sports like rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking, but also boasts tranquil scenery and Appalachian cultural history. Summertime blooms blanket a North Fork meadow at North Cascades National Park. Location: Washington Advertisement Advertisement What stands out: North Cascades picturesque mountains and glaciers have earned it the nickname the American Alps. Associated fees: There is no entry fee for the park, but visitors have to pay a $5 daily or $30 annual parking fee if they want to park at trailheads originating on U.S. Forest Service land outside the park. Additionally, visitors who want to take visit the Lake Chelan community of Stehekin may pay for a third-party ferry. Stehekin is also reachable by backcountry hike, horseback, private plane or boat, but there are no roads to get there. Redwood's trees are wonder to behold. Location: California What stands out: Redwoods trees are among the tallest in the world. Walking through the towering, old-growth groves has been likened to a spiritual experience. Northern lights illuminate the sky above Kabetogama Lake at Voyageurs National Park. Location: Minnesota Advertisement Advertisement What stands out: About 40% of this park is water and nearly all of its campsites have lakefront views. Visitors can also stay right on the water, with third-party houseboat rentals. Like a number of other national parks, Voyageurs is an International Dark Sky Park. Beyond stars, visitors may also see meteors and northern lights. A bison bull rests at Wind Cave National Park, where is plenty to see above ground. Location: South Dakota What stands out: Wind Caves namesake cave is among the longest and most complex caves in the world. It also has arguably the best example of honeycomb-like boxwork cave formations anywhere. Associated fees: There is no fee to visit the park, but most cave tours start at $14 for visitors age 16 to 61, with discounts for older visitors and children. Some tour fees are waived on fee-free park days for U.S. residents. Advertisement Advertisement The big picture: 3 major changes at national parks in the past year Other national parks with free entry Boca Chita Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses at Biscayne National Park. The other is Fowey Rocks. Biscayne National Park in Florida and Channel Islands National Park in California offer free entry, but nearly all of Biscayne is water and the third-party ferry to get to Channel Islands islands can be pricey, with roundtrips starting at $72 for passengers ages 13 to 54. Private boats are, however, welcome at both parks, and they both offer free visitor centers on the mainland. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, National Park of American Samoa, and Virgin Islands National Park are also free but even more expensive to reach. (This story was updated with additional information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are there any national parks that are free? Here's every, single one. Hampton Roads has a dog in the race, and Buttercup is advancing fast. The 1-year-old Cavapoo a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a miniature or toy poodle lives in Virginia Beach and is in the running to become Americas Favorite Pet. Pet owners post photos and bios of their dogs and cats to the competitions website, where people can vote for their favorites. The online competition benefits Progressive Animal Welfare Society, and votes can be purchased with the money going to charity. Advertisement Advertisement Winning animals appear on the covers of Modern Dog or Modern Cat magazines, and pet parents collect a $10,000 grand prize. Buttercup collected enough votes by Friday to become a semifinalist. Voting for the final 14 ends Thursday. We entered the competition because we were looking for things to do with Buttercup, Christiana Conte said. And shes just so adorable not to share with the world. Conte co-owns Buttercup with fiance Noah Lee, a student at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. If Buttercup wins, Conte said the prize money would go toward Lees medical school expenses. Advertisement Advertisement For Buttercup, there isnt a stranger in the world, she said. Every single person gets greeted with kisses and nose kisses. She has never growled at anyone. She has never barked at anyone. She just runs up to you and gives you all the kisses in the world. Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com One person died in a shooting near Milwaukee's Deer District Feb. 28 outside a music venue that opened this weekend in the high-traffic downtown area. The shooting happened around 11:34 p.m. The 47-year-old victim, who has not yet been identified, sustained multiple gunshot injuries and died at the scene. The Milwaukee Police Department says it is working to investigate and identify a suspect. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or use the P3 Tips App. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened at the intersection of North Vel R. Phillips Avenue and West State Street, between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Landmark Credit Union Live, a new venue that hosted its first touring act the night before the shooting. The venue hosted BossMan Dlow Feb. 28. The Milwaukee Bucks did not play at Fiserv Forum the night of the shooting. It is unclear whether the victim and suspect were attending an event in the Deer District. The downtown area has seen shootings before, including a quadruple shooting in June 2025 that sent four young adults to the hospital. In 2022, three people were injured in a shooting outside Fiserv Forum after a Bucks playoff game. Milwaukee has recorded 14 homicides so far this year and 47 non-fatal shootings, both down from this time last year and in 2024, according to MPD statistics. Advertisement Advertisement More: What new concert venue Landmark Credit Union Live means for Milwaukee Landmark Credit Union Live seen from its third floor terrace on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A view of the Landmark Credit Union Live stage from the second floor box seats, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A view of the Landmark Credit Union Live stage from the second floor box seats, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A bar on the second floor of Landmark Credit Union Live, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joel Plant, CEO of Frank Productions, poses for a portrait in The Vinyl Room at Landmark Credit Union Live, available on show nights to premium ticket holders, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joel Plant, CEO of Frank Productions, poses for a portrait in The Vinyl Room at Landmark Credit Union Live, available on show nights to premium ticket holders, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Vinyl Room at Landmark Credit Union Live, available on show nights to premium ticket holders, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Vinyl Room at Landmark Credit Union Live, available on show nights to premium ticket holders, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The specialty lounge has a view overlooking the Deer District. An entourage room at Landmark Credit Union Live seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Through the window, the stage can be seen by guests of the room. Ryan Derieux, head of culinary for Live Nation, poses for a portrait with items from his menu, available for general admission guests, at Landmark Credit Union Live on the morning of the venues opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Menu items available for general admission guests at Landmark Credit Union Live seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A view of the Deer District from the third floor terrace at Landmark Credit Union Live seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Landmark Credit Union Live's entrance, complete with a drum wall inspired by the lore of Drum's Hollow, seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Landmark Credit Union Live seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Landmark Credit Union Live seen on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. First look inside the Landmark Credit Union Live music venue 1 of 15 Landmark Credit Union Live seen from its third floor terrace on the morning of its opening, Feb. 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 1 dead in fatal shooting near Landmark Live venue in Milwaukee Belleville police are investigating the shooting death of a teenage boy at his home Friday night. Jarod Rhodes, 15, was pronounced dead at the home at 2765 Brookmeadow Drive, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Its in a subdivision northeast of the intersection of Illinois 158 and Green Mount Road, near the Circle K gas station. Based on preliminary findings, the incident does not appear to be intentional, and the Belleville Police Department is not seeking any suspects at this time, officials stated in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to the home at 7:53 p.m. Friday following a report of someone being shot, the release stated. Upon officers arrival, a juvenile male victim was located in the garage of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound, it stated. Officers and EMS immediately provided medical assistance; however, the victim succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy will be performed, Dye said. Those responding to the scene included Belleville Police Departments Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit. Investigators conducted interviews with witnesses. Officials didnt name the juvenile or give his age in the release. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event, it stated. Police declined to provide additional information. At least 17 people were killed Sunday across Pakistan as protesters outraged over the death of Iran's supreme leader took to the streets, with some attempting to storm US diplomatic buildings. In the Pakistani megacity of Karachi, an AFP journalist witnessed hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters trying to enter the US consulate, prompting clashes with police. At least 10 people had died and over 70 were injured as of Sunday evening, the office of the Karachi police surgeon said. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, a hospital toll seen by AFP listed nine people as having died from gunshot wounds. In the northern city of Gilgit, at least seven people were killed and many more injured in clashes with police, rescue official Zaheer Shah told AFP by phone. Thousands gathered in the streets of the capital Islamabad, many holding photos of late Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, with AFP witnessing police deploy tear gas to disperse crowds near the US embassy. Israel and the United States launched their mass aerial campaign on Iran early Saturday, quickly killing the long-ruling supreme leader and prompting outrage in neighouring Pakistan. Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has close ties with both the United States and Iran, said on Sunday evening that the killing of Khamenei was a "violation" of international law. "It is an age old convention that the Heads of State/Government should not be targeted," Sharif wrote on X. The "people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom" of Khamenei, he added. At Sunday's Karachi protest, people chanted slogans against the United States, Israel and their allies. Advertisement Advertisement "We don't need anything in Pakistan that is linked with the US," a protester, Sabir Hussain, told AFP. Earlier a crowd of young people climbed over the main gate and gained access to the driveway of the consular building, smashing some windows. Police fired tear gas at the protesters, who dispersed, the AFP journalist saw. The embassies of the United States and Britain both urged citizens in Pakistan to be cautious in the country. - American 'stooges' - Around 4,000 people took to the streets in the capital Islamabad, where AFP journalists heard overhead gunfire, believed to be to disperse the crowd, and saw tear gas even before the planned start of a rally at 3:00 pm. Advertisement Advertisement Zahra Mumtaz, a 52-year-old housewife from nearby Rawalpindi, said: "Our leader has been martyred, and we are not even allowed to protest." "The least the government could do is let us express our grief," she told AFP, crying. "Our leaders are nothing but stooges of the Americans... The Americans and Israelis will have to pay for this." In the northern city of Skardu, protesters stormed and set fire to a United Nations office, causing black smoke to rise from the building, an AFP reporter saw. At least three nearby vehicles were completely burned. Thousands of people also took to the streets in the eastern city of Lahore. Advertisement Advertisement Since the launch of the US-Israeli operations, Prime Minister Sharif has announced several calls with other regional leaders -- whose countries have been targeted by Iranian retaliatory attacks -- and urged restraint. His statements have notably called the attacks on Iran an Israeli operation -- excluding mention of the major US involvement. ah-sma-zz/je/des/mlm Katie Davis, now 21, started experiencing waves of intense stomach pain when she was 20. Doctors initially suspected a benign ovarian cyst and told her to monitor symptoms. After she got chills and nausea, she got a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. Katie Davis lived the typical life of a busy college student when she first started feeling stomach pain. Then, a 20-year-old junior and marketing major at Westchester University in Pennsylvania, Davis split her time between classes, her job at Playa Bowls, and her sorority. The pain in the top right of her abdomen was easy to ignore because it was so sporadic and fleeting. Advertisement Advertisement "It was on and off, it would come in waves," Davis, now 21, told Business Insider. "I would go a good while without it, and then it would come and only last a few minutes, sometimes even a few seconds." Davis was living the normal life of a college student when she started experiencing pain in her abdomen. Katie Davis Over time, the pain when it showed up got more severe, sometimes causing her to double over in pain. Three months after it started, she went to a local urgent care while at her boyfriend's family beach house. There was no ultrasound equipment at the facility, and she was told that, based on her symptoms, it could be an ovarian cyst that would hopefully go away after her next period. Her doctor suspected colon cancer before the biopsy Davis was told to keep an eye on the pain and go to an emergency room if she felt other symptoms like fever or nausea. A few days later, when she started getting chills and vomiting at her parents' home, Davis did just that. Advertisement Advertisement "That was the first time anything more serious than an ovarian cyst was brought up to me," Davis said. According to her ultrasound and CAT scan, her colon was inflamed and appeared to have free fluid, a potential indication of infection, trauma, or cancer. Davis had a feeling she had colon cancer because of the private room she was placed in after her colonoscopy. Katie Davis The ER doctor thought it could be Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, or, in more serious cases, colon cancer. He scheduled a colonoscopy. "I didn't think I was going to come out of it having cancer or anything really serious," Davis said. Her first clue that something was wrong was when she woke up from the procedure. She noticed she was placed in a separate room from the other colonoscopy patients. Advertisement Advertisement The doctor who performed the procedure told Davis and her mom that he was "pretty positive" the mass in Davis' colon was cancerous. "He said he'd been doing it for long enough that he could kind of tell," she said. Shortly after, Davis was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. "I didn't really know what to think or feel," Davis said about learning her diagnosis. "Definitely just numb and confused at first, like 'how did I get this?'" Treatment dragged on due to side effects like vision loss Davis had to switch to a milder and prolonged treatment plan when traditional chemo led to serious side effects. Katie Davis After diagnosis, Davis had surgery on her colon and was supposed to start three months of chemotherapy soon after, but the side effects complicated her treatment. Advertisement Advertisement "I couldn't tolerate the more hardcore chemotherapy," Davis said. She developed extreme fatigue, nausea, and neuropathy, which she said felt like "pins and needles" in her hands every time she encountered temperature changes. The most alarming side effect was her vision loss. "My vision would go completely black," Davis said. Her parents researched the drug, oxaliplatin, which can cause vision issues in some patients. Davis also found the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) and said hearing similar stories around common side effects helped her stay informed about alternative treatment options. Davis was put on oral-only chemotherapy medication, prolonging her treatment from three to six months. The only upside was that she no longer had to travel back and forth for treatment, since she could take it with her wherever she went. Davis tried to keep her life as normal as possible during treatment. Katie Davis All the while, she was still attending her college classes in person as often as she could, even though her professors knew about her colon cancer diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement "My boyfriend lives there, all my friends live there, so I tried to be there as much as possible," she said. "I tried to keep up with my stuff as much as I could, but it definitely was difficult to do schoolwork when I felt as horrible as I did on the chemo." Business Insider's series, "The true cost of young cancer," examines how a surge in cancer diagnoses among young adults is derailing careers, draining finances, and reshaping futures as it collides with a system unprepared for them. Read more. She's glad she listened to her body Davis finished chemo in June 2025 and was declared cancer-free shortly after. Going forward, she'll have blood tests every three months and an annual colonoscopy. Now a senior, Davis is a marketing intern at a financial advisory firm and is trying to figure out her plans post-graduation. She said finishing treatment made her feel "excited to be normal again" and get back to her normal college life without worrying about doctor's appointments or treatment side effects. Now cancer-free, Davis advocates for more awareness of colon cancer symptoms in young people. Katie Davis Looking back, she's grateful for noticing the warning signs early enough. "A lot of my doctors said that most people at my age or with my stage wouldn't really have the symptoms that I had that let me know that something is wrong," she said. "I'm glad that I learned to listen to my body." Advertisement Advertisement It's her biggest piece of advice to young people with similar or subtle symptoms, as colon cancer recently became the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50. She said joining the CCA and colon cancer Facebook groups can also help raise awareness of potential symptoms. "You're not really alone going through it," she said, whether you're worried about symptoms or actively undergoing treatment. "There are other people who are experiencing it too who can help you." Read the original article on Business Insider Three suspects are in custody after a shooting in Tulare sent a child to the hospital. The gunfire erupted near Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and U Street just before 7 p.m. on Friday. That's where officers found a child that had been shot. The child was rushed to a hospital before being airlifted to Valley Children's. Their current condition has not been released. Tulare police say surveillance video shows four men approaching the home where the victim was playing outside. Advertisement Advertisement Three suspects pulled out guns and started shooting towards a group of kids between the ages of four to 16-years-old. All four men left the scene. Today officers found three suspects at a home on Q street and Cedar Avenue. Two guns were also recovered. AUSTIN (KXAN) Three people are dead, including the shooter, and at least 14 others are injured after a gunman opened fire at a bar on West Sixth Street early Sunday morning. The FBI said there are indicators of terrorism related to the shooting. Here are the main headlines: A gunman, identified by Austin PD as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne , opened fire at Bufords Bar, near the intersection of West Sixth Street and Rio Grande Street around 2 a.m. Sunday. Diagne was shot and killed by police. Two people were killed: Ryder Harrington , 19, and Savitha Shan, 21. Fourteen others were taken to the hospital, including three in critical condition. Its unclear if those people were shot or were otherwise injured. Law enforcement officers were seen at a home in Pflugerville and an apartment complex in Del Valle Sunday, possibly tied to the investigation. The FBI is taking the lead on the investigation, according to the mayors office. There are indicators of terrorism, the FBI said in a press conference Sunday. Gov. Abbott has directed DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the area during weekends, adding, We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity. Anyone looking for property left behind in the area should contact businesses directly to retrieve them, APD said. We Are Blood said donations are needed in the wake of the shooting. The organization sent out more than 90 blood products to hospitals Sunday. WATCH: Video shows the moment the gunman was taken down by Austin police. VIDEO: Waymo seen blocking first responders during West Sixth Street shooting. 2 killed, 14 injured In addition to the gunman, two people were killed in the shooting. Fourteen others were injured, three of whom were critically injured. Advertisement Advertisement Ryder Harrington was identified as one of the victims, according to state leaders and sources close with the family. Texas Tech University confirmed to our sister station in Lubbock that he was not currently enrolled but had been last semester. He was a member of the fall 2024 pledge class for the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, according to a social media post. The fraternity plans to hold a candlelight vigil in Harringtons memory Monday evening. Texas Tech student killed in Austin mass shooting From all accounts, Ryder was exactly the kind of young man who made a difference without even trying full of life, loyal to his friends, proud to be a Red Raider and a Texan, and someone who showed up for the people around him, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said. Advertisement Advertisement In a Monday press conference, APD identified the second victim as Savitha Shan, 21. Possible ties to terrorism The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation from the Austin Police Department, according to the Mayor Kirk Watsons office. In a press conference Sunday, the FBI said there were indicators of terrorism related to the shooting. Alex Doran, the acting special agent in charge of the FBIs San Antonio field office, said its joint terrorism task force is investigating, along with other specialty teams. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also responded to the scene. Obviously, its still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism, Doran said. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Abbott said the FBI is working in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety to determine any connection to terrorism. Its been well publicized about what hes done on his own, and what the determination is right now, the investigation is right now, is whether or not this was a lone wolf operation or whether or not there was any connection with anybody else who was he in contact with, Abbott said Monday. Where did he get information from? Did he have any other connection? Abbott said. And we will not rest until every last trail or piece of information is pursued to determine if theres anybody else involved in this whatsoever, and if so, obviously, we will track them down, find them and bring them to justice. Investigators on the scene of mass shooting at Bufords on downtown Austins 6th Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) Investigators on the scene of mass shooting at Bufords on downtown Austins 6th Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) A mass shooting left three people dead and at least 14 more injured (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) Investigators on the scene of mass shooting at Bufords on downtown Austins 6th Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) FBI Evidence Response Team arrives at scene (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) Investigators on the scene of mass shooting at Bufords on downtown Austins 6th Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) FBI Evidence Response Team arrives at scene (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) Investigators on the scene of mass shooting at Bufords on downtown Austins 6th Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN photo/Matt Grant) (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) (KXAN photo/Todd Bynum) (KXAN photo/Todd Bynum) (KXAN photo/Madison Myers) FBI Evidence Response Team arrives at scene (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) FBI Evidence Response Team arrives at scene (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala) Austin Police on the scene where a mass shooting took place on West Sixth Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala) FBI on the scene where a mass shooting took place on West Sixth Street on March 1, 2026. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala) Bomb squad on scene of West Sixth Street suspects home in Pflugerville. Bomb squad on scene of West Sixth Street suspects home in Pflugerville. Vehicles being searched that were involved in Sunday mornings West Sixth Street deadly shooting. Austin Police officers responded to the popular street to calls about a man shooting at Bufords Bar. This is a view from the area on Sunday, March 1 at 9:50 a.m. Austin Police officers responded to the popular street to calls about a man shooting at Bufords Bar. This is a view from the area on Sunday, March 1 at 9:50 a.m. Austin Police officers responded to the popular street to calls about a man shooting at Bufords Bar. This is a view from the area on Sunday, March 1 at 9:50 a.m. What we know about the shooter While the gunman has not yet been identified by law enforcement publicly, mulitple sources have confirmed to KXAN that he was Ndiaga Diagne, 53. According to police, two weapons were used in the shooting a pistol and a rifle. Advertisement Advertisement Gunman in Austin mass shooting became citizen in 2013, had address in Pflugerville in 2017 A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told KXAN that Diagne entered the U.S. in March 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa. He became a lawful permanent resident in June 2006, receiving an IR-6 visa based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, DHS said. He later naturalized as a U.S. citizen in April 2013. Drivers license photo of Ndiaga Diagne. (Courtesy Austin Police Department) Diagne was arrested in Texas in 2022 for collision with vehicle damage, DHS said. Timeline of the shooting Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the gunman, who sources have identified as Ndiaga Diagne, drove around the area in an SUV several times before firing a handgun out of the window. Those shots hit people on the patio and in front of the bar, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Davis said the gunman then parked the vehicle on Wood Street, got out and shot at people walking by. Police responded at that time, and Diagne was shot and killed. How has Sixth Street changed since 2021 mass shooting? Police say improvements helped Sunday response Officers and ATCEMS medics were able to respond to the area quickly because of usual staging on nearby East Sixth Street. ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said medics were on scene within 57 seconds of getting the call at 1:59 a.m. Im very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. I dont think theres any question that it saved lives. Advertisement Advertisement Texas State University is home to the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT), which trains law enforcement agencies nationwide. Assistant Executive Director John Curnutt said the quick response not only by police and EMS but also patrons at the bar made a huge difference. It could have been far, far worse: ALERRT says mass shooting training saved lives Until we can get there, those seconds and minutes are crucial, and not only on the prevention or the response side, but now we get in to stop the bleed, which is what we saw a lot of people doing, helping rendering aid to people that are in their time of need, Curnutt said. And when theres only so many of us on scene, its nice to have these force multipliers of people that are willing and able to help. Reactions from city, state leaders Lawmakers from the city to the state level have shared statements in reaction to Sundays shooting. Austin City Council Member Zo Qadri, who represents the downtown area, said he was deeply shaken and heartbroken by the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement We saw evil in its most truest, vilest form last night, but we also saw hereos in Austin and that being our APD and EMS first responders were on scene in less than a minute, Qadri said. Austin Police Association speaks on deadly mass shooting response Travis County District Attorney Jose Garzas office said in a statement the office was in touch with law enforcement partners to support the investigation. We are heartbroken for all the shooting victims and our community impacted by this senseless violence, the DAs office said. We are grateful for the courageous response from first responders, who undoubtedly saved lives. Advertisement Advertisement MORE REACTIONS: Leaders respond to mass shooting in downtown Austin Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas mourns with the families of those who were horrifically killed in the attack. This act of violence will not defineus, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans, Abbott said. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state. Abbott said he directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the area during weekends, adding, We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. WASHINGTON (AP) Three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the U.S. attacks on Iran, the military announced Sunday, marking the first American casualties in a major offensive that President Donald Trump said could likely lead to more losses in the coming weeks. The three who were killed were U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Kuwait as part of a unit that oversees supplies and logistics, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The development was reported earlier by NBC News and The Washington Post. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when and where they occurred as the Islamic Republic retaliates over the joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel. The post said several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and were going to return to duty. Advertisement Advertisement We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen, Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday afternoon. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. Thats the way it is. Likely be more, but well do everything possible where that wont be the case. In the roughly six-minute video, Trump called those killed true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives. He said the U.S. will avenge their deaths. Trump earlier told the Daily Mail in a phone interview Sunday that the U.S. troops who were killed were great people. You know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately, Trump told the newspaper. Could happen continuous it could happen again. Advertisement Advertisement He also told the Daily Mail that he believes the conflict could last for four weeks or so. He had previously warned that American troops could be killed or injured in the operation. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties, the Republican president said in a video address released early Saturday. That often happens in war. But were doing this not for now. Were doing this for the future. Central Command, meanwhile, described the situation as fluid and said it would withhold the identities of the service members who were killed for 24 hours after their families were notified. Following the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders, Iran's counterattacks have struck U.S. bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military denied Iranian claims that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was struck with ballistic missiles, saying on X that the missiles launched didnt even come close. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation ever targeting Israeli and American military installations. Before the strikes, Trump had built up the largest U.S. military presence in the Middle East in decades. The arrival of the Lincoln and three accompanying guided-missile destroyers at the end of January bolstered the number of warships in the region. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and four accompanying destroyers later were dispatched from the Caribbean Sea to head to the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement The Ford was part of the U.S. raid in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolas Maduro, who was brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The operation in January claimed no American lives but left seven U.S. troops with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries. One of those injured received the Medal of Honor during Trump's State of the Union address last week. Trump said Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the heavily protected military fortress where Maduro was staying. Trump has launched several military operations during his second term, including strikes on members of the Islamic State group in Syria in retaliation for an ambush attack that killed two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter in December. The U.S. military has also struck IS forces in Nigeria, after Trump accused the West African countrys government of failing to rein in the targeting of Christians. Three U.S. troops were killed and five were seriously injured amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, American military officials said on March 1. "Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty," U.S. Central Command wrote in a post on X. More: After Khamenei killed in strikes, Iran wakes to fear and quiet joy Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where, as the state media reports, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Minab, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media reported on February 28 that Israel struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in 40 deaths. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Iranian people run for cover in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard after a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video. A graffiti on a wall reads" Down with the U.S.A", after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran. A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026, after Israel said it carried out a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and phone alerts warned of an "extremely serious" threat. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Buildings inin Tehran stand after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026. Iranians try to clear a street amid heavy traffic in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard following a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani on February 28, 2026. Lebanon's foreign minister said on February 24 his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, after Israel intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah Anti-riot police stand in front of state building that is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting the destruction of a US aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran on a main street in Tehran on February 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. In recent weeks, the United States had moved vast numbers of military vessels and aircraft to Europe and the Middle East. The US and Israel proceeded to launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, Latest photos capture US and Israeli strikes against Iran 1 of 16 Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. Officials said additional information, including the identities of the deceased, would be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified. A U.S. Navy sailor loads ordnance onto an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford while supporting the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location February 28, 2026. The announcement of the first American casualties in the conflict came the day after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials. Iran quickly retaliated. Advertisement Advertisement Trump warned on Feb. 28 that American causalities were possible, but said his administration "has taken every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region." More: 'It's not true': Trump's reasons for Iran attacks questioned "Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill," Trump said. "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war." No details were released on the slain service members or where they were serving. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: First US deaths announced in Trump's Iran operation Three U.S. troops were killed and five more seriously wounded as part of the joint U.S.-Israel operation targeting Iranian military sites and government officials, according to U.S. Central Command, marking the first American deaths in the conflict. Several other troops sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions, the command said Sunday, without giving a location. Iranian missiles have targeted some American bases in Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait as part of the conflict, which the Pentagon has dubbed Operation Epic Fury. These are the first confirmed U.S. fatalities since President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the U.S. had begun major combat operations in Iran. And they dramatically raise the stakes. The fatalities are likely to intensify pressure on the White House and the Pentagon to respond forcefully, potentially widening the conflict beyond limited strikes into a more sustained military campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Confirmed American deaths also represent a significant break from the recent pattern of calibrated, contained escalation. But Trump told NBC News in an interview Sunday that "we expect casualties with something like this. We have three, but we expect casualties," he said. "But in the end its going to be a great deal for the world. The operation described by Trump as a necessary blow against Irans military and nuclear infrastructure had already pushed the longtime adversaries into their most direct confrontation in years. Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at American forces in the region since the American and Israeli strikes began, according to a U.S. official, most of which were intercepted by air defenses. The person was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic. Advertisement Advertisement Iran said it has retaliated against U.S. military facilities in several countries in the Persian Gulf, as well as launched barrages of missiles toward Israel. These include Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. naval base in Bahrain. Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan was also targeted, according to Iranian state media, as well as a U.S. base in northern Iraq. Democrats quickly put the onus on the president. He tries to pass it off as if its like oh, were at war, and its terrible that servicemembers might be killed, said Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.). He is choosing this. He put [U.S. troops] in harms way. They didnt have to die. Gregory Svirnovskiy contributed to this report. At least nine people were killed during pro-Iran protests at the United States consulate in the Pakistani megacity of Karachi on Sunday, according to a hospital toll seen by AFP. Hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters tried to storm the consulate following the US-Israel strikes on Iran, an AFP journalist saw. Nine people died from gunshot wounds, according to the hospital record. Over 30 more were injured. Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear as of Sunday evening who had fired the shots. The chief minister of Sindh province, where Karachi is the capital, said he had ordered a probe into the deaths. Syed Murad Ali Shah "instructed the authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts", a statement said. AFP journalists said clashes between police and protesters were still ongoing outside the consulate at 3:00 pm local time (1000 GMT). "We don't need anything in Pakistan that is linked with the US," a protester, Sabir Hussain, told AFP. "Our government and our forces are supporting the USA." Advertisement Advertisement The protesters chanted slogans against the United States, Israel and their allies. Earlier a crowd of young people climbed over the main gate and gained access to the driveway of the consular building, smashing some windows. Police fired tear gas at the protesters, who dispersed, the AFP journalist saw. In a video circulating on social media, a young demonstrator could be heard saying: "We need to remain united. No power can stop us." "We are setting the American consulate in Karachi on fire. God willing, we are avenging the killing of our leader," another protester said as he filmed others trying to start a blaze. Advertisement Advertisement - American 'stooges' - Elsewhere in Pakistan, around 4,000 people took to the streets in the capital Islamabad, where AFP journalists heard overhead gunfire, believed to be to disperse the crowd, and saw tear gas even before the planned start of a rally at 3:00 pm. Zahra Mumtaz, a 52-year-old housewife from nearby Rawalpindi, said: "Our leader has been martyred, and we are not even allowed to protest." "The least the government could do is let us express our grief," she told AFP, crying. "Our leaders are nothing but stooges of the Americans... The Americans and Israelis will have to pay for this." Advertisement Advertisement In the northern city of Skardu, protesters stormed and set fire to a United Nations office, causing black smoke to rise from the building, an AFP reporter saw. At least three nearby vehicles were completely burned. Thousands of people also took to the streets in the eastern city of Lahore. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday evening that the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a "violation" of international law. The "people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom" of Khamenei, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement "Pakistan also expresses concern over violation of the norms of international law," he added. The embassies of the United States and Britain both urged citizens in Pakistan to be cautious in the country. ah-sma-zz/je/mjw Nine people were injured after a shooting broke out at Riverfront Live on Cincinnati's East Side early Sunday. The shooting was reported about 1 a.m. March 1 at the Kellogg Avenue music venue on the border of East End and Linwood, according to Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie. Dozens flooded out from inside the venue in a panic as gunshots rang out, according to a neighboring business' surveillance camera footage obtained by Enquirer media partner Fox 19. Advertisement Advertisement Eight of the people shot were taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center and one person was brought to Good Samaritan Hospital, Hennie said. Police say a shooting left nine people wounded during an event at Riverfront Live early on March 1, 2026. One person at UC Medical Center is in critical condition, according to hospital spokeswoman Heather Chura-Smith. Five people are in stable condition and two have been treated and released, she said. The status of the person at Good Samaritan Hospital is unknown. Hospital staff declined to provide an update on the person's status. An event was in progress at the venue, Hennie said, but he did not say what it was. A description on the venue's website lists it as a "nightlife concert venue." Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Aftab Pureval called the shooting "unconscionable" in a statement. This story will be updated. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 9 injured, 1 critical after Cincinnati mass shooting at Riverfront Live Police say a shooting left nine people wounded during an event at Riverfront Live early on March 1, 2026. Nine people were injured in a mass shooting at Riverfront Live on Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati on March 1, 2026. Mass shooting at Riverfront Live show injures 9 1 of 2 Police say a shooting left nine people wounded during an event at Riverfront Live early on March 1, 2026. Nine people were injured after a shooting broke out inside Riverfront Live on Cincinnati's East Side early Sunday. Shots rang out around 1 a.m. March 1 from within a crowd of hundreds at the Kellogg Avenue venue, which is one of Cincinnati's largest. At least one gunman who made it past security with a pistol opened fire in the crowd, the venue's owner Tim Jordan said. All nine people wounded are in stable condition, Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie told reporters Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been announced in the shooting. No information has been revealed about possible suspects or a motive. Hennie said officers are still investigating. The Columbus Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting Cincinnati police in the investigation. Here's what we know. Shooting unfolded inside during 'peaceful' party A Louisville-based DJ was hosting his birthday party inside Riverfront Live when the shooting erupted. Jermaine Tandy, also known as DJ Fresh, said he's never had a "security issue of this magnitude" and is saddened by the shooting. Hennie said there was nothing suspicious leading up to the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement "Everything was peaceful leading up to that," Hennie said. Jordan said he was standing by one of the side doors before the shooting. He recounts hearing at least 10 shots go off toward the back of the bar as the crowd of at least 600 began to panic. Dozens flooded out from inside the venue in a panic as gunshots rang out, according to a neighboring business' surveillance camera footage obtained by Enquirer media partner Fox 19. Some people were trampled while trying to escape, Jordan said. What are the conditions of those who were injured? As of Sunday afternoon, six people have been treated and released from UC Medical Center, while two people remain there in stable condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman. One person at Good Samaritan Hospital is in stable condition, Hennie said. Owner says gunman made it past security with pistol The club's owner said he is unsure how the gunman made it past security. Jordan said there were several Cincinnati police officers working special details and performing roving patrols. Advertisement Advertisement Upon entry, Jordan said patrons were patted down by security for weapons, scanned with a metal detector wand and required to walk through a metal detector. We need to figure out how this got into the building, Jordan said. I can tell you we are not going to deal with the outside promoters anymore, the outside events like we were doing. We want to control the entire event. What we don't know Police have not announced any arrests, suspects or motives in the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation. It is unclear if there were one or two gunmen. Hennie repeatedly referred to multiple "individuals" during a news conference March 1, but later told reporters he could not confirm if there was more than one shooter. Advertisement Advertisement "I need to ensure that I keep the integrity of this investigation in order to make sure that we bring these individuals in custody and hold them accountable," Hennie said. Jordan said surveillance camera footage from inside Riverfront Live shows one gunman used a handgun. The type of handgun and ammunition is unclear. What is Riverfront Live? Riverfront Live is one of Cincinnati's largest concert venues, the latest iteration of a complex that has long lived alongside the Ohio River near Lunken Airport. In addition to its indoor bar, it has an outdoor space that can fit 3,500. Before it was Riverfront Live, most locals knew the club as Annie's, but it had short stints as Stage Forty-Three and Inner Circle. Advertisement Advertisement Annie's has a reputation in Cincinnati. It used to be the city's home for heavy metal and hard-rock acts. After Annie's and its subsequent spin-offs were closed, Jordan bought the property in 2019 and reopened the music venue under the new name. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 9 shot in Cincinnati Riverfront Live mass shooting are stable. What we know Explosions were heard in the Afghan capital Kabul Sunday, AFP journalists said, with the Taliban government saying they were responding to aerial Pakistan attacks. A spokesman for Afghanistan's defence ministry said that "air defence strikes were carried out against Pakistani aircraft in Kabul". Months of cross-border clashes have flared again since Thursday, when Afghanistan launched an offensive along the frontier, with Pakistani forces hitting back on the border and from the skies. Advertisement Advertisement The renewed violence came after Afghan residents and officials said troops from both countries had been battling along the border, with the fighting coming alongside multiple strikes including the former US air base at Bagram. Earlier, residents in multiple areas bordering Pakistan told AFP of fighting, while the Afghan government said three people were killed overnight in drone strikes and shelling. North of the capital Kabul, air strikes "hit Bagram air base", according to a resident who AFP is not naming for security reasons. A second resident said "it was very strong, which shook the area. There was smoke and fire coming out north of the airport", describing the dawn raid as "very terrifying". Advertisement Advertisement The provincial spokesman, Fazl ul Rahim Maskin Yar, said Pakistani jets "attempted to bomb" the base, but there were no casualties or damage. Pakistan acknowledged bombing key cities Friday including Kabul and Kandahar, which is home to Afghanistan's supreme leader, but has not commented on Sunday's strikes. The presence of security forces was boosted in central Kabul on Sunday evening, with increased checks on cars, an AFP journalist said. Late Sunday evening, Afghan officials claimed to have retaliated with strikes on multiple bases in Pakistan that caused "significant damage", including in the major city of Rawalpindi, though there were no immediate Pakistani reports of such attacks. Advertisement Advertisement "Any further violations of our airspace or acts of aggression by hostile Pakistani elements will be met with a swift, decisive, and proportionate response," the Afghan Ministry of Defence posted on X, with a video of a drone flying into the distance. - Border clashes - Before dawn, AFP journalists in the capital heard an explosion followed by successive gunfire, with Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying anti-aircraft fire was being shot at Pakistani planes. Drones were also heard by an AFP journalist in the border province of Khost, while in Jalalabad city -- between Kabul and the border -- an AFP photographer saw a jet. Advertisement Advertisement The Afghan government's deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, said Pakistani fire had killed 36 civilians across multiple provinces since Thursday, which Islamabad has not commented on. In Kunar's provincial capital Asadabad, an 18-year-old said his brother had been killed, a few months after getting married. "When the fighting started, we told him to come with us and leave the area, but he said: 'I will stay and look after the house,'" said Sajid, who only gave one name. "He was martyred near the mosque while trying to leave," he told AFP. Multiple residents in Afghanistan's Khost and Nangarhar provinces told AFP the two sides were engaged in sporadic clashes on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement - 'Stop the war' - On Saturday, AFP spoke to Khost residents who had fled their homes near the frontier. "We demand from the international community and the whole world to put pressure on Pakistan to stop the war," said 46-year-old displaced resident Javed, who only gave one name. Diplomatic efforts have failed to secure a truce, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar among those engaged in efforts to halt the fighting. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government rejects. Many attacks have been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has stepped up assaults in Pakistan since 2021, the year the Taliban authorities returned to power in Kabul. Advertisement Advertisement This week's escalation marked the first time that Pakistan has focused its air strikes on Afghan government facilities, analysts noted, a stark change from previous operations that it said targeted militants. Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said 46 locations across Afghanistan had been hit by air strikes since its operation began. Pakistan has killed 415 Afghan soldiers, the minister said. Islamabad said earlier 12 of its soldiers had been killed. Fitrat, Afghanistan's deputy spokesman, said more than 80 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 27 military posts captured. The Afghan government earlier put the death toll among its troops at 13. Advertisement Advertisement Casualty claims from both sides are difficult to verify independently. The violence of recent days is the worst since October fighting killed more than 70 people on both sides, with land borders between the neighbours largely shut since. Several rounds of negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan last year followed a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey. bur-ash/rsc/mjw/des/sla Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty. Airlines kept canceling flights across the Middle East on Sunday, as much of the regions airspace remained closed a day after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunging the region into a new conflict. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed, and air strikes kept major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, shut or severely restricted. Advertisement Advertisement Below is the latest on flights listed by airline in alphabetical order: Aegean Airlines Greece's largest carrier suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Erbil in Iraq until March 2. Air Astana The group canceled all flights to the Middle East through March 3. An Airbus A320-214 passenger aircraft of Lufthansa airline, takes off from Malaga-Costa del Sol airport, in Malaga, Spain, May 3, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo) Air Canada The airline said it has canceled flights from Canada to Israel until March 8 and flights to Dubai until March 3. Air Europa The Spanish airline canceled its flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday and is monitoring the situation to assess operations from Tuesday. Air France KLM Air France canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel and Beirut in Lebanon on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement KLM brought forward the suspension of its AmsterdamTel Aviv service, canceling the flight scheduled for Saturday. The Dutch arm of Air FranceKLM had announced on Wednesday that flights would be halted from Sunday, but has now advanced that date. Only one flight to Tel Aviv had been scheduled for Saturday. KLM KLM has canceled or adjusted flights across the Middle East because of the conflict that erupted in the region over the weekend, avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel and parts of the Gulf, it said on Saturday evening. The Dutch arm of Air FranceKLM AIRF.PA said that flights to and from Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh due to take off over the weekend have been canceled. Advertisement Advertisement KLM had already brought forward suspension of its AmsterdamTel Aviv service to February 28 after strikes hit Iran. The carrier said it is monitoring developments closely and will update its schedule as needed and that passengers on affected flights will be rebooked once operations resume. Air India The carrier canceled flights scheduled for Sunday from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris. It added that more flights to London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen and Frankfurt had been canceled. Azerbaijan Airlines The airline has suspended flights to and from Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Tel Aviv. British Airways IAG-owned British Airways said it has canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3 and its flight to Amman on Saturday. Cathay Pacific Hong Kong's Cathay Group, parent of Cathay Pacific Airways, suspended operations in the region, affecting passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, as well as freighter service at Al Maktoum airport. That is Dubai's second airport after Dubai International Airport, the primary hub that handles most passenger traffic. Emirates The UAE's Emirates said in a post on X that it has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai. Etihad The UAE's Etihad said flights scheduled to depart Abu Dhabi were suspended until 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. Flydubai The airline said it had temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3 p.m. local time on Sunday. Iberia Express The Spanish airline owned by Iberia Group, canceled a flight to Tel Aviv scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. local time. Indigo IndiGo, India's biggest airline, said it had extended a temporary suspension of select international flights using the Middle East airspace until Monday. ITA Airways ITA Airways has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv and would not use the airspace of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran until March 7. Flights to and from Dubai were suspended until March 1. Japan Airlines Japan Airlines canceled a flight on Saturday from Tokyo Haneda to Doha as well as a return flight on March 1, Nikkei said. Lot Polish Airlines LOT Polish Airlines returned its flight LO121 from Warsaw to Dubai to Warsaw. Lufthansa The German airline suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon, and Oman until March 7 and flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement It also said it would not fly through Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi and Iranian airspace until March 7. Norwegian Air The Nordic airline suspended all flights to and from Dubai until March 4, a company spokesperson said. The carrier did not suspend flights to Tel Aviv in Israel or Beirut in Lebanon as these destinations are only active in summer, he added. Pegasus Airlines The airline said that flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon were canceled until and including March 2. Qatar Airways The airline said flights remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of the Qatari airspace. It will provide a further update by 9 a.m. local time on Monday. Scandinavian Airlines The airline told Reuters it had suspended its flight to Tel Aviv from Copenhagen on Saturday. No decision had been made regarding flights on later dates. Turkish Airlines The airline canceled flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman on Saturday and flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until March 2. Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic said it will temporarily avoid Iraqi airspace, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of its flights and has canceled its VS400 service from London Heathrow to Dubai on Saturday. WIZZ Air The Hungarian airline WIZZ.Lhalted flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect until March 7. It added that operational decisions would continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule could be adjusted as the situation evolves. Note: This story has been updated with additional information. A police chase involving a semitruck Saturday evening ended in an officer-involved shooting in Akron. The incident started in Springfield Township. According to the Springfield Police Department, the township's officers were called to the IHOP restaurant on South Arlington Road on Feb. 28 on a report of a man creating a disturbance. When the responding officers arrived, the suspect left the restaurant, entered a semitruck and pulled onto South Arlington Road before immediately turning into the Walmart parking lot behind the IHOP. Advertisement Advertisement The suspect drove the semitruck to the rear of the Walmart property and then proceeded westbound toward South Arlington Road, according to Springfield police. The township's officers positioned a marked cruiser in front of the semitruck in an attempt to prevent it from leaving the property. The suspect initially stopped but refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. As officers attempted to remove the suspect from the semitruck, he suddenly accelerated. The semitruck maneuvered around the police cruiser and continued toward South Arlington Road. During this sequence of events, one officer was able to safely jump from the moving vehicle. A second officer was thrown from the moving semitruck and sustained injuries as a result of the fall. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Springfield Township Police initiated a pursuit of the semitruck which headed north on Interstate 77, however, the pursuit was terminated after the vehicle entered Akron. Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy said officers responded to a call for assistance around 6:14 p.m. Feb. 28 that a truck that had been involved in a chase outside of the city was believed to be in the 1700 block of East Market Street. Advertisement Advertisement The Summit County Sheriff's department also responded to assist for the call for help after an officer from the initial department, which was not immediately released, was injured. Akron officers found the semi in a parking lot. Murphy said the driver attempted to flee and struck "multiple" cruisers and headed west on East Market Street. The semi struck another cruiser and other vehicles, authorities say, near Innovation Way. Murphy said two police officers fired at the driver, striking the suspect at least once. A Summit County Sheriff's deputy also fired at the driver. The driver, whose name was not released, was taken to an undisclosed hospital for what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Murphy said the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy as a result of the incident. One officer involved in the shooting has about six years of experience while the other has three years of experience. Murphy said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is heading the investigation into the shooting. After BCI wraps up its investigation, Murphy said, the case will be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney Generals Office before being submitted to a Summit County grand jury for its evaluation. A separate internal investigation by the city's Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will also be done. Advertisement Advertisement Murphy said those results will be provided to the police chief and the city of Akron police auditor. Mayor Shammas Malik said he was grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded to the incident. My thoughts are with one of our Akron officers who sustained a minor injury at the scene, and with the Springfield officer who was injured in the initial encounter," Malik said. "I am grateful that no officers or members of the public were more seriously harmed. This incident reflects the very challenging nature of police work and the reality that officers must be prepared to respond to significant dangers. I'm thankful for the dedication of our Akron Police Department officers, who serve our city each and every day. Reporter April Helms contributed to this story This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Police shooting follows semitruck chase and series of crashes Hopefully you never find yourself left behind by a partner while hiking a mountain or abandoned in the woods. If you do, you might be a victim of an alpine divorce. Most Read from Fast Company The phrase has gained traction on social media in recent weeks following news of a climbers guilty verdict after he left his girlfriend behind on a hike, where she froze to death on Austrias highest mountain. Advertisement Advertisement The phrase is said to have originated from the 1893 short story An Alpine Divorce by Robert Barr, in which an unhappy husband plots to kill his wife by pushing her off a mountain during a trip to the Swiss Alps. Across platforms like TikTok and X, women have started sharing their own stories of times they were allegedly left behind to fend for themselves by partners during hikes. One TikTok creator posted a short clip of herself walking along a mountain trail earlier this month. In the clip, she is audibly upset. POV: you go on a hike with him in the mountains but he leaves you alone by yourself and you realize he never liked you to begin with, she wrote in the videos text overlay. Her video has since gone viral, with over 19 million views. The comments section is filled with similar stories from other users. My boyfriend did this to me. I found another hiker to show me how to get back then I went home and blocked his number, one wrote. Advertisement Advertisement This happened to me in Joshua tree on a day when it was 100+ degrees outside, another wrote. My ex husband left me and took the backpack with water and snacks. I thought hed come back but nope. Finally found my way back to the car and he was chilling in the front seat with the AC on. Needless to say were divorced. While many of the stories are unverified personal accounts, the recent surge in attention has also served as a grim reminder of the real-life case that echoes the tropes dark origins. Thomas Plamberger, 37, was found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter over the death of his 33-year-old girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner. He was given a suspended sentence of five months in prison and fined 9,600 euros (about $11,300). In January 2025, the two hiked up Grossglockner, Austrias highest mountain. After Gurtner became exhausted, Plamberger abandoned her roughly 50 meters from the summit in freezing, high-wind conditions and without an emergency blanket. She later died of hypothermia. During the course of the trial, an ex-girlfriend of Plambergers came forward and testified that he had also left her alone on a night hike on Grossglockner a few years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Once we descended the Glockner at night, and suddenly he was gone, she reportedly said. I felt dizzy, I screamed, and I was completely alone. From then on, we didnt go on any more hikes together. This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com Subscribe to get the Fast Company newsletter: http://fastcompany.com/newsletters The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said a young Athens man was charged with rape and related charges from an incident early on Saturday morning. According to police, 19-year-old Tydarius Wingfield saw a female University of Georgia student, who police say he did not know, and asked to walk her home. Officers responded after the incident was reported at about 1:38 a.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement While doing so, Wingfield is said to have forced the woman behind a building on Thomas Street, where he sexually assaulted her. Police used their Real Time Crime Centers downtown camera system to observe the incident location and Wingfield and the victims movements, tracking him down through the downtown area and using the technology to positively identify him. Wingfield was charged with kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, battery and rape. Athens police said the case remains under investigation and anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. Burgamy at 762-400-7173 or by email. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has died aged 86, was Irans spiritual leader and highest authority and widely regarded as the main obstacle to reform; despite repeated protestations that nuclear weapons are un-Islamic he was seen by many governments in the West as a key force behind his countrys suspected plan to acquire the bomb. Khamenei succeeded Ayatollah Khomeini as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic in 1989, having served as president from 1981. Khomenei had been the Marja al-Taqlid (Supreme Source of Emulation), the holiest man in the Shia branch of Islam, and under the constitution only another marja could succeed him. Khamenei had no such qualification, and when he took over as Supreme Leader the constitution had to be amended to allow the post to be held by a lower-ranking theologian. Advertisement Advertisement The background to Khameneis appointment and the key to his leadership was the concept of Veleyat-e Faqih (government of the jurist), an idea promoted by Khomeini to justify the takeover of the state by the religious authorities. It advocated the application of sharia law, vetted by an Islamic jurist or faqih to ensure political rule, or veleyat. Even in Khomeinis lifetime a significant number of mullahs had been opposed to the concept, but particularly after his death Islamic revolutionaries were unnerved by the possibility that a new Marja al-Taqlid might call them back to the mosques and religious schools, an eventuality which would deprive them not only of political power but also of their enjoyment of the huge assets that had been seized from supporters of the Shah during the 1979 revolution. At the United Nations in New York in 1987 with the Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar - Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images Khomeinis designated successor until shortly before his death was Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, a respected scholar and marja who ranked far higher in the Islamic hierarchy than Khamenei. In 1988, however, Khomeini had denounced Montazeri after the latter criticised the war with Iraq and the regimes record of human rights abuses, including its policy of mass execution of political prisoners. Khamenei would have liked to have become the new Marja al-Taqlid after Khomeinis death but could not push it through. When he was thwarted, he manoeuvred Ayatollah Araki a deaf, blind and inoffensive centenarian into the post instead. It was not until Arakis death in 1994 that Khamenei was proclaimed Marja al-Taqlid by the Society of Teachers of Qom. But his claim to the title remained disputed, one prominent Iranian cleric comparing the designation to an undergraduate awarding himself a PhD. Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei, disrespectfully known in the Tehran streets as Ali Shah (a reference to what many believed to be his monarchical aspirations), could never match the dominating presence or moral authority of Khomeini and presided over a steady draining away of popular legitimacy from the Islamic republic and its leaders. He responded to this with a combination of repression and attempts to keep the paranoid spirit of revolutionary nationalism alive with attacks on all the usual suspects the international Zionist conspiracy, the United States (the Great Satan), and the writer Salman Rushdie, whose death sentence he confirmed from time to time. Khameneis years in power were marked by a series of struggles with Ayatollah Montazeri and his supporters which culminated in 1997 in the closure of Montazeris religious school, an attack on his office in Qom and a period of house arrest. He also frequently crossed swords with Irans reformist President Rafsanjani (in office from 1989 to 1997), who had initially supported Khamenei as Khomeinis successor, expecting him to be grateful and too weak to block his planned economic reforms. A poster depicting Khamenei casting his vote is put up in the run-up to an election in 1998 - Atta Kenare/EPA/AFP Instead, Khamenei used the almost limitless powers of his office in alliance with radical factions and wealthy traders who did not wish to lose their grip on the countrys economic levers to keep Iran on its isolationist course. Advertisement Advertisement At times Khamenei seemed to be trying to recapture some degree of popular support by allowing reformists a margin for manoeuvre, notably under President Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005). But there was seldom any doubt where real power lay. After the parliamentary elections of 2000 Khamenei ordered the new reformist parliament to abandon its promise to expand freedom of speech and revive the banned progressive press. The subsequent elections in 2004 were subverted to ensure the election of Right-wingers. With the election to the presidency of the fundamentalist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the following year, the Khamenei regime finally shed any pretence of public accountability. Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei was born on July 17 1939 (some sources cite April 19 1939) to an ethnic Azeri family in the eastern holy city of Mashhad. Little is known about his early life, though it seems that he began his religious studies in Mashhad aged 18 and received training at Palestinian guerrilla camps in Lebanon and Libya. In 1958 he moved to the holy city of Qom to study under Khomeini, whose attacks on the Shah were attracting growing popular support. Five years later he was involved in student demonstrations which ended in the police storming the Ayatollahs seminary and killing about 20 students. Advertisement Advertisement Khomeini was sent into exile, and Khamenei returned to Mashhad for more years of study. But his involvement with Khomeini made him the target of surveillance by the Shahs secret police, and he spent three of the next 10 years behind bars. A boy carrying a Hezbollah flag runs past posters depicting, from the left, Khamenei, Ayatollah Khomeini and the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in the Lebanese town of Jibsheet in 2015 - Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP/Getty Images He was prominent in the increasingly violent street riots that ended in the Shahs flight into exile in January 1979. With the return of Khomeini two weeks later he became a member of the 14-member Council of the Islamic Revolution, and under the new Islamic Republic he became the councils representative in the defence ministry. He was given the job of running a military bureau to indoctrinate recruits in Islamic theology. Khomeini also made him commander of a new militia, Guardians of the Islamic Revolution, and later included him among the founders of the Islamic Revolution Party, which became the ruling party in late 1979. The same year he was among those who whipped up students into invading the American embassy and taking 55 Americans hostage for 444 days in an attempt to barter them for the return of the Shah. In 1980 Khamenei was elected to parliament and appointed the Friday prayer leader in Tehran, a post he used to deliver rabble-rousing attacks on the enemies of Islam and advocate a hard-line Islamic justice, including stonings and executions. Advertisement Advertisement The faithful, he said on one occasion, should turn their mosques into prayer, political, cultural and military bases. He regarded the conflict with Iraq as a Holy War and was instrumental in the early years in persuading Khomeini to reject peace overtures from Baghdad. In June 1981 Khamenei narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a bomb, concealed in a tape recorder at a press conference, exploded beside him. He was permanently injured, but his wounds kept him from attending a meeting of the Islamic Republic Party the following day when another explosion killed 72 people, including four cabinet ministers and the chief justice. Two months later a bomb killed President Ali Rajai and the party general secretary Javad Bahionar. After taking the party post immediately, in 1981 Khamenei was elected to the presidency, winning more than 95 per cent of the votes cast a defeat, as he saw it, for deviationism, liberalism and American-influenced leftists. Khamenei casts his vote in the 2016 elections for Parliament and the Assembly of Experts - Scott Peterson/Getty Images Many saw Khameneis presidency as a sign that Islamic modernisers were losing the battle. He was re-elected for a second term in 1985 with more than 85 per cent of the total vote. Advertisement Advertisement As Supreme Leader, Khamenei continued the hard-line anti-Western policies of his predecessor. Despite high levels of ill-feeling against Iraq following the Iran-Iraq war, he opposed the American-led Gulf War to oust Saddam Hussein from Kuwait and later ruled out any Iranian help for the War on Terror, accusing the US government of using the September 11 attacks on Washington and New York as a pretext for settling accounts with the Muslim world. In 2004 an American federal court found that the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers complex in Saudi Arabia had been authorised by Khamenei. More recently Khamenei had been seen as the guiding spirit behind the Iranian governments refusal to yield to international demands to suspend its uranium enrichment programme and its attempts to turn the nuclear issue into a nationalist touchstone. But he sternly denied those suggestions, insisting that there was no Iranian project to build a nuclear bomb. In September 2009 on state television he broadcast a rejection of American reports that Iran had a covert nuclear programme, stating: We fundamentally reject nuclear weapons and prohibit the production and the use of nuclear weapons. Khamenei in 2024 - Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Less than two weeks later, however, Iran was forced to reveal that not only that it had been running a second secret uranium enrichment site but that it had been built near Qom itself. Some analysts suggested that an 1984 comment attributed to Khamenei came closer to his feelings on the subject than the strait-laced denials of his latter years. A nuclear arsenal would serve Iran as a deterrent in the hands of Gods soldiers, he is reported to have said. Advertisement Advertisement The nuclear showdown with the West was undoubtedly a useful issue to mask other, equally strained, relations within Iran itself. In June 2009 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ran for re-election in a poll that was considered widely flawed. When Ahmadinejad was declared the winner his main rival, Mir-Hossein Mousavi, declared the election a fraud, and opposition protesters took to the streets. Demonstrators fought openly with the uniformed and secret police, in a rare public challenge to the authority of the government of the Islamic Revolution. The riots were the most protracted since widespread student demonstrations in 1999. Rather than assuage the feelings of injustice, however, Khamenei initially called the result, a 62.6 per cent of the vote victory for Ahmadinejad, a divine assessment. As the protests continued however, he called instead for an investigation into possible electoral fraud. At the end of June, Irans guardian council certified the election result, and the large-scale marches and demonstrations began to peter out. The latter years of his reign were marred by more riots, and in 2019 dozens of people were killed in the city of Mahshah during protests against perceived government corruption and Khameneis repressive rule. Advertisement Advertisement The death in custody of a young Kurdish young woman, Jina Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for improper dress, led to a sustained wave of demonstrations in late 2022. Alongside the Great Satan, Khameneis other pet hate was Israel, which he described as a cancerous tumour of a state and predicted in 2025 that it would not exist in 25 years time. Viewing the fate of the Palestinians as the core issue for Islam, he praised Hamass attack on Israel in October 2023 and condemned the Netanyahu governments retaliation as genocidal. In July 2025 Khamenei appeared in a video broadcast greeting chanting crowds and during the February 2026 attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States he was reported to have been killed and his body recovered from rubble after a daylight bombing raid. Ali Khameini was married with two daughters and four sons. Like other prominent figures in the Islamic Republic, he claimed to run a modest household. As his health declined, there were reports that he had chosen his son Mojtaba as his successor. Ayatollah Ali Khameini, born July 17 1939, died February 28 2026 Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Berkeley police are warning residents about a "sophisticated and aggressive" scam that's cost at least one person $450,000. In an alert sent out via Nixle, the Berkeley Police Department said there have been a number of reports about a group of men with "Irish or British accents" who are running a contractor scam. Usually operating in small groups, the men have been seen driving white Ford F-150s and posing as contractors working in the neighborhood. Unsolicited, they've knocked on resident's doors, pretending they were hired by a neighbor, and pointed out small but "urgent" issues with their roof or chimney. Advertisement Advertisement "Once on the roof, the scammers intentionally cause damage - such as removing structural blocks or cutting holes," Berkeley police said. Residents have been defrauded of anywhere from $10,000 to $450,000, police said. "This is a predatory crime that exploits the trust of our most vulnerable neighbors," Berkeley police Det. Jeremy Lathrop said in a statement. "We urge all residents to talk to their elderly family members and neighbors about these tactics. Do not let anyone on your roof without a verified contract and license." The statement said the men are possibly part of "international rings of foreign nationals" operating under fictitious companies such as Statewide Roofing or Reliance Paving. In 2024, four Irish nationals were charged in connection with a similar roofing scheme. Two men were arrested in New York City before flying out of the country and brought back to Denver to face theft and racketeering charges; those men were suspected of possibly running the alleged scam in California as well. That same year, two Irish nationals pleaded guilty in Seattle to tricking homeowners into paying thousands for home repairs. It's not clear if these cases are connected to the ones reported in the Bay Area. Advertisement Advertisement An 89-year-old woman who lives near the Ashby BART station told the Berkeley Scanner a young Irish man knocked on her door in early February. He reportedly told her that she had a raccoon on her roof and that he'd remove it for $60. Two more men inspected the woman's roof and told her she needed $1,600 in repairs, she said. She later learned the men allegedly removed shingles and created the hole themselves. Berkeley police have issued a few tips to help protect yourself from contractor scams: never hire a contractor who approaches you unsolicited, make sure to check that they're licensed with the state and ignore their sense of urgency. Finding a trusted local business to ask for a second opinion is recommended. The men have been seen wearing high-visibility vests and driving Ford pickups with out-of-state license plates. Anyone who sees suspicious activity or suspects they were scammed can contact police at 510-981-5900. More News - Man found guilty of murdering Sierra LaMar has conviction overturned - 2-year-old child killed after being struck by driver in San Francisco - Missing New York woman found and arrested in Bay Area - Another company joins the California-to-Texas exodus with HQ move Sign up for daily SFGATE breaking news alerts here. This article originally published at Bay Area police warn of 'aggressive' scam defrauding locals of up to $450K. The Belgian federal prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the oil tanker Ethera to determine whether it breached the Belgian Shipping Code. Source: Belgian public broadcaster RTBF, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Guinea-flagged vessel was intercepted by the Belgian Armed Forces in the North Sea on the evening of Saturday 28 February and redirected into Belgian territorial waters before being detained in the port of Zeebrugge. Advertisement Advertisement The federal prosecutor's office said an inspection, conducted in the presence of an inspector from the Directorate-General for Navigation at Belgium's Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport, had identified "indications of a false flag" and uncovered documents that were "likely forged". After consulting the public prosecutor of West Flanders, the authorities opened an investigation and ordered the ship to be redirected. The prosecutor's office said it is working closely with the West Flanders office, the maritime police and the Navigation Administration, although no further details have been given at this stage. General Frederik Vansina said Belgium had been monitoring the tanker "for some time". He cited several common indications that a vessel is engaged in illicit maritime operations: frequent voyages between Russia and South America, regular switching-off of identification systems, and changes of flag. The vessel's bridge was seized shortly before midnight and full control of the ship was established soon afterwards. All 21 crew members were identified. The vessel arrived in Zeebrugge on the morning of 1 March, where it was detained. Advertisement Advertisement The 180-m-long ship was boarded shortly before midnight. The operation involved 93 military personnel, a sniffer dog and assistance from the French Navy. French President Emmanuel Macron also praised the operation on social media, posting video footage of the boarding. "We are on alert," Belgium's Defence Minister Theo Francken said, warning of "diplomatic repercussions" from Moscow. Belgium's ambassador to Russia has reportedly been briefed and may be summoned. Francken also pointed out the symbolic significance: after France, Belgium is the second EU member state to detain an oil tanker linked to Russia's shadow fleet. Belgium's National Crisis Centre is assessing the situation, while the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (CUTA) has been tasked with further analysis. Background: On 22 January, France, with the support of the United Kingdom, detained the Grinch, a Russian shadow fleet tanker, off the coast of Spain after inspecting documents that confirmed suspicions the vessel was sailing under a false flag. The ship is subject to EU and UK sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later said his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron had told him about plans to release the tanker due to legal requirements. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Belgian authorities have boarded an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said on Sunday. "Our armed forces, with the support of the French Defence, have boarded an oil tanker belonging to the Russian shadow fleet," Francken wrote on X. "The vessel is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized." Advertisement Advertisement The Belgian public prosecutor's office said that the vessel "Ethera," reportedly on its way back to Russia, appeared "to be sailing under the flag of Guinea, but there are indications that this is a false flag." During an on-board inspection "the indications of a false flag were confirmed, and ship documents were found that are suspected of being false." Sailing under a false flag "does not comply with several international regulations," prosecutors said. French President Emmanuel Macron said the joint operation was "a major blow to the shadow fleet." Advertisement Advertisement "Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russias war of aggression in Ukraine by enforcing sanctions," Macron wrote on X. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever congratulated the military on X for "the successful operation last night," without elaborating. He thanked France and added that Belgium would "uphold international maritime law and the security of its territorial waters." In a post on the X platform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote "We welcome this strong action against Moscows floating purse and thank France for supporting the operation." Advertisement Advertisement He added that "Russia operates like a mafia organization, and the response must match that reality. If they reject the rules for the sake of war, the rules must foresee a clear and firm answer." The Russian embassy in Brussels stated that it had not been officially notified of the boarding of the oil tanker and the reasons for it. The embassy is currently clarifying whether there were any Russian citizens on board. The shadow fleet is Russia's response to the international oil-price cap imposed on the country's fossil-fuel exports. Moscow has been trying to conceal the origin of its oil using various methods like switching off or manipulating satellite transponders, or transferring oil between tankers on the high seas. Belgium said Sunday its special forces had boarded and seized an oil tanker from the "shadow fleet" Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, in an overnight operation. The Belgian government said the vessel was intercepted in the North Sea, with aerial support from French military helicopters. Defence Minister Theo Francken said the tanker was escorted to the port of Zeebrugge after being intercepted in Belgium's exclusive economic zone. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors identified the ship, which was said to be on its way back to Russia, as the "Ethera". A spokeswoman for the Belgian federal prosecutor's office said the ship captain, a Russian national, was being questioned by investigators. The tanker flew the flag of Guinea, but an on-board inspection confirmed suspicions that it was sailing under a false flag, the office said, adding that authorities have opened a criminal investigation. "If a ship sails under a false flag, this means that it does not comply with several international regulations," the statement added. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on X that his country's naval forces assisted in the operation, calling it a "major blow" to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet". Advertisement Advertisement Russia has used a flotilla of ageing tankers of opaque ownership to get around restrictions on its lucrative crude exports imposed over its 2022 all-out invasion of Ukraine. The Belgian defence ministry said the seized tanker was on the European Union's sanctions list. The EU has blacklisted hundreds of vessels in a bid to sap Moscow's war chest. "Sanctions only matter if they are enforced. Today, we enforced them," Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who is also Belgium's deputy prime minister, said on X. - 'Bad guys' - The operation was carried out alongside Belgium's G7, Nordic and Baltic partners and in coordination with France, he added. Advertisement Advertisement "Great job Belgium stopping these bad guys," the US ambassador to the country, Bill White, commented on social media. France provided air support with two NH90 helicopters, the defence ministry said. Footage of the operation posted online by Macron showed Belgian forces rappelling down from the aircraft to board the ship. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on social media congratulated his country's armed forces on their "professional and decisive conduct" and thanked France for its "essential support". Russia's embassy in Belgium said it had not been officially notified of the tanker's detention, nor informed about the nationality of its crew. Advertisement Advertisement "The embassy is currently taking the necessary steps to determine whether there are Russian citizens on board and to ensure their legal rights if confirmed," it said in a Telegram post. Sanctions aimed at limiting Moscow's revenues used to pursue its war have shut out many tankers carrying Russian oil from Western insurance and shipping systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Belgium's "strong action against Moscow's floating purse" and thanked France for supporting the operation. "This particular vessel has long been under US, EU, and UK sanctions, but nonetheless continued to illegally transport Russian oil using a false flag and forged documents," he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement In February, it was revealed that two employees of a Russian private security company were aboard another suspected Russian "shadow fleet" tanker seized by France in September. The two men were employed by Moran Security Group, a Russian private security company, and were tasked with monitoring the crew and gathering intelligence, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP. French forces boarded another suspected Russian tanker, the Grinch, in January. But the ship was later let go after its owner paid a multi-million-euro fine, something an analyst said highlighted legal difficulties related to such operations. Advertisement Advertisement "Belgium deserves credit. But the harder question is what happens next," said Max Meizlish, of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington-based think tank. "European governments keep hitting the same wall: they have the will to board these ships, but not always the legal tools to keep them," he said. "Europe needs to close the legal gap that keeps turning interdictions into mere delays for the shadow fleet." ub/rmb Bill Clinton addressed the photos of him and Jeffrey Epstein at his deposition. The photos show him socializing with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton told the House Oversight Committee he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. At the start of his Congressional deposition Friday, Bill Clinton addressed the trove of photos of himself with Jeffrey Epstein released by the Justice Department last year. In opening remarks posted on social media, the former President said he didn't have any knowledge of Epstein's sex trafficking operation despite anyone's "interpretation of those 20-year-old photos." Advertisement Advertisement "I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing," Clinton said of the convicted sex offender, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. "No matter how many photos you show me." Clinton posted the remarks ahead of his closed-door deposition in Chappaqua, New York, before members of the House Oversight Committee, which has been investigating Epstein's connections to powerful people. In December, in response to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Justice Department released several photos showing Clinton with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking girls to Epstein for sex. The photos show Clinton and Maxwell swimming together in a pool, along with a woman whose face is redacted. They also show Clinton in what appears to be Epstein's private jet with a female, whose face is redacted, on his lap. The photos also show Bill and Hillary Clinton at parties and dinners with Epstein. A photos of former President Bill Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell, and an unidentified women was included in the Justice Department's Epstein files. Department of Justice The former president has long maintained he had no knowledge of Epstein's sexual abuse. Epstein occasionally visited the White House while Clinton was president, and Clinton has said he traveled internationally with Epstein on his private jet four times between 2002 and 2003, following his presidency, for Clinton Foundation initiatives. There's no indication the two were still in contact by the time Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement "As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals," Clinton said in the opening statement of his deposition. Maxwell appeared to have her own relationship with the Clintons. Epstein files previously released by the House Oversight Committee include a photo of "Margaritaville" singer Jimmy Buffett, his wife, Bill Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein. House Oversight Committee She worked to obtain funding for the Clinton Global Initiative, records released by the Justice Department show. Maxwell also said in an interview with Justice Department Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last year that she was closer to Clinton than Epstein was. "President Clinton was my friend, not Epstein's friend," she said. Advertisement Advertisement "President Clinton liked me, and we got along terribly well. But I never saw that warmth, or however you want to characterize it, with Mr. Epstein so I didn't see that," Maxwell said in her interview. "I didn't see President Clinton being interested in Epstein. He was just a rich guy with a plane." Bill Clinton's deposition on Friday follows Hillary Clinton's on Thursday. She said she didn't think she ever met Epstein. She has said she met Maxwell on "a few occasions" in social settings. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee said they would publicly release videos of the depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton, as they did with a deposition of Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, who previously hired Epstein as a financial fixer. Clinton's deposition marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify to Congress pursuant to a subpoena. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the committee say Clinton's deposition marks a precedent that should require President Donald Trump, who has also been photographed with Epstein, to testify before the committee. Read the original article on Business Insider By Mohammad Yunus Yawar KABUL, March 1 (Reuters) - Afghanistan said it was firing at Pakistani jets in Kabul after blasts and gunfire rocked the capital on Sunday, compounding instability in a region rattled by U.S.Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Gulf states. The Taliban-ruled state has suffered Pakistani strikes against government installations over the past week following accusations, which it denies, that it harbours militants. Advertisement Advertisement The heaviest fighting in years between the neighbours has raised fears of a protracted conflict along their 2,600-km (1,615-mile) border, with several countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia calling for restraint and offering to help mediate a ceasefire. Explosions echoed across parts of Kabul before sunrise, followed by bursts of gunfire, a Reuters witness said. It was not clear what had been targeted or whether there were casualties. Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the sounds were the result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over the capital. "Air defence attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned," Mujahid said. Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan's prime minister's office, information ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment. The violence follows air strikes inside Afghanistan this week that Pakistan said targeted militant infrastructure. Afghanistan described the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and announced retaliatory operations along their shared border. Iran, which shares borders with both Afghanistan and Pakistan, had offered to help facilitate dialogue before itself coming under attack on Saturday from Israel and the U.S. bent on diminishing Iran's military capability. ACCUSATION AND ESCALATION Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan has said Afghanistan harbours Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, which it said are waging an insurgency inside Pakistan. Afghanistan has denied the accusation, saying it does not allow Afghan territory to be used against other countries and that Pakistan's security challenges are an internal matter. Pakistani security sources have said operation "Ghazab Lil Haq", meaning "Wrath for the Truth", was ongoing and that Pakistani forces had destroyed Afghan posts and camps. Both sides have reported heavy losses, issuing differing casualty figures for each other. Advertisement Advertisement Reuters could not independently verify the claims. Diplomatic efforts have intensified, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, the European Union and United Nations urging restraint and calling for talks. The U.S. said it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the fighting as "open war". Afghanistan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani said the conflict would be "very costly". He said only front-line forces were engaged in fighting that the country has yet to fully deploy its military. (Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul and Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Writing by Ariba Shahid; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Saad Sayeed) The blizzard of '26 is one for the record books and in Brockton it certainly packed a punch. The blizzard left the Brockton area covered in well over 2 feet of snow. But, as the cleanup continues, Brockton residents are growing frustrated and demanding answers on social media about when their streets will finally be plowed. When an elderly Bridgewater couple's 10-year-old Lab, Skye, fell into a snowbank, she didn't have the strength to lift herself up. They didn't either. A Bridgewater police officer hiked through 3-feet of snow to rescue stranded dog A death investigation is underway after a 68-year-old man died following an incident at a home in Middleboro. Middleboro police received a 911 call for a neighbor dispute at a residence at 21 School St., according to reporting from media partner WCVB Channel 5. Advertisement Advertisement In case you missed it, here are five stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area that resonated with our readers. The blizzard of '26 covered Brockton in over 2-feet or snow After a massive blizzard dumped more than 2 feet of snow in the Brockton area on Monday, Feb. 23, city officials say crews are working around the clock to clear the roads. How much snow exactly did the Brockton area get? Which communities got the most snow nearby? Here's what to know. Brockton-area digs out from storm Brockton-area travel ban lifted as city digs out. Tuesday snow updates When will Brockton streets be cleared?: When will Brockton streets be cleared after historic snowstorm? Advertisement Advertisement National Guard deployed in Brockton: National Guard deployed to Brockton after historic blizzard See Brockton-area covered in snow: Our latest storm photos. See Brockton-area up to its waist in snow See Brockton roads still not plowed: See Brockton roads still not plowed at all Tuesday Lennox Cantave shovels snow on Field St. in Brockton. Bruno Aguiar of Brockton rides his bicycle to work at the Brazilian Store on Crescent Street on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 a day after the blizzard. Brockton neighbors band together shoveling to get mom to dialysis When Maria Veiga woke up Tuesday, the morning after the blizzard, the street in front of her house was buried in over 2 feet of snow. For Veiga, it just wasn't an option to wait for the snow plows to come. Her mom needs to be driven to the doctor's office for dialysis three times each week, and she had an appointment on Tuesday, Feb. 24. She decided, "I'm gonna shovel it. I'm like, 'I don't care how long it takes.'" Advertisement Advertisement Brockton neighbors band together: Brockton neighbors band together shoveling to get mom to dialysis Maria Veiga's neighbors helped her and her husband shovel the street to get her mom to dialysis treatment. DA seeks 'true justice' for Brockton man accused of bludgeoning family On Feb. 13, 2011, a mother and her 2-year-old son were found beaten to death in a Brockton dumpster. The man accused of the murders fled to his native Ecuador, which has refused to extradite him back to the U.S., the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office said. Luis Guaman, now 55, was tried for the murders of his wife, Maria Avelina Palaguachi-Cela, 25, and her son Brian Cuanga Palaguachi, in Ecuador, where maximum prison sentences are significantly shorter. The clock is ticking on when he will one day be released. DA seeks 'true justice': DA seeks 'true justice' for Brockton man accused of bludgeoning family Maria Avelina Palaguachi-Cela, 25, and her son Brian Cuanga Palaguachi, were found beaten to death in a Brockton dumpster on Feb. 13, 2011. Bridgewater officer braves blizzard to rescue elderly couple's dog Longtime Bridgewater residents Jay and Anita Salhanick, both in their 70s, planned to spend what would become a historic blizzard safely inside their Flagg Street residence. When Jay took the couples beloved 10-year-old black Lab Skye out Monday morning, Feb. 23, to go the bathroom, the Lab slipped and fell down the front stairs, landing in a snowbank. Skye didnt have the strength to lift herself up from the deep snow. The Salhanicks didnt either. Advertisement Advertisement Bridgewater office braves blizzard: Bridgewater officer braves blizzard to rescue elderly couple's dog The 10-year-old black lab named Skye couldn't lift herself up from the snow in Bridgewater during a blizzard on Monday, Feb. 23. Investigation underway after 68-year-old man dies in Middleboro A death investigation is underway after a 68-year-old man died following an incident at a home in Middleboro. Middleboro police received a 911 call at 4:30 p.m. for a neighbor dispute at a residence at 21 School St., according to reporting from media partner WCVB Channel 5. Officers found the 68-year-old man unresponsive. The man was transported to a hospital in Taunton, where he was pronounced deceased. A man was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a police officer as well as a resisting arrest for what officers described as "a related incident at the address," according to WCVB Channel 5. Death investigation in Middleboro: Investigation underway after 68-year-old man dies in Middleboro Advertisement Advertisement Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Blizzard and Bridgewater dog rescue among top stories last week Boston police said a 15-year-old was arrested Friday afternoon following an ongoing firearm investigation in Dorchester. A missing 14-year-old connected to the investigation was also located safely and returned to his guardians. At approximately 2:49 p.m. on Friday, February 27, authorities were conducting patrols in the area of Pope Hill Street. The patrols followed a department-wide notification of a missing 14-year-old who was believed to be in possession of a firearm. Boston police said it was based on intelligence received from the Boston Police Regional Intelligence Center. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities then observed a group of six individuals wearing face masks walking along Popes Hill Road toward Morrissey Boulevard. One individual matched the description of the missing juvenile. Officers followed the group as they crossed Morrissey Boulevard into a business parking lot at 875 Morrissey Boulevard. As officers approached, members of the group allegedly attempted to further conceal their faces. Officers positively identified and confirmed one individual as the reported missing juvenile. Although no firearm was recovered from the 14-year-old, Boston police said authorities became concerned about the behavior of another juvenile in the group. Advertisement Advertisement Officers attempted to search a backpack worn by the individual, in when he allegedly tried to retain control of the bag, but officers secured it without further incident. Inside, officers recovered a firearm. The weapon was a handgun. The magazine, which is capable of holding six rounds, contained two live rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. The 15-year-old was taken into custody and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm, and a defaced serial number. The 14-year-old missing juvenile was safely returned to his guardians. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Brendan Gill says he will not seek election to a sixth term on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, seeking to allow for new perspectives on the legislative body come January. The decision to end his 15-year tenure on the board came just weeks after his striking defeat in a special primary to run for the congressional seat recently vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. "I think its good to allow fresh voices and new faces to have that opportunity," Gill, a lifelong Montclair resident, said during an interview with The Record and NorthJersey.com, speaking to the tendency of other county officials to become inveterate candidates, serving in their offices for decades. Jan 15, 2026; Caldwell, NJ, USA; Brendan Gill during a meet and greet hosted by the League of Women Voters at Caldwell University featuring candidates running for the Democratic nomination to fill the congressional seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. "I don't think I envisioned myself staying for that long," he said of his decision to wind down his post on the commissioner's board after 15 years. "You know it when you come to it." Advertisement Advertisement Knowing it, he said, had little connection to his loss in the primary for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District on Feb. 5, when he offered a concession speech about an hour after polls closed as his campaign petered out in third place. He eventually finished fourth in early results when the race was called five days later. "We came up short, but the [two events are] not related," he said. "I would have been making this same decision even if the special election had not just transpired." Nevertheless, this is not Gill's retirement from political service. He will remain chair of the Montclair Democratic County Committee, working to register new voters to help bolster his party's and Analilia Mejia's chances in the April election for Sherrill's unexpired term in Congress and in the midterms in November. Advertisement Advertisement He also vowed to remain involved with various grassroots organizations to fight for progressive causes such as immigration enforcement reforms and ensuring completion of the Hudson-Essex Greenway, a biking and walking path that would stretch from Montclair to Jersey City. The project has been under construction since July. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Brendan Gill will not seek sixth term as Essex County commissioner LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - Britain is seeking the views of parents and children on whether to ban access to social media for under-16s, as well as possible restrictions on gaming platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots. Governments worldwide are trying to limit the impact of social media and gaming on children's mental health and sleep, with parents feeling outpaced by platforms built to maximise the time young users spend online. Australia introduced a ban on social media for under-16s in December, and other governments, including Britain's, are weighing similar moves. Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he wants to introduce new powers to protect children, beyond those in an Online Safety Act which is only two-and-a-half years old. The three-month consultation, starting on Monday, will look at measures ranging from a possible minimum age for social media to bans on addictive design features and overnight curfews for under-16s. REAL-WORLD PILOTS AND NEW POWERS "We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having," technology minister Liz Kendall said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "This is why we're asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change." The government said it would run pilots with families and teenagers to examine how potential social media restrictions could work in practice. It will also study whether children should be able to interact with AI chatbots without limits and how age-verification rules should be strengthened. Britain is separately preparing stricter rules to require tech companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or face fines of up to 10% of global revenue. (Reporting by Sam TabahritiEditing by Paul Sandle and Peter Graff) A Belfast woman in the United Arab Emirates has said she is petrified following missile strikes in the Middle East. Iran has launched fresh attacks across the region in response to an ongoing attack against it by the United States and Israel. Teigan McFadden, who travelled to Dubai on holiday as a birthday present, is now there alone after her friend left early. British and Irish citizens living in the Middle East are being encouraged to sign up to registration schemes. Advertisement Advertisement McFadden said she was out on Saturday when she saw a missile being intercepted mid-air. "I got back into the hotel room then all of a sudden the hotel started shaking and then I could see debris flying everywhere from outside my hotel room," she said. McFadden is staying opposite from the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel which is on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's luxury man-made archipelago, where there was a large explosion on Saturday. "At that point I crawled back into bed," she said. "I was in tears. I was having a panic attack. I thought I was going to die. I phoned my mum. I was saying my last goodbyes. Advertisement Advertisement "I've never experienced something to this altitude and to be by myself is absolutely petrifying." After that her hotel started to shake again. "At that point I panicked," she said. "I ran down to reception, there were hundreds of people, there were kids in tears, everyone was in a panic." Thousands of flights to and from the Middle East have been grounded. McFadden's flight is on Tuesday but she is unsure if it will be operating. Strikes have also been reported in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. One person has been killed and 11 injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post on Sunday night, Stormont's Executive Office encouraged people to follow official advice. It said the first and deputy first minister encouraged all British and Irish citizens in the Middle East to register their presence in the area as soon as possible through the portals available at the UK government and Irish government websites. Bill Robinson, who is from Portadown in County Armagh but has lived in Dubai for the past 15 years, said several drones and missiles had been shot down but no debris had landed nearby. "Just today, we were all up in the pool, lots of us from Ireland and Northern Ireland, and life was just going on as normal, even though there were missiles an hour, two hours before that," the 57-year-old said. Advertisement Advertisement "Then the pool emptied very quickly when a couple of missiles went over and the UAE government shot them down. "There's a few people are terrified and scared - I've my daughter who is a trained lawyer over here and she is spending most of the time in the basement. "She really does not like what's happening but most of my Northern Irish and Irish friends who live over here are very blase about the whole thing." He added that friends who lived closer to the US Air Force base were nervous. Zach Cairns, who is also from Portadown and has been working as an optician in Dubai for the past six years, said he "heard some bangs before anything official came through". Advertisement Advertisement "There were some messages came through from the local government, just advising that there was drone attacks incoming and where my house is, sort of at the back of Dubai, we did see some interceptor missiles go up," he said. "The general consensus in Dubai at the minute is almost, be careful, but pretty much go on as usual." He said he was out for food with friends on Sunday. "The general feeling is it's not going to last very long and that you are overall quite safe here with the defences and stuff that's in the UAE." He added that "it would be worse if you were a tourist". Advertisement Advertisement "The airports are closed so that would be a bit more uncertain and the other thing is I mean with Dubai most of the food and things are imported so if this was sort of something sustained where the flights were down then it would be more of a concern to residents," he said. 'They had bullets we had hands' Meanwhile, some Iranians living in Northern Ireland staged a celebration outside Belfast City Hall on Sunday. Edeh Zamani, who has been living here for 25 years, said she was celebrating the "falling of a brutal regime". "We have been celebrating since the moment the news came out," she said. Zamani added she had not been able to return to Iran in years as she was afraid of being arrested. Advertisement Advertisement "The air of home, I want to breathe it again," she said. "I'm happy for the people who are in Iran. They were fighting with their hands and teeth against this regime. "They had bullets, we had hands. But it's gone." What has the Irish government said? Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee urged Irish citizens to adopt a "shelter in place" strategy. "A large number of Irish citizens, in particular in the UAE, are already on our citizen registration platform, with several hundred registering yesterday," McEntee said. "I would encourage anyone in the region either resident or transiting to register. Advertisement Advertisement "I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. "However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now." McEntee said this was the "common approach" across EU member states. "This is a unique consular situation, with a large number of citizens located in UAE in particular and with local and regional airports shut and, in some cases, under attack," she said. Related internet links A campaign has been launched to make Romanian a GCSE option available to students, with campaigners saying census data supports their request. When Londoners were asked in the 2021 census what their "main" language was, the second most-listed language was Romanian, after English, with 159,000 speakers. The campaign, supported by Harrow West's Labour MP Gareth Thomas, has been launched by British historian Dr Tessa Dunlop, who has a specialist interest in Romania. Advertisement Advertisement The Department for Education said: "It is for exam boards to decide which languages to offer at GCSE," and added that it was introducing a "stepped qualification in languages" within the primary curriculum. Dunlop is leading the campaign to have Romanian taught as a GCSE subject [BBC] Dunlop told the BBC: "If we can deliver this GCSE, that is really something that Britain can really take pride of - a way of owning our status as a welcoming space for migrants we have invited in, and a way of celebrating the wonderful diversity in this country." The historian and campaigner has two children who learn Romanian at home. Her daughter, Mara, who is 17 years old, and is now in the year after GCSEs, explained how the exam should be offered, along with already-available GCSE options such as Polish. Advertisement Advertisement "It's not just Romanians," she said, "this represents an entire unsung generation of children who cannot communicate with their culture." She added: "I am so grateful I speak Romanian." Adi Lapadatescu came to London from Romania 15 years ago and is supporting the campaign [BBC] Adi Lapadatescu, who came to London from Romania 15 years ago, told the BBC: "A GCSE is important to me and my children and for our culture, and it will be a big step for validating us and saying 'we are here'". He added: "We are the second language spoken, and we want to be seen, it is important for us - isn't it important to you as well?" Thomas said: "Despite exam boards offering GCSE subjects in several different languages, no board offers Romanian as a GCSE or A-level subject. Advertisement Advertisement "Many Romanian families would welcome the chance for their children to supplement their school exams with a GCSE and/or A-level in Romanian," the MP said. 2021 Census data in London 1.83m Londoners aged three and over reported a main language other than English, which equates to about 20% of the population Top foreign languages spoken as a main tongue were Romanian (159,000), Spanish (117,000), Polish (112,000) and Bengali (102,000) Romanian speakers increased in number the most over the 10 years from 2011, rising by 120,000 The Department for Education said: "We know learning a language empowers young people to engage with the world, think critically and understand new perspectives. Advertisement Advertisement "That's why we are strengthening the primary language curriculum and introducing a stepped qualification in languages supporting more young people to study a language, helping them to achieve and thrive. "Schools can also consider teaching their pupils other foreign languages, including Romanian, as part of their wider curriculum to reflect the needs of their local communities." Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related internet links After a warm and sunny weekend, chances for snow and wintry precipitation return overnight Sunday into Monday, forecasters say. The National Weather Service of Wilmington has increased the amount of snow expected overnight in its latest forecast for March 2. Snow and wintry precipitation return overnight into Monday. There is a slight chance of rain and snow between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., then a slight chance of sleet and rain and snow likely. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. On Monday, expect snow before 8 a.m., then snow and sleet and freezing rain between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Moving into the week ahead, Cincinnati could see unusually high spring temperatures and flooding risks, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures and rainfall are expected to dramatically increase for a "warmer than average early March," meteorologist Matthew Campbell said. A graph by the National Weather Service of Wilmington suggests a chance for temperatures of up to 70 degrees next week. Meteorologists are also warning about possible flooding later in the week, as rain is expected every day through Friday, March 6. "We have a good chance for a wet week," Campbell said. Greater Cincinnati 7-Day Forecast Flood Awareness Week continues in Kentucky. As Spring approaches and temperatures start to warm, remember to stay "Weather Aware" while making your outdoor plans. pic.twitter.com/L7wxahn4O1 NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) February 28, 2026 Sunday night: A slight chance of rain and snow between 1 a.m and 2 a.m, then a slight chance of sleet and rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Monday: Snow before 8 a.m, then snow and sleet and freezing rain between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Advertisement Advertisement Monday night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Southeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday: Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 61. South wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tuesday night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Wednesday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday night: Rain likely before 7 p.m., then a chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., then rain likely and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday: Rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday night: Rain before 1 a.m., then rain likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Friday: Rain likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Advertisement Advertisement Friday night: A chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday: Rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Saturday night: Rain likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Sunday: A chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Source: The National Weather Service of Wilmington This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Greater Cincinnati may see more snow Monday, followed by week of rain SANTIAGO, Chile, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Chile denied permission for a Chinese hospital ship to provide medical services onboard, saying the vessel lacked authorization to treat local residents, a decision that came amid heightened pressure from the U.S. over a proposed undersea cable project. The medical ship Silk Road Ark is currently on a voyage to about a dozen countries and arrived in waters off the Chilean port city of Valparaiso on Wednesday. Chile's Ministry of Health said through its regional office that it had been reviewing a request made through the foreign ministry at the end of 2025 that the ship offer medical services aboard for local people, but would not grant authorization. Advertisement Advertisement We determined that it is not appropriate to authorize this health operation to function on the ships facilities, the health ministry said, refererring to a local health code that restricts such services to professionals accredited in the country. China's embassy in Chile did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chile has been navigating pressure from Washington over its ties to China. The U.S. said it would impose visa restrictions for three Chilean officials who it said compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure and undermined regional security. Chilean foreign minister Alberto van Klaveren said a proposal by two Chinese companies to build an undersea cable linking Chile and Hong Kong had concerned the U.S., which believed the project could pose a threat to security. Chilean officials have said the project is in early stages and has not been confirmed. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero, editing by Cassandra Garrison and Ethan Smith) After the United States and Israel launched strikes on the Iranian regime Saturday, reportedly killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran launched strikes at targets across the Middle East, including in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and elsewhere. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Saturday related to the strikes, expressing concern and saying they are monitoring the situation. The church also said all humanitarian volunteers in the region are safe and accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Here is the churchs statement in full: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is closely monitoring the evolving situation and military strikes that occurred this morning in Iran and elsewhere in the region. We express our profound concern and heartfelt compassion for all those living in harms way. We join in prayer with families worldwide who have loved ones in the region. The safety and well-being of people are always a priority in a situation of this kind. This region is home to thousands of Church members. We are in regular contact with Church leaders responsible for the students, faculty and humanitarian service volunteers serving throughout the Middle East, all of whom are accounted for and safe at this time. BYU Jerusalem Center update The Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center released a security update on Saturday saying that while Jerusalem has not yet been targeted, faculty and students are staying in shelters or safe areas in the center. Advertisement Advertisement The relatively few missiles that were directed at Israel today (Saturday) were targeting major cities along the Mediterranean coast, the update said. Jerusalem has not been targeted, but there is a risk of shrapnel from destroyed missiles, so those living in the Center have been in the Centers shelters today or in safe areas in the interior of the building (areas with reinforced concrete ceilings). All those who live in the center were in the building on Saturday morning when hostilities began as church services are held on Saturday, the update said. Church services were held as scheduled. Those living at the Center have been asked to remain in the Center through the weekend. Restrictions on travel will be updated each day thereafter. Field study trips for the upcoming week were canceled, the update said, adding that airspace in Israel and across the Middle East was closed Saturday, so commercial flights out of Israel were unavailable. For months, Israeli and American intelligence agencies including the CIA had been secretly watching Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for just the right moment. They were monitoring for his daily patterns where he lived, whom he met with, how he communicated and where he might retreat under threat of attack, five people familiar with the matter told CNN. They were keeping tabs, too, on Irans senior political and military leaders, who rarely gathered in the same place with the ayatollah, the countrys supreme leader for nearly four decades. Over the last several days, they found their opportunity. Top Iranian officials, including Khamenei, planned to meet Saturday morning at separate sites on a Tehran compound that is home to the offices of the ayatollah, the Iranian presidency and the national security apparatus. Advertisement Advertisement The overly cautious supreme leader felt less vulnerable during daylight hours, an Israeli source said, and let down his guard. It was an opening some Israeli and US officials believed was too good to pass up. Attack plans for a dark-of-night assault were adjusted to a daytime assault, three of the people said. In a note to Israeli air force pilots, the chief of staff of Israels military, Eyal Zamir, laid out the stakes. On Saturday at dawn, Operation Roaring Lion begins, he wrote. You are cleared to strike your targets. Were making history. I trust you. Good luck to us all. In broad daylight, around 6 a.m. in Israel, Israeli war planes fired into the compound in the opening salvo of a coordinated wave of strikes from the US and Israel. They were equipped with highly accurate munitions and long-range missiles, sources said. All three sites with the various leaders at the compound were hit simultaneously. Hours later, President Donald Trump announced Khamenei was dead. Advertisement Advertisement He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Trump wrote in his announcement on social media. Its still not clear what prompted Irans senior-most leaders including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the defense minister to convene in the middle of Tehran in the same rough location as Khamenei, and at a moment when the US had amassed extensive military firepower in the region to make good on Trumps threats to attack. Israeli intelligence had determined Khameneis top advisers, including Aziz Nasirzadeh, the minister of defense; Adm. Ali Shamkhani, the head of the Military Council; Mohammad Shirazi, the deputy intelligence minister; Mohammad Pakpour, the commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps; and Seyyed Majid Mousavi, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Aerospace Force, were present, among others. Nor was it clear who would replace them. But even amid the vast uncertainty about what lies ahead, the operation laid bare how well-developed Israeli and American intelligence had become inside Iran over the last several months, and how quickly the two countries were prepared to act when the opportunity arose. Israel regularly monitors all of the leaders of its main adversaries in one way or another, an Israeli military official said. Of course when you carry out an operation like this you need extra intelligence, and you need to connect together several elements and factors together, which can be quite complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has repeatedly shown the extent to which its intelligence services had penetrated Iran, assassinating high-level military leaders and nuclear officials. But after a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June, the countrys defense minister acknowledged they never had the operational opportunity to target Irans supreme leader. This time was shaping up to be different. Protests and preparation Israel and the United States had been jointly working on the operation for weeks. During a visit to Mar-a-Lago the week after Christmas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Trump that Iran was working to advance its ballistic missile program and restart its nuclear capabilities after a US bombing run in June targeted its three main enrichment facilities. In the meeting, Trump said he would support a renewed Israeli military effort to take out missile sites. Advertisement Advertisement A few days later, massive street protests erupted inside Iran, prompting a deadly crackdown that saw the regime kill thousands of protesters. Trump vowed to come to the protesters aid, claiming the US was locked and loaded. That is when planning for a joint American-Israeli operation shifted into a higher gear. President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, in Palm Beach, Florida. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images At the time, the United States did not have the massive collection of military assets near Iran necessary to both conduct the type of operation being planned and to protect American assets in the region that would likely be targeted by Iranian reprisals. Those would be dispatched in the ensuing weeks. Two aircraft carriers including the worlds largest sailed toward the Middle East, along with hundreds of jets, tankers, ships and submarines. The buildup was clearly visible to the world and to Iran and served as a significant point of leverage as the US pursued diplomatic talks. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a parade of top Israeli military and intelligence officials were flying to Washington to make plans. Recent visits by the chief of staff to the Israel Defense Forces, the head of Israeli military intelligence and the director of Israelis Mossad intelligence agency all centered on coordination and preparations for the mission. The same applied to a February 11 meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in Washington, which was moved up by a week as the prime minister worked urgently to ensure the president remained committed to carrying out an attack. Diplomatic efforts Simultaneous diplomatic efforts at striking a nuclear deal with Iran led Trump at least publicly to insist he wasnt yet ready to green light a military operation. He declared the meeting with Netanyahu nonconclusive. There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated, he wrote on Truth Social afterward. Advertisement Advertisement The meeting unfolded without any public appearances by the two men, a rarity for Trumps meetings with foreign officials. An Israeli official attributed the closed-door nature to the meeting being about work, not public relations. Yet the private meeting also served to paper over any differences between the two men on the wisdom of trying to negotiate with Iran to avoid conflict. Netanyahu had warned publicly the Iranians couldnt be trusted to negotiate in good faith. But Trump appeared intent on exhausting any diplomatic window that would avoid starting a new war. Over the next two weeks, Trumps envoys in talks with Iran Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continued trying to ascertain what concessions the country might make on its nuclear ambitions. In this handout photo released by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 26, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, center, and Jared Kushner hold a meeting with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, right, in Geneva. - Omani Foreign Ministry/AFP/Getty Images Many American officials were doubtful the talks would yield anything close to what Trump was demanding: a permanent end to Iranian nuclear enrichment. While Tehran did appear to make some concessions in the three rounds of indirect talks, it was not enough for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement The administration had offered Iranian leaders options for developing what the senior official called a peaceful nuclear program. One senior US official said Iran rejected a proposal that the United States would provide the country with nuclear fuel. The White House and the CIA declined to comment. We offered them many, many ways to do that, the senior official said. But instead, that was met with games, tricks, stall tactics, and that was really the conclusion that we came back with. After the final round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, Witkoff and Kushner called Trump to inform him of Irans unmoving position on dismantling its nuclear program entirely an outcome that seemed to harden the presidents view that military action would be necessary. Flying to Texas a day later aboard Air Force One, Trump consulted on the decision with a number of Republicans, including Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas. By then, intelligence officials had already identified the Saturday morning meeting in Tehran that would become the centerpiece of the eventual operation. Advertisement Advertisement He didnt tell us what he was going to do, but he posed the question of whether Iran must be stopped by whatever necessary action that he might choose to take, Cornyn said a day later, after the attack had unfolded. Speaking at the Port of Corpus Christi, Trump on Friday acknowledged he had a difficult choice before him. Now we have a big decision to make, he said by then fully aware of what the targets were, how Iran might respond and the many unknowns about what would come after. Not easy. CNNs Kaitlan Collins contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Feb. 28---- The city of Willmar has launched its zoning code update to modernize the city's zoning regulations, which were adopted in 1994, and align them with the vision established in the With Willmar Comprehensive Plan adopted last year. Community input is essential to shaping the updated zoning code and a survey is available on the city's website seeking input. Residents, business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to complete the Hard copies of the survey are also available at the Willmar City Hall, 333 Sixth Street Southwest. The survey will remain open until March 20. Advertisement Advertisement The city has contracted with Transportation Collaborative & Consultants, often referred to as TC2, at a cost not to exceed $100,000 to rewrite the city of Willmar's zoning code based on the comprehensive plan. "What we do in the planning space, how development occurs and things of that nature, has changed a lot since 1994," said Stephanie Falkers of TC2 during a joint work session of the and "This is our opportunity to come in and just reflect best practices, make the code more accessible, things of that nature. So really, when it comes to our goals and intent here, we want to make sure that we're reflecting community priorities through the process." Advertisement Advertisement The city will continue to share updates throughout the process and the community can follow the city of Willmar social media accounts and sign up for the For more details or assistance, email planning@willmarmn.gov or call 320-235-4913. "City Council adopted the With Willmar Comprehensive Plan in June of 2025 along with the new land use map," said Willmar Planning and Development Director Christopher Corbett during the joint work session. "The map outlines areas for future growth, including new residential development, neighborhood scale, commercial areas (and) mixed use districts." A zoning code update is a full review and rewrite of the rules that guide how land can be used and developed within the city. Development patterns, community needs and best practices in planning have evolved significantly since Willmar's zoning code was first adopted. Advertisement Advertisement "This work ensures our regulations reflect current best practices, support goals of the comprehensive plan and provide clarity for residents, businesses and developers," Corbett said. "A modernized zoning code will help remove barriers to development, encourage more housing options and create a more predictable and user-friendly framework for future growth." Updating the zoning code will do many things, including support high-quality, well-planned development; encourage housing options that meet community needs; strengthen local business and economic development opportunities; improve clarity and usability for residents, developers, and staff; and, ensure regulations reflect Willmar's long-term vision for growth. The result will be a modern, user-friendly zoning code that supports future development, enhances community character and provides clear guidance for property owners and investors. "As our Planning Commission and City Council, you are the ones that are kind of setting the standards as the decision makers (for the zoning code), but zoning is a public process," Falkers said. "Those public hearings are still a required element according to state law, and it regulates the kinds of uses allowed on a property, preventing incompatible uses. Really, the overall goal there of zoning is to protect the health, safety and welfare in our communities, and it establishes the standards for development that shape the character of the community." Advertisement Advertisement The zoning code does more than just set the rules for how a city develops; it also supports and incentivizes economic investment, according to Falkers, who said developers like to come to communities where they can work with a straightforward code that covers what they need to do throughout the development process. The zoning code helps a city preserve history and support a vibrant and social civic environment, helping to maintain some of the character elements a city has and wants to preserve. It ensures adequate public infrastructure and access to community spaces through parking standards, access requirements and the preservation of unique and important natural resources. "One thing that we have to comply with is the DNR shoreland requirements," Falkers said, referring to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. "Any community that has public water within it has to comply with DNR standards that help us maintain the quality of those public lakes." Advertisement Advertisement Zoning regulates the uses allowed in each zone residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use, etc., Falkers noted. It defines the uses allowed in each zone, as shown on a zoning map. It also shapes the "built form" through dimensional standards how big a lot needs to be, the setbacks that are required, how tall a building can be, the materials that are allowed, landscaping, parking and signage, Falkers added. Following Falkners' presentation, those in attendance at the joint meeting were placed in groups to brainstorm and share their thoughts on four specific areas in the city residential, commercial, gateway corridors and downtown. Those in the residential group wanted clearer standards to provide for safe, clean and walkable neighborhoods with conformity or complimentary uses, such as neighborhood restaurants, coffee shops and other small businesses that include parks and greenspaces. Advertisement Advertisement Those in the downtown group acknowledged that downtown is historic and diverse with a mixed occupancy, but it is visually rundown. They want to maintain the historical aspect and diversity, but would like to see restored exteriors, beautification, more parking and a downtown plaza for gatherings. Those in the gateway corridor group like the U.S. Highway 71 corridor north of the city, but acknowledged the U.S. Highway 12 gateway corridor coming from the east needs to be improved by better screening of the railroad corridor. They would like to see better location signage coming into the city, beautification of the gateways and more mixed use development. Those in the commercial group noted that having commercial districts separates home from work and keeps loud and noisy type industries out of residential areas. They would like to see more mixed uses in commercial areas that are walkable and less barriers for development. The South Dakota Legislature, usually noted for the decorum of its public meetings, punished one of its own last month for being out of order. Its hard for anyone but Republican legislators to know if the punishment fit the crime. During the House debate on Senate Concurrent Resolution 604, a measure admonishing South Dakotans to pray always and fast in July, Rep. Phil Jensen, a Rapid City Republican, questioned the religious beliefs of some of his House colleagues. For this infraction he was barred from the House Republican caucus for two weeks. Its difficult for anyone whos not in the Legislature to understand the severity of Jensens punishment. Each day during the session, Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate hold caucuses right after lunch to discuss their strategy for the afternoons floor agenda. Since the Republican caucuses are closed to the public, theres no way to tell if Jensen is missing out on a valuable debate on the issues of the day or just happy to have some time after lunch to catch up on his reading. Since the caucus is closed to the public, we dont know. Advertisement Advertisement The Republican super-majorities in both chambers have grown so large that factions have emerged within the party. This means that the GOP caucuses have the potential to be the most informative or perhaps the most entertaining meetings of the day. Jensen is the chairman of a group called the Freedom Caucus. Recent elections have seen an influx of new Republican members in both chambers. Rounding out the enrollment are more traditional Republicans who arent as great in number as they once were. Perhaps the caucus discussions are a study in gentility and grace. Maybe they resemble a pro wrestling cage match. We dont know. For their part, Democrats have much smaller caucuses with just three members in the 35-member Senate and five members in the 70-member House. Democrats keep their caucuses open to the public and also to journalists, but with a caveat. Journalists, it seems, can attend as citizens but any comments made by caucus members would be off the record. Thats an odd policy since journalists are the ones who are supposed to provide information to citizens so they wont have to make the trip to Pierre to find out what their government is doing. Advertisement Advertisement The disturbing thing about the GOP caucuses is that their super-majorities in the House and Senate allow them, behind closed doors, to make decisions about how South Dakota will be governed. Sure, it all plays out during the floor session, but the secret nature of the caucus meetings tramples the old-fashioned standard that the publics business should be handled in public. That standard is exactly what legislators insist on when they make the laws governing how local governments conduct their business. Somehow they can keep a straight face while admonishing city councils and school boards to embrace more transparency, knowing that after lunch they will go into their daily secret meeting. Let us know what you think... When lawmakers start to wax poetic, they often refer to the Capitol as the peoples house. Well, it may be the peoples house, but the vast majority of people are shut out of the Republican caucuses that take place there. We may not be able to attend the meetings, but we get to pay for the heat, lights and upkeep. We are landlords, denied access to our own property. Holding the caucuses away from the Capitol complex may seem like a logistical nightmare. However, lawmakers are somehow able to get across town en masse easily enough when a lobbying group is offering a free lunch. Advertisement Advertisement The South Dakota Legislature generally gets high marks for openness and transparency. Every bill, no matter how goofy (see SCR 604) is aired in at least one committee hearing. Citizens have access to all committee meetings and floor votes via South Dakota Public Broadcasting. That transparency ends when Republicans shut the door for their closed caucuses. The peoples business should be conducted in public. Jensen was shut out of the GOP caucus for two weeks. Thats nothing. Taxpayers have been shut out for years, with the future of the state being decided in secret. U.S. Coast Guard officials are investigating March 1 after a mariner died while working on a barge in Jeffersonville, Indiana. An incident involving the mariner occurred the afternoon of Feb. 27 at mile marker 597 of the Ohio River, said Lt. Cmdr. Steve Leighty, public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Ohio Valley Sector. Leighty declined to provide further details about the mariner and the circumstances of their death, citing the ongoing investigation. Officials with the Clark County Sheriff's Office are also investigating the incident, Leighty said. Advertisement Advertisement In other news: Bowling Green girls 1996 killing: Decades later, charges announced Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Coast Guard investigates death of mariner in Jeffersonville, Indiana The month of March is here, and the atmosphere over Connecticut will be celebrating with a confetti burst of snow followed by a bitter blast of cold air. Around mid-day Sunday, a period of snow could mix with rain in southern portions of the state as this weak system slides across Connecticut from west to east. (Pivotal Weather) A cold front will move across the state on Sunday, leading to a very-noticeable change compared to Saturday's early spring preview. Snow will move through the state from west to east during the middle of the day, dropping a coating to an inch for most of the state. Higher elevations in northern Connecticut could see 1 to 3 inches as this relatively fast-moving system slides across New England. Advertisement Advertisement Rain could mix in along the southern half of the state (especially the immediate shoreline), limiting any snow accumulation. Precipitation will come to an end by the late afternoon Sunday. In the wake of the cold front, temperatures will steadily drop on Sunday night into Monday morning, reaching the single digits in some towns to start the work week. The rest of the day will be cold, but not as bitter as the last polar plunge we experienced a month ago. This time of year, the sun's rays are much stronger than just a few weeks ago, and the longer daylight helps provide more time for temperatures to warm up. High temperatures will reach the upper 20s on Monday under mostly sunny skies and a breeze from the northwest at 10 to 20 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Unsettled weather moves in on Tuesday, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and rain heading into the middle of the week. That pattern of cloudy and showery weather likely sticks around for the rest of the week, but there will be a few breaks to enjoy at times. Sunday's forecast by region Shoreline (including Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, New London): Snow mixing with rain around mid-day, with little to no snow accumulation. Highs: 32-36. Inland (including Danbury, Waterbury, Greater Hartford, Windham): Light to briefly moderate snow, moving across the state during the day. Snow accumulation of a coating to 2 inches possible. Highs: 32-37. Litchfield Hills (including Torrington, Litchfield, Winchester): Snow during the mid-day hours, possibly reaching 3 inches of accumulation in spots. Snow ends by the afternoon, with colder weather moving in. Highs: 30-35. This article originally published at Cold front set to bring snow and bitter cold to Connecticut on Sunday. Here's how much is expected. Admissions offices nationwide are turning to artificial intelligence to help read essays and review transcripts, aiming to streamline workloads as higher education faces funding pressures, Bloomberg reported. The article highlights the admissions process at Virginia Tech, a large public university in Blacksburg, Virginia, with more than 30,000 undergraduates and an acceptance rate of about 55%. This year, both a single reader and AI will give scores for each essay question, and if theres a discrepancy, an additional human reader will also give a score, Bloomberg reported. Advertisement Advertisement Applicants to Virginia Tech are required to write four short essays. The AI system can scan about 250,000 essays in under an hour, compared with a human reader who averages about two minutes per essay. More: Strategies to avoid crushing college debt | College Connection Based on last years application pool, were saving at least 8,000 hours, said Juan Espinoza, vice provost for enrollment management at Virginia Tech. The university is not alone. According to a recent report in The Daily Tar Heel at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, AI is used to score student writing based on factors such as word choice, sentence structure, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and length. The system serves as an initial screening before essays are reviewed by admissions officers. Advertisement Advertisement As early as 2023, Inside Higher Ed reported that about 50% of colleges were using AI in their admissions review process, a figure that has likely increased in the years since. While the use of AI can improve efficiency, some experts have raised concerns. An MIT economics professor warned that if many universities rely on the same AI models, they could end up making similar decisions and favoring a narrow type of applicant. More: 'Merit' meaning shifts in college admissions | College Connection The practice has also drawn criticism from students who are cautioned against using AI to write their essays, only to learn that colleges may use AI to evaluate them. Advertisement Advertisement Humans and AI working together that is the key right now, Emily Pacheco, formerly of Loyola University Chicago, told the Associated Press. Every step along the way can be greatly improved: transcript reading, essay reviews, telling us things we might be missing about the students. Ten years from now, all bets are off, she added. Im guessing AI will be admitting students. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT preparation & private college advising by Ivy League-educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Colleges turn to AI to help decide who gets in When Antolin Garcia-Torres was convicted of the kidnapping and presumed murder of Sierra LaMar in 2017, the Morgan Hill teenager's mother said she had been "praying for the chapter to have this type of ending." But an appellate court threw that ending into uncertainty this week, overturning Garcia-Torres' conviction and reopening the case after almost a decade. A panel of three judges from the 6th District Court of Appeals ruled that jurors had been prejudiced by the grouping of Sierra's abduction with three other attempted kidnappings of which Garcia-Torres was accused. Advertisement Advertisement "None of the four charges was particularly strong," the appellate court's acting presiding justice, Adrienne Grover, wrote in the ruling. "Given that consolidation of four weak cases was likely to alter the outcome on some or all of the counts, we conclude the trial court abused its discretion in denying the severance motion." Sierra was 15 when she disappeared on her way to high school in March 2012. The search for her began as a missing-person case but quickly became more grim when her cell phone was found in a muddy field near her home the next day. Soon after, searchers found her schoolbooks and the clothes she had been wearing the day she disappeared in a nearby shed. An appellate court has overturned the conviction in the killing of Sierra LaMar, who was 15 when she disappeared on the way to high school in 2012. (Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office) Despite years of searching aided by hundreds of volunteers, Sierra's body was never found, and authorities never definitively established a murder weapon or crime scene. These factors hampered their prosecution of Garcia-Torres, who was arrested five days after Sierra went missing. Advertisement Advertisement Garcia-Torres, now 34, was at the time a Safeway clerk who lived in a nearby trailer park with his wife and daughter. His conviction ultimately hinged on traces of his DNA on Sierra's clothing, as well as traces of her DNA inside his car and strands of her hair on a rope in his trunk. Garcia-Torres said he had never met Sierra and that the DNA could be a result of his habit of masturbating in his car, then throwing tissues he had used on the ground. Prosecutors also identified Garcia-Torres as their suspect in three 2009 incidents in which women said a man entered or attempted to enter their cars while they were in the parking lots of different Safeway locations, then exited shortly after. One woman said he shocked her with a stun gun; another said he pressed a knife to her neck. Prosecutors said these encounters had served as "training" for Sierra's murder three years later. Garcia-Torres was ultimately found guilty of attempted kidnapping in all three incidents, as well as the kidnapping and first-degree murder of Sierra, and was sentenced to life in prison. In the ruling this week, Grover suggested that all four cases may have been unconvincing to a jury without the addition of the others. "Sierra's body was not found, raising a question as to the fact of her death, and no evidence clearly established how she died or how defendant had caused her death," Grover wrote. "None of the three Safeway victims positively identified defendant, and the three Safeway incidents were susceptible of multiple interpretations of the perpetrator's intent." An appellate court overturned the murder conviction of Antolin Garcia-Torres, ruling that jurors had been prejudiced by the grouping of the girl's abduction with three other attempted kidnappings he was accused of. (Paul Sakuma/Associated Press) The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, which led the investigation into Sierra's disappearance, said Friday that it was "disappointed" in the court's decision but respected "the role appellate courts play in ensuring fairness and due process." Advertisement Advertisement The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office could appeal Friday's ruling, elevating it to the California Supreme Court, or return the case to Santa Clara County Superior Court for a retrial. Garcia-Torres remains incarcerated, but he could "ask the new trial judge to address bail like any defendant can," said district attorney spokesperson Sean Webby. "We just received the opinion and are digesting it," the office said in a Friday statement. "However, we will never stop seeking justice for Sierra." This article originally published at Conviction overturned in 2012 killing of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar . Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a series of US-Israeli strikes across Iran, Donald Trump has said. The US and Israel struck dozens of targets in the attacks, including the supreme leaders compound. Iranian authorities say the strikes killed at least hundreds of people on Saturday morning. Trump confirmed Khameneis death after a senior Israeli government source told The Independent that the clerical ruler, who has overseen Irans transformation into one of the Middle Easts dominant powers since 1989, was killed in the strike that flattened his compound. Advertisement Advertisement His death ends 37 years of the clerical rulers leadership of Iran, in which he oversaw its transition into one of the Middle Easts major powers. Khamenei ruled Iran since 1989 (AFP via Getty Images) Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, the US president wrote on Truth Social, adding that it is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. He added: This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. Here, The Independent looks at the different groups who form Irans fragmented opposition and who could vie for the Iranian leadership in the event of a power vacuum. The Peoples Mujahideen Organisation The remnants of the once-powerful leftist militant group which bombed the Shahs government and US targets in the 1970s still wield a degree of influence in Iran, and now advocate for the overthrow of the Iranian government. Advertisement Advertisement Known by its Persian name, the Mujahideen-e Khalq Organisation (MEK or MKO), the group fell out with the other factions alongside which it deposed the Iranian Shah and replaced the Imperial State of Iran with the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Peoples Mujahideen, salutes her supporters as she arrives for a meeting organised by the group (AFP/Getty) But the Mujahideen soon developed large numbers of enemies in Iran after siding with Iraq during the war of 1980-88. Massoud Rajavi, its former leader, remains in exile and has not been seen for more than 20 years. His wife, Maryam Rajavi, is now in control, but the group has shown little evidence of activity within Irans border for years. Instead, the group is the driving force behind the National Council of Resistance of Iran, led by Ms Rajavi, which has an active presence in many Western countries. Advertisement Advertisement The Mujahideen has been criticised by rights groups for what they describe as cult-like behaviour and the abuse of its followers, but the group denies these allegations. The monarchists When revolution swept through Iran in 1979, transforming the country into an Islamic Republic, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi Irans last Shah fled the country. He died just a year later in Egypt in 1980. Reza Pahlavi, his son, was heir to the Iranian throne at the time of the revolution. He now lives in the US, from where he calls for regime change through non-violent means and a referendum on a new government. Reza Pahlavi, activist, advocate and oldest son of the last Shah of Iran (AFP/Getty) Following reports Khamenei had been killed, he wrote on X: Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Irans bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. Advertisement Advertisement With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. This week he staked his claim to lead Iran. In a TV interview he told Fox News that he has the support and mandate necessary to helm a transitional government in Iran. "The military will side with us, and we have a plan of action and a transition plan," he said, though experts have cast doubt on the level of sway he holds on the ground in a country he has not lived in for almost half a century. There are also many splits even among pro-monarchist groups in Iran. Ethnic minority groups Irans Sunni Muslim Kurdish and Baluch minorities have long expressed opposition to Tehrans Persian-speaking and Shiite government. Advertisement Advertisement Kurdish groups have carried out periods of active insurgency against government forces in western areas of Iran, where they form a majority. Meanwhile in Baluchistan, along the border with Pakistan, opposition ranges from supporters of Sunni clerics to armed jihadists linked to al-Qaeda. Major protests in Iran have often been the fiercest in the Kurdish and Baluchi areas, but there is no strong, unified resistance against Tehrans rule. Leaders of mass protests movements Mass protest movements have swept Iran at different points for many decades, often with key figureheads at the helm. Protests in December and January, which began over economic unrest but soon spiralled into anti-regime protests, were met with brutal force by the Iranian regime. Some reports suggested around 30,000 were killed by regime forces. Advertisement Advertisement Whether mass unrest will once again erupt following Khameneis death is a matter that remains to be seen. So is the question of whether Tehrans response would be quite as forceful as it was in January - and who would lead it. Former Iranian prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi shows his identification card as he registers his candidacy for the presidential election in 2009 (AFP/Getty) Iran has a history of such protests. After a presidential election in 2009, thousands filled the streets of Tehran and other major cities as they accused authorities of rigging the vote in favour of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who faced an electoral threat from rival candidate and former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mr Mousavi's Green Movement was crushed and he was put under house arrest, along with political ally and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karoubi. The movement, which sought democratic reform within the existing system of the Islamic republic, is now widely seen as defunct. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, major protests again gripped Iran, centred on womens rights. Narges Mohammadi, a 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner who served as one of the figureheads, is currently in Irans notorious Evin prison. A power struggle Members of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) march during an annual military parade (AFP/Getty) There are now real concerns about the possibility of a violent power struggle, with Iran now in a power vacuum. The powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could impose martial law and take control of the country in the short term if the clerical elite are removed from power. A civil war in Iran would bring serious disorder to the Middle East and risk destabilising Iraq, Turkey and potentially Pakistan. Trump need only look at Afghanistan and Libya for examples of the danger of ousting a regime without an obvious plan for a transition to liberal democracy. Plans for the biggest mass evacuation in a generation are being drawn up to rescue thousands of British nationals left stranded by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. In an unprecedented operation, at least 102,000 Britons in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations have already registered their locations and contact details with the Foreign Office, ready for evacuation. On Monday, Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, said about 300,000 Britons, many of whom were holidaymakers and travellers in transit, were in countries now being targeted by Iran. Advertisement Advertisement They are stuck in the Middle East after the airspace was closed as Iran fired missiles and drones at regional US bases, Israel and the Gulf states in retaliation for air strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys Supreme Leader. British nationals are being told to stay put for now, but the Government is working on contingency plans to evacuate them if the airspace remains closed for a prolonged period. The Government is working on evacuation plans if the Middle East airspace remains closed for a prolonged period - Altaf Qadri/AP All options were said to be on the table on Sunday as Ms Cooper gathered ambassadors from countries in the region, including Doha and the UAE, to discuss plans. If airspace over parts of the Middle East remains closed, it is thought that one option would be to take Britons in buses to Saudi Arabia, from where they could be flown back to the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Any rescue would probably become become the biggest mass evacuation since the Second World War. Officials believe that there may be hundreds of thousands in the region, including holidaymakers, travellers and expats far more than those who logged their details within 36 hours of the attack. Stranded passengers queuing in Bali, Indonesia, after flights were cancelled on Sunday - Johannes P Christo/Reuters Any evacuation would be on a much larger scale than other recent operations to rescue British citizens stuck abroad. Several thousand were evacuated last summer after tit-for-tat missile strikes between Israel and Iran. Last June, the Foreign Office announced that it would evacuate Britons stranded in Israel on government charter flights after the airspace closed for a week. Advertisement Advertisement Operation Pitting saw Britain evacuate more than 15,000 people from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country in August 2021. Travel advice The Foreign Office has urged Britons in Israel, Bahrain, Palestine, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait to register so they can also receive travel updates ahead of a possible evacuation. They are being advised to avoid all travel to Iran, Israel and Palestine. All but essential travel is advised to UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, while British nationals in Saudi Arabia are being told to stay at home. British nationals in Jordan, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq have been told to take precautions and keep up to date with official travel advice. Officials believe that there may be hundreds of thousands in the region including holidaymakers, travellers and expats - Altaf Qadri/AP Flights at major hubs across the Middle East have been cancelled en masse after Iranian attacks on airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi killed one person and injured 11. Advertisement Advertisement Almost four in five flights from Dubai International had been grounded as of Sunday morning. Emirates, the flagship airline of the UAE, said it had suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3pm local time (11am GMT) on Monday. The England Lions team in Abu Dhabi and Jonny Bairstow, the cricketer, who is on holiday in Dubai with his family, were both caught up in the chaos. Bairstow, responding to Sir Keir Starmers statement about Saturdays attacks on X, asked the Prime Minister: Can you get us home??? Can you get us home??? Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) February 28, 2026 Rio Ferdinands wife Kate, who posted pictures with the former footballer from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai last week, wrote on social media on Sunday: We are safe. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile Dylan Dickinson, 28 and his fiancee Katie, 29, are due to fly back to Manchester from Dubai on Monday. However, their Emirates flight has been cancelled, and the couple say they have been unable to speak to anyone from the airline. Mr Dickinson, who is concerned about running out of the medication he uses to manage his Type 1 diabetes, told The Telegraph: Theres not even a special line for people who urgently need to get home. Ive tried to ring the number on their website but its not even ringing, and Ive tried the customer service number but it just says its not available. We just need some information to stay safe. The Foreign Office is in contact with the regions main airlines Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad Airways on a four-hourly basis. Travel advice Etihad Airways advised passengers that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi were suspended until 2am UAE time on Monday (10pm on Sunday GMT). Advertisement Advertisement Qatar Airways flights remained grounded as the countrys airspace was shut, with an update expected on Monday morning at 9am Doha time (6am GMT). At least 265 flights from Hamad International in Doha were cancelled on Sunday, almost three-quarters of its schedule. The country has been targeted by Iran as part of its assault on neighbours that host American military bases. Iranian rockets killed one woman and injured 21 people in central Israel on Saturday, prompting the cancellation of almost half the scheduled flights departing Ben Gurion International on Sunday. Credit: X Kuwait has also been targeted by retaliatory strikes, prompting one in five departing flights from its international airport to be cancelled so far on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Around half of the flights departing Bahrain on Sunday were also cancelled after similar strikes. Almost half of all flights from Heathrow to the Middle East were cancelled, with journeys to Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan disrupted for thousands of passengers. Journeys from Gatwick and Manchester airports were also affected, with at least 20 flights to Middle Eastern destinations or India cancelled. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. A magistrates court lifted the travel ban on PMO chief Tzachi Braverman, citing the Iran war. The ruling allows him to serve as UK Ambassador despite the ongoing "midnight meeting" investigation. The Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court on Saturday lifted the travel ban on Prime Ministers Office chief of staff Tzachi Braverman, also easing other restrictive conditions imposed on him in the midnight meeting affair. The court cited changed circumstances created by the ongoing war with Iran as the reason for this reversal. In an 11-page decision, Judge Menahem Mizrahi ruled that Braverman may leave Israel to assume his post as ambassador to the United Kingdom and canceled the exit ban that had been in place as part of the investigation. The judge also lifted the prohibition on contact between Braverman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while clarifying that the two may not discuss matters related to the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement However, the court extended the ban on contact with other individuals involved in the case and left additional conditions in place through March 10. Mizrahi wrote that the outbreak of Operation Roaring Lion altered the balance of considerations, noting that investigative activity is likely to slow and that police have not provided a concrete timetable for steps central to the case, such as open testimony from Netanyahu. The judge indicated that maintaining sweeping restrictions without a foreseeable investigative horizon would be disproportionate, particularly given Bravermans public role and his pending diplomatic appointment. Prime Minister's Office Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman pictured attending a funeral in Modi'in, February 17, 2026; illustrative. (credit: Jonathan Sahul/Flash90) The so-called midnight meeting case centers on suspicions surrounding a late-night encounter between Braverman and former Netanyahu spokesman Eli Feldstein at the Kirya military headquarters, as well as whether Braverman had prior knowledge of a covert investigation tied to the leak of classified material to the German tabloid Bild. What is the Bild case that Braverman is involved in? The Bild publication drew national attention not only because of the alleged handling of classified material, but because of its timing. Advertisement Advertisement The report appeared shortly after the murder in captivity of six Israeli hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Alex Lobanov a moment that intensified public anguish and fueled protests over the governments hostage strategy. Investigators have been examining whether the leak was connected to efforts to shape public discourse around the negotiations and the direction of the war. The Braverman probe sits alongside what has been dubbed the Qatargate affair, involving questions about messaging linked to Qatar by figures in Netanyahus orbit. While legally distinct, the cases share overlapping actors and have unfolded against the same backdrop of wartime political strain. The Sunday decision allows Braverman to travel abroad, subject to conditions requiring his return should investigators summon him. Police may appeal the ruling. The Horn of Africa country has been plagued by conflict and suffered two consecutive failed rainy seasons, as well as a drop in the amount of food aid available amid international funding cuts. The population classified as being in a "crisis or worse" situation "has nearly doubled between February-March 2026 to a staggering 6.5 million people since early 2025", according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC), a UN-backed group that monitors hunger and malnutrition. That includes more than two million people now in Phase 4, the "emergency" category, one step away from the "catastrophic" level, equal to famine, an IPC report said. Food prices and insecurity An estimated 1.84 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition in 2026, including 483,000 severe cases that require urgent treatment, the IPC said. Advertisement Advertisement "This alarming deterioration is driven by worsening drought, rising food prices, and insecurity across central, southern, and parts of northern Somalia," the report added. "The situation is compounded by declining humanitarian assistance." 'Climate whiplash': East Africa caught between floods and drought The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday it would have to stop humanitarian assistance in Somalia by April if it did not receive new funding. The Rome-based agency said it had already been forced to reduce the number of people receiving emergency food assistance from 2.2 million in early 2025 to just over 600,000 today. US funding shortfalls In January, the United States suspended aid to Somalia following the destruction of a US-funded WFP warehouse in the capital Mogadishu's port. Advertisement Advertisement The US announced a resumption of WFP food distribution on 29 January. However, all UN agencies have warned of serious funding shortfalls since Washington began slashing aid following President Donald Trump's re-election last year. US vows 1.7bn for UN humanitarian aid, lower than previous years Levels of acute malnutrition in Somalia have risen for two consecutive years, the IPC report said. Rainfall from April to June is likely to be near normal in most areas and above-normal in some, but "this will likely lead to only a modest improvement in overall food security". (with AFP) Dallas city officials are working to change freeway signs to reflect a move made by city council in 2021. That year, the Dallas City Council voted unanimously to rename a portion of Lamar Street to honor Botham Jean, a man shot to death in his own apartment by an off-duty Dallas police officer in September 2018. Street signs have been changed to reflect the renaming of a portion of Lamar Street to Botham Jean Boulevard. However, freeway signs on I-30 and I-45 still call the road Lamar Street, according to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Changing the freeway signs is estimated to cost $300,000, according to the city. This is something Council Member [Adam] Bazaldua has consistently pushed for over the years, Dezareigh Walls, a spokesperson for Bazaldua, said in an emailed statement. City officials said they are still working to identify the funds to make the change. They did not provide a timeline for when this could occur. Russia's image as a reliable ally has suffered yet another blow as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.Israeli strikes across Iran on Feb. 28, marking a fresh outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East. So far, Moscow's response to the U.S.Israeli bombardment of hundreds of targets in Iran has been limited to diplomatic support for Tehran, even as U.S. President Donald Trump has openly called for a change of regime. The latest development highlights Iran's junior role in its partnership with unsteady Russia, while Moscow's focus on the war in Ukraine leaves it little means to rush to Tehran's aid. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't really see Russia coming to the rescue of Iran," Olli Ruohomaki, a Middle East expert at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told the Kyiv Independent, describing their relationship as largely "transactional." "Russia is pretty entangled in the Ukrainian war. They are fully committed and already struggling... It's not like Russia has all these resources to fight many fronts." Although Iran has supplied Russia with drones and other weapons for the war in Ukraine, Moscow now produces its own Shahed-type variants domestically. And although Russia also gains economically from this relationship, trade with non-sanctioned partners such as China and India remains far more crucial. Advertisement Advertisement Tehran, in turn, has increasingly leaned on Moscow for security and economic needs amid mounting U.S. pressure and domestic unrest, reinforcing the relationship's asymmetry. Limits of military ties The two countries have deepened military cooperation since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, evident in mounting cases of dark port calls and military transport flights. While Tehran has supplied Russia with drones, missiles, and ammunition, Iran has reportedly filed orders for Russian Mi-28 helicopters and Su-35 fighter jets. The cooperation has also been underlined in recent military drills. Iran again turned to Russia after its air defenses were decimated in the twelve-day war with Israel in June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement In December, Iran reportedly signed a deal to purchase 500 Russian "Verba" man-portable launchers and 2,500 surface-to-air missiles to patch up its sky shield. But the military support has its limits. Moscow has stood by during Iran's war with Israel last year, as well as during U.S. attacks on the country's nuclear facilities in June 2025. "The relationship is not a defensive alliance: it is exceedingly unlikely Russia will come to save Iran if push comes to shove in an existential sense," said Julian G. Waller, a lecturer in political science at George Washington University. Advertisement Advertisement Ryhor Nizhnikau, a Russia expert at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, nevertheless adds that "if Tehran is able to take the U.S. into a long protracted conflict, Moscow's ability to help will increase." Aid in crushing dissent Russia's role as a security partner has been more apparent in another sphere. "Moscow has become the primary guarantor of the regime's internal stability, even if it remains a hesitant partner in Iran's external regional wars," says Arash Beidollahkhani, an expert in Middle Eastern politics at the University of Manchester's Global Development Institute and the Hannah Arendt Institute for Totalitarianism Studies While Iran has chiefly provided Russia with weapons for its war against Ukraine, Tehran's main benefit has been Moscow's tools and know-how for quashing domestic dissent. Advertisement Advertisement "The Russian footprint was everywhere in the shadows" during the winter crackdown on anti-regime protests, Beidollahkhani says, pointing to the total internet blackout and the jamming of GPS and Starlink as "hallmarks of Russian electronic warfare doctrine." Since the 2010s, Russia has provided Iran with communication interception systems, monitoring tools, and training for suppressing unrest, fearing for the regime's stability after a wave of "color revolutions." Waller adds that the scale of violence which left at least 7,000 people dead and tens of thousands injured, according to human rights groups was far harsher than the standing Russian tactic, suggesting the approach was "indigenous rather than something cooked up in Moscow." Read also: US, Israeli missiles strike Iran heres what it means for Russia Sanctions busting and energy Two of the world's most heavily sanctioned, oil-rich states, Russia and Iran, have worked together to circumvent Western restrictions by operating a large "shadow fleet," allowing them to sustain vital oil revenues despite mounting economic isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has also sought to shield Tehran from further international pressure. Russia and China attempted without success to delay the "snapback" U.N. sanctions last fall, a mechanism that was part of the now-terminated Iran nuclear deal. The economic ties were further cemented in a strategic partnership agreement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, last January. The wide-ranging agreement covered cooperation across the energy, finance, transportation, agriculture, culture, science, technology, and counterterrorism spheres. After a series of blackouts amid a summer heatwave and Israeli strikes on oil facilities in 2025, Tehran has increasingly leaned on Moscow and Beijing to stabilize its energy sector. Advertisement Advertisement Russia's nuclear energy company Rosatom, which built Iran's only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, signed a memorandum in September 2025 to build eight smaller nuclear power plants, as Iran aims to reach 20 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2040. Dependence concerns Publicly, the Iranian regime has lauded its deepening partnership with Russia even denouncing former officials who drew attention to historical tensions. But experts say there is no consensus on how deep this relationship should be, or on how reliable it is. Moscow's muted response not only to attacks against Iran, but also to the fall of its allies in Venezuela and Syria, underscores that Russia's strategic priorities do not always align with those of local elites. Advertisement Advertisement Richard Betts, professor emeritus of war and peace studies at Columbia University, suggests that Putin has kept support for Iran "low-key" to avoid "annoying Trump," who has been seeking to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. "Many Iranian regime elites remain mistrustful of Russia and are hesitant to further expand ties more than they already have," Waller comments. According to Beidollahkhani, anti-regime protesters and organized opposition have also begun to view the late Khamenei "not as a sovereign leader, but as a puppet of Beijing and Moscow." As the relationship becomes increasingly asymmetrical, opponents are bound to increasingly associate Russia with the unpopular regime and its policies. Advertisement Advertisement As Beidollahkhani emphasizes, it is in Russia's interest to sustain Iran's internationally isolated regime. Rapprochement between energy-rich Tehran and the West would be a "death blow to Moscow's leverage over Europe," he says. "In a post-sanctions environment, Iran could easily, within a short-to-medium-term window, replace Russia as the primary energy provider for the European market." Oleg Sukhov has contributed reporting. Read also: Irans Supreme Leader Khamenei killed amid Israel-US strikes Note from the author: Hi, this is Martin, the author of this article. The Kyiv Independent has no paywall, no wealthy owner our work is driven by readers like you. If you want to keep seeing us deliver reporting on the latest news shaping global politics, please consider supporting us by joining our community of paying members. Thank you! Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BOSTON (AP) The court-ordered deadline for the U.S. government to return a Babson College freshman mistakenly deported to Honduras was set to expire at midnight Friday, as her lawyers accused federal officials of stalling and said she had been pressured to board a flight that could have resulted in her detention. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, said his legal team is prepared to continue fighting the case through appeals and vowed that 19-year-old Any Lucia Lopez Belloza is not coming back in handcuffs. Lopez Belloza, who has no criminal record and has been studying remotely from Honduras, said she will remain there for now as her legal team continues to press for her return. Advertisement Advertisement No one should have to feel this powerless. All Im asking is for honesty and fairness, she said, speaking to reporters Friday via Zoom. Im asking to be treated like a human with rights. In a statement Friday, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempted to comply with the courts order by arranging Lopez Bellozas return to the United States but that she failed to appear for her prearranged flight. The spokesperson said ICE made multiple attempts to contact her and declined to provide additional details, citing operational security. DHS also said Lopez Belloza entered the country in 2014 and that an immigration judge issued a final order of removal in 2015. The agency said the court order blocking her removal was issued after she had already been removed and that she received full due process. Lopez Belloza was detained at Bostons Logan International Airport in November while trying to fly to Texas to surprise her family for Thanksgiving. She was deported to Honduras, the country she left at age 7, less than two days later despite a court order barring her removal while her case was pending. Federal prosecutors later acknowledged in court that immigration authorities had mistakenly deported her. Advertisement Advertisement Lopez Belloza has said she did not know she had a removal order against her and was 11 years old when the immigration case was decided. Pomerleau has said that when he initially reviewed her immigration records, he did not see an active removal order reflected in the system. In court filings in January, government attorneys said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer failed to properly activate an alert system that would have flagged the judges order blocking her removal. The administration apologized for the error but argued that the mistake did not invalidate the prior removal order. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns ordered the government to facilitate her return within two weeks, saying the courts not the executive branch must determine her rights and the legality of her removal. The deadline was set to expire at midnight Friday. Government attorneys have argued that the federal court in Boston lacks jurisdiction to undo her removal order. Advertisement Advertisement Lopez Belloza and her attorney said federal officials sought to arrange a government-facilitated flight to the United States in the past 24 hours but would not clearly state whether she would be released upon arrival. Pomerleau said court filings indicate the government planned to detain her in Texas and could seek to deport her again within days. Theyre interpreting the judges facilitation order to the extreme, Pomerleau said. The judges order says to facilitate her return to the United States to maintain the status quo. And in their view, the status quo is that she was in handcuffs in a jail in Texas. So theyre going to bring her back, put her in handcuffs and leave her in that same jail in Texas." The death toll following an alleged airstrike on Saturday on a girls' primary school in Iran's Hormozgan Province has reportedly risen to 165, with rescue operations now complete, officials said according to the IRNA news agency. The governor of the city of Minab in the south of Iran, where the school is located, said the rescue efforts were over, IRNA reported. Ninety-five people were also injured, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement The Tehran government has blamed a US-Israeli strike for the attack, but Israel on Sunday rejected all responsibility for it. "No Israeli or American attacks there are known to us at this point in time," Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said. Shoshani added, "And what I know is that we were in a position - and this will be confirmed by the Americans and the Iranians - to eliminate 40 people who had hidden from us in an extremely precise way, more than 1,000 miles [1,609 kilometres] away." He was referring to the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The denial came after the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said it was "deeply concerned" about the bombings in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement "There are reports of attacks on schools in Iran, including a girls' school in Minab," the German office of the children's aid organization stated in Cologne on Sunday. "Attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including schools, constitute a violation of international law," it said. The information cannot be independently verified. UNICEF called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The children's aid organization also appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to exercise the utmost restraint and to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights. This includes, in particular, the protection of the civilian population and the services on which children rely for survival. A coalition of Democratic groups in Colorado is working to get redistricting initiatives on the ballot this election year. In conversation with the Deseret News, Hannah Ledford of the Fairness Project, one of the groups involved, said they are asking voters whether or not they want to temporarily disband their independent redistricting commission to adopt maps that have been filed alongside these ballot measures. The ballot proposal would draw a new congressional map for the 2028 and 2030 congressional elections before reverting to the redistricting commission after the 2030 census. Advertisement Advertisement To account for legal challenges, Coloradans for a Level Playing Field has filed four versions of the ballot initiative that include the same map, with plans to get just one of the proposals on the ballot. If passed, the initiative would help Democrats possibly pick up three additional House seats in Colorado, where the congressional election is currently evenly split 4-4 between Democrats and Republicans. Ledford said the latest measure out of Colorado would allow Democrats to pick up a few more seats in the House, turning the 3rd, 5th, and 8th congressional districts bluer. The 4th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Lauren Boebert, would continue to be a Republican stronghold. Its similar to the efforts carried out in California, Maryland and Virginia to engage in mid-decade redistricting following the Trump administrations attempts to encourage red states in mid-decade redistricting to pack Congress in their favor this year, said Ledford. Advertisement Advertisement Maps are typically drawn up once a decade, following the census. But several states have looked at redrawing boundary lines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans push back in Utah, Colorado Advance Colorado, an advocacy group, filed six ballot measures to counter the move late last week. The gist of it is adding criteria around competitiveness and not allowing maps to be drawn to benefit one political party, Michael Field of Advance Colorado told Colorado Politics. Field said that if voters were asked to choose between a hyperpartisan map and an independent map, they would choose the independent one. Many of the measures would require any map changes to obtain approval from the redistricting commission and the Colorado Supreme Court. One of them bans gerrymandering in favor of one political party. Advertisement Advertisement But former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who is chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, spoke out in support of the attempt to gerrymander in a statement, saying, Republicans have demonstrated that their mid-decade gerrymanders will not end after the 2026 midterms, and in the face of that continued threat, Colorado is taking a responsible step by asking the voters to weigh in on the states temporary response. Lets be clear: Colorado did not choose this fight. But Colorado will fight back, he said. Others, like Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, have stayed out of the redistricting debate. Utahs own battle over redistricting came to a head when a federal court rejected an attempt by the states Republicans to block a congressional map chosen by a district judge, which includes a heavily Democratic district. Right now, all four congressional seats in the Beehive State are held by Republicans. In hopes of countering the court ruling, Utahns for Representative Government, led by Utah GOP chair Rob Axson, submitted more than 225,000 signatures for a 2026 ballot initiative aimed at dissolving the independent redistricting commission and returning the map-drawing authority to the state Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement The signatures are still being verified. A national partisan war Nicholas Stephanopoulos, a professor at Harvard Law School, in conversation with Votebeat earlier this month, said the unfolding situation is totally unprecedented in the modern era. You have to go back to the Gilded Age to see this much discretionary redrawing of maps, he said. Individual states have done this before, but not in the context of a national partisan war, added Justin Levitt, another professor at Loyola Law School. Voters in Colorado and Utah will ultimately decide how they want to be represented in November. This debate started in July 2025 with Texas, where redistricting could give Republicans an advantage. A month later, California Democrats countered with their own redistricting proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Republicans have redrawn maps in their favor in North Carolina and Missouri, while Democrats accomplished the same in Virginia and Maryland. Some of those efforts are still caught up in court. Several dozen other states are still considering redistricting proposals. They fought it hard in California. Theyre fighting it hard in Virginia, too, Ledford in Colorado said. But I think at the end of the day, we have voters on our side. These are not politicians drawing maps or making decisions behind voters backs like they did in some other states, she said. This is democracy, direct democracy, playing out in front of our eyes. And voters will ultimately get to decide this fall whether or not they want to make these temporary changes and level the playing field, she said. The IRGC ignored the fact that Israel changed after the October 7 massacre, and now theyre paying the price. Dictatorships dont fall from outside; they collapse from within. Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of Iran made the same mistake as Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. He ignored the fact that Israel changed on October 7. He didnt believe it could happen to him. He fell asleep at the wheel. When the details of his elimination become clear, jaws will drop. The deception, the pinpoint intelligence, the quality of the execution, the creativity. The fact that Israel had a photo of Ali Khameneis body is beyond comprehension. It should spell things out for the ayatollahs who are still there, and for their situation. Advertisement Advertisement Israel went from fighting alone on seven fronts to a situation where Iran is fighting alone on seven fronts. In a little over two years. Not bad. On October 7, 2023, Israel fought for its life, surrounded by a ring of fire, on the verge of the extermination plan that came out of Irans playbook. We took the hardest blow in our history. Despite the brutal starting conditions, we won. Am Yisrael (the people of Israel) got up off the floor, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showed its capabilities, the intelligence community showed its edge. Now comes the strategic reversal. Iran is the one surrounded by a ring of fire, and the ayatollah regime is fighting for its last breaths. A still image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed ''Epic Fury'', an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows a rocket launch from a ship, in this picture obtained from social media released on February 28, 2026. (credit: US CENTCOM via X/Handout via REUTERS) Iran has been caught with its pants down. Its proxies are frozen with fear or responding weakly just to say they did something. Senior figures are being taken out in bulk. Missiles are being fired sparingly. True, it doesnt end until it ends, and the ending is still ahead of us, but the turnaround is one of the most astonishing in history. Compare it to Nazi Germany, which went from an empire that nearly took over the world to a heap of ruins in six years. Iran was on the way to controlling the entire Middle East. Now its being pounded by the two best air forces in the world and fighting for its life. These are historic days, no less. Advertisement Advertisement Most of the details of what happened yesterday and what will happen in the coming days will only be published in the future. Only then will we understand the level of precision in Israeli intelligence, the almost inconceivable intelligence superiority inside a country thousands of kilometers from Israel. If it were up to me, the name of this war, which opened on Purim, should be Ozen Aman (a pun on Ozen Haman, the Purim pastry, and Aman, the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate). Its opening blow will be studied for decades in every military college in the world. Khamenei is gone, but more work is needed The deception operations, the intense intelligence collection that proved itself again in the Iranian capital, the precision and the coordination, all of it is hard to process. Still, its early to celebrate. This isnt over. Hard moments are still ahead, and its unclear whether the goal of the operation, toppling the Iranian regime, will be achieved. If the ayatollahs remain in Tehran, nobody can declare victory. Keep the joy and the optimism for later. For now, its possible to admire the capabilities, the precision, the unprecedented coordination with the US, and the realization of an old dream, seeing the most powerful country on earth lead the campaign against Iran. US President Donald Trump is with us, all in, all in. It wont last long. His patience could run out soon, and thats why our air force is operating at an intensity weve never seen before, on a broader scale than it operated in Operation Like a Lion. Advertisement Advertisement Each pilot is flying three sorties a day, meaning roughly 20 hours out of the first 24 are spent flying to Iran or back. The reason is simple: the push to compress 12 days into three, the effort to hit as many Iranian launch capabilities as possible so we dont reach an interceptor shortage, and the effort to get as much done as possible before Trump gets tired and starts signaling that its over. Time is short, and the work is immense. In two or three days, it will be the Iranians turn. Dictatorships dont fall from outside; they collapse from within, especially without boots on the ground. The only regime that fell as a result of an air campaign was Serbia in 1999. Iran is not Kosovo. Iran will require far more than an air campaign. We should hope the Mossad (Israels foreign intelligence agency), the CIA (the US Central Intelligence Agency), and the Wests other partners in the region know what theyre doing. Remains of a car in the aftermath of an Israel and the US strike on a building in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026 (credit: Amir Kholousi/ISNA/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS) Forty percent of Irans residents are minorities who despise the regime. Eighty percent of the rest also despise it. Inside Irans military there are pockets of resistance and ferment against the regime and against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which treats the regular army with contempt. Those are strong ingredients to work with. The Mossad went to work with plenty of Iranian civilians yesterday on Telegram. In three or four days, when the intensity of the airstrikes starts to drop, their moment arrives. The moment for uprising and liberation. Thats the ambition. Will it happen? Nobody knows. Today is expected to be even more intense for Iran than yesterday. Yesterday, more than 2,500 munitions were dropped on Iran, by Israel and the US together. Lets hope it doesnt happen on our side too. Advertisement Advertisement Yesterdays Israeli and American attacks focused on three main objectives: decapitating as many military and political leaders as possible, first and foremost Khamenei and senior IRGC figures. Striking as many missiles, launchers, launch tunnels, and launch assets as possible. Reopening the safe corridor for Israeli and American air force aircraft to Tehran by destroying Iranian interception and radar capabilities, along with command-and-control systems. You can say those three goals were largely achieved. Launch capabilities still exist, but theyve been significantly reduced. Starting today, Iran will absorb even more powerful strategic bombing: government targets, infrastructure targets, IRGC targets, and an effort to hit those who can suppress protests, aiming for maximum shock and awe against the regime, its symbols, and its enforcers, with the hope that this pushes crowds back into the streets and frees the country. This US-Israel operation is unprecedented. Even in the Sinai Campaign (Operation Kadesh), when Israel coordinated with Britain and France to liberate the Suez Canal from Egypt, nothing looked like this. Israel and the US essentially fused their air, sea, and intelligence arms into a single arm. Our air force has nothing to be ashamed of compared to what the Americans brought to the table. On intelligence, the Americans couldnt have done what they did without us. Advertisement Advertisement This combination fulfills a dream, even during a low point in Israels standing in the US. The poll published yesterday, showing American support for Israel hitting a worrying and unprecedented low, didnt affect whats happening now. We need to pray and act so it doesnt shift further in the future. Despite everything written here, theres still no room for euphoria. The top goal is regime replacement. If that doesnt happen, Iran stays on the list of existential threats to Israel. If it does happen, a new era begins. Happy spring season! Well, sort of. There are two different answers to when the next season actually begins. Meteorological spring starts today, Sunday, March 1, and runs through Sunday, May 31 each year. The spring equinox, known as the vernal equinox, occurs at 10:46 a.m. ET on Friday, March 20, according to the Farmer's Almanac. The National Weather Service defines an equinox as the time when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness. Advertisement Advertisement Every season, we celebrate either an equinox or a solstice (there are two of each). The other equinox, called the autumnal equinox, is celebrated in the fall. Here's what to know about Florida's current spring forecasts and when it will get hot again. What will the weather be like in Florida this spring 2026? The Old Farmer's Almanac prediction map for spring weather. The almanac is predicting a warmer spring than usual in the Wilmington area. The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the United States, especially Florida. "Florida will be warmer than normal in April and average in May. Rainfall will be below average in April but should return to normal levels in May," the almanac writes in its outlook. Advertisement Advertisement The Farmers' Almanac, recently acquired by a New York-based company that saved it from permanent closure, predicts warm, stormy weather for the southeastern half of the country, including Florida. The National Weather Service also forecasts high temperatures statewide in Florida from February through April. Will it be a rainy spring season in Florida? NOAA precipitation outlook for March, April and May 2026 from 0219. According to the NWS, Florida is likely to see below-average precipitation statewide from February through April. When does Florida get hot? According to Florida State University's Climate Center, Florida's hot season begins in Key West in late March and arrives in North Florida in early June. What will summer 2026 look like? It's too early to fully predict how hot the upcoming summer will be; however, the Old Farmer's Almanac offers some indication of the conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters predict that Florida's summer will be warmer and drier than usual, with the hottest periods in early and mid-June and early July. What is the hottest month in Florida? We're six months away from it! August is at the top of the list (82.64 degrees is the maximum temperature average) for the hottest months, based on data from the Florida Climate Center. What is Florida's hottest day ever? Florida is called The Sunshine State for a reason. Each year, Florida sees from 230 to 250 sunny days, second only to Arizona. The hottest day ever documented in Florida was June 29, 1931, when a weather station in Jefferson County recorded a temperature of 109 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida spring 2026 weather and when we'll start seeing it Jerry Cobb, 38, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity using a cellphone and the internet. Cobb faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison following an undercover operation by the FBI. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the guilty plea, which stems from a multi-week investigation conducted in the summer of 2025. The undercover operation targeted individuals using social media applications to solicit children for sexual activity in the Jacksonville area. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, an undercover FBI agent used a social media app to identify adults seeking sexual contact with children. Between July 18 and August 1, the agent communicated with a user named Jerry, who was later identified as Cobb. The two exchanged several private messages on the application. After the agent informed Cobb that the child was 13 years old, Cobb asked for a residence location and inquired if the child was a virgin and could sneak out at night. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] On July 30, Cobb suggested a meeting. You want to just get a hotel room? Cobb texted the agent. During the exchange, Cobb proposed engaging in sexual activity at a hotel. On July 31, he sent another message confirming his intent, stating, Yes Im serious that we can [have] sex. Advertisement Advertisement The following day, Cobb traveled to the designated meeting location that evening, where he expected to meet the 13-year-old. FBI agents arrested Cobb immediately upon his arrival. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office and the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. The program coordinates federal, state and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Advertisement Advertisement Cobb faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison, as well as a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. According to Donald Trump, Iranians have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The hour of your freedom is at hand, he declared, as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pounded Iranian cities and the compound of the countrys supreme leader. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations. Trumps comments made clear that America is seeking regime change. After decades of high tensions, tough recriminations and one-off attacks, Washington finally decided to try getting rid of the countrys government altogether and it thinks ordinary Iranians will rise up and finish the job. The countrys population, after all, is clearly fed up with the Islamic Republic. Over the last decade, Iranians have repeatedly staged mass demonstrations against the regime. Those protests typically only go away after the government responds with horrific force. In December and January, for example, hundreds of thousands of Iranians spent weeks demonstrating until Iranian security officials shot and killed thousands of them. But now, American and Israeli warplanes are attacking Irans military and security apparatus and destroying other government institutions. They have killed the countrys supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and many other top officials. The Trump administration seems to be betting that the Iranian people will soon take over the regime change process, resume protesting and successfully remove a greatly weakened government. To gauge how likely that response might be, I spoke to political scientists and Iranian experts, all of whom would love to see people power usher in new leadership in Tehran. But they also expressed deep skepticism that even this massive air campaign could produce a successful uprising. Advertisement Advertisement For starters, they told me, aerial bombing campaigns have a terrible record at fomenting regime change in any state. Second, Iran has powerful repressive organs with a lot of experience in putting down popular unrest. In addition, Irans bureaucracy has been expecting and preparing for American attacks for generations. And even if Washington does successfully fracture or defang the Islamic Republic, exhausted and shocked Iranians may be too frightened or focused on survival to flood the streets. The countrys political opposition remains weak, and it is famously fragmented. Iranians, of course, do desperately want a better future, and they have been willing to protest under very difficult conditions. For an autocracy, the country has high levels of civic engagement. It is therefore possible that Iranians will succeed where other populations havent. But history suggests most of the countrys people will not heed Trumps call, and that even if they do, they will have a hard time winning. In February 1991, as the American military laid waste to the Iraqi armed forces, U.S. President George H.W. Bush made an appeal. Speaking on international television, Bush called on the Iraqi people to take matters into their own hands and force Saddam Hussein, the dictator, to step aside. They didnt act immediately. But as soon as America stopped the bombing, thousands of Kurds and Shiites across the country rose up against the Sunni-dominated government, hoping that Saddams battered regime and weakened military could finally be defeated. It wasnt. Instead, after the protests began, Saddams forces deployed helicopters, artillery and ground troops against their own citizens. They then slaughtered upwards of 50,000 Iraqis in less than five weeks. The uprising was put down, and Saddam held onto power for another 12 years. Advertisement Advertisement The Iraqi experience is, unfortunately, typical of what happens when presidents have tried in the past to use aerial firepower to change governments. The United States knocked out 90 percent of North Koreas power generation during the Korean War in hopes that it would help topple Kim Il-Sung. It didnt. Washington plunged North Vietnam into darkness during the Vietnam War; that, too, failed. Even Bill Clintons 1998 bombing of tiny Serbia didnt give the opposition movement space to drive Slobodan Milosevic from power. It took another 16 months, and a fraudulent election, before he was forced to leave office. Never, Robert Pape, a political scientist at the University of Chicago who studies air power and regime change, replied when I asked whether what Washington was doing in Iran had succeeded elsewhere. Bombings have never led people to take to the streets and topple their leader. There are two main reasons why air power has such a terrible record. The first, Pape said, is because bombings often prompt citizens to turn against the domestic opposition no matter how much they hate the leader. Even the hint that you are siding with the attacking state is used by rivals to stab you in the back, he told me. To understand why, he asked liberals to consider how Americans might respond if Iran killed Trump and then encouraged the Democratic Partys supporters to seize power; conservatives might imagine what would have happened if Iran did the same to Barack Obama. Just because you dont like your countrys leaders, it doesnt mean that you want to side with an external enemy who deposes them. The second reason is that bombings by themselves rarely fully decimate a governments repressive capacity. In order to save the pro-democracy protesters, youve got to be right there, Pape told me. You have to have troops on the ground. In Iran, both lessons hold value. Iran analysts frequently debate whether outside attacks could prompt a rally-around-the-flag effect, given how unpopular the government has been. Most analysts think that reactions will vary widely, and Iranians are known to be quite nationalistic and weary and wary of international interventions. As a result, experts said that even many Iranians who loathe Khamenei will not want to do what America is asking of them especially given rising civilian casualties from the U.S. attacks. Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, not everyone will feel squeamish. There are those who, just out of sheer desperation, were hoping for a U.S. military intervention, said Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. They might be happy to take to the streets, as Trump asked them to. So might some of the people who are unhappy with the attacks but want a new government. Yet these Iranians could run into the second problem: the regimes substantial capabilities. The Iranian state has multiple institutions that are capable of and responsible for mowing down demonstrators. It has large weapons stockpiles that it has spread out across the country, in part because it expected U.S. hits. That means no matter how far America and Israel go in dropping bombs, they will struggle to truly neuter its security forces. The U.S. would basically have to do what it did in Afghanistan and Iraq over the course of several years in the course of a couple of months, Vaez told me. I just dont see how that would be possible. Theres one final obstacle to a popular revolution: Irans opposition is disorganized, weak and riven. "The Islamic Republic may have abjectly failed at providing its people with a functioning economy and decent standard of living, but it has been very effective at locking up its opponents. The country has a politically active diaspora, but it is particularly plagued by infightingespecially between those who want former Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi to take control of the country and those who oppose him. As a result, opposition forces will have a hard time coordinating and then overwhelming whatever regime institutions still exist. Already today, the regime has deployed militias on the streets in order to keep order and prevent upheaval, Vaez said. Especially after watching thousands of people die at the regimes hands in December and January and then scores more die in U.S. and Israeli attacks he was skeptical the Islamic Republics foes would be ready to come together and hold mass protests. Bombing campaigns may never have incited a successful uprising, but there are cases where foreign air power has helped topple a dictator. In Libya, NATO began striking Muammar al-Gaddafis forces after Gaddafi began brutalizing his people. It proved critical. Around six months after the campaign began, rebel forces drove Gaddafis government from power. Advertisement Advertisement Those rebel forces existed before the NATO bombings began. But it is a more optimistic precedent for those hoping this campaign will bring down the Islamic Republic. And at least some people are relatively bullish about the countrys future. Iran may not have an armed, organized opposition, but it does have deeply committed regime opponents. Iranians are willing to make tremendous sacrifices to get rid of their leaders, Behnam Taleblu wrote in a recent article outlining how a bombing campaign could open the door to an opposition takeover. He cited the death toll from the most recent protests, which some observers place at north of 30,000, as evidence of just how much demonstrators are prepared to give and how hard suppressing them has become. If the bombing campaign continues and extends to local police headquarters and lower-level commanders, Taleblu was optimistic that ordinary Iranians could, indeed, get rid of any regime remnants. The Iranian people have the drive and determination needed, he concluded. So far, the American and Israeli attacks are certainly overwhelming. Decapitation strikes may have a poor track record at inciting regime change, but few governments have killed quite so many officials in quite so short a period as Jerusalem and Washington have in the attacks first 36 hours. In addition to assassinating Irans leader something the American campaigns in the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War never accomplished Washington has taken out many of his top deputies. Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, is dead. So is Irans defense minister, the chief of staff of the armed forces, and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. And bombs have killed enumerable officials lower down the chain of command. Its impossible to say how, exactly, Iranians feel about all this on average. But videos have come out showing many people celebrating Khameneis death. Were in a different place, said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. This is a moment where you start thinking about dreams. But it is still early days, and celebratory clips are not proof that a government-toppling uprising is near. (There have also been videos of Iranians mourning the supreme leader.) Even Taleblu told me that, although the United States and Israel were off to a good start, it was too early to say how things would play out. In fact, almost every Iran analyst I spoke to hedged when asked what might come next. The only thing they agreed on was that the country would be transformed. The regime as we know it is no longer going to exist, said Sanam Vakil, the director of Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa Program. Its going to evolve into something else. Too much of the government has been destroyed for it to carry on as it was. Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt mean it will change for the better or that ordinary Iranians will have a say in what follows. It is possible, perhaps even more likely, that America and Israel have identified or will identify a cooperative regime insider who they will help take charge, as happened in Venezuela. (Alternatively, they might try to install someone from outside the country.) It is also possible that one of the Iranian regimes many contingency plans will prove effective, and that the country is about to be governed by a new supreme leader. Those contingency plans could fail, but a different regime official or commander might unify the systems surviving elements and ruthlessly consolidate power. Or the regime might fracture, and different groups will violently compete for control as happened in Libya's post-Qaddafi civil war. Either way, Iranians will have to fight to have their voices heard. And in a moment of great chaos, facing great danger and disruption, protesting for democracy is unlikely to be their first concern. I think people are just trying to digest and think about whats coming next, Vakil said. They are going to be focusing on their own survival. A driver crashed his car early Sunday near Fife, then pulled his gun on another driver who had stopped to check on him, according to the Washington State Patrol. Around 3 a.m., the male driver rolled his car on southbound Interstate 5 in the area of the Pierce County/King County line. The crash blocked southbound traffic, said Trooper Kameron Watts on Sunday. A second male driver then went to check on the driver who had crashed. The injured man then pulled out a gun and demanded to be given a ride before running from the scene, Watts said. Advertisement Advertisement A police dog tried to track the man but was unsuccessful; however, troopers received a tip that the man was injured and in some nearby woods. He is now being treated for his injuries at an area hospital, Watts said. It was unknown if the man was impaired at the time of the crash, he said. The freeway has reopened to traffic, Watts said. The United Arab Emirates has reported several waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks, and one person has been killed by the fall of debris. Airports in Dubai have been suspended until further notice, while videos from eyewitnesses showing the fall of debris from downed aerial assets and fires are circulating online. Source: UAE Ministry of Defence; CNN; Associated Press; videos from the scene posted on social media; Dubai Airports Quote from the UAE Ministry of Defence: "The UAE today was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles, noting that UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in the UAE also handled the fall of some missile debris in a residential area which resulted in some material damage. The fallen debris also resulted in one civilian death of an Asian nationality." Details: The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the attack and considers it a gross violation of national sovereignty and international law: "UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability". pic.twitter.com/O4yJTjnygW (@ukrpravda_news) February 28, 2026 The ministry said later that the UAE has successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses are posting videos of debris falling from the sky in Dubai. In addition, two Dubai airports have also been suspended until further notice. One of them is Dubai International (DXB), which is considered the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic. pic.twitter.com/I2vchE9OCH (@ukrpravda_news) February 28, 2026 Quote from Dubai Airports: "Flight operations at DXB and Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International (DWC) have been suspended until further notice. UPDATE: Flight operations at @DXB and Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International (DWC) have been suspended until further notice. Guests are advised not to travel to the airport, and to check with their airlines for flight updates. DXB (@DXB) February 28, 2026 Guests are advised not to travel to the airport, and to check with their airlines for flight updates." More details: Thousands of passengers have been left stranded, and local police and airlines are trying to organise an evacuation. , "Fattah". pic.twitter.com/5qLtrpo40R (@ukrpravda_news) February 28, 2026 The UAE Ministry of Defence said the missiles had been intercepted by air defence systems, and debris from downed airborne assets had fallen in several areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, the Baniyas area, the Mohammed Bin Zayed City area and the Al Falah area. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The United Arab Emirates has sold itself to foreigners for years as a sunny, safe, tax-free oasis. That peaceful image was shattered Saturday as Iranian weaponry rained down on Dubai, setting fire to a five-star resort, threatening the world's tallest building, and killing one person and injuring seven others at the airport in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Iran has hit the UAE and several of its neighbors as it strikes back from the major attack by U.S. and Israeli forces, causing fear and chaos in a place that until Saturday was predictably calm. Advertisement Advertisement This is Dubais ultimate nightmare, as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region, Cinzia Bianco, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the European Council on Foreign Relations wrote on X. There might be a way to be resilient, but there is no going back. Officials tried to reassure residents and visitors that the countrys air defense system was among the best in the world, blasting down drones and missiles. I know its a scary time for a lot of the residents, Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, told CNN. We dont hear these types of loud sounds. But at the same time, those are sounds of interception. And where there has been damage that has been primarily debris. Fallout from the attacks has undermined the Emirates' efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran despite longtime suspicions of its neighbor across the Gulf. The UAE closed its airspace Saturday, shuttered its embassy in Tehran on Sunday, and withdrew its diplomats because of the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement This decision reflects its firm and unwavering position against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It called the attacks an aggressive and provocative approach that threatens the region. The oil-rich federation of seven sheikhdoms has relied on its image as a place of serenity to lure wealthy tourists, businesspeople and future residents who want to live largely tax-free in luxury in the desert by the sea. Nearly 90% of the estimated 11 million residents are foreigners. Real estate firms sell glimmering high-rises and poolside villas to rich Europeans and Americans by promoting a welcoming climate and business-friendly policies, and touting it as one of the safest places on earth. Hundreds of drone and missile attacks later, though, that reputation has been rocked. Advertisement Advertisement Last night was pretty surreal," said British racehorse trainer Jamie Osborne, who was in Dubai for the Emirates Super Saturday. Youre standing in the paddock watching missiles get shot through the sky. The Ministry of Defense said Sunday that air defenses had dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and more than 540 Iranian drones over two days. While officials said they intercepted all air attacks Saturday, debris from the knocked-down weapons sparked blazes at some of Dubai's most iconic locations. Social media videos and photos showed a fire outside the Fairmont hotel on the prestigious man-made Palm Jumeirah island, flames licked at the facade of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, and smoke rose into the sky near Burj Khalifa, the 2,723-foot (830-meter) skyscraper. Advertisement Advertisement There also was a fire at Dubais Jebel Ali Port, the citys main sea terminal and a major shipping hub, and the Dubai International Airport was damaged and four employees were injured, according to the Dubai Media Office. Kristy Ellmer, who was on a business trip from New Hampshire, said she was staying away from the windows of her hotel but felt relatively safe despite the numerous blasts. You hear a lot of explosions at times, you know, theres hundreds of them," she said. Its unsettling. Were not used to hearing bombs, right, or missiles. Louise Herrle, an American tourist whose flight home with her husband from Dubai was scrapped, said it was her third time trying to visit the area. Previous trips were canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement With their current Abu Dhabi and Dubai tour over, she is less likely to return to the Emirates or the region. I would probably be inclined to avoid this part of the world when theres increased tensions, it just explodes so quickly," Herrle said. Maybe, she said, the universe was trying to tell us something. ___ Associated Press journalists Julie Walker in New York and Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) introduced legislation on Thursday to revive and permanently lock in the IRS's free Direct File program, a government-run online option that lets eligible taxpayers send returns directly to the agency without paying a commercial preparer. Warren Seeks To Make Direct File Permanent Warren said the Direct File Act would reverse the Trump administration's decision to end the service and make it "the law of the land," aiming to prevent future administrations from shutting it down through policy change. "Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying. Why? Because Direct File let[s] you file your taxes for free. So today, I'm introducing a bill to make Direct File the law of the land. And 160 members of Congress are joining me," Warren wrote on X. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying. Why? Because Direct File let you file your taxes for free. So today, I'm introducing a bill to make Direct File the law of the land. And 160 members of Congress are joining me. https://t.co/IJ0kqeufU6 Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 26, 2026 Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share Put professional stock research to work in a single ETF explore Motley Fool Asset Management's factor-based funds. Bill Sets Rules, State Integration Targets The bill would require Direct File, block the IRS from entering into agreements that "restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services," require "seamless integration" with participating state systems, mandate annual usage reports, and push the IRS to make Direct File available to at least 50% of taxpayers in participating states by the 2028 tax season. Advertisement Advertisement In another post, Warren argued that TurboTaxs parent company, Intuit, gave more than $1 million to Trump's inauguration and lobbied against the program. This shouldn't be controversial: filing your taxes should be easy and free. I've got a bill to do just that. Let's get this done. pic.twitter.com/2rDNUNJuFM Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 26, 2026 Trending: You Saved for Retirement But Do You Know What You'll Keep After Taxes? In December, an Intuit spokesperson told Benzinga that Americans have long had access to free tax preparation and said Intuit has helped more than 140 million people file for free over the past 12 years. The spokesperson argued taxpayers would have used IRS Direct File if they wanted it and criticized the IRS for spending over $100 million on a program that fewer than 1% of eligible filers used. Pilot Success, Then Trump-Era Cancellation Direct File launched as a limited pilot in 12 states during the 2024 filing season and expanded for 2025 to 25 states, according to Treasury and IRS materials. A Government Accountability Office review said the IRS planned to make it a permanent option beginning in 2025 after the pilot showed that taxpayers found it easier to use. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration later scrapped the program for the 2026 season, AP reported, after internal IRS communications said Direct File "will not be available." Warren's office said then-IRS Commissioner Billy Long confirmed Direct File was "gone." Read Next: Photo Courtesy: David Garcia on Shutterstock.com UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Elizabeth Warren Says Trump Killed IRS Direct File Due To Lobbying By Tax Prep Companies, Introduces Bill To Bring It Back originally appeared on Benzinga.com When Albert Einstein wrote an obituary for Emmy Noether in 1935, he described her as a creative mathematical genius who despite unselfish, significant work over a period of many years did not get the recognition she deserved. Noether made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics at a time when women were barred from academia and when Jewish people like herself faced persecution in Nazi Germany, where she lived. 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of Noethers landmark paper on ring theory, a branch of theoretical mathematics that is still fascinating and challenging mathematicians like me today. Advertisement Advertisement I remember the first time I learned about Noether and the surprise I felt when my professor referred to the brilliant ring theorist as she. Even though I am a woman doing mathematics, I had assumed Noether would be a man. I was surprised at how moved I was to learn she was a woman, too. Her inspiring story is one that not many people know. A rare woman in mathematics Emmy Noether earned a doctorate in mathematics in 1909, but women were not allowed to work as professors at that time in Germany. Mathematical Assoc, iabutit onat ofth Aatme triimcae, v ia WikimediaCommons Noether was born in 1882 in Erlangen, Germany. Her father was a math professor, but it must have seemed unlikely to a young Noether that she would follow in his footsteps. At the time, few women took classes at German universities, and when they did they could only audit them. Teaching at a university was out of the question. But in 1903 a few years after Noether graduated from a high school for girls Erlangen University started to let women enroll. Noether signed up and eventually earned her doctorate in mathematics there. Advertisement Advertisement That doctorate should have been the end of her mathematical career. At the time, women were still not allowed to teach at universities in Germany. But Noether stuck with mathematics anyway, staying in Erlangen and unofficially supervising doctoral students without pay. In 1915, she applied for a position at the prestigious University of Gottingen. The dean at the university, also a mathematician, was in favor of hiring Noether, although his argument was far from feminist. I think the female brain is unsuitable for mathematical production, he wrote, but Noether stood out as one of the rare exceptions. Unfortunately for Noether, the Prussian Ministry of Education would not give the university permission to have a woman on their faculty, no matter how talented. Noether stayed in Gottingen anyway and taught courses listed under the name of a male faculty member. During those years, she kept doing research. While she was still an unofficial lecturer, Noether made important contributions to theoretical physics and Einsteins theory of relativity. The university finally granted her lecturer status in 1919 four years after she applied. CC BY-SA The University of Gottingen, seen here, was unable to hire Noether as a professor, so she taught courses under a male colleagues name. Daniel Schwen/WikimediaCommons A revolution in ring theory In 1921, only two years after becoming an official lecturer, Noether published revolutionary discoveries in ring theory that mathematicians are still pondering and building upon today. Noethers work in ring theory is the main reason that I, like many mathematicians today, know her name. Advertisement Advertisement Ring theory is the study of mathematical objects called rings. Despite the name, these rings have nothing to do with circles or ring-shaped objects theoretical or otherwise. In mathematics, a ring is a set of items you can add, subtract and multiply and always get another object that is in the set. A classic example is the ring known as Z. It is made of all the integers positive and negative whole numbers like 0, 1, 2, 3, -1, -2, -3 and so on and it is a ring because if you add, subtract or multiply two integers, you always get another integer. There are infinitely many rings, and each one is different. A ring can be made of numbers, functions, matrices, polynomials or other abstract objects as long as theres a way to add, subtract and multiply them. One reason rings are so interesting to mathematicians is that often it is possible to tell something is a ring, but its difficult to know much about the specifics of that particular ring. Its like seeing a croissant at a fancy bakery. You know you are looking at a croissant, but you might not know whether its filled with almond paste, chocolate or something else altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Instead of focusing on one ring at a time, Noether showed that a whole class of easy-to-identify rings all share a common internal structure, like a row of houses with the same floor plan. These rings are now called Noetherian rings, and the structure they share is like a map that guides the mathematicians who study them. Noetherian rings show up all the time in modern mathematics. Mathematicians still use Noethers map today, not just in ring theory, but in other areas such as number theory and algebraic geometry. CC BY-SA A plaque in her home town of Erlangen honors Emmy Noether and mentions her immigration to the U.S. Norman Ronz/WikimediaCommons Escape from Nazi Germany Noether published her famous ring theory paper and other important results in mathematics while she was a lecturer in Gottingen from 1919 to 1933. But in the spring of 1933, the University of Gottingen received a telegram: Six faculty members including Noether had to stop teaching immediately. The Nazis had passed a law barring Jews from professorship. Noethers response, it seems, was calm. This thing is much less terrible for me than it is for many others, she wrote in a letter to a fellow mathematician. But she was out of a job, and no university in Germany could hire her. Advertisement Advertisement Help came from the United States. Bryn Mawr, a womens college in Pennsylvania, offered Noether a professorship through a special fund for refugee German scholars. Noether accepted the offer and, as a professor at Bryn Mawr, she mentored four younger women one doctoral student and three postdoctoral researchers in advanced mathematics. Noethers time at Bryn Mawr was, tragically, short. In 1935 she had surgery to remove a tumor and died unexpectedly four days later. At Noethers funeral, mathematician Hermann Weyl compared her sudden passing to the echo of a thunderclap. In her short life, Noether shook up mathematics. She kept teaching and learning even when women and Jews were not welcome. One hundred years later, her mathematical genius and unbreakable optimism are qualities to admire. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Tamar Lichter Blanks, Rutgers University Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Tamar Lichter Blanks received funding from the National Science Foundation through the Graduate Research Fellowship Program. She is an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellow at The Conversation US sponsored by the American Mathematical Society. President Trump declared victory during his State of The Union speech on everything from the economy to foreign policy, and almost no one outside the chamber seemed to believe him. The week brought explicit child-sex abuse accusations again Trump, blowback on tariffs, skepticism on Iran, a highprofile counterrally and new fights over ICE that are putting New Jersey squarely in Washingtons crosshairs. Gov. Mikie Sherrills ICE order triggering a DOJ lawsuit and legislators advancing a sweeping package to curb immigration enforcement power. Meanwhile, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is feeling pressure from local Republicans furious over a planned ICE facility in their town. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. They break it down for us. Star-Ledger editor Enrique Lavin is moderator. Trumps sales pitch Q: We wont get into the factcheck cottage industry around President Trumps declarations, including our roaring economy. Piers Morgan, prominent talk show host and friend of Donald Trump, distilled the presidents big message on the economy this way: People dont realize how good theyve got it and that everything is better than they think. He pointed out how that was Joe Bidens message, too. And we know how that worked out, he concluded. Consistent polling shows the economy is the most important issue. Will voters buy what Trump is selling them? Mike: If the Virginia and New Jersey elections are any indication, voters are looking for a change. The president will need to work doubly hard to convince them on the economy over the next eight months. Advertisement Advertisement Julie: If we have free and fair elections (something the president and the GOP-led Congress are working hard to subvert), this will be a bloodbath for Trump. Voters feelings are baked in on his presidency, on the economy and on the direction of the country. He is well underwater on all those issues. Tariffs or bust? Q: During his speech, Trump slammed the Supreme Court for striking down many of his tariffs. What does it say that Republicans in the chamber didnt respond with loud applause as they had for other policies the president laid out? Mike: Many Republicans disagree with the president on tariffs and are likely grateful that the Supreme Court made the decision it did. Also, there is a level of respect among Republicans for the Supreme Court, especially its conservative justices. Julie: The Supreme Court did the president a massive favor, even if he wont acknowledge it. Tariffs were slowing growth. Now Trump has the best of both worlds someone to blame for forcing his hand while benefiting from not having to live with his own bad decisions on trade. He should take the win, but he wont. For him, tariffs were never about policy; they were about shaking other countries down for favorable treatment. One day, when we find out exactly who gave to his familys crypto fund and related ventures, well know to what extent. Possible war Q: Was the president successful in selling his case for a war in Iran? Mike: Americans will never trust Iran. But that doesnt mean theyll be ready to go to war. More work needs to be done to make the case. Advertisement Advertisement Julie: Wait did the president actually bother selling his case for war? I was told we obliterated Irans nuclear capabilities last summer. What happened? Official response Q: Newly installed Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, in her Democratic rebuttal, criticized Trumps tariffs and reckless trade policies, arguing these have significantly increased the cost of living for most Americans. Did her speech help shift voters trust in Democrats on the economy? Mike: While this seemed like a great opportunity for the new governor, most voters dont want to hear from somebody who is just six weeks into a new job about how someone else should do his job. Shes a good spokesperson for the more centrist Democratic Party, but I dont think she did herself any favors in her home state by making that address. Julie: In fairness, Gov. Spanberger has been in Congress for a while and worked as a national security official before that. Her public service record is a lot longer than Trumps. (And she hadnt actually tried to murder the people in the audience at her address.) I thought she did a great job. Counterprogramming event Q: MoveOn and the Meidas Touch Network hosted a Peoples State of the Union on the National Mall during Trumps speech, featuring 35 lawmakers who boycotted SOTU alongside their guests and activists, including Jeffrey Epstein survivors, immigrants and federal employees, among others. Was this demonstration effective? Mike: No. Advertisement Advertisement Julie: Mike, youve got to get on Substack, YouTube and other places where people under 50 hang out. It was actually very effective. Mike: Two percent of Americans are reading Substack. That is growing, but its not yet where the average person gets their news. My bigger point is these antiTrump rallies have been talking to themselves for years, getting each other excited without reaching the center. When Democrats have success in November, we wont be pointing to this rally. Epstein saga Q: Trump made no mention of Jeffrey Epstein during his historic speech, and yet Epstein seemed to be everywhere this week. Democratic lawmakers invited survivors to the speech; a day later on the House floor, GOP Rep. Thomas Massie condemned the DOJ and FBI for failing to make U.S. arrests or launch new investigations. This, as the administration days earlier scrubbed FBI documents containing a specific allegation in New Jersey of child sexual abuse and physical assault against the president. Will this go anywhere? Mike: This issue is not going away. Many on the right campaigned on transparency and cant be seen as protecting the rich and powerful. Advertisement Advertisement Julie: Trump has now been accused by two women of sexually assaulting them when they were 13 years old. According to one of the alleged survivors (and I apologize because this is gruesome), Epstein introduced her to Trump who subsequently forced her head down to his exposed penis which she subsequently bit. In response, Trump punched her in the head and kicked her out. The FBI interviewed this witness four times all during the first Trump administration. Needless to say, all of it was swept up under the rug. The only notation that is publicly available, sent from one FBI agent to another in the Southern District of New York on July 22, 2025, says that one identified victim claimed abuse by Trump but ultimately refused to cooperate. All this does is raise more questions about whether we have a child sex predator in the White House. Feds vs. Sherrill Q: The DOJ filed a lawsuit against New Jerseys executive order that prohibits ICE from entering or using nonpublic areas of state property unless authorized by a judicial warrant, arguing it intentionally discriminates against the federal government. How big of a clash is this? Mike: This is more than just political theater. The governor is trying to make it more difficult for ICE to operate unilaterally in the state without a judicial warrant. This has an impact on operations, which will be seen as positive by her supporters and negative by those who voted against her. Advertisement Advertisement Julie: I cannot be more supportive of Gov. Sherrill on this. Anything to stop this American Gestapo from oppressing people is fine with me. N.J. says F--- ICE Q: With Democratic lawmakers advancing a package of bills aimed squarely at limiting ICEs power including the highprofile F--- ICE Act, which would let residents sue federal immigration officials for unconstitutional actions is New Jersey on the verge of becoming the nations most aggressive state in legally challenging federal immigration enforcement? And what should we expect in terms of backlash? Mike: I likely curse as much as anyone from New Jersey, but I was hoping members of Congress and other elected officials would hold themselves to a higher standard when making their points. This is a family column. Julie: Sometimes I think about people I helped get into public office and I feel shame. And then there are times when I think about Assemblywoman Katie Brennan, the sponsor of this bill, and I feel nothing but pride. She and her cosponsors are on the side of right here. Kean on thin ICE Q: The allRepublican Roxbury Council has been critical of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. for his lack of advocacy to block the Trump administrations $129 million purchase of a warehouse for an ICE detention center. In response, he introduced legislation that would create federal grants to compensate towns for lost property tax revenue and increased infrastructure costs caused by new federal law enforcement facilities. Whats going on here? Mike: Congressman Kean has found success these last two elections by never really bucking the president or his policies in a highprofile way. Hes not going to change that approach now. Whats different is that a very Republican town in his district has so forcefully condemned his actions or lack thereof. Advertisement Advertisement Julie: Im not in the Republican advice business, but Rep. Kean might want to read the room here. Its not really about lost tax revenue. She's a Dem. He's GOP. And they're friends Roginsky-Duhaime Editors note: Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week with this Friendly Fire conversation. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. As missile strikes continue across countries in the Middle East, residents and visitors have been urged to register with their countrys local embassy. Following the launch of an Israeli and US attack on Iran on Saturday 28 February, retaliatory strikes against military bases in countries including Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia has seen airspace closures across the region. While these countries are working to intercept missiles, falling shrapnel has caused damage and injuries. The UAE's Defence Ministry has said at least three people have been killed since attacks began. Advertisement Advertisement Embassies are urging anyone in affected countries to follow instructions from local authorities, which include sheltering in place and avoiding travel. Residents are also being told to register with the embassy to receive updates and, if necessary, so that they can provide assistance. British nationals to register with FCDO The UKs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) instructed British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and UAE to register their presence on Saturday 28 February. You can find links to the individual registration pages in the post on X below. French citizens to register on Fil dAriane Arnaud Pescheux, the French ambassador to Qatar, said it was strongly recommended to register through the Fil dAriane system. Advertisement Advertisement You can do so on the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website here. Spain citizens to register through Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation Spains Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation posted on X to share the emergency phone numbers and official accounts for its embassies in the region. Tourists can register through registroviajeros.exteriores.gob.es. The Spanish embassy in the UAE has shared that you can also register by emailing emb.abudhabi@maec.es, and the same may apply to other embassies in the region. Email addresses for individual embassies are easily found on the ministrys website. Irish citizens to register through Department of Foreign Affairs The Irish Foreign Ministry has told its citizens to actively monitor advice issued on social media by the local Irish Embassy. Advertisement Advertisement Citizens are able to register through citizensregistration.dfa.ie. German citizens to register through ELEFAND German embassies in countries including the UAE and Qatar have instructed citizens to register through the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list. You can do so on krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de. Italian citizens to register through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation For updates on the situation, Italian citizens can download the Viaggiare Sicuri app. You can also register your trip through dovesiamonelmondo.it. Swedish citizens to register through Sweden Abroad Swedish citizens in the region can keep up to date through the Sweden Abroad website. You should register through swedenabroad.se/sv/svensklistan, and you should also download the UD Resklar app to keep updated on the situation. Finnish citizens to register through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Both tourists and residents in the region can register their contact details through matkustusilmoitus.fi. Dutch citizens to register through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tourists and residents from the Netherlands can register for updates and let the government know you are in one of the affected countries through informatieservice.nederlandwereldwijd.nl. Polish citizens to register through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Polish citizens in affected countries should register through odyseusz.msz.gov.pl. Austrian citizens to register through the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs Austrian citizens have been asked to register, or update their information, through auslandsregistrierung.bmeia.gv.at. "It's not a coincidence that Iran is attacking Dubai, because Dubai is the antithesis of what Iran represents," Emirati senior journalist and TV commentator Nadim Koteich told The Jerusalem Post. "Every single person who's still alive in the Iranian regime right now is alive for a purpose and by choice." That was how Emirati senior journalist and TV commentator Nadim Koteich framed the moment, speaking as the region absorbed the full weight of the US-Israel strike on Iran and Tehran's response across the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Midway through the interview, an emergency alert sounded in the UAE warning of a missile threat. There was a brief pause, then the conversation resumed. The interruption only deepened the atmosphere surrounding his central claim: in Tehran, survival has become part of the message. Koteich's view held consistent across topicsfrom the Gulf to Lebanon to Washington. Iran's behavior, he argued, is widening the circle of targets while rapidly compressing the space for states that have tried to stay out of the fight. "Hezbollah wants to interfere, but they cannot," he said. "They are simply a defeated militia." Hezbollah wants to interfere, but they cannot, he said. They are simply a defeated militia. Nadim Koteich (credit: Courtesy) 'Try not to poke Iran in the eye' Koteich opened by describing how much of the region has approached Iran for years. Advertisement Advertisement "We downplayed attacks," he said. "We pushed the media to take a more or less harsh take on Iran for years it fluctuates, goes up and down, but the majority of the approach is try not to, you know, poke Iran in the eye, because we know that it can hurt, and we don't want to be hurt." He argued that posture has shaped policy, media tone, and regional instincts especially among Gulf states that built their prosperity around stability and predictability. Then he turned to what he sees as the fundamental problem with that approach right now: Iran's recent targeting choices, he argued, have stripped caution of its value. 'What did Kuwait do?' 'Why would you hit Oman?' Koteich acknowledged that Tehran frames some attacks as punishment for normalization with Israel and the Abraham Accords the 2020 agreements that formalized ties between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE and Bahrain. Advertisement Advertisement "Forget about Abu Dhabi and Bahrain," he said. "From an Iranian perspective, they deserve what's happening, given their normalization with the Israelis and the Abrahamic accords I will buy that argument, for the sake of argument." Then he widened the frame. "But I mean, they hit Oman today basically the mediator," he said, referring to the country he described as carrying water for Iran. "It was the defense attorney less than 10 hours before the attack and less than 24 hours later, they attack it." From there, he moved swiftly through what he sees as the larger message. "So what did Kuwait do? Right? What did Cyprus?" he asked. "They tried to hit Cyprus." Koteich also pointed to Oman, long associated with quiet regional diplomacy. "What about Oman? Why would you hit Oman? Why would you hit Cyprus?" His conclusion was direct: Iran's actions are collapsing the category of the "uninvolved." Countries that spent years trying to stay out of the story are being pulled into it regardless. 'Europe is sleepwalking' Koteich connected that widening targeting pattern to Europe's posture toward Iran. "This vindicates what Trump is saying, that Europe is sleepwalking into an appeasement with Khamenei," he said, arguing that European leaders are dangerously underestimating Iran's capability and willingness to strike targets well beyond Israel and the Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement He also referenced a past Hezbollah warning aimed at Cyprusciting former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallahas evidence that threats travel. On Lebanon, Koteich firmly rejected the notion that Hezbollah's limited involvement reflects restraint born of political pressure or strategic calculation. "Hezbollah wants to interfere, but they cannot," he said. "They are simply a defeated militia." He returned to the point repeatedly, sharpening it each time. "They are a hollow militia, a shadow of themselves," he said. "They simply cannot do anything to the Israelis." Koteich also cautioned against narratives that dress up Hezbollah's paralysis as a deliberate choice made in Lebanon's national interest. Advertisement Advertisement "It's not because of their wisdom it's not because of their nationalism it's not because of the pressure applied on them," he said. "They simply cannot." His broader point: Lebanon's weak institutions create space for Hezbollah to present immobility as strategy, precisely because the Lebanese state is not setting the pace. 'We built a whole architecture around the fact that this is what the regime is' Koteich framed the Gulf response through the lens of preparation, air defenses, and alliance structures. "It's a massive attack," he said. "If you look at the numbers, we got almost the same number of missiles as the Israelis." For him, those numbers speak directly to the nature of the regime. "This tells you what is the real nature of this regime," he said. Advertisement Advertisement He argued that the UAE in particular built its entire strategic posture around that assumption. "We're coping because, I mean, we've built a whole architecture around the fact that this is what the regime in Iran is," he said. He pointed to deep military integration with the United States basing, weapons systems, and operational coordination. "This tells you why Abu Dhabi was advancing its military integration with American military architecture," he said, citing "bases" and "weapons." Koteich also emphasized trust as an operational factor. "These deployments are very sensitive," he said. "You don't do these things unless you have allies that you trust." He added that ties with Israel are a core pillar of that trust. "One of the trust pillars is the relationship with Israel," he said. 'Dubai is the antithesis of what Iran represents' Koteich framed the conflict as a clash between competing regional models, and he returned to Dubai repeatedly as the symbol of everything Iran wants to punish. Advertisement Advertisement "It's not a coincidence that Iran is attacking Dubai, because Dubai is the antithesis of what Iran represents," he said. "Dubai is the other Middle East." He described Dubai as "the future Middle East" and Iran as "the old Middle East," then argued that Tehran is trying to sabotage the model it fears most. "Iran is trying to punish the Middle East that is emerging in the region," he said. "The moment of killing Khamenei is one Middle East being over the other, period." 'Khamenei is the equilibrium point' Koteich called the current moment the most severe test the Islamic Republic has faced in decades. "This is the most existential test the regime goes through since Khamenei took power," he said. Advertisement Advertisement He described Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as the system's central stabilizer. "He is the equilibrium point in terms of the multi factions of the regime," Koteich said. "The entire Iranian tent, the fabric of the state is hitting the ground now." He reached for a striking phrase to capture Khamenei's role inside the system. "He is what they call the 10th pope," he said. Then he delivered his own verdict. "The regime, as we know it, ended yesterday," he said. 'They have a way out," and "every missile has an address' Koteich argued that the leadership figures still standing are still standing for a reason and he framed their survival as entirely intentional. "They have a way out," he said. Then he returned to the line he believes captures the moment. Advertisement Advertisement "Every single person who's still alive in the Iranian regime right now is alive for a purpose, and by choice," he said. In his view, key figures remain alive because an orderly transition is still being kept on the table. "The reason that these people are alive is that no one wants the region to fall into chaos," he said. "We want someone to rise up to the moment, take the country forward." He warned that the window closes quickly if the regime continues what he called "bravado." "If they are going to stick to bravado and rhetoric," he said, "another wave of assassinations will happen, and the regime will fall." He also raised a second scenario: a hard shift from clerical rule toward overt military control. "The regime will witness some sort of IRGC coup," he said, "and it will become like a military junta. My sources are telling me that every missile has an address" a line he used to suggest targeted pressure on individuals, not just facilities. 'It will affect their day to day life' Koteich also addressed the American debate about why any of this should matter to Washington. "It will affect their day to day life," he said. He framed the moment as a long-overdue strategic correction of the 2003 Iraq war. "This is the first real correction of 2003," he said. "Back then, they toppled the wrong regime." He cited allegations of Iranian plots and networks as part of his case, including claims about threats against Donald Trump and past allegations involving an attempted attack on the Saudi ambassador in Washington. He also argued that Iranian society must be clearly separated from the Iranian regime. "This is one of the largest Muslim countries where the people are pro-American and the regime is anti-American," he said. "You are winning 90 million Muslims on your side." Koteich kept returning to his central point: the Iranian power structure is being sorted in real time, and survival itself is now part of the signal. "Every single person who's still alive is alive for a purpose and by choice," he concluded. March 1 (Reuters) - Airlines continued to cancel flights across the Middle East on Sunday as much of the regions airspace remained closed a day after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunging the region into a new conflict. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed, and air strikes kept major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, shut or severely restricted. Below is the latest on flights listed by airline in alphabetical order: Advertisement Advertisement AEGEAN AIRLINES Greece's largest carrier suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Erbil in Iraq until March 2. AIR ASTANA The group cancelled all flights to the Middle East through March 3. AIR CANADA The airline said it has cancelled flights from Canada to Israel until March 8 and flights to Dubai until March 3. AIR EUROPA The Spanish airline cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday and is monitoring the situation to assess operations from Tuesday. AIR FRANCE KLM Air France cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel and Beirut in Lebanon for Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Its Dutch arm KLM said late on Saturday that this weekend's flights to and from Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh have been cancelled. It had already brought forward suspension of its AmsterdamTel Aviv service to Saturday. It will not fly to Dubai, Riyadh or Dammam before Thursday, Dutch news agency ANP reported on Sunday, citing a KLM spokesperson. AIR INDIA The carrier extended the suspension of flights to and from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 2359 local time and cancelled some flights to Europe scheduled for Monday. It had already cancelled flights scheduled for Sunday from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris. It added that more flights to London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen and Frankfurt had been cancelled. AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES Advertisement Advertisement The airline has suspended flights to and from Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Tel Aviv. BRITISH AIRWAYS IAG-owned British Airways said it has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3 and its flight to Amman on Saturday. CATHAY PACIFIC Hong Kong's Cathay Group, parent of Cathay Pacific Airways, suspended operations in the region, affecting passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, as well as freighter service at Al Maktoum airport. That is Dubai's second airport after Dubai International Airport, the primary hub that handles most passenger traffic. EL AL Israel's flag carrier said on Sunday it has cancelled flights scheduled through Monday, including those planned to depart by 2:00 AM between March 2 and 3. Advertisement Advertisement EMIRATES Owing to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 3 p.m. UAE time on March 2. ETIHAD The UAE's Etihad said flights scheduled to depart Abu Dhabi were suspended until 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. FLYDUBAI The airline said it had temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3 p.m. local time on Sunday. IBERIA EXPRESS The Spanish airline owned by Iberia Group cancelled a flight to Tel Aviv scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. local time. INDIGO IndiGo, India's biggest airline, said it had extended a temporary suspension of select international flights using Middle East airspace until Monday. Advertisement Advertisement ITA AIRWAYS ITA Airways suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv and said it would not use the airspace of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran until March 7. Flights to and from Dubai were suspended until March 1. JAPAN AIRLINES Japan Airlines cancelled a flight on Saturday from Tokyo Haneda to Doha as well as a return flight on March 1, Nikkei said. LOT POLISH AIRLINES The airline suspended flights to Tel Aviv until March 15 and cancelled flights to Dubai and Riyadh until March 2. LUFTHANSA The German airline has extended the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam and Tehran up to and including March 8. Advertisement Advertisement Flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi were suspended up to and including March 4 and United Arab Emirates airspace was not to be used up to and including March 4. NORWEGIAN AIR The Nordic airline suspended all flights to and from Dubai until March 4, a company spokesperson said. The carrier did not suspend flights to Tel Aviv in Israel or Beirut in Lebanon because these destinations are only active in summer, he added. PEGASUS AIRLINES The airline said that flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon were cancelled up to and including March 2. QATAR AIRWAYS The airline said flights remain temporarily suspended owing to the closure of the Qatari airspace. It will provide a further update by 9 a.m. local time on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES The airline told Reuters it had suspended its flight to Tel Aviv from Copenhagen on Saturday. No decision had been made regarding flights on later dates. TURKISH AIRLINES The airline cancelled flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman on Saturday and flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until March 2. VIRGIN ATLANTIC Virgin Atlantic said it will temporarily avoid Iraqi airspace, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of flights and has cancelled its VS400 service from London Heathrow to Dubai on Saturday. WIZZ AIR The Hungarian carrier halted flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect until March 7. Advertisement Advertisement It added that operational decisions would continue to be reviewed and the flight schedule could be adjusted as the situation evolves. (Compiled by Josephine Mason and Federico MaccioniReporting by Reuters bureauxEditing by Barbara Lewis, Louise Heavens, Cynthia Osterman, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and David Goodman) A few months after Norfolk officials unsuccessfully tried to oust a controversial electoral board member, state lawmakers are considering several bills that would make it easier to remove registrars and board members who do not perform their duties. One bill, HB78, would make a board members failure to certify an election punishable by removal proceedings and a $1,000 fine. Another, HB41, would allow elections officials to vote out general registrars and electoral board members without a Circuit Court judge decision. The latter would prevent a situation like last year, when a Circuit Court judge ruled against the State Board of Elections after it asked to remove former Norfolk Electoral Board vice chair Marianne McKay. Norfolk election officials petitioned the Elections Board to remove McKay after she attempted to rescind her certification of the 2024 results because she was not allowed to personally review thousands of provisional ballots, among other actions. Advertisement Advertisement The bill, sponsored by Del. Marcus Simon, D-Falls Church, would allow the removal of general registrars and electoral board members by a two-thirds majority vote of the State Board of Elections. The officials could be removed for neglect of a clear ministerial duty of the office, misuse of the office, or incompetence in the performance of the duties of the office, or an unambiguous indication of a future refusal or failure to carry out the duties of the office, according to the bill text. Registrars could also be removed by a unanimous vote of all local electoral board members, per the legislation. Simon said the bill arose because of a case in which two electoral board members in Waynesboro refused to certify the 2024 election results. They expressed concerns about electronic counting machines and asked to hand count ballots, according to the Staunton News Leader. A judge later required them to certify the results. So, this bill would, just under those extreme circumstances, provide another outlet for removing registrars and members of the electoral board, Simon told a Virginia Senate elections subcommittee Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Another bill from Del. Cia Price would begin removal proceedings by the State Board of Elections of any electoral board member who fails to certify an election and also fine them $1,000. Price, a Newport News Democrat, said electoral board members are required by law to certify election results and should bring up process concerns through legal proceedings. Even if you think something went wrong, you still have to certify the results, Price said. Board members are required to certify results as a ministerial duty, according to state law. Price said the bills also aimed to strengthen state elections against attacks from Donald Trumps administration. Trump has mused about taking federal control of elections, which are administered by the states in powers dictated by the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement McKay, whose term on the electoral board expired in December, said she opposed both bills. She said Simons bill would have taken away the legal protections that allowed her to remain in her position. Additionally, she said she opposed Prices bill because she believed board members should be allowed to decline to certify elections if they believe irregularities occurred. Norfolk General Registrar Stephanie Iles declined to comment on the legislation, but said the Simon bill would have removed McKay if it had been the law in 2025. The other two board members at the time of McKays removal attempt, Atoy Carrington and Michael Ziegenfuss, did not respond to requests for comment. The two bills have passed the House of Delegates and are awaiting votes in the Senate. Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com An illegal alien from Nigeria living in Houston has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for his involvement in a $4 million fraud scheme. Leslie Chinedu Mba, 40, pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit false statements in immigration documents. U.S. District Judge David Hittner ordered him to serve 228 months behind bars, according to a Department of Justice news release. Prosecutors detailed how Mba and co-conspirators inside and outside the United States ran business email compromise and romance scams from April 2018 through December 2023. The schemes targeted individuals and businesses, with scammers overseas hacking business email accounts to redirect payments to fraudulent bank accounts controlled by Mba and others. Victims thought they sent money to legitimate businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Mba and accomplices served as money mules, opening or using bank accounts to collect and launder the funds. The fraud caused more than $4 million in losses. Additionally, after authorities denied Mbas initial residency application and ordered his removal, he pursued lawful permanent residency through multiple fraudulent marriages, prosecutors said. Four Houston-area co-defendants previously pleaded guilty: 30-year-old Grace Morisho, 30-year-old Rodgers Kadikilo, 38-year-old Kristin Smith, and 36-year-old Alexandra Golovko. Morisho, Kadikilo, and Smith received prison terms of 15 to 25 months. Golovko got five years of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Romance scams are among the lowest and most despicable form of fraud because they prey upon the lonely and vulnerable, and disproportionately victimize senior citizens, said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. These online scams Mba and his friends perpetrated jeopardized the livelihood of family-run businesses, the ability of elderly individuals to retire, and exploited the trust that fuels our economy. Even worse, Mba and his confederates committed these crimes while attempting to remain in our country under false pretenses by deceiving immigration authorities. Now, Mba has prison to look forward to, followed by a one-way ticket back to Nigeria. Out of all the frauds perpetrated by Leslie Mba and his co-conspirators, their weaponization of romance scams to deliberately target vulnerable and elderly Americans is most disturbing, said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. Mba faces federal deportation proceedings after his sentence. He remains in custody pending transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility. The FBI Houston office investigated with help from the Houston Police Department. Information came from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas. After five months of pressuring the Brentwood Police Department to release body camera footage of the arrest of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez, her family finally got to watch a redacted version on Friday. "It was horrific. It was damaging to my soul to watch my wife being treated the way she was," says Rudy Ramirez, Yolanda's husband of more than 50 years. Last September, police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a minor family dispute between Yolanda and her elderly sister. As officers talked to both, allegedly Yolanda attempted to leave. That's when she was handcuffed and put in a police car. Advertisement Advertisement The family's lawyer, civil rights attorney Melissa Nold, claims the footage proves police violated protocol, especially while dealing with an elderly woman. RELATED: Independent autopsy finds Brentwood police killed 72-year-old woman "Her head was struck on the car while trying to force her into the car. And that head was struck again after the officer tried to drag her into the car. And he was shoving her, feet were sticking out, he is trying to close the car door with her feet still extended," said Nold, referring to Brentwood Police Officer Aaron Peachman. "And we strongly believe that the reason why they concealed this video all of this time is because how bad this looks." Brentwood police did not respond to a request for an interview. But in a statement, say they released the video as a commitment to transparency. The family doesn't see it that way. Advertisement Advertisement "We demanded to see the original raw footage, which they didn't honor. Putting out their edited, produced, redacted video with context. And of course, they are going to try to control the narrative as you would think," said Richie Ramirez, Yolanda's son. "The next step is to see the raw, original video." "If you take him out of his uniform and see that anywhere else in our community, that's an abuser. That's domestic violence," said Paul Ramirez, Yolanda's brother-in-law. EXCLUSIVE: New video shows interaction between Bay Area police, 72-year-old woman before her death Yolanda died seven days later. A county autopsy ruled her death to be due to natural causes. A separate autopsy ruled it a homicide. The family is now asking the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office to file charges against Peachman. Advertisement Advertisement Hermain Ambriz, Yolanda's nephew, says he is third generation in the City of Brentwood. He says he is tired of police misconduct. "We have deep roots in this city. And for y'all to bring people, cowboys and rangers (referring to police), and shooting. Bang bang! I'm teaching my kid to put his hands on the freaking dashboard, so he doesn't get killed. And now, I have to tell my mom to put her hands on her fricking walking cane so she doesn't get killed. That's bull crap. I'm pissed. This could have been avoided," Ambriz said. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Dozens of people gathered in Niagara Square on Saturday calling for full accountability in the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Burma who was found dead near KeyBank Center on Tuesday five days after being released from custody by U.S. Border Patrol and dropped off at a Tim Horton's. Local lawmakers and community members attended the rally, along with Imran Fazal, who said he is speaking on behalf of Shah Alams family. RELATED: Refugees death raises questions about Border Patrol release Advertisement Advertisement It gives us hope that, you know, our community members are standing with us, next to us that gives us hope, that gives the family some sort of hope, Fazal said. Fazal said he is serving as a voice for the family because they do not speak English and are fearful. I'm here to be a voice for the family, because they don't speak English and they are scared about the whole thing, but there should be a voice for Nurul Amin, Fazal said. He said the family is overwhelmed with grief. There are so many emotions. Like, you know, I don't even know where to start, Fazal said. He added that the family has questions about the circumstances surrounding Shah Alams release and death. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Erie County Sheriffs Office said the agency typically does not notify families for routine releases. In this case, the spokesperson said any special accommodations would have been handled by Border Patrol. Border Patrol previously told Two On Your side that agents offered Shah Alam a courtesy ride, which they say he accepted to a coffee shop near his last known address, instead of being released directly from the station. Fazal said Shah Alam struggled with language and vision challenges. He didn't understand what you are saying, Fazal said. He also said Shah Alam never received the cultural orientation many refugees are expected to receive upon arrival in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement When he came to the United States, he was supposed to go through a cultural orientation class, like, when refugee comes to the United States, immediately you are supposed to have a cultural orientation class, Fazal said. The Erie County Department of Health and the Medical Examiners Office are reviewing the case, with the cause and manner of death still pending. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the rally. The family of a British couple jailed in Iran are "incredibly worried" about their safety amid Israeli and US strikes on the country. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 53, were imprisoned for 10 years after their January 2025 arrest on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. The East Sussex couple are being held in Tehran's Evin prison, having been detained and sentenced on espionage charges, which they deny. Advertisement Advertisement Explosions were reported in multiple Gulf states on Sunday as Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region. Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, from Folkestone, Kent, said: "We were extremely relieved to hear from our parents this morning and yesterday but remain incredibly worried about their safety. "Our hearts go out to the people of Iran and all others in the region who were impacted by the bombings this weekend." The couple's family say they are "incredibly worried" about them [PA Media] A family spokesperson added: "We are very concerned about the safety of Lindsay and Craig who were still in Evin prison today during the bombing of Tehran. "The family did manage to speak to them this morning and at that time they were unhurt albeit very alert to, and concerned about the danger around them." Advertisement Advertisement Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper previously dubbed the couple's sentence "completely appalling and totally unjustifiable", and vowed the government would "pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned". The shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti Patel, has condemned the jail term as "disgraceful" and called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to "use all available leverage" to secure their release. The couple's sentence was confirmed to their families last month. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A federal judge on Friday extended an order protecting refugees in Minnesota who are lawfully in the U.S. from being arrested and deported, saying a Trump administration policy turns the American Dream into a dystopian nightmare. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim granted a motion by advocates for refugees to convert a temporary restraining order that he issued in January into a more permanent preliminary injunction while the case develops further. The order applies only in Minnesota. But the implications of a new national policy on refugees that the Department of Homeland Security announced Feb. 18 were a major part of the discussion at a hearing held by the judge the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota refugees can now live their lives without fear that their own government will snatch them off the street and imprison them far from loved ones, Kimberly Grano, an attorney with the International Refugee Assistance Project, told The Associated Press. The Trump administration asserts it has the right to arrest potentially tens of thousands of refugees across the U.S. who entered the country legally but dont yet have green cards. A new Homeland Security memo interprets immigration law to say that refugees applying for green cards must return to federal custody one year after they were admitted to the U.S. so that their applications can be reviewed. The judge, however, expressed disbelief in a 66-page opinion. This Court will not allow federal authorities to use a new and erroneous statutory interpretation to terrorize refugees who immigrated to this country under the promise that they would be welcomed and allowed to live in peace, far from the persecution they fled, Tunheim said. Advertisement Advertisement He said the U.S. decades ago promised refugees fleeing persecution that they could build a new life after rigorous background checks. We promised them the hope that one day they could achieve the American Dream, Tunheim said. The Governments new policy breaks that promise without congressional authorization and raises serious constitutional concerns. The new policy turns the refugees American Dream into a dystopian nightmare. Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a statement Friday night that the ruling was yet another lawless and activist order from a federal judge and that the Trump administration expected to be vindicated in court. USCIS is committed to rooting out fraud and protecting the public safety and national security interests of the American people by screening and vetting aliens, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department attorney Brantley Mayers said during a court hearing last week that the government should have the right to arrest refugees one year after entering the U.S., but he also indicated that would not always happen. The judge noted that one refugee in the case, identified as D. Doe, was arrested in January after being told that someone had struck his car. He was immediately flown to Texas, where he was interrogated about his refugee status. He was kept in shackles and handcuffs for sixteen hours. D. Doe was ultimately released on the streets of Texas, left to find his way back to Minnesota, Tunheim said. ___ Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated to correct that the Department of Homeland Security announced its new national policy on refugees on Feb. 18, not Feb. 19. ___ White reported from Detroit. Associated Press reporter Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this story. By Federico Maccioni and Joanna Plucinska DUBAI, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, the worlds busiest international travel hub, were shut on Saturday after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian missile retaliation rippled through the region, unleashing one of the most severe disruptions to global aviation in years. Dubai's international airport, which handles more than 1,000 flights a day, sustained damage during an overnight Iranian retaliatory attack on sites across the Arab Gulf states, while Abu Dhabi and Kuwait's international airports were also hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major regional gateways including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi were closed as countries across the Middle East shut their airspace following the strikes and Irans retaliation. Flight maps showed skies over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain virtually empty, while airlines across Europe and the Middle East announced sweeping cancellations. Dubai and neighbouring Doha sit at the crossroads of eastwest air travel, funnelling longhaul traffic between Europe and Asia through a tightly scheduled network of connecting flights. Any prolonged shutdown of its airports ripples far beyond the region, forcing airlines worldwide to reroute or cancel services. "The scale of these hubs today is just so enormous. You will have hundreds of thousands of people being stuck in wrong parts of the world without any certainty as to when they can move," said UK-based aviation analyst John Strickland. "It hits at so many levels. There is the immediate issue of what happens today and the ricochet effect of how long this persists," Strickland added, noting that major Gulf airlines, like Emirates and Qatar Airways, are also among the world's biggest cargo operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubai Airports suspended all flights at Dubai International and at Al Maktoum International until further notice, urging passengers not to travel. AIRSPACE COULD BE CLOSED FOR 'SOME TIME' The U.S. and Israel launched their most ambitious attack on Iran in decades on Saturday, killing Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks, sharply raising the risk of a broader Middle East conflict. "Passengers and airlines can expect airspace to be shut for quite some time," said Eric Schouten, head of aviation security advisory Dyami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlines cancelled on Saturday about half of their flights to Qatar and Israel and about 28% of their flights to Kuwait, after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, according to preliminary Cirium data. In total, about 24% of flights to the Middle East were cancelled, the data showed. The region has become more important for global aviation since the Russia-Ukraine war forced airlines to avoid both countries' airspace. Conflict zones add to operational risks, raising fears of accidental shootdowns and lengthening routes, which increases fuel costs. PASSENGERS STRANDED ACROSS EUROPE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students travelling from Paris to Dubai said their college trip was abandoned. "We still have some students that went there earlier and they're stuck in Dubai and we don't know when theyll be able to come back," said Benjamin Gnatek. At Charles de Gaulle airport, Thai-bound traveller Roman Simon said his onward flight via Doha was cancelled. "Now, were trying to find a solution to still make our trip to Thailand," he told Reuters. At Dohas Hamad International Airport, gates were nearly empty as stranded passengers queued to make hotel arrangements, a Reuters witness said. As countries in the region closed their airspace, aircraft were forced to divert around Larnaca, Jeddah, Cairo and Riyadh. Flightradar24 briefly went down due to surging demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union's aviation regulator EASA on Saturday recommended its airlines stay out of the airspace affected by the ongoing military intervention. (Reporting by Federico Maccioni in Dubai and Joanna Plucinska in London; Additional reporting by Scott DiSavino in New York, Justyna Pawlak in Doha, Tim Hepher in Paris and Joe Brock in Los Angeles; Editing by Adam Jourdan, Josephine Mason, Janet Lawrence, Sharon Singleton, Rod Nickel, Louise Heavens and Deepa Babington) Military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified over the weekend, deepening instability in a region that was further rattled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Islamabad declared open war on Kabuls Taliban government on Friday, following years of tensions and border clashes between the neighbors: Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants that have waged attacks in Pakistan. As blasts and gunfire rocked Kabul on Sunday, analysts said there is still room for escalation and no clear off-ramp. Advertisement Advertisement Global powers including the US, China, and India have interests in the region; Beijing, which has invested billions in an economic corridor with Pakistan while cultivating ties with the Taliban, said it is working on mediation. Fighting between the US, Israel, and Iran is affecting vessels near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The UK has reported several vessels hit, and at least one tanker has been evacuated. Some major shipping companies are now avoiding the key oil route due to safety concerns. Deadly fighting in the Middle East has spread to tankers around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with multiple ships coming under fire on Sunday, opening up a new front in the conflict. The Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight (IMO 9330020) was "targeted" a few miles north of the Khasab port in Oman, the country's Maritime Security Center said, adding that the 20-person crew was evacuated. At least four people were injured. Advertisement Advertisement An official with Operation Aspides, the European Union's counter-Houthi mission, told Business Insider that Omani authorities carried out the rescue operations. The US Treasury Department sanctioned Skylight and more than two dozen other "shadow fleet vessels" in December for illegally moving Iranian oil. No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Gulf Cooperation Council said it condemned the "brutal Iranian attacks" targeting the Duqm port in Oman and "an oil tanker off its coast." The incident marked the first time that a ship had come under fire since the US and Israel began a strike campaign against Iran on Saturday morning. Tehran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones across the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, an element of the Royal Navy, has reported at least two additional attacks off the coast of Oman. Two vessels were struck by an "unknown projectile," it said. Multiple ships came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Photo by Giuseppe CACACE/AFP via Getty Images Iran has a history of carrying out attacks against ships near the Strait of Hormuz, including with its Shahed one-way attack drones, which have gained notoriety as Russia uses them extensively in Ukraine. Its proxies have also attacked commercial vessels. The incidents underscore the new risk to shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow body of water between Iran and Oman is one of the world's most important global trade routes, with about 20% of the world's daily oil supply passing through it. On Saturday, an Operation Aspides official said that ships had received radio transmissions from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stating that vessels were barred from entering the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement However, the UKMTO said on Sunday that "no official closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been formally communicated to the maritime industry through recognized maritime safety channels." It said that the maritime safety situation in the region remained "highly volatile," with the ongoing fighting creating an "elevated threat to commercial shipping." Britain warned that vessels could face military miscalculation and electronic interference. Some vessels are avoiding the Straight of Hormuz, with international shipping companies suspending transits until further notice. Marine traffic trackers showed a significant drop in traffic through the strait after the US and Israeli strikes began on Saturday. Iran previously threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for any attacks or moves it deemed hostile by the US. A full blockade, or even a sufficiently dangerous environment to deter enough ships from traveling through, could send oil prices soaring. Advertisement Advertisement Israel and Iran continued to trade strikes into Sunday. Retaliatory fire from Tehran has targeted more than half a dozen other Middle East countries, including bases hosting US troops across the region. Read the original article on Business Insider Firefighters rescued a woman trapped inside a burning home in Yeadon, Delaware County. It happened along the 400 block of Bonsall Avenue just before midnight Saturday. Crews say flames quickly spread from the first to the second floor of the twin home. The woman was taken to the hospital. There is no word yet on her condition. Investigators are working to figure out what caused the fire. Three United States service members have been killed in action, and five are seriously wounded in President Donald Trumps surprise war with Iran. The U.S. Central Command announced the casualties in Operation Epic Fury on Sunday morning. As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, a spokesperson wrote. The U.S. Central Command announced the first American casualties on Sunday morning. / Screenshot/ / Screenshot/X Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing." Advertisement Advertisement The statement continues: The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified. A spokesperson for the Pentagon directed the Daily Beast to a statement from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth where he described OPERATION EPIC FURY as the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history. Pete Hegseth referred to The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it, he wrote Saturday of the war Trump started in coordination with Israel. If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the worldas Iran hasthen we will hunt you down, and we will kill you." Other Trump administration officials also paid tribute or acknowledged the cost to the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Freedom is never free, wrote United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz alongside an American flag emoji. UN Ambassador Mike Waltz made a statement on the American casualties. / Screenshot/ / X Waltz was ousted from his previous role as national security adviser after he accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military strikes. Other Trump administration officials also paid tribute or acknowledged the American cost. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment. President Donald Trumps surprise missile strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, launched a war the president admitted would cost American lives. Advertisement Advertisement The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties, that often happens in war, Trump said in an eight-minute video he posted early on Saturday morning, wearing no tie and a white USA trucker hat. Aside from Truth Social posts, the president has not addressed the American public since releasing the announcement of the strikes on social media. Instead, the president hosted a glitzy fundraiser at his sprawling Florida estate on Saturday night. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were spotted rubbing shoulders with donors at the event. Earlier Saturday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump, still intends to stop by the fundraiser being held at Mar-a-Lago this evening for the Republican Party, which is more important than ever. In the Middle East, the fallout from the initial attacks continues to escalate, leading to a mounting death toll. There have been missile attacks on at least 10 countries in the first day: Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Irans parliament, lashed out Sunday, calling U.S. and Israeli leaders filthy criminals and vowing they would suffer devastating blows for crossing Irans red line. In a televised address, he warned: You have crossed our red line and must pay the price. The U.S. and Israel struck Iran Saturday, killing the country's Supreme Leader and spurring retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images Israel, which launched strikes in coordination with the U.S., reported at least eight people were killed, and 28including children were wounded in a missile barrage on Saturday and overnight in the country. The United Arab Emirates Defense Ministry told ABC News three people were killed and 58 were injured in Iranian attacks over the weekend. The people killed were from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, according to the statement. Trump launched his war from a hastily constructed space in Mar-a-Lago with (left) John Ratcliffe, the Director of the CIA, (fourth from right) Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and (second from right), Dan Scavino, his golf caddy turned aide. / White House / X In Kuwait, one person has been killed and 32 others injured since Iran launched strikes on the country, the BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Social media quickly flooded with posts mourning American lives lostand blaming Trumps officials. My God, these poor military members and their poor families. Im sorry for them and praying for them, former congresswoman and Trump foe Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote. This was absolutely unnecessary and is unacceptable. Marjorie Taylor Greene blamed Trump for the casualties. / Screenshot/ / X She continued: Trump, Vance, Tulsi, and all of us campaigned on no more foreign wars and regime change. Now, America soldiers are dead. Editor's note: The story was updated with comments from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Belgium has detained an oil tanker linked to Russia's "shadow fleet" for the first time, carrying out the operation jointly with French forces, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said on March 1. "Operation Blue Intruder was carried out by a team of exceptionally brave service members. Excellent work," Francken said on X. Advertisement Advertisement The move comes as European countries intensify efforts to curb Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," a network of tankers used to skirt international sanctions imposed over Moscow's war against Ukraine. The vessels enable the Kremlin to keep exporting oil despite the restrictions. The vessel, identified as the Ethera, departed from a Moroccan port and is sailing under the Guinean flag. The tanker has been listed under European sanctions since October 2025 and under U.S. sanctions since July, according to Belgian broadcaster VRT. As of the morning of March 1, the vessel was being escorted to the port city of Zeebrugge, where authorities are set to seize it, Francken said. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha backed Belgium's move, saying "such resolute and justified action" is needed to deprive Russia of the resources to continue its aggression and war crimes against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European lawmakers to update legislation to allow authorities not only to board but also to confiscate vessels from Russia's "shadow fleet." "Russia operates like a mafia organization, and the response must match that reality," Zelensky said on X. "If they reject the rules for the sake of war, the rules must foresee a clear and firm answer," the president added. This is not the first time Ukraine's partners have detained a vessel linked to Russia's "shadow fleet." France conducted a similar operation in late January, and the U.S. seized several "shadow fleet" tankers earlier this year as part of its crackdown on the Venezuelan oil trade. Advertisement Advertisement After a string of detentions targeting ships carrying sanctioned Russian oil, the Kremlin warned that Moscow could respond with naval action if European countries step up the seizure and boarding of Russian vessels in the Baltic Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Feb. 21 that Ukraine is imposing new sanctions targeting Russia's "shadow fleet." Meanwhile, the European Commission is preparing its 20th sanctions package against Russia, which would include a complete ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil. Hungary and Slovakia, which maintain close ties with Moscow, have expressed opposition and could block its adoption. Read also: The one problem with Russias shadow fleet Europe still hasnt addressed Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The first attack against a ship in the Strait of Hormuz occurred on Sunday morning. Oman's Maritime Security Centre announced that an oil tanker named Skylight, flying the flag of the Republic of Palau, was targeted around five nautical miles (9.26km) north of Khasab Port. Related In a statement shared on X, Oman authorities confirmed that there were 20 crew members on board, including 15 holding Indian nationality and 5 of Iranian nationality, and they were all evacuated. Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary information also indicates that at least four people were injured and have been transferred to receive medical treatment. It has not been specified who attacked or what hit the vessel, but the incident follows the declaration from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to international navigation, on Saturday. The Palau-flagged oil tanker is reportedly under US sanctions. Oman authorities also stated that the port of Duqm was targeted by a drone attack. The country was serving as a mediator between Tehran and Washington in recent nuclear talks. Strait of Hormuz Following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted Iranian missile retaliation, the IRGC issued radio warnings declaring the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, stating no ships are allowed to pass. Advertisement Advertisement While Tehran has not made a formal announcement of a full blockade, the threats have triggered immediate disruption. Ship traffic has plummeted with vessels holding outside the Gulf of Oman or executing U-turns mid-transit. Related Most major shipowners and operators have suspended operations through the Strait of Hormuz. Namely, the Danish shipping and logistics giant, Maersk, has suspended all future transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Marine insurers have also halted coverage for any voyages in the area, leaving transporters exposed to massive risk premiums or outright refusal. Specific examples include the very large crude carrier KHK Empress, partially loaded with Omani crude, and the Desh Abhimaan sailing under the flag of India, both of which turned back. The global oil market Oil futures reopen for trading this Sunday evening amid widespread talk of Brent crude hitting $100 per barrel, levels last seen after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Analysts at Barclays, among other firms, have explicitly raised forecasts to that threshold, warning that a prolonged halt could block up to 20 million barrels per day, which represents about 20% of global supply. Advertisement Advertisement Eight OPEC+ countries, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, met virtually on Sunday, to review global market conditions and outlook. In a press release, they announced a small increase of oil output by 206,000 barrels per day starting in April. The statement also informed that the eight OPEC+ countries will "hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity and compensation" with the next conference scheduled for 5 April. No kinetic Iranian naval blockade has materialised yet, but the practical shutdown and insurance void have created extreme volatility. Ship tracking monitors show the large majority of traffic stalled on either side, and any further escalation or de-escalation will dictate the market reaction. One fisherman in Australia spoke about how an invasive fish species is wreaking havoc in local waterways. What's happening? The Tumut and Adelong Times reported on invasive carp taking over local rivers and waterways in Tumut, a town in New South Wales, Australia. The Tumut River is full of three types of carp: Asian, European, and the mirror carp. Carp are an invasive species in many parts of the world. They're native to temperate regions of Asia and Europe, but humans introduced them into Australian waterways in the 1850s. Advertisement Advertisement They're especially invasive in the United States. Kansas wildlife workers have removed over 100,000 pounds of invasive carp from the Kansas River, but there's still more. Why are carp a problem in Australia? As a fisherman and local business owner Angus Reynolds, explained to the TA Times, "They are a scourge on the waterways because of their destructive feeding and incredible breeding capabilities." Invasive species can cause chaos in ecosystems. They deplete essential resources, harm habitats, and can eventually force native species out by outcompeting them for resources. This disrupts food chains and the ecological balance, often leading to species extinction or population overgrowth. Reynolds explained, "They don't eat a lot of fish but they do destroy habitat and compete for food. They also raid the nests of other fish for eggs." Advertisement Advertisement Carp are hogging all the food, reducing viable habitats, and even wrecking other species' breeding ability. The problem is compounded by how rapidly carp can reproduce. As the TA Times noted, they can spawn four times per year, and a single female can produce 2 million eggs at once. What's being done about invasive carp in Australia? The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries' fact sheet on carp says it is legal to return captured carp to the water. However, the department encourages people to discard or use any carp they catch. A program that incentivizes catching and killing carp could benefit waterways, such as the bounty program in Texas that paid anglers $100 for each invasive carp they caught. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, carp aren't the tastiest, but they can still be a good target for fishers. Reynolds told the TA Times, "They're a great species to target and provide a lot of fun." He also noted that they can be a wonderful fertilizer for trees. The Australian Government is researching the possibility of introducing cyprinid herpesvirus-3 to the carp population. But introducing a virus into the aquatic ecosystems could have far-reaching consequences, so this biocontrol strategy is far from approved. Hopefully, scientists will develop a safe strategy for controlling the population. Until then, catching them, eating them, and fertilizing plants with them can help reduce their harmful impact on other species. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Mar. 1Flathead County commissioners approved a resolution showing support for Kalispell's application for a federal grant to fund the completion of the south half of the U.S. 93 Bypass mere hours before the Feb. 24 deadline. Commissioner Pamela Holmquist, who moved to approve the resolution, noted the project has been underway during the entirety of her career as county commissioner. She recalled traveling to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the same grant that funded the first section of the project nearly a decade ago. "It was really a great opportunity to better our infrastructure for traffic," Holmquist said. "I am hopeful they will get this and complete that great project over there." Kalispell City Council voted Feb. 17 to submit an application for $25 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant program. This is the city's third time applying for the competitive grant, in partnership with the Montana Department of Transportation. If awarded, the funding would complete the bypass project. City Manager Jarod Nygren is optimistic about the city's chances this time around. The likelihood of success typically increases each year, he said at the City Council meeting, pointing to how it took three tries for the city to secure a federal grant for the Parkline Trail. The federal transportation department also announced $1.5 billion in program funding through 2026, compared to last year's $488 million. Construction plans include replacing the roundabout at Airport Road with a double-roundabout interchange, similar to the one completed at Foy's Lake Road in 2022. The interchange would feature an overpass and four access ramps, according to the state Department of Transportation. The Basecamp Drive/bypass intersection to U.S. would be fitted with dual northbound left-turn lanes on U.S. 93, doubling turning capacity for vehicles accessing the bypass. The Foy's Lake Road section received $12.75 million from the same grant in 2018. Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected]. Flights across the Middle East and beyond have been thrown into chaos after airspaces were closed following the US and Israel's attack on Iran. Dubai International Airport - the worlds busiest hub for international flights - reported more than 700 inbound and outbound cancellations. The airport's operator said flights were halted indefinitely at Dubai International and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport on the Gulf citys outskirts. Advertisement Advertisement Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar closed their airspace on Saturday. Airspace in southern Syria was also closed, as were skies above Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain and Omans Muscat International Airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24. Planes that were en route to cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai early on Saturday were diverted or returned to where they took off from. The situation is changing quickly and airlines urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Some airlines were issuing waivers to affected travellers, meaning fliers can rebook their flight plans without paying extra fees or higher fares. Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Escott and his fiance had arrived at the airport in Newcastle, England, only to find out that his direct flight to Dubai on Emirates airline was cancelled, leaving everyone on the flight stuck there. Escott left to go back to where he was staying with family, about an hour from the airport, but has no idea when he may be able to travel. No one knows, Escott said. No one really knows whats going on with the conflict, really. Not Emirates, Emirates dont have a clue. No one has a clue. The airspace closures were likely to have significant ripple effects for Dubai-based Emirates and many other airlines that fly in and out of the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement British Airways said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will be suspended until next week, and flights to Amman, Jordan, will be cancelled on Saturday. Have you heard our podcast Talking Politics? Tom and Robert dig into the biggest issues dominating the political agenda in every episode If "Big Brother" isn't already watching, a new bill may just ensure that he starts to. While many of the headlines coming from the state legislature early this year are centered around property tax and growth issues, one potentially troubling bill is quietly making it's way through the committee process. House Bill (HB) 945 would create a new counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Sounds good so far, right? Not so fast. The bill, critics say, is eerily similar to what the FBI did during the 1960s using a counter-intelligence operation to spy on and neutralize political dissenters. Advertisement Advertisement The bill is sponsored by Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview with its senate companion bill SB 1712 is sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers. Rep. Alex Andrade has questioned the vagueness of proposed House Bill 945. The proposed legislation states the primary goal "is to conduct statewide counterintelligence and counterterrorism activities to detect, identify, neutralize, and exploit adversary intelligence entities, international and domestic terrorists, insider threats, corporate threats, and other foreign adversaries to protect this state and the United States of America." Abuse of power? The worrisome bit is that the proposed bill definition of an "adversary intelligence entity" includes the following: a "person whose demonstrated actions, views, or opinions are a threat or are inimical to the interests of this state and the United States of America." Does that mean spying on those unhappy with the government or those who speak out against our country's policies? Sounds a bit Orwellian to me. Advertisement Advertisement Critics, such as Republican Rep. Alex Andrade of Pensacola, have said the bill is too vague, leaving open the possibility of abuse of power. During a committee hearing, House Democrat Michele Rayner of St. Petersburg brought up some of the issues caused by government surveillance in the wake of 9/11. The concern is that there are no guardrails that I see in this bill to ensure what judicial oversight looks like," she said. Still, it appears as if the bill has enough support to make it through before the end of the legislative session on March 13. And that brings me to the Question of the Week: Is the creation of a new Florida counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit warranted? You can scan the QR code that is on the print edition page or go to https://www.floridatoday.com/opinions-columns/. Please leave a comment telling us why you voted the way you did. In order for your comment or email to be published on our website and in next week's print edition, you must include your first and last name and please include your town/city of residence in the body of your comment. You can also shoot me an email with "Big Brother" in the subject line. I look forward to reading your responses. Advertisement Advertisement Contact Torres at jtorres@floridatoday.com. You can follow him on X @johnalbertorres Florida video editor Rob Landers contributed to this report.Support local journalism and become a subscriber. Visit floridatoday.com/subscribe This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida surveillance bill sparks civil liberties fears African policymakers, business leaders, and development institutions have renewed calls for visa-free travel across the continent, describing the free movement of people as essential to unlocking Africas economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The call was reinforced at a High-Level Symposium on Advancing a Visa-Free Africa for Economic Prosperity, co-convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa. Participants framed mobility as the missing link in Africas integration agenda, arguing that while tariffs are falling under AfCFTA, restrictive visa regimes continue to limit trade in services, investment flows, tourism, and labour mobility. Alex Mubiru, Director General for Eastern Africa at the African Development Bank Group, said that visa-free travel, interoperable digital systems, and integrated markets are practical enablers of enterprise, innovation, and regional value chains to translate policy ambitions into economic activity. The evidence is clear. The economics support openness. The human story demands it, he told participants, urging countries to move from incremental reforms to transformative change. Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission, called for faster implementation of existing continental frameworks, describing visa openness as a strategic lever for deepening regional markets and enhancing collective responses to economic and humanitarian crises. Former AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma reiterated that free movement is central to the African Unions long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063. If we accept that we are Africans, then we must be able to move freely across our continent, she said, urging member states to operationalise initiatives such as the African Passport and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Ghanas Trade and Industry Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, shared her countrys experience as an early adopter of open visa policies for African travellers, citing increased business travel, tourism, and investor interest as early dividends of greater openness. The Symposium also reviewed findings from the latest Africa Visa Openness Index, which shows that more than half of intra-African travel still requires visas before departure seen by participants as a significant drag on intra-continental commerce. Mesfin Bekele, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, called for full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), saying aviation connectivity and visa liberalisation must advance together to enable seamless travel. Regional representatives, including Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa Development Community, emphasised the importance of building trust through border management and digital information-sharing systems. Gabby Otchere Darko, Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, urged governments to support the Make Africa Borderless Now campaign, while tourism campaigner Ras Mubarak called for more ratifications of the AU Free Movement of Persons protocol. Participants concluded that achieving a visa-free Africa will require aligning migration policies, digital identity systems, and border infrastructure, alongside sustained political commitment. In a symbolic gesture, attendees signed a passport wall, signalling support for accelerated reforms to make movement across African borders easier for citizens. The African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission said they will continue working with member states and regional bodies to advance coordinated approaches to mobility seen as a cornerstone of Africas integration, competitiveness, and long-term growth. Marom argued that the strike reshaped regional alignments and revealed weaknesses in Irans threat posture. Former Israel Navy chief, V.-Adm. (res.) Eliezer Chayni Marom said Iran made a series of errors in the course of the fighting, led by what he described as a grave strategic mistake when Tehran launched a direct attack on Israel from Iranian territory, in an interview with 103FM on Sunday. Marom argued that the strike reshaped regional alignments and revealed weaknesses in Irans threat posture. Advertisement Advertisement The former Israel Navy chief said the attack marked a turning point because it stripped away ambiguity about Irans role and forced regional actors to reassess their interests. The beginning of the chain is April 14, he said, referring to the night Iran launched drones and missiles directly at Israel. He argued that firing directly from Iran damaged Tehrans deterrence and increased its exposure, particularly because much of the barrage was intercepted. Iran had promised hell, Marom said, but instead revealed what he characterized as a limited ability to translate threats into sustained battlefield impact. The scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit Bet Shemesh, central Israel, causing heavy damage, March 1, 2026 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Strike was Iran's first direct attack on Israel The Jerusalem Post reported at the time that the strike was Irans first direct attack on Israel and that Israel, with partners, intercepted the vast majority of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched. Advertisement Advertisement Marom also argued that Irans posture toward surrounding states has eroded its standing in the region, saying Tehran has burned relationships and made itself a bad name across neighboring countries. He framed the outcome as a clearer regional picture of who is against whom, following repeated Iranian attacks and threats linked to the broader conflict environment. Saying he was speaking cautiously, the former Israel Navy chief assessed that Irans ability to deliver on its threats is not as extensive as many Israelis believed. At the same time, he stressed that adversaries should not be underestimated, even when their performance appears weaker than expected. In other remarks in recent weeks, Marom has warned that even if Irans current leadership were to fall, the outcome might not be democratic and could instead produce a military-led government dominated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He said a leadership vacuum after regime collapse often produces chaos, particularly without a single unifying figure. Maroms comments came amid continued debate in Israel over how to assess Irans remaining capabilities, the durability of its alliances, and the risks of escalation if diplomacy collapses. He has also argued that the next phase may hinge on whether negotiations succeed or fail, warning that the window for a negotiated outcome could be narrowing. The former Israel Navy chief concluded by cautioning that even when an opponent appears exposed, strategic surprises remain possible, and after every regime falls, there is almost always chaos. (NewsNation) As Irans new leadership council works to determine a successor for its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel launched new strikes on Tehran Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces, Israels military, said on X that it had destroyed the headquarters of the Iranian regime in the heart of Irans capital city. Iran has vowed further retaliation for Khameneis killing and the deaths of other top officials. Israeli opposition leader and former prime minister Yair Lapid tells Morning in America with Hena Doba that Khamenei and his leadership were a terror organization who took over a country. Khamenei was not a leader of a country. He was the leader of a terror organization who took over a country, Lapid said. Iran is an ancient culture and an ancient state, but Khamenei is part of a regime that suppressed their own people. Advertisement Advertisement 3 US service members killed during Operation Epic Fury Lapid tells NewsNation that Saturdays strikes were motivated by short and long-term goals. One is to demolish and get rid of the ballistic missile program of Iran and, of course, the nuclear program of Iran, both of them an imminent threat on Israel, the region, and the world, Lapid said. The other is to create, if possible, the conditions in which the people of Iran will be able to have a change of regime and to free themselves, as they tried just last January. From a security assessment, Lapid says Iran has made a terrible choice in attacking its neighbors in the region. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranians have made the terrible choice of attacking everybody in the neighborhood, Saudis, Bahrainis, Kuwait, UAE, all our allies and some of their former allies, Lapid said. And therefore, it is becoming a war of Iran versus everybody, instead of Iran versus the United States and Israel. Gas price concerns grow following US-Israeli strikes on Iran With Israel set to old elections in November, NewsNations Hena Doba asked Lapid if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus decision to partake in the strikes could be motivated by domestic political pressures. Ive earned the title, you know, as the most bitter arrival of Netanyahu, but on this one, hes totally right. And theres no opposition coalition in Israel on this attack. It was due, Lapid said. I dont think theres going to be any political implications, and even if there will be, I dont care. All I care about is the security of the Israeli people. And this is a good thing for the security of the Israeli people. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. France, Germany and the UK said Sunday they were ready to defend their interests and those of its allies in the Gulf if necessary by taking "defensive action" against Iran. The three countries' leaders were "appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations", said the joint statement. "Iran's reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region," the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement "We call on Iran to stop these reckless attacks immediately. "We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source," said the statement. "We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter." Iran has launched a series of missile and drone strikes on several Gulf countries, saying it is targeting US bases, after being hit by US-Israeli missile strikes from Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's attacks have hit a multinational military base near Arbil in northern Iraq, and a German army camp in the east of Jordan, a German army spokesman told AFP, confirming media reports. There had been no casualties in the attacks, he added. Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced a "large-scale" attack on Sunday, and blasts were heard in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with Israeli rescue services reporting at least nine people killed in the city of Beit Shemesh. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Khamenei's killing a "declaration of war against Muslims" and warned: "Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime." Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US channel ABC News on Sunday: "We are defending ourselves whatever it takes, and we see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people." kas/jj/phz The PPE3 energy roadmap, unveiled earlier this month, lays out a nuclearheavy future for France. The plan raises nuclears contribution to around 380-420 TeraWatt/hour (TWh) a year by 2035 1 Twh could power around 200,000300,000 European homes for a year. The plan scraps ideas of closing reactors and confirms six new EPR2 units, entrenching Frances status as Europes nuclear backbone even as its traditional uranium hinterland in the Sahel slips away. Advertisement Advertisement PPE3 formalises what Macron has been signalling for several years: nuclear remains the cornerstone of Frances decarbonisation and energy sovereignty strategy. The government wants a higher share of lowcarbon power, while keeping most of its 56reactor fleet running longer and eventually adding new large reactors, with the nuclear power plant near Flamanville, northwestern France, finally joining the nuclear power grid after numerous delays. Construction of Flamanville began in 2007, with initial commercial operation planned for 2012, but the project faced some 12 major delays due to technical issues and was only connected for the first time in December 2024, with full capacity reached in December 2025. Frances Macron calls for a nuclear power renaissance, building at least 6 reactors Advertisement Advertisement For investors and policymakers across Europe, France is the poster child for how a country with limited fossil resources can harness nuclear power. France has built this nuclear energy fortress, according to former geologist James Cooper, now investment director at Fat Tail Investment Research. "Its built a moat within Europe, which is starved of energy." As France's 56 reactors easily fulfil local demand, it could export excess energy to neighbours such as Germany, where energy costs soared after Berlin began closing down their own reactors and coal plants as a result of policy proposed by the Green Party. Cooper notes that PPE3 aligns France with other countries that have stuck with nuclear power, including China and the United States, rather than retreating in the wake of scares such as the Fukushima incident of 2011, which spooked Germany as well as Japan. Advertisement Advertisement The long half-life of Frances nuclear tests in Polynesia Anti-Western backlash But Frances atomic energy fortress has a vulnerable spot: uranium supply. For decades, Frances nuclear fuel came mostly from former French colony Niger, where the state-backed company Orano (formerly Areva) ran operations including the Somair mine, providing roughly 20 percent of Pariss uranium imports over the past decade or around 1,2001,600 tonnes of uranium (tU) annually. This trade came to an abrupt end when Nigers 2023 military coup ousted pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum. The ruling junta revoked Oranos permits, nationalised Somair in June 2025 amid accusations of unequal profit-sharing and blocked exports, leaving France with stranded assets worth around $210 million and a gaping supply hole. Advertisement Advertisement Cooper sees this as symptomatic of a broader anti-Western backlash in West Africas mineral-rich Sahel region. Niger is definitely on a nationalistic agenda. Its already taken [Oranos] operations and brought them under state control, he explains. Neighbouring Malis junta has followed suit, targeting foreign miners. Both now tilt towards Russia and China, who offer engineers, infrastructure and fewer political strings than Western firms. They probably have business which is not so constrained like in the West, says Cooper. Niger lacks the expertise to run these technically demanding mines solo, creating a window of opportunity for those BRICS nations to get into West Africa, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Paris prosecutor opens investigation into missing uranium in Niger Scramble for new sources To plug the gap, Macron is trying to find alternatives. His state visits to Kazakhstan, the world's largest producer of uranium, and Mongolia demonstrate his determination to do so. Meanwhile, Frances Orano is working on a potential restart of the Trekkopje uranium mine in Namibia, the worlds third largest producer, and also holds an ownership stake in uranium production at the Cigar Lake mine and the associated McClean Lake mill in Canada. Orano has also recently established a presence in Australia, focusing on grassroots exploration for in-situ recovery amenable uranium deposits particularly in South Australia. Advertisement Advertisement However, Cooper says there are obstacles in his path. "From a geological perspective, theres a large lag... youre looking at 10 to 15 years before an undeveloped mining project actually enters production. Uranium mining is notoriously capital-intensive and technically tricky, over and above the challenges of putting permits in place and the construction needed. And while Kazakhstan dominates global supply at 43 percent, its Soviet-built infrastructure and Chinese stakes in its key projects worry Cooper. Kazakhstan is probably going to be more aligned with the former Soviet Alliance and also China, he warns. Deepening ties there simply [create] dependence on a system which centres around Russia, he says. Advertisement Advertisement As for Mongolia, Cooper says it is not a known province for uranium mining and that the country is just at exploration stage. "Investment there is a bit of a long shot," he adds. Namibia, he says, offers a decent middle leve. Australia's Paladin Energy recently restarted a major mine in the country, but Chinese firms dominate operations, with Orano holding only modest exploration assets. Cooper urges a pivot to Australia and Canada "Western-aligned countries in order to break the Russia-China grip. Canada has proven reserves in the Athabasca Basin, while Olympic Dam in South Australia contains 26 per cent of the worlds low cost uranium resources and is the worlds largest uranium deposit. Belt and Road Meanwhile, Chinas nuclear surge casts the longest shadow. The country has more than 20 nuclear reactors under construction, and is planning a 50 percent fleet expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Beijing leverages investments from its multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative a massive global infrastructure programme launched in 2013 that funds and builds roads, railways, ports, and energy infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and Europe to secure lucrative resource deals and advance infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan, Mongolia and across Africa. China will probably dominate uranium pricing as it emerges as the worlds largest nuclear power, says Cooper. If Europe were to follow Frances model whether that took the form of a German U-turn on nuclear policy or buildouts by the United Kingdom or Italy, overall demand could hit 87,000 tU by 2030 against todays 60,000 tU mine output, according to the World Nuclear Association's World Nuclear Fuel Report 2025. The UK nuclear sector currently operates five ageing power stations, producing around 12 percent of its electricity, with life extensions under way and new construction such as Hinkley Point C progressing. Italy, meanwhile, has had no active reactors since 1990 but is planning a revival through advanced technologies and small modular reactors, targeting significant capacity by 2050. Uranium reserves do exist worldwide, says Cooper, but he added: "It's actually the money, the capital and the time that it takes to get it out of the ground which is going to be the difficulty for [any country] looking at restarting their nuclear reactors." The head of the domestic intelligence agency in the German state of Thuringia has praised a decision taken by its partner agency in Lower Saxony to rate the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as extremist. Stephan Kramer said he had long expressed the opinion that AfD extremism was evident not only in the states of formerly communist East Germany but also in the states of former West Germany. Thuringia lay in East Germany, while Lower Saxony was in West Germany. Kramer was speaking to dpa in the Thuringian capital of Erfurt after a Cologne court ruled in an urgent application that the federal domestic intelligence agency could not for the present rate the AfD at federal level as confirmed right-wing extremist and could not describe it as such in public. Advertisement Advertisement Kramer said that the Lower Saxony state agency had collected and evaluated its own information and come to the conclusion that the AfD was a proven extremist association at state level. The Lower Saxon AfD has taken the state's intelligence agency to court over its mid-February decision to rate the party as right-wing extremist and thus subject to special monitoring under German law. The state thus became the first former West German state to do so. The Lower Saxon AfD had been monitored as suspect since 2022. After this was extended in 2024, the intelligence agency had to decide by May 2026 whether the rating should be upgraded to "extremist" or terminated. In 2021, the Thuringian agency was the first in Germany to rate the AfD as "confirmed right-wing extremist." The different ratings determine to what extent the intelligence organs can investigate the AfD. LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, state media confirmed as another wave of attacks hit the country on Sunday. Below is international reaction to his death. PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF "Pakistan also expresses concern over violation of the norms of international law. It is an age-old convention that the heads of state/government should not be targeted." Advertisement Advertisement IRANIAN PRESIDENT MASOUD PEZESHKIAN "The martyrdom of the Supreme Leader at the hands of Israel and the criminal America was a great disaster for our country... America and Israel should know that it will bring them nothing but embarrassment." EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER URSULA VON DER LEYEN "With Khamenei gone, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran. We must ensure that the future is theirs to claim and shape. At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence." ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANTONIO TAJANI "For the moment, Iran is in a transitional phase, and it remains to be seen how long it will last and what impact the war will have. What is certain is that a leader who had guided Iran for decades is gone, and that is bound to have consequences including the loss of Khameneis personal authority over the population." Advertisement Advertisement FRENCH GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON MAUD BREGEON "He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians in his country and in the region, so one can only welcome his disappearance. It is now up to the Iranian people to choose their own destiny." EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF KAJA KALLAS "The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Irans history. What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape." RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN "Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law." Advertisement Advertisement SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER MARIA STENERGARD "Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been confirmed dead. This could open a window of opportunities. But there are still many uncertainties remaining. "Iran's future must belong to the people. But the road there is long. The risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East remains great." INDONESIA'S ULEMA MUSLIM CLERICAL COUNCIL "The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expressed its deepest condolences for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as a result of the Israeli-American attack on February 28. "The United States, which is playing a central role in managing the Palestinian conflict through the BoP (Board of Peace), faces a major question: is this strategy truly aimed at a just peace, or is it actually strengthening an unequal security architecture and burying Palestinian independence? Therefore, the MUI urges the Indonesian government to revoke its membership from the BoP." (Reporting by Reuters bureaus;Compiled by Emelia Sithole-Matarise;Editing by David Goodman) State GOP leaders say Oklahoma is the most conservative state in the nation and are looking to gubernatorial candidates to uphold the states red agenda. Seven of the states nine Republican candidates jockeyed to convince voters they are the most conservative at a sold-out event hosted by the Republican Party Saturday, Feb. 28, in Oklahoma City. Guys, we are the most conservative state in the union, Republican Chairwoman Charity Lynch said as the event began. When I go to the RNC, I get to brag to them. All 77 counties voted for Trump three times, and then we'll have a few of them that try to argue that they are the most conservative, and I say, Yeah, but I can carry a gun in my purse without permission. Advertisement Advertisement In a solidly red state like Oklahoma, the primary often determines who will be the next governor. Lynch said the state GOP will not endorse a candidate until after the first primary vote on June 16. Should a runoff primary election be needed to determine the partys top candidate, it will be Aug. 25. The general election will be Nov. 3. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt has served in the position since 2019 but has reached his term limit, opening the job to a newcomer. Attendees at the GOP forum cited concerns about property taxes, data centers and education as some of their top priorities for a new governor to address. Im like any other taxpayer in the state, said Leon Farris, the chairman of the Stephens County Republicans. Id like to pay less taxes, but I dont want my schools and sheriffs offices decimated. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former state Sen. Jake Merrick, former state Sen. Mike Mazzei, oil and gas industry vet Chip Keating, entrepreneur Leisa Mitchell Haynes and small business owner Kenneth Sturgell attended the event and reiterated their commitment to key conservative values. Former House Speaker Charles McCall was unable to attend and recorded a video detailing his conservative agenda. More: Top Republicans campaigning for Oklahoma governor abandon Stitt for Trump Oklahoma First a key message for governors candidates Throughout the panel, candidates emphasized the importance of state sovereignty and putting Oklahomans first. Drummond said he valued local control, where you can talk across the table with all parties involved. Washington doesnt control Oklahoma, he said. Advertisement Advertisement He described wielding the 10th Amendment as his sword and shield in his role as attorney general, and that he was ready to take that same mindset into the gubernatorial role. Attorney General Gentner Drummond speaks during a forum for governor candidates hosted by the Oklahoma GOP in Oklahoma City on Saturday, Feb. 28. Merrick proposed reestablishing a state guard to return power and autonomy to Oklahomans, not wanting to rely just on the National Guard, which remains subject to federal oversight. We will determine our own destiny, Merrick said. Keating also committed to upholding conservative ideals, emphasizing the need to elect a strong conservative over at 23rd and Lincoln thats gonna push back. He called for reforms to the states highest civil court, referring to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma as the liberal trial bar that has overturned various conservative legislative pushes. Advertisement Advertisement Haynes agreed with Keatings ideas to rein-in the courts saying, the courts justices think they are more powerful than the voters. Keating demanded a total overhaul of state government to make it more efficient by streamlining the number of state agencies. Other candidates echoed this sentiment, promising to cut back regulatory arms and agencies to get back to common sense politics. Gov. Kevin Stitt explains his legacy as candidates pledge new ideas Most candidates pledged to enact new policies and ideas as governor, though some said they agreed with certain economic policies of Stitt, particularly his pushes to cut taxes and build the states savings account. Advertisement Advertisement The governor opened the GOP forum with remarks about his two terms in office. When I ran for governor eight years ago, I was running against the establishment, Stitt said. I had never held public office before. I had never ran for anything, but I was tired of Oklahoma not winning. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt appeared at a state GOP forum on Saturday, Feb. 28, kicking off the event with remarks about his time in office. He noted his work to eliminate the grocery tax and building the states savings as some of his largest accomplishments. Stitts speech at the event came off the heels of a public clash with President Donald Trump, which spurred backlash from Oklahoma Republicans, including many of the candidates running for governor. Advertisement Advertisement But at the Saturday, Feb. 28, event, few of the candidates hoping to replace Stitt took aim at his record in office. One exception was McCall in his prerecorded message. The executive branch has failed to execute the conservative policies that the Legislature passed, and as governor, I will fix that, McCall said in the video. I will make government agencies accountable to you rather than entrench bureaucracy. Its time for a conservative, pro-Trump governor. Republican candidates for governor answered questions and pitched their campaign platforms at a forum Saturday, Feb. 28, hosted by the Oklahoma Republican Party. Those who appeared in person, from left to right, were: Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Mitchell Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Jake Merrick and Kenneth Sturgell. Candidates pledge to protect religious freedom, address Sharia law Ensuring protections for Christianity tied together several questions posed at the forum, as well as many of the candidates messages to voters. When asked about the Islamic concept of Sharia law and upholding religious freedoms, Mazzei said that Oklahoma needs a governor who doesnt just say they have a Christian worldview. We need a governor who governs with a Christian worldview. Advertisement Advertisement He said that as governor he would work with the Legislature to ban Sharia law, a ban that courts have overturned in the past. He also said he would designate the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations and trans-national criminal organizations, while mandating that law enforcement officers are trained to identify Sharia-influenced violence. Governor hopeful Mike Mazzei, a former state senator, appeared at a candidate forum hosted by the Oklahoma Republican Party. Candidates were also asked about a 2025 controversy at the University of Oklahoma. Undergraduate student Samantha Fulnecky made a complaint to university officials after receiving a zero on an essay grade for an assignment that she quoted the Bible. The complaint resulted in the university removing the instructor from teaching. The candidates were asked what they believed the governors role to be in protecting religious freedoms across public college campuses. Keating underscored the power of regents appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, when addressing what he described as the multitude of issues across the state that have led to the allowance of religious freedoms being attacked at schools. Advertisement Advertisement He said that tenure needed to be reevaluated, especially when regents and institutions are not mandating rules that are protecting students' rights to religious freedom. Gubernatorial candidate Chip Keating, a former adviser to Gov. Kevin Stitt and son of former Gov. Frank Keating, pitched his campaign ideas at a state GOP forum on Saturday, Feb. 28. Mazzei said the state needed to fully weed out diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and radical woke-ism. He referenced the University of Oklahoma, saying the school did not actually scrap DEI but rebranded it. As governor, Mazzei pledged to sign an executive order forbidding and prohibiting DEI based radical woke-ism in school curriculum, offices and activities. Mazzei also proposed holding a tribunal where presidents of OU, Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma would explain to lawmakers how they are each eradicating and eliminating DEI from campuses. Merrick described a multitude of DEI policies and the LGBTQ agenda as seeping into rural schools, based on how teachers are trained at the states big universities. We need to go upstream of where this starts, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Merrick, who once taught at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, said he only stands behind one agenda protect[ing] the constitution and God-given rights of Oklahomans. People listen to gubernatorial candidates at an Oklahoma Republican Party forum on Saturday, Feb. 28. Candidates say data centers are necessary, but must be regulated Merrick emphasized the importance of the state being on the cutting edge of AI technology. Still, he said it is important that tech companies pay their own way if they want to build data centers in Oklahoma. Merrick said that, as governor, he would require tech companies to build data centers outside neighborhoods and town centers and would mandate they use their own energy systems and create closed-loop water systems to cool their centers. Republican gubernatorial candidate Jake Merrick, a former state senator, speaks during a party forum on Saturday, Feb. 28. Mazzei opposes tax benefits for data centers and said he would require them to pay for their own electricity and water. Keating said he would push to have data centers use water produced as a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. Both industries could benefit, he said. Drummond noted Trumps mission to dominate AI industries and said he would not let Oklahoma be left behind. He touted a tariff on data centers that said he implemented as attorney general. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma GOP candidates weigh in on data centers, religious freedoms NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A family from Minnesota filed a missing person report days before the Metro Nashville Police Department found their loved one dead in an alleyway along Union Street. Erika Klasse said John Nelson was like an uncle to her children. She did not think the last time she spoke to Nelson would be the last, but a few days later, his body was discovered in an unfamiliar city. Our last contact with him was on [February] 15th, Klasse said. Advertisement Advertisement Nelson reportedly told Klasse he had missed a connecting bus from New Mexico to Minnesota, was stuck in Nashville, and had been kicked out of the Greyhound bus station. PREVIOUS: Body found in alleyway behind Nashville business John was mentally ill, and he had been off of his medications for a few weeks, she stated. Klasse tried calling Nelson again on Feb. 16, but this time, an unknown person answered, saying he had found the broken phone on the ground outside the bus station but didnt know to whom it belonged. Thats when Klasse and Nelsons family filed a missing person report in Minnesota and Nashville. On Feb. 17, Klasse said Metro police told her Nelson had been admitted to TriStar Centennial Medical Center, but he had been released and they didnt know where he was. Advertisement Advertisement She didnt know why, and that was all she could tell us, and that was our last communication with her at all, and then we called the hospital, Klasse explained. The hospital couldnt tell us anything, of course, because of HIPAA laws, and then we were getting ready to come down there on the 20th. Also on Feb. 20, the MNPD said officers discovered the body of a 56-year-old man in an alleyway behind Grumpys Bail Bonds on Union Street. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Johns niece was planning on coming down there, Klasse told News 2. I had printed out missing person fliers for her to bring with, and then, of course, that afternoon, somebody on the Facebook page sent us the news article that you guys had written and posted about the body, and we were like, you know, we just knew because, based off of the age and the hospital wristband, that it was him. Advertisement Advertisement She thinks more could have been done to help Nelson. Its just been really disheartening that the people that youre supposed to reach out to for help, that are supposed to serve and protect, did not do that. They failed him. They failed John, and they failed us, Klasse said. The medical examiner confirmed through Nelsons tattoos that he was the person found in the alleyway. However, according to Klasse, the family is still waiting on the autopsy and toxicology, which could take six to 12 weeks, leaving them with more questions than answers about Nelsons death. He was a good person. He was like an uncle to my children. He, of course, had his own nieces and nephews, as well, Klasse described. He was a brother, he was a friend, and he was a Christian, and a very proud Christian. He had a bunny, a pet bunny named Ice Cream that he loved and adored. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com She hopes Nelsons story serves as a reminder to choose to help others rather than judge them. Advertisement Advertisement I feel like everybody that he likely came in contact with, they looked at him and they judged him and just assumed he was a homeless person, and I just want everybody to know that he wasnt. He had a home, and he was trying to get back to it, Klasse said as she teared up. Metro police said they found no drug paraphernalia in the immediate vicinity of Nelsons body, and there were no signs of foul play. In addition, cameras in the area reportedly showed the man walking by himself next to the business just before 1 a.m. on Feb. 20. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. In the wake of a major joint attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, elected leaders and political experts in Hampton Roads are weighing in on what the move means for Hampton Roads' military families. The effects from the conflict are already being felt, as Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford was redirected back to the Middle East after a stint in the Caribbean. Local leaders said that the consequences across Hampton Roads will continue to be impactful. RELATED: Irans supreme leader killed in major strike by US and Israel Advertisement Advertisement 13NewsNow political analyst Leslie Caughell said she believes that the United States has a clear goal with the strikes against Iran. We are talking about regime change, and the president has been very clear that that is one of the pillars of what we are talking about here," Caughell said. Even if we achieve our stated goals of regime change, you will imagine that this is something that will require a lot more American military involvement. With Hampton Roads being home to large Air Force, Army, and Navy installations including the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk a prolonged conflict would mean many local service members would be away from families and deployed overseas. Im sure we have a lot of families in Hampton Roads who are not sleeping very easily tonight and probably havent been for the past couple weeks," Caughell said. Advertisement Advertisement Several leaders from across the region, including Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, said they believe that President Donald Trump made an overstep with the decision to attack Iran. The president does not have the authority to declare war, the Constitution gives Congress that right, and I think that, because of that, I think Congress needs to come back and pass a war resolution in either the House or the Senate, Jones told 13News Now. Sen. Mark Warner told reporters on Saturday that this conflict was a war of choice by President Trump. Warner said, now, he just wants to be able to provide the answers that he said Trump isn't providing to Virginia's military families. We know those sailors will do their duty, my job is to make sure they get answers of why their loved ones are in harms way," Warner said. "Im going to be down in Hampton Roads tomorrow. I dont have a full answer for them. Today the President needs to make that case. Advertisement Advertisement Some elected officials, however, have applauded the military's action, including Republican Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). Im sure it was a very difficult decision for him to make, but I think he sees a greater peace in the future, not just for the Middle East, but for the world, said McGuire. Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) also posted a statement to X, calling Iran's threat to global security "too great to ignore," and that "threats to the safety and security of the American people and the free world will be met with strength and resolve." RELATED: Virginia lawmakers react to US, Israel strike on Iran Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, economic impacts are likely to be seen across the Hampton Roads area if the conflict continues. Its entirely possible that they start attacking oil production infrastructure, which could certainly take gas prices up, and that certainly has economic effects, said Caughell. So, you really dont know what the ramifications of this are going to be economically." Outside of oil, closing the Strait of Hormuz, a major strategic sea passage in the region, is likely to have an impact on the Port of Virginia as well. You could very much see this disrupting shipping lines for goods that are coming in, many of which are processed on the East Coast of the United States, in particular in Virginia, said Caughell. Advertisement Advertisement One message was consistent across party lines: the hope for the safe return of every service member involved. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Americans across the globe, especially those who are in harms way, Jones told 13News Now. The situation in Iran has led to some Jacksonville activists taking to the streets. The Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network held an "emergency rally" Saturday to condemn the attacks on Iran. "Definitely shocked," said rally organizer Ashley McKenzie. "Feeling a lot of heartache because a lot of innocent lives were lost. When McKenzie saw what happened in Iran early Saturday morning, she went right to work helping to organize a rally to protest it. Advertisement Advertisement Were here to shed light on that and oppose it in any way we can and encourage people to get involved," said McKenzie. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan weighed in on the attacks, posting: Praying for our service members who are in harms way in Iran, their loved ones here at home, and our neighbors who have family in the region. Congressman John Rutherford also shared his thoughts, with a post saying in part: Tens of thousands of Iranian people have been violently murdered by the Iranian regime for seeking freedom and basic human rights. Its clear: this evil regime seeks to kill and must be obliterated. Advertisement Advertisement McKenzie says its no coincidence the rally was held in front of Rutherfords downtown Jacksonville office. We see clearly thats not the case, and its quite clearly the opposite who the aggressor is in this situation," said McKenzie. Not everyone at the rally shared the same sentiment. We tried the diplomatic route," said counter-protester Chris Smith. "We tried to be peaceful. Sometimes, you have to make a show of strength. I want to see the people of Iran free, ultimately. McKenzie is hoping, if nothing else, the rally opens some eyes. Get out in the streets and organize," said McKenzie. "Find an organization to get in touch with in order to educate yourselves and the community, basically hold our government accountable for the actions they commit in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement JSO brought several officers in cars, on bicycles and even on horseback to keep the peace. They did intervene at one point when there was a bit of a scene involving the counter-protester and a group of the protesters. One protester told First Coast News he was detained and charged with battery without injury. A couple on honeymoon in Dubai say they are "petrified" after Iran attacked targets in the United Arab Emirates. The Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE after Iran responded to strikes by the US and Israel. Dane Chalmers from Harrogate is on his honeymoon with his wife and baby daughter. He said they were safe but "very shook up". Advertisement Advertisement "Last night we went out for a meal, ordered our drinks and I said 'have you seen that up there'? There was what would look like a shooting star going the opposite away, and then next thing some explosions. "Four big clouds of smoke then within 30 seconds we got escorted to a shelter, which was quite distressing. "It was petrifying, no father, no parent wants to see their daughter in this environment. You can't put words into what it is," he said. Chalmers, 35, said he had spent the night in the hotel basement with his wife and one-year-old daughter. "The hotel staff put a tannoy on every room telling us to seek shelter. We had to go to the lobby and their basement. There must have been 300 people in one lobby," he said. A hotel in the Palm Jumeirah area of Dubai suffered damage during missile strikes on Saturday [Reuters/Handout] The UK Government advised British nationals to "shelter in place and register your presence". Advertisement Advertisement All flights from Dubai International and Dubai Al Maktoum are suspended until further notice. Emirates has suspended its operations in and out of Dubai until 15:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Monday due to airspace closures across the region, while Etihad has suspended flights out of Abu Dhabi until 02:00 local time. One person was killed and 11 others were injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Four of those injuries were among members of staff at Dubai International. Strikes have also been reported in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Travel agent Kieran Marshall was visiting hotels in Dubai when the Foreign Office issued new travel guidance for the Middle East [BBC] Kieran Marshall, 23, from Bradford, is a travel agent in Dubai and had been visiting hotels when the attacks started. Advertisement Advertisement He said he felt "safe for now" but it was an "ever-changing situation". "I've been in touch with friends, family and my colleagues back home. They've been working through the night and in the morning to help with any of our customers that are due to travel," he said. "Everybody in the hotel is still in good spirits and the hotel and the tour operator are being good at looking after us and providing us with updates." Marshall said he worked with tour operators in the country to set up excursions and hotel recommendations. "We were conducting a site inspection and then all of a sudden we got the update from the Foreign Office saying they had updated travel advice and then that's when that was when we heard about it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement He advised anyone else stuck in the country to discuss their situation with their travel agent. "Keep an eye on the Foreign Office website because that will get updated constantly with the most up-to-date advice. "And then keep an eye on like the airport websites and the airlines websites that you're due to travel with," he concluded. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story CHEYENNE A bill aimed at creating stricter price transparency in Wyoming hospitals passed another vote Friday after a similar bill failed last year in the Senate. On Friday, the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee voted unanimously in support of Senate File 57 following yearlong discussions between lawmakers, hospitals and advocacy groups. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Evie Brennan, R-Cheyenne, makes the cost of services at hospitals more available to the public so people could shop around at various health providers for the best deal. It plans to do this by requiring prices for specific items and services to be made available in a machine-readable, searchable format. Advertisement Advertisement I think we all have stories of hospital pricing and getting a bill, and youre going, What on Earth is this, and why was it this cost? Brennan said. She noted that even those familiar with the complex medical system struggle to navigate it, making this bill necessary for Wyoming communities. SF 57 is the direct successor to House Bill 121, a similar transparency measure that narrowly failed in the Senate during the 2025 general session. While HB 121 saw heavy opposition from the hospital industry, Brennan explained that the interim was used to work the bill and address its most problematic aspects with those stakeholders. The 2026 version differs from its predecessor in several key ways. While HB 121 included strict prohibitions on debt collection by noncompliant facilities, SF 57 focuses more directly on monitoring and civil penalties. SF 57 also includes a sunset date of July 1, 2029. Brennan said this provision forces the Legislature to come back and make any changes as medical practices and federal regulations inevitably evolve. A primary goal of SF 57 was to mirror federal law to avoid red tape and confusion that doomed the 2025 bill. Last year, opponents feared that state-specific mandates would clash with shifting federal executive orders. To prevent this, SF 57 aligns its requirements for standard charges and shoppable services with the standards set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Daugherty, representing the nonprofit advocacy group Cicero Action, expressed support for the measure, arguing that a lack of cost-conscious consumers is one of the biggest problems in health care. My hope ... is to give Wyoming families and workers the same clear pricing information that you might expect when you go to buy a car or when you go to the grocery store, Daugherty said. He shared an example of an MRI costing twice as much in Teton County as an Idaho facility just 90 minutes away, noting that transparent data allows consumers to make informed choices that drive down costs. Shifting from its opposition to HB 121 last year, the Wyoming Hospital Association (WHA) stood in support of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement This bill is mirrored on the exact rules that are in place right now federally, said Eric Boley, president of the WHA, noting that it provides stability in an environment where executive orders have frequently changed transparency requirements. However, Boley also offered a word of caution, reminding the committee that listed prices are often just estimates. He used the analogy of a car repair, where a mechanic might find additional problems once work begins. Things change, and so these are estimates, but we cant be held 100% (accountable) to those, he said. Boley also highlighted the financial fragility of Wyomings rural hospitals, mentioning that some operate with as little as three to five days of cash on hand, making the implementation of new rules difficult if resources are thin. Advertisement Advertisement He added that what patients pay has a lot to do with insurance companies. Dirk Dijkstal of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming said insurers already face broad transparency requirements. While supportive of the bills direction, Dijkstal noted that rising medical costs are the primary driver of insurance premiums. Access to care is extremely important, and we want to have physicians offices, we want to have medical care available in every community. But if its unaffordable, it doesnt really matter if someone cant walk in the door and afford the services. So, this is a step in the right direction, he said. Raymond Redd, also representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, cautioned about not ignoring the national ecosystem of health care, citing disparities found in machine-readable files and noted that on items like imaging and pharmacy, the amount insurance is billed can be hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of percentages higher than the cash price a hospital would accept. Advertisement Advertisement He added that insurance companies have perhaps even stricter transparency requirements than hospitals. The committee discussion concluded with the adoption of a technical amendment to align the bills title with the new sunset date. With its unanimous 9-0 vote, SF 57 now moves to the House floor for further debate. If signed into law, the act would take effect on July 1. Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show staff barred trail riding group Northeastern Trailriders Association from participating in Saturday's parade after two of its horses died during their trip here, officials said. Anthony Bruno, trail boss of the largely Black association, confirmed that two of his riders' horses had died, but he said the rodeo had overreacted in barring the group from the parade. About 115 people traveled with the group on a roughly 100-mile ride from Cheek, Texas, near Beaumont, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "It's very disappointing, especially considering the money you invested for the week, the time you prepare to do this," Bruno said. "I have my people crying about not being able to go downtown." The association's website says the association was "established in 1982 to preserve African American western heritage and promote educational awareness of our roles in agri-business, trail riding, rodeoing, and horsemanship." The group has hosted a trail ride to the Houston Rodeo since 1996, Bruno said. TRAIL RIDES: More than 3,000 trail riders converge in Memorial Park for Go Texan Day In a statement to the Houston Chronicle, rodeo officials said the decision was "guided by our established participation requirements and our animal welfare policy" and that "the health, safety and wellbeing of both animals and riders remain our highest priority." The association is eligible to participate in the trail ride and parade next year, according to the rodeo. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of trail rides, with thousands of participants, commence before the rodeo begins, with some groups riding hundreds of miles into Houston. The rodeo's animal welfare policy states that rodeo management can disqualify participants if they do not meet animal safety standards, according to language in a handbook distributed to trail riding associations and shared with the Houston Chronicle by rodeo staff. Bruno said one horse died Friday after a young rider mistakenly left the animal in a trailer with the windows closed, causing the horse's body temperature to reach 109 degrees. A second horse died later that day, after it began having stomach cramps and colicking at the association's campsite, Bruno said. He did not know its cause of death but said an equine virus could have played a part. Advertisement Advertisement After Bruno told rodeo staff about the deaths, an official told him in a phone call Friday night that his association could not participate in the parade, he said. He criticized the decision as harsh and said the horses' deaths were related to temperatures that climbed to the mid-80s on Friday. Both horses were about 20 years old, he said. "It is what it is, and it's a natural thing for horses to get overheated and expire," Bruno said. Rodeo staff said they were unaware of any other trail riding groups whose horses died this year and had called other group leaders to check. Bruno said, without evidence, in a post on social media that "several" other groups had lost horses. In lieu of the parade, Northeastern Trailriders Association members relocated to Bruno's Triangle 7 Arena in Northeast Houston for their own ride, said Bruno, who owns the arena. Advertisement Advertisement "We're still gonna ride today and celebrate our history, our culture," he said. This article originally published at Houston Rodeo suspends Northeastern Trailriders Association after two horses die on ride in. Hundreds gathered in downtown Seattle on Saturday afternoon following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand, President Donald Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social following the strikes. Countless Americans woke up to news of the attack on Iran Saturday morning, with Trump promising democracy to the people of Iran and warning that American lives may be lost. Advertisement Advertisement That often happens in war, but we arent doing this not for now, Trump said. We are doing this for the future. We are here to show a unified front, saying no war with Iran, Rae Lee of the activist group Seattle Against War said. Lees group sprang into action after the news broke. They called hundreds to Pike Place Market to protest. They marched around downtown, waving signs and chanting. Their message was clear: keep US troops and resources out of Iran. Stop bombing Iran now, and pull back our military hardware, Lee said. We have no business there. That feeling was echoed by Washingtons U.S. senators. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Senator Maria Cantwell called the Iranian government an enemy of the U.S., but stressed that such a strike should have had congressional approval. Senator Patty Murray called the action reckless and said it is already sparking attacks on U.S. bases. Trump said the strikes will continue throughout the week and as long as necessary. Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban is on the ropes. He is unpopular and appears to be planning to invalidate his likely loss in the upcoming election effectively launching a coup to hold on to power. I was a member of the Hungarian parliament, and saw how Orban built a system intended to be immune to democratic accountability. That he seems to be preparing a coup is increasingly understood in Budapest and in the region. He has already set the stage, by conjuring up an imagined threat from Ukraine. On February 7, he stated that Ukraine is our enemy. Then this week, as the gap in the polls between his party and the new Tisza party widened, he went further, ordering the army to key energy infrastructure facilities. It seems that Orban could be intending to blame Ukraine for some form of incident, despite zero evidence for such an outrageous claim. Advertisement Advertisement I certainly doubt that Orban and his Fidesz party intend to tolerate a loss just because voters reject them after 16 years in government and 16 years of stagnation. Its been four years since Orbans friend and ally, Vladimir Putin, invaded neighbouring Ukraine, a country that includes a vulnerable Hungarian community in Transcarpathia. The Fidesz propaganda machine can magnify any incident, including a manufactured one, into a national trauma within a few hours. In such a situation, the danger of them staging or deliberately exploiting a security crisis before the April elections is very real, whether in Transcarpathia or somewhere along the Hungarian-Ukrainian border. A suspicious incident or an explosion, the circumstances of which are unclear, and the government media is ready to write it all into the pre-written script: Brussels-backed Ukrainian provocateurs, Hungarians are in danger, and only we can protect you. And so on. Trump has endorsed Orban The wider context is not positive for a peaceful transition of power either. Over more than a decade, the election system has been subverted, state institutions have been captured, and Orban has gained almost total control over the media and state resources. The bare framework of democracy is intact, but it has been hollowed out. Voters face a system that erects every barrier to fair elections, and which, if it feels its own rule is in danger, can easily decide that even those rigged rules are suddenly no longer valid. Advertisement Advertisement Orban might feel confident that he can count on support from abroad, too. Donald Trump, the US president, has already endorsed him. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, was clear: Trump is deeply committed to [Orbans] success. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has effectively endorsed Orban, coming on top of the cheap oil and gas Moscow has provided Hungary in recent years. Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, praised Orban for Hungarys unequivocal and firm support for China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong and human rights. (Orbans government has been amply rewarded by the Chinese Communist Party for its services to that dictatorship.) Marco Rubio said Donald Trump is deeply committed to [Orbans] success - Robert Nemeti/Getty Images Orban is also converting every EU decision into a backdrop for his own re-election campaign. Some in the EU still talk about his vetoes as if they were just bargaining chips: he will go along for a little more money or a few favours. The picture is darker than that. Each Orban veto over the EU serves three purposes at once: Advertisement Advertisement It sends a message to his core voters that he defends Hungary against Europe; It maintains a phony war or peace narrative, smearing the opposition as somehow favouring war. And it placates Moscow and Washington by making Orban the single person who can paralyse the decisions of a 27-member union. For Putin, every Hungarian veto in Brussels is a treasure, because it buys him time, divides the EU, and sends the message that there is someone within Europe who is working to undermine European defence. For Trump, Orban is both a model and a wedge: a model for how to turn an EU member state into a one-party state, and a wedge to divide the EU on sanctions, defence, and the rule of law. The Hungarian prime minister is also living proof that its possible to hollow out a democracy from within while maintaining the barest trappings of elections. For Xi, Orban is a foothold for his Communist kleptocracy inside the EU. So the Hungarian elections in April are not just a domestic affair, which is why foreign actors Putin, Trump, and Xi take such interest in them. Is it possible to permanently occupy a member of the EU and Nato and then use it from within to undermine European defence? Powers outside the EU want a weak, divided, and distrustful European Union that is incapable of defending itself. That, in the end, is Victor Orbans purpose. A slow coup detat What Orban has been building for 16 years is not just an illiberal democracy, as he calls it, but a slow, step-by-step coup to cement an absolute autocracy. Advertisement Advertisement The courts, the state-dominated media, the electoral system, public funds, EU funds, the central bank, and the public prosecutors office are all being deployed to ensure that they keep their grip on power. As a former member of the Hungarian parliament, I saw how laws were rewritten overnight; how decisions were made by a loyal bloc that never dissented; how independent institutions were dismantled; and how loyalty was rewarded, and criticism was met with total retaliation. This is not just hard politics. It is a coup in slow motion, not with tanks capturing parliament, but with already captured institutions that make the peaceful change of government virtually impossible. When such a system faces the prospect of real defeat, it can easily decide that the rules they already rigged are no longer sufficient. The stakes of the upcoming election are therefore not just about who gets the most votes. The question is whether those who write the rules, distribute the money, count the votes, and announce the results will be willing to tolerate a world where they are no longer in power. Its about whether they will get away with falsifying or invalidating an election, and who stands to gain if they do. Zoltan Kesz is a former centre-Right Hungarian MP Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The leader of a Huntsville nonprofit, currently in Israel, shared her experience on the ground in Israel as Iran launched retaliatory missiles. When the first alarm started going off on our phone this morning, the very first one, the alert came up, and it was in Hebrew, said Kids to Love Founder and CEO Lee Marshall. Marshall described her experience Saturday hearing alerts to take shelter at a resort near the Sea of Galilee, about two hours from Tel Aviv. Marshall is on an Eagles Wings ministry trip with more than a hundred other women from around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. There has been time today that theres been some white smoke outside, Marshall said. Were not sure if its missiles or if its remnants of missiles that have been shot down. Marshall shared a screenshot she took of an alert app, showing airstrikes around her location in Israel. Myself and several others on the trip are trauma therapists, so we actually went to work trying to help our colleagues to process whats going on today and to understand that this is not normal, Marshall said, It is a natural reaction for you to panic. Just hearing that alarm is so jarring that it evokes that panic feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Marshall said, despite the situation, she feels calm. Were in a very safe location; the resort where we are staying, actually, is relatively new, Marshall said. The bottom three floors are a shelter, so were staying in a very safe place. Eagles Wings is a ministry group that supports the Israeli people. Marshall traveled to Israel as part of a female leadership team. As a part of the trip, the group was set to meet with the Israeli President. Its been very humbling to see how welcoming they are to this delegation of female leaders, Marshall said. Latest Headlines Advertisement Advertisement Saturday marked day four of what was supposed to be a 10-day trip, but Marshall said she believes it will have to be cut short. Were waiting and seeing, and just trying to have peace while we wait, Marshall said. The group will likely have difficulty flying out of Tel Aviv. Israeli airspace is closed to civilian flights until at least Monday. Marshall says group leaders are making plans to get everyone safely home. The return trip could include a 12-hour bus ride to catch a flight out of Egypt. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. This article was originally published by the Students United News Network (SUNN) in the first citywide student-led newspaper in the USA, Nashville SUNN (NashvilleSUNN.com). When Winter Storm Fern tore through Nashville in late January, exploding trees and snapping powerlines, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessees (CFMT) CEO, Hal Cato, found himself sitting in the dark, stripped of electricity and running water. That was when Erica Mitchell called. Advertisement Advertisement While emergency crews struggled to remove trees from homes and major roadways around Catos neighborhood, the United Way of Greater Nashville (UWGN) CEO was already on the phone, rallying the citys power players and engineering a financial lifeline that would become the Winter Storm Recovery Fund. As the leader of one of Tennessees leading nonprofits, Mitchell knew that she needed Catos help. When Cato answered the phone, he agreed immediately, remembering how he had been called to serve during past disasters. A career built on service Born and raised in Nashville, Cato found his calling as a public servant through trial and error. After graduating from Ole Miss in 1987, Cato tried building a career in commercial real estate. He soon realized that the industry wasnt a fit for him, quit his job, and started delivering food for Meals on Wheels. That simple act of service led Cato to found Hands on Nashville. This nonprofit now connects thousands of volunteers annually to more than 200 nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations throughout the city. Catos homegrown organization is now under the leadership of Erica Mitchell. Hands On Nashville was my baby that I started a long time ago, and it merged into United Way a few years ago. So, its kind of a full circle moment, said Cato. Hal Cato has been the CEO of Thistle Farms since November 2015. Before that, he helped form Hands on Nashville in 1990 before serving as CEO at Oasis Center for troubled teens. Rebuilding trust, strengthening ties After Hands On Nashville became part of United Way, Cato doubled down on his commitment to helping his community. As CEO of CFMT, he distributes more than $100 million in grants annually to nonprofits throughout the region. When Cato took over as CEO of CFMT in late 2022, he faced the aftermath of a controversy over the foundations prior handling of funds following the 2020 tornado. He worked to rebuild trust by partnering with United Way to create a joint relief fund after the deadly tornado that roared through Nashville in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement One of my mantras in doing this work for 35 years is that organizations need to do what they do best and partner for the rest. This gives us a chance to each do what we do best and then lean on the other, said Cato. Fast-forward to Feb. 23, and Cato and Mitchell announced they had raised over $2 million in funds from nonprofits and business organizations across Middle Tennessee. Out of that $2 million, $312,449 in funding has already been deployed to 343 families. United Way has a deep network of nonprofit partnerships as well as the volunteer horsepower. CFMT has the breadth and depth to raise money from individuals Thats why I think this partnership is so important, said Cato. Cato added that being involved in projects like this always makes him feel good. Advertisement Advertisement I feel better at the end of the day if I know that what I focused on that day was gonna make this community a better place Its the opportunity to serve and know that what I did that day mattered to someone besides me, said Cato. Working with Mitchell makes him feel even better. Erica is an amazing leader. We have a lot of respect for one another. I always enjoy working with her, Cato said. Erica Mitchell A shared vision Mitchell is equally seasoned in navigating complex challenges. A strong-willed leader, Mitchell was one of the architects of Blueprint for Early Childhood Success, a first-of-its-kind citywide initiative to double the number of Nashville third-graders reading at grade level. In a 2025 interview with WPLNs This Is Nashville, Mitchell shared a sentiment similar to Catos: seeing positive results in the community is one reason she felt compelled to enter nonprofit work. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why I came to United Way to begin with, I wanted to be closer to the community, Mitchell said. Are there things that are positive, strong, that we should accelerate? Where are the gaps? And being rooted at the community level. Even in her high-profile role as the face of UWGN, the long hours and high-stress logistics are no problem, especially when the causes and initiatives her organization leads are targeted towards helping Middle Tennesseans. Being community-centric is so critical from a leadership standpoint because it gives us our why, Mitchell told This Is Nashville. It makes it much clearer why were doing what were doing. Leadership that shows up Angela Stacy, Chief Marketing Officer of UWGN, says that on day one, Mitchells work ethic differentiated her from past administrations. Advertisement Advertisement I have never had the opportunity in my 30-year career to work with a CEO like Erica, Stacy said. She shows up in her community. She knows this community well, she knows how to convene the right thought leaders to solve a problem, and she does so thoughtfully, but quickly. Arguing that the role of a CEO is to listen rather than presume, Mitchell said that this approach keeps the foundation of her work intact and the communities she represents strong. We need community more than ever, but we also need not to make assumptions about what community needs, Mitchell told This Is Nashville. So if we are truly going to work in the service of, we need to be connected in a very real way. Praise or not, Mitchell reassures Middle Tennesseans that she will always be a reliable leader, no matter the climate. Advertisement Advertisement Political winds may change, but my mission remains very much the same, Mitchell told This Is Nashville. Jaylan Sims Jaylan Sims is a senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Communication Studies and Communication of Science & Technology with a minor in Jewish Studies. The Nashville SUNN (NashvilleSUNN.com) is the first citywide student-led newspaper in the U.S. and a publication of the Students United News Network. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How Nashville nonprofit leaders responded to Winter Storm Fern Two major headquarters which were struck were the Interior Ministry headquarters and the Tharallah headquarters in Tehran. The IDF on Sunday afternoon announced that it had hit dozens of Iran regime headquarters used to oppress protesters in a potentially game-changing move designed to try to help demonstrators overcome the regime. Two major headquarters which were struck were the Interior Ministry headquarters, which coordinatedIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij militia efforts against protesters all over the country and the Tharallah headquarters in Tehran, which coordinated those efforts within the all-important capital district. Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of other headquarters were also struck to make it harder for the IRGC and the Basij to organize, to intimidate them from appearing in public against protesters, and to remove some of their heavier weaponry. Having already dropped 1,200 bombs on Iran, the IDF, along with the US air force, was already close to achieving air supremacy in Iranian airspace on Sunday morning. Smoke rises after an Israeli military strike on Iran's Basij forces headquarters in Tehran, Iran, in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on March 1, 2026 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Israel and US increasingly able to aid anti-regime protesters This shift marked an increased capability for Israel and the US to help anti-regime protesters by targeting specific regime forces which have been used to oppress and mass murder them for the last two months and during prior rounds of protests in recent decades. In June 2025, it took several days for the air force to achieve such supremacy, which signifies that essentially Iran's anti aircraft defenses have been so battered that Israeli aircraft and drones can hover over target areas for extended periods without worrying as much about whether air defenses might target them. Once this was achieved, the ability of the air force to target a wider range of targets constantly exponentially increased. The IDF said the opening wave included simultaneous strikes at several locations in Tehran, where seven members of Irans top security leadership were gathered. The IAF killed 40 senior Iranian commanders within a minute in the opening wave of Operation Roaring Lion, the IDF announced on Sunday. describing the strikes as a preemptive blow against what it called threats posed by Irans leadership. The IDF said the opening wave included simultaneous strikes at several locations in Tehran, where seven members of Irans top security leadership were gathered. The operation was carried out under IDF intelligence guidance. Advertisement Advertisement The military later confirmed that Maj.-Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, who served as chief of staff of Irans armed forces, was among those killed in the strikes. According to the IDF statement, Mousavi had been appointed after the killing of his predecessor, Mohammad Bagheri, during Israels earlier campaign, and previously served as commander of Irans army while holding senior security positions. The IDF said Mousavi oversaw key components of Irans security apparatus and linked him to missile attacks launched at Israel during previous fighting, which the military said killed Israeli civilians. In a separate strike, the IDF also killed former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli Air Force fighter pilots prepare to strike Iran, February 28, 2026 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The IDF also said it has dismantled most of Irans air defense systems in western and central Iran, calling the strikes part of an effort to expand operational freedom of action and move toward aerial superiority over Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement The operation began Saturday morning, and Israeli officials said the timing was chosen to preserve surprise and exploit a narrow operational window, with strikes focused on Iranian command targets in Tehran and military infrastructure in western Iran. Over 200 Israeli aircraft hit 500 targets in initial strikes Israel said that in the early phase of the campaign, over 200 aircraft struck 500 targets, while subsequent waves continued to expand the strike set as the fighting entered its second day. The IDF said the initial assault unfolded in two major waves, with the first wave targeting radars and anti-aircraft defenses, and the second wave focusing on Irans ballistic missile apparatus to reduce its ability to strike Israels home front. As the campaign progressed, the IDF said it conducted additional strikes against ballistic missile capabilities and air defenses, including a missile launch site in the Qom area that it said contained large quantities of explosives and was intended for launches toward Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, which continued into the conflict's second day on Sunday, with sirens across Israel and continued exchanges of fire. In parallel, the United States launched a coordinated effort named Operation Epic Fury, stating it struck around 900 Iranian targets as the joint campaign expanded. The IDF also said it had dropped 1,200 bombs on Iranian targets since the start of the fighting, as Israel sought to dismantle air defense coverage and widen freedom of action for continued strikes. Israel has framed the opening-minute decapitation strike as the central achievement of the operations first phase, arguing it disrupted Irans senior command and complicated Tehrans ability to coordinate a rapid, organized response. After a report showed that nearly half of Utah K-3 students read below grade level, Gov. Spencer Cox included improving that number among his top priorities this year. A bill advancing in the Legislature may help him achieve that goal but later. A bill Ogden Republican Sen. Ann Millner is sponsoring to boost early literacy in the state by increasing reading assessments to three times a year starting in kindergarten and allocating $16 million to school districts to provide paraeducators to support literacy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement If students are below the state benchmark, they would start an individualized reading plan to help them catch up. But also, the policy means that more students may be obligated to repeat school years. The goal here is to help every child read. It is so fundamental to their success, we know theyre more likely to graduate from high school, we know that they are less likely to end up in the social welfare system or in the criminal justice system if they can read, Millner told the House Education Committee on Friday. The panel voted 9-2 in favor of the legislation and it now goes to the House floor for consideration. Each school district would have the choice on how to best implement the reading plans; however, the idea behind the bill is that tutors are available either during class time, after class or during weekends or summer programs. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of third grade, students reading well below the states standards may not be approved to pass to fourth grade, Millner said. However, there would be some exceptions for good causes and an appeal process for parents. The concept of having more third-graders repeat the school year worried some, including Salt Lake City Democratic Rep. Carol Moss, a retired teacher who, ultimately, ended up voting in support of the bill. By third grade kids socialization is more intense, and I think theres going to be stigma. Im glad to see you have exceptions, Moss said. Its going to stigmatize kids, and particularly you pointed out, English-language learners might get exceptions. Why not have it earlier? Third grade, Millner said, is crucial since thats when children move from learning to read to reading to learn. But, the goal is to encourage earlier interventions, trying to be flexible for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement What this bill says is were going to stay in communication with parents, Millner said. If a child is below benchmark, were going to sit down with that parent, were going to use parent teacher conferences and other things to have conversations. Were going to try to help parents see the things they can do. We will be able to have paraprofessionals that can support them in tutoring. And, she added, retaining children in the third grade until they reach reading proficiency wont happen until 2030. First Lady Abby Cox and Gov. Spencer Cox greet children gathered for a story hour after speaking at a press conference to present his budget proposal at the Salt Lake County Library in Kearns on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) The legislation also eliminates a goal Utah was not on track to achieve increasing third grade reading proficiency to 70% of students statewide. According to a report by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, only 50.3% of Utah third graders had grade-level proficiency in 2025. The report also shows that reading proficiency levels were widely different across the state, ranging from below 30% to above 70%. The biggest disparities were among English-language learners, students with disabilities, Hispanic and Latino students, and economically disadvantaged students, who demonstrated lower proficiency rates. Advertisement Advertisement Now, the state updated its goal and expects to have 80% of third-grade students reading on grade level by 2030. Cox recommended in his budget proposal to allocate $80 million to fund paraeducator grant programs, including $60 million for targeted behavioral interventions in K-3 classrooms and $20 million for reading support in elementary schools that are below the 70% goal. Millners bill proposes spending an ongoing $16 million from the Income Tax Fund to support reading interventions, an amount the Executive Appropriations Committee also recommended. The money would be distributed according to schools needs, Millner said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Condolences poured in following the death of U.S. Rep. Jim Bairds wife nearly two months after they were injured in a car crash. Danise Baird died following complications from injuries she suffered in the Jan. 5 accident, the congressmans office announced Sunday. Congressman Baird and Danise were married for 59 years, building a life centered on faith, family, and service, Bairds office said. A devoted wife and loving mother of three, she was the foundation of their family and will be deeply missed. We ask that you keep the Congressman and his family in your prayers during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Mike Braun was among numerous state leaders who expressed sympathies to the Baird family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Baird and his family as they grieve this devastating loss, the governor said on social media. Jim Baird, who is 80, and Danise Baird were both initially hospitalized with injuries from the crash that happened as they were returning to Washington. The congressman was released the next day but wore a neck brace for a time afterward. Danise Baird was out of the hospital by Jan. 12 and was continuing to recover, a social media post from her husband said. Their son, state Rep. Beau Baird, posted on Feb. 1 that his mother had taken her first assisted steps and that while the family was hopeful we know theres still a road ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Danise was Jim Bairds high school sweetheart, according to the biography on his congressional office website. The couple had three children. Baird, a Republican, was a Putnam County commissioner and a member of the Indiana House of Representatives before first being elected to western Indianas 4th Congressional District in 2018. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who preceded Baird in the congressional seat, called Danise Bairds death Absolutely horrible news. So sorry for your loss, Rokita said on social media. Thoughts and prayers with you, Congressman, and all who loved Danise. Democratic U.S. Rep. Andre Carson posted Im so sorry to hear about the loss of Danise Baird. Im praying for Rep. Baird and the entire family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. MADISONVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) An Indiana man and two accomplices were arrested on 12 traffic and drug charges, along with several outstanding warrants from multiple states and two Kentucky counties, following a police chase on Friday in Hopkins County. On Feb. 27, officers with the Madisonville Police Department saw a black Hyundai Tucson driving recklessly northbound near mile marker 111 on Interstate 69. According to a news release, the driver, 27-year-old Ronzay Buckner of Indianapolis, did not yield to officers. Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Police said Buckner and his two passengers23-year-old Jashon Samuel of Terre Haute, Indiana, and 18-year-old Aaviyona Jolley of Indianapolisthrew what officers believed was evidence from the vehicle. Officers ended the pursuit when Buckner took Exit 117 near two active school zones. Moments later, another officer saw Buckner driving recklessly back onto I-69 at mile marker 120, heading north toward Slaughters in Webster County. According to the news release, Buckner lost control of the vehicle near mile marker 149 in Henderson County. He fled on foot but was apprehended near the Henderson County Fairgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Police said Buckner had five active warrants in multiple states for felony charges, as well as two active warrants in other Kentucky counties. In Hopkins County, he was charged with: Speeding 26 mph or more over the speed limit in a school zone Reckless driving Following too closely First-degree wanton endangerment First-degree fleeing or evading police in a motor vehicle Second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot Operating on a suspended or revoked operators license Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance Failure to signal or improper signal Trafficking in marijuana, less than 8 ounces Tampering with physical evidence Failure to produce insurance Ronzay T. Buckner. (Hopkins County Jail) Jashon Samuel. (Hopkins County Jail) Aaviyona Jolley. (Hopkins County Jail) Samuel and Jolley were each charged with tampering with physical evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Samuel and Jolley were released from the Hopkins County Jail on bond. Buckner posted bond, but his status remains pending. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) responded to alarming conjecture Sunday that President Donald Trump could cite a national emergency to cancel the upcoming midterm elections which are expected to favor Democrats and possibly lead to a takeover of the House of Representatives. Conservative podcaster Shannon Joy posted to X, Trump doesnt seem to care about the midterms. Who wants to bet hell declare a national emergency because of Iran (or some other manufactured crisis) and try to cancel the elections in November? Advertisement Advertisement Greene, who had a huge falling out with the president and has repeatedly condemned his recent aggression against Iran responded to Joy: Yeah, I could see it. INSANE. Yeah I could see it. INSANE. Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (@FmrRepMTG) March 1, 2026 Greene has vehemently criticized the attack on Iran in numerous social media posts. The Trump admin actually asked in a poll how many casualties voters were willing to accept in a war with Iran??? Greene posted to X on Saturday. How about ZERO you bunch of sick f*cking liars. We voted for America First and ZERO wars. In another post, she wrote, This is NOT freeing the Iranian people!!! This is murdering their children!!! WTF are you insane people doing??? AMERICA DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS!!! Advertisement Advertisement Critics have questioned why Trump picked this moment to strike Iran after saying in June that U.S. strikes had obliterated the Islamic Republics nuclear capabilities. Trump told Fox Newss Jacqui Heinrich Sunday that if the U.S. and Israel hadnt initiated the missile strikes, Iran would have had a nuclear weapon within two weeks. But Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) contradicted that claim to CBS Newss Margaret Brennan: I dont have present-day intelligence on what progress they had made toward rebuilding nuclear weapons since we bombed their facilites, Cruz said. I have no indication that that they were anywhere close to getting nuclear weapons, because our bombing was devastatingThats one of the reasons I urged President Trump, Now is the time to strike. Advertisement Advertisement Roll Call laid out a troubling example of Trumps thinking about war and the upcoming elections in a report from January. During an Aug. 18 Oval Office meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked about the necessary conditions to restart elections in his country, the report said. So you say, during the war, you cant have elections, Trump mused. So you mean if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections. I wonder what the fake news would say to that. The post INSANE! Marjorie Taylor Greene Says She Could See Trump Using a Manufactured Crisis to Cancel the Midterm Elections first appeared on Mediaite. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday. He was killed as a "martyr," the IRNA and Fars news agencies reported. In response, the Iranian leadership declared 40 days of national mourning, according to Iran's state television. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had declared Khamenei dead after the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: "This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country." The religious leader had a key role in shaping Iran's domestic and foreign policy over the last decades, developing the Islamic Republic into a powerful regional player. Saturday's attacks targeted key locations where the Iranian leadership was meeting, killing top officials including the defence minister and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Israeli military said earlier. The assault, which killed more than 200 people according to the Red Crescent, triggered retaliatory strikes at Israel and US military forces based in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement the "martyrdom of Imam Ali Khamenei will mark the beginning of a great uprising against the tyrants of the world." The council was set up in August to centralize military strategy following the 12-day war in which Israel and the US attacked Iran. Earlier, reports that Khamenei had died sparked spontaneous celebrations in Tehran. People in the Iranian capital were reported to have shouted with joy from their windows as news circulated via Iranian exile media that can be received in the country by satellite. President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, with daytime strikes in the joint U.S.-Israel attack targeting military and government sites, officials said. On Sunday, Iranian state television confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed by airstrikes in Tehran on Saturday. Iran is responding to the U.S.-Israeli operation with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, regional U.S. bases and Gulf nations. Advertisement Advertisement Israel is also intensifying its long-running strike campaign in Lebanon following fresh attacks by the Iranian-aligned Hezbollah militia. Watch special coverage on Nightline, "War with Iran," each night on ABC and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Latest Developments Mar 2, 7:56 PM US embassy in Saudi Arabia struck by Iranian drones: US officials The U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been struck by two Iranian drones, according to two U.S. officials and initial estimates from the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The embassy was relatively empty given the overnight hours and no one is believed to have been injured -- but there is still believed to be an ongoing threat to the embassy, the U.S. officials said. The strikes resulted in "limited fire and minor damage to the building," a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense said. The State Department also issued an alert advising Americans in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place immediately. This is the second U.S. embassy to sustain damage in an Iranian drone strike, following Kuwait on Monday. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 6:47 PM Missile alerts overnight in Israel, UAE, Qatar and more After alerts were activated across Israel early Tuesday local time, the Israel Defense Forces said "launches from Iran have been identified toward several areas in the country's territory." The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defense said in a recent statement that its "air defenses are currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran." The Qatari Ministry of Defense said it "successfully continued to intercept and neutralize two ballistic missiles that targeted several areas within the country." In Kuwait, "armed forces are currently dealing with a wave of missiles and drones that have been detected in the airspace," army officials said. Emergency sirens have also gone off in Bahrain, according to the country's interior ministry. "Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 7:02 PM Iranian FM says US bases are 'legitimate targets' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he believes American bases are "legitimate targets" in a new interview with Iranian state TV. "When the United States attacks us -- whether by fighter jets or the ships it deploys -- they have access to our territory to strike with all kinds of missiles and aircraft. We cannot reach their territory, but we can reach their bases. I think those bases are legitimate targets," Araghchi said. ABC News - PHOTO: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appears on ABC News' "This Week" on March 1, 2026 Mar 2, 6:22 PM Gang of 8 members react to classified briefing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the classified briefing on Iran between Trump administration officials and members of the Gang of 8 "raised more questions than it answered." "Look, a whole lot of questions were asked," Schumer told reporters Monday following the briefing on Capitol Hill. "I found their answers completely and totally insufficient. In fact, at least to me, that briefing raised many more questions than it answered." House Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, said he was "very satisfied" with the closed-door briefing after hearing from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Johnson called the attack on Iran a "defensive operation" -- echoing Rubio's reasoning that an Israeli operation was already in motion -- and that the administration "had a very difficult decision to make." "The first responsibility of the federal government is to protect the country and its interests, and that's what we did here," Johnson said. -ABC News' Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, Hannah Demissie and Jay O'Brien Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 4:11 PM 6 US service members killed Six U.S. service members have been killed since the operation against Iran began, according to U.S. Central Command. "U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region," CENTCOM said in a statement Monday. "Major combat operations continue." All six deaths occurred from a single incident in Kuwait, sources told ABC News. The names of the fallen troops will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification, CENTCOM said. Mar 2, 5:54 PM Strait of Hormuz is 'closed': IRGC Sahar Al Attar/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz on March 1, 2026. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said the Strait of Hormuz is "closed." "The strait is closed, and whoever wants to cross, our heroes in the navy of the IRGC and army will set those ships on fire," Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabari said on Iranian state TV earlier. The Strait of Hormuz is one world's most important chokepoints for oil. Roughly 20% of the worlds oil passes through the Strait, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 5:46 PM IDF says it has targeted headquarters of Iranian state broadcaster The Israel Defense Forces said the Israeli Air Force has "struck and dismantled" the Iranian state broadcaster "a short while ago." "The center was also recently used by the Iranian regime's forces to advance military activities under the guise of civilian activity and assets, in addition to the propaganda activities that emanate from the communications center," the IDF said in a statement. "The IDF will continue to strike the Iranian regime's infrastructure across Tehran," the statement added. Mar 2, 5:33 PM State Department urges US nationals to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries The State Department is urging Americans to leave 14 countries in the Middle East immediately "due to serious safety risks," Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar said on X. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs/X - PHOTO: The State Department posted this graphic, March 2, 2026. Mar 2, 5:21 PM 'Hardest hits are yet to come from US': Rubio Kylie Cooper/Reuters - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media on the day of a briefing for Congressional leaders on the situation in Iran, on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 2, 2026. Before heading into a briefing for members of the Gang of 8 on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that "the hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military." "The next phase will be even more punishing on Iran than it is right now," he said. Rubio said that he did not know how long the hostilities could last. "We have objectives. We will do this as long as it takes to meet those objectives," he said. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 5:19 PM Rubio says knowledge of pending Israeli action fueled decision to strike Iran now Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that knowledge of pending Israeli action played a part in the decision to strike Iran now -- though denied that Israel forced the U.S.' hand. "It was abundantly clear that if Iran came under attack by anyone -- the United States or Israel or anyone -- they were going to respond, and respond against the United States. The orders had been delegated down to the field commanders," Rubio told reporters before his briefing for members of the Gang of 8 on Capitol Hill. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media on the day of a briefing for Congressional leaders on the situation in Iran, on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 2, 2026. Rubio said the near-immediate retaliation from Iran had proven his point -- saying missiles had been "prepositioned" to strike before the initial attack on the leadership compound. "If we stood and waited for that attack to come first, before we hit them, we would suffer much higher casualties," Rubio said. "We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties." When asked if the U.S. was forced to strike because of an impending Israeli action, Rubio said no, and that U.S. military action would have eventually been necessary anyway. Asked about regime change, Rubio said it was not a chief objective of the operation, but that "we would not be heartbroken" if it happened. Pressed on whether the U.S. would play a role in shaping the next government of Iran, Rubio was noncommittal. "I mean, we might. We'll see how circumstances play out," he said. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Click here to read the rest of the blog. Two groups gathered Saturday in Houstons Galleria area, expressing sharply divided views over the U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran. Members of Houstons Iranian community rallied in support of the American intervention, celebrating what they described as a long-awaited turning point for their home country. Across the street, dozens of other demonstrators protested against U.S. involvement, warning it could escalate into a broader conflict in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Tensions between the two groups at times drew a police presence as emotions ran high in the wake of the strikes. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed. President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. Members of the Iranian community in Houston gathered at the intersection of Westheimer Road and Post Oak Boulevard for an unplanned demonstration Saturday evening. They chanted, Thank you Mr. Trump, voicing support for President Donald Trump and the military action. Roushanak Moshrefi, who left Iran 35 years ago and came to Houston, said she and so many others like her have waited decades to see Irans current leadership fall. Advertisement Advertisement This means a lot to us. We are so, so happy, Moshrefi said. Hearing that the leader, the terrorist leader of Iran has been killed, has been killed, has been killed, and all the people related to him will be killed very soon, thats what we wanted forever. That same sentiment was shared by Shahab Malayeri, another Houstonian who was originally born and raised in Iran. This is the first time I feel my country has a voice to raise. Finally, we are out of the suppression of a terrible dictatorship, Malayeri said. It means freedom. I havent experienced that in my entire life, because theyve been suppressing us for 47 years, and Im only 36 years old. But just across the street, another group of protesters criticized President Trumps decision to authorize military action. They held what they described as an "emergency protest" to stop the war on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Many held signs and chanted, No war with Iran! The United States, which is my country, has a very long history of destruction, Houston resident Patty Harlan said. We always destroy. At the end of the day, there is destruction. Another protester, Alma Cooper, added, Its insane that another war starts just because the man-child, pedophile, brutal President of the United States decides that. However, several Iranian Americans told KHOU 11 that they do not view the actions by the U.S. and Israel as acts of war, pointing to loved ones in Iran who have shared their joy following the strikes. Theyve been celebrating because they want to be free. They have to liberate themselves. They dont see this as a war. They see it as an ending to a war, and the liberation of a nation, Houston resident Nooshin Motahari. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian community in Houston said they plan to hold another demonstration in Galleria on Sunday evening. Other impacts Airline Emirates cancelled two fights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Dubai. One flight was due to depart Saturday and the other Sunday. The Friday flight was diverted to another airport. The lunch crowd was wrapping up and hosts were prepping tables for dinnertime reservations at Taste of Persia in Nashville as restaurant owner Nafiseh Najafi waited for her seven-year-old son to be dropped off. The son came running through the door wearing a backpack that looked cartoonish against his small frame. He was all smiles, having finished a day of playing at Sky Zone, a nearby trampoline park. "He told his teachers he was tired from helping out in the restaurant," she said. "He just likes to sit in the office and pretend to help." Advertisement Advertisement Najafi is one of hundreds of Iranian-born residents in Middle Tennessee absorbing the news that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was killed in a missile strike by U.S.-Israel aligned forces on Saturday, Feb. 28. A group of diners settle in for a meal at Taste of Persia, a restaurant in Nashville, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. "This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." Trump's remarks resonated with Najafi, who said she feels a renewed sense of joy and hope for her home country to one day become a democratic and free country. "Iranians around the world are excited, they are happy," she said. "They are outside, they are celebrating." Advertisement Advertisement Najafi and her family have been wracked with anxiety for the past three months or so, she said, as political protests in Iran have been met with brutality from the regime. She said Iranian-Americans and those belonging to the Iranian diaspora around the world have been pleading for someone to step in, and she's thankful the Trump administration has done so. Tennessee-based lawmakers and government officials also weighed in on the escalating conflict over the weekend. In statements and posts to social media, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty and others voiced their support for Trump's actions. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers across the country called for Congress to be involved in any further decisions regarding the military action. Taste of Persia owner shares hopes for Iran The outside of Taste of Persia, a restaurant in Nashville, is photographed on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Najafi was born in Tehran and has spent the better half of her life away from her home country. She left Iran with her parents and spent 16 years living in Malaysia. Eleven years ago she married her husband, an Iranian-American man who has lived in Nashville since 1997. Najafi's mother came to live with her in the U.S. about four years ago, and the two of them opened Taste of Persia, a small restaurant and bakery in the Southeast Nashville area, near the intersection of Nolensville Pike and Old Hickory Boulevard. Her parents had opened a similar restaurant when they lived in Malaysia, and shared Persian culture and cuisine with customers for 22 years. Advertisement Advertisement "Here, people need to know more about our culture," she said. "I just try to serve really good food." A framed photo in Taste of Persia, a restaurant in Nashville, shows owner Nafiseh Najafi with her parents, who were also business owners, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Orders were coming in all day Sunday for cakes, desserts and dinner for large groups of people, Najafi said. She suspects people are celebrating the possibility of a regime change in Iran. "We are hoping to have our Iran back," she said. "That we can have a free country, without fear. We deserve to be happy." Molly Davis covers growth and development in Nashville. You can email her with comments, questions and tips at mmdavis@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Taste of Persia Nashville restaurant owner reacts after Iran attack Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi believes it is possible that a new spiritual leader will be appointed in Iran within days. "Maybe in one or two days they will elect a new leader for the country," Araghchi told the news channel Al-Jazeera on Sunday, "everything is on order." Araghchi condemned the killing of the previous head of state and religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US-Israeli attacks as "absolutely unprecedented and a violation of international law." Advertisement Advertisement Until a new head of state is elected, a three-member council is to take over his duties. According to official information, this role will fall to President Masoud Pezeshkian, head of the Judiciary Gholam-Hussein Mohseni-Eje'i, and the member of the Guardian Council, Alireza Arafi. A so-called Council of Experts, a committee of 88 influential clerics, is responsible for the election. It is unclear who could succeed Khamenei, and the religious leader had not commented publicly on the matter. In recent years, his son Modshtaba, who has hardly ever been in the public eye, has been mentioned time and again as a possible candidate. However, the state apparatus is likely to find it difficult to reorganize the power structure in the middle of a war. Jubilant Iranian Americans on Saturday took to the streets from Boston to Los Angeles to cheer the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and voice hope for a brighter future for their homeland. In Los Angeles, home to a massive Iranian diaspora, singing and ululating marchers carried flags of shah-era Iran and posters bearing US President Donald Trump's image, with some wearing shirts that said "Free Iran." Trump announced Saturday that the strikes had killed Khamenei -- and Iranian state television confirmed the news hours later -- though some marches started earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement "It's mixed feelings," Fartach Razmjoo told AFP at a gathering in Canada's largest city Toronto. "It seems this brutal regime is going to be gone, but at the same time I am very concerned about the people in Iran." Razmjoo said he hoped the "people in Iran now get the courage to get in the street and try to overthrow" the government. Trump made similar calls, urging Iranians to rise up and "take over your government." But at an anti-war protest in New York, people expressed skepticism about the strikes, which Trump has vowed to continue "as long as necessary." Advertisement Advertisement Layan Fuleihan, a 36 year-old activist, told AFP: "Bombing people does not help them free themselves." "If Trump cared about democracy or if he cared about the well-being of Iranian people, he would have lifted the brutal sanctions on the Iranian economy that have made it impossible for everyday working Iranians to find enough to put food on their table," she said. Brent Gray, a 27-year-old engineer in the US capital Washington, said Trump was "taking military action without any congressional approval." Anti-war activist group ANSWER called for nationwide demonstrations Monday, denouncing "an unprovoked, illegal war." Advertisement Advertisement - 'Very complicated feelings' - The scene couldn't have been more different in Boston, where people sang and stomped on an Iranian flag in the street, while waving American flags and at least one Israeli flag. "Iranians can finally get to live the free life that they want," Navid Aghasadeghi told AFP. "We don't call it a war. We call it the Iran Rescue Operation," said Sherry Yadegari, a 42-year-old artist in the southern city of Atlanta. Azi Adibi, 45, also in Atlanta, said she was worried about family in Iran, having been unable to reach her brother since "the internet got cut off." Advertisement Advertisement Roozbeh Farahanipour, a restaurant owner in Los Angeles's Westwood neighborhood -- sometimes known as "Tehrangeles" or Little Persia -- told AFP he has "very complicated feelings." "I saw the footage of people dancing in the streets," the 54-year-old said. "That reminded me of the first days of the war in Iraq. At the time, the people of Iraq were also dancing in the streets." "I hope the scenario will be different this time," he said. burs-nro/sst Videos from the massive street party show hundreds of local Jews and Iranian expatriates dancing to "Am Yisrael Chai," chanting Iranian protest songs, and waving Israeli and Iranian flags. Iranians and Jews took to the streets of Golders Green on Saturday night to celebrate Israel's elimination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Videos from the massive street party show hundreds of local Jews and Iranian expatriates dancing to "Am Yisrael Chai," chanting Iranian protest songs, and waving Israeli and Iranian flags. Advertisement Advertisement Dina, who lives locally and was at the celebration, told The Jerusalem Post that It was "really incredible" to see Golders Green Road, which is one of the main Jewish roads in the north-west London community, come alive with celebration and solidarity. "It was packed, you couldn't drive past at the start," she said. Eventually she drove past and said some Iranians were screaming 'thank you' through the windows. "It was mainly Iranians holding Iranian flags but they were also holding Israeli flags and chanting 'long live Israel.'" Dina added that, since October 7, one wall in Golders Green has been used to display all the hostage posters, but than since the last hostages have returned and the war with Iran has started, Iranians have used the wall to put up posters of Iranians who have been killed and lighting candles. Advertisement Advertisement "It was just really incredible, two communities coming together. They were all literally thanking us; you could see like the gratitude." On Sunday, the organization Stop The Hate organized a joint Iranian-Jewish rally in central London. The Iranian protesters chose to play the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikva." Iranian dissidents, British Jews, stand together in London rallies In recent years, especially since the 2022 protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, Iranian dissidents and British Jews have frequently stood side by side at rallies in London calling out extremism and supporting human rights. In neighborhoods like Golders Green, activists from both communities have organized joint demonstrations, educational panels, and solidarity gatherings. After the October 7 attacks, many Iranian protesters publicly expressed sympathy with Israeli victims and opposition to the Iranian regimes backing of Hamas, while Jewish groups voiced support for the Iranian peoples struggle against repression. By Parisa Hafezi WASHINGTON, March 1 (Reuters) - The 36-year rule of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei built Iran into a powerful anti-U.S. force, spreading its military sway across the Middle East, while using an iron fist to crush repeated unrest at home. He was killed on Saturday, aged 86, Iranian state media announced, in air strikes by Israel and the U.S. that pulverised his central Tehran compound, after decades of efforts to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme diplomatically failed. Advertisement Advertisement At first dismissed as weak and indecisive, Khamenei seemed an unlikely choice for supreme leader after the death of the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who founded the Islamic Republic of Iran. But Khamenei's rise to the pinnacle of the country's power structure afforded him a tight grip over the nation's affairs. Khamenei was "an accident of history" who went from "a weak president to an initially weak supreme leader to one of the five most powerful Iranians of the last 100 years", Karim Sadjadpour at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told Reuters. The ayatollah criticised Washington throughout his rule, continuing to deploy barbs after the start of Donald Trump's second term as U.S. president in 2025. As a new wave of protests spread through Iran, with slogans such as "Death to the dictator", and as Trump threatened to intervene, Khamenei vowed in January that the country would not "yield to the enemy". Advertisement Advertisement The comment was typical of the ferociously anti-Western Khamenei, in office since 1989. By maintaining the hardline stance of Khomeini, the Republic's first supreme leader, Khamenei quashed the ambitions of a succession of independent-minded elected presidents who sought more open policies at home and abroad. In the process, he ensured Iran's isolation, critics say. HIS WORD WAS LAW Khamenei long denied that Iran's nuclear programme was aimed at producing an atomic weapon, as the West contended. In 2015 he cautiously supported a nuclear deal between world powers and the government of pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani that curbed the country's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. The hard-won accord resulted in a partial lifting of Iran's economic and political isolation. Advertisement Advertisement But Khamenei's hostility toward the U.S. was undimmed, intensifying in 2018 when Trump's first administration withdrew from the nuclear agreement and reimposed sanctions to choke Iran's oil and shipping industries. Following the U.S. withdrawal, Khamenei sided with hardline supporters who criticised Rouhani's policy of appeasement towards the West. As Trump pressed Iran to agree to a new nuclear deal in 2025, Khamenei condemned "the rude and arrogant leaders of America". "Who are you to decide whether Iran should have enrichment?" he asked. Khamenei often denounced "the Great Satan" in speeches, reassuring hardliners for whom anti-U.S. sentiment was at the heart of the 1979 revolution, which forced the last shah of Iran into exile. Advertisement Advertisement Iran saw major student-led protests in 1999 and 2002. But Khamenei's authority was put to the test more profoundly in 2009, when the contested results of a presidential election that he had validated ignited violent street unrest, stoking a crisis of legitimacy that lingered until his death. In 2022, Khamenei cracked down on protesters enraged by the death of Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in the custody of morality police in September of that year. Faced with some of the most intense turmoil since the revolution, Khamenei blamed Western enemies then resorted to the hanging of protesters and the display of their bodies, suspended from cranes, after months of unrest. Iranians got the message. Advertisement Advertisement As supreme leader, Khamenei's word was law. He inherited enormous powers, including command of the armed forces and the authority to appoint many senior figures, among them the heads of the judiciary, security agencies and state radio and television. He appointed allies as commanders of the elite Revolutionary Guards. As the final authority in Iran's complex system of clerical rule and limited democracy, Khamenei long sought to ensure that no group, even among his closest allies, mustered enough power to challenge him and his anti-U.S. stance. Scholars outside Iran painted a picture of a secretive ideologue fearful of betrayal - an anxiety fuelled by an assassination attempt in 1981 that paralysed his right arm. Advertisement Advertisement International organisations and activists repeatedly criticised violations of human rights in Iran. Tehran said it had the best human rights record in the Muslim world. AN UNLIKELY RISE TO POWER Ali Khamenei was born in Mashhad, northeast Iran, in April 1939. His religious commitment was clear when he became a cleric at the age of 11. He studied in Iraq and in Qom, Iran's religious capital. His father, a religious scholar of ethnic Azeri descent, was a traditionalist cleric opposed to mixing religion and politics. In contrast, his son embraced the Islamist revolutionary cause. "He (Khamenei's father) came across as a modernist or progressive cleric," said Mahmoud Moradkhani, a nephew who opposes Khamenei's rule and lives in exile. Unlike his son, "he was not a part of the fundamentalists", Moradkhani said. Advertisement Advertisement In 1963, Khamenei served the first of many terms in prison when at 24 he was detained for political activities. Later that year he was imprisoned for 10 days in Mashhad, where he underwent severe torture, according to his official biography. After the shah's fall, Khamenei took up several posts in the Islamic Republic. As deputy minister of defence, he became close to the military and was a key figure in the 1980-88 war with neighbouring Iraq, which claimed an estimated total of one million lives. A skilled orator, he was appointed by Khomeini as a Friday prayer leader in Tehran. There were questions about his rapid, unprecedented rise. He won the presidency with Khomeini's support - the first cleric in the post - and was a surprise choice as Khomeini's successor, given that he lacked both Khomeini's popular appeal and superior clerical credentials. Advertisement Advertisement EXPANDING IRAN'S INFLUENCE His ties to the powerful Guards paid off in 2009. That year, the force crushed protests after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won re-election amid opposition accusations of vote fraud. He also presided over a vast financial empire through Setad, an organisation founded by Khomeini but expanded hugely under Khamenei. A 2013 Reuters investigation detailed how he assembled that empire - then valued at an estimated $95 billion or more - by seizing property from enemies of the revolution. There was no sign that Khamenei used Setad to enrich himself, but the holdings extended his reach into a wide array of industries. Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei expanded Iranian influence in the region, empowering Shi'ite militias in Iraq and Lebanon, and propping up then-President Bashar al-Assad by deploying thousands of soldiers to Syria. He spent billions over four decades on these allies - the "Axis of Resistance", which also included Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, and Yemen's Houthis - to oppose Israeli and U.S. power in the Middle East. But in 2024 Khamenei saw these alliances unravel, and Iran's regional influence shrivel, with the ousting of Assad and a series of defeats inflicted by Israel on Hezbollah in Lebanon and on Hamas in Gaza, including the killing of their leaders. Under Khamenei's rule, Iran and Israel fought a shadow war for years, with Israel assassinating Tehran's nuclear scientists and Revolutionary Guard commanders. It exploded into the open during Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza from 2023. In April 2024, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel after it bombed Tehran's embassy compound in Damascus. Israel struck Iranian soil in response. But that was only a prelude to June 2025, when Israel's military unleashed hundreds of fighter jets to strike Iranian nuclear and military targets as well as senior personnel. The surprise attack provoked a barrage of missiles in both directions, transforming simmering conflict into all-out war. The U.S. joined the air offensive on Iran, which lasted 12 days. The U.S. and Israel had warned they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and, on Saturday, they launched the most ambitious attack on Iranian targets in decades. Negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials took place as recently as Thursday, but senior U.S. officials said that Iran had not been willing to give up its ability to enrich uranium, which the Iranians argued they wanted for nuclear energy but U.S. officials said would enable the country to build a nuclear bomb. On the diplomatic front, Khamenei rejected any normalisation of ties with the United States. He argued that Washington had backed hardline groups like Islamic State to inflame a sectarian war in the region. Like all Iranian officials, Khamenei denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons and went so far as to issue an Islamic ruling, or fatwa, in the mid-1990s on "production and usage" of nuclear weapons, saying: "It is against our Islamic thoughts." He also supported a fatwa issued by Khomeini in 1989, which called on Muslims to kill the Indian-born author Salman Rushdie after the publication of his novel "The Satanic Verses". Khamenei's official website confirmed the ongoing validity of the death edict as recently as 2017. Five years later, Rushdie was stabbed while giving a public lecture in New York. The writer was gravely wounded, but survived. The perpetrator, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2025 for attempted murder, did not testify at the trial. The late ayatollah leaves an Islamic Republic wrestling with uncertainty amid the attacks from Israel and the United States, as well as growing dissent at home, especially among younger generations. "I just want to live a peaceful, normal life Instead, they (the rulers) insist on a nuclear programme, supporting armed groups in the region, and maintaining hostility toward the United States," Mina, 25, told Reuters by phone from Kuhdasht in the western Lorestan province at the start of 2026. "Those policies may have made sense in 1979, but not today," the jobless university graduate added. "The world has changed." (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Olivier Holmey, Michael Georgy, William Maclean, Janet Lawrence and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Saturday morning strikes on Tehran, state-run media confirmed, after US President Donald Trump announced it on Saturday night. The state-run media also announced 40 days of public mourning and seven days of public holiday over Khamenei's death. The US president said Khamenei was dead earlier in the day, following multiple reports and statements from Israeli officials that he was killed following strikes by the US and Israel on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday night. A photograph of Khamenei's body has been shown to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after it was retrieved from the rubble of his residence, Channel 12 reported prior to Trump's statement. Additionally, a senior Israeli official shared the same information with international media outlets. The news first emerged Saturday evening after Netanyahu said that there were "many signs" Khamenei was dead. "This morning, in a powerful surprise strike, the compound of the tyrant Ali Khamenei was destroyed in the heart of Tehran ... and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive," Netanyahu said in a televised statement. Shiite Muslims mourn the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a special prayer in Jammu, India, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Channi Anand) - Channi Anand/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved. In a phone interview with NBC on Saturday night, Trump said that "we feel" reports of Khamenei's death were "correct," telling both NBC and ABC News that "a lot" of Iran's top leadership is gone. Advertisement Advertisement "We dont know all, but a lot of it is," Trump told ABC. "The people that make all the decisionsmost of them are gone." Asked about who could take over the reins in Tehran, the US president said, "I dont know, but at some point theyll be calling me to ask who I'd like." "I'm only being a little sarcastic when I say that," Trump added. Seven senior Iranian officials killed Alongside the killing of the Ayatollah, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported the killing of these senior commanders during a Defense Council meeting: Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; Mohammad Bagheri, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC; Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Defense Council; and Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military had earlier said seven senior Iranian officials, including the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), General Mohammad Pakpour, were also killed in the strikes. Among those it listed were Khamenei's senior advisor Ali Shamkhani and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said in a televised statement, showing photographs of some of the individuals killed. FILE - In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, accompanied by the armed force - AP/AP Meanwhile, witnesses said on Saturday that loud cheers echoed across parts of Tehran, and residents took to their windows to applaud and play celebratory music after reports of Khamenei's demise. The celebrations began shortly after 11 pm local time (8 pm CET), according to multiple witnesses and audio recordings. Advertisement Advertisement The strikes prompted Tehran to fire off a missile barrage that sent people running for cover in cities across the Middle East, with drones striking civilian targets in Bahrain and the UAE on Saturday evening. In 1989, Khamenei became Iran's ayatollah after the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khamenei played an important role in the movement that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the 1979 revolution. Related Advertisement Advertisement The 86-year-old Khamenei is Iran's commander-in-chief and has the final say on all policy and religious matters. IRGC, the force under severe US and EU sanctions that is considered to be the military pillar of the Tehran regime, answers directly to him. Khamenei has been in charge during previous crackdowns on protesters in Iran. He recently said Iran was ready to retaliate against any American attack. One of the first strikes Saturday hit near Khamenei's offices in Tehran. It was not immediately clear where Khamenei was at the time, as he had not been seen for days. His trademark look was a black turban signifying his descent from the Prophet Muhammad, a white beard and glasses with slender frames. His photo was displayed in all Iranian government offices alongside the image of the late revolutionary leader Ruhollah Khomeini. Until his death, Ali Khamenei, Iran's religious leader, was the most powerful man in the Islamic Republic. US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei's death after the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran. Iranian state media confirmed his death hours later. Advertisement Advertisement As supreme spiritual leader and head of state, Khamenei was considered untouchable. Under his leadership, Iran grew into an influential regional power with a strong security apparatus - both internally and externally - although massively weakened in recent years. Born in 1939 in Mashad in north-eastern Iran, Khamenei joined the political fight against Iran's monarch, the Shah, after the end of his religious studies. In 1979, after Iran's successful Islamic revolution under Khomeini's leadership, Khamenei became deputy interior minister and later a member of parliament for Tehran. He was the country's president from 1981 to 1989. An assassination attempt in 1981, when a bomb planted by the rebel opposition group People's Mujaheddin (MKO) exploded during a press conference, paralysed his right arm. Advertisement Advertisement Following Khomeini's death in June 1989, Khamenei was appointed successor as supreme leader, becoming the de facto head of state. While once regarded as a moderate, Khamenei took a more conservative course once in office. His critics saw in him an ultra-conservative hardliner who opposed Iran's opening to the West. Building up the IRGC Under Khamenei's leadership, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) developed into the country's leading military force and became far more influential than the regular army. As loyal supporters of the religious leader, the IRGC - classified as a terrorist group by the US under Trump - also took on other tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two decades, they have risen to become an important economic player, notably in sectors such as tourism and technology. The secret service also gradually fell under the influence of the IRGC. Since the 1990s, the IRGC's foreign unit has also expanded its influence in the region. With the so-called 'axis of resistance,' Tehran relied on allied militias in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories - creating a form of military deterrent against arch-enemy Israel. Since the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023, Iran has been significantly weakened. Israel's military dealt severe blows to the Islamic Republic and its non-state allies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas organization in the Gaza Strip. The fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad further weakened Iran's position. The twelve-day war last June revealed major weaknesses in the Iranian armed forces. During protests, crowds openly called for Khamenei's overthrow. Shunning the public eye Khamenei never showed weakness. But despite his constant presence on television and at military events, Iran's most powerful man kept out of the public eye. Little was known about his private life. But no important decision in the country was made without Khamenei's approval. Advertisement Advertisement As head of state, the cleric had authoritarian traits. Criticism of him was not tolerated. Security forces responded uncompromisingly when demonstrators chanted 'Death to the dictator' during recent waves of protest. Expanded security apparatus Khamenei's foreign policy doctrine was determined by the fight against the country's arch-enemies. His distrust of powers such as the US and Israel led to an expansion of the military and security forces. As commander-in-chief of the IRGC, he hand-picked the organization's top leadership and oversaw it rapid rise to become Iran's most powerful political and economic institution. Advertisement Advertisement The fight against Israel was high on his political agenda, a doctrine he stuck to despite growing domestic criticism. Khamenei's influence on the economy grew with time. In recent years, however, he had to contend with major problems, as sanctions imposed over Iran's nuclear programme plunged the oil-rich country into crisis. Khamenei did not rule out diplomatic efforts to end the nuclear dispute, but preferred economic resistance and independence, not least because of tensions with the West. To this end, Iran sought new partners in recent years, particularly in China and Russia - a move that has has also been met with criticism within the country. Iran's political future is unclear Speculation has been rife about a possible successor to Khamenei. His son Mojtaba has been mentioned in this context, although he has made few public appearances. Former president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in 2024, had also been considered a promising successor. However, experts agree that a new religious leader is unlikely to enjoy the same authority, while critics and reformers consider the role of supreme religious leader to be outdated. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed revenge for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The killers of the Imam of the nation will not escape severe, decisive, and deterrent punishment," the elite force said in a statement on Sunday carried by Lebanon's Hezbollah. The statement added that the IRGC, Iran's armed forces and Basij militias would confront "internal and external conspiracies" and punish the aggressors "with a deterrent and exemplary response." Advertisement Advertisement It also called on all segments of society to participate in the defence of the country and to demonstrate solidarity and national unity to the world. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had declared Khamenei dead after the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: "This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country." He said bombings in Iran would continue until peace was restored in the region and worldwide, adding that Israeli forces were also involved in the strikes. Under Khamenei's leadership, the IRGC developed into the country's leading military force and became far more influential than the regular army. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed in a joint American and Israeli strike, US president Donald Trump says. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Satellite images showed damage to Khamenei's compound in Tehran earlier on Saturday following the raids, and the Israeli prime minister said there were growing signs he was "gone". Iranian state media later confirmed his death. Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people were reportedly killed across the country. In response, Iran launched attacks throughout the Middle East, with strikes reported in a number of countries with US bases or allied to the US. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said: "This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans." "He [Khamenei] was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. "This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country," Trump added. Advertisement Advertisement "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective," he warned. Initially, Iranian state media denied Khamenei was dead, with the Tasnim and Mehr news agencies saying he was "steadfast and firm in commanding the field". But it was later confirmed in an address by a tearful presenter, who said the country would enter 40 days of mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's foreign minister accused Israel and the US of launching a war that was "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate". The UN secretary general and a number of world leaders from Brazil to China have also condemned the attacks, while a joint statement by the leaders of the UK, France and Germany urged Iran to refrain from further strikes and give up its weapons programmes. The UN Security Council met to discuss the strikes on Saturday evening. They came after the US and Iran held three rounds of talks in attempts to reach a deal to curb Iran's nuclear activities, and further negotiations had been expected next week. Mediators suggested "substantial progress" had been made and a deal was "within reach". Advertisement Advertisement But Trump said on Friday he was not "thrilled" with the way the talks were going, later adding that what he saw as the lack of progress led him to give the go-ahead for the strikes. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the attacks as a "pre-emptive strike" to "remove threats against the state of Israel", although he did not explain why there was a need to take military action now. [BBC] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says approximately 200 fighter jets completed "the largest ever military flyover in the history of the Israeli Air Force", targeting approximately 500 objectives. Explosions were reportedly heard initially in Tehran, nearby Karaj, Isfahan and Qom in the centre of the country, and Kermanshah in the west. Several more waves of strikes targeted further locations around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Israeli and US officials said they believed Khamenei and five to 10 top leaders had been killed in an attack on the supreme leader's compound, but Iran denied that he was dead. Satellite imagery obtained by the BBC showed signs of significant damage in the compound, including blackened buildings, debris and a column of smoke. Iran's Red Crescent said at least 201 people had been killed and 747 injured in the attacks. They did specify if those killed were civilian or military personnel. A girls' school in the southern Iranian town of Minab was hit killing 108 people, according to the county prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has verified clips of the aftermath of the explosion at the school, which is around 600 metres from an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base. [BBC] In Tehran, videos circulating on social media showed people near the blast sites running in panic, with the sounds of screams and crying in the background. Streets were quieter than usual as people queued for petrol and attempted to leave the city. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on a number of countries in the region. An explosion was reported at a luxury hotel in Dubai, while US naval bases in Bahrain and Qatar were reportedly targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Attacks were also reported in Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan, while Israel itself reported that one person had died in a missile attack in the Tel Aviv area, one of several throughout the country. Iranian news agency Tasnim said that the strategic Hormuz Strait - located in the south of Iran between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman - would be closed as a result of the attacks. About one-fifth of the world's oil and gas pass through the strait. The Islamic Republic of Iran has built a coalition of largely Shiite terrorist proxies the axis of resistance that will join Tehran in counterstrikes in response to the joint U.S.-Israel preventive attacks on Irans military installations and leadership. The most dangerous of Irans allies is its main strategic partner, the Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah. Israels army had been intensely targeting Hezbollah positions ahead of the U.S. campaign, Operation Epic Fury. Advertisement Advertisement World Leaders Split Over Military Action As Us-israel Strike Iran In Coordinated Operation A flag bearing the picture of assassinated pro-Iranian Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah flutters in front of a picture of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Nasrallahs assassination in an Israeli airstrike at his grave in Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Images) The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is obligated to disarm Hezbollah, according to the November 2024 ceasefire with Israel. "In Lebanon, we continue to act daily against attempts by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild and rearm," Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin said Friday. Read On The Fox News App "An example of this is the strike we carried out yesterday in the Baalbek area, during which we targeted ammunition depots and eliminated terrorists from the Radwan Force. We will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities and pose a threat to Israeli civilians." Advertisement Advertisement If Khamenei Falls, Who Takes Iran? Strikes Will Expose Power Vacuum And The Irgcs Grip Smoke rises over the city after the Israeli army launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iran in Tehran Feb. 28, 2026. An official from Hezbollah said Wednesday that the jihadi terrorist organization will not intervene militarily if the U.S. delivers "limited" strikes on Iran. Yet the Hezbollah official said the organization regards any attack against Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "red line." According to the Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center (Alma), "Hezbollah fields a substantial combat force, estimated at around 40,000-50,000 active combatants and an additional 30,000-50,000 reservists. Central to its offensive structure is the Radwan Unit, which Hezbollah is making major efforts to rebuild and restore." Iran rebuilds Hezbollah ties as Trump gives 10- to 15-day deadline. IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, president and founder of Alma in northern Israel, told Fox News Digital the "Lebanese army is not putting much effort into disarming Hezbollah. The outcome of that is good intentions are just words. As a resident of the north, I have not seen any systematic disarmament." Advertisement Advertisement Edy Cohen, a Lebanese-born Israeli scholar of Hezbollah, told Fox News Digital the "Lebanese population does not see Hezbollah as resistance" because Hezbollah lost its recent war against Israel. He said Hezbollah failed in its efforts to aid Hamas in Gaza to defeat Israel after its Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of the Jewish state. The second Iranian-backed proxy is the Shiite militia movement in Iraq. Entifadh Qanbar, a former spokesman for the deputy prime minister of Iraq, told Fox News Digital he believes the Shiite militia will join Iran in the war. "Many second-tier Shia leaders, militia lords, as I like to call them, harbor ambitions to rise and challenge the aging top-tier top leadership," Qanbar said. "They have accumulated enormous wealth, and the only way they can compete with the old guard is by proving to Iran that they are bold, reckless and ready to fight in defense of Tehran. Members of the Popular Mobilisation units, paramilitary forces that are dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias, hold an Islamist flag in Tikrit April 5, 2015, after Iraqi forces retook the northern city from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists earlier in the month. "Their ambitions have blinded their rational thinking. These are militia terrorists with little understanding of the outside world, yet they are dangerously overconfident. They are loose cannons, completely out of control, and Iran is prepared to throw them into the fire because they are expendable. That is why you see Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq issuing threats, while older, more established militias like Hezbollah Lebanon have made it clear they will not participate." Advertisement Advertisement The pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses the U.S. of bombing it and pledged a retaliatory response on Saturday. Kataeb Hezbollah said the U.S. is responsible for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the Iranian proxy militia. The Iraqi terrorist group says it will "soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks." Houthi terrorists walk over British and U.S. flags at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Feb. 4, 2024, on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen. The third wing of the axis of resistance is the Houthi movement in Yemen. The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have decided to resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and on Israel in support of Iran, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because there is no official announcement from the Houthi leadership, according to The Associated Press. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement One of the officials said the rebels first attack could come as soon as "tonight." Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip is also part of the axis of resistance and Hamas and Iran are also partners in their campaigns to destroy the Jewish state. THE Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Iran's terror proxies, from Iraq to Lebanon, say they're ready to respond to US-Israel attacks The countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a strike on his compound in Tehran on Saturday - Anadolu/Getty Ayatollah Ali Khameneis demise was the story of a death foretold. The late supreme leader and his inner circle had long known they could be assassinated by their American or Israeli enemies. So they made elaborate preparations for that moment, devising a plan for Irans regime to run on autopilot and survive its own decapitation. As the smoke clears over the strike on his compound in Tehran that left Khamenei lying dead in the rubble, this system will now be tested by hard reality. Footage released by the Israeli military on Sunday shows what it says are large-scale strikes on the headquarters of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran - Israeli Army/AFP/Getty The essence of it was that Khamenei ordered all key figures and military commanders to choose not just one substitute but four, so that the Islamic Republics leadership might in theory withstand three waves of assassinations. Advertisement Advertisement The identities of some nominees would remain secret so as to deny Israel and America a ready-made target list. But the confirmed dead from the opening strikes on Saturday include not just Khamenei but General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Amir Nasirzadeh, the defence minister; and Ali Shamkhani, the head of the defence council and one of Irans most experienced securocrats. Khamenei, incompetent and obdurate to the end, gathered them all for a meeting in his offices in the capital, heedless of the fact that America had massed two carrier battle-groups and about half of all its deployable air power within range of Iran. Each of the dead will have their nominated successors some named, others undisclosed who will now step into the martyrs shoes. General Ahmad Vahidi, a bloodsoaked commander wanted by Interpol for his part in bombing a Jewish community centre in Argentina in 1994, has been announced as the new IRGC commander. Advertisement Advertisement The occupants of other posts may well remain unknown to the Iranian people. Pro-government demonstrators gather in Tehran after the announcement of Khameneis death - Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu/Getty But how can you run a country of 90 million people with a partially secret underground leadership, particularly when you are locked in mortal combat with America and Israel and much of your own population hates you? The fact that Khamenei and so many of his acolytes were killed on the wars first morning provides yet more evidence of how completely US and Israeli intelligence have penetrated the Iranian regime. For once, Donald Trump was not exaggerating when he said that Khamenei was unable to avoid our intelligence and our highly sophisticated tracking systems. If those systems could find Khamenei, just as they located and eliminated the previous IRGC chief, General Hossein Salami, along with a small battalion of nuclear scientists and senior securocrats, during last years war, then America and Israel would surely be able to inflict the same fate on their chosen successors, whether they are named or not. Advertisement Advertisement How long can a regime survive when it has been so thoroughly compromised that all of its figureheads must live under the constant shadow of assassination? Another feature of a regime running on autopilot is the sight of Iranian missiles and drones continuing to strike Israel and the Gulf states. Contrary to appearances, these are almost certainly not calculated acts of retaliation for Khameneis death. Instead, long before this war, the commanders of Irans missile and drone batteries were instructed to start firing their weapons as soon as they knew that hostilities had begun. They will have been given lists of targets in countries across the Middle East and told to begin attacking them immediately without waiting for further orders. Those orders, after all, might never come. Advertisement Advertisement Those who would issue them could be assassinated. The communications system that would transmit them could be paralysed. Or both. In military terminology, this is known as delegating launch authority to local commanders as a precaution against the loss of command and control. So dont be fooled by the rhetoric of retaliation being peddled by the surviving leaders in Tehran. The aftermath of an Iranian missile strike on a residential building in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters Whenever an Iranian missile or killer drone soars into the sky, this shows only that some junior officer is diligently following prior instructions and working through a pre-approved target list. He and his comrades will carry on doing this until they run out of missiles or drones or until their launchers are destroyed and they are killed by Israel or America. Advertisement Advertisement Depriving Iran of the means to retaliate is a key objective of both belligerents. You can be sure that the Israeli and US air forces are hunting down Irans lonely missile units, probably hidden in the crags of the Zagros Mountains, who are still firing at the Islamic Republics enemies. Iran started with about 1,500 ballistic missiles and 100 launchers. Most of the missiles are not loaded in silos ready to fire but buried in the vaults and tunnels of underground storage sites. Without their launchers, they are useless. So America and Israel will be trying to eliminate the launchers as rapidly as possible. Yet, until they succeed, the autopilot regime will carry on firing. And it will now follow the prepared plan for Khameneis demise, including the creation of the leadership council described in Article 111 of the constitution, consisting of the president, the head of the judiciary and a senior cleric. Advertisement Advertisement Will this unlucky trio ever dare to meet? They are about to discover how long an autopilot leadership can survive the crisis into which they were led by their departed Ayatollah. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. At least six people have been killed in new Iranian rocket attacks on Israel, according to Israeli TV reports. The broadcaster N12 reported on Sunday that the people were killed when a rocket hit a building in the town of Beit Shemesh, about 40 kilometres west of Jerusalem. Several other people were injured. Residents of Tel Aviv also reported loud explosions during the latest rocket attacks. Millions of people took to air-raid shelters. "We keep hearing loud bangs, possibly defence missiles," said one Tel Aviv resident. "There's just no end to it." Advertisement Advertisement Since the beginning of the US-Israeli attacks in Iran on Saturday, residents of Israel have reported constant Iranian counter-attacks on Israeli population centres, sometimes every half hour. On Saturday, a woman was killed in a missile strike in Tel Aviv. According to official figures, a total of eight people have died in Iranian rocket attacks on Israel so far, and dozens more have been injured. Israels joint strike with the United States against Iran echoes past wars, but reflects a new doctrine shaped by October 7 and the conclusion that deterrence and containment have failed. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Israeli and American aircraft struck deep inside Iran in a joint operation many had long deemed unthinkable. History rarely repeats itself neatly. It echoes. It returns in familiar shapes - but never in quite the same form. Saturdays strike on Iran inevitably calls to mind earlier chapters in Israels history. In 1956, Israel moved in concert with Britain and France against Egypt, launching the Sinai campaign alongside fading imperial powers. In 1967, after weeks of suffocating tension - tension that even exceeded the anxiety felt in recent weeks - Israel preempted, destroyed Egypts air force, and reshaped the region in six extraordinary days. Advertisement Advertisement There are unmistakable parallels. Then, as now, Israel acted amid a sense that time was not on its side. Then, as now, leaders faced the question of whether waiting would only strengthen the enemy. And then, as now, the decision to act carried the risk of regional escalation. But the symmetry ends there. The echoes of 1956 and 1967 In 1956, Washington opposed the move and forced a withdrawal. In 1967, Israel acted alone against neighboring armies massed on its borders. Today, by contrast, Israel is aligned with the United States - striking not a conventional army across a frontier, but the strategic infrastructure and the political and military leadership of a regime some 2,000 kilometers away - a regime that has built a ring of proxies precisely to deter such a moment. Advertisement Advertisement This is not a war to break a blockade or preempt tanks poised to cross a border. It is a confrontation over capabilities - nuclear potential, missile arsenals, and the meaning of deterrence itself. The doctrine implicit in Saturdays attack suggests that to deter an enemy - especially one fueled by ideological fervor - it is not enough to demonstrate matching strength. You aim to degrade the adversarys capabilities decisively and to eliminate those who direct them. The echoes of 1956 and 1967 are real, but only echoes. This confrontation is unfolding in a fundamentally different strategic universe. In 1956, US President Dwight Eisenhower was infuriated by Israels action. In 1967, President Lyndon Johnson warned that if Israel acted alone, it would stand alone. On Saturday, President Donald Trump framed Iran not as Israels problem, but as a wider threat - to the United States and beyond. This time, Washington was not seeking to restrain Israel; it acted together with it, hand in glove. The campaign was carried out in close coordination between the two militaries, with the United States deploying extensive air and naval forces alongside Israels own largescale aerial campaign. October 7 Yet 1956 and 1967 are not the dates that most powerfully reverberate in this strike. The more consequential date is October 7. Advertisement Advertisement When Hamas, under the leadership of Yahya Sinwar, launched its assault, it did more than ignite a war in Gaza. It shattered a strategic assumption that had quietly taken hold in Jerusalem over the past decade - that enemies could be managed, contained, deterred; that dangerous capabilities could be tolerated so long as intentions appeared constrained. October 7 demolished that premise. The lesson drawn across Israels political and security establishment was clear: you do not allow a sworn enemy to accumulate the capacity to destroy you and trust that deterrence will indefinitely hold - or that things will somehow work themselves out. You do not gamble national survival on assumptions about rational restraint, particularly when the adversary is driven by a radical ideology and religious zeal. Hamas was a proxy. Hezbollah is a proxy. At the center of that network sits Iran - architect, financier, trainer, supplier. If the massacre exposed the cost of underestimating a proxys intent, it sharpened attention on the patrons capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement There is a deep irony here. Sinwar sought to derail Israels normalization in the region and restore the axis of resistance to center stage. He wanted to light a fire. He did - but the flames did not consume Israel, as he had hoped. They consumed Gaza and then spread outward. What began as an assault meant to weaken Israel has instead accelerated a process drawing Israel and the United States into a direct confrontation with the regime that empowered him. Iran armed Hamas, trained Hamas, and embodied the implacable and murderous hostility toward Israel that Hamas carried out. Yet the terrorist organization meant to bolster Tehrans regional posture may ultimately be remembered as the trigger that brought about the Islamic Republics downfall. The strike falls on Shabbat Zachor The timing of Saturdays strike adds another layer. The strike came on Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat preceding Purim, when Jews read the biblical injunction to remember Amalek - the archetype, in Jewish memory, of an enemy that seeks destruction without compromise. In synagogues across Israel, that text was read as events unfolded in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Geopolitics is not a biblical metaphor. Yet Israelis are not only citizens of a state; as Jews, they carry an ancient memory. Even coincidental timing can shape how a moment is experienced. Jews remember Purim. Israel will forever remember October 7. Purim teaches that when an existential threat emerges, silence and passivity carry their own danger. October 7 teaches that threats allowed to mature do not remain theoretical. The lesson of both lies in agency. For people who desire life, waiting indefinitely is not a strategy. On Saturday, Israel chose action - and it did not do so in isolation. By Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart, Gram Slattery and Parisa Hafezi WASHINGTON/DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Israel and the U.S. timed their attack on Iran on Saturday to coincide with a meeting the countrys supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was holding with top aides, according to two U.S. sources and a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Israel said Khamenei was killed along with top lieutenants including Ali Shamkhani, the powerful former National Security Council secretary, and Mohammad Pakpour, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander. Advertisement Advertisement Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Khamenei met on Saturday with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes started. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khameneis body had been found. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that Iran's top leader was killed after intelligence pinpointed his movements. "He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and Israeli military strikes across Iran have pushed the Middle East into a new and unpredictable conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf Arab countries. The two U.S. sources and the U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that confirmation of Khamenei's meeting with top advisers put the Israeli-U.S. air and naval operation into motion. The U.S. official said the attack needed to strike Khamenei first to maintain the element of surprise, suggesting there was concern the Iranian leader would escape into hiding if he had the opportunity. One U.S. source said that Khamenei had originally been expected to hold the meeting on Saturday evening in Tehran. But Israeli intelligence detected a meeting on Saturday morning, and the strikes were moved forward, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement The location of the meeting was not immediately clear. But Khameneis high-security compound in Tehran was struck at the beginning of the operation, and satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters confirmed that it had been destroyed. The impact of Khameneis death remained to be seen. But in a pre-attack assessment, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency concluded that he could be replaced by IRGC hardliners, according to two sources briefed on the intelligence. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart, Gram Slattery in Washington and Parisa Hafezi in Dubai. Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk in Washington, Erin Banci in New York and Mayaan Lubell in Jerusalem; Editing by Don Durfee and Cynthia Osterman) A 40,000-kg metal structure crashing onto a moving car, a three-hour-long operation to lift the wreckage, swift arrests by police and yet, for the shattered family of 35-year-old aggregator cab driver Mohammad Jameer, the ordeal was far from over. After he was crushed to death in Wadala on February 27, his relatives say they were left to fend for themselves, forced to arrange and pay for the airlifting of his body to Prayagraj for his last rites. We bore all the expenses ourselves. There was no one to help us, alleged his brother-in-law, Mohammad Hamza. While police moved quickly to trace and arrest the trailer driver and cleaner from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), both residents of Reva, Madhya Pradesh, Jameers family claims they received no assistance in bringing him home adding financial strain to unimaginable grief. Jameer had just dropped off passengers and was heading home when a massive iron structure part of a machine being transported from the Bombay Dockyard to Surat allegedly came loose from a trailer and fell onto his vehicle, killing him instantly. Police said it took nearly three hours to remove the heavy metal structure from the road. The victim had lost both his legs and sustained multiple injuries across his body. It was a difficult operation to remove the structure, an officer said. Hamza described the familys devastation. Apart from driving an aggregator cab in Mumbai, Jameer also ran a small business in Prayagraj. He is survived by his wife and children. My brother-in-law had dropped his customers and was returning home when the incident took place. The driver, the cleaner, and both the companies have blood on their hands. We hope all those involved will be arrested, Hamza said. Driver, cleaner arrested; firms booked for negligence Wadala police have arrested trailer driver Shreeram Rawat and cleaner Sagar Rawat from LTT before they could board a train to Madhya Pradesh. Both the accused are residents of Reva, Madhya Pradesh. We launched a manhunt after the accused fled the scene. Through technical and human intelligence, we traced and arrested them from LTT, an officer said. Police said the driver initially ran from the scene fearing assault by bystanders. He went to Navi Mumbai and decided to return to his native place in MP, but he was apprehended before he could leave, the officer added. During questioning, Rawat reportedly claimed this was the first such accident in his driving career and that he was not under the influence of alcohol. We are verifying his claims and will send his blood samples for analysis, police said. Police suspect the machinery was not properly secured with ropes, leading to the fatal accident. They have booked Shreeram Rawat, Sagar Rawat, Shubham Shipping and Transport Company, and Galaxy Aluminium Company under Sections 106 (causing death by negligence), 125 (endangering human life), and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It is the primary responsibility of the companies to ensure that the machine is properly secured on the trailer. The ropes were not tied properly, and adequate safety measures were not followed. Both companies have been booked for negligence, a senior officer said. Probe widens as family seeks accountability Investigators are collecting documents from the firms and examining CCTV footage from the dockyard and surrounding areas to establish the precise sequence of events. Preliminary findings suggest the machine component may not have been packed or secured in accordance with standard operating procedures. The driver has claimed that the machine was not adequately fastened with ropes. We are investigating the matter from all angles, the officer said. As the investigation continues, Jameers family says nothing can undo their loss but they want accountability and acknowledgement of the hardship they faced in bringing him home for his final rites. They are devastated by the news. We are all speechless, Hamza said. Israel shared video footage of it bombing two Iranian F-4 and F-5 aircraft as they were preparing to take off. The F-4 and F-5 jets are US-made and were sold to Iran prior to the 1979 revolution. Iran's air force is largely composed of aging or obsolete aircraft due to sanctions. Israel shared new footage of it bombing two of Iran's American-made fighter jets preparing to take off as joint US-Israeli combat operations against Iran continue. Iran's fleet includes several vintage US aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and legacy Northrop Grumman F-5s. Along with Iran's few US-provided Tomcats, which were iconized in the "Top Gun" movies, these aircraft are part of an aging Iranian Air Force that has limited air combat capabilities against advanced Israeli and US aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Defense Forces video captured strikes on the F-5 and F-4 jets at an airport in Tabriz in western Iran on Sunday morning. The IDF said that it hit the aircraft as they were preparing to take off. The footage shows direct hits on each aircraft. STRUCK: Two F5 and F4 fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff The strike was conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Forces activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense. pic.twitter.com/lEvpyiPI5M Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 Israel and the US launched massive attacks on Iran on Saturday, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by Washington and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel. The attacks are aimed at eliminating Iranian leadership and ushering in regime change in Tehran. As of Sunday, Israel and the US say they've taken out dozens of Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has launched several phases of retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel and bases hosting US troops in the region, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The US and Israel have said the operations will continue into the coming weeks. In sharing the video on the F-4 and F-5 strikes, the IDF said the attacks "were conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Force's activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense." The US has said operations are aimed at crippling Iran's military. Vintage US-made aircraft The F-4 Phantom II was a workforce fighter bomber for the Air Force and Navy during the Vietnam War. Vincent De Groot/185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard Iran operates a fleet of aging aircraft, including some that are US-made but have become obsolete over the years due to international sanctions and embargoes that have prevented the country from modernizing its fleet. Advertisement Advertisement The F-4 Phantom II, manufactured by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation and later McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing, entered service in the US in early 1960s and was a workhorse during the Vietnam War and Cold War. The two-seat, twin-engine fighter was flown by the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for decades as a principal air superiority fighter. Through the 1970s and the end of the 20th century, the F-4 was gradually replaced by the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18 Hornet, as well as the F-14 Tomcat for various US armed forces. The F-4 was retired by the US in 1990s, while other countries gradually stopped flying the aircraft through the 2020s. AFSC/Defense.gov Prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which upended ties, the US sold many of these aircraft to Iran. Iran still fields large numbers of the aging fighters among the most numerous of these Cold War designs still in service globally but their operational rates have fallen sharply due to sanctions and the difficulty of sustaining upgrades and spare parts. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has kept some aircraft flying due to reverse-engineering, but it's been estimated to only have about 60 F-4s, fewer than 50 F-5s, and 20 to 30 F-14s in its inventory. Combat over the past year may have reduced those numbers even further. Actual airworthy numbers are likely lower than reported, with some jets stripped for parts. Iran's effective airpower remains contested and constrained by attrition and long-running maintenance hurdles. In contrast, Israel and the US fly newer, more powerful aircraft, including the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, as well as a mix of highly capable fourth-generation jets like F-16s and F-15s. In previous conflicts, as well as the current one, Israel has said that it's achieved air superiority over swaths of Iran with a mix of fourth- and fifth-gen fighters and by degrading Iran's air defenses. Read the original article on Business Insider MILAN, March 1 (Reuters) - Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Sunday that he was returning to Italy from Dubai, where he had been stranded with his family after flights were suspended because of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. The minister left Rome on Friday evening aboard a civilian flight to join his family, already in Dubai on holiday. He was scheduled to return to Italy on Saturday afternoon. "I'm returning on my own to avoid exposing others to further danger, since anyone travelling with me in the current circumstances could be put at risk. I'm returning on a military aircraft and I will leave my family here," he wrote on X. (Reporting by Gianluca SemeraroEditing by David Goodman) A Jacksonville man has pleaded guilty to robbing two pizza shops and firing a gun during the crimes, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Eugene Campbell IV, 35, plead guilty to robbery and using a gun during those robberies. He could get up to two life sentences, plus another 20 years. Prosecutors say Campbell walked into a pizza place on August 4, 2025, fired a rifle into the ceiling, and demanded cash. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The next day, he pulled the same move at a different spot, this time shooting into the wall. He got away with about $1,200 between the two robberies, officials said. Investigators say they figured out Campbell was behind both crimes by talking to people who knew him and checking security cameras. He got arrested two days after the second robbery and later admitted what he did, officials said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. President Donald Trump has long been interested in regime change in Iran, but his appetite for risk means he may not have fully prepared for whats coming next, according to John Bolton, Trumps onetime national security adviser. While Bolton praised Trumps strikes on Iran as the most consequential decision of his presidency, he warned that Trump and his administration could have acted impulsively without any appreciation for the complex aftermath of what is now a power vacuum. There could be a lot of turmoil, a lot of bloodshed, Bolton said. Advertisement Advertisement Notably, he added, there could be chaos in the Straits of Hormuz, which Iran has threatened to shut down in order to block the twenty percent of global oil supply that flows through it every day. And while Trump frequently talks about taking the oil of countries that clash with the U.S., Bolton said he is less worried about that happening now. Bringing Iranian oil back online is in the interest of U.S. allies in the region, who will be less worried about market competition and more relieved that Ayatollah Khamenei is dead since many of them saw Iran as an existential threat. For now, Bolton said, it would be wrong to assume that Trump will take any long-term consistent position on the future of Iran: The full consequences of Saturdays strikes are still unknown and the risk of increased bloodshed is high. Bolton said it remains to be seen if voters will credit Trump for the results in Iran or if it will be seen as another foreign policy distraction that compromises his ability to deliver for Americans. He can swing wildly on a given issue in the course of a day and he's obviously swung all the way from where he was in the first term to regime change, Bolton said. He could swing back. Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You've been in White House conversations before around Iran with Trump. Do you think he and his team have fully considered all the consequences here? It would be different from his normal behavior, to say the least, because he doesn't particularly think strategically. But obviously, something persuaded him that he didn't have any alternative. Some might say he saw the consequences of the negotiations with [Steve] Witkoff and [Jared] Kushner, which were going nowhere. I came to this conclusion 25 years ago [during the George W. Bush administration]. I'm glad he finally got around to it. But if you conclude that you can't change regime behavior, then you don't have any other logical alternative except acquiescence in Iran getting a nuclear weapon, besides changing the regime. He may not have thought beyond that. I am very worried that they have not done adequate consultation with the opposition on the ground in Iran, and I'm perfectly prepared to acknowledge that coordination is difficult, because while the opposition is very widespread, it doesn't really have a leadership structure. It really is spontaneous. This is what the people actually believe. Advertisement Advertisement So, in any regime change situation, you have to have an opposition that can work on figures in the regime to defect, basically, to bring colonels, generals in the regular conventional military, not the Revolutionary Guard, but the conventional military, over to the side of the opposition, and maybe even some figures in the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] itself. Because when people see the regime's days are numbered, all kinds of ideologies flow out the window and they begin thinking about looking out for number one and making sure they're on the winning side. So they don't need to convert to being anti supreme leader or anything like that. They just have to figure their odds are better with the other side. That's how a regime like this fractures at the top. And people thought for some time that, before the January demonstrations, the optimum time for regime change comes when Ayatollah Khamenei dies. How worried are you about the Strait of Hormuz? Do you think Iran could meaningfully shut them down and stop 20 percent of the global oil supply? I think in an existential case, the answer would be yes. [Trump] talked about sinking the Iranian Navy, and I've been making that same point, because the Iranian Navy, obviously, in the tight confines of the Persian Gulf, would be a threat to our bases and Bahrain and Qatar and everywhere up and down the Arabian Peninsula. They can't mine the Strait of Hormuz, if they don't have the Navy, right? Obviously they went after the air defenses, and I'm sure they've gone after the ballistic missile launch sites, radars, production facilities, but I got to believe the Navy's high up on that target. But all Iran needs to do is hit one tanker with a couple drones and all ships would have to start avoiding the Strait, right? All the ships have gone to port, so they've got nothing to hit at this stage, and that's why the mining is critical. If you put the mines into the water, it is a dangerous, time-consuming operation to de-mine even though the Strait is very confined geographically. Nobody wants to lose a destroyer sweeping up Iranian mines. Advertisement Advertisement There will be a temporary pause of oil going through the Strait of Hormuz while people wait to see. They're just not going to risk it. Its not like no oil will be coming out, but for at least a short period of time to avoid the insurance costs if nothing else, the insurance companies are saying, Get those tankers in port somewhere." Its likely to cause spikes potentially in domestic gas prices right during election season in the midterms. If the price goes up, American oil production picks up too. People immediately turn the taps back on. For Trumps affordability message, which is key for Republicans in midterm races right now, gas prices are one of the biggest metrics of success that he constantly references. How do you think todays actions could impact the midterms? By definition, a spike is temporary and he must have been aware of it. It makes one reason why it's still hard to understand why he did it, because there's a risk there. I don't think there's any denying that. And I think he's already at risk of further fragmenting his base. By the way, for the isolationist in particular, can you imagine what JD Vance is thinking now? He can't be happy. And did Trump ever tell you he wanted to take Iran's oil? You know, do you think that's part of his motivation here? Well, oil is always on his mind. Iran has perhaps the second largest reserves of oil, maybe the third largest, after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. It has, I think, the world's largest reserves of natural gas. Advertisement Advertisement If Iran under some new government is released from the sanctions, it's going to take a certain amount of investment to attempt to upgrade the system. It's pretty dilapidated, not as bad as Venezuela, but there's not been a lot of capital investment in it in recent years. But in the long-term energy supply situation, if Iran becomes a normal country, the price of oil and gas will go through the floor. That means it's easier to sanction Russia by just saying, Nobody can buy Russian oil. If you have that much additional oil from both Iran and Venezuela at some point, then you don't need Russian oil at all. In your book, The Room Where It Happened, you wrote that large numbers of people wanted Trump to go to war with Iran, but that it would never happen because of him. Vintage Trump, moving from a deal in one day to all-out war in mere seconds. How much do you suspect that kind of attitude is at play here for Trump? It's just not his pattern or practice to do long-term strategic thinking or to say, The objective now is regime change. How do we go about it? What are the risks? What are the contingencies? What's plan B? What's Plan C? He just doesn't do that. Advertisement Advertisement And I think that is reflected, if my concern is correct, in that he's not consulted with the Iranian opposition. That's a big problem. While our military planning remains without comparison in the world because Trump doesn't get involved in it they go through all the things that you should go through, and that's one reason why things still look pretty good from that perspective. The rest of the planning process through the National Security Council has just ground to a halt. When you were National Security Adviser, how did Trump approach Iran at that time? Did he seem to be informed about the Straits of Hormuz? Did he know how meaningful oil market disruption could happen there? He knew some of it. Remember, in the 2016 campaign, one of his big issues was getting out of Obama's 2015 nuclear deal. When I came in in April of 2018 I said, You still want to get out of the deal? And he said, Yes. And we did in May. It just took somebody who knew how to do it. So his opposition to Iran getting a nuclear weapon, opposition to the 2015 Obama deal, was kind of baked in from the beginning and I think that's still some piece of it. Whatever else he says about his objectives, that refrain, You cannot allow Iran to get a nuclear bomb, goes on and on and on. What do you think comes next for Iran now? I think there could be a lot of turmoil, a lot of bloodshed because the factions within the Islamic Revolution, if they don't have a supreme leader, and if the next level down is decimated, and maybe even the third level is severely diminished, its going to be a struggle within the regime. Advertisement Advertisement And its that kind of chaotic situation that gives the opposition and generals and the regular military an opportunity to say, "We've got to prevent this from spinning into total civil war. We're going to take over and everybody's going to calm down. Then we're going to figure out what we do next." What do you think our Middle Eastern allies are going to think about Trump if he does try to take Irans oil? Do you think that's going to fly with them? I don't really think he's going to try and take it. If you get production back online, the price is going to drop pretty quickly. Thats what the Arabs want. They competed with Iranian oil for a long time, until we started putting sanctions on it in the George W. Bush administration. They recognize the size of the Iranian reserves in oil and gas, and they know at some point they're going to have to deal with it. That's one among many reasons why Saudi and the United Arab Emirates are going through all this enormous diversification, because they don't want to be reliant simply on oil and gas. It will always be a component of their national income, but they know there's too much risk, whether it's green policy or whatever. Advertisement Advertisement I think they are more than happy to see the Ayatollah killed and the regime fall because it's more than a matter of economics. It's existential for them, too. Lastly, is there anything you want the American people to know about your own experiences being in the room with Trump talking about Iran? I think his pattern is he can swing wildly on a given issue in the course of a day. And he's obviously swung all the way from where he was in the first term to regime change. He could swing back. I wouldn't say we're on a short course toward from point A to point B. You never are with Trump. Federal judges in one of the Trumpiest states in the country have suddenly become a firewall against President Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda. District court judges in West Virginia describe rampant lawlessness by masked ICE agents, defiance of court orders and a wanton infliction of fear and intimidation by the federal government after the Trump administration deployed a targeted immigration enforcement operation in the state last month. Operation Country Roads, a partnership with federal and local law enforcement that netted an estimated 650 arrests in January, primarily focused on targeting immigrants driving along the states roadways. It has resulted in a flood of lawsuits by people most without criminal records and with longstanding ties to the U.S. seeking release from ICE custody. Advertisement Advertisement Though federal judges in other states have raised alarms, four judges in deep-red West Virginia who have been inundated by Country Roads cases are using their rulings to grab Americans by the shoulders and warn against a descent into authoritarianism often in terms they acknowledge are un-judicial. Antiseptic judicial rhetoric cannot do justice to what is happening, U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin, a Clinton appointee, wrote in a Feb. 19 opinion. Across the interior of the United States, agents of the federal government masked, anonymous, armed with military weapons, operating from unmarked vehicles, acting without warrants of any kind are seizing persons for civil immigration violations and imprisoning them without any semblance of due process. The systematic character of this practice and its deliberate elimination of every structural feature that distinguishes constitutional authority from raw force place it beyond the reach of ordinary legal description. It is an assault on the constitutional order, he continued. There are five federal judges in active service on the federal bench in the Southern District of West Virginia, where the immigration cases have all been concentrated. The districts chief judge, Trump appointee Frank Volk, has yet to weigh in on the mass detention policy. But the other four have been on a tear in recent weeks. And theyre now promising legal consequences if the administration and its allies in state government keep detaining people in ways they have deemed unconstitutional. Those consequences could range from civil fines to contempt. Advertisement Advertisement The Government is wrong. Judges in this district have said that over and over and over, Goodwin wrote in an opinion on Friday that he labeled a final notice to federal officials enforcing immigration law. If officials could repeat practices already determined to be unconstitutional and require each affected person to begin anew judicial power would be reduced to commentary. The Constitution does not contemplate violations in installments. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Justice Department said it is focused on law and order, public safety, and will not tolerate any violence directed toward law enforcement officials working tirelessly to keep Americans safe, despite the best efforts of activist judges whod rather see violent illegal criminals walk free. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Goodwins ruling was only the latest to frame the Trump administrations immigration tactics in such stark terms. U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers, another Clinton appointee, said the American dream has been tarnished by the administrations illegal detentions. U.S. District Judge Irene Berger accused the administration of a lack of respect for the law after noting that arrests and detentions were continuing at a rapid clip despite the four judges conclusions that they were illegal. Berger, an Obama appointee, and Thomas Johnston, a George W. Bush appointee, have separately concluded that ordering the Trump administration to provide bond hearings for ICE detainees as opposed to outright release would be futile. The executive branch-run system has removed immigration judges who provide neutral adjudications and bond is systematically denied after a pro forma hearing with a predetermined outcome, Berger wrote in a Feb. 24 ruling. Advertisement Advertisement In a recent case, Berger said the administration pushed back on this claim, noting that immigration judges had ordered release in about 25 percent of cases in the most recent fiscal year. But Berger said this data did not include January and February 2026, the timeframe within which all of West Virginias cases had emerged. Bergers grievances have not ended there. She lambasted the administration for sloppiness in a case in which she said officials accused an ICE detainee of having convictions for marijuana possession in 2009. The Petitioner was four years old in 2009, Berger wrote, suggesting that it raised deeper concerns about the reliability of procedures ICE was using to deny people their liberty. Like Goodwin, Johnston has similarly warned of what mass detention without due process could mean for U.S. citizens not just their noncitizen counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement If the government may simply seize someone without due process, there is no check on its ability to seize anyone, he wrote on Feb. 4. One might say, I dont care because that only happens to THOSE people. Perhaps. But what if someone here legally, or even a United States citizen, is afforded no due process after being seized by mistake? Or by a choice? Fortunately, he concluded, our Constitution demands more, including the rule of law, as opposed to the rule of unchecked executive fiat. And like judges in other federal districts, the jurists in West Virginia make clear that they dont lay the blame for legal violations at the feet of the line attorneys who appear in their courtrooms. The problem lies in the attorneys clients, federal government actors, who have offered no evidence that they have seen or even care about the legal rulings of this district, Goodwin wrote. The disregard for the law shames every hard working public servant who toils for the benefit of the country and its people. WASHINGTON When President Donald Trump wished happy birthday to a World War II veteran who had just turned 100, Aliya Rahman stood up to clap. When Trump made racist comments about Minneapolis Somali community, saying they hail from cultures where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, Rahman stood up again, not clapping, and saying nothing. Politics: Proud Boys About-Face On Iran Just Months After Saying '**** This ****' This is pretty standard fare for attending a State of the Union address, which Rahman did on Tuesday night, as the guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). Knowing theyre on national TV, members of Congress spend the whole night calculating when to stand up and clap in support of something the president says, or when to decidedly not stand up, in a display of disagreement. Their guests and others seated in the balcony above sometimes stand up at moments, too. Advertisement Advertisement Except on Tuesday, Rahman was arrested for it. Its as bonkers as it sounds. Rahman, a Bangladeshi American software engineer based in Minneapolis, says she and others seated near had already stood up several times before police officers approached her and told her she couldnt stand up. She didnt think they were serious, but moments later, they grabbed her by the shoulders and dragged her out. I just stood up, Rahman said in an interview. I stood silently, with no signs. I was not blocking anyones view of the hall. And then I was arrested. Here's Aliya Rahman, a disabled U.S. citizen, being removed by Capitol Police from the House chamber during Trump's State of the Union address. She was dragged out for standing up. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Her shoulders were already injured. Last month, Rahman, who is autistic and has physical disabilities, was driving to a doctors appointment in Minneapolis when federal Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers surrounded her car, smashed in her window, dragged her out and locked her up at a federal detention center where she claims she experienced severe medical neglect and violence at the hands of ICE officers, requiring hospitalization for assault. An eyewitness captured her incident on film, and footage of Rahmans violent encounter with ICE went viral. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and she was testifying to Congress about the abuse she endured that day that she believes nearly killed her. Politics: 'Get Some Better Information': Newark Mayor Slams Trump Adviser Who Justified His Arrest Some women sitting near Rahman at the State of the Union recognized her from her testimony, and tried to intervene as she was being dragged out. One was an attorney who asked if Rahman needed one. Another was Dr. Anita Patel, who was a guest of Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) and who knew of Rahmans injuries. Advertisement Advertisement She stood up silently, did not make a noise, and was [descended] upon as if she was a criminal while she wore an n95 mask and used a cane, Patel wrote in a Thursday Instagram post. I jumped over the railing and said, You need to let her go. She has bilateral shoulder injuries. She has a traumatic brain injury, and shes neurodivergent, Patel said in the video she posted. They subsequently continued to pull her. Then I got in front of them. They told me, either I step aside or I get dragged out with her. Patel added: Dont let them twist her story into something that its not. News: Unjust, Uncalled For: U.S. Citizen Sounds The Alarm About Being Arrested By ICE In Minneapolis Rahman says after she was ejected from the event, Capitol Police officers handcuffed her, took away her cane and held her in a stairwell. They wouldnt say if she was under arrest, and as they jerked her around by her shoulders, she repeatedly asked for her cane. One officer responded, You are walking, meaning she didnt need her cane. Advertisement Advertisement Bullying, intimidating, not listening, Rahman said. Who takes a cane away from a disabled person? Im trying to slow them down. Im not resisting, Im disabled. Officers were aggressive enough with her that she had to be taken to George Washington University Hospital for treatment after they dragged her from the event. She was later booked at U.S. Capitol Police headquarters. Several women sitting near Rahman at the State of the Union tried to intervene to help her, but were told they would be detained, too. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images Rahman said she suspects she was singled out because she was the guest of Omar, a frequent critic of Trump and someone routinely targeted with racist attacks by this administration. In a statement, U.S. Capitol Police said Rahman was arrested for demonstrating. Video: Arrested At The SOTU... For Standing At approximately 10:07 p.m., a person in the House Gallery started demonstrating during the State of the Union Address, reads their statement. The guest was told to sit down, but refused to obey our lawful orders. It is illegal to disrupt the Congress and demonstrate in the Congressional Buildings, so 43-year-old Aliya M. Rahman of Minneapolis, MN, was arrested for D.C. Code 10-503.16 - Unlawful Conduct, Disruption of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement A Capitol Police spokesperson further said standing up is considered a form of demonstration. Yes standing (not just standing monetarily with the crowd) is a form of demonstration, the spokesperson said in an emailed message. The officers had no idea what her background was or whose guest she was. They told her to sit down multiple times. She refused. Its simple. HuffPost requested a copy of the Capitol Police report on Rahmans arrest, but was told they arent available to the public. Politics: Lindsey Graham Names 'Next' Country On Trump's Hit List: 'Their Days Are Numbered' Rahmans attorney, Jessica Gingold of the MacArthur Justice Center, said it is unprecedented for someone to be ejected from a State of the Union address for standing up silently, never mind being criminally charged for it. The charge can come with up to six months in prison. Theyre hoping to get the case tossed before Rahmans hearing takes place. Advertisement Advertisement Our reading of the statute, were assuming its the part about uttering loud, threatening or abusive language, or engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct, Gingold said of the D.C. code. She did none of that. She stood up. She noted many other people have been outspoken in past State of the Unions, and for some reason, Aliya is a uniquely situated person, the only one charged with this kind of offense. Our strong belief is this should be dismissed, Gingold said. Omar, too, condemned police officers treatment of Rahman. The heavy-handed response to a peaceful guest sends a chilling message about the state of our democracy, the Minnesota congresswoman said on social media. I am calling for a full explanation of why this arrest occurred. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost Angelica Johnson, the mother of DaQuain Johnson, who was fatally shot by police on Feb. 18, stood alongside the mothers of two other Black men shot by police as she demanded answers and justice from the Grand Rapids Police Department in her sons death at a protest on Saturday. Were gonna get justice because we are tired of them killing our kids, tired of them killing our brothers. We are tired of them killing our sons, we are tired of them killing our daughters, we are tired, Johnson said. And were gonna do this the right way, justice. The crowd of around 200 outside Grand Rapids City Hall called for the department to name the officers who killed Johnson, which have not yet been made public by the police department or the Michigan State Police, who are currently investigating the killing. Advertisement Advertisement I want the name of the officer, Johnson demanded. Angelica Johnson, the mother of DaQuain Johnson, who was shot and killed by Grand Rapids police in mid-February, demands answers in her sons death. Feb. 28, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Sharing a moment with Andrica Cage, the mother of Samuel Sterling, who was killed in Kentwood in April 2024 when he was struck by a Michigan State Police car, and Ayanna Johnson, the mother of Darius Karate Wimberly, who was shot and killed by police in Benton Harbor in 2016, Angelica Johnson said that she would use her sons death as a way to uplift and demand justice for other mothers who had been in her shoes before. Im gonna stand here for Samuel, for Darius Karate and DaQuain Tre Johnson. I will not rest until we all get some justice so we can all have peace, she said. I hate to say my son had to die, he had to die because these mothers need justice. These mothers need peace. Im going to keep showing up week after week until I get justice, until that mother back there who thought she didnt have nobody behind her, whose son got shot in the head, Johnson continued. Its not just about my baby. It just took my baby for me to stand up here for the the mothers in this city who are losing their sons but they dont know how to use their voice Advertisement Advertisement Lets give it up for these mothers for being so strong, Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack said. Theyre not just fighting for their kids, theyre fighting for your kids. Despite snowy conditions, around 200 people gathered in Grand Rapids to demand answers in the police shooting of DaQuain Johnson. Feb. 28, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom, who will start a new job in Florida on Monday, said in a press conference held the day following Johnsons shooting, that officers were responding to reports that Johnson had a gun. In-car camera footage from the officers vehicle shows the car in pursuit of Johnson as he rides a bicycle. Near the end of Saturdays protest, organizers alongside Womack and Johnson held up autopsy photos of DaQuain Johnson and Samuel Sterling, urging the crowd to continue to question the information provided by police, which so far has included limited body camera and dash camera footage. A separate bystander video has circulated on social media, calling into question the facts of the police narrative. Angelica Johnson, alongside local organizer Aly Bates, looks out on a crowd outside Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids demanding justice in her sons killing by police. Feb. 28, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Yall remember these pictures. Yall remember every single one of these images because they sat here and lied to every single one of us and tried to say this was justified, local organizer Aly Bates said. They tried to gaslight every single one of us saying that we didnt see what we saw with our own eyes. The problem is, they did not expect a bystander to record everything. They thought they could just get off of their body cam, their dash cam footage. They thought they could just edit it and explain to us what they want us to see. A woman is dead after a fatal accident Saturday evening in Bullitt County. According to Kentucky State Police, just after 7:30 p.m., A Toyota Tacoma, operated by a teen, was travelling west on KY 44 East when the passenger-side tires dropped off the roadway onto a steep shoulder. KSP says the driver overcorrected and veered into the centerline colliding with a Ford Escape head-on. The Ford crashed into an embankment and overturned onto its roof. Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Ford, Sarah Weisman, 27, of Shepherdsville was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bullitt County Coroner, the teen driving the Toyota was uninjured. KSP troopers were assisted by the Shepherdsville Fire Department, Mount Washington Fire Department and Bullitt County EMS. KSP is continuing the investigation. It took only a minute to change the world. Within the first 60 seconds of Operation Epic Fury, Israeli officials claimed, Irans Supreme Leader and his principal henchmen were dead. But the precision-guided missiles that struck central Tehran in the opening salvo of the war did not merely kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and upend half a century of Iranian history. They also underscored a more basic reality where true power still lies in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Much has been written in recent years about multi-polarity the idea that emerging powers have wrested back some of the dominance the United States wielded unilaterally after the Cold War. Such arguments are not without merit. Chinas manufacturing heft and its dominance over critical resource supply lines challenge Washingtons economic primacy. Rising middle powers have ensured that the US no longer enjoys uncontested sway in every region. But when it comes to military might, the US still reigns supreme a point Donald Trump has sought to emphasise repeatedly since returning to office. Precision-guided missiles struck Ayatollah Ali Khameneis compound in central Tehran Whether or not he is Americas greatest president, as he sometimes suggests, Mr Trump is certainly among its most consequential. Advertisement Advertisement Few predecessors have wielded hard power so bluntly. In the space of two months, he has removed two leaders on two continents: Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela and Khamenei in Iran. Unlike Theodore Roosevelt, Mr Trump speaks loudly and wields the big stick without compunction. For nearly two decades, China and Russia have sought to build a global coalition to counter US hegemony. With Mr Trump taking a sledgehammer to those ambitions, Moscow and Beijing have been reduced to spluttering helplessly from the sidelines as their regional clients are swatted aside. Vladimir Putin (L), the Russian leader, met Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran in 2022 - Getty Images After Khameneis death, Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader, offered his deep condolences, condemned a cynical murder that violated all norms of human morality and international law and mourned the passing of an outstanding statesman. Advertisement Advertisement The subtext will not be lost on the coterie of strongmen who depend on Moscows patronage when the missiles fall, Russia can offer little more than sympathy. For now, Mr Trump can savour his triumph, having wrong-footed his critics and confounded received wisdom. For while the killing of Khamenei is hardly the end of the affair the Middle East has a record of turning Western triumph to ashes the opening stages of this war have already achieved what many thought impossible. Irans leaders, experts said, would surely have learned the dangers of congregating in one place after Israel killed at least 20 senior officials and nuclear scientists in last years 12-day war, or eliminated Hezbollahs leader and inner circle in Lebanon the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Regime insiders had said security around Khamenei and his inner circle was layered and deep. They circulated through a network of safe houses, abandoned all traceable communications technology and oversaw purges and executions intended to seal the leaks through which US and Israeli intelligence had once penetrated the regime. Any attempt to locate and kill him, it was assumed, would require a prolonged and dangerous campaign as in Libya in 2011, when it took seven months of Nato bombardment to find and kill Muammar Gaddafi. Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed by National Transitional Council fighters in 2011 after seven months of Nato bombing - Reuters Yet two factors explain why Washington has been far more successful 15 years on. In Libya, the US chose to lead from behind. Barack Obama, keen to avoid the optics of another American war in the Middle East, allowed Britain and France to spearhead air strikes only to discover that they lacked the firepower to force a swift capitulation. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump, by contrast, does not do coalitions, except with Israel. As has become standard, he has neither consulted nor informed European allies before striking Iran. For him, the cloak of international legitimacy and the sharing of risk with partners barely exist. The second factor is intelligence. US capabilities are vastly more sophisticated than in 2011. Alongside human intelligence, Washington now employs cyber penetration, AI and high-altitude long-endurance drones capable of identifying a single individual by gait, voice or electronic signature before deploying so-called Ninja missiles, whose extendable steel blades shred their target. Unlike in Gaddafis day, hiding has become vastly harder. Explosions in Tehran after the initial strikes by US and Israeli forces - Atta Kenare/AFP Yet history especially in the Middle East cautions against triumphalism. Advertisement Advertisement After US troops captured Baghdad in just 21 days in 2003, George W Bush infamously addressed the nation from an aircraft carrier beneath a banner reading Mission Accomplished. Hundreds of thousands of civilians died over the following years as Iraq slid into anarchy. Mr Trump cannot claim vindication until it is clear Iran does not follow the same path. For all the success of the opening salvos, it is far from clear that Irans theocracy has suffered a mortal blow. Though reeling from the loss of its Supreme Leader and the decapitation of its top echelon, the revolutionary system was designed to endure such shocks. It may take weeks to see how badly weakened it truly is. Advertisement Advertisement Even if it does collapse, Iran a nation of 90 million people is acutely vulnerable to civil war. Kurds, Arabs, Azeris and Baluchis harbour ambitions for autonomy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is unlikely to surrender power willingly. A peaceful transition seems less plausible than a violent one. Mr Trumps declaration that his objective is peace throughout the Middle East may come back to haunt him. Xi Jinping (L), the Chinese president, met with Khamenei in Tehran in 2016 - Getty Images China and Russia will be watching for Mr Trump to stumble. Khameneis death like Mr Maduros fall before it has exposed the limits of their global reach. Both shied away from supplying Iran with systems that might have provided a genuine strategic deterrent. Russia, despite benefiting from Irans drone technology, offered only training jets and vague promises of shoulder-fired missiles, repeatedly prevaricating over the S-400 air-defence system and Su-35 fighter jets that might have made a meaningful difference. Advertisement Advertisement China, while reportedly assisting with ballistic-missile propellants, did little to help Iran achieve parity. Both powers offered economic partnership, but not the security guarantees needed to ensure the survival of their leadership. The rupture carries risks for them too. Iran supplies roughly 1.4 million barrels of oil a day to China, some 9 per cent of its total consumption. Should Mr Trump complete a clinical victory, Beijing and Moscow will find it harder to persuade potential partners that American power is in terminal decline. The informal anti-Western bloc known as the CRINKs (China, Russia, Iran and North Korea) will look far less credible if the I has been excised. Advertisement Advertisement Yet neither capital will assume the story is over. Higher oil prices will benefit Putins war machine. Any quagmire in Iran would rapidly erode Mr Trumps newfound credibility. If anxious Gulf states come under sustained Iranian attack and press Washington for restraint, US dominance in the Middle East could unravel, creating opportunities for Moscow and Beijing to exploit. And whatever happens in Iran, Putin believes that where it matters most, he is secure. Mr Trump may pursue regime change elsewhere, but Russia is not on that list. Its leader is, after all, the kind of dictator the US president likes. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. By Ahmed Elimam March 1 (Reuters) - Veteran Iranian politician Ali Larijani, who said on Sunday a temporary leadership council would be set up after an air strike killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reemerged last year as one of the most powerful figures in the security hierarchy. He has been managing a broad portfolio from nuclear negotiations to Tehrans regional ties to its violent suppression of internal unrest. Advertisement Advertisement An establishment insider who hails from one of the country's leading clerical families, Larijani had been overseeing Irans efforts to reach a nuclear deal with the United States - just a month after Washington sanctioned him in January for allegedly directing a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. He accused the United States and Israel of trying to plunder and disintegrate Iran and warned "secessionist groups" of a harsh response if they attempted any action, state television said on Sunday, nearly 24 hours after they began a wave of attacks on Iran. Iran's Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi was also killed in strikes, broadcaster Iran TV said. Appointed in August as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Larijani has held senior jobs throughout a career marked by loyalty to Khamenei and a reputation for pragmatic relations with the system's often-rival factions. Advertisement Advertisement His status as a trusted Khamenei strategist was underscored last month by a trip to mediator Oman to prepare for indirect nuclear talks with the U.S., as Washington built up its military forces in the Middle East to try to force concessions from Iran ahead of the strikes. Larijani had also made several trips to key ally Moscow in recent months to discuss a range of security ties, in a further sign of his return to high-level diplomacy. LARIJANI SEES NUCLEAR ISSUE AS 'RESOLVABLE' Larijani, who had an earlier stint heading the SNSC 20 years ago, resumed its leadership following last year's 12-day air war between Iran and Israel that was joined by the U.S., returning formally to the heart of Irans security establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Some of his public statements on the nuclear issue struck a pragmatic tone. "In my view, this issue is resolvable," Larijani told Oman state television last month, referring to the talks with the U.S. "If the Americans concern is that Iran should not move toward acquiring a nuclear weapon, that can be addressed." But in the wake of January's outpouring of anti-government anger, his security council role was denounced by Washington. According to a U.S. government announcement detailing sanctions against him and other officials in response to the crackdown, Larijani was at the forefront of efforts to crush the series of demonstrations that swept Iran in January. Advertisement Advertisement "Larijani was one of the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the legitimate demands of the Iranian people," a U.S. Treasury statement said on January 15, saying Larijani had acted at Khamenei's behest. Rights groups say thousands of people were killed in a crackdown on the protests, the worst domestic unrest in Iran since the era of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. 'A PEARL FOR A CANDY BAR' Like other Iranian officials, Larijani expressed understanding for demonstrations staged in protest at economic hardship. But he condemned armed actions he alleged were fomented by Iran's arch-enemy Israel. Advertisement Advertisement "Popular protests must be completely separated from these terrorist-similar groups," state media reports published on January 10 quoted him as saying. "The rioters are an urban quasi-terrorist group," he was quoted as saying on January 26. A former member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Larijani served as chief nuclear negotiator from 2005-2007, defending what Tehran says is its right to enrich uranium. He once likened European incentives to abandon nuclear fuel production to "exchanging a pearl for a candy bar". Back then, Iranian analysts said he sought to persuade the West through diplomacy and was regarded as a pragmatist. The U.S. and Israel believe Iran aspires to build a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel's existence. Iran says its nuclear programme is purely peaceful. Advertisement Advertisement Larijani was parliament speaker from 2008 to 2020. During that posting, Iran struck a nuclear deal with six world powers in 2015 after almost two years of delicate negotiations. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the hard-fought agreement during his first term in 2018. ENGAGING WITH PUTIN Larijani has cautioned that Iran's nuclear program "can never be destroyed". "Because once you have discovered a technology, they cant take the discovery away," he told PBS Frontline in September 2025. "Its as if you are the inventor of some machine, and the machine is stolen from you. You can still make it again." Advertisement Advertisement Larijani has made repeated visits to Moscow and met President Vladimir Putin, helping Khamenei manage a key ally and world power that acts as a counterweight to pressure from Trump. Larijani was also tasked with advancing negotiations with China which led to a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2005. He later sought to contest the 2021 and 2024 presidential elections but was barred both times by the Guardian Council, which cited issues including lifestyle standards and family ties abroad. Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1958 to a leading Iranian clerical family, Larijani moved to Iran as a child and went on to earn a philosophy PhD. Several of his brothers have also held senior establishment jobs including in the judiciary and foreign ministry. Advertisement Advertisement One of Larijani's daughters was dismissed in January from a medical teaching position at the U.S. Emory University following protests by Iranian-American activists angered by his role in the suppression of that month's demonstrations. (Reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Editing by Michael Georgy, William Maclean) Attachment styles quietly guide how adults form emotional bonds. These patterns, forged in the earliest interactions with caregivers, explain why some relationships hum along effortlessly while others crash into the same walls repeatedly. An attachment theory, developed in the mid-20th century, first illuminated this by studying infants separated from parents. That person noticed how a child's distressand relief upon reunionlaid the groundwork for lifelong relational expectations. A baby who ventures out confidently, knowing safety awaits, grows into an adult who juggles intimacy and autonomy with ease. Fast-forward to today: These styles influence dating apps swipes, marital spats, parenting choices, and even coworker chats. Secure emotional bonds come naturally to some, fostering mutual joy. For others, fear, withdrawal, or chaos dominate, turning connections into battlegrounds. Decades of research confirm attachment styles aren't destinythey're starting points ripe for adjustment. Understanding them empowers better relationship patterns across life stages. What Are the 4 Attachment Styles? Psychologists pinpoint four core attachment styles, each with distinct fingerprints on emotional bonds and behavior. Prevalence varies by culture and trauma exposure, but patterns hold globally. Secure attachmentthe gold standard for about 50-60% of adults. These folks dive into emotional bonds comfortably, trusting partners won't vanish. They express needs directly ("I miss youlet's plan a date"), celebrate wins together, and weather storms with empathy. Conflicts resolve through dialogue, not defense. Secure people often attract similar partners, creating virtuous cycles of support. Anxious attachment (aka preoccupied)roughly 20% of the population. Stemming from caregivers who alternated warmth with unavailability, it breeds hypervigilance. Emotional bonds feel fragile, prompting constant reassurance hunts: decoding texts for hidden meanings, probing for commitment, or escalating small slights. Relationship patterns skew toward dramaintense makeups after blowoutsbut exhaustion sets in over time. Avoidant attachment (dismissive-avoidant)around 25%. Early messages screamed "handle it alone," so vulnerability equals danger. Emotional bonds remain shallow; "I love you" might slip out rarely, if ever. Partners describe them as "emotionally unavailable"great at logistics, poor at heart-to-hearts. During stress, they self-soothe by diving into work or hobbies, leaving others adrift. Disorganized attachment (fearful-avoidant)15% or so, often linked to abuse, neglect, or parental mental illness. It wires approach-avoidance conflict: craving emotional bonds yet bracing for betrayal. Relationship patterns zigzag wildlypassionate pursuits followed by panic-fueled pullbacks. Trust builds in fits, making consistency elusive. Mary Ainsworth's groundbreaking 1970s "Strange Situation" lab tests with one-year-olds predicted these adult traits with eerie accuracy. A securely attached tot explored toys boldly, lighting up at mom's return. Anxious ones clung desperately; avoidants ignored her; disorganized froze in confusion. How Do Attachment Styles Show Up in Relationships? Attachment styles paint every interaction. Secure couples exemplify teamwork: A forgotten anniversary sparks "What can we do better?" not blame. Emotional bonds deepen post-conflict, with physical touch sealing repairs. They parent collaboratively, modeling security for kids. Anxious-avoidant traps snag many. Picture Sarah (anxious) firing off "Where are you?" texts while Mike (avoidant) powers down his phone for "space." Emotional bonds fray as pursuit meets stonewalling. Meta-analyses of thousands of couples reveal this combo triples therapy referrals and divorce rates. Disorganized dynamics add unpredictability. Alex might shower gifts one week, then vanish citing "overwhelm." Partners tiptoe, never sure when the switch flips. Platonic ties suffer toosecure friends reciprocate steadily; insecure ones overload or ghost. Ripples extend outward. Insecure bosses micromanage (anxious) or isolate (avoidant), tanking team morale. Families at holidays erupt: One sibling overshares traumas, another deflects with jokes. Dating apps amplify mismatchesswipe-right chemistry fizzles when styles clash. Shifting Toward Secure Emotional Bonds Transformation demands self-honesty first. Audit your history: Did parental hugs soothe reliably, or did you learn to bottle emotions? Online assessments like the Adult Attachment Interview-lite quizzes score you quickly, often with eerie precision. Tailored strategies shine. Anxious types master the pause: Notice the jealousy twinge, journal it ("What's the real fear?"), then breathe before reacting. Apps like Calm guide this. Avoidants experiment with vulnerability laddersstart with "I enjoyed dinner" before "I'm scared of failing us." Disorganized folks thrive on structure: Scheduled "bonding hours" predictably rebuild trust. All benefit from boundary-setting: "I need 30 minutes alone after work" prevents resentment. Professional help multiplies gains. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), pioneered by Sue Johnson, rewires couples at 70-75% success ratestransforming pursuer-distance dances into secure steps. Schema therapy digs into childhood roots; DBT tames disorganized impulses. Everyday boosters: Couples read aloud from attachment books like Held by Orlando Gonzalez, discussing chapters weekly. Exercise slashes cortisol, easing anxious reactivity. Journal prompts ("What secure behavior did I see today?") reinforce shifts. Partners catalyze change a secure spouse gently invites openness, proving safety. "Earned secure" attachment rings true in studies: Trauma survivors become havens of stability through grit. University of Virginia fMRI work demystifies the wiring. Secure adults' prefrontal cortex tempers amygdala freakouts during fights; insecure brains default to survival mode, hijacking reason. Real stories abound. Take a former avoidant who, post-therapy, proposed after years of commitment-phobia. Or anxious partners who now savor solitude without spiraling. Build Lasting Relationship Patterns Attachment styles decode the relational puzzles we all face. Whether you're secure or navigating 2, 3, or 4, stronger emotional bonds lie within reach. Name your style, experiment with tools, enlist supportwatch relationship patterns bloom into resilient, joyful ties that endure. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are the 4 main attachment styles? The four attachment styles are secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Secure individuals form healthy emotional bonds easily. Anxious types fear abandonment, avoidants prioritize independence, and disorganized people show conflicting behaviors in relationships. 2. How do attachment styles affect relationships? Attachment styles shape relationship patterns like communication and conflict resolution. Secure pairs build strong emotional bonds; anxious-avoidant matches often create push-pull dynamics that strain trust over time. 3. Can you change your attachment style? Yes, through self-awareness, therapy like EFT, and consistent practice. Many achieve "earned secure" attachment, leading to improved emotional bonds and healthier relationship patterns. The Mumbai Crime Branch is probing a possible Nepal connection in the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shettys residence, with investigators closely examining financial transactions and communication networks linked to the accused. Officials said scrutiny of financial records revealed that money allegedly used to execute the attack was routed through third-party transactions from Nepal. Police are working to identify the sender and trace the funds origin, with preliminary information suggesting a possible link to Nepal. We have requested detailed bank statements, transaction histories, and depositor information from the relevant banks to reconstruct the money trail. Chain of command scrutinised Sources said investigators are also examining whether suspected mastermind Shubham Lonkar whose last known location was traced to Nepal by Indian agencies in July 2024 was in direct contact with main shooter Deepak Sharma during the planning and execution of the attack. Officials believe digital communication between the accused could help establish the chain of command behind the firing. Shooter Sharma was allegedly received an advance of Rs 50,000 to carry out the firing on Rohit Shetty, and Shubham Lonkar had reportedly promised him a total payment of Rs 3 lakh for the job. With both the alleged masterminds last traced location and the emerging money trail leading towards Nepal, agencies are assessing whether the operation was coordinated through a single overseas network. Officials said this angle is being verified through technical analysis, scrutiny of financial data and examination of call detail records. Following indications of possible cross-border funding, security agencies have been alerted. Investigators believe that tracking the flow of funds could prove crucial in identifying the wider conspiracy and key conspirators behind the incident. Sleeper cell angle revisited Investigators are revisiting intelligence inputs gathered in earlier cases involving the Bishnoi gangs alleged escape and logistics network linked to Nepal. In the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the main shooter, Shiv Kumar Gautam, was arrested while allegedly preparing to flee to Nepal. During interrogation, he reportedly told investigators that the gang used secret routes along the IndiaNepal border to move shooters out of India after carrying out attacks. According to sources, Gautam claimed that a sleeper-cell network operated near the border to facilitate crossings, arrange shelter, and provide fake identities and travel documents. The network was said to be active in border regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, using local contacts and unofficial routes to move operatives into Nepal. Investigators also learnt that sleeper-cell members allegedly arranged accommodation and local identification in Nepal before helping operatives move abroad. Sources said the gang recruited individuals with no criminal background, enabling them to operate unnoticed until assigned specific tasks. While officials have not confirmed a direct operational link between the firing outside Shettys residence and these earlier disclosures, sources said investigators are analysing whether similar cross-border modules or financial channels were used. Multiple teams are examining financial transactions, digital communication records and interstate links connected to the case. Sources said the probe has entered a crucial phase, with further developments expected as investigators piece together technical and financial evidence to establish the full extent of the conspiracy behind the firing. The killing of Khamenei closes the chapter on one of the most consequential and destructive figures in modern Middle Eastern history. You may never have noticed it, but Ayatollah Ali Khamenei always hid his right hand. After the 1981 assassination attempt that nearly killed him and left his arm permanently damaged, Khamenei developed familiar habits to Iran watchers. In public appearances, his hand was always either partially tucked into his cloak, where it stayed immobilized, or lying useless on his lap. It became part of his image as Irans supreme leader. It was a physical vulnerability concealed beneath the pose of absolute authority, similar to Joseph Stalins withered arm, injured in a childhood accident. It was, in many ways, the perfect metaphor for the man and the system he came to embody the hidden hand. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, June 27, 1981, Khamenei rose to the platform at Abuzar Mosque in Tehran to speak to congregants who had gathered, recently returned from the frontlines of the Iran-Iraq War raging in the west of the country. After speaking, Khamenei sat to answer questions submitted by the young attendees gathered, and a tape recorder was placed on the table in front of him. The device had been brought to the mosque by an individual posing as a journalist, described by Irans Mashregh News as a young man of medium height, curly hair, beard, and checkered coat. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026 (credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS) After a minute or so, the tape recorder began to make a whistling sound before exploding in an attempt on Khameneis life. After the bombing, clerics at the mosque reported that the tape recorder had been split into two parts, and at the intersection, a message was found reading, A gift from the Forqan Group to the Islamic Republic. The blast severely wounded his right arm, which was left paralyzed, and his vocal cords were also damaged, affecting Khameneis speech for the rest of his life. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States brought Khameneis image to a painful and abrupt end. Custodian of a regime in constant conflict The killing of Khamenei closes the chapter on one of the most consequential and destructive figures in modern Middle Eastern history. The cleric-cum-revolutionary was the custodian of a regime built on permanent confrontation, both with the Greater Satan of the United States and the Lesser Satan, Israel. Unlike his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the Islamic Republic from its inception in 1979 to his death in 1989 and whose authority stemmed from revolutionary charisma and religious stature, Khamenei ruled through the apparatus of the Islamic Republic state. He was not the most learned cleric, nor the most inspiring orator, despite first serving as president and then, ultimately, becoming supreme leader. What he was, above all, was a system builder. Advertisement Advertisement Over more than three decades as supreme leader, he constructed a parallel state: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a counterpart military, economic, and ideological empire to Irans national institutions (similar to party organizations in Nazi Germany, such as the SS). Intelligence services answered directly to his office, while Iranian media, courts, and clerical institutions fused into a single mechanism of control. But Khameneis regime was not built solely on institutions. He was obsessed with the notion of the ummah, a single, borderless Muslim fraternity locked in an eternal struggle against Western dominance and internal decay. From early in his career, Khamenei tried to portray himself as the guardian of a global Islamic identity that transcended nationalities and sects. Under Khamenei, the ummah became a justification for the support of international terror, siphoning billions of dollars of Iranian funds to terror groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Any group willing to fight America or Israel could be brought into the cause. Advertisement Advertisement In Khameneis view, Israel was an affront to the Middle East, and it was something to be wiped off the map, an obsession that flowed from his ummah ideology. Again and again in speeches, he described the Zionist regime as a cancerous tumor, a malignant growth that must and will be eliminated. These were not slips of the tongue or moments of revolutionary excess. They were deliberate, repeated statements by a head of state, framed as inevitability rather than incitement. Up until the 12 Day War of June 2025, Israel was not confronted directly but through what might best be described as the supreme leaders hidden hand. From Tehran outward, Khamenei oversaw the funneling of billions of dollars to proxy forces designed to strike Israel and Jewish targets far from Irans borders. Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Shiite militias in Syria and Iraq all existed to destroy Israel, directed by Tehran. That hidden hand reached well beyond the Middle East. In Buenos Aires in 1994, a suicide bomber drove into the AMIA Jewish community center, killing 85 people in the deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust before October 7. Argentine prosecutors later accused Irans leadership, including Khamenei, of authorizing the operation, carried out by Hezbollah. The supreme leader may not have left traceable fingerprints, but his ideology was writ large over it. Advertisement Advertisement The same logic applied to attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide, from airline plots and overseas bombings to a campaign of deniable warfare designed to keep Irans leadership insulated while others paid the price. There is a list as long as Khameneis arm of Iranian involvement in attempted or successful terror plots throughout the world, from Albania and Australia to Kenya and the United States. Then came October 7. The Hamas massacre had deeper roots than is imaginable. It was the culmination of decades of Iranian patronage, training, financing, and ideological reinforcement of Hamas. Whether or not Khamenei approved the precise timing, the conviction that Israel is illegitimate and a tumor to be removed was his. October 7 was the most devastating example of Khameneis hidden hand in action, and in the end, over two years later, it has led to his demise. Khameneis rule marked by staged elections and dismantled reforms Khameneis legacy is also defined by Iranian borders. At home, he spent three decades dismantling whatever remained of the revolutions original promises. Advertisement Advertisement Elections were stage-managed affairs, with candidates allowed to stand only with his approval. Reformists were permitted to exist as a sham opposition until they werent. And when Iranians took to the streets in 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2022 to protest against the Islamic Republics choking atmosphere of repression and financial mismanagement, the regime cracked down hard. The Islamic Republic was held together more by repression than any love from the people. Khamenei spoke often of historys judgment, but history has a way of surprising most those who believe themselves untouchable. Khameneis end is the removal of a man who chose hate instead of love and war instead of peace. For now, the Islamic Republic remains, but as Israel and the US continue to attack the regimes apparatus, it remains to be seen whether the people will rise up and take back what is rightfully theirs their nation. Khamenei ended his days lying in rubble at the hands of an Israeli airstrike, his hand hidden no longer. ONE OF THE BIGGEST HEADLINES from the first day of Operation Epic Furythe United States series of airstrikes on Iran in collaboration with Israelis that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, apparently by an Israeli strike on his office. The Israelis, who were targeting Irans top leadership as the United States attacked military sites, may consider this assassination as a larger-scale version of the decapitation strikes theyve used against terrorist groups for years. President Donald Trump is one of many in Iran and around the world rightly celebrating Khameneis demise. But even as he rejoiced that one of the most evil people in History is no more, he affirmed that the intent of these attacks is regime change. Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. Anything less than regime change will be an epic failure. Khamenei, who was nearing his 87th birthday, has ruled Iran for more than thirty-six years, since the death of the original revolutionary ayatollah, Ruhollah Khomeini. Israeli sources also report that dozens of other senior Iranian political and military leaders may have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Yet Khameneis fateand the fate of the other leaders targeted in the campaignis but a small part of the regime-change picture. Trump has made it clear that Irans future is up to the Iranians, and that his commitment is simply to bomb things from a distance. The heavy and pinpoint bombing . . . will continue, he promised, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! Help us cover the stories that matterfrom Tehran to Washington and everywhere in betweenwith honesty and without partisan point-scoring. Join Bulwark+. A LOFTIER GOAL could not be imagined. But the history of decapitation strikes is checkered. Brutal regimes can become brittle and collapse rapidly and unexpectedly; ask the Soviets. But the Islamic Republic has weathered many storms, from the catastrophic losses in the IranIraq War to the nationwide protests of last December. The ayatollahs came to power through violence, and violence has sustained them since 1979. They have created and sustained a powerful internal security apparatus that has killed as many as 30,000 protesters, mostly in indiscriminate attacks, in the last two months. Moreover, it is difficult to assess the state of the Iranian opposition. It contains secular and Western-oriented urbanites, and Islamists with various objections to the regime, as well as Kurdish and other nationalists. It includes Maryam Rajavi, formally head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, but married to the leader of the Mujaheddin-e-Khalq, or MEK, which was until 2012 designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. At the other end of the spectrum stands Reza Pahlavi, the baby shah and heir to his late fathers Peacock Throne. Both Rajavi and Pahlavi are exiles unlikely to command broad support in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement No doubt the United States, the Israelis, and the Gulf Arab states know more about Iranian opposition groups than the Bush administration or its contemporaries did about Saddam Husseins Iraq in 2003. But thats a very low bar. And, more generally, we should not underestimate the damage that long-running dictatorships can do to their people, their polities and their societies: Even in Eastern Europe, and in states that are European Union members, the scars of Soviet rule have yet to heal entirely. Share THE REGIME, CURRENTLY BEING LED by a leadership council consisting of the heads of the various branches and institutions of the government (including the clergy), may choose another supreme leader according to the Iranian constitution. But the struggle for power in a post-Khamenei Iran may nonetheless be ugly and protracted. It could even become a multi-sided civil war. If that happens, the value of U.S. and Israeli airpower will be exponentially decreased. Targets will be harder to find and verify, and it will be hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Collateral damage will increase, as will the likelihood of unintended consequences. Destroying the Ghaddafi regime in Libya in 2011 was not an unalloyed success. Such a war would necessarily engage Irans neighbors, which have significant interests in who runs Iran. Even more dangerously, powers from outside the Middle East also may want a say. China buys about 80 percent of Irans oil exports; that accounts for 13.4 percent of Beijings imports. Tehran has sold Russia more than 50,000 Shahed drones, a staple of its attacks on Ukraine. Russia, in particular, may have reason to intervene after its embarrassing failures to save its clients in Syria and Venezuela, though it may lack the ability due to its quagmire in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Just as the chaos of the French Revolution ended in Napoleon, regime change in Iran could make things worse. Strategic stability is perhaps the least likely outcome. An even more ruthless strongman would be preferable to yet another sucking chest wound in the Middle East, depleting munitions, people, and American willpower. Trump has given himself mostly bad options. The first is to commit wholeheartedly to regime change in Irana massive war for which the American people and military are unprepared. The second is that the Iranian regime is replaced by something as bad or worse, in which case his bluster and bellicosity will have been for nothing. The third is that the regime survives essentially intact, with new leadership but fundamentally unchangedagain, a failure of the goals Trump has, in his way, explicated. The odds that Iran spontaneously sprouts a democracy are too small to be measured, however fervently such a thing might be hoped. These are the wages of his narcissism. No president was willing to do what I have done tonight, he boasted. Thats truemaybe with good reason. Trump is an old man, increasingly unloved by his own people, including some of his staunchest past supporters. He wants a golden legacyballrooms, an arc de triomphe, anything that no one has ever seen beforefor a golden age. A free Iran would be a glorious and golden thing, but it is more probable that we will add a new nightmare to the one they have endured for nearly five decades. This is moral as well as strategic vanity. Share Austin police identified Ndiaga Diagne, 53, as the lone suspect in the mass shooting on West Sixth Street early Sunday. The shooting left three people dead including Diagne and 14 others injured. Not much is known publicly about the alleged shooter or why he carried out the attack Austins deadliest mass shooting in 60 years but authorities have release some details. FBI agents arrive at the site of a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) Who was Ndiaga Diagne? Diagne, a native of Senegal, came to the U.S. in March 2000 on a tourist visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security. He became a lawful permanent resident in June 2006 based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen and then naturalized as a U.S. citizen in April 2013, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, he was arrested in Texas in connection to a vehicle collision, although DHS did not specify the location of the arrest or which agency arrested Diagne. Aside from that, Diagne doesnt appear to have a criminal history in the state. What do authorities say about Diagnes motive? Officials have not determined a motive, but an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBIs San Antonio field office, said at a Sunday morning press briefing that evidence recovered from Diagnes person and vehicle suggests a possible link to extremism. He did not say what those materials were. Local authorities confirmed that Diagne was wearing clothing at the time of the shooting that bore the words Property of Allah and an image of the Iranian flag, raising questions about whether Diagne may have been motivated by the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran a day earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Doran stressed that it was way too early to determine motivation. What happened during the Austin shooting? The attack began just before 2 a.m. outside Bufords bar in the 700 block of West Sixth Street, according to Police Chief Lisa Davis. Investigators said Diagne drove a large SUV around the block multiple times before stopping in front of the bar, activating his hazard lights and opening fire on the bar patio and front sidewalk through his car window. He then drove west on Sixth Street, parked on Wood Street and walked east along the corridor carrying what police described as an assault rifle, firing at pedestrians as he moved. Austin police work at the scene of a mass shooting at Bufords on West 6th Street on Sunday March 1, 2026. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman) Officers who were already stationed nearby responded within moments to reports of an active shooter and confronted Diagne along Sixth Street. Police fatally shot him. Advertisement Advertisement Three people, including Diagne, died. Fourteen others were injured, three of them critically. Was there a possible connection to events overseas? The shooting occurred one day after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which prompted heightened security concerns nationwide. Authorities have not said whether those events played any role in the attack. Doran, the FBI official, declined to speculate about a connection, reiterating that investigators are still working to determine Diagnes motive. PHOTOS: Aftermath of West 6th Street mass shooting In a statement condemning the shooting, Gov. Greg Abbott warned that anyone who might use the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or critical infrastructure would be met with decisive and overwhelming force. Advertisement Advertisement Abbott noted that he had directed increased patrols and security measures statewide due to the international conflict. What evidence has been recovered? Investigators executed a search warrant Sunday at a home in Pflugerville linked to a possible relative of Diagne. Authorities have not disclosed what, if anything, was seized. Law enforcement personnel from the Austin Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were stationed at the residence on and off for much of the day Sunday. APD SWAT executed a search warrant at a home in Pflugerville, Texas, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman) What did neighbors say? Neighbors in the Pflugerville subdivision where investigators executed a search warrant said they were unaware of any prior disturbances at the home. Advertisement Advertisement Todd Bruder, a U.S. Navy veteran who has lived in the area since 2015, said he once spoke with a woman at the Pflugerville residence while searching for a lost dog. He described her as friendly. Im shocked that this happened here, Bruder said. Eddie Garcia, president of the neighborhood homeowners association, said he was not aware of any previous issues at the property, and that it is common for residents to keep to themselves. Weve never had any issues like this before, Garcia said. Were all neighbors and respect each other, but we are also private and keep to ourselves. Law enforcement and federal investigators carried out a search warrant at a home in Pflugerville, Texas, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman) What happens next? Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence collected from the scene, Diagnes vehicle and possibly material from the Pflugerville home and a vehicle parked in its driveway. Advertisement Advertisement Officials have said they will provide additional information as the investigation develops, including any findings related to motive and victim identities. Where is Senegal? Senegal, a country in West Africa, is highlighted in red. (TUBS/Wikipedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-3.0) Senegal is a West African country on the westernmost point of the continent. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the countries of Mauritania, Mali and Guinea/Guinea-Bissau. Editors note: This story has been updated to include information provided by federal authorities related to Diagne. KURDISH GEN. Hussein Yazdanpanah, whom the writer first met almost a decade ago, has been fighting for Kurdish sovereignty for years. (photo credit: SETH J. FRANTZMAN) MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS: Kurdish groups in Iran and Iraq have faced incredible hardships. They have persevered. Now they sense that their moment has arrived. Several years ago, I was standing on a street in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Erbil is a busy city that is laid out in concentric circles of large roads. It looks kind of like a giant wheel from above. At its center is an ancient old city built on a hill. I was standing on one of the many streets that are lined with shops, waiting for a ride. I didnt know what kind of car was supposed to appear or even what the driver would look like. Eventually, a car appeared. A man in fatigues with a mustache got out. He didnt seem to speak English, but he was here to take me to the general. I got in. The man took off his belt and put it between us. On the belt was a snub-nosed revolver, the kind one might have seen in 1970s movies about cops in New York City. Advertisement Advertisement The man drove the car quickly through Erbils busy streets. Soon we were outside the city, heading south. A large green banner lined the road with an image of the late Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani. Demonstrators gather near the Erbil Citadel during a rally in support of Syrian Kurds in Erbil, Iraq on January 30, 2026. (credit: Sabur Rashid / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images) South of Erbil, the traffic was reduced to near-zero. We pulled off the major road that leads from Erbil south to the city of Kirkuk. The day was hot, even though it was in September. In the distance, smoke was rising, apparently from a fire near an oil well. This is oil country. Parts of Iraq sit on an ocean of oil. There are gas flares in this country, associated with the drilling for oil. The traffic picked up a bit. In front of us was a Rexton white SUV, covered with Kurdish flags. Even the white license plate had been covered over with the red, green, and white of the Kurdish flag, which also has a yellow sun emblazoned on it. Quiet since the war with ISIS We came to a stop on the side of the road near a small village that seemed to consist of small one-story stone houses. Poor and quiet. Not much had changed here in many years. Advertisement Advertisement Now, a second SUV came, and we switched vehicles. Eventually, down some winding roads through a village and then out over some high plains and up a dirt road to a line of hills, we came to a stop. This area had been a front line during the war on ISIS. Now it was quiet. The general came to greet us. His name was Hussein Yazdanpanah, and he wore fatigues like the men Id been driving with. He also had a patch on his arm with orange and white on it. This was the symbol of the Kurdistan Freedom Party or PAK. It is one of many Kurdish parties and groups that oppose the Iranian regime. Yazdanpanah is a well-known face in the Kurdistan region. He has a large mustache and had been fighting ISIS since 2014 alongside other Kurdish forces. Outspoken and brave, he is respected by his peers. Id met him several times during the war on ISIS. Now, with that war largely over in 2017, he was talking about the threat of Iran and Iranian-backed militias. Nine years after that meeting, Yazdanpanah, who doesnt look like he has aged in all these years, went to a meeting with other Kurdish leaders who oppose the Iranian regime. Advertisement Advertisement Before entering a hall where he and the Kurds would give a statement, Yazdanpanah walked with Mustafa Hijri, the leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI). Instead of his fatigues, which he had worn during the war on ISIS, Yazdanpanah and the other Kurdish leaders were dressed in Kurdish clothes, a kind of formal jacket and loose pants joined with a sash at the waist. The struggle of Iranian Kurds The Kurdish opposition groups in Iran have been struggling against the regime for decades. They also have deep ideological differences. The PAK, which was founded in 1991, is not as well-known as some of the other groups. For instance, the PDKI was founded in 1945. The Kurdistan Freedom Life Party (PJAK) was founded in 2004, but its roots are older. It is linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party. The Khabat Organization of Iranian Kurdistan (Khabat) was founded in 1980 and is a more religious party than the others. The Komala Party of Kurdistan has also been around since the 1980s, although it has several branches that are more recent. It is a left-wing party with links to communism. These Kurdish parties are active in Iran, and many of them are also active in the Kurdish diaspora, particularly in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, where many Kurds from Iran have fled over the years. Advertisement Advertisement The diversity of the Kurdish parties and their complex ideological roots have meant that unity among them against the Iranian regime has always been a challenge. PAK, for instance, chose to fight ISIS and join with the Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq after 2014. They believed their men and women fighters would gain valuable experience on the front line. Other Kurdish parties chose a different path. Over the years, the PDKI has continued to train its fighters. It has also said it has sent them into Iran. PJAK also holds training sessions in the mountains of Kurdistan. Over the last several years, these Kurdish groups have felt a need to work more closely together. For instance, the death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, also known as Jina, galvanized Kurds to protest the regime in 2022. It was a Kurdish slogan of Woman, Life, Freedom that echoed across Iran in the wake of her death at the hands of Iranian authorities. Recent developments and growing unity In the last months, the Kurdish groups began to work more closely as part of what they called a Dialogue Center. In late December, protests broke out in Iran. The Kurdish parties backed the protests. Iran cracked down on January 7, killing tens of thousands of protesters. This led the Kurdish parties to decide on a display of unity. Advertisement Advertisement The February 22, 2026, meeting, which saw Yazdanpanah, Hijri, and leaders from Komala, Khabat, and PJAK gather for a press conference, is the clearest indication that the Kurdish groups expect that they may soon be seeing combat in Iran. They want to coordinate before this happens. For decades, the political and national movement of Iranian Kurdistan has fought in an organized and continuous manner against centralist dictatorship and tyranny, in defense of its national and political rights. Even after the 1979 Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Kurdistan remained at the forefront of resistance and struggle against this repressive regime. During this period, Kurdistan has paid a heavy price for its resistance: wars were imposed, political leaders were executed and assassinated, and thousands of political activists were martyred or lost their lives in prisons. The region was militarized and occupied, and administered through policies of repression, plunder, and looting by the Islamic Republic government, a statement from PDKI noted. Advertisement Advertisement Of the five Kurdish leaders at the meeting, only PJAK was represented by a woman. Peyman Viyan, the PJAK representative, spoke to The NewRegion after the meeting. Viyan explained that the coalition was formed to improve political coordination among the parties, unify their positions, and establish a stronger, more unified voice for Kurdish political movements in Iran, a post on social media by Rojhelat.Info noted. Rojhelat is the Kurdish name for Eastern Kurdistan, the Kurdish regions in Iran. While the Kurdish Iranian groups are coming together, there are concerns in Erbil about repercussions. Erbil has sought to distance itself from the meeting, saying that it does not want to get involved in tensions with Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened Erbil with attacks. The Kurdish region of Iraq is now on edge, as US-Iran tensions appear to spiral. In addition, Kurdish parties in Iraq are now seeking to choose a new president for Iraq and are in talks with Shiite parties about what comes next for the country. Iraq had elections in November, but has not chosen a new prime minister. US Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, who appears to be playing a larger role in Iraq, was in Baghdad and Erbil on February 22 and 23. Many wheels are in motion. As the Kurdish parties gathered, I recalled fond memories interviewing members of the PAK and PDKI in the past. They have faced incredible hardships. They have persevered. Now they sense that their moment has arrived. The LaGrange Police Department says they are searching for a man accused of threatening to kill a teenager on Friday. Police said Karmez Jackson is accused of pulling out a rifle and threatening to kill a 16-year-old after getting into an argument with his girlfriend, the teens mother, on Friday evening. During the argument, the teenager tried to intervene and Jackson became aggressive. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The mother said Jackson went into his room, returning with a loaded rifle and pointed it at the teenager, threatening to kill him. Police said the mother and teenager ran out of the house and called the police and Jackson ran away. Police are now searching for Jackson with a warrant for his arrest for aggravated assault. Anyone with information about where to find Jackson is asked to call Det. M. Ligon at 706-883-2621. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Drones and missiles hit oil facilities and US diplomatic missions in the Gulf on Tuesday as Iran retaliated to fresh strikes. Here are the latest developments: - Israel says hit covert nuclear site in Iran - The Israeli military announced that it struck an underground nuclear site in Iran where it said scientists were "covertly" developing a key component for nuclear weapons. "IDF intelligence continued to follow the scientists' activities and located their new location at this site in a manner that enabled a precise strike," the military said, displaying a map showing the facility on the eastern outskirts of Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement - Iran says fired new salvo of missiles at Israel - Iran fired another salvo of missiles at Israel, the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by the Fars news agency. "The sixteenth wave of 'Operation True Promise 4' has begun with a large number of missiles and drones launched by the aerospace forces of the Revolutionary Guards against the heart of the occupied territories," the statement said, referring to Israel. - Drone attack on Dubai's US consulate - A drone attack caused a fire by the US consulate in Dubai as Iran ramped up its targeting of American diplomatic missions in the Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement Residents told AFP they heard a bang and one said she then saw the blaze. Police cordoned off roads nearby and shooed away passersby trying to see the damage. - France deploys aircraft carrier - France is sending its flagship aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the widening conflict in the Middle East, President Emmanuel Macron announced. The Charles de Gaulle carrier has been pulled out of a deployment in the North Atlantic to head for the eastern Mediterranean. It made a stopover in the Swedish port of Malmo last week. - Khamenei to be buried in holy city - Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad, the Fars news agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei, who led the country for 36 years, was killed at 86 during a wave of US-Israeli attacks on Saturday. He was originally from Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, where his father is buried at the Imam Reza shrine. - Charter flights to help Americans leave - The United States said that it had arranged charter flights to help Americans leave the Middle East. US officials have helped arrange charter flights from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "and will continue to secure additional capacity as security conditions allow," the State Department said. - Trump threatens to cut all Spain trade - Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain after it refused to let US planes use its bases to attack Iran, while he also lashed out at Britain for not cooperating more. Spain's left-wing government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of Europe's most defiant leaders against Trump, has said that bases long used by US forces could only be allowed for activities consistent with the United Nations Charter. - US escorts through Hormuz Strait? - Trump said the US navy would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if needed amid the Iran war and ordered Washington to provide insurance for shipping. Advertisement Advertisement "If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD," he said on his Truth Social platform. - Israel's airspace to gradually reopen - Israel's transport minister said the country will gradually reopen its airspace overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, after it was closed to civilian flights. The initial approved flights will be to repatriate Israelis, a transport ministry spokesperson told AFP, adding that there will be no departures for now. Advertisement Advertisement - Israel to 'continue attacking Hezbollah' - Israel's military chief said his forces would keep attacking Hezbollah until the Iran-backed Lebanese group was disarmed. The latest round of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel started early Monday when Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. - Bushehr airport hit - US-Israeli strikes caused damage at an airport in Bushehr, a port city in southern Iran that also hosts a nuclear power plant, the Mehr news agency reported. "Following an enemy attack, a projectile struck an Airbus aircraft... this plane is completely damaged," the agency said. "The shockwave (from the strike) caused damage to the airport terminal." burs-bgs/msp Law enforcement agencies across the Delaware Valley are boosting security at religious and cultural sites following U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, even as officials say there is no credible threat to the area. The Department of Homeland Security also issued an alert after Operation Epic Fury, warning agencies to remain vigilant for suspicious activity despite assessing that a large-scale attack on U.S. soil is unlikely. Hours after the strikes, protesters gathered in cities nationwide. In Phoenixville, dozens rallied Saturday afternoon, calling the military action "senseless." Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement increases security across Delaware Valley after U.S. strikes on Iran "Stop the war. People are suffering in this country with food prices, rent, healthcare, money for the people's needs here," said Curry Malott, a West Chester University associate professor of educational foundations and policy studies. President Donald Trump has said the joint operation would eliminate Iran's nuclear and military programs and change the regime. Some demonstrators criticized the president's decision. "Trump has broken his campaign promises with no new wars, and here he is going into another," said Kyle Horstmann of Phoenixville. Advertisement Advertisement Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said in a statement that Iran poses a grave threat, adding, "Iran and its proxies are responsible for countless deaths of Americans and our partners. That record is long, deliberate, and undeniable-and it cannot be ignored." He adds sustained military engagement should be done with consent of Congress. Democratic leaders, including Senator Andy Kim, argued the president failed to seek congressional approval for the strikes. "I have zero confidence in this president who has so flagrantly violated our constitution," Kim said. He called for Congress to immediately reconvene to vote on a war powers resolution. "I hope there can be unanimity that when it comes to strikes of this magnitude, when American service members lives are at risk, what greater responsibility do we have in Congress than to look out for our service members and the national security of our country?" he said. The Homeland Security alert also warned of potential low-level cyberattacks targeting U.S. networks, adding another layer of concern for authorities monitoring threats at home. Mar. 1Kalispell Police received a complaint from a man who got allegedly into an argument with his roommate over the dishes and the roommate smacked his hand, knocking food out of his hand that he was trying to put in the microwave. The roommate then punched the microwave. Officers determined that no crime had been committed. A resident called police, upset about a parked semi-truck allegedly left idling for long periods of time around 6:30 and 7 a.m. Officers looked up the applicable city code. When they arrived at the location, the semi was not running, nor were they able to locate the driver. Officers told five teens they were not allowed to be on mall property. Someone reportedly found video footage of a man suspiciously standing on their porch, possibly around the same time that the gate to their yard was left open and was unsure what to do with the information. Animal control was advised that Mabel, a friendly mini-Aussie corgi mix, was lost. Mabel is mostly black with white on her face and chest. A passerby asked officers to check on a man slumped over his steering wheel because he reportedly wasn't responding to dogs "crawling" over him and it didn't look like he was sleeping. He was awake, resting his head on the steering wheel, when an officer arrived at the scene. He did not appear to be under the influence of any substances, presented his driver's license and answered the officer's questions A man wanted the police to investigate alleged fraud when login information for a business account with the Department of Labor was changed without his knowledge or permission. He also contacted the department, which fixed the account information. No fraudulent charges were reported. Two shoplifters were banned from a ranch supply store's locations for one year. A woman was directed to speak to the sheriff's office about a trailer she claimed was stolen and in Kila and had court paperwork for its repossession. A man, reportedly told by officers he was not welcome back to a store per the manager for reckless driving in the parking lot, wanted a second chance and called the store with the request. Someone allegedly tied a neon ribbon to a downed cable line that was still attached to a pole and a building. The building the cable was connected to was closed and no one answered an officer's call. Washington Efforts in Congress to block President Trump from using further military action against Iran without support from lawmakers have intensified after the U.S. and Israel launched a massive military operation on Saturday. Lawmakers are expected to vote this week on resolutions to require President Trump to seek Congressional approval to use military force on Iran as top Democrats and some Republicans seek to reassert Congress' power to declare war and prevent a prolonged conflict. And although the votes were expected ahead of the strikes, the administration's actions over the weekend prompted new energy from lawmakers, and calls for Congress to return to Washington immediately to vote as the conflict unfolds. "This is a disaster, it is illegal, and the president is obligated under the Constitution to come to Congress and ask for an authorization of military force," Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said Sunday on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and Israel launched a massive military operation against Iran over the weekend, including striking Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran and killing him. The U.S. Central Command said Sunday that three American service members were killed and five others were wounded as part of the operation, named Operation Epic Fury. Lawmakers are aiming to block further military action without authorization under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which Congress passed in response to the Vietnam War as a check on the president's power to enter armed conflict without consent from the legislative branch. The law requires the president to consult with Congress in "every possible instance" ahead of the introduction of any military forces, to report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces if Congress hasn't authorized a declaration of war, and caps any unauthorized engagement at 60 days. The Constitution grants only Congress the power to declare war, although presidents have undergone campaigns to avoid getting Congress' authorization. The issue comes to a head after a number of similar efforts in recent months. A Senate vote on an Iran war powers resolution failed to garner enough support in June, after strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. And after the U.S. captured former Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro in January, the Senate narrowly failed to advance a Venezuela war powers resolution when the White House successfully peeled off GOP support. In the House, a Venezuela war powers resolution narrowly failed as well after two Republicans joined all Democrats to support it. Advertisement Advertisement Before the strikes, lawmakers in both the House and Senate had plans to force the war powers votes this week. But the strikes created new urgency from Democrats and a handful of Republicans, who urged their colleagues to go on the record on the emerging conflict. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate should "quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act." And House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said House Democrats "remain committed to compelling a vote" on a war powers resolution upon the chamber's return this week. "Iran is a bad actor and must be aggressively confronted for its human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, support of terrorism and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan in the region," Jeffries said in a statement. "However, absent exigent circumstances, the Trump administration must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war." The resolutions would direct the president to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities against Iran unless authorized by either a declaration of war or another specific authorization for the use of military force. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who's leading the war powers push in the Senate said in a statement that the chamber should immediately return to session to "block the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran." Advertisement Advertisement "For months, I have raised hell about the fact that the American people want lower prices, not more war especially wars that aren't authorized by Congress, as required by the Constitution, and don't have a clear objective," Kaine said. In the House, Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, teased in recent weeks that they would pursue a war powers resolution on Iran. On Thursday, the pair announced they would force the vote this week. And following the strikes, they pledged to force the vote as soon as the House reconvened. "The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war," Massie said in a post on social media. The votes would force lawmakers to go on record. But even if a war powers resolution was approved by both chambers in Congress, the outcome would be largely symbolic. Without two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate, the president could simply veto the resolution. Still, proponents see it as a way to put pressure on the president to change course. Advertisement Advertisement On whether the resolution can secure enough support in the House, Khanna said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that "it's going to be very close." He pointed to possible support from a number of America-first Republicans, while acknowledging that a handful of Democrats have been on the fence. "It depends if we can keep several Democrats in line," Khanna said. "But I believe this is a disastrous vote for any Democrats to vote for Donald Trump's war in the Middle East, so I hope we will hold the line." Meanwhile, GOP Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he expects to see "overwhelming Republican support" for the president's actions in Iran, while urging Democrats to cross the aisle and join them. "I would invite Democrats in the Congress to join their Democratic colleagues like John Fetterman and Josh Gottheimer and Greg Landsman in supporting our troops, in finally putting America's foot down against the Islamic Republic of Iran," Cotton said on "Face the Nation." Sneak peek: The Woman Who Died Twice Fighting words from JFK grandson Jack Schlossberg War with Iran | CBS News Special UPDATE: 9:42 p.m.: The Iranian government confirmed the attack on Iran has killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys authoritarian supreme leader for 37 years. Iranian state media said that at least 100 elementary school children were killed Saturday morning, with dozens still missing, as the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran that President Trump definitely did not get Congressional authorization for. The Tayyebeh girls school in Minab, southern Iran, is located near one of the naval bases for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corpsthe countrys most powerful military force. The base was also struck, according to a video verified by the New York Times. At least one other school appeared to have been hit, according to various videos shared on social media. Saturday is the start of the work week in Iran, and parents had just dropped off their kids at school before the strikes began. Advertisement Advertisement God knows how many more childrens bodies they will pull from under the rubble, Hossein Kermanpour, the spokesperson for Irans health ministry, posted on Twitter. Neither Israel nor the U.S acknowledged the civilian casualties. But in an eight-minute video posted to Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said he expected U.S. casualties because thats the price of war (which, again, he initiated without Congressional authorization): The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but were doing this not for now. Were doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission. Iran has since attacked multiple U.S. military bases in the region. In a separate Truth Social post on Saturday afternoon, Trump announced that Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack, echoing reports from Israelthough the Iranian government has yet to confirm this. In the same announcement, Trump wrote that the heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! As he recklessly risked igniting World War III, Trump is hosting a $1,000,000-per-plate fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago this weekend. On Friday night, Mar-a-Lago was host to the 2026 Lexus Hope Bash, with one video from the event showing Trump wearing a USA hat, dancing inside the Mar-a-Lago ballroom as guests, decked in black tie attire, singing, God Bless the USA. Advertisement Advertisement The bombing has reportedly been planned for months, making it the second time in eight months that the U.S. and Israel have attacked Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks. In June, Trump declared that the U.S. had obliterated Irans nuclear program. Yet, on February 21, Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said Iran was a week away from having the stuff they needed to make a nuclear bomb. During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump declared Iran had sinister nuclear ambitions, which, yeah, weve been hearing that for decades. If taken at face value, Trumps own timeline suggests a remarkable turnaroundfor a country to go from having its nuclear program obliterated to being one week away from having a nuclear bomb in just eight months. Though reports pretty quickly confirmed that nothing was even close to obliterated in Junes attack. Trump has also seemingly taken advantage of the countrys civil unrest as further justification for starting another war in the Middle East, urging Iranians on Saturday to seize control of your destiny and that when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. Beginning in late December, Iranians began protesting their government for basically allowing their economy to go to absolute shit. The regime quickly cracked down on demonstrations, killing thousands of protesters and throwing the country into an internet blackout. At the height of the protests, in mid-January, Trump promised the people of Iran that help was on the way, while Khamenei blamed the U.S. and Israel for stoking the unrest, and Irans foreign minister justified the killing of protesters by pointing to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has promised the Iranian people that aid or help is coming their way, but now we are seeing civilian casualties; thats something that the Iranian government will stress as a case of violation of international law and an aggression against the Iranian people, Al Jazeeras Mohammed Vall said on Saturday, reporting from Tehran. The international response to Saturdays bombing has been varied, though mostly aligned with whos allied with whomChina, Saudi Arabia, and Russia all condemned the attacks; Canadas Prime Minister said the country stands with the U.S., as did Australias Prime Minister; Frances President tweeted that the escalation is dangerous for all; Spains Prime Minister similarly tweeted that there must be immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law; the European Union also asked that everyone respect international law; Hungarys Prime Minister is worried about oil prices. Early Saturday morning, Omans Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, whos been a key mediator in the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, wrote on Twitter: Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres also condemned the strikes: Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world. In the U.S., Democrats were, of course, furious, but many MAGA hardliners were also (surprisingly) disturbed. Tucker Carlson said the attack was absolutely disgusting and evil, Alex Jones said, Trumps HUGE gamble accelerates the worlds trajectory towards a nuclear world war, even Andrew Tate, the misogynist, accused human traffkicker, and infamous manosphere influencer, held a livestream to say, Why would going into a war with Iran benefit anybody in American at all? Advertisement Advertisement Marjorie Taylor Greene also seems ready to start a revolution to overthrow the government. (These really are the worst and strangest times.) I did not campaign for this. I did not donate money for this. I did not vote for this, in elections or Congress. This is heartbreaking and tragic, she wrote on Twitter. And how many more innocent will die? What about our own military? This is not what we thought MAGA was supposed to be. Shame! Hilariously, Vice President JD Vance told the Washington Post on Friday that he had no idea what Trump was going to do but that theres no chance the U.S. is going to get involved in another years-long war in the Middle East. So much for that. Like what you just read? Youve got great taste. Subscribe to Jezebel, and for $5 a month or $50 a year, youll get access to a bunch of subscriber benefits, including getting to read the next article (and all the ones after that) ad-free. Plus, youll be supporting independent journalismwhich, can you even imagine not supporting independent journalism in times like these? Yikes. By the time Dr George Jacobs Talk reaches the story of friction on a sacred mountain in Hawaii, it becomes clear that his career has played out less as a sequence of museum leadership roles and design commissions, and more as a series of negotiations between belief and knowledge. He does not describe himself as a museum activist or a theorist. I am more attracted to the mechanics of setting up museums rather than working in a museum, he says. Manifesting a museum is fast paced. It means handling multiple projects and diverse creative teams, thoughtfully. That excites me, says Jacob, who was in Mumbai last week to address a session of the Clovelly Talks at the home of art collector and connoisseur Rashmi Jolly. The series, organised by Zeenat and her husband John Rous, takes its name from the historic North Devon village of Clovelly a privately owned settlement under Rouss stewardship whose preserved streets and heritage have long been a draw for artists and thinkers. Since its inception more than a decade ago, the platform has aimed to break down the barriers between those who shape policy and the audiences who seek to understand its impact. Jacob, who has dedicated his life to museums at that intersection of culture, soft power and public memory, was, of course, the perfect fit. Born in Kerala and a distinguished alumni of BITS Pilani, Jacob began his leadership journey in the early 1990s when, at 25, he became director and administrator of the BM Birla Planetarium and Science Centre in Jaipur. The position placed him at the centre of Indias science education movement at a time when interactive learning was still novel and nascent. Later, he was awarded the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and specialised in museum studies at the University of Toronto, and he trained at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. Then, he shifted his focus from programming to large scale museum and exhibit design-build assignments-the commercial side of the industry where architecture, geopolitics, tourism, economics and public emotion converge. That convergence is particularly significant here, where faith is embedded in living traditions and cultural practices. Jacob led the development of Virasat-e-Khalsa in Anandpur Sahiba 100-acre Sikh heritage complex designed by architect Moshe Safdie that opened in phases until 2011. Conceived as a living monument to Sikh history and identity, the museum of intangible heritage stands on terrain layered with memory, from the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 to the upheavals of Partition and the insurgency years in Punjab. Jacob, however, speaks of the project less as a building that houses exhibits and more as a collaboration across diverse demographics. With a Jewish architect, a director of Christian faith, and many of the craftsmen from the Muslim communitythere was this intrinsic universalism and confluence of different faiths that came together to create this unique edifice. In a country where identity politics has often turned combustible, the structure is a veritable argument for pluralism. Where faith meets form Currently, his work in Kerala involves projects that represent both a homecoming and an expansion of that thesis. In Changanacherry, the St Marys Syro-Malabar Archdiocese is poised to open the largest Church in South-Asia in November this year. The Church will house a museum on Christianity and Humanity that will be developed under Jacobs advice and direction. The museum traces two millennia of Christian presence in India, from early apostolic traditions associated with the arrival of St Thomas in 52 CE, to contemporary ecumenical adaptations. It talks about Biblical history through 2000 years, the teachings of Christ, and broader ecumenism in India, Jacob says. The aim is not simply to assemble relics but to create a narrative journey through the evolution of faith on Indian soil, situating local practice within a global arc. Another project will see a 500-year-old royal granary transformed into an experiential heritage space with a performing arts component. The exquisitely carved rosewood masterpiece, once embedded in agrarian rhythms, will, fittingly, serve as a site where architecture, rituals and performance laced in prayer, intersect. The experiential museum with a heritage component enhanced with performing arts, will bring five centuries of Keralam to life, Jacob shares. It underscores the idea that the old grammar of museums, with their glass cases and wall text panels, may not survive the evolving habits and dependencies of the AI-driven smartphone era. Fossil and the feed The purpose of any museum is to archive, preserve, conserve, display, and ultimately educate, says Jacob, before conceding that education now competes with a device in every palm. The attention span of the average visitor has shrunk. So, museum curators really must rethink how they articulate content. He points to digital layers that update in real time, QR codes linked to evolving archives and galleries that stream live data. Museums are weaning themselves away from printed material to digital, or app-oriented formats, so that things can be updated quickly. His international work reinforces that philosophy. In northern Alberta, he worked with the Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum, a world-class palaeontology centre that opened in 2015. Designed to bring ancient ecosystems alive with dramatic skeletal mounts and lifelike reconstructions, the museum uses interactive displays, augmented reality and guided tours to show how dinosaurs lived, moved and hunted. The surrounding community included conservative Hutterite and Mennonite groups who did not believe in dinosaurs. To work with them to create a dinosaur museum was a bit of a challenge. But it was a wonderful challenge, he says. Earlier, he directed the creation of the `Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, which opened in 2006 at the foot of Mauna Kea. Part of my role was to sensitise myself to different social and cultural constructs and bridge the gap, he says. Inside, Polynesian wayfinding traditions sit alongside contemporary astrophysics. Just like astronomers navigate through the stars, Hawaiians used their own star chart for dead reckoning. Its evident that across continents, his focus has remained constant: designing public institutions that respect context without diluting complexity. For Jacob, the test is practical. A museum must offer an immersive experience that cannot be extracted from a search engine. If it does not, it risks irrelevance. KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) Violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi and in the country's north left at least 22 people dead and more than 120 others injured as demonstrators supportive of the Iranian government attempted to storm a U.S. Consulate on Sunday, authorities said. In the north of the country, demonstrators attacked U.N. and government offices. The violence came after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Police and officials at a hospital in Karachi said that at least 50 people were also wounded in the clashes and some of them were in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his profound sorrow over the martyrdom" of Khamenei and conveyed his condolences to Iran, according to his office. He said: Pakistan stands with the Iranian nation in this moment of grief and shares in their loss. Summaiya Syed Tariq, a police surgeon at the city's main government hospital, confirmed six bodies and multiple injured people were brought to the facility. However, she said the death toll rose to 10 after four critically wounded people died. In addition, 12 people were killed and over 80 wounded in clashes with police in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region when thousands of protesters angered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran attacked the offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group and the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), local police official Asghar Ali said. A government spokesman, Shabir Mir, said all staff working for those organizations was safe. He said protesters repeatedly clashed with police at various places in the region, damaged the offices of a local charity, and set fire to police offices. However, he said authorities had deployed troops and brought the situation under control. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said in a post on X that it was monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the U.S. Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional protests at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the consulate general in Peshawar. It advised U.S. citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and keep their travel registration with the U.S. government up to date. U. S. Consulate windows smashed In Karachi, which is the capital of southern Sindh province and Pakistans largest city, senior police official Irfan Baloch said that protesters briefly attacked the perimeter of the U.S. Consulate, but were later dispersed. He dismissed reports that any part of the consulate building was set on fire. However, he said that protesters torched a nearby police post and smashed windows of the consulate before security forces arrived and regained control. Advertisement Advertisement Protests in the area surrounding the consulate went on for hours, with dozens of youth, some covering their faces, throwing stones at law enforcement officials and vowing to reach the consulate where hundreds of police and paramilitary officers have been deployed. The clashes prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to issue an appeal for calm. Following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, every citizen of Pakistan shares in the grief of the people of Iran, Naqvi said in a statement, but urged people not to take the law into their own hands and to express their protests peacefully. The provincial government of Sindh also urged citizens to express their views peacefully and warned against engaging in violence. Protests took place elsewhere in Pakistan In Islamabad, police fired tear gas and swung batons as hundreds of protesters, angered by the killing of Khamenei, tried to march toward the U.S. Embassy. The clashes took place outside the city's diplomatic enclave, where the embassy is located, and additional police had been deployed. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in the northwestern city of Peshawar, authorities also used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of demonstrators attempting to approach the U.S. Consulate to hold a rally and to denounce the killing of the Iranian leader, police said. Protesters also held a peaceful rally in Multan, a city in Punjab province, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Mamoona Sherazi, who attended the rally, said that she was protesting Khamenei's killing. God willing, we will never bow before America and Israel, she said. Protesters also rallied and clashed with police repeatedly near the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, the capital of eastern Punjab province, police said. Authorities said that the government has stepped up security around the U.S. Embassy in the capital, and consulates across the country to avoid any further violence. ___ Munir Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Riaz Khan and Rasool Dawar in Peshawar, Pakistan, Babar Dogar in Lahore, and Asim Tanveer in Multan, contributed to this story. Welcome to 2026. The sky over the Juffair district in Bahrain isnt so blue; instead, it was a mosaic of gray-black plumes and the white-hot streaks of interception. For years, the armchair generals on social media have been salivating over Operation Truthful Promise 4, the supposed doomsday scenario where Irans missile rain finally drowns the U.S. 5th Fleet in its own home. Also Read: The God-Switch: What Elon Musks Starlink can actually be used for They told us the Persian Gulf was a kill box. They told us the headquarters at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain was a sitting duck. As the first Shahed-136 moped drones plodded over the Mina Salman port area over the weekend, it looked like they might finally be right. However, while the world watched the smoke rise from the service center, our 5th Fleet was fine; the base that houses it took a black eye in the fracas, though. Here is the after-action report on how we turned a potential Pearl Harbor moment into a dramatic piece of Iranian theater, and why the future of modern defense is about to become a bloodletting for our budgets. Peaced Out Before you start mourning the 5th Fleet, check the pier. In a stroke of intelligence foresight, or a well-timed leak perhaps, the U.S. Navy pulled its most valuable cards off the table well before the first siren wailed. The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups vanished into the blue water like Homer Simpson into a wall of shrubbery, out into the Arabian Sea and Mediterranean, safely outside the immediate kill zone of Irans coastal batteries. What Iran hit this weekend was, for all intents and purposes, a g-g-g-Ghost Port (If you know, you know). Millions of dollars worth of ordnance were spent splashing into static infrastructure, fuel depots, radar domes, and logistics hubs. No sugarcoating it, this was no bueno for our military in future conflicts. On the other hand, its like blowing up an empty garage after the owner drove the Rolls-Royce to a different county. Dont let the pirrhic victory of the carrier withdrawal fool you; the infrastructure left behind is a technical marvel, and it was being used for target practice. Mopeds vs. Million-Dollar Missiles When 71% of the planet is covered in high-quality H2O, the country that can rule it can rule the world. So when our Navy, a walking FAFO sign, isnt a threat anymore, things need to change quickly. The Shahed-136 loitering munition is the one to cause an evolutionary change in American naval power or else. This little nugget is a $35,000 lawnmower engine with a warhead attached. Its slow, its loud, and its arguably the most annoying weapon in modern history. But in a dense urban neighborhood like Juffair, annoying becomes lethal. The problem isnt that we cant hit them, spoiler alert: we can, it just costs so much money. The Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD batteries protecting the base were screaming today, swatting at dozens of incoming threats in the air. Unfortunately, here is the power of attrition: we are firing $4 million death sticks at $35,000 drones. Iran is counting on us to win every engagement until we run out of ammo or money. They want to deplete our magazine depth with junk drones before they send in the real hardware. The Hypersonic Fattah and the Radar Horizon Once the Shahed swarms softened the electronic bubble, the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard) sent in the heavy hitters: the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile. Iran calls it The Conqueror, and while Western analysts like to dismiss their Mach 1315 speed claims as dubious at best, the picture on the ground today tells a different story. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which are more predictable in their high-arcing paths (making them fairly easy targets for systems like THAAD), the Fattah-1 is designed for maneuverability within the atmosphere. Today, that math resulted in at least one confirmed hit on a service center near the bases command-and-control hub. We didnt lose a ship, but we lost the untouchable aura our static bases once oozed. Playing Defense in a Crowded Room NSA Bahrain isnt out in the desert like Al Udeid; its shoved into the middle of Manamas Juffair district, surrounded by 20-story luxury apartments. This is a tactical nightmare. Every time a C-RAM (the land-based Phalanx) opens up with its signature wall of lead, thousands of 20mm high-explosive rounds are flying into the sky. What goes up must, and will, come down. Reports are already filtering in of civilian high-rises shattered by friendly shrapnel and falling interceptor debris, thus introducing a major dilemma: the enemy doesnt have to hit the base to win; they just have to force us to defend it so aggressively that we cause a diplomatic crisis with our Bahraini hosts. This one is simple: if too much damage is done to the civilian infrastructure from American weapons debris, the people will blame America. A fire broke out in a building targeted by Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles as Iran attacked several buildings in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, on February 28, 2026. (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) LUCAS Joins the Fray Perhaps the grimmest part of todays after-action report is the irony of Operation Epic Fury. While Iran was hitting us with Shaheds, the U.S. military was simultaneously debuting our new bestie, LUCAS (Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System). What is the LUCAS? Its a $35,000, American-made clone of the Iranian Shahed-136. We reverse-engineered their moped and started mass-producing it through Arizona-based SpektreWorks. Today, we saw a classic Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man moment of 21st-century warfare: two powers using the exact same cheap tech to try and bankrupt each others air defenses. We bought the airspace over the Persian Gulf for a trillion dollars, but today, Iran showed they could rent it for an afternoon with loose change. Operation Truthful Promise 4 never even sniffed the 5th Fleet because we were smart enough to move the ships, but it did leave the Iron Dome of the Gulf looking more like a well-worn pair of sweatpants. Russias S-300s in Venezuela were nothing but paperweights because of corruption; the U.S. shield in Bahrain is under pressure because of attrition. We can win the sniper duel, but what happens when the enemy stops bringing a rifle and starts bringing ten thousand rocks? The smoke is still clearing over Manama, and Americas naval dominance around the globe could be a lot less dominant unless serious attention is paid to defending against kids with toy choppers taking out our bases. Welcome to the era where small supplies of $4 million missiles are the only thing standing between a $30,000 drone and your mates. Dont Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty Operation Eagle Claw: The story behind the failed hostage rescue in Iran The Swedish sledgehammer: A salute to the Carl Gustaf, long may the Goose reign Veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness won a 30-year war for recognition The post The London Underground Mosquito Myth: Ancient Origins of an Urban Icon appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take DNA reveals the mosquito evolved in the Mediterranean over 1,000 years ago , not in the London Underground . These insects thrived in ancient agricultural societies long before modern subway systems were ever constructed. Understanding their evolution helps scientists predict how viruses like West Nile jump from birds to humans. During the Second World War, one particular insect became the scourge of soldiers and citizens alike. Called the London Underground mosquito, this mosquito liked to feast on Londoners escaping German bombing runs. As people hid underground in the railway tunnels, so too did these mosquitoes. Despite the relatively dour conditions, the mosquitoes seemed so well-adapted to the London Underground that people assumed they must have evolved in the region. However, a new study, published in Science, has debunked one of the longer-running myths in London society about these insects. Advertisement Advertisement It turns out that these London Underground mosquitoes likely evolved in the Mediterranean basin over a thousand years ago. A persistent belief of evolutionary biologists was that these mosquitoes evolved from the bird-biting pipiens form in response to rapid human development. Some doubts, however, remained. That is, until a newer generation of scientists reached a surprising conclusion. Lets learn more about the London Underground mosquito. We will discuss why people thought it was a rapidly evolved creature adapted to the British Isles, and how new research debunks that myth in favor of a more measured, but equally fascinating perspective. The British Bomber The London Underground mosquito doesnt hibernate and has a penchant for human blood. Gwoeii/Shutterstock.com (Gwoeii/Shutterstock.com) World War Two was a chaotic time in London. The city faced relentless and unpredictable bombing campaigns from German planes, sending the citizens into the London Underground in search of safety and shelter. Once they got down there, however, they were confronted with a smaller, blood-sucking bomber: the London Underground Mosquito. Known as the molestus form of the common mosquito, Culex pipiens, the London Underground mosquito seemed to have some special benefits conferred upon it thanks to its subterranean habitat. Unlike common house mosquitoes, the Underground mosquito was active year-round. Furthermore, it managed to thrive in the steady warmth of the railway tunnels. It also had a distinct penchant for human blood, far more than other mosquitoes, which typically bite birds. The London Underground provided a distinct and undoubtedly isolated environment. This led evolutionary biologists to some insightful avenues that seemed correct. These mosquitoes appeared to have adapted with breakneck speed. The thinking around them pointed to a sub-century period evolution, losing their need for an initial blood meal to lay the first batch of eggs, forgoing hibernation, and even shifting mating habits. All these factors contributed to a tidy picture of peripatric speciation, whereby an isolated population enters a new niche and evolves in undeniable ways. Or so they thought. Dispelling the Disinformation While some evolutionary biologists subscribed to the theory of peripatric speciation for these London Underground mosquitoes, other scientists remained skeptical. Now, with the advent of modern DNA sequencing technology, the suspicious scientists were able to uncover the truth surrounding the origin of this subterranean mosquito species. The new study, published in the journal Science, suggests that molestus probably evolved in Ancient Egypt, living above ground alongside humans in early agricultural societies of the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement To sequence the genome of this mosquito, scientists scoured different collections in the United Kingdom to get a better understanding of the creatures history. As the co-author of the study and Senior Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Dr. Mara Lawniczak, said, Through the wonderfully rich historic insect collections at the Natural History Museum and the expertise of team member Petra Korlevic, we were able to contribute genomic data from Culex specimens collected in London through the 1900s. A new study suggests that London Underground mosquitoes likely evolved in Ancient Egypt, living above ground in early agricultural societies. nechaevkon/Shutterstock.com (nechaevkon/Shutterstock.com) Dr. Lawniczak explained that her teams findings pointed to a much older origin story. She said, These genomic data from old specimens helped confirm that the notorious London Underground mosquito is a form that evolved long ago, way before underground human transportation existed at all. Insect Implications This new study, published in Science, has undoubtedly helped to dispel a species origin myth. It also helps scientists better understand how diseases like West Nile virus spread. Case in point: mosquitoes are more likely to transfer viruses between species if they bite both types of hosts. This new study helps affirm the idea that breeding between human-biting molestus and bird-biting pipiens transfers genes that create these indiscriminate biters and might have led to the increased spread of the virus to humans over the past two decades. Such species hybridization is more likely in large cities. It suggests that people packed into dense, urban areas are at a higher risk of contracting diseases like West Nile virus. As Linda McBride, lead author of the latest study, stated, the findings explain movement between regions. She said, Our work provides new insight into how this mosquito varies genetically from place to place, insight that we think will help us better understand the role this species plays in transmitting West Nile virus from birds to humans. The post The London Underground Mosquito Myth: Ancient Origins of an Urban Icon appeared first on A-Z Animals. As Kansas began abruptly voiding certain transgender residents drivers licenses under a new Republican-backed law, rideshare company Lyft is drawing praise from national LGBTQ+ advocates for offering people affected a discounted ride. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. On Saturday evening, the rideshare company posted on Threads, If you live in Kansas and need a new way to get around, use code TRANSJOY for 50% off a ride this week, with a pink heart and trans Pride flag emoji. In a follow-up post, Lyft added: valid through 3/9/26, up to $10 total discount. Supplies are limited. The promotion marks one of the first visible corporate responses to the laws immediate practical impact. The offer came just two days after Senate Bill 244 took effect. Under the statute, any Kansas drivers license that lists a gender marker inconsistent with a persons sex assigned at birth is automatically invalid. The law does not provide for a grace period. Instead, it declares that previously issued licenses that do not match the states statutory definition of sex, defined in Kansas law as biological sex at birth, shall be invalid upon publication. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Two transgender men sue Kansas government over law voiding driver's licenses The Division of Vehicles was required to notify affected individuals in writing that their credentials are no longer valid and instruct them to surrender those licenses. A new license reflecting sex assigned at birth must then be issued. Some of those letters, dated Monday, went out. As of Thursday, that meant transgender Kansans whose licenses reflected their gender identity were legally considered to be driving without a valid credential unless and until they complied with the new requirement. A Lyft spokesperson said the promotion aligns with the companys broader mission. At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect, which means that we want to help everyone get to the people and places they love no matter who they are or where they come from, the spokesperson said in a statement to The Advocate. They did not address what, if anything, the company would do for any transgender drivers in Kansas who are affected by the law. Advertisement Advertisement Lyft is coming off a strong year financially. In an earnings release in early February, the company reported record fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results and announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program, with CEO David Risher describing the company as entering a transformational phase in 2026. an SUV with the writing 'a car with a driver and everything. check lyft' on the side. A Lyft spokesperson said that the company's mission is to serve and connect all people regardless of their background. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Through its Lyft Up program, the company says it provides discounted or donated rides for job seekers, food access, and emergency response. In 2024, the company reported providing more than 100,000 free or discounted rides during emergencies, including wildfires and severe storms. Lyft has supported diverse causes for years. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2017, Lyft says riders have contributed more than $42 million to nonprofits through its Round Up & Donate program, which includes partners such as the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union. The company has also received a perfect score on the HRCs Corporate Equality Index. Lyft has also partnered with Advocates for Trans Equality on initiatives to help transgender riders and drivers update identity documents, including supporting efforts to make name and gender marker changes on state IDs and other records, as part of what the company describes as efforts to reduce barriers within its platform. Eric Bloem, vice president of corporate citizenship at the Human Rights Campaign, applauded Lyfts support while sharply criticizing the Kansas statute. It's great to see Lyft, [which] has for years been steadfast in its support of equality for LGBTQ+ workers and customers, showing up for trans people in Kansas, Bloem said in a statement to The Advocate. More business leaders should be asking how they can use their resources to defend the dignity of their customers and employees. Related: Kansas immediately revokes transgender residents drivers licenses Advertisement Advertisement SB 244 also bars transgender residents and people born in Kansas from updating gender markers on state-issued drivers licenses and birth certificates in the future. It further restricts restroom access in government buildings based on sex assigned at birth and authorizes private lawsuits against individuals accused of violating those provisions. The immediate consequences are practical. A drivers license is often essential for employment, school, medical appointments, and basic errands. Civil rights advocates argue the deeper harm is compelled disclosure, forcing transgender people to present identification that contradicts how they live and move through the world. This legislation is a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of transgender Kansans, Monica Bennett, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said in announcing a lawsuit on behalf of two transgender men in the state who are challenging the law. Harper Seldin, senior staff attorney for the ACLUs LGBTQ & HIV Project, described SB 244 as a cruel and craven threat to public safety, adding that invalidating state-issued IDs threatens to out transgender people against their will every time they apply for a job, rent an apartment, or interact with police. Corporate responses to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have grown more politically fraught since President Donald Trump took office again in 2025. Since then, his administration has shown disfavor toward diversity and inclusion measures across American society. The federal government, at Trumps direction, has adopted the point of view that biological sex is a rigid definition at birth and that gender nonconformity is not recognized under federal policy. Advertisement Advertisement Trans Kansans should never have had their lives turned upside down by this abject cruelty from the legislature, Bloem said. This law is disrupting lives and doing real damage. He added, We will not stop fighting for a future where trans peoples freedom to live with dignity is not dictated by the whims of a political agenda. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Lyft steps in to offer rides after Kansas voids transgender residents drivers licenses RELATED Maersk, the major container shipping company, said Sunday it was halting passage through the Suez Canal and the narrow Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, next to Iran, for "safety" reasons. The Danish group was the latest of several shipping groups to make similar announcements after Iran's Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed on Saturday. "We have decided... to pause future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being," Maersk said in an online advisory. Advertisement Advertisement "We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice," it added. "The safety of our crews, vessels and customers' cargo remains our key priority." The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway through which passes nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil supplies, as well as a significant amount of cargo to and from Gulf ports. Egypt's Suez Canal is the region's other vital waterway, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, a long relied-on shortcut from Europe to Asia's ports on the Indian Ocean. Maersk said it would be rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope -- the southern tip of Africa -- adding thousands of miles to the journey. Advertisement Advertisement It also said it would be closing its offices in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. - 'Maximum caution' - MSC, another big shipping company, told its vessels in the Gulf "to proceed to designated safe shelter areas until further notice". State media in Oman, which sits on the other side of the strait, said Sunday an oil tanker off its coast had been targeted and four of its crew hurt. And the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre said Sunday that another ship, this one off the UAE's coast also near the Strait of Hormuz, reported being hit "by an unknown projectile causing a fire". Advertisement Advertisement International Maritime Organization chief Arsenio Dominguez said in a statement Sunday: "I urge all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution. "Where possible, vessels should avoid transiting the affected region until conditions improve," he added. Already on Saturday, two other major shipping firms had warned its vessels away from the area for security reasons. German shipowners Hapag-Lloyd, the fifth largest in the world, said it was suspending traffic by its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. And France's CMA CGM told its vessels in the Gulf to "take shelter" and also suspended passage through the Suez Canal. nzg/jj/phz A longtime Maharishi leader who spent more than three decades in Iowa is dead. Bevan Morris was a prominent figure in Maharishis worldwide Transcendental Meditation organization for more than 50 years, beginning his journey as a teacher in 1969 and later becoming the president of Maharishi International University in Fairfield. Morris died on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the age of 76 in Fairfield. He spent the last few years living at the Transcendental Meditation headquarters in Holland. Advertisement Advertisement Maharishi International University was founded in 1971 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who also introduced transcendental meditation. Morris met Yogi four years prior, in 1967, in his native Australia, where he learned about the meditation technique, according to an undated tribute post from the university. Morris secured a bachelor of arts and a master's in philosophy from Cambridge University, and a master's degree and a Ph.D. in creative intelligence from Maharishi European Research University, according to the university's board of trustees web page. Morris led the First Annual World Peace Assembly in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1979. An obituary from the Behner Funeral Home and Crematory in Fairfield said services will be held at the Maharishi International University campus, but no date has been set. Advertisement Advertisement More: What Iowa officials said in response to 'massive' US attack on Iran A 50-year career in Maharishi meditation Morris began teaching transcendental meditation soon after meeting Yogi and, in 1980, joined Maharishi International University in Fairfield, formerly known as the Maharishi University of Management. He served as the school's president for 36 years until 2016, helping to expand the college both academically and structurally, overseeing the installation of the iconic Golden Domes of Pure Knowledge more than 40 years ago. Maharishi International University started with around 500 students, but currently has roughly 2,500 enrolled. Some revere Morris as one of the longest-serving university presidents. He also served as chairman of the Maharishi University's board of directors. An aerial view of Maharishi Internarial University's Fairfield campus. The Schwarz-Guich Sustainable Living Center is picture on the bottom right. In 2005, Morris was appointed president of the Maharishi World Peace Fund, according to Tony Nader, the current president of Maharishi University, in an email to students, faculty, and staff. Advertisement Advertisement "He worked directly with Maharishi for many years and traveled with Maharishi to locations all over the world," Nader's email said. "He visited more than 120 countries, meeting with leaders in education, government, business, and other areas to tell them about Consciousness-Based Education, Maharishi International University, and Maharishi's programs to create world peace." More: Man dies in Greenfield-area house explosion, cause under investigation Morris stayed active in Maharishi after stepping down as president. He took on a role as International President of Maharishi Universities of Management, according to a release from the university. Advertisement Advertisement Morris had served as the Prime Minister of the Global Country of World Peace since 2005, a nonprofit organization founded by Yogi to "create a new era of peace, progress and prosperity in our world family." Nader said Morris was known for his "great heart, for the personal care and support he quietly gave to so many people over many years." Among his many accolades, Morris was awarded the first doctoral degree in Maharishi Vedic Science. "He was known for the profound depth of his knowledge of Maharishi Vedic Science and for the eloquence with which he expressed it," Nader said in his email. More: Berkshire CEO, Iowa resident vows to be careful steward after Buffett Former Maharishi president battled 'medical complications' Morris seemingly "disappeared" in January, according to a post in the Meditating Fairfield, Iowa, Facebook group. Advertisement Advertisement Craig Pearson, the vice president of development of consciousness at Maharishi University, said Morris had been dealing with medical complications and was receiving treatment at the University of Iowa. "He had been in Fairfield for the last few months, and he passed peacefully on Thursday evening in the company of loving, enlightened friends," Nader said in his email. Pearson said Morris's death was unexpected. He'd known Morris since he first became president in 1980. He was an advocate for Maharishi with a global presence, and Pearson noted how Morris's Australian accent had changed through the years and the places he lived. Advertisement Advertisement "He really was a global figure and he brought that global perspective to his leadership of the university," Pearson said. "He also brought the university to his global work, so it was a great way to get MIU known." Many who practice transcendental meditation, Pearson said, believe death is not the end, and Maharishi followers would agree that Morris is "in a good place." "We honor and celebrate Dr. Morris for his extraordinary lifelong service to Maharishi, for his steadfast leadership of the University, for his countless remarkable achievements, for his colleagueship and friendship, and above all for the example of his life, dedicated to the supreme values of knowledge, service, and enlightenment," Nader said in his email. "His memory will continue to inspire us for generations to come."Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Maharishi meditation leader who spent 36 years in Iowa is dead at 76 U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R: The Iranian regimes pursuit of nuclear weapons, ballistic missile development, and support for terrorist proxies pose serious threats to Americas national security and that of our allies, as well as to stability in the Middle East. Our highly skilled and brave service members are in my prayers as they perform this mission. Sustained combat operations require full engagement with Congress. There are important questions that will be discussed in the Senates classified briefings with Administration officials next week. U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, speaks with reporters inside the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 29, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) U.S. Sen. Angus King (I): Early this morning, the President announced major combat operations against Iran with the stated goal of overthrowing the current regime. While I certainly agree with the Presidents statements about Irans destructive behavior and the harm it has done in the region (including to Americans, going back to the bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon and including IEDs in Iraq), the statement left me with several questions. Advertisement Advertisement The first is why hasnt he made the case to the American people (and to their representatives in Congress) for such a major commitment of American forces, which could include troops on the ground? He had that opportunity as recently as Tuesday night, but did not take it. Secondly, why now? All reports were that negotiations with regard to Irans nuclear program were proceeding positively this week with the possibility of a long sought-after diplomatic solution, and there is no indication that new malign actions by the regime were imminent. The third question is what, if any, is the plan for an endgame now that the goal has moved from elimination of Irans nuclear capacity to regime change? As we have learned, toppling a despotic regime is only a first step; the hard question is what comes next and what will it take to insure that the next regime is not worse than that which went before. And finally, what is the legal and Constitutional authority for this extraordinary action? The Constitution explicitly places the power (and the responsibility) for taking our country into war in the peoples representatives in Congress for a reasonthe commitment to war is much too important to rest in the hands of one person. That principle is as valid today as it was at the founding of our country. I hope for the best, especially for our troops who may be placed in harms way, but fear that this precipitous action may have unnecessarily put them at risk without sufficient consideration of the significant possibility of a prolonged and destructive conflict. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D): Early this morning, President Trump launched a major attack on Iran and openly called for regime change without consulting Congress and without seeking authorization from the American peoples elected representatives. That is a flagrant violation of the Constitution and a dangerous escalation that puts American service members, civilians in the region, and global stability at grave risk. Republicans will inevitably try to downplay this action as something short of war. The President himself makes clear that is false. In his own words: The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. When a president acknowledges casualties and calls it war, Congress cannot pretend otherwise. The consequences are already unfolding. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the region. A U.S. Navy base in Bahrain has been hit. Airspace over the UAE and Qatar has been shut down. Iran-allied militias in Iraq have announced they will begin attacking American bases. Israelis are racing to bomb shelters. Civilians in Tehran are fleeing their homes. This is not a limited operation this is a war, and it is spreading by the hour. U.S. Rep. Jared Golden declared victory on Nov. 6, 2024 ahead of an official call from The Associated Press, in his closely-watched race against Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) The President took this country into that war based on claims his own intelligence community has not confirmed. The New York Times reports this morning that Trumps central assertions about Irans nuclear program that it had restarted, that Iran had enough material for a bomb within days, that it had missiles capable of reaching the United States are either false or unproven. We were told similar things before Iraq. We know how that ended. The American people are still living with the consequences of wars launched without accountability or an endgame. We cannot repeat those mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement My colleagues have introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution, and Democrats were already planning to force a vote the moment Congress reconvenes next week. Speaker Johnson should call the House back to Washington immediately to take up that vote. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority, halt unauthorized military action, and make clear that no presidentof either partyhas the power to drag this nation into war alone. U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D): Its regrettable that negotiations to halt Irans nuclear program have stalled. Having made the decision to use his Article II powers to initiate these strikes, President Trump is now required by the War Powers Act to consult with Congress within 48 hours. The president must brief Congress and the American people to justify his decision and clarify the administrations goals. At this time, my chief concern is for the safety and well-being of the men and women serving the United States in the region. I appreciate their service and pray for their safety. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Squad Reps. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Ilhan Omar led a laundry list of far-left pols condemning President Trump for launching airstrikes with Israel against Iran. Todays military strikes on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression, Mamdan said Saturday, mere days after the socialist mayor briefly bonded with Trump over potential Big Apple housing investments during a visit to the White House. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace. Mayor Mamdani and other far left pols condemned President Trump for his historic strike on Iran. Lev Radin/ZUMA Press Wire / SplashNews.com Mamdani insisted hes focused on making sure that every New Yorker is safe. Advertisement Advertisement He was in contact with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and emergency management officials to take proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution, the mayor said in a statement. Additionally, I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders, said the Ugandan-born pol. You will be safe here. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed the strikes as unlawful. ZUMAPRESS.com Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) also accused Trump of dragging Americans into a war they did not want, alleging the president does not care about the long-term consequences of his actions. This war is unlawful. It is unnecessary. And it will be catastrophic, she ranted. Advertisement Advertisement Omar (D-Minnesota) also piled on the president, accusing Trump of unilaterally dragging this nation into an illegal and unjustified war with Iran without congressional authorization, without a clear objective, and without any imminent threat to the United States. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also got blowback Saturday for calling the joint US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran an illegal, dangerous war while ripping President Trumps decision to attack Tehran. The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go, Newsom wrote on X Saturday. But that does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people. The Brief A University of Georgia student was sexually assaulted early Saturday morning. The assault happened in the 400 block of North Thomas Street. The student was walking home when Tydarius Wingfield, 19, allegedly forced her behind a building. ATHENS, Ga. - A 19-year-old is facing assault-related charges after police said he raped a University of Georgia student early Saturday morning while she was walking home. What we know Tydarius Wingfield of Athens allegedly approached the student in the area of 400 North Thomas Street just before 1:40 a.m. and asked to walk her home. Advertisement Advertisement Wingfield and the victim did not know each other. Wingfield then forced the woman behind a building where he sexually assaulted her, police said. Investigators used the Real Time Crime Centers camera system to see where the assault happened and track the victim and Wingfields movements. Officers continued tracking Wingfield until his arrest and positively identified him using the RTCC technology. He is charged with rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery and battery. An investigation is ongoing. What we don't know It is unclear whether the victim was taken to the hospital after being attacked. What you can do Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Burgamy at Charles.Burgamy@accgov.com or 762-400-7173. The Source Information in this report comes from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. President Donald Trumps Iran strikes are forcing a hypothetical debate into reality. And a president with extraordinary control over his partys base will test how far his supporters will follow him on an issue that polling showed divided his coalition. Just half of 2024 Trump voters, 50 percent, supported military action in a POLITICO poll last month but 30 percent opposed it. Those fractures, combined with largely unified opposition from Democrats, meant Americans broadly did not want an attack on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement In the January POLITICO poll, nearly half of Americans, 45 percent, said the United States should not take military action in Iran; fewer than one-third, 31 percent, said it should. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted last weekend similarly found broad public opposition to military action in Iran. The stakes are particularly high for a Republican Party already staring down a difficult midterm landscape, where even small defections from their winning 2024 coalition could carry outsized consequences. Part of the challenge for Trump is that support for military intervention in Iran was strongest among Trumps base and far weaker outside of it. A 61 percent majority of Trump voters who self-identified as MAGA Republicans said they support military action, according to The POLITICO Poll conducted Jan. 16 to 19, when Trump was ramping up his rhetoric against Iran but an outright attack remained hypothetical. Thats much higher than the 42 percent of Trump voters who do not identify as MAGA who said the same. That leaves Trump navigating an evolving issue where support within his coalition at least before the strikes was real but not overwhelming and where overall public opposition outweighed support. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats were largely unified. Two-thirds of voters who backed former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 said the U.S. should not intervene in Iran, while just 18 percent said it should, the POLITICO survey conducted by Public First found. The Economist/YouGov found 76 percent of Democrats opposed an attack. That Democratic unity is a warning sign for the GOP: It means that before the strikes, there were not enough pro-intervention Democrats to offset the anti-intervention Republicans. Trump has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to reshape Republican public opinion, bringing his voters along on issues including trade and foreign policy. Whether that pattern holds here may depend on how the conflict unfolds. The political risk depends on the outcome, Michigan-based Republican strategist Jason Roe told POLITICO. If we break Iran without terrorist attacks coming to America or harm coming to allies in the region, it will be a political win for Trump. If this expands into a protracted conflict, or ends up with troops on the ground, it will be a liability. That dynamic underscores the broader tension inside the modern GOP a party base deeply loyal to the president and largely unified around an America First prerogative, now being tested by his own foreign policy decisions. Advertisement Advertisement The divide also illustrates the longtime debate within the Republican Party between the hawks favoring a more aggressive posture on the world stage and those skeptical of intervention. Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow at the Conservative Political Action Conference, said the length and severity of conflict could determine how Trumps MAGA base responds. I think that the MAGA base will make it very loud and clear to the President that they will not necessarily agree, if it becomes a situation that it becomes a prolonged war, she said on C-SPANs Ceasefire earlier this week. Polling was already showing early signs of skepticism about overseas entanglements, including among Republicans. A February POLITICO Poll found that 47 percent of Americans said the U.S. government is too focused on international issues and not focused enough on domestic ones, while roughly one-quarter said it is striking the right balance. Advertisement Advertisement The question did not reference Trump directly. Even so, 41 percent of his 2024 voters said the U.S. government is too focused on international issues, including about half 49 percent of Trump voters who do not consider themselves MAGA Republicans. Those non-MAGA Trump voters are especially important for the GOP heading into November, and the presidents ability to overcome their initial opposition could prove crucial to maintaining control of Congress. Otherwise, if they swing back to Democrats or sit out the midterms Trumps base alone is not enough to carry his party to midterm successes. There is just one month remaining for the gripping CSMVS exhibition Disobedient Subjects: Bombay 19301931, which is built around an extraordinary corpus of superbly composed vintage photographs from an especially fraught season of nationalist dissent. It is not to be missed, and very highly recommended to all before it closes on March 31, as well as its excellent companion volume Photographing Civil Disobedience: Bombay 1930-31 (Mapin Publishing), edited by Avrati Bhatnagar and Sumathi Ramaswamy. The stunning photographs in Disobedient Subjects were clearly taken or collected by someone with unusually intimate access to the nationalist movement and an acute eye for drama. This is evident in the silver gelatin print reproduced here: the strident young activist Lilavati Munshi addresses a crowd at Azad Maidan, while the gothic BMC tower looms in the distance. Theres a layer of mystery too, because we dont quite know who took this photograph, or why this collection was put together in the first place. The so-called Nursey Album (it is referred to by the name KL Nursey printed on its spine) emerged only in the 1990s, when the venerable dealers Phillips Antiques pointed out its presence to Ebrahim Alkazi, the Saudi-Indian theatre director and hugely significant art collector who had already amassed one of the greatest holdings of early Indian photography. Still, as the pioneers grandson Rahaab writes in his useful preface to Photographing Civil Disobedience, we know nothing about how and why these stirring Bombay scenes were recorded: Were the images taken randomly and spontaneously when, camera in hand, Nursey chanced upon public protest action? Or were they planned and purposive, enabled by his prior knowledge of disobedient events, so that he was always in the right place at the right time to press the shutter? How was Nursey able to cover often chaotic and widespread mass action from different and precise angles? In his own evocative essay The Suburban Congresswoman, the prodigious multilingual scholar Murali Ranganathan points out how women were at the forefront of anticolonial agitation in 1930s Bombay leading processions, picketing foreign cloth shops, hoisting Congress flags, breaking the salt laws, protesting against the evils of alcoholand tells us more about the ubiquitous figure of Ms. Munshi, be it picketing the departmental store of Whiteaway Laidlaw on Hornby Road or posing with her husband, the writer and political activist KM Munshi, and friends, Munshi ensures the camera is focused on her. Though wearing a sari in the Gujarati style like the other women picketers, Munshi stands out with her confident pose, chic handbags, and the daring cut of her short blouse sleeves. In all likelihood, she never stepped out for a Congress activity without a photographer in tow. Interestingly, that penchant for fighting in the limelight never left Munshi, as we glean from various other archives. In 1957, for just one entertaining example, Nehru writes to My dear Lilavatibehn that I doubt if any Opposition member could have attacked our policy so vigorously as you have done. [Youve written] a broadsided attack on almost everything our Government is doing. By that time, she had founded the Society for the Prevention of Unhealthy Trends in Motion Pictures, using it as a bully pulpit to (unsuccessfully) petition Mamie Eisenhower to stop Hollywood ruining the moral fibre of future generations as well as (much more triumphantly) strong-arm Indian censors into their famous decades-long supposedly informal kissing ban. Of course, all that is unknowable future for the intensely poised, dignified woman at the start of her 30s in this breathtakingly beautiful photograph, but there is something about her comfortable half-smile and the way she stands that lets us know history is definitely on her side. Its a good example of what Abigail McGowan of the University of Vermont aptly describes in her excellent Boycotting Women: The Street Politics of Consumer Activism in Bombay, 1930-1931 as the prominence of female agency in the Nursey Album, where women appear as leaders or solitary agents of resistance, challenging their own vulnerability as they confront male onlookers. Indeed, the presence of women picketers upended the gendered dynamics of boycott in complex ways. When US president Donald Trump began his second term in office, it was on the promise of putting America first. For many of his MAGA supporters, that meant rejecting interventionist policies that had overextended the countrys military commitments across the globe. His National Security Strategy, published last year, promised that the affairs of other countries are our concern only if their activities directly threaten our interests. Advertisement Advertisement But since his return last January, the US commander-in-chief has pursued an aggressive foreign policy, greenlighting military strikes on multiple countries, seizing oil tankers and overseeing the shock overnight capture of Nicolas Maduro that led to the decapitation of the Venezuelan government. Like many US presidents before him, Donald Trump has launched multiple strikes in Africa and the Middle East - but now he is turning his attention elsewhere (The Independent) Other targets have included Iran, Iraq and Somalia, among others. Trump is far from the only US president to launch military action in the Middle East - Biden, Obama, Clinton, both Bushes, and Reagan have all done so over the last 50 years. The US also has a long-running history of intervention in Latin American countries. On Saturday 28 February, Trump said the US was carrying out major combat operations in Iran, warning that there could be US casualties. Strikes were carried out with Israel, who said they had carried out a pre-emptive attack against Iran. The US President told the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Iran's armed forces, to lay down their weapons, promising that they would be granted immunity. The other option, according to Trump, is "certain death." US President Donald Trump had promised that the affairs of other countries are our concern only if their activities directly threaten our interests (PA Wire) Below The Independent looks at the countries where Trump has taken military action in the last 12 months, and where he could strike next. Somalia: Targeting Isis and al-Shabab The US says its strikes on Somalia are against Isis - but Trump has also verbally attacked the countrys citizens In February last year, 10 days after his inauguration, Trump launched a series of military strikes against Isis key figures in Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians. Our Military has targeted this Isis Attack Planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldnt act quickly enough to get the job done. I did! Trump said. The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU! Further attacks on Isis, and the Islamist paramilitary group al-Shabab, were launched in January this year. According to think tank, New America, Trump has so far launched 135 strikes in the country in his second term, more than the entire Bush Jr, Obama and Biden presidencies combined. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Somalia has become a lightning rod for MAGA Republicans, with Trump calling the country a hell hole and repeatedly attacking Somali immigrants in the US as garbage who contribute nothing, comments that have sparked widespread backlash. Iraq: Hunting down Isis figureheads Trump greets troops at the Al-Udeid air base southwest of Doha in May (AFP/Getty) The US conducted several counterterrorism operations against Isis in Iraq in March 2025. Trump praised the operation as an example of peace through strength. According to the US CENTCOM, the precision airstrike killed Isiss second-in-command, Abdallah Abu Khadijah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. Posting the update on X with a portrait picture of himself, Trump wrote at the time: Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH! Advertisement Advertisement The operations were a continuation of an ongoing campaign of targeting ISIS in Iraq, begun during President Barack Obamas tenure in 2014, and dubbed Operation Inherent Resolve. Yemen: Retaliation for Red Sea ship attacks Houthi supporters protest against the US and Israel in Sana'a, Yemen, in March 2025 (AP) Trump launched bombings against Yemens Houthi rebels in March 2025 after a wave of attacks by the group against ships in the Red Sea that were in response to Israels war in Gaza. The United States is reported to have carried out more than 1,100 strikes, killed hundreds of Houthi fighters, and spent more than $1 billion over the 52-day campaign, officials told the New York Times. Despite the bombardment, rebels began attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea again in July. Advertisement Advertisement The Iran-backed group captured and sank a Greek-owned bulk carrier named Magic Seas using drones, missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades, forcing its 22 crew members to abandon ship. The next day, the Houthis sank another Greek-operated vessel called Eternity C, leaving at least four dead and 15 missing. Iran: Major combat operations Iranians burn a US flag as they take part in a funeral ceremony for Iranian army generals, nuclear scientists and their family members who were killed in Israeli strikes in Tehran (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) President Donald Trump launched major combat operations in Iran on 28 February, warning that there may be US casualties. The strikes, which Trump said were aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and annihilating its navy, follow repeated US and Israeli warnings that they would strike Iran again if it pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Advertisement Advertisement Trump told the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Iran's armed forces, to lay down their weapons, promising that they would be granted immunity. The other option, according to Trump, is "certain death." Trump said that Iran had rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, adding: We cant take it anymore. In June last year, the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Iran was violating its non-proliferation commitments and had enough enriched uranium to potentially develop nine nuclear bombs. Within days, Israel launched airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities and aTwelve Day War began. Iran launched a wave of missile and drone strikes in response. Advertisement Advertisement The US then intervened and launched a series of bombing raids on Irans nuclear sites. We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, the president wrote on Truth Social at the time. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. A ceasefire was agreed the next day, but tensions between the US and Iran resumed in January this year after widespread protests across the country that prompted a ruthless government crackdown, with human rights groups warning of thousands dead. Trump, backing the anti-regime protesters, warned repeatedly he would take action against Iran if the killings continued. Venezuela: Drug trade, regime change and oil Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at a heliport in midtown Manhattan (Reuters) The US began attacking alleged narco-terrorist boats off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela in September 2025, which later expanded to the Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement The administration claimed it was taking action to stem the flow of drugs into the United States, with Trump accusing Venezuelas then president of being a top-level member of drug cartel, Cartel de los Soles. At least 123 people are reported to have been killed in the operations, which UN and legal experts criticised for being extrajudicial killings. Between 10,000 and 15,000 American troops were stationed near the country as Trump reportedly gave Maduro an ultimatum to surrender. Then, on 3 January, US special forces raided Maduros residence in Caracas in Operation Absolute Resolve. Maduro was removed from office and extradited to the US to appear in a New York court to face criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Trump officials have said the US is not at war with Venezuela and that it is not planning any further military action, though the president also said, we're not afraid of boots on the ground. In the days after the raid, Trump announced the US would be taking over sales of Venezuelan crude oil across the globe and said the government in Caracas was providing Washington with between 30 and 50 million barrels of formerly sanctioned oil to sell. Syria: Retaliation for US deaths A US airman preparing an A-10 Thunderbolt II in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against Isis in Syria, in coordination with Jordan, on 19 December 2025. The most recent attacks took place earlier this month. The operation was a direct response to the killing of two US soldiers and a civilian US interpreter. Three additional US military personnel and two members of Syrias security services were injured in the attacks. Trump blamed Isis for the attacks, but Syrian officials said the attacker was a disgruntled member of the security services facing dismissal over allegations of holding extremist views. An unnamed US official told CNN that the January operation had launched 90 precision munitions at more than 35 targets, using over two dozen aircraft. Earlier operations took place in November, with the US military joining the Syrian armed forces to destroy 15 Isis weapons caches in southern Syria. Nigeria: Protecting Christians Residents inspect the damage after US forces launched a strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria (REUTERS) On Christmas Day 2025, Trump ordered strikes against Isis targets in Nigeria after he accused the group of targeting Christians. The US military confirmed multiple fatalities after camps in Sokoto state near the border with Niger were hit during the strikes. US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth said of the attacks: The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight on Christmas. He added: Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas! He then warned: "More to come" Trump said that the attacks were powerful and deadly and at levels not seen for many years, even centuries! A defense department official told The Independent that the strikes had been carried out with the knowledge and cooperation of the Nigerian government. Could Cuba, Colombia or Mexico follow Venezuela? Trump has been at odds with Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum (AFP/Getty) Mexico has long been a target of Trumps anger with the president blaming their government for failing to deal with drug cartels and preventing the flow of migrants across the border. He warned the country, which has been led by left-wing president Claudia Sheinbaum since October 2024, has to get their act together or were going to have to do something. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said in January that he believes Cuba is in a lot of trouble following the capture of Maduro, a key ally. Im not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and our policies are going to be right now in this regard, Rubio told NBC. But I dont think its any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime, who, by the way, are the ones that were propping up Maduro. Trump also warned Colombian president Gustavo Petro one of his fiercest critics on the international stage that the South American country could be his next target. Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man, who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, and hes not going to be doing it very long, he told reporters while on board Air Force One. Greenland and brewing tensions with Nato People protest against Trump's policy towards Greenland in front of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 17 (AP) Trump has had his sights set on purchasing the semi-autonomous territory of Greenland since 2019, but has ramped up his rhetoric in recent weeks and refused to rule out military action. The president argues it is vital to ensure the national security of the United States and to prevent the island falling into the hands of Russia or China. However, his threats have sparked backlash from Nato allies and European leaders amid fears Trump could fracture the long-standing alliance and play right into Vladimir Putins hands. Denmark and the US have agreed to set up a working group to discuss ways to resolve their differences, but Trump remains adamant that anything less than US control is unacceptable. Tensions have continued to mount throughout January, with European troops from Germany, France and Sweden deployed to the region, and Trump threatening tariffs against any country that stands in his way. The larger picture of Trumps foreign policy is one of transactional disruption rather than strategic leadership, Aurelien Colson, academic director at the ESSEC Business School Institute for Geopolitics & Business, told The Independent. Colson says that Trumps National Security Strategy exposed his intent to undermine the EU as a political and strategic actor. The document claimed that the continent was facing civilisational erasure. The so-called Donroe Doctrine openly revives a logic of spheres of influence, he explains. Trump joked that the Monroe Doctrine associated with exerting control over the Western hemisphere and warning about a Europeanisation of America could now be dubbed the Donroe Doctrine, a clear indication of his intentions. But, while Trump has made some historic statements and carried out unprecedented military action, Colson says that much of his behaviour can be interpreted as bluster. Trumps moves are driven less by coherent geopolitical objectives than by a mix of narcissistic posturing (which even his own administration finds difficulties to cope with), domestic political signalling, and personal financial interests: from his admiration for strongmen to policies that align with opaque business networks, including crypto-financial channels, he says. What he appears to seek is not a stable international order, but a world in which power is personalised, deals are opaque, and loyalty matters more than rules. The consequences are deeply negative, of course, for the world order, and for specific states such as Ukraine, but also for the USA: alliances are weakened, American credibility eroded, and strategic rivals emboldened. Colson explains: Far from America First, the outcome is increasingly America Isolated: mistrusted by partners and progressively less able to shape the rules of the international system it once led - to its own benefit. Canada: No military threats yet for Trumps 51st state President Trump is reportedly taking aim at Canada and expressing concern about its 'vulnerability' to adversaries (Getty Images) In December 2024, Trump began to tease that some of his supporters had expressed support for Canada to be annexed to become part of the United States. He had threatened to impose tariffs on Canada unless it increased its military spending and fortified its border security. The president has ruled out the use of military force to annex Canada, but said he would use economic force instead. Trump has continued to reiterate his desire to make Canada the the 51st state, throughout his second term. His comments have sparked a furious backlash in the country and sparked a boycott of American products. A poll conducted by Angus Reid poll last October suggested nearly half of Canadians (46 per cent) want their government to approach the US as an "enemy or potential threat". The burgeoning conflict in the Middle East has dragged into its seventh day, as Israel ramps up its offensive on Lebanon and orders thousands to leave their homes. The widening conflict has seen air defences in Azerbaijan and near Turkey spring into action, as Sri Lankan naval authorities look to prevent another attack in their waters after a US submarine sank an Iranian frigate, killing at least 87. On Friday, Israel launched fresh airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, pounding a Hezbollah stronghold with 26 strikes as part of a broad-scale operation, the military said. Advertisement Advertisement US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said the United States has only just begun in the Iran conflict, where president Donald Trump will have a heck of a say in its next supreme leader. Mr Trump, meanwhile, said in an NBC interview that the pace and intensity of US strikes will continue, and his goal was to go in and clean out everything for a new leader of Iran. Iran has lashed out at nations in the region in retaliation. Hundreds of missiles and drones have been launched at targets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, damaging stability and leaving thousands stranded abroad. Civilian targets in the Gulf, including hotels and airports, have also been hit. Europe has been forced to respond, with Britain sending a destroyer to Cyprus after a drone hit the airbase at Akrotiri. France said it would send the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the unstable situation. Advertisement Advertisement With the conflict showing no signs of winding down, The Independent maps the state of affairs. US-Israeli attacks on Iran Attacks on Iran have targeted several military sites and government buildings across the country, including the office of Irans supreme leader in Tehran, Ali Khamenei, who was killed. The Iranian Red Crescent says at least 1,045 people have been killed. It was unclear if the overall death toll included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military casualties. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the total number of reported civilian deaths in Iran stands at 1,168, including 194 children under 18. Advertisement Advertisement At least 165 people were killed in a strike on a girls elementary school in Minab, many of whom were pupils, authorities said. This prompted outrage from rights groups and the UN, which called for an investigation into the horrific attack. Neither Israel nor the US have taken responsibility for the attack or confirmed whether it took place. Irans ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, said that a nuclear facility named Natanz was also hit in the attacks. However, the United Nations nuclear watchdog has reiterated that no nuclear facilities have been hit. At least 1,045 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, according to the Iranian Red Cross. The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, meanwhile, reports that 742 civilians have been killed, including 176 children. Advertisement Advertisement The United States Central Command says its navy has destroyed 30 Iranian ships up from the 20 struck or sunk reported yesterday. Admiral Brad Cooper says that the US has struck nearly 200 targets inside Iran over the last 72 hours alone. Iran attacks on Israel The Iranian military responded to the initial attacks by launching missiles and drones at Israel, which have struck civilian targets, according to Israeli authorities. At least 10 people have been killed. Nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh after a missile evaded Israeli air defences, the local ambulance service said. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site on Monday. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said that avenging the US-Israeli attacks was its legitimate right and duty. Israeli attacks on Lebanon On Monday, the Israeli military said it launched strikes on Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, after Iran-backed Hezbollah militants fired rockets at Israel. These strikes intensified throughout the week. Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people have been killed and another 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks this week. There have been no reported fatalities in Israel as a result of Hezbollah attacks. In response to Hezbollahs projectile fire, the IDF said it had begun striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation across Lebanon. After entering southern Lebanon and forcing thousands to leave their villages and seek shelter elsewhere, Israel on Friday issued evacuation orders for southern Beirut. Israel said strikes on Beirut had killed Hussein Makled, whom it called the head of Hezbollahs intelligence headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah has also warned Israelis to leave towns within 5km (3 miles) of the border. Your militarys aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged, Hezbollah said. Hundreds of people have been killed in the expanding war (Datawrapper/The Independent) The Lebanese militant group had claimed responsibility for the attacks on Israel, saying it fired rockets and drones in retaliation for the pure blood of ... Ayatollah Imam Sayyid Ali al-Husseini Khamenei ... and in defence of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the repeated Israeli attacks. It is the first time Hezbollah has claimed an attack on Israel since a November 2024 ceasefire. Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman The US embassy in Saudi Arabias capital, Riyadh, was hit by two drones on Tuesday, causing a limited fire. In Oman, the Duqm commercial port was also struck in a drone attack. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, a fire was reported to have broken out at the Aramco oil refinery in Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia as a result of an Iranian strike. Multiple attacks were launched on Doha, with loud blasts heard in the Qatari capital over the weekend. Qatars foreign ministry said, in a statement on Monday, that Iran would pay a price for the attacks. Attempted attacks continued on Monday as Qatar said it had shot down two Iranian aircraft, seven ballistic missiles and several unmanned drones. On Sunday morning, an oil tanker off the coast of Oman was struck, with four people injured and 20 people forced to be evacuated. The US embassy in the capital Muscat has warned its staff and American citizens to take shelter while the activity is ongoing. Iran issued an apology to Oman, a nation which has played a key role in ongoing negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement The US Navys 5th Fleet service centre in Bahrain was also subjected to a missile attack on Saturday, as several residential buildings in Manama were struck. In Kuwait City, as fire and smoke rose from inside the US embassy compound after it was apparently hit, the countrys defence ministry said several American warplanes had also crashed in the country. This was later blamed on friendly fire, according to US Central Command. The UAE, which also houses US military bases, has reported several strikes, with one person dead and several injured after an attack on Zayed International airport. The Palm Hotel in Dubai was also hit, and a fire broke out after debris reportedly fell from the sky during an Iranian missile attack. Another four people have been injured at Dubai International airport after an incident. Attacks have also been reported in Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Cyprus Blasts were heard in Bahrain on Saturday morning (Reuters) The UK confirmed that strikes hit the RAF Akrotiri air base, targeting its runway, on Sunday. On Monday, it was confirmed that a further two drones had been intercepted. Advertisement Advertisement The weekend attacks were the second combined strikes in eight months from the US and Israel against Iran. In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Irans air defences, military leadership and nuclear programme. The UK has now sent a warship and helicopters with counter-drone technology to defend the base. Turkey Turkey a Nato member reported on Wednesday that Nato air and missile defences in the eastern Mediterranean had shot down an Iranian ballistic missile travelling in the direction of Turkey. A Turkish official said the missile had been aimed at an unspecified military base in Cyprus but had veered off course. The weapon had already passed over Iraq and Syria when it was shot down. Mr Hegseth downplayed suggestions that attacks on Turkey would trigger Natos collective defence clause. Nato said it stands firmly with all allies, including Turkey, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region. Turkey called for restraint to avoid further escalation. Sri Lanka On 4 March, an American submarine sank an Iranian frigate near Sri Lanka as the US ramped up its attacks on Irans navy. In a sign of the conflicts expanding reach, Hegseth said the strike on Iris Dena occurred off Sri Lankas southern coast, thousands of miles from the Gulf. Iranian frigate Iris Dena after being struck by a torpedo in a US attack off Sri Lanka (US Department of War) An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters, Mr Hegseth said at the Pentagon. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death. Hospital authorities in the Sri Lankan port city of Galle said 87 bodies were brought in by military rescuers who responded to an early morning distress call. Another 32 were rescued and were being treated in hospital, and about 60 people were likely unaccounted for from an estimated 180 people on board, Sri Lankan authorities said. Azerbaijan Four Iranian drones crashed into a school and an airport in Azerbaijan on Thursday, authorities in the country said, injuring at least four people. Azerbaijans government said the attack would not remain unanswered after a drone fell onto an airport in Nakhchivan, which lies close to the border with Iran. Authorities said another drone had landed near a school, causing damage. Footage published on social media showed a drone colliding with an airport terminal building, causing a large explosion and plume of black smoke. Four people were injured in the attacks. Maria Corina Machado will return to Venezuela within a few weeks, she announced Sunday, as the Venezuelan opposition leader seeks a role in her countrys democratic transition. Machado made her first public appearance in nearly a year in December, emerging from hiding to accept her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo. She later presented President Donald Trump with the prize during a meeting at the White House in January as a token of her appreciation for his support, despite the Nobel committee saying the prize could not be transferred. The world now knows: the transition to democracy in Venezuela is unstoppable, she said in a video posted to social media in Spanish. For years we said this regime would only relinquish power when confronted with real force and a credible threat. First, we had to defeat them spiritually, then politically, then electorally, and finally, militarily. We said it would happen, and it happened. Advertisement Advertisement Machado has repeatedly courted Trumps support for her opposition movement as his administration works with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president and a close ally of ousted leader Nicolas Maduro. But Machados chances of being installed as the countrys leader have dwindled in recent months, with the White House growing increasingly frustrated with her rhetoric. Machado told POLITICO in an exclusive interview last month that Venezuela could hold new democratic elections in less than a year, a prediction that rankled administration allies who worried her remarks could undercut the White Houses workplan in Venezuela. In that interview, Machado told POLITICO she hoped to return to her country as soon as possible, adding that the time will come for her to help Venezuela prepare for a democratic transition. Every area of my life Ive asked, you know, all these years, where am I more useful to our cause? she said. And it got to a point in Venezuela after 16 months when I realized I had to do some things abroad, something that I had not wanted to do because I thought it was, and I still think it is, important to be close to our people. Advertisement Advertisement Machado has attempted to walk a fine line in her public remarks, praising the Trump administration for its role in capturing Maduro while also consistently criticizing Rodriguez and the Maduro allies who remain in power. Machado won the primary to be the opposition partys candidate in Venezuelas 2024 presidential election but was barred from running by the Maduro regime. Maduro ultimately claimed a third term after opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez replaced Machado on the ticket, although independent watchdogs deemed the election unfair and questioned the credibility of official results. The regime that is in Venezuela today has the same nature; they are the ones who have tortured, persecuted, imprisoned, disappeared, murdered, expropriated and lied, Machado said in the video. They want to buy time so that nothing changes. But everything changed. And now, they must follow instructions to move forward with the dismantling of the repression, the economic recovery of our country, and advance towards the transition. Officials in Massachusetts havent taken too kindly to President Donald Trump telling Congress that the state was seized with the corruption that is plundering America. As the Trump administration ramps up its efforts to address alleged fraud, officials in Massachusetts instead see a pretext to punish blue states. The Trump administration has shown it is only interested in weaponizing fraud for political gain, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Over the last few weeks, Trump has declared a war on fraud. The federal governments actions have largely focused on Minnesota, reacting to fraud at child care centers, a reaction that included an immigration crackdown and protests. On Tuesday, Trump placed the Bay State in a group of states where he sees high rates of corruption. When it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, theres been no more stunning example than Minnesota, Trump said during his State of the Union address. And California, Massachusetts, Maine and many other states are even worse. At the beginning of January, the White House announced it was creating a new division in the Department of Justice focusing on fraud. At the time, the administration touted the actions it already took in Minnesota: door-to-door investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, prosecutors charging about 100 people, freezing payments for child care and annual grants from the Small Business Administration. Trump blamed the fraud on immigrants from Somalis who live in Minnesota. He also said that if fraud was addressed nationwide, then the government would see a balanced budget, a claim PolitiFact has declared false. While a generous estimate places the amount of fraud in the nation at $521 billion, it comes up short of the $1.78 trillion deficit in 2025, according to the fact-checking group. Advertisement Advertisement A federal prosecutor has said the amount money lost to fraud since 2018 in Minnesota could be about $9 billion. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Auditor said last month that she measured public benefits fraud in the 2025 fiscal year as totaling nearly $12 million. Even accounting for other allegations of fraud in the Bay State, it places the amount of possible public benefits fraud in Massachusetts much lower than in Minnesota, GBH reported this week. Last week, Vice President JD Vance, who Trump said would head the administrations fraud-fighting efforts, announced the administration was pausing some Medicaid funding headed to that state in order to ensure that the state of Minnesota takes its obligations seriously to be good stewards of the American peoples tax money. The Republican asked the White House about Trumps comment about Massachusetts this week: What information did it have that led the president to say the state was rife with fraud? What actions in the war on fraud have been taken here? Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in an email that the Trump administration would not allow sick criminals to rip off hardworking Americans and it was committed to addressing fraud. And the Administrations efforts have already been fruitful, Jackson wrote, with ongoing investigations and important actions to ensure American dollars arent being stolen, and were just getting started. Massachusetts officials react Massachusetts officials last week described the actions by the Trump administration as a weaponization of the efforts to root out fraud and a pretext to punish Democrat-leaning states. Attorney General Andrea Campbell vowed to take the Trump administration to court should it use a fabricated crisis as a reason to withhold federal funding such as Medicaid from the states residents. Advertisement Advertisement Trump doesnt get to hold Massachusetts families hostage to advance his own political agenda, Campbell said in a statement. Congress appropriates funding, not the President. If he breaks the law, well be ready. Gov. Maura Healeys spokesperson, Karissa Hand, said Trumps statements come at a time when communities in Massachusetts are less safe because of ICE, and residents face greater food insecurity and uncertain access to health care because of his policies. As a former Attorney General, Governor Healey takes preventing and detecting fraud extremely seriously, Hand said in a statement. President Trump is promoting false information about fraud to distract from how his disastrous agenda is making life harder and more expensive for everyone. Markey, the Democratic U.S. senator, said while Trump demonized immigrants with his accusations of fraud, he has enriched himself and his family while in office. Last year, Trump fired 12 inspectors general tasked with independently overseeing various federal agencies, included at the Small Business Administration, according to Markey Advertisement Advertisement Markey also referenced reporting from The New York Times that said Trump pardoned for a second time a person first convicted of selling counterfeit 5-Hour-Energy drinks after they were convicted of another fraudulent scheme in 2024. It should trouble every American, Markey said, because what it really means is that Trump will use isolated incidents of fraud to punish his perceived enemies. These are not actions of a president fighting fraud. This is a president determined to make life miserable for anyone who doesnt support him. Long effort to find pandemic-era fraud Markey made his comments at a Senate hearing Wednesday that explored federal efforts to root out fraud in the pandemic-era programs run by the Small Business Administration. While much of the discussion has centered on fraud in social services programs, such as food assistance and child care, the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing provided a window into the years-long efforts to recover money improperly disbursed during the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement During that time, the Small Business Administration disbursed about $1.2 trillion to businesses in an effort to stabilize the economy and keep businesses from closing. Markey, the top Democrat on the committee, and its chair, Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, agree that Congress could have instituted better protocols when it authorized the pandemic assistance to head off much of the fraud. An estimate made three years ago said about $200 billion of that $1.2 trillion went to fraudsters, according to written testimony of William Kirk, the Small Business Administrations inspector general, who was sworn in about seven weeks ago. While investigating fraud in the pandemic-era programs are complex, the clock to bring fraud prosecutions involving two programs one for restaurants and another for shuttered venues is set to run out this year, Kirk said. The inspector generals office has 29 open investigations into potential fraud in the two programs. Advertisement Advertisement Ernst said a bill that would extend the statute of limitations to investigate fraud in the two programs is pending before the full Senate. She accused Democrats of blocking the measure. She also applauded the Small Business Administration for moving quickly to suspend more than 111,000 borrowers in California last month. The administration suspected they fraudulently received collectively $8.6 billion in pandemic-era assistance. The head of the Small Business Administration, Kelly Loeffler, said in a statement the move brought accountability in a state whose unaccountable welfare policies have created a culture of fraud and abuse. For Markey, the administrations actions in California was another example of a selective focus on fraud. You know that fraud is not a problem that is unique to only blue states, Markey said, adding that a focus on half the country would let other culprits go free. Advertisement Advertisement Kenneth Dieffenbach, executive director of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, said during the hearing his organization helped recover $500 million since its inception in March 2020 to monitor the pandemic-era aid. The committee, made up of 19 inspector generals, developed a system that uses artificial intelligence to sort through data on pandemic funding to flag fraud, Dieffenbach said. Fraud exists in any program that gives away money, Dieffenbach said, when Markey asked if there was a correlation between fraud and where someone lives. Its distributed across all states. I have three billion data points and every day Ive got a team that is looking for the patterns, trends and anomalies of the fraud where it may it occur. Fraud prosecutions in Massachusetts In the first two months of 2026, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Massachusetts issued 13 press releases mentioning the word coronavirus. Advertisement Advertisement The announcements include, for instance, news of a former TSA security officer pleading guilty to collecting more than $47,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance while he worked at Boston Logan International Airport. The Harvard Club of Boston (not officially affiliated with the university) said it would pay $2.4 million to settle a suit alleging it was ineligible to collect a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Prosecutors said they charged three Florida residents and a person from Boston in connection with making fraudulent PPP loan applications and receiving about $7 million. Most of the recent actions taken by federal prosecutors in Massachusetts appear to be focused on the eastern part of the state. A Southwick company that designs and sells cameras agreed to pay $2 million in mid-December to settle an allegation it obtained a loan under the PPP. Because Kokusai Denki Electric America was a subsidiary of a much larger company, it was ineligible for the assistance, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. In that instance, the lawsuit was initiated by a single person suing on behalf of the federal government in whats called a qui tam action. Its a legal procedure established during the Civil War to help root out fraud; if successful, the whistleblower who brought the suit receives a share of the money thats recovered. The courts have seen a growing number of these lawsuits. The Department of Justice said whistleblowers filed a record-breaking 1,297 qui tam lawsuits in the 2025 fiscal year the most initiated since the False Claims Act was created in 1863. The number of filings in 2025 broke the record set the year before, according to the department. Qui tam cases in the 2025 fiscal year helped the government recover $5.3 billion of the $6.8 billion recovered under the act, the department said, much of it from fraud in the health care industry. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for Massachusetts did not answer questions about the qui tam cases filed in the state and its offices role in the Trump administrations recent efforts to address fraud. On Feb. 3, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley held a press conference, to announce charges against three Massachusetts men, saying they conspired to use 115 stolen identities to apply for food assistance benefits from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which they used to buy food in bulk for a Leominster restaurant. Prosecutors also said they applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in a handful of states. Altogether, the men fraudulently received about $1.14 million, according to federal prosecutors, but obtained only about a tenth of the funds, $115,000, from Massachusetts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Lets be honest, it is no secret that there is rampant fraud across this nation, Foley said at the press conference. The charges announced today are just a snapshot of the bigger picture. Foley said her office has more pending benefits fraud cases. She is designating a staff member to oversee investigations into fraud. Foley said Massachusetts could have taken steps to try and quell fraud. The state, she said, did not install chips in its EBT cards, which would make them harder to forge. Only a handful of states have chips in their EBT cards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is the primary agency tasked with investigating fraud in the SNAP program. State officials provided data to assist with the investigation, according to the Department of Transitional Assistance. This criticism is not directed solely at Massachusetts, Foley said. I want to make that clear. We believe that this fraud is nationwide. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. CHARLESTON After national attention on West Virginias water infrastructure challenges during a recent segment on 60 Minutes, state Sen. Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, 06, renewed his call for stronger oversight and long-term reform of Public Service Districts across the state. The segment highlighted water system failures in McDowell County, drawing national attention to infrastructure deficiencies that have affected residents in parts of southern West Virginia. Maynard, chairman of the Transportation and lnfrastructure Committee, introduced Senate Bill 776, which was pending in the Senate Government Organization Committee. The legislation seeks to strengthen oversight of Public Service Districts by the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Under current state law, county commissions appoint PSD board members, who must complete Public Service Commission training within six months of appointment. However, ongoing technical oversight by the commission is limited, leaving local boards often without specialized infrastructure expertise to manage complex water systems. Senate Bill 776 would authorize and require greater involvement from the commissions technical experts to proactively assist PSDs and prevent system failures before they escalate into crises. It is heartbreaking that West Virginia is once again in the national spotlight because of our water, Maynard said. We have hardworking local board members doing their best, but they are often left without the ongoing technical support they need. My legislation ensures that our states water experts at the Public Service Commission are not just trainers they are active partners in preventing failure. In addition to the proposed oversight reforms, Maynard recently submitted a $76 million funding request to the Senate Finance Committee to address estimated water infrastructure needs within the 6th Senatorial District. Advertisement Advertisement Just weeks before this national story aired, I requested $76 million to address water infrastructure in our district, Maynard added. We cannot continue reacting to crises. We must invest proactively. Maynard also pointed to past infrastructure spending decisions, noting that approximately $100 million per facility was used in prior years to demolish and rebuild turnpike travel plazas. Imagine if we had prioritized water infrastructure with the same urgency. Clean, reliable water is not a luxury it is a basic necessity for every West Virginian. Maynard said he remains committed to working with state agencies, county commissions and local PSD boards to pursue long-term structural reforms and investment in water systems across southern West Virginia. President Donald Trump placed a huge wager by launching a massive air assault on Iran despite having done little to prepare Americans for a new Middle East war with immense risks and years of future consequences. But the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei opens up a scenario in which Tehrans brutal Islamist regime is overthrown, ending decades of repression that saw thousands of civilians gunned down in the streets in December and January. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, Trump wrote on Truth Social after backing up earlier Israeli reports that Khamenei, whom he described as one of the most evil people in history was killed in an air strike. Advertisement Advertisement The demise of Khamenei the successor to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the instigator of the 1979 Iranian revolution was confirmed by Iranian state media. It is a seismic political event in Iranian history. And it threatens the grip on power of hardline Islamists who turned Iran into a ruthless theocratic dictatorship. It also adds urgency to one of the most critical questions raised by Trumps assault: Would the removal of top leaders unleash a torrent of institutional reform, or set off uncontrollable political forces that would deepen repression and tear the country apart? Trump told NBC the attacks had inflicted tremendous damage. At some point theyll be calling me to ask who Id like (as leader), Trump said. He added: Im only being a little sarcastic when I say that. Advertisement Advertisement No one needs reminding of the treacherous possibilities of foreign wars that begin with shock-and-awe violence but can unravel disastrously. Many will view Trumps impulsive attack as a reckless, imperial error. His critics in Congress are already slamming what they see as a unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional war that makes a mockery of democracy. Iranian counterattacks against US allies in Bahrain and Qatar and the sight of an Iranian drone crashing into a luxury hotel in a tourist area of Dubai underscored the potential for his bet to spiral out of control. But while the Middle East usually destroys the preconceptions of outsiders, its possible that history may eventually remember Trump as the savior of Iranians. In this handout image released by the White House on X, President Donald Trump monitors US military operations in Iran on Saturday from Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Portions of the photo have been blurred by the source. - The White House/X The combined US-Israeli attack launched from Israel and a vast US naval armada early Saturday is the most significant twist in a bitter 47-year showdown with the Islamic clerical regime. It seems to end Trumps diplomatic quest for a deal with Iran that now looks like a ruse as a fearsome US force gathered. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps fleeting public arguments ahead of the strikes were incomplete and self-contradictory. He insisted, for instance, that hed already obliterated Irans nuclear facilities, which formed a key rationale for Saturdays attack. His claims that the nuclear program and long-range missiles posed an immediate risk to the United States are overblown and contradict US intelligence assessments reported by CNN. The president even seemed to admit publicly that the threats were not so imminent as to justify immediate US action. Were doing this not for now. Were doing this for the future, Trump said in a video released from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida early Saturday. But this is now another American operation based on questionable claims of immediate national security peril. In this, it recalls the war waged on false pretenses in Iraq that destroyed President George W. Bushs second term. And it will alienate Trump from sectors of his own MAGA movement. Its always a lie and its always America Last, Trumps former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X. But it feels like the worst betrayal this time because it comes from the very man and the admin who we all believed was different and said no more. The opening that Trump saw and past presidents lacked If Trumps decision casus belli was impulsive, its broader rationale was familiar. The US and its allies have long tried to thwart Irans push toward nuclear weapons. Theyve also been fixated on its long-range missiles and a proxy terror network that made it a pernicious regional power. Advertisement Advertisement But if a crisis point had not been reached, why did Trump act now? The new dimension in the US-Iran standoff is the weakness of the Tehran regime. This created an opening the US and Israel might rue missing if they didnt act. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei arrives to cast his vote during parliamentary elections in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2024. - Majid Asgaripour/Wana News Agency/Reuters Iran has been locked in worsening political turmoil. Khameneis succession process has been opaque. Iranians are hungry and desperate after decades of iron-fist repression. The economy is splintered by international sanctions and disruption to the most basic services, such as food and water distribution. Israeli attacks have pummeled regional proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah that were once an insurance policy against US and Israel action. Although Iran launched frightening counterattacks by firing missiles against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, the potential costs of a US effort to destroy the regime are perhaps lower now than they have ever been. Advertisement Advertisement When Trump called on Iranians to revolt against their government in his message, he was trying to leverage these political factors to catalyze change. The factor that clearly seems to have changed is the level of hatred that people of Iran have for the regime, given the massacre that happened back in January, said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. So if youre sitting in the White House, or if youre sitting in Jerusalem, you look at this as a window of opportunity. The regime is weak. Its not just the sanctions its the fact that they did what they did and kept massacring their own people, and so that creates a window of opportunity. The president also needed to rescue himself. His repeated warnings that the US would protect protesters in Iran during the recent uprising meant that a failure to act risked deepening Tehrans repression and shattering his own credibility. And he makes no secret of being motivated by vengeance. He had frequently warned Iran was steeped in the blood of Americans following years of terror attacks and the Tehran-backed militia killings of US soldiers during the occupation of Iraq. And Trump, more than most of his modern predecessors, is enthralled by the ruthless application of American military power. Advertisement Advertisement A commander in chief nearing 80 is also a man in a hurry. The chance to be the president who solved the Iran conundrum that bedeviled every predecessor since Jimmy Carter must have been tantalizing. But his hubris will leave his legacy condemned by history if hes made a bad bet. Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran on Saturday. - Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters Consequences could linger for years Trump has not just committed the United States to toppling a foreign government. Hes trying to end a revolution a process that he will struggle to influence, especially in the absence of US ground troops. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, warned of consequences that will outlast this presidency. Against the clear wishes of the American people, President Trump has thrust our nation into a major war with Iran one he never made a case for, never sought congressional authority for, and for which he has no endgame, Reed said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Several key factors will shape the conflict in the short term. Will US and Israeli strikes succeed in taking out the top level of Iranian leaders? Now that Khamenei is dead, will Iranians heed Trumps call to take to the streets, take over their country and end the Islamic Revolutions stranglehold? The possibility of a regional conflagration remains acute. But do Irans initial reprisals which were alarming but limited betray diminished capability or a desire to keep options in reserve? Eyes will soon turn to Trumps staying power. The president prizes quick wins; he is adept at tearing things down, but has shown less capacity for building something in their place. He told Axios on Saturday, however, that he was ready to stay the course if necessary. I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians: See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding (nuclear facilities). Advertisement Advertisement The domestic response to Trumps move will also be important. Hes saddled with his worst-ever approval ratings ahead of Novembers midterm elections. Polls show that majorities of Americans believe he doesnt share their priorities. What could go wrong? The best day for the United States in recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, for instance has come early in a conflict where the massive, overwhelming advantage of US military force looks decisive. Even if its regime is overthrown and top leaders are killed, a transition to a democratic, nonthreatening Iran may still be a pipe dream. If the authority of central government breaks down, anarchy could erupt. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem to have calculated this is a worthwhile risk to remove Khamenei. But it could seed decades of regional instability. Advertisement Advertisement I think the calculus, is that in some sense, stars have aligned with regard to the weakness of the regime internally the kind of battle that its facing domestically, plus its regional defeats and its reduced capacity for retaliation, said Ian Lesser, a distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Now, all of that may not add up to a change in the regime. This is a strong and, in some ways, resilient country, but what is the risk? While Lesser said theres little chance of a regime worse than the current one, the danger persists that Trumps operation is inconclusive, and that the regime strikes out in ways that may only manifest themselves months and years to come, in terms of support for proxies, in terms of support for state-sponsored terrorism in the West generally. Another danger seen as the most likely scenario by US intelligence assessments cited by CNN is that the clerical regime could simply be replaced by equally hardline remnants of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A classic strongman Middle East government might mean imminent threats to the US or Israel. But it would fall far short of the popular awakening Trump hopes for. People walk near a mural featuring images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on a street in Tehran February 17. - Majid Asgaripour/Wana News Agency/Reuters The worst-case scenario is a disintegration of central control in Tehran over major cities that leads to armed factions creating rival fiefdoms that pose a serious risk of civil war and national fracturing. Refugee crises could follow and destabilize the region for years to come. Theres little in Trumps mindset or conduct that suggests hes got the depth or staying power for such an outcome. Still, some Republicans are adamant the US will not get sucked into another long-term conflict that would strain American resources and the publics will. I dont know why anybody would say this is going to be a forever war. I think its going to be pretty short, Texas Sen. John Cornyn told CNN. But Iran has a much simpler goal than Trump: an outcome that ends with the current regime in place equals victory. Iran has prepared itself for a long war, an Iranian source with knowledge of the countrys military strategy told CNNs Frederik Pleitgen. Its too early to predict a quagmire. But this new war already has its defining irony. Trump who rose to power on a tide of angst over foreign wars is now the latest president to willingly plunge into a new Middle East conflict. He has so much respect for American force, but thats just part of the equation, Vatanka said. American force without any strategic objective in mind is essentially useless. You can just blow up anything you want, but doesnt mean much. That doesnt mean youre going to end up with a better product. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In March, the Metropolitan Council will consider a recommendation from Metro Transit to install a new bus rapid transit service to travel along West Seventh Street in St. Paul and south to the Mall of America in Bloomington the Metro J Line, a kind of spiritual successor to the long-planned and recently aborted Riverview Corridor. The BRT recommendation was praised Wednesday by St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker and Council Member Saura Jost, who said their political wards have waited for decades for major investment in the West Seventh corridor, which could be fully reconstructed in 2029 if funding comes together and discussions between the city, county, state and Met Council are fruitful. Im just so grateful to everyone who stepped up when that (Riverview Corridor) process ended, said Jost, as the council voted to approve a resolution supporting the J Line on West Seventh. Advertisement Advertisement Another proposal coming before the seven-county metros regional planning agency is the future Metro K Line, which would follow Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis down to American Boulevard in Bloomington. If approved, both bus routes would roll out between 2030 and 2035. The two arterial BRT services, which would operate in normal traffic rather than separated lanes, were forwarded from among 17 options considered by Metro Transit about a year ago, and in some ways, theyre the tip of the iceberg. In 2024, Metro Transit set a goal of expanding its transit services by 35% by late 2027. Dubbed Network Now, the vision called for 20 new bus routes, additional service on 65 existing routes, and light-rail trains that pull into stations every 10 minutes during workday hours. Funding would come, in part, from a 0.75 cent regional sales tax that took effect across the Twin Cities in October 2023. Hows progress? Network Now isnt sleeping. The leading transit provider for the Twin Cities will soon be 40% of the way there following a series of additional bus services scheduled to get rolling on March 14. Added service Notably, the Route 94 bus connecting downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul will offer trips every 15 minutes during peak periods, a boon for rush-hour commuters accustomed to departures every 20 to 30 minutes. The new schedule will result in 115 trips per day, up from 100 daily trips. Advertisement Advertisement Added service also is coming to Route 270, which offers morning and late afternoon trips between Maplewood Mall and downtown Minneapolis along Minnesota 36. That bus route will launch a new midday service. Other changes include expanded service on Route 17, which serves Hopkins, St. Louis Park and Minneapolis, and Route 22, which serves Brooklyn Center and connects to the Blue Line. Come mid-March, schedules and travel times will be adjusted on 23 bus routes to account for road construction. Looking out a little further, Metro Transit plans to open the Green Line extension from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie in 2027. Also in the works is the extension of the Metro Gold Line, an all-day bus rapid transit service that currently connects Woodbury to downtown St. Paul. The Gold Line extension would continue to downtown Minneapolis. Report on high-subsidy routes Before transit enthusiasts get too excited, it might behoove a review of a recent 10-page report compiled by the Met Council at the request of Minnesota House lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement The report takes a critical look at high-subsidy regular-route transit service. Historically, most public transit services dont cover operating costs through fares and their rather limited advertising revenue alone. Some require heavier infusions of tax dollars than others, a finding not lost on lawmakers during a Feb. 18 hearing before the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. A weekday ride on the Green Line light rail, for instance, requires a per-passenger taxpayer subsidy of $4.25. On Sundays, that subsidy climbs to $6.92. If that sounds high, brace yourself. Thats actually a handsome return on investment, relatively speaking. The recently discontinued Northstar Commuter Rail line required a per-passenger operating subsidy of more than $116. Bus rapid transit that follows highways from the suburbs to the cities the Orange and Red lines require per-passenger subsidies of about $13 to $18 per ride. Urban BRT routes need a relatively modest per-passenger infusion of $6 to $8.80. Advertisement Advertisement Traditional urban bus routes, dubbed core local bus routes in the report, rely on per-passenger subsidies that can range anywhere from $8 to $30 per trip. Thats small potatoes compared to most south metro suburban bus services run by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, where per-passenger subsidies can climb as high as $200 per passenger ride. The MVTA, which is overseen by its own board composed of seven member cities, operates independently of Metro Transit and answers directly to the Legislature, albeit with guidance from the Met Council, which distributes some of its state and federal funding, including Motor Vehicle Sales Tax dollars. Of MVTAs 48 suburban bus routes, about 17 to 20 fall in the category of high subsidy, with per-passenger subsidies landing at least in the high double-digits say $50 or more. Six MVTA corridors exceed per-passenger subsidies of $90. MVTA serves seven suburbs, including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Savage, Prior Lake and Shakopee. Those numbers reflect day-to-day operating costs, not the cost of capital construction or new train cars or buses. Eliminating high-subsidy routes could yield some $23 million in annual savings from operating costs alone, but the report notes that would leave some suburban communities stranded. Those savings would likely flow into new or existing services that require less subsidy, reads the report, which makes no specific recommendations for lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Still, of 264 routes studied across five transit providers, the report found 28 that would be considered especially high subsidy, and ripe for restructuring or elimination. That includes nine Metro Transit routes, or 4% of Metro Transit lines. We work on a quarterly basis to adjust our service to meet demand, said Charles Carlson, executive director of the Met Councils Metropolitan Transportation Services, addressing the House committee. The councils guidelines are that we should not have high-subsidy routes, and they should be addressed through minor, moderate or major changes. Lawmakers appeared eager to revisit that suggestion. If 4% of rides are extremely expensive to provide, I think our challenge is how do we remedy that to respect the taxpayers, and still continue to provide good transit service that people actually need, and not highly subsidized routes that people arent using? said committee co-chair Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, during the hearing. Staffing, public safety Meanwhile, Metro Transit, which struggled greatly in recent years with staffing, added 113 new bus and train operators last year through heavy recruitment and signing bonuses, growing its total to 1,500 operators, as well as dozens of new maintenance workers. The hope is that filling out the ranks will lead to fewer canceled trips and increased reliability, a key part of drawing passengers back to a transit system that lost scores of riders during the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement For many riders, public safety remains a concern. The Transit Rider Investment Program, or TRIP, which launched two years ago, now employs more than 130 civilian agents who ride light-rail and bus rapid transit lines to inspect fares and serve as a second set of eyes to maintain standards. The agents recently began riding the Orange Line, which connects the Burnsville Transit Station to the Fifth Street Station in downtown Minneapolis. The Metro Transit Police Department employs an additional 35 community service officers, or students who work part time for Metro Transit while earning their law enforcement degrees, which is the most in department history. An expanded security contract that rolled out late last year brought private security officers to 15 stations, some of which are staffed up to 24 hours per day. Beat officers return to trouble spots Have all those public safety efforts actually paid off? It depends how you look at the numbers. Reports of serious crimes such as assault dropped 14% from 2024 to 2025, continuing a two-year trend toward improvement, according to the Metro Transit Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, documented proactive calls for police service increased nearly 32% which is a good thing, in eyes of Metro Transit officials, who say the measure reflects how often police are addressing unwanted behaviors they observe on the transit system, including nuisance issues like smoking. Overall, there was a 17% increase in reported crime year over year from 2024 to 2025. Still, serious crimes on transit are low and dropping, but any amount of criminal activity is unacceptable, which is why we will continue doing everything we can to be present and to prevent crimes from ever happening in the first place, said Joe Dotseth, interim chief of the Metro Transit Police Department, in a written statement. Metro Transit reinstituted a team last year dedicated to trouble spots, including areas such as downtown St. Paul, downtown Minneapolis, University Avenue and the Blue Lines Franklin Avenue and Cedar-Riverside stations. The hope is that creating a regular beat for officers will help them develop a presence, visibility and contacts in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Metro Transit also roped in social service providers and prosecutors to focus specifically on the Green Line corridor last year. This spring, the transit authority will contract with a community-based organization to offer resources to transit riders experiencing behavioral health challenges and unsheltered homelessness. The St. Paul Downtown Alliance currently maintains Safety Ambassadors at downtown St. Paul light-rail stations, and Metro Transit is looking into possibly developing a similar partnership in Minneapolis. Related Articles MEXICO BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Crowds arrived at the Mexico Beach boat ramp ready for gumbo. The special events for the Mexico Beach team were waiting to greet them. Weve been doing this since 1999. All of the money goes to support the fundraising efforts for the 4th of July fireworks that the Special Events Volunteers put together, events all throughout the year, so that we can provide the fireworks for the community, Special Events for Mexico Beach Brandy Grant said. 19 teams waited to serve their best to the crowds, hoping to win one of the top prizes. Advertisement Advertisement This year, we have added two categories. So we have an individual category, and we have a business category, and each of those categories theres three prizes. The top prize is $1,500. The second place is 750, and third place is 350, and we added this year for the first time, Peoples Choice. There were also a number of local vendors present, and live music. The teams competing are not all Mexico Beach locals; some even travel in from surrounding states to participate. Love it down here. Love, love the people. We really love doing and helping an event to raise money for the fireworks and other things in Mexico Beach. We love to come down here, and fish, and its just a great event, great event. Advertisement Advertisement The cookoff is one of the Mexico Beach Special Events Teams biggest fundraising efforts to raise money for the annual Fourth of July fireworks. Without events like this, there is no way that we would have 4th of July fireworks. The city itself does not fund the fireworks. Special Events, what its whole purpose was founded for was just to provide the fireworks for the Mexico Beach community. The team at Special Events for Mexico Beach accepts donations for the fireworks show year-round. The Special Events for Mexico Beach have plenty more events planned for the rest of the year, including the Fourth of July fireworks. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here's a look at Feb. 28, 2026, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing Midday: 5-3-2 Evening: 7-5-6 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing Midday: 6-6-2-2 Evening: 2-7-0-0 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Feb. 28 drawing QC-JD-KH-7D-8D Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing 03-11-23-28-31 08-12-23-24-36 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from Feb. 28 drawing 01-05-08-15-17-24-25-29-35-37-41-43-45-51-57-63-64-69-71-72-77-80 Advertisement Advertisement Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing 06-09-13-30-33-35 Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from Feb. 28 drawing 03-06-12-27-37-38 Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 28 drawing 13-20-28-44-48, Bonus: 04 Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Feb. 28, 2026 Editor's note: The story has been updated with the latest details. Iranian officials and state media vowed sweeping retaliation after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted senior leadership and military sites on Feb. 28, warning that a major response against both countries was imminent. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that "the most intense operation against Israel and the United States is set to begin," while state outlets warned that "revenge is coming." Advertisement Advertisement The warning comes as Iranian state media confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed amid Israeli-U.S. strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against carrying out retaliatory attacks, saying: "THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" Tehran has already launched several rounds of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel as well as areas hosting U.S. forces across the Middle East. A U.S. airbase near Erbil in Iraq was struck, with footage and local reports indicating an explosion at the site. Advertisement Advertisement Across the Gulf region, missiles and drones targeted military facilities, international airports, and strategic infrastructure in multiple countries, causing injuries and damage despite interceptions by air defense systems. Dubai, Zayed (Abu Dhabi), and Kuwait airports were damaged following separate attacks. A French military base in Abu Dhabi was also struck, though French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin reported that damage was "limited." Civilian sites were also affected, including a high-rise residential building in Bahrain and luxury properties in Dubai, where drone debris reportedly struck buildings on or near major landmarks, including the Burj Al Arab. Qatar said it intercepted several missiles reportedly aimed at al-Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. base in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Airlines across the Middle East have since canceled or rerouted flights as airspace risks intensified. At the same time, the U.S. and Israel launched another wave of strikes on the morning of March 1, with the Israel Defense Forces reporting attacks on the "heart of Tehran." Iranian officials framed Tehran's attacks as the beginning of a broader response, warning that further strikes would continue unless what they described as "aggression" by the U.S. and Israel stops, raising fears of a rapidly widening regional conflict. Read also: US, Israeli missiles strike Iran heres what it means for Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WASHINGTON (AP) A high-stakes dispute over military use of artificial intelligence erupted into public view this week as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brusquely terminated Anthropics work with the Pentagon and other government agencies, using a law designed to counter foreign supply chain threats to slap a scarlet letter on a U.S. company. President Donald Trump and Hegseth accused rising AI star Anthropic of endangering national security after its CEO Dario Amodei refused to back down over concerns the companys products could be used for mass surveillance or autonomous armed drones. The San Francisco-based company has vowed to sue over Hegseths call to designate Anthropic a supply chain risk, an unprecedented move to apply a law intended to counter foreign threats to a U.S. company. Anthropic said it would challenge what it called a legally unsound action never before publicly applied to an American company. The looming legal battle could have huge implications on the balance of power in Big Tech during a critical juncture, as well as the rules governing military use of AI and other guardrails that are set up to prevent a technology from posing threats to human life. The dustup already has resulted in a coup for ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which seized upon an opportunity to step into the void to make its technology available to the Pentagon after Anthropic objected to some of the Trump administrations terms. Its a turn of events likely to deepen the animosity between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who was temporarily ousted by his own board in late 2023 over questions about his trustworthiness, and Amodei, who left OpenAI in 2021 to launch Anthropic partly because of concerns about AI safety. Implications of being designated a supply chain risk The Department of Defenses move to label Anthropic a risk to the nations defense supply chain will end its up to $200 million contract with the AI company. It will also, according to the Pentagon, prohibit other defense contractors from doing business with Anthropic. Trump wrote on Truth Social that most government agencies must immediately stop using Anthropics AI but gave the Pentagon a six-month period to phase out the technology that is already embedded in military platforms. Anthropic argues that Hegseth doesnt have the legal authority to stop business relationships with other defense contractors. Any company that still holds a commercial contract with Anthropic can continue to use its products for non-defense projects, the company wrote in a statement. The supply chain risk designation was created to give American military leaders a way to limit the Pentagons exposure to companies posing a potential security risk. The list has typically included firms with ties to adversaries, such as telecom giant Huawei, which has links to China, or cybersecurity specialist Kaspersky, which has links to Russia. In the case of Anthropic, the designation serves as a warning to other AI and defense companies: Fail to meet our demands and you will be blacklisted. We dont need it, we dont want it, and will not do business with them again! Trump said on social media. Trumps six-month grace period for the Pentagon essentially opens a window for other companies to get the classified security clearances that are needed to work with the agency. How the standoff affects Anthropics business Anthropic says it has yet to be formally notified of Hegseths designation. When we receive some kind of formal action, we will look at it, we will understand it and we will challenge it in court, Amodei vowed during an interview with CBS News that will be aired Sunday morning. For now, Anthropic is trying to convince the businesses and government agencies that the Trump administrations supply chain risk designation only affects the usage of Claude, its AI chatbot and computer coding agent, for military contractors when they are using the tool on work for Department of Defense work. Your use for any other purpose is unaffected, Anthropic wrote in its statement. Making that distinction clear is crucial for Anthropic because most of its projected $14 billion in revenue this year comes from businesses and government agencies that are using Claude for computer coding and other tasks. More than 500 customers are paying Anthropic at least $1 million annually for Claude, according to an announcement disclosing an investment that had valued the company at $380 billion. Anthropics Claude technology has been gaining so much traction that it has emerged a viable replacement for a wide range of business software tools that is currently sold by major tech companies such as Salesforce and Workday. That potential has caused the stocks of companies that sell business software as a service to plunge this year. But now that Anthropic has been labeled as a supply chain risk, there is some uncertainty about whether its customers will still feel comfortable using Claude for non-military work and risk drawing Trumps ire. Any widespread reluctance to use Claude, despite all the inroads it has made during the past year, might slow the advance of AI in the U.S. at a time the country is racing to staying ahead of China in a technology that is expected to reshape the economy and society. At the same time, Anthropic and Amodei may now have a bully pulpit to push their agenda for erecting sturdier guardrails around how AI operates. No amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position on mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, the company said. We will challenge any supply chain risk designation in court. In his interview with CBS, Amodei portrayed Anthropics dispute with the Trump administration as a stand for democracy. Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world, Amodei said. And we are patriots. In everything we have done here, we have stood up for the values of this country. OpenAI steps into the ring Hours after its competitor was punished, OpenAIs Altman announced on Friday night that his company struck a deal with the Pentagon to supply its AI to classified military networks. But Altman said that the same AI restrictions that were the sticking point in Anthropics dispute with the Pentagon are now enshrined in OpenAIs new partnership. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Altman told OpenAI employees: We have long believed that AI should not be used for mass surveillance or autonomous lethal weapons, and that humans should remain in the loop for high-stakes automated decisions. These are our main red lines. It is unclear why the Pentagon agreed to OpenAIs red lines but not Anthropics. But in his memo, Altman wrote that the company believes it can de-escalate things by working with the Pentagon while still adhering to sound safety protections. OpenAIs deal with the Trump administration came on the same day it announced raising another $110 billion as part of an infusion that values the San Francisco-based company at $730 billion. But OpenAI also may face a potential backlash if its work with the Pentagon is widely viewed by U.S. consumers who use ChatGPT as an instance of putting the pursuit of profit ahead of AI safety. The Anthropic rift could also open new opportunities Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 before the two had a bitter falling out over safety concerns and financial issues. Musk has accused Altman of fraud and other deceitful behavior in a case scheduled to go to trial in late April. Musk now oversees the AI chatbot, Grok, which the Pentagon also plans to give access to classified military networks despite its safety and reliability on top of government investigations into its creation of sexualized deepfake images. Musk has already been cheering on the Trump administration in its spat with Amodei, saying on his social media platform X that Anthropic hates Western Civilization. Google, which has developed a suite of widely used AI tools on its Gemini technology, also could be in the running for more business from the U.S. military, although an outspoken flank of its workforce have been imploring executives to avoid doing deals that would violate the companys former motto, Dont be evil. Googles executives so far havent publicly discussed Anthropics falling out with the Trump administration. ____ Liedtke reported from San Ramon, California. _ By MICHAEL LIEDTKE and DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press The Miramar National Cemetery (MNC) Support Foundation showcased the newest upgrades to the site: a Memorial Amphitheater. After six years in the works, the foundation came together Saturday to host a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. It's a major upgrade that cost over $900,000, made possible by donations from the public, Patrick McGrath, a retired U.S. Navy Admiral and President and CEO of the MNC said. Advertisement Advertisement "The Veterans Memorial Amphitheater will be the center piece of Veteran's Day services, Memorial Day services, funerals and other gatherings that happen here at the Miramar Cemetery," McGrath said. The Amphitheater upgrades provide permanent seating for 500 guests, plus updated ADA walkways and new environmentally friendly landscaping. Also this Saturday, the cemetery hosted an open house. Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs came to answer questions about VA benefits and eligibility determination for burial at the cemetery. "I'm here today, for myself, to make sure that when the eventual time comes, that my wife doesn't have to go through any problems to be buried here," Garry Garretson, a Vietnam War veteran and President of the Veterans' Writing Group of San Diego County, said. Advertisement Advertisement Garretson told News 8 that getting information about benefits can be a daunting and frustrating process. "Usually, the VA has what's called 'VSR,' Veteran's Service Reps, and usually they can go to the VSR and the VSR will have those answers," Garretson said. However, he said the open house is an important way to get questions answered face-to-face. "I've probably met five people here and all five have different issues. One was here just to make sure his burial rights were being followed. Another one is fighting for his benefits because he was in Vietnam and he was suffering from Agent Orange-presumed illnesses. And another guy was there [in the Vietnam War] and they say he wasn't there! So, he's fighting just to prove he was there," Garretson said. "We need veterans to know what they're eligible for. And what they have earned. So, the importance of it is that we get, throughout the community and let veterans know that you've earned this," retired U.S. Air Force Veteran Greta Hamilton, who is the Director of Miramar and Fort Rosecrans National Cemeteries, said. (Refiles to fix spelling of first name to Yamen in paragraph 15) By Raghed Waked, Amr Alfiky, Timour Azhari and Rula Rouhana DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - As Iran fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Gulf States in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes, some in Dubai ran for cover and others froze at windows, watching the sky as if trying to make sense of something that had seemed impossible. "Oh my god this is the view from my balcony," influencer Hofit Golan said, voice tight with disbelief as she recorded smoke rising from an explosion on the Palm Jumeirah, the man-made island long marketed as a symbol of Dubai's luxury and calm. Advertisement Advertisement "This is in front of my home. Oh my god," she told her millions of followers. For decades, many residents from Arabs who fled conflict elsewhere to Westerners drawn by low taxes and an easy, orderly lifestyle have seen Dubai as a safe haven removed from the turbulence of the wider Middle East. That view has been abruptly shaken as Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles at Gulf States and debris caused damage at some of Dubai's most prominent sites, even as most projectiles were intercepted. Those sites include the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel, and the Palm - home to luxury hotels, high-end apartments and influencers' panoramic views where residents described being jolted by blasts as missiles and interceptors streaked overhead. Advertisement Advertisement 'PANIC AND FEAR' Daniel Holmes, a trader based in Dubai with a large Instagram following, said he was woken by a missile interception and could see it from his balcony. "All the locals are like 'nah bro you've got nothing to worry about, it's all good,'" he said in a social-media post. "I'm like ... there is genuine war around where you live here in Dubai. I've never dealt with that before." That sentiment echoed in conversations across the city, the Middle East's biggest trade and tourism hub: some talked openly about leaving at least temporarily while others insisted Dubai and the UAE could still ensure security and continuity. Advertisement Advertisement Expatriates make up around 90% of the UAE's population. A Western expatriate mother of two primary-school children, reacting after hearing a quick succession of explosions, said the experience was unnerving. "They are really keeping us on our toes," she told Reuters via text message. "It's almost as if their only purpose is to maintain the panic and fear." One Dubai resident who had lived through previous Middle Eastern conflicts said he never expected to hear drone interceptions in the UAE. "I was not mentally prepared. I was terrified, I was actually (hiding) in the bathroom", he said, asking not to be named out of concern for Dubai's strict censorship. Advertisement Advertisement Yamen Fadel, a 36-year-old Dubai resident from Syria, said he saw no reason for alarm, crediting the state's ability to protect people and communicate with residents. "I am seeing that there's nothing much, just a few minor things," he said. "Nothing scary ... because the government here, thank God, is protecting everyone." Dubai's media office said on Saturday that footage of past fire incidents in Dubai were circulating on social media and that legal action would be taken against those publishing such content. Some influencers appeared to have taken down their initial posts. Advertisement Advertisement 'EACH ONE FOR HIMSELF' On Sunday, as Iran's retaliation widened across the Gulf region, Dubai residents described a city that appeared unusually subdued, with roads - typically crowded even on weekends - strikingly quiet in some areas. The UAE ministry of human resources recommended remote work for the private sector until Tuesday. A number of small businesses in residential neighbourhoods barbers, corner shops and other local services remained shut. Some reported long supermarket queues, delays in grocery deliveries and shelves more thinly stocked than usual. On social media, residents quarreled and complained over panic buying. Advertisement Advertisement "STOP! You are leaving no essentials for others," one user said on a forum for Dubai residents on Facebook. "My husband was in the queue at are (sic) local shop and the person in front of him had 15 baguettes in their trolley, and there was absolutely no meat left," another said. A third user retorted: "During the war there are no rules. Each one for himself." Dubai's leadership signaled continuity. On Saturday evening, the emirate's ruler was pictured at Dubai's marquee horse-racing event, Emirates Super Saturday, which Dubai's state media office described as "a special evening marked by thrilling races and strong competition". Advertisement Advertisement But Robyn, a UK national holidaying in Dubai who stayed at the Fairmont Hotel earlier in the week before it was struck on Saturday said the attacks were a reality check. "I always thought in the back of my mind that something will kick off someday and spread to the UAE and surrounding areas," she said. "But the fact that it happened is definitely very grounding, and you realize that not all that glitters is gold." (Additional reporting by Nadine Awadalla, Rachna Uppal and Nazih Osseiran; Writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by Aidan Lewis) The Minnesota National Guard has confirmed more than 250 of its members are currently deployed in the Middle East as the U.S., Israel and Iran continue to exchange attacks. The guardsmen are from Duluth's 148th Fighter Wing, the Marshall-based 1-151 Artillery and the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company, according to a statement from Army Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, State Public Affairs Officer. "While their missions and duty locations vary, all are grateful for the strong support of those back home, concluded the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian state media reported the death of its leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, early Sunday, after a major attack launched by Israel and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump said hours earlier that Khamenei had been killed in the joint operation. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. A Nashville man was hit and killed by a vehicle on Gallatin Pike on Saturday, Feb. 28 around 7:30 p.m., according to police. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the pedestrian, 71, was struck by a 2019 Hyundai Sonata and was fatally injured. The car was traveling south on Gallatin Pike near Virginia Avenue, in the Inglewood area. More: Nashville gets deadly start to 2026. Here's a look at each fatal case Advertisement Advertisement MNPD said witnesses saw the pedestrian in the center turning lane attempting to cross the roadway. The pedestrian was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died. Police said there was no evidence of impairment for both the driver and the pedestrian. The incident happened outside a crosswalk. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville man killed by car on Gallatin Pike on Saturday night More explosions have been heard across the Gulf states, and at least three people have been killed in the United Arab Emirates as Iran carries out attacks in retaliation for strikes by the United States and Israel that killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials. The explosions were heard for a second day on Sunday in Dubai, the UAE; Bahrains capital, Manama; and Qatars capital, Doha, raising fears of a wider conflict in a region long seen as a haven of peace and security in an otherwise turbulent Middle East. Witnesses in Doha reported hearing several loud bangs and seeing thick, black smoke rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of the city. Shortly afterwards, another wave of explosions reverberated through Dubai, a regional business hub. Puffs of white smoke from missile interceptions were seen in the citys skies while billows of dark smoke rose over Jebel Ali, one of the busiest ports in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement The three people killed in the UAE attacks were Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, the Ministry of Defence in Abu Dhabi said. Explosions were also reported in Manama with witnesses reporting at least four loud explosions. There was no immediate report of any damage or injuries from Sundays blasts. Later in the day, the Oman News Agency reported that the Duqm commercial port, located in the Al Wusta Governorate in central Oman, was struck by two drones. It reported that an expatriate worker was injured in the attack. The attack on Oman, which had been mediating negotiations between Iran and the US before the US and Israel launched their attacks on Saturday, was condemned by the Gulf Cooperation Council. Advertisement Advertisement Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the strike on Oman is an attack on the very principle of mediation. The explosions came after a day of similar Iranian strikes on bases used by the US military and other US assets across the Gulf. Thousands of US soldiers are deployed in the oil- and gas-rich Arab states lying just across the Gulf from Iran. On Saturday, Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones across the UAE, its Ministry of Defence said, with fires and smoke reaching the Dubai landmarks of Palm Jumeirah and Burj al-Arab. At Abu Dhabis airport, at least one person was killed and seven wounded during what the facilitys authority called an incident. Dubais airport, the worlds busiest for international traffic, and Kuwaits airport were also hit. A yacht sails past a plume of smoke rising from the port of Jebel Ali after a reported Iranian attack on Dubai on March 1, 2026 [AFP] Meanwhile, Qatari officials said Iran launched 65 missiles and 12 drones towards the Gulf state on Saturday, most of which were intercepted, but 16 people were injured in the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the region, Jordanian defence systems intercepted missiles that entered the airspace of the capital, Amman, and the countrys northern areas, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Sirens were also heard in Kuwait, the network reported. In northern Iraq, a drone crashed near Erbil International Airport, according to local media reports, with a large plume of smoke rising. The US is reported to still have soldiers in Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region, whose capital is Erbil, as part of an international coalition against ISIL (ISIS). Turkiyes president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday, expressing concern that, unless the necessary intervention is made, the conflict unfolding in Iran could have serious regional and global implications. The leaders of the E3 (UK, France and Germany) condemned ongoing Iranian attacks on bases used by US forces in the region and said Irans attacks had targeted allies and were threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region. Advertisement Advertisement We call on Iran to stop these reckless attacks immediately. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Irans capability to fire missiles and drones at their source, a joint statement read, adding that they had agreed to work with the US and allies in the region. Meanwhile, a US official told Al Jazeera that Washington expected the conflict with Iran to last for weeks, not just days and it will continue until it can guarantee Iran does not possess nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles. A great crime Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denounced Khameneis killing as a great crime. The Iranian militarys chief of staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, has also been killed in the US-Israeli attacks. Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address on Sunday that you [the US and Israel] have crossed our red line and must pay the price. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg, he said. Trump said the US will hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before if the Middle East nation hits back over the killing of Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years. Advertisement Advertisement Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! More than 200 people killed in Iran Israels military early on Sunday said it had struck more than 30 targets in attacks on western and central Iran, announcing that strikes would continue on Iranian air defence installations, missile sites, military headquarters and other regime targets. Since Saturday, at least 201 people have been killed in Iran, including at least 148 people in an attack on an elementary girls school in the southern city of Minab. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was carrying out retaliatory attacks on 27 military bases where US soldiers are deployed, the Israeli Tel Nof Airbase, the Israeli armys command headquarters at HaKirya in Tel Aviv and a large defence industrial complex in the city. Emergency crews work at a building damaged in a reported overnight Iranian attack in Tel Aviv on March 1, 2026 [AFP] Shortly after 6am (03:00 GMT), air raid sirens were repeatedly sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, after a series of explosions were heard. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian government has announced the formation of a three-person interim council to oversee the transition after the death of the supreme leader as his supporters took to the streets of Tehran and other cities in mourning. Pezeshkian also declared seven days of public holidays in addition to the 40 days of mourning announced by the government. The biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic continued Sunday, with thousands of flights affected and busy Middle Eastern hubs including Dubai and Doha shuttered as Iran lashed out after US-Israeli strikes. Israel and Iran traded new attacks Sunday, after Tehran hit both the Dubai International Airport -- the world's busiest for international traffic -- and Kuwait's main airport during its retaliatory strikes one day earlier. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had all announced at least partial closures of their skies Saturday after the US and Israel attacked Iran, bringing civilian air traffic over the Middle East to an abrupt halt. Advertisement Advertisement Notable airlines that cancelled services included Emirates, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa. Flight tracking site FlightAware said that more than 6,700 flights had been delayed and 1900 cancelled globally as of 1000 GMT Sunday, on top of thousands the day before. - Airspace closures - Iran swiftly closed its airspace as the strikes began "until further notice", said the spokesman of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, quoted by the Tasnim news agency. Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights, Transport Minister Miri Regev announced. Advertisement Advertisement Qatar's civil aviation authority said it had temporarily closed the Gulf state's airspace. Iraq shut down airspace, state media said. The United Arab Emirates said it was closing its skies "partially and temporarily". Syria closed part of its airspace in the south along the border with Israel for 12 hours, the Civil Aviation Authority said. Jordan's air force was conducting drills to "defend the kingdom's skies", its military said. Kuwait closed its airspace. - Middle East and North Africa airlines - Gulf carriers Emirates and Etihad cancelled 38 percent and 30 percent of their flights respectively, Cirium said. Advertisement Advertisement Qatar Airways suspended all flights from Doha. It cancelled 41 percent of total flights, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. Syria Air, the country's national carrier, cancelled all flights until further notice. Egypt's national airline, EgyptAir, announced the suspension of its flights to cities across the Middle East, including Dubai, Doha, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Beirut and Baghdad among others. - European airlines - Russia's air transport authority Rosaviatsia said all commercial flights to Israel and Iran were cancelled "until further notice". Turkish Airlines cancelled flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until March 2. Advertisement Advertisement Air France cancelled its Dubai, Riyadh, Beirut and Tel Aviv flights until Sunday, extending its earlier suspension. British Airways said it was not flying to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 4, and cancelled flights to the Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday. Swiss International Air Lines suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 7, and cancelled flights from Zurich to Dubai scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Germany's Lufthansa, which comprises Swiss and ITA Airways, cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil and Tehran until March 7. The airline group and its subsidiaries suspended flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi until Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement - North America airlines - Delta Air Lines suspended New YorkTel Aviv flights until Sunday. American Airlines "temporarily suspended" Doha-Philadelphia flights. United flights to Tel Aviv are cancelled until Monday, and flights to Dubai until Sunday. Air Canada said it cancelled flights from Canada to Israel until March 8 and to Dubai until March 3. - Asia-Pacific airlines - India's two largest private carriers IndiGo and Air India suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East. Pakistan International Airlines, the flag carrier of the country that borders Iran, said it had suspended flights to the UAE, Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait. Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh. Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia's flag carrier, temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha "until further notice", the company said in a statement Sunday. Singapore Airlines and Singapore's Scoot cancelled six flight routes in the region until the end of Sunday, local media reported. Philippine Airlines flights from Manila to Doha, Riyadh to Manila, and Dubai to Manila were cancelled on Saturday, as well as one Doha-Manila flight on Sunday. Other major airlines including Australia's Qantas and Japan's All Nippon Airways did not announce any flight cancellations. - Africa airlines - Ethiopian Airlines cancelled its flights to Amman, Tel Aviv, Dammam, and Beirut. Kenya Airways has suspended its flights to Dubai and Sharjah until further notice. burs-sbk/st A large crowd of demonstrators gathered on Sunday near the Federal Building in the Westwood area to celebrate and call for freedom for the Iranian people in the wake of this weekend's U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran that killed that nation's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Some participants at the event even said they were opposed to President Donald Trump in the past, but are now praising his military action. The event drew hundreds to the streets. AIR7 captured video of the massive crowd outside of the Federal Building in Westwood. Advertisement Advertisement Some streets were closed to traffic near the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard, and LA Metro Line 602 buses were detouring from Kinross Avenue to Weyburn Avenue between Veteran Avenue and Westwood Boulevard until at least 6 p.m. The off-ramps to Wilshire Boulevard from the San Diego (405) Freeway were also closed in both directions on Sunday. READ MORE | Rallies for and against military action in Iran draw demonstrators across Southern California While Iranian-Americans celebrated in Westwood, protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles to oppose the Trump administration's attacks against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement The gathering came one day before nationwide demonstrations are scheduled against the U.S.-led military attack, including one at Los Angeles City Hall. The group ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) has designated March 2 a National Day of Action, with demonstrations scheduled in at least 33 cities following a series of emergency rallies held just hours after Saturday's military strikes. "[On Saturday] the Trump administration, along with Israel, launched an unprovoked, illegal war on Iran," the group said on social media. "Immediately, people hit the streets to express the majority sentiment in this country: we reject another endless war for regime change! Continue the anti-war outpouring this Monday as part of a coordinated day of action!" "This conflict has the potential to quickly expand into a devastating regional war, which will bring unthinkable death and destruction. Already, other countries in the region have been drawn into the war. Trump is lying when he says that Iran poses any kind of threat to the United States. But a mass anti-war movement can put a stop to this senseless and illegal war of aggression." Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles rally is set for 6 p.m. Monday at 200 N. Spring St. Other California rallies are scheduled in Ventura, San Francisco and San Jose. Demonstrations took place in Los Angeles over the weekend, with some people protesting the Trump administration's action, while others, mainly Iranian-Americans in the Westwood area, celebrating the death of Khamenei and calling for freedom for the Iranian people. Participants in Westwood waved Iranian flags, along with the American and Israeli flags. They held signs thanking President Trump and Israel for striking their native land and killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. They said for decades, he left the country broken and oppressed. "I'm here to celebrate free Iran. I'm here to celebrate all of the people who recently died, make sure their deaths are not in vain, and make sure that we are here to remember them," said Chantel Behroozan. Advertisement Advertisement "For the first time in 47 years, the people of Iran have risen against darkness, against evil, and they know their only hope is President Trump and Israel. Together we get together, and it's the only hope, only chance we have to get rid of this evil regime," said Masood Ashrafi. The atmosphere was festive all afternoon with dancing and singing. Despite the casualties from the conflict, participants said they believe Iran will be able to thrive under new leadership. As the conflict continued on Sunday, military officials said three U.S. service members were killed, and five were seriously wounded. An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 U.S. troops are currently serving in the region. Iran live updates: Trump says there will 'likely' be more US casualties amid operation "You have crossed our red line and must pay the price," Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address Sunday. "We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg." Advertisement Advertisement Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the call to avenge Khamenei's death. "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers seeking justice and retaliation against those responsible for this historic crime -- both its perpetrators and those who ordered it -- a duty and a legitimate right, and it will pursue this responsibility with full determination." On his Truth Social platform, President Trump warned Iran against escalating its retaliatory attacks. "They better not do that," he wrote. "If they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!" Meanwhile, local and state officials said they are continuing to monitor for potential threats closer to home. Advertisement Advertisement "We are closely monitoring for any threats to Los Angeles' public safety amid military action in the Middle East," Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement over the weekend. "While there are no known credible threats at this time, LAPD has stepped up patrols near places of worship, community spaces, and other areas of the city, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our city. "We understand that many Angelenos are affected and deeply concerned, and encourage everyone to voice their views in a peaceful way." The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also said it was "closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. We are in communication with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and will continue to assess any potential impacts to Los Angeles County. At this time, there are no known credible threats to our community. However, out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the department has increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the County." Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said state officials were also monitoring the situation. Advertisement Advertisement "California is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran and the surrounding region. Our homeland security and emergency management teams are working with federal partners to prepare for any impacts here at home," the governor's office said. "The State Threat Assessment Center is actively coordinating with local law enforcement partners. There is no specific or credible threat to California at this time, and we remain fully prepared and vigilant." City News Service contributed to this report. By Rami Ayyub, Alexander Cornwell, Nayera Abdallah and Maha El Dahan JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV/DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Sunday and Iran responded with more missile barrages, a day after the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pitched the Middle East and the global economy into deepening uncertainty. U.S. and Israeli strikes - and Iranian retaliation - sent shockwaves worldwide through sectors from shipping to air travel to oil, amid warnings of rising energy costs and disruption to business in the Gulf region. Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said it had intercepted projectiles that were launched from Lebanon early Monday morning, in what could be the first sign of Lebanon's Shi'ite Muslim armed group Hezbollah, long one of Tehran's principal allies in the Middle East, entering the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump said the attack was intended to ensure Iran could not have a nuclear weapon, to contain its missile program and to eliminate threats to the United States and its allies. The U.S. has hit more than 1,000 Iranian targets since the start of the campaign, U.S. Central Command said. In a video statement posted to his Truth Social site, Trump vowed military strikes will continue until "all our objectives are achieved." He said the assault had wiped out Iran's military command and destroyed nine Iranian navy ships and a naval building. Trump said the Iranian military and police should lay down their arms, promising immunity for those who surrender and threatening "certain death" for those who resist. He reiterated calls for the Iranian people to revolt against the government. Advertisement Advertisement "I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country," Trump said in the pre-recorded video. "America is with you." Earlier in an interview with the Atlantic magazine, Trump said Iran's leadership wanted to talk to him and he had agreed. In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, he said the military campaign against Iran could continue for the next four weeks. But the Republican president is yet to lay out his longer-term aims in Iran, which faces a power vacuum that could leave it in chaos, with unforeseeable consequences for the region. Advertisement Advertisement The first U.S. casualties of the campaign, including the deaths of three service personnel, were confirmed on Sunday. Trump paid tribute to the three killed as "true American patriots" but warned that there will likely be more casualties. "That's the way it is," he said. With the vital Strait of Hormuz closed and the Gulf cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha under bombardment, the scale of the risk taken by Trump in attacking Iran months before U.S. midterm elections that will decide control of Congress is becoming clearer. Only around one in four Americans approve of the operation, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll on Sunday. And if Hormuz - the passage for about 20% of world oil supplies - remains closed for more than a few days, U.S. consumers will start to feel the pressure on prices at the pumps. Advertisement Advertisement EXISTENTIAL CHALLENGE FOR IRAN The Israeli military said late on Sunday that its air force had established aerial superiority over Tehran, and that a wave of strikes across the capital had targeted intelligence, security, and military command centers. But the prospect of Hezbollah involvement threatened to widen the conflict further. Hezbollah did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Reuters was unable to verify the origins of the projectiles the Israeli military said it intercepted. Israel and Lebanon agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in 2024. Israel's present focus is to undermine the Iranian government so that it collapses, an Israeli official said on condition of anonymity, adding that Israel "is acting in its own ways" to get Iranians to take to the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday they had hit three U.S. and UK oil tankers in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and attacked military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain with drones and missiles. Shipping data showed hundreds of vessels including oil and gas tankers dropping anchor in nearby waters with traders expecting sharp jumps in crude oil prices on Monday. Global air travel was also heavily disrupted as continued air strikes kept closed major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai - the world's busiest international hub - in one of the biggest aviation interruptions in recent years. In Iran, facing its biggest existential challenge since the 1980-88 war with Iraq, President Masoud Pezeshkian said a leadership council composed of himself, the judiciary head and a member of the powerful Guardian Council had temporarily assumed the duties of Supreme Leader. Oman's foreign ministry said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had indicated Tehran was open to de-escalation. But in a post on X, Araqchi suggested Iran was ready to keep fighting. Advertisement Advertisement "We've had two decades to study defeats of the U.S. military to our immediate east and west," he wrote. "Bombings in our capital have no impact on our ability to conduct war." It remained unclear what the longer-term prospects were for Iran to rebuild its leadership and replace the 86-year-old Khamenei, who had held power since the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced Khamenei's death as a cynical murder and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi described it as "blatant killing". IRAN HITS BACK Advertisement Advertisement As Iran fired renewed missile barrages across the region, air raid sirens sounded across Israel late on Sunday, warning of the latest incoming attack, including in Tel Aviv, where projectiles were seen streaking across the night sky. The projectiles launched from Lebanon led to sirens sounding in several areas in northern Israel early on Monday. Lebanon's presidency said on Saturday it had been told by the U.S. ambassador that Israel would not escalate against Lebanon as long as there are no hostile acts from the Lebanese side. Israel's ambulance service said nine people were killed in the town of Beit Shemesh, the United Arab Emirates said Iranian attacks killed three people, and Kuwait reported one dead. Advertisement Advertisement Inside Iran, some grieved for Khamenei while others celebrated his death, exposing a deep fault line in the stunned country. Thousands of Iranians were killed in a crackdown authorized by Khamenei against anti-government protests in January, the deadliest wave of unrest since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Khamenei, who built Iran into a powerful anti-U.S. force and spread its sway across the Middle East during his 36-year iron-fisted rule, was working in his office at the time of Saturday's attack, state media said. The raid also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Experts said that while his death and those of other Iranian leaders would deal Iran a major blow, it would not necessarily spell the end of Iran's entrenched clerical rule or the sway of the elite Revolutionary Guards over the population. (Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Michael Georgy and James Mackenzie; Editing by Sergio Non, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Hugh Lawson, William Maclean, Bill Berkrot and Michael Perry) Connecticut is getting some snow on Sunday, but the amounts will be nowhere near what last week's major blizzard dumped on the state, according to forecasters. The northern part of the state could receive up to 2 inches of snow during the snowfall mid-morning, the National Weather Service said. The NWS said the amounts will likely fall between an inch or two, but possibly even less. The southern half of the state is expected to receive only a dusting of snow. Advertisement Advertisement Rain could mix in along the southern half of the state (especially the immediate shoreline), limiting any snow accumulation. Precipitation will come to an end by the late afternoon Sunday. The NWS's Albany office, which is in charge of weather forecasts for Litchfield County, said there could be "period of light to moderate snow." The snow began in southern portion of the state around 8 a.m. The office said conditions may make roads slippery and possible hazardous, despite little accumulation. Expect a period of light to moderate snow to continue across the highlighted areas through mid morning. Locally slippery travel conditions & reduced visibility expected in these areas. pic.twitter.com/bHYwRqAywF - NWS Albany (@NWSAlbany) March 1, 2026 The snow is not expected to fall for long, and the sky will likely clear up in the afternoon, the NWS said. Both the NWS' offices in New York and Boston, which monitor the rest of the state, reiterated that there will be little snowfall. The New York office said people should "basically expect a coating." Advertisement Advertisement The snowfall comes a day after temperatures reached 50 degrees in part of the state, giving residents a brief glimpse of spring. Sunday, however, will be a harsh reminder that winter has not yet receded, as temperatures are expect to feel as low as single digits with the wind chill. In Hartford and Meriden, where highs reached up to 50 degrees Saturday, temperatures are expected to plummet as low as 6 degrees with the wind chill Sunday night. Where it felt like 48 degrees in Bridgeport and New Haven yesterday, temperatures will feel as low as 13 degrees. This article originally published at How much snow will we get in Connecticut on Sunday?. Multiple people have been injured after an incident at Dubai International Airport. The Dubai media office confirmed an incident took place at the airport on Saturday (28 February) in which four people were hurt, as Iran continued to launch strikes on U.S. bases in the region. "Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained," the media office said on X. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman said: Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available. It is not known if the incident is link to retaliatory Iranian strikes in the country. Dubai airport (Simon Calder) Follow live updates here. Thousands of Britons have been left stranded in the Middle East after global airlines grounded hundreds of flights due to US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Iran and Iraqs airspaces were closed due to the escalating military action, which has seen blasts reported in multiple countries across the region, and Dubai International Airport, the biggest global aviation hub, suspended all flights on Saturday. On a typical day, around 250,000 passengers arrive and depart at Dubai. Qatar Airways has also suspended all flights to and from its base in Doha. Explosions have been heard in Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan and Qatar after the Iranian regime warned it would retaliate to any strikes by the US and Israel - which were launched in the early hours of Saturday Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu launched co-ordinated strikes across Iran in what they described as a preventative attack. President Donald Trump confirmed a major combat operation in an eight-minute speech, stating Iran could never have a nuclear weapon and adding: "It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer.". Barely an hour after the first U.S. and Israeli missiles struck Iran, President Donald Trump made clear he hoped for regime change. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, he told the Iranian people in a video. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass. Doesnt sound complicated. After all, with Irans fundamentally unpopular government weakened by fierce airstrikes, some of its top leaders dead or missing and Washington signaling support, how hard could it be to overthrow a repressive regime? Possibly very hard. So says history. Washington has a long, complicated past when it comes to regime change. There was Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s, and Panama in 1989. There was Nicaragua in the 1980s, Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after 9/11, and Venezuela just weeks ago. There was also Iran. In 1953, the CIA helped engineer a coup that toppled Irans democratically elected leader and gave near-absolute power to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. But as with the shah, who was overthrown in Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution after decades of increasingly unpopular rule, regime change rarely goes as planned. Attempts to usher in U.S.-friendly governments often start with clear intentions, whether hope for democracy in Iraq or backing an anti-Communist leader in Congo at the Cold Wars height. But often those intentions stumble into a political quagmire where democratic dreams turn into civil war, once-compliant dictators become embarrassments and American soldiers return home in body bags. That history has long been a Trump talking point. We must abandon the failed policy of nation building and regime change, he said in 2016. In the end, the so-called nation-builders wrecked far more nations than they built, he said in a 2025 speech in Saudi Arabia, deriding U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand. Now, after Saturdays actions, a key question emerges: Does todays U.S. government understand what its getting into? Its unclear what regime change would even mean Irans economy is in shambles and dissent remains strong even after a brutal January crackdown on protests left thousands of people dead and tens of thousands under arrest. Many of the nations key military proxies and allies Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad government in Syria have been weakened or eliminated. And early Sunday, Iranian state media confirmed Israel and the United States had killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The United States hasnt laid out a postwar vision and doesnt necessarily even want a complete overthrow of the Iranian leadership. As in Venezuela, it may already have potential allies in the government willing to step into a power vacuum. But theres a lot that needs to happen between now and a possible scenario along these lines, said Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank that is deeply critical of the Iranian government. There needs to be a sense that there is no salvation for the regime as such, and that they will need to work with the United States. In a country where the core leaders are deeply united by ideology and religion, that may be extremely difficult. The question to my mind right now is have we been able to penetrate the ranks of the regime that are not true believers that are more pragmatic, Schanzer said. Because I dont believe that the true believers will flip. Its simply too early to know if or how much the political winds are shifting in Tehran. The leaders who come next could turn out to be equally repressive or seen domestically as an illegitimate U.S. stooge. Well see whether elements of the regime start moving against each other, said Phillips OBrien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Air power can damage a leadership, he said. But it cant guarantee that youll bring in something new. US intervention in Latin America has a long history In Latin America, Washingtons history of intervention in goes back a long way to when President James Monroe claimed the hemisphere as part of the U.S. sphere of influence more than 200 years ago. If the Monroe Doctrine began as a way to keep European countries out of the region, by the 20th century it was justifying everything from coups in Central America to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961. Very often, historians say, that intervention led to violence, bloodshed and mass human rights violations. Therein, they say, lies a lesson. Direct U.S. involvement has rarely resulted in long-term democratic stability, said Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the London think tank Chatham House. He points to Guatemala, where U.S. intervention in the 1950s led to a civil war that didnt end for 40 years and left more than 200,000 people dead. Or theres Nicaragua, where backing of the Contra rebels against the Sandinista government in the 1980s contributed to a prolonged civil conflict that devastated the economy, caused tens of thousands of deaths and deepened political polarization. While large-scale, overt U.S. involvement in the region mostly petered out after the Cold War, Trump has rekindled the legacy. Since assuming office last year, Trump launched boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, ordered a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil exports and got involved in electoral politics in Honduras and Argentina. Then, on Jan. 3, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan strongman leader Nicolas Maduro, flying him to the U.S. to face drug and weapons charges. What followed in Caracas may signal what the White House hopes will happen in Tehran. Many observers thought the U.S. would back Maria Corina Machado, who has long been the face of political resistance in Venezuela. Instead, Washington effectively sidelined her and has repeatedly shown a willingness to work with President Delcy Rodriguez, who had been Maduros second-in-command. There are those who could claim that what we did in Venezuela is not regime change, said Schanzer, at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. The regime is still in place. Theres just one person thats missing. ___ Tim Sullivan has reported from more than 35 countries for The Associated Press since 1993. Danica Kirka in London and Eleonore Hughes in Rio de Janeiro contributed to this report. By TIM SULLIVAN Associated Press A passionate crowd held signs and chanted along Route 46 in Roxbury on Saturday where a arehouse is expected to be converted into an immigration detention center after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased the building. We are here! one protestor at the mic blared out as part of a call-and-response. Because we ... love our neighbors! On the unseasonably warm day, residents shouted, cheered and held signs. Winter is over, its time to abolish ICE!!, one poster read. Advertisement Advertisement The No ICE North Jersey Alliance, which has rallied against the potential facility since it was first reported U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was eyeing the location for a detention center, said on Feb. 20 it will continue to oppose the detention center. Our goal remains the same, though the fight has today taken on a different dimension, said spokesperson William Angus. Both public protests and pressure on elected officials and involved parties will continue because the only acceptable outcome is for the property to remain a warehouse for goods, not people. DHS purchased the building for $129.3 million on Feb. 19 from DG Roxbury Property Owner, L.P., an affiliate of Dalfen Industrial, which purchased the property in 2023. Goldman Sachs, a New York investment bank, was the majority ownership partner in the warehouse which was part of a real estate investment fund they managed before the sale. Advertisement Advertisement This property, which sat vacant for two years, was held in a real estate investment fund that we manage, a spokesperson for Goldman Sachs said in a statement. We had a fiduciary obligation to investors in the fund to sell it. The sale sparked a flurry of legislative proposals from members of New Jerseys congressional delegation and a letter of protest to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat. ICE weighs turning huge New Jersey warehouse into a new detention center ICEs disregard for human life and the rule of law has Democratic governor taking aim at Noem Democrat Mikie Sherrill sent a letter U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opposing plans for a new ICE facility in Roxbury. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7th Dist, introduced a bill on Monday designed to protect local taxpayers from the financial burden of having federal detention facilities in their communities. Keans bill was introduced three days after Roxburys mayor and council scolded the congressman for not doing more to keep an ICE center out of Roxbury. Throughout this process, Roxbury officials communicated our legitimate concerns to every level of government, Roxburys mayor and council said in a statement on Feb. 20. Despite repeated outreach, our federal representative, Congressman Tom Kean Jr., did not engage to the level we had hoped to provide the advocacy our residents deserved. Kean has responded to the criticism in a statement posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement We worked closely with officials in Roxbury and engaged directly with the highest levels of DHS on their behalf, Kean said. The residents of Roxbury can be assured that I will not stop fighting for a workable solution. Keans bill, called the Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026, aims to ensure local taxpayers are protected from shouldering the financial burden of hosting a federal detention and processing facility and specifically names Roxbury as an example. On Thursday, both of New Jerseys U.S. senators also introduced legislation to control ICEs operations at the Roxbury site. Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker, both Democrats, cosponsored a bill called the End Warehouse Detention Act that would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using taxpayer dollars to purchase warehouses and use them as detention centers. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is using the money he and Congressional Republicans took from working families healthcare to fund his cruelty and open detention facilities that our communities have made clear we want no part of, Kim said in a statement. Congress needs to step up, assert its authority, and use these bills to reign in this out-of-control administration, he added. Kim and Bookers measure is one of three bills Kim introduced on Thursday. The ICE Funding Accountability Act would prohibiti DHS from using taxpayer money from the One Big Beautiful Bill to hire or recruit more ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents. Advertisement Advertisement The Private Detention Accountability Act would require ICE and the Office of Detention Oversight to perform audits on new and existing ICE detention facilities and keep them from accepting new detainees until audit findings are addressed. In her letter to Noem, Sherrill echoed concerns that local officials and lawmakers have voiced about DHS being tight-lipped about its plans and the impact the building will have on local infrastructure. In short, DHSs treatment of human beings citizen and non-citizen alike reflects a chilling disregard for both human life and the rule of law, the governor wrote. New Jersey will not be complicit in this." Sherrill added the state will assess all options to protect the communitys infrastructure, public safety, health, and long-term economic stability including making sure DHS complies with all applicable laws. Mikie's World flag 2 Can Gov. Sherrill stop N.J.s new ICE facility? | Mikies World Advertisement Advertisement The fight over a warehouse in Roxbury is the latest flashpoint over ICE in Jersey. A spokesperson for ICE reiterated in a statement Saturday that the Roxbury site will undergo community impact studies and other due diligence to ensure the facility would not place a hardship on the local infrastructure and utilities. The agency also said that construction at the facility would create 1,300 jobs and generate $39.2 million in tax revenue. The spokesperson said Noem aims to work with officials on both sides of the aisle to expand detention space to help ICE law enforcement carry out the largest deportation effort in American history. Every day, DHS is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe, the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement There was widespread confusion on Feb. 18 after a news report was published saying the warehouse was sold, citing a statement from ICE. The next morning, Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo issued a statement disputing reports that ICE had purchased the building citing communications with both DHS and Dalfen Industrial. But by Feb. 20, local and federal officials confirmed the sale had been finalized. Protesting the Proposed ICE Detention Center Federal lawmakers were quick to condemn ICEs purchase and launch efforts to oppose the move. ICEs purchase of a warehouse in Roxbury Township after lying to the public and saying it had not done so earlier this week is the latest lie and betrayal of the publics trust by the Trump Administration, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-8th Dist., said in a statement. DHS and ICE have repeatedly and maliciously lied to the American public while they continue to relentlessly attack our communities. Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 18, Menendez and several other Democratic congressional members launched a statewide effort to oppose a detention center in Roxbury. Local officials have serious concerns about infrastructure capacity at the warehouse, including water, sewer and public safety issues, if the location is eventually converted into a 1,500-bed detention facility. Dalfen Industrial told the Dallas Morning News that the company and its majority partner sold the building to the federal government to avoid potential eminent domain proceedings. Roxbury officials said using the facility as a detention center in a suburban community was an unapproved use and the limitations on infrastructure should have been immediate and disqualifying considerations. The township stands to lose $1.8 million in annual tax revenue now that the property will be federally owned, the mayor and council said in their statement. Officials offered a 10-year, $20-million tax abatement to Dalfen Industrial to hold onto the property, and would provide meaningful financial and political support to support redevelopment that aligned with the communitys interest, the officials said. A Dalfen Industrial spokesperson disputed the towns reported tax offer. Contrary to statements made by Roxbury Township officials, no 10-year tax abatement was ever offered in connection with this property, the spokesperson said. The Roxbury Police Department has already dedicated about $20,000 of its budget to fund the demands such a facility would place on the townships 42-member department, according to the townships statement. These financial and infrastructure realities present serious and lasting consequences for our community, Roxbury officials said. The Roxbury facility would be New Jerseys third and largest detention center. ICE officials has not answered questions about whether the facility in Roxbury would be privately run. Sherrill has said it will. GEO Group operates Delaney Hall in Newark, which has 1,000 beds. The Elizabeth Detention Center, owned and operated by CoreCivic, is much smaller. Besides detention centers, ICE expanded its footprint in New Jersey by leasing office space in Roseland to house about 40 attorneys and paralegals. NJ.com staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The former mayor of Sparta Township in Sussex County is accused in court filings of sending care packages to his opponents places of employment, embarrassing them to the point where several filed police reports. Neill Clark, who is now a council member, allegedly sent T-shirts that read, Not now, sweety. Daddys cyberbullying the mayor, along with a drawing of a man sitting at a computer screen. The packages also contained pens with the name of a mental health counselor, according to a notice of intent to sue filed Jan. 30. Advertisement Advertisement The residents, who work for the township, said they received the packages at their jobs when Clark was mayor in 2024. All of the residents had disagreed with Clark on various issues and were outspoken about him on social media, according to the claim. One of the residents called Clark a clown in a Facebook post. Clowns come in many forms. This one happens to wear glasses and think he is better than everyone else, the post stated. What a shame that Sparta is subject (sic) to this tyranny, the post stated. Clark did not respond to a request for comment. Clark was elected to the Sparta Township Council in November 2022 and was chosen by fellow council members to serve as mayor on Jan. 4, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement He served as mayor until the end of 2024 and is currently a sitting council member. Four residents who work in the town a 911 dispatcher, an EMT and two volunteer firefighters said they received the care packages at work after disagreeing with Clark at meetings and in a Facebook group. The disagreements included whether a marijuana dispensary should be allowed to open, whether to allow construction of a warehouse and several rezoning issues, according to their attorney, Gina Mendola Longarzo, of Chatham. They felt Clark had been interested in some of the projects before becoming mayor and that he stands to profit off them, Mendola Longarzo said. They felt he had too many conflicts to be mayor. Advertisement Advertisement The packages included a $500 donation to charity from the Neill Clark Law Firm of Sparta, despite the fact that Clark is not licensed to practice law in New Jersey, the tort claim notice states. In fact, the notice states there is no Neill Clark Law Firm in New Jersey. Three of the residents filed police reports. One resident told police he felt sending the package to his place of employment threatened his job and could be considered official misconduct. He additionally explained that he feels that his civil rights were violated, and he was targeted for exercising his First Amendment rights on social media as a tax-paying citizen, the notice of claim states. Advertisement Advertisement A fourth resident plans to file a police report in the coming days, Mendola Longarzo said. By sending the packages, Clark violated the township and councils written policies, federal and state constitutions, along with state laws, and has caused claimants to suffer damages, the notice states. The attorney cited alleged violations of the New Jersey Civil Rights Act and said the men were retaliated against for exercising their First Amendment Rights. Claimants spoke out openly to expose and object to government mismanagement and potential corruption, to voice views about matters of public interest within the township and to expose Clarks targeted harassment and retaliation and abuse of his official position and powers, the notice states. Advertisement Advertisement Mendola Longarzo said she has six months from the date of filing the notice of claim to file a lawsuit against Clark and the township. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. WASHINGTON In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently. GAO Seeks Tribal Input on Federal Support for Child Abuse Prevention Programs The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is conducting a review of how the federal government supports Tribal services and programs aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. As part of this effort, GAO is seeking to connect with Tribal social service programs engaged in prevention work to learn more about their programs and the federal resources that support them in their communities. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement GAO representatives plan to meet with some Tribes during the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) conference. However, they also want to engage with Tribes who are not attending the event. NICWA has met with the GAO team, recognizes the importance of this review, and understands that Tribal input will be approached with respect and care. For more information about the review and how your Tribe can share its prevention efforts, please refer to the GAO document here. Padilla Secures Commitment From Senior Interior Nominee to Protect Chuckwalla National Monument U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) secured a commitment from Stevan Pearce, nominee to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management at the Department of the Interior, to protect Californias Chuckwalla National Monument amid the Trump Administrations efforts to roll back protections for Americas public lands. During todays Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Padilla raised concerns about Pearces past public lands voting record as a former U.S. Representative from New Mexico and urged him to uphold the monument designation for these sacred and ecologically significant lands in eastern Imperial and Riverside counties. Padilla underscored that the monument enjoys broad, bipartisan support. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, the Cahuilla Band of Indians, the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) have formed the Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission to reaffirm their enduring commitment to protecting these sacred lands. Padilla also secured Pearces commitment, if confirmed, to meet with the Intertribal Commission to learn more about the monument and to engage in meaningful Tribal consultation. Strengthening the Integrity of the Lifeline Program The Federal Communication Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to reform the agencys federal Lifeline Program. The FCC seeks comment on program reforms to safeguard the Lifeline Program including: Advertisement Advertisement Proposing that Lifeline Program support is a federal public benefit and is therefore available only to U.S. citizens and persons with appropriate qualified status under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996; Ensuring that Lifeline support is used to benefit only legal, living, and eligible Americans consistent with section 254 of the Act, through enhanced requirements that ensure program participants are truly eligible for Lifeline discounts; Improving program integrity and efficiency, including reforms applicable to the states that have been permitted to opt out of the program integrity verifications conducted by the Universal Service Administrative Company and instead perform their own verifications; Promoting more principled service provider conduct and ensuring that service providers that participate in the Lifeline program comply with all rules; and Streamlining Lifeline Program rules and minimizing stakeholder confusion. Comments due: 30 days after Federal Register publication; Reply comments due: 60 days after Federal Register publication About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net President Donald Trump stood in front of regional leaders during a visit to the Middle East in May and declared a new era of US foreign policy in the region, one that is not guided by trying to reshape it or change its governing systems. In the end, the so-called nation-builders wrecked far more nations than they built, and the interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand themselves, the US president said in rebuke of his hawkish predecessors. Less than a year later, Trump ordered an all-out assault on Iran with the stated goal of bringing freedom to the country, borrowing language from the playbook of interventionist neoconservatives, like former President George W Bush, whom he spent his political career criticising. Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say the war with Iran does not fit with Trumps stated political ideology, policy goals or campaign promises. Instead, several Iran experts told Al Jazeera that Trump is waging a war, together with Israel, that only benefits Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. This is, once again, a war of choice launched by the US with [a] push from Israel, said Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington, DC. This is another Israeli war that the US is launching. Israel has pushed the US to attack Iran for two decades, and they finally got it. Advertisement Advertisement Mortazavi highlighted Trumps criticism of his predecessors, who had waged regime-change wars in the region. It is ironic, because this is a president who called himself the president of peace, she told Al Jazeera. History of warnings of the Iranian threat Netanyahu, who promoted the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, has been warning for more than two decades that Iran is on the cusp of acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking a nuclear bomb, and even Trump administration officials have acknowledged that Washington has no evidence that Tehran is weaponising its uranium enrichment programme. After the US bombed Irans main enrichment facilities in the 12-day war in June last year an attack that Trump says obliterated the countrys nuclear programme Netanyahu pivoted to a new supposed Iranian threat: Tehrans ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Iran can blackmail any American city, Netanyahu told pro-Israel podcaster Ben Shapiro in October. People dont believe it. Iran is developing intercontinental missiles with a range of 8,000km [5,000 miles], add another 3,000 [1,800 miles], and they can get to the East Coast of the US. Trump repeated that claim, which Tehran has vehemently denied and has not been backed by any public evidence or testing, in his State of the Union address earlier this week. Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America, he said of the Iranians. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been building the case for a wider war with Iran since the June conflict, repeatedly threatening to bomb the country again. But the US presidents own National Security Strategy last year called for de-prioritising the Middle East in Washingtons foreign policy and focusing on the Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the US public, wary of global conflict after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has also been largely opposed to new strikes against Iran, public opinion polls show. Only 21 percent of respondents in a recent University of Maryland survey said they favoured a war with Iran. The first day of the war saw Iran fire missiles against bases and cities that host US troops and assets across the Middle East in retaliation for the joint US-Israeli strikes, plunging the region into chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Trump acknowledged that US troops may suffer casualties in the conflict. That often happens in war, he said on Saturday. But were doing this not for now. Were doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. Ignoring the vast majority of Americans The Trump administration had appeared to step back from the brink of conflict earlier this month by engaging in diplomacy with Tehran. US and Iranian negotiators held three rounds of talks over the past week, with Tehran stressing that it is willing to agree to rigorous inspections of its nuclear programme. Omani mediators and Iranian officials had described the last round of negotiations, which took place on Thursday, as positive, saying that it yielded significant progress. Advertisement Advertisement The June 2025 war, initiated by Israel without provocation, also came in the middle of US-Iran talks. Netanyahus agenda has always been to prevent a diplomatic solution, and he feared Trump was actually serious about getting a deal, so the start of this war in the middle of negotiations is a success for him, just like it was last June, Jamal Abdi, the president of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), told Al Jazeera. Trumps embrace of regime change rhetoric is a further victory for Netanyahu, and loss for the American people, as it suggests the US may be committed to a long and unpredictable military boondoggle. While announcing the strikes on Saturday, Trump said his aim is to prevent Iran from threatening America and our core national security interests. Advertisement Advertisement But US critics, including some proponents of Trumps America first movement, have argued that Iran more than 10,000km (6,000 miles) away does not pose a threat to the US. Earlier this month, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that if it were not for Iran, there wouldnt be Hezbollah; we wouldnt have the problem on the border with Lebanon. Carlson said, What problem on the border with Lebanon? Im an American. Im not having any problems on the border with Lebanon right now. I live in Maine. On Saturday, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib stressed that the US public does not want war with Iran. Trump is acting on the violent fantasies of the American political elite and the Israeli apartheid government, ignoring the vast majority of Americans who say loud and clear: No More Wars, Tlaib said in a statement. SAN FRANCISCO Gavin Newsom lit into Donald Trump over the strikes in Iran, casting the attack as a sign of weakness and meant to distract from the presidents abysmal poll numbers . It stems from weakness masquerading as strength, Newsom told a San Francisco audience during a Saturday night event to promote his new memoir . It stems from the complete failure of this administration, this president who's historically unpopular. The California governor, a likely 2028 Democratic presidential contender, said Trump is trying to distract voters from his failures across the spectrum and accused Trump of doubling down on stupid during his State of the Union speech earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement In his remarks, Newsom joined his party's harshest critics of the strikes, even as some battleground Democrats on Saturday took a more cautious tone . California is home to more than half of the nearly 400,000 Iranian immigrants in the United States. The West Los Angeles neighborhood known as Tehrangeles had erupted earlier Saturday in celebration amid reports Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed. Many Iranian Americans hope it will mean the fall of the Islamic Republics regime. Trump had called Khameneis death the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Newsom, in a social media post earlier Saturday, said while the leadership of Iran must go, that sentiment does not justify Trump sparking an illegal, dangerous war that could endanger the lives of American military members. Advertisement Advertisement The governor, speaking to journalist Kara Swisher in San Francisco, said Trump has failed to explain to the American public what immediate crisis justified the attacks on Iran, referring to the situation as manufactured crisis. Thats Donald Trump, the chaos president, he said, this wrecking ball president, across the board. Destruction is not strength. And, once again were seeing him destroy any capacity to explain fundamentally what the core American interest is at this moment to declare war. The New Jersey Lottery offers multiple draw games for people looking to strike it rich. Here's a look at Feb. 28, 2026, results for each game: Pick-3 Midday: 1-7-6, Fireball: 7 Evening: 6-8-3, Fireball: 5 Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here. Pick-4 Midday: 5-6-8-7, Fireball: 7 Evening: 7-5-4-3, Fireball: 5 Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here. Jersey Cash 5 06-07-12-36-38, Xtra: 07 Check Jersey Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Pick-6 02-03-09-10-24-31 Advertisement Advertisement Check Pick-6 payouts and previous drawings here. Millionaire for Life 13-20-28-44-48, Bonus: 04 Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here. Quick Draw Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here. Cash Pop Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results When are the New Jersey Lottery drawings held? Cash4Life: 9:00 p.m. daily. Pick-3: 12:59 p.m. and 10:57 p.m. daily. Pick-4: 12:59 p.m. and 10:57 p.m. daily. Jersey Cash 5: 10:57 p.m. daily. Pick-6: 10:57 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Jersey Sr Breaking News Editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Lottery Pick-3, Pick-4, Cash 5, Pick 6 Lotto winning numbers for Saturday, Feb. 28 Flights to and from the Middle East have been halted at Berlin's main airport, a spokesman for BER airport said on Sunday. The decision affects the destinations Tel Aviv, Dubai, Jedda and Doha, he said. Airlines have cancelled flights to and from these destinations at least until Monday morning, he said. The spokesman advised passengers to consult the websites of their airlines. The move came after Israeli and US forces launched attacks on targets in Iran on Saturday, and Iranian forces responded with missile attacks on targets in Israeli and US bases in the Gulf region. The Rev. Samuel Sam Muyskens was many things to many people. To a town in Haiti he became a missionary, ensuring their school ran strong for decades. To unhoused people around Wichita, he helped expand available housing when he led Inter-Faith Ministries (now HumanKind Ministries). And to his family and many others, he was known as a preacher, world traveler, someone inclusive of all faiths and a talented musician. To just about everyone, he was also incredibly tall. Advertisement Advertisement And I think that he embraced being this 6-foot-7 Dutch man, said his daughter, Joellan Chang, who recalled kids lining up after her dad preached from around 1979 until 1992 at West Heights United Methodist Church. Every kid wanted to take a ride up on pastor Sam. She added: He was always just a very happy, thankful, friendly person. At the helm of Inter-Faith Ministries, he expanded housing for the homeless, including buying the nonprofits first building at 320 E. Central from Jim Garvey, who gave the organization the deed after they leased it for $1 each year for seven years. I really admired him, Garvey said. A lot of energy, very enthusiastic, positive guy. He was a delight to get to know. Advertisement Advertisement Muyskens was also a mentor to the Rev. Dr. Kevass J. Harding, who pastors Dellrose United Methodist Church. He was a major voice for our community, particularly when it came from the underserved. He was about connecting all faiths, Harding said. He was a connector of people It wasnt about making someone a Methodist but its like, How do we take what youre doing and what Im doing for the common good of our community? He was that voice, Kevass said. Muyskens died Jan. 9. He was 85. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. March 7 at West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink. There will be a time of fellowship and refreshments after the service. Advertisement Advertisement The family will also hold its own service during the Muyskens family reunion later this summer an every-other-year tradition started by Sam and his five siblings in 1970 after their father died and now kept going by the next generation. Brother Jim Muyskens said one of his favorite topics brought up during the family reunion is when he and his parents and siblings traveled the country over two summers, performing as the Muyskens Family Band. Upbringing Sam Muyskens assisting with the 2009 wedding of his daughter, Joellan Chang. Growing up in a home with a father as a preacher and aunt and uncle as missionaries played a huge role in shaping the lives of Sam Muyskens and his siblings. The family lived in a few states in the Midwest as their father led different churches. Advertisement Advertisement In those little towns, you had free rein, said Jim Muyskens, who is 15 months younger than Sam Muyskens. Sam and I were inseparable for the early share of our life. Invariably, no matter where they lived, there was the tradition of making their familys Dutch crumb cake the same way and often on Sundays. And then eating it in the nuanced Muyskens way. Everyone in the family cuts their slice horizontally, flips it with the crust plate-down and spreads butter along the top before eating it. We inherited that. We just accepted that is the way to do it, Jim Muyskens said. It became something of a lore in our family. Advertisement Advertisement Jim Muyskens, a retired university president who also was a dean at the University of Kansas, said the faith of their family members also had a lasting impact on the children. He remembers their father, the Rev. George Bernie Muyskens, fighting for better living conditions and wages for migrants who came to harvest sugar beets when they lived in Roseland, Minnesota. Some migrants slept in cleaned-out chicken coops, Jim Muyskens said. And so both Sam and I were young, but we got very interested in how that would happen, and my dad got a lot of pushback for taking that position, he said. Thats something that, over the years, Sam and I talked about, is how impressed we were with our dads work, even though he was having to really struggle to try to make those changes. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to having a preacher as a father, they had missionaries visit their home, including their aunt and uncle who were in Mexico and India, respectively. Thats when the travel bug kind of bit Sam Muyskens, Jim Muyskens said. He traveled all over the world as an adult. When he was a child, the family also traveled the U.S. over two summers while performing as the Muyskens Family Band to finance the trip. Those summers are some of Jim Muyskens most vivid memories of childhood. One summer they went to the East Coast; the West Coast another. We went to almost all 50 states and saw national parks, he said, and did the kind of traveling they wanted the family to do. Advertisement Advertisement Their mother, Jannetta Muyskens, was a chalk drawer and would draw imagery of what was being performed often hymns or religious music. Their father played the singing saw, which was a folk instrument. Sam Muyskens played trumpet and sang bass. I used to say he was my favorite bass, said his wife, Ellan Musykens, who met Sam while he was in grad school in Dallas and director of music at a church where she was subbing in as organist. One story, Jim Muyskens said his sisters like to retell, involves Sam Muyskens performing a song called Asleep In The Deep, composed in 1897 and about sailors aboard a ship during a storm, when a bug kept flying around his face. Advertisement Advertisement He finished perfectly, Jim Muyskens said, but when he got offstage, a sister asked what he did about the fly. I just swallowed it, Sam Muyskens said. Growing family The Muyskens family around 1986. Ellan and Sam Muyskens married in the summer of 1970 and then promptly left for a missionary trip to the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and East Germany before the wall came down, she said. He then took an assignment as a pastor in South Dakota; she took a job teaching music at the local middle school as well as private piano lessons. They tried to grow their family, but were unsuccessful, at first. They filled out the paperwork to adopt. In 1979, he took a job as pastor of West Heights United Methodist Church. The week before they left, they got a notice of a baby girl coming up for adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Whether it was a God moment, or something or other, it just happened that way, she said. She was just a week old. Janna, now Bogle, became a Muysken the day before they drove to Kansas. The first Sunday he preached was Fathers Day. Joellan was born to them a couple years after that, then David came three years after that. Sam Muyskens and his wife and their three children in November 2023. Inter-Faith Ministries A photo and story in the April 4, 1992, edition of The Wichita Eagle talking about Sam Muyskens taking over as executive director of Inter-Faith Ministries (now HumanKind Ministries). Sam Muyskens stepped in to take over Inter-Faith Ministries in 1992. An April 4, 1992, story in The Wichita Eagle, titled A MAN WITH A MISSION, started by saying the organization had been involved in controversy for years because of a former executive directors controversial stands on racism and censorship, but that was about to change with Muyskens at the helm. His style of administration is a little more of a team approach, the interim director told The Eagle. His concept of that is to define clearly for the community our purpose and our mission. Hes working very diligently at that. Muyskens told a reporter this: One of the greatest reasons in our world why we do not have peace is because of religious differences and misunderstandings. Im not attempting to make us all the same. Religious and faith communities need to be able to understand each other and work together. In the article, Musykens talked about a trip he took five years before that to India, Pakistan and Nepal, visiting Muslim mosques, Hindu temples and places where Sikhs worshipped. In a Hindu temple, he sat at a fire with a man practicing poverty for religious reasons. As we began to share, we began to realize that we are both religious people set aside to be of service for our particular perspective, he said. What he was doing and what I was doing suddenly became so common. In his spare time, the article said, Muyskens liked to rebuild pump reed organs and old cars. He had just finished working on a 1969 Volkswagen convertible and had been working on several organs. Ive always got a reed project waiting for me, he said. Inter-Faith Ministries began to rapidly expand under Muyskens. Sandy Swank was the director of the Inter-Faith Inn homeless shelter, starting about 18 months before Muyskens took over. She said the organization was in terrible shape before he stepped in, but Muyskens quickly got things going in the right direction. He had vision. The man was constantly thinking about how to make things better for other people, she said, adding: If it sounded reasonable, hed say, lets just go for it. They purchased their second building at 829 N. Market, which is now HumanKind headquarters. Then came more buildings for housing low-income people, including the Villas, she said. But Muyskens heart wasnt only for low-income people in Wichita. Mission Haiti Sam Muyskens in 2006 on a mission trip in Haiti. In 1993, a year after taking over Inter-Faith, Muyskens met with someone with connection to a struggling school in Haiti. The school was in danger of closing because of a scarcity of resources, including chalk for the teachers to write on the board. Muyskens visited the town of Lambert in Haiti for the first time in 1993. He fell in love with that school and the people in the community his heart brought him back there every year to bring people to help out and bring resources, said David Glover, who took over the nonprofit that Muyskens started to support the school. He took at least an annual trip for 30 years, family said. Funds have strengthened the school and a nearby clinic, ensuring hundreds of students have had a place to learn, create a better future and eat a warm meal each day. The school went from near closure to being established and running smoothly, Glover said. Through the charitable donations of people supporting Haiti Hope Foundation, the organization now also helps sustain another school near the one in Borde, which is near Lambert. Muyskens was honored on June 1, 2025, with a plaque and reception for his 32 years of serving the school and the community of Lambert. He took a step back from overseeing the Haiti mission a couple of years ago as it became harder for him to keep up with everything. A major loss Muyskens died shortly after going to a hospital for hospice care following a visit from family. Michael Davis, a retired rabbi from Congregation Emanu-El, who served on the board of Inter-Faith when Muyskens ran it, said Muyskens death is a huge loss for the world. Its a major loss for us. There is no one like him, Davis said. Sam was my hero. To be able to do all he does with such passion and yet with such calm what a kind, committed, strong individual. He really was Mr. Interfaith. One woman that The Jerusalem Post reached out to explained that her brother was flying to Dubai but was made to land in Muscat, Oman, a country with no normalized relations with Israel. Following the outbreak of Operation Roaring Lion against Iran, there have been multiple cases of planes being forced to land in countries that are unfriendly to Israel. A plane with about 180 Israeli passengers on board was forced to land in Saudi Arabia, and the passengers were made to wait on board pending instructions. Advertisement Advertisement One woman that The Jerusalem Post reached out to explained that her brother was flying from Sri Lanka to Dubai but was made to land in Muscat, Oman, a country with no normalized relations with Israel. The Post also spoke to Ofri, who is stuck in Bahrain. Bahrain and Israel do have diplomatic relations; however, Israel's Foreign Ministry currently prohibits all travel to Bahrain and deems it a High Threat destination. The Foreign Ministry's website says: "Since the beginning of Operation Swords of Iron there is a significant increase in hostility against Israelis/Jews worldwide. Terrorist cells are more motivated to harm Israelis/Jews anywhere. Consequently, we recommend avoiding all travel to this country." Family prepared for spendind the night at a public parking lot in Tel aviv due to Iranian missiles. February, 28. (credit: Chen Schimmel/The Jerusalem Post) Ofri had been on a work trip in Dubai and wanted to explore Bahrain when war broke out. "The thing is, there are sirens and explosions sounds everywhere and very often, but there is no option of shelter, so it feels very off," he said. Advertisement Advertisement His initial plan was to fly from Bahrain to Dubai, and from there to Israel, but on understanding that the situation would last for more than a few days, he booked a flight to London. However, the entirety of Bahrain's airspace was completely closed, so he said he is currently waiting for it to reopen. Only the hotel he is staying at knows he is Israeli. He added that he is watching the local news closely and everyone is "very shocked." Israeli hides identity in Egypt The Post also spoke to Abraham, who is stuck in Egypt. Israel also prohibits travel to Egypt, "given concerns that terrorist entities will try to harm Israelis." Abraham, however, is a joint Israeli-US citizen and has not told anyone that he is Israeli. He told the Post he feels safer in Egypt right now than he would in Israel, but has yet to have contact with Israeli authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Then there are those stuck in safe countries, but with no way of getting back. Esther was supposed to fly back to Israel tomorrow from the US, but her flight was canceled. She was informed that she cannot get a new flight until March 21st. "I feel awful, I miss home and would rather deal with Iran and be in my home country with my family than the US. Israel is home, good or bad, and I want to be there to support and go through anything for my people," she said. She said she has had no real help, and while El Al helped a little, she has been "kind of left in the dark." Alexandra was supposed to leave Brazil for Israel on Saturday, with a connecting flight in Europe. However, after waking up to red alert sirens on her phone, she decided to stay a few more days in Rio de Janeiro. Right now, she doesn't know when she will be able to return, but said once Ben-Gurion Airport opens, she will be on the first flight home. Advertisement Advertisement "When I flew abroad, I knew there was a chance a war might break out, though I didn't think the probability was very high," she said. "Ive missed home, my family, and my work, but we are doing something great here [with the attacks on Iran] so what is it to me to stay in Rio just a little longer?" "I hope that after this war, there will be no more wars; that the rest of the Gulf states will join the Abraham Accords, and we will be able to live here in peace, as good neighbors, in full cooperation. I am so grateful to the security forces, our incredible pilots, and everyone taking part in this historic moment and supporting us," she added. Greenland and Ukraine disputes heighten Denmarks election risk Denmarks intelligence services have issued a rare and expansive warning ahead of the nations March 24 general election, identifying a multi-front threat from foreign powers. In a formal assessment released Friday, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) stated that foreign interference is "highly likely." While Russia remains the top threat due to Denmarks military support for Ukraine, the report also took the extraordinary step of naming the United States and China as potential sources of influence. This development highlights the rapid deterioration of traditional transatlantic norms as the "Greenland Crisis" continues to dominate Danish political discourse. The intelligence report suggests that the United States focus on Greenland has created "new international lines of conflict." These tensions are reportedly being exploited by adversaries to spread misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Danish authorities are bracing for a range of "hybrid" tactics, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns designed to sway specific candidates or fracture public opinion. The warning follows a December report from the Defense Intelligence Service (DDIS), which, for the first time in history, categorized the U.S. as a potential security risk to the Nordic kingdom. Frederiksen seeks mandate amid transatlantic friction Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the snap election earlier this week, a move widely seen as an attempt to consolidate power following a surge in the polls. Her popularity has spiked as she positioned herself as a defender of Danish sovereignty against Donald Trumps renewed claims over Greenland. The upcoming ballot will serve as a critical test of voter sentiment regarding Denmarks relationship with Washington. Analysts note that while the U.S. remains Denmarks most important security ally through NATO, the "unpredictable" rhetoric coming from the White House has forced Copenhagen to establish what local media call a "night watch" to monitor American actions. For international investors, the Danish election is now a key barometer for European stability. A victory for Frederiksens center-left bloc would likely reinforce Denmarks "strategic autonomy" within the EU and its firm rejection of any Arctic territorial negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Related articles Nordic alert: Denmark flags U.S. and Russia as election interference threats These 2 stocks are best positioned to benefit from higher uranium prices: analyst Nvidia's new Alpamayo project: What it means for Tesla? KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghanistan thwarted attempted airstrikes on Bagram Air Base, the former U.S. military base north of Kabul, authorities said Sunday, while cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan stretched into a fourth day. The fighting has been the most severe between the neighbors for years, with Pakistan declaring that its in open war with Afghanistan. The conflict has alarmed the international community, particularly as the area is one where other militant organizations, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, still have a presence and have been trying to resurface. Pakistan accuses Afghanistans Taliban government of harboring militant groups that stage attacks against it and also of allying with its archrival India. Border clashes in October killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants until a Qatari-mediated ceasefire ended the intense fighting. But several rounds of peace talks in Turkey in November failed to produce a lasting agreement, and the two sides have occasionally traded fire since then. On Sunday, the police headquarters of Parwan province, where Bagram is located, said in a statement that several Pakistani military jets had entered Afghan airspace and attempted to bomb Bagram Air Base at around 5 a.m. The statement said Afghan forces responded with anti-aircraft and missile defense systems and had managed to thwart the attack. There was no immediate response from Pakistans military or government regarding Kabuls claim of attempted airstrikes on Bagram or the ongoing fighting. Bagram was the United States largest military base in Afghanistan. It was taken over by the Taliban as they swept across the country and took control in the wake of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country in 2021. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he wanted to reestablish a U.S. presence at the base. The current fighting began when Afghanistan launched a broad cross-border attack on Thursday night, saying it was in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday. Pakistan had said its airstrike had targeted the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. Afghanistan had said only civilians were killed. The TTP militant group, which is separate but closely allied with Afghanistans ruling Taliban, operates inside Pakistan, where it has been blamed for hundreds of deaths in bombings and other attacks over the years. Pakistan accuses Afghanistans Taliban government of providing a safe haven within Afghanistan for the TTP, an accusation that Afghanistan denies. After Thursdays Afghan attack, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared that our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us. In the ongoing fighting, each side claims to have killed hundreds of the other sides forces and both governments put their own casualties at drastically lower numbers. Two Pakistani security officials said that Pakistani ground forces were still in control on Sunday of a key Afghan post and a 32-square-kilometer (12-square-mile) area in the southern Zhob sector near Kandahar province, after having sezied it during fighting Friday. The captured post and surrounding area remain under Pakistani control, they added. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, because they werent authorized to speak publicly. In Kabul, the Afghan government rejected Pakistans claims. Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called the reports baseless. Afghan officials said that fighting had continued overnight and into Sunday in the border areas. The police command spokesman for Nangarhar province, Said Tayyeb Hammad, said that anti-aircraft missiles were used from the provincial capital, Jalalabad, and surrounding areas on Pakistani fighter jets flying overhead Sunday morning. Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatulah Khowarazmi said that Afghan forces had launched counterattacks with snipers across the border from Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost and Kandahar provinces overnight. He said that two Pakistani drones had been shot down and dozens of Pakistani soldiers had been killed. Fitrat said that Pakistani drone attacks hit civilian homes in Nangarhar province late Saturday, killing a woman and a child, while mortar fire killed another civilian when it hit a home in Paktia province. There was no immediate response to the claims from Pakistani officials. ___ Elena Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece. Munir Ahmed contributed to this report from Islamabad. By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Iranian government has confirmed that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the airstrikes on Iran and to clarify Donald Trump's statements about Iran's nuclear capabilities. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump and members of his administration repeatedly made the case for military strikes against Iran by arguing that the Middle Eastern country posed a serious threat to the United States. Iran, they said, was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon and ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States. Advertisement Advertisement But national security analysts and experts on Iran and its ruling regime say those claims are based on assumptions that are wrong or greatly exaggerated. The assertion that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon is not true, said Matthew Bunn, an arms control expert at Harvards Kennedy School. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where, as the state media reports, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Minab, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media reported on February 28 that Israel struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in 40 deaths. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Iranian people run for cover in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard after a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video. A graffiti on a wall reads" Down with the U.S.A", after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran. A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026, after Israel said it carried out a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and phone alerts warned of an "extremely serious" threat. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Buildings inin Tehran stand after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026. Iranians try to clear a street amid heavy traffic in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard following a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani on February 28, 2026. Lebanon's foreign minister said on February 24 his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, after Israel intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah Anti-riot police stand in front of state building that is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting the destruction of a US aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran on a main street in Tehran on February 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. In recent weeks, the United States had moved vast numbers of military vessels and aircraft to Europe and the Middle East. The US and Israel proceeded to launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, Latest photos capture US and Israeli strikes against Iran 1 of 16 Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. The United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, targeting the countrys missile capabilities and its leaders. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes, the Iranian government has confirmed. Earlier, Irans Foreign Ministry insisted he and President Masoud Pezeshkian remained safe and sound. Advertisement Advertisement Reuters reported that 201 people were killed and 747 were wounded in the attacks, according to Iranian media that cited Red Crescent, a humanitarian group working in the region. Official estimates of fatalities and injuries havent been confirmed by American or international authorities. Senior Trump administration officials, briefing reporters after the attacks on the condition of anonymity, insisted the strikes were necessary to protect Americans from what they said was an intolerable risk to the United States from Irans development of long-range missiles. This picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency shows the site of a strike on a girls' school in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, on Feb. 28, 2026. The U.S. and Israel launched the strikes, claiming that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons. What has Trump said about Iran's weapons development? Trump said in his State of the Union address Feb. 24 that Iran was developing a nuclear weapon and ballistic missiles that could soon reach the United States. The United States had been negotiating with Iran in the hope of striking a deal that would avoid a military confrontation. A third round of indirect talks ended Feb. 26 without a major breakthrough, but negotiators for both countries had been expected to meet again. Advertisement Advertisement In their briefing with reporters, a senior administration official said Iran refused to even discuss its ballistic missile program inside or outside of mediated talks with the United States. That was unacceptable to the Trump administration, the official said. A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY. A satellite image shows heavy traffic, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A satellite image shows a frigate on fire at the Konarak naval base in Iran, February 28, 2026. A satellite image shows a frigate on fire at the Konarak naval base in Iran, February 28, 2026. A satellite image shows drones dispersed at an airbase in Konarak, Iran February 28, 2026. A satellite image shows drones dispersed at an airbase in Konarak, Iran February 28, 2026. See inside White House and Mar-a-Lago as US leaders monitor attack on Iran 1 of 6 A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY. More: Iran leader Khamenei is dead. Maps, satellite images show US attack Another U.S. official said the United States had intelligence showing Iran was rebuilding three nuclear sites the U.S. military bombed last summer. The officials said they determined in the course of talks that the Iranians were seeking to preserve their ability to enrich uranium so that over time they could use it to make a nuclear bomb. Iran has said it seeks to use enriched uranium for peaceful purposes, such as energy production. One official said the administration offered to give Iran free fuel in perpetuity. But Iran declined, saying it needed to enrich uranium, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement The fact that they werent willing to take free nuclear fuel was a big tell to us that they were looking to buy time, the official said. Iran has a stockpile of nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium enriched at 60% purity, the official said. Uranium enriched at 60% could be converted within a week to 90%, which is the level needed to make a nuclear weapon, the official said. More: US strikes Iran: Trumps gamble could spark wider Iran war How quickly could Iran build an atomic bomb? But some national security analysts have said Iran doesnt have the capability to enrich uranium to 90%. A man holds a picture of President Trump as members of the Iranian community and supporters celebrate in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2026, following the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. After the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities last June, Trump announced the sites had been obliterated. Advertisement Advertisement Iran had no operating enrichment facilities after those attacks, said Bunn, who has analyzed the long-term risks of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. The major facilities of Irans program and a lot of the key experts were destroyed, he said. Iran may have been able to rescue some of its enriched uranium stockpile either before or after the June attacks, Bunn said. But in terms of a facility that would make weapons-grade uranium, none of that is there, he said. More: Why did the US attack Iran? What we know so far U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks to Cabinet Secretaries during military operations in Iran, in the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 28, 2026. The United States launched military strikes and "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, President Donald Trump said, targeting the country's missile capabilities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY. This image was provided by The White House. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, accompanied by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during military operations in Iran, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. February 28, 2026. This image was provided by The White House. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine speaks during military operations in Iran, at U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. February 28, 2026. This image was provided by The White House. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during military operations in Iran, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. February 28, 2026. This image was provided by The White House. An NBC News live feed airs a clip from U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social video announcement in the White House James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on February 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel had launched an attack on Iran Saturday morning. A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. See inside White House and Mar-a-Lago as US leaders monitor attack on Iran 1 of 6 U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks to Cabinet Secretaries during military operations in Iran, in the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 28, 2026. The United States launched military strikes and "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, President Donald Trump said, targeting the country's missile capabilities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strikes with Israel on Iran, an Israeli source confirmed to USA TODAY. This image was provided by The White House. How long before Iranian missiles can reach the U.S.? Experts also have cast doubts on the administrations claim that Iran was close to making ballistic missiles that could reach the United States. U.S. intelligence reports dont back those assertions, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Three sources familiar with the assessments told the news agency that Trumps claims appear to be exaggerated. Iran has the largest ballistic missile force in the Middle East, and its missiles are able to strike Israel, U.S. bases in the region and parts of Europe. It also has developed so-called space-launch vehicles that have put satellites into orbit and that experts say could be modified into intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. But it's not so easy to build a ballistic missile that's going to reach the United States, when we've done so much damage to their program until now," said Daniel Kurtzer, U.S. ambassador to Israel during George W. Bush's administration. He was U.S. ambassador to Egypt under President Bill Clinton. Recent U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Iran was as far as 10 years from developing a missile capable of striking the United States, said Mona Yacoubian, director and senior adviser of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. Advertisement Advertisement More: The US attacked Iran. Here's what that means for you at the gas pump. Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against American and Israeli targets after the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Iran said its enemies would be "decisively defeated." Photos show reported attacks in Bahrain and Qatar. Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from a video. Smoke rises during a reported Iranian missile attack near a U.S. base, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, in this screengrab obtained from a video released on February 28, 2026. Smoke wafts in the distance after missiles were fired over Qatar on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke from an apparent missile interception hangs in the air on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke rises from an area in the direction of Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the Qatar Emiri Air Force and foreign forces including the US, in Doha on February 28, 2026, following a reported Iranian strike. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel. Smoke from an apparent missile interception on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke from an apparent missile interception on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke rises during a reported Iranian missile attack near a U.S. base, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, in this screengrab obtained from a video released on February 28, 2026. Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026 in this still image obtained from a video. See Iran's retaliatory attacks on US military sites in the Middle East 1 of 9 Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against American and Israeli targets after the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Iran said its enemies would be "decisively defeated." Photos show reported attacks in Bahrain and Qatar. Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from a video. Will Iranians overthrow their government? In his video remarks after the U.S.-Israeli strikes, Trump urged the Iranian people to rise up against the Iranian leadership and take over your government. This will probably be your only chance for generations, he said. But Bunn and Yacoubian said its unlikely the strikes would trigger a mass push for regime change in Iran. Iranians have learned lessons from their 12-day war with Israel last summer and had put in place succession plans if Khamenei, their supreme leader, were killed, Yacoubian said. The regime in Iran is probably better placed to manage through chaos than the Iranian people themselves, she said. Advertisement Advertisement With Khamenei's death in the latest U.S.-Israeli assault, its possible that Irans ruling regime might be weakened, Bunn said. But Iranians may be reluctant to rise up against their government after thousands of protesters were slaughtered by Iranian security forces during a crackdown on nationwide demonstrations in January. Now, Bunn said, the regime is even more desperate. If I were an Iranian protester, I would be extremely nervous about raising up in a situation where I would appear to be acting in concert with a foreign enemy. Michael Collins writes about the intersection of politics and culture. A veteran reporter, he has covered the White House and Congress. Follow him on X: @mcollinsNEWS Francesca Chambers covers the White House. Follow her on X: @fran_chambers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'It's not true': Experts question Trump's rationale for Iran attacks Guest Opinion. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a proposed 30-inch-diameter pipeline, 1,150 miles long, transporting crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois through South Dakota and Iowa. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of Fort Yates, North Dakota, along with the Yankton Sioux Tribe, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, were not consulted on the plan and objected to it. In 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed for an injunction to stop the project because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) had prepared only an Environmental Assessment (EA) and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), failed to consider historic sites under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106, and failed to consider cumulative impacts when state and federal governments issued a permit under the Clean Water Act for the project. The court denied the injunction, opining that DAPL could cure the defects in the EA and possibly even reach the same conclusion. There were continuing legal actions to review the project, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari, allowing a lower court decision to stand that permitted the pipeline to continue operating. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. The Environmental Impact When there is no significant environmental impact on the human environment, as determined in an Environmental Assessment (EA), a federal agency can declare that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not needed. That findingregarding a major pipeline project that would cross the freshwater Lake Oahewas laughable on its face. Advertisement Advertisement That decision was found to be arbitrary and capricious by a federal court in 2020, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was ordered to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. While it seemed implausible that a notoriously leak-prone technology crossing a freshwater lake would pose no environmental risk, the court instead pointed to the criterion of being highly controversial as at least one regulatory trigger requiring an Environmental Impact Statement. It took five years to complete (or perhaps until the political environment was more favorable), and it was then opened for comment for only 30 days. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires a 60-day comment period unless there is an emergency. For a project initially found to have no environmental impacts, the Final EIS ultimately identified more than a fewacross 487 pages. At the notice-and-comment stage, which closed in January 2026, the public could submit comments, and the agency was required only to consider them; it could, of course, reject them all. The Prophecy of the Black Snake There is a prophecy among the Lakota (and others) that a large black snake will come to threaten their land and make life miserable. During the invasion of the Black Hills, the Lakota saw the long lines of covered wagons streaming into their land and believed this must be the black snake. Now, the pipeline recalls this prophecy and foreshadows a threat to their landand water. Advertisement Advertisement Five Years in the Making: The Environmental Impact Statement In the 487 pages of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), to its credit, the word sacred appears 17 times. That is scant mention in a document of this length, but at least it was acknowledged. Several references cite the Sacred Sites Executive Order, which directs agencies to consider Native American sacred sites in their decision-making. An Environmental Impact Statement must analyze and consider alternatives to the proposed project. The FEIS outlines five alternatives: Alternative 1: Deny the easement and remove the pipeline (the required no action alternative). Alternative 2: Deny the easement, remove the pipeline, and seek a reroute. Alternative 4: Grant the requested easement with additional conditions beyond those in the vacated easement. These additional conditions would focus on earlier detection of a release and improved response times. If new construction workspace were required to install or maintain groundwater monitoring wells on USACE-managed lands, cultural and historic resources could be impacted, requiring additional NHPA consultation and survey. Alternative 5: Deny the easement and construct an approximately 111-mile-long reroute (the North Bismarck Reroute). Advertisement Advertisement In the end, the agency determined that none of the alternatives that would avoid Lake Oahe were reasonable. The risk of a leak was characterized as remotesome compared it to a one-in-a-million risk. However, in the event of a crude oil leak, all parties agree the consequences would be severe. This type of risk falls into the category of low probability but high consequencesometimes referred to as a black swan event. According to the FEIS authors, this is the likelihood assigned to a crude oil leak. It also appears that their best argument is that none of the spiritual or cultural aspects of Lake Oahe for the regional Tribes are part of a NEPA analysis because NEPA does not require psychological effects. It is true that NEPA does not require psychological effects, but it is a leap to claim that this is equivalent to spiritual and cultural importance. Here is the statement in the Final EIS: Advertisement Advertisement While this EIS addresses the spiritual and cultural connection to the land, performing an analysis of all possible community-wide psychological effects that the presence of a pipeline and risk of a crude oil release could have on the surrounding population is outside the purpose of the environmental analysis required by NEPA. NEPA is a forward-looking, not remedial, statute, intended to require agencies to assess the future effects of future actions. Final Thoughts There is a tone of dismissiveness toward the spiritual and cultural values at risk from the potential destruction of Lake Oahe, categorizing them as merely psychological effects. These concerns are more appropriately considered highly controversialthe very criterion on which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered the agency to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in 2020. Looking at what we all sharea need for water to surviveis rejecting all the alternatives reasonable? A low-probability, high-consequence risk is unacceptable to people who rely on this freshwater to stay alive, in addition to its spiritual value. If the DAPL FEIS authors faced a one-in-a-million risk of destroying their own water supply, would they still believe it worth the risk? Advertisement Advertisement I would suggest not. I would also suggest they learned nothing from the remand to draft the FEIS. To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to https://profvictoria.substack.com/ Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net The Gwinnett Housing Corporation broke ground Wednesday on a $14.5 million project to convert an obsolete extended-stay hotel into long-term affordable housing, the first conversion of its kind in the county. The development at 7065 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Peachtree Corners, will provide 73 permanent units for vulnerable seniors and youth aging out of foster care. The conversion of the Spring Swallow Lodge addresses a growing homelessness crisis among specific populations in the county. According to the Gwinnett Housing Corporation, 522 seniors were found to be homeless or living in shelters during a 21-month period. Additionally, research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows nearly 40% of foster youth experience homelessness within two years of aging out of the foster program. Advertisement Advertisement The 4.69-acre site will undergo a full conversion from transient lodging into a professionally managed community asset. Each of the 73 studio and one-bedroom units will range from 450 to 650 square feet and include a full kitchen. The updated facility will feature green spaces, energy-efficient systems and modern safety features designed to reduce residential turnover. In addition to housing, the project aims to replace transient, poorly managed operations with safe, stable housing and reliable on-site staffing. Karen Ramsey, who serves as the CEO of Gwinnett Housing Corporation, noted the project represents the first hotel-to-housing conversion of its kind in Gwinnett County. As the need for affordable housing continues to increase, we have to find innovative ways to increase the affordable housing stock, diverse financing structures and intentional partnerships to expand our reach, Ramsey said. This project is an example of all of these elements working together to bring that vision to reality. Ramsey described the effort as an opportunity to modernize an older structure and provide a sense of dignity for residents. Advertisement Advertisement Our project serves to repurpose this extended-stay hotel, which is often referred to as an option of housing last resort, into an affordable option of first choice, she said. Where others saw an older structure, we saw an opportunity. We are creating a property that is modern, efficient, affordable and welcoming. Lejla Prljaca, chief development officer for the organization, said the project is the result of over a decade of research and advocacy. A previous study by the group titled When Extended Stay Becomes Home found that 84% of respondents were relying on extended-stay hotels as a housing option of last resort. Prljaca said these findings propelled the organization to seek state and county policies supporting these types of conversions. This project represents a full-circle milestone for our organization, Prljaca said. More than a decade ago, we began elevating the voices of families experiencing hidden housing insecurity. That finding propelled our advocacy at the county and state levels to advance policies supporting the conversion of these properties into stable, permanent affordable housing. Gwinnett County currently has one of the highest concentrations of extended-stay properties in the United States. Converting these properties into permanent housing is intended to reduce negative community impacts, such as crime and economic blight. The project received significant financial backing, with Gwinnett County providing funding for nearly half of the $14.5 million development cost. Advertisement Advertisement Several organizations contributed to the projects financing, including the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Cox Foundation and the Georgia Power Foundation. Other funders include the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the Gwinnett County Housing Authority, Primerica and the Woodward Foundation. Praxis three is serving as the architect for the project, while Aapco is the general contractor. Occupancy for the new units is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026. The Gwinnett Housing Corporation is currently partnering with several nonprofit service providers to establish an array of social services for the residents on-site. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Iran's foreign minister told his counterpart in Oman that Tehran wants peace and supports diplomatic efforts to end the crisis triggered by the US-Israeli military campaign, Oman's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. The ministry said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi received a phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Iranian chief diplomat expressed appreciation for what he said was Omans constructive role in seeking to defuse tensions and revive dialogue. Araghchi said Irans position remains centred on peace, warning that the US-Israeli attack has heightened regional anxiety and instability. Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Albusaidi reiterated Omans call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels, stressing the need for restraint by all parties to prevent further escalation and safeguard regional security. The ministry added that Albusaidi also held intensive contacts Sunday with several counterparts from brotherly and friendly countries, that he did not name, to discuss the rapidly evolving situation and its serious repercussions for regional stability. During those calls, he expressed concern over attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council states and other Arab countries, warning that continued military escalation would not resolve the conflict. He emphasized the need to address the root causes of the crisis, halt military operations and contain its fallout. At least nine people have been killed and 27 injured in a missile strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, emergency services say. The attack comes as Iran launched strikes across the Middle East in response to a massive and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel. One person has been killed in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, and and a death has also been reported in Kuwait. Dozens more people have been injured in strikes across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of flights have been grounded to and from the region, in one of the most serious disruptions to global travel since the Covid-19 pandemic. Israel accused Iran of targeting innocent civilians [Reuters] Across the Gulf, Iran has used ballistic missiles and drones to launch large-scale attacks on US allies and assets, after Iran's supreme leader was killed in the ongoing US-Israel air offensive launched on Saturday morning. In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces accused Iran of directly firing missiles toward Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, "killing innocent civilians". Officials say a synagogue where people were sheltering from the air raids was hit. The building was completely destroyed - dozens of rescuers were at the scene of the attack searching for people feared to be under the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement There are piles of broken concrete and twisted metal, and a huge crater which indicates the point of impact. Cars that were parked nearby were completely destroyed. Police say 11 people are still missing and the search is ongoing. This is the deadliest attack in Israel so far in this war. Magen David Adom paramedic Dror Eini said: "We saw destroyed homes, flames and smoke rising from residential buildings, wrecked cars, and significant chaos at the scene. Missiles attacks continued on Israel into Sunday evening. Most were intercepted but one fell on a street in the Jerusalem area injuring at least three people. Advertisement Advertisement Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait - all home to US military bases - said they had intercepted missiles fired towards them, but falling debris appeared to have caused widespread damage. On Sunday, a further drone strike on the US Navy's 5th fleet base in Bahrain caused a major fire. The drone hit near a British naval facility that adjoins the American base. An official told the BBC there were no reports of casualties. So far, four people have been wounded by Iranian attacks in Bahrain, the official added. Kuwait's health ministry said one person had been killed and 32 others - all of them foreigners - had been injured in strikes since Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed a drone targeting Zayed International Airport (AUH) was intercepted, leading to "falling debris" killing one person and injuring seven. Dubai International Airport (DXB) - the world's busiest by passenger traffic - was damaged in an "incident" that injured four staff, according to authorities, who did not give further details. "I probably saw about 15 missiles being launched from behind my house yesterday," Dubai resident Becky Williams told the BBC, referring to missiles fired by UAE authorities aimed at intercepting incoming Iranian projectiles. "You can hear the interceptions happening in the air." But she added that she and her family were remaining calm and trusted the UAE military to defend its airspace, saying she believed it would "all blow over soon". Advertisement Advertisement On the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's luxury man-made archipelago, the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel was struck by a large explosion on Saturday afternoon. Video verified by the BBC shows a fire raging as black smoke rises into the sky. Authorities also confirmed debris from an intercepted drone had caused a "minor fire" on the outer facade of the five-star Burj Al Arab hotel. Also in Dubai, debris from an "aerial interception" caused a fire in a berth at the Jebel Ali deep sea port - the world's ninth busiest. Advertisement Advertisement Another 34-year-old Dubai resident said: "What we've lived through over the past 24 hours is a fraction of what others have been living through in areas of conflict so it puts things in perspective". In Bahrain, the interior ministry said the airport was damaged after being targeted by a drone. There were unconfirmed reports of continuing attacks on Sunday morning. [BBC] On Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said they had struck the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, located in Bahrain's capital Manama. Huge plumes of black smoke were seen rising from an area near the base. Meanwhile, Oman's state news agency reported Duqm commercial port was targeted by two drones, injuring one worker. Oman has been a key mediator in the US-Iran talks for years and had so far been spared Iranian attacks. Advertisement Advertisement In a press conference overnight, Qatari officials said Iran had launched 65 missiles and 12 drones on Saturday most of them were intercepted, but there has been some damage and eight people were injured by the fallout. The Gulf states had made efforts to ease tensions with Iran in recent years,. They have worked hard to mediate a diplomatic solution to the crisis and have refused to let the US launch attacks from its bases in their countries. But that wasn't enough to prevent direct military strikes on their territory. And now with the violent death of Iran's supreme leader, the future looks uncertain not only for Iran, but for the region. Additional reporting by Alice Cuddy, Tom Bennett, and Barbara Plett-Usher. Guest columnist Julie Mayfields public call to CEO Sam Hazen (Feb. 15, 2026) HCA must fix Mission Hospitals safety issues) ignores the fact that the Frist family is the principal owner of Mission Hospital; Sam is merely a managerial agent. Principal owners separated from agent managers do not earn income through salary or wages but rather through passive accrual of wealth obtained through shareholding. As of Feb. 16, 2025, combined wealth of the principal owner including Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr., Thomas F. Frist III, and William R. Frist is $41.9 billion (beckersasc). Through ownership stakes, these men and family beneficiaries (Robert A. Frist, Dorothy F. Boensch, Mary F. Barfield, etc.) climb in rank as one of the wealthiest families in the world (Forbes). They are the primary beneficiaries of our hospitals operating profits, their wealth amassed through increases in stock prices, dividends, the acquisition, appreciation and sale of assets, and corporate accounting tricks to reduce taxes and enhance dynastic wealth. The Frist family is benefiting handsomely from their 2021 purchase of our hospital monopoly through Frist Group/ Frist Entities Frisco Holding II LP (directly owns over 16.3%) and Holding II LP (owns 14.4% of all shares outstanding) totaling 70.6 million shares; On Feb. 6, 2026, Frisco Holding II exchanged 36,629,188 existing HCA shares for 36,557,141 newly issued shares from HCA, in a transaction treated as a tax-free reorganization and partnership conversion (Stocktitan). Advertisement Advertisement Frist familys wealth and control sit behind the corporate structure of HCA Healthcare, Inc. and HCAs PAC Good Government Fund (Opensecrets.org) funds political action. William Bill Harrison Frist served as Tennessee Senator and U.S. GOP Senate Majority Leader 2003-2007. The Frist political dynasty has a storied past of corruption, graft and grift tactics, using political and dynastic power to siphon public goods funded by taxpayer dollars (Medicaid, Medicare) into instruments for hording private wealth in the name of corporate efficiency. Such oligarchic ownership of hospitals represents a tale of caution against the extremes of privatization and new public management ideology, which applies shareholder dominance ideologies and efficiency metrics from business schools and free market capitalism to human medical care in hospitals with grave results for care outcomes. Moral and ethical norms are breached when human patients are treated merely as means for oligarchic profit maximization instead of ends, as humans with inalienable intrinsic worth and right to life-saving medical care without injury or further harm. When patients are treated as widgets on an assembly line, and nurse and physician labor as a tax, a cost to be continuously reduced, the hyper focus on increasing throughout by adoption of intensive productivity metrics too often leads to injury, poor quality care, or death. A political theory of the firm that has never been refuted or disproven theorizes, predicts, and explains these political strategies and behaviors of founders and founding families, such as the Frist dynasty (Why Ownership Matters) (2009); Resurrection of the Robber Barons: Reassessing the Theory of the Firm (BEH online, 2006). Like the Walton family of Walmart, the Frist family has successfully positioned themselves as invisible owners, keeping out of the limelight to avoid accountability to taxpayers, patients, employees, elected leaders, and the public. Advertisement Advertisement Februarys Schedule 13D statement reports the Frist family and all related reporting entities own approximately 70.55 million shares, representing 31.6% of HCAs common stock (Stocktitan, 2026). For every dollar of profits returned to shareholders, the Frist family receives nearly 32 cents or close to one-third of all beneficial financial gains to cost-cutting measures and increases in employee efficiency at the hospitals they own and control as beneficial principal owners. Why are our elected and appointed leaders not revealing publicly available information about the principal owners of HCA so that the People of Appalachia might know who is predominantly profiting from the hospitals ownership and control? A public call to the CEO merely addresses the hired agent, when at HCA, the principal owner and primary beneficiaries with familial control are the Frist family of Tennessee. The Government representing the People grants the right of corporations to exist, and that right can be taken away should the People know who to hold accountable as beneficial owners and hold their elected leaders to task for oversight and correction. Please contact your elected leaders and demand the Frist family be held legally accountable and morally responsible for reparations to families who lost loved ones at Mission or caused undue harm or preventable suffering to patients and their families. Opinion: Why acknowledging national mistakes is crucial for greatness Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Many electric vehicles better suited for people than Teslas Dr. Susan Clark Muntean holds a doctorate in philosophy (American political science; political theory) and a masters in business administration, and is a business professor and Asheville resident. Dr. Susan Clark Muntean is an Asheville resident, researcher and published author. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: Mission, HCA fixes must be from principal owner Frist Family Pahlavi expressed immense gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in the operation and for his words of encouragement to Iran's citizens. Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi published an op-ed in the Washington Post in the early hours of Sunday morning, responding to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and outlining his plan for a democratic Iran. Pahlavi addressed fears of the US establishing an extended, resource-draining military presence in Iran as it did in Iraq in the early 2000s following the assassination of Saddam Hussein. Advertisement Advertisement The crown prince explicitly assured Washington Post readers that "Iran is not Iraq. We will not repeat the mistakes that followed that conflict." To his point, Pahlavi touted the Iran Prosperity Project, his plan for a smooth transition back into power, which he described as a "detailed road map for national recovery." This, he claimed, would bypass the issue of a power vacuum in Iran, avoiding the trigger that kept US troops in Iraq for many years. A still image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed ''Epic Fury'', an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows a rocket launch from a ship, in this picture obtained from social media released on February 28, 2026. (credit: US CENTCOM via X/Handout via REUTERS) Pahlavi declares intention to lead a transitional government "Many Iranians, often despite facing bullets, have called on me to lead this transition," Pahlavi wrote, expressing his intention to assume leadership of Iran. "I have answered their call," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Iran, he wrote, will draft and ratify a new constitution before holding "free elections under international oversight." Pahlavi added that the new government would immediately recognize and establish relations with the State of Israel - a move which would "transform the Middle East." Gratitude and praise for Trump Pahlavi expressed immense gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in the operation and for his words of encouragement to Iran's citizens. In the last two months, he wrote, Iranian citizens have been slaughtered by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and "called on the free world to stand with them." "President Trump," Pahlavi claimed, "has answered the call." Advertisement Advertisement Pahlavi went on to praise Trump's "moral clarity and decisive action" in withdrawing from the Joint Plan of Action, an "irresponsible nuclear plan," during his first term in 2018. "Trump will be remembered as the leader who stood with [the Iranian people] when it mattered most," Pahlavi wrote. "God bless America. Long live Iran." Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and other locations as fighting flared along the countries' rugged border, prompting dueling claims of heavy casualties and captured outposts from Islamabad and Afghanistan's Taliban-led government. Pakistan Says Strikes Followed Unprovoked Border Attacks Pakistan's government described the strikes and subsequent cross-border fire as a response to what it called "unprovoked" Taliban attacks on Pakistani positions. In statements posted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad said its troops delivered an "immediate and effective response" across multiple sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, naming Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur, and reporting damage to Afghan posts and equipment. Afghan Taliban regime unprovoked action along the PakistanAfghanistan border given an immediate, and effective response. Afghan Taliban miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations across Pakistan Afghanistan border in KP which is being met with immediate, and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) February 26, 2026 Don't Miss: Sharif Vows Befitting Reply To Aggression Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in posts carried on the Pakistani government's X account that the country "stands by Pakistani armed forces" and that the military is "fully capable of thwarting any aggressive intentions." He said Pakistan would not compromise on defending the country and would respond to any attack with a befitting reply. " " ~ pic.twitter.com/mlmFN7dJqp Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 27, 2026 Trending: Blue-chip art has historically outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, and fractional investing is now opening this institutional asset class to everyday investors. Taliban Claims Retaliation, Seizures Along Durand Line Afghanistan's Taliban authorities, who lack broad international recognition, said they launched "large-scale offensive operations" against Pakistani military positions and installations along the disputed Durand Line in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban began the operation "in response to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles." . ! Zabihullah (.. ) (@Zabehulah_M33) February 26, 2026 See Also: 1.5 Million Users Are Already Working Inside This AI Platform Investors Can Still Get In The media office of Afghanistan's military corps in the east said "heavy clashes" began late Thursday, linking the fighting to earlier Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktia provinces. The Taliban defense ministry claimed it captured 19 Pakistani military posts and two bases Thursday night and said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Update on the situation at the Pakistan Afghanistan border as of 0345 hrs Friday February 27 Pakistani counter strikes against targets in Afghanistan continue. A total of 133 Afghan Taliban are confirmed killed, more than 200 wounded. Many more casualties estimated in strikes Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) February 26, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan denied that Taliban forces captured or damaged any outposts. Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesperson for Sharif, said Pakistan's continuing response had killed 133 Taliban members and wounded more than 200, while destroying 27 Taliban posts and capturing nine. Read Next: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share Image via Shutterstock/ AlexandrinaZ Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Pakistan Strikes Afghan Capital After 'Unprovoked' Attacks, Taliban Claims Retaliation Amid Reports Of Heavy Casualties originally appeared on Benzinga.com Officers took an elderly adult male into custody Sunday morning for making a bomb threat aboard a JetBlue flight at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, authorities said. Broward Sheriffs Office Airport District deputies responded to the call just before 10 a.m. in Terminal Four and removed the passenger, Robert Albanese, 76, from the plane, police confirmed with the South Florida Sun Sentinel. While deputies took Albanese into custody, the JetBlue flight and all passengers aboard were briefly evacuated as a precaution, according to BSO. Advertisement Advertisement A BSO K9 unit searched the plane and discovered there was no bomb on board. Passengers re-boarded the plane, which eventually took off. There was no additional disruption to airport operations, BSO spokesperson Carey Codd said. Albanese was not listed among current Broward County inmates as of 5 p.m. Sunday, according to BSO arrest records. Staff writer Phillip Valys can be reached at pvalys@sunsentinel.com or Twitter/X @philvalys. This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. Comparing today with America's beginning Recently I read a letter referencing the "entirely preventable" deaths of the two American protesters in Minneapolis as "regrettable" and offering two rationalizations for the termination of two of our fellow citizens' lives. I summarize the validations as follows: 1) The "incompetent and corrupt Biden administration." 2) Sanctuary city policies of Minneapolis. I cannot set a path of connection between the effects of the actions of federal agents on U.S. citizens and the cobblestone of the opined causes. Instead, I opt to address patriotism. As the English colonies of the Americas grew more and more frustrated with the oppressions of the Crown, pressures mounted. The Crown had planned on capping that pressure by deploying armed British troops to the streets of the Colonies. Unrest in the streets increased, protests got violent and finally, shots fired. Shots fired upon citizens of the Crown and death administered to citizens of the Crown by soldiers of the Crown. The massacre, witnessed by dozens of fellow protesters, was not excused but prosecuted. Future U.S. president John Adams defended the soldiers in court. Despite legitimate threats of violence and death to both he and his family, and with a conviction toward the Rule of Law and due process, a valiant defense was provided by Mr. Adams. This tragedy forced a fissure in the colonies. Of one mind were the believers who felt the Crown could do no wrong, and they were labeled Loyalists. Those opposed to blind loyalty and embracing freedom from oppression were labeled Patriots. Advertisement Advertisement Most tragedies are preventable. Often we study our tragedies, make assessments, offer corrections, evaluate competence levels and take pledges to never repeat those failures. The tragedies which we repeat are born either in chosen ignorance or evil. When bridging the differences between these two choices, the chasm disappears and those differences become superimposed. Jeff Medina, Veneta Springfield schools must continue to focus on students As former board chairs of Springfield Public Schools, we understand both the weight of governance and the responsibility that comes with leading a public institution. In moments of heightened debate about leadership and board conduct, it is essential to return to the core purpose of our work: Springfield Public Schools exists to educate and support students. On that front, there is meaningful progress that deserves recognition. Springfield Public Schools recently celebrated the highest graduation rate in district history. According to Oregon Department of Education data, 76.9% of the Class of 2025 graduated on time, an increase from the previous year and a milestone reflecting sustained effort by students, families, educators, and support staff. This is something that should be celebrated loudly, and yet it was largely ignored by our local news media in favor of more scurrilous topics. Advertisement Advertisement Student performance data also points in a positive direction. The states most recent At-A-Glance profile shows improvements in English language arts and math outcomes compared to prior years. These gains are not accidental. They reflect focused instructional strategies, consistent progress monitoring, and daily, intentional work happening in classrooms across the district. During our time serving as board chairs, we saw firsthand how educators adapt to meet diverse student needs, how administrators use data to refine instruction, and how partnerships with families and community organizations help remove barriers to learning. When outcomes improve, it is important to acknowledge the systems and people who make that progress possible. Strong governance also requires sound fiscal stewardship. The district adopted a balanced budget amid significant statewide financial pressures, prioritizing classroom stability and long-term sustainability. Budget decisions are not abstract exercises; they directly shape class sizes, staffing levels, program availability, and student supports. Responsible budgeting protects what matters most: teaching and learning. Accountability is another cornerstone of effective governance. Over the past three years, when concerns were raised about board members' conduct, including by other board members, the district initiated a board-directed independent investigation. Most recently, that process resulted in the removal of a board chair (Jonathan Light) and vice chair (Ken Kohl) from leadership roles and the formal censure of Jonathan Light. These are serious and consequential actions. They demonstrate that governance structures exist to uphold ethical standards and that policies apply to everyone. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the state continues its review related to curriculum compliance. We expect and believe that the district has cooperated fully by providing the requested information and respecting the states process. Transparency and cooperation with oversight are fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring clarity for students, families, and staff. Public education is sustained by steady leadership, thoughtful oversight, and a shared commitment to students. Teachers continue to show up prepared and focused. Support staff create safe and welcoming environments. Administrators monitor progress and adjust strategies. Students continue to rise to expectations. From our perspective, effective leadership is not defined by the absence of challenge. It is defined by how we meet challenges: by centering students, adhering to policy, stewarding resources responsibly, and holding ourselves and others accountable. Springfield Public Schools is demonstrating measurable academic gains, practicing fiscal responsibility, and engaging in appropriate oversight processes. That combination of progress and accountability is what sustains strong public institutions. Advertisement Advertisement That is the real story worth telling, and it keeps students at the center of our work. Heather Quaas-Annsa, Nicole De Graff, and Kelly Mason Participate on this page How to submit a letter to the editor: Send your letter via email to letters@registerguard.com or by mail to 388 Pearl St. Eugene, OR 97401. Letters must include your first and last name, phone number, and city and state of residence. Elections letters: Election-related letters will be held until after the March 13 deadline for candidates to withdraw. The Register-Guard will make every effort to print election-related letters presenting a variety of viewpoints and endorsing different candidates. Ballots will be mailed April 29 and election day is May 19. Advertisement Advertisement Local op-eds now accepted: Have more to say than a 300-word letter accommodates? Want to present a well reasoned, well researched idea for your community to digest? You can submit your op-ed for consideration to jbond@registerguard.com. Op-eds must deal with local issues, be authored by local people, and present factual information that can be verified. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Springfield schools future and the country's past in letters Authorities are investigating after a person was struck and killed by a vehicle in southern Indiana. According to the Clark County Sheriffs Office, the incident happened on US-31 at Coopers Lane Saturday evening. Few details about the incident were made available, but the CCSO said the driver of the involved vehicle is at the scene and cooperating. The victim has not yet been identified. Indiana State Police are assisting with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users. Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, or visit our Facebook page or X feed. A person was stabbed on a CTA bus Saturday evening. The stabbing happened around 6:40 p.m. in the 600 block of North Ashland Avenue in West Town, Chicago police said. A male offender and a male victim were in an argument while onboard a CTA bus when one took out a sharp object and stabbed the other, police said. The victim, whose age was not known, was stabbed in the arm and side. He was taken to a hospital in unknown condition. Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO | 15 hospitalized, 2 seriously injured, in crash appearing to involve CTA bus in Bronzeville, CFD says No further information was available as Chicago police continue to investigate. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood On the night that Donald Trump decided to launch strikes against Iran, he was huddled with his top team in Mar-a-Lago. There was Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and Susie Wiles, the presidents ever-present chief of staff. But JD Vance was not in earshot. Instead, the vice-president appeared at the head of a B team, monitoring events from the White House situation room. Advertisement Advertisement He was joined there by Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence. Like Mr Vance, she has a long track record of opposing foreign interventionism and drew the presidents fury by stating, in July last year, that there was no evidence Iran was building a nuclear bomb. The administration has not provided an explanation for why the team was split. The two sides were connected by a secure phone line. But it does not require a particularly overactive imagination to wonder whether the physical divide underlined differences of opinion on the renewal of Americas on-again, off-again efforts at remaking the Middle East. Donald Trump, Susie Wiles and Marco Rubio monitor Operation Epic Fury from Mar-a-Lago - White House/AFP via Getty Images To be sure, Mr Vance would never have imagined himself at the head of the Situation Room table as the US launched a huge military operation against Iran. In 2023, he endorsed Mr Trump for the White House in an article for the Wall Street Journal that argued his best foreign policy was not starting any wars. The old school of Washingtonian statesmanship had failed, he argued, leading to world-historic catastrophes in the Middle East. In its place, Mr Vance called for a different kind of statesmanship: one that stands athwart the crowd and only acts with great restraint. Advertisement Advertisement The vice-president has softened his stance somewhat inside the White House. Today, he backs the presidents blitzkrieg-style of warfare: in and out within hours, as demonstrated by the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro, the former Venezuelan president. In the days before the first strikes on Iran, he told the Washington Post there was no chance the US would become involved in a protracted conflict, and that he believed Mr Trump could still be called a sceptic of foreign military interventions. There were reports of tension in the Situation Room in the week before the war began. According to the New York Times, Mr Vance pressed John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, and Mr Caine for more information on the risks and complexity of a strike on Iran diverging from the presidents wish not to be seen as weak. General Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, at Mar-a-Lago with President Trump during the launch of attacks against Iran - White House/AFP via Getty Images To this day, Mr Vance represents the more isolationist wing of the Maga movement. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the former congresswoman, is among those now questioning whether Mr Trump has lost sight of his America first principles. Tucker Carlson, an ally of Mr Vance, has called the war in Iran evil. Evidently, the president has not morphed into Dick Cheney overnight. On Sunday afternoon, he said he was already holding talks with Iran over a potential ceasefire, days after urging the countrys population to overthrow the regime once America had finished its strikes. Israeli media reported that the regime had rejected any overtures of peace. Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Vance may want to flag his scepticism subtly, without appearing disloyal, ahead of the next steps in his political career. Early polling suggests only a quarter of Americans support the strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The vice-president has not posted since the operation on his personal X account, where he often hits out on the issues of the day. Laura Loomer, the hard-Right influencer close to Mr Trump, described his silence as telling. Benjamin Friedman, policy director at the Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities, said it will be difficult for Vance to say he didnt agree with this when he makes his expected run for the White House in 2028. But I think he wants to not be seen as a leading cheerleader for it, so the people on the kind of anti-war Right dont abandon him as their candidate. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Jack Miller expected winter heating costs but not a $500 gas bill for an empty home. Miller, a Charlotte resident, said he kept the thermostat set at about 60 degrees in a house he had already moved out of, hoping only to prevent pipes from freezing. No one was living there, he said, and there was no hot water use. Still, his January Piedmont Natural Gas bill was higher than it had ever been. I thought it was insane, Miller said. I thought there must be a gas leak. Advertisement Advertisement Miller is among a wave of Piedmont Natural Gas customers across the Charlotte region who say their bills this winter were unusually high, with some reporting charges hundreds of dollars above what they typically pay. While cold temperatures and increased heating demand can drive seasonal increases, several customers told The Charlotte Observer the spikes felt steeper than past winters, prompting confusion, frustration and, in some cases, complaints to the utility. Piedmont Natural Gas said the bills up an average of 20% from last winter are due to the increased price of gas and cold weather. Hundreds of dollars more Miller said his concerns grew after comparing the vacant homes bill with charges at the house he currently lives in which is a larger property with more gas appliances. That homes bill, he said, was significantly lower at $330. He contacted Piedmont Natural Gas to ask whether there might be a problem. When the answer wasnt satisfactory, Miller reported the company to the Better Business Bureau. They said maybe the new gas meter was reading more accurately, but I dont believe that at all, Miller said. I reported them to the Better Business Bureau, because Im not going to be lazy, pay the bills, move out. I want an explanation why a smaller home thats unoccupied has a higher gas bill than an occupied larger home. Advertisement Advertisement Other Charlotte-area residents described similar sticker shock. Madison Wolf, who lives in the Hembstead neighborhood in southeast Charlotte, said her most recent gas bill was about $600 up from $400 the month prior and around $350 last winter. Wolf said she didnt increase her gas usage in any meaningful way and tried to conserve during recent winter storms. Thankfully, we can afford it. But also my reaction was that there are people out there who cant, because this is a huge bill that youre just not expecting. You budget for what you have in the past, so when it doubles, its definitely, definitely shocking. For Elizabeth Dancy, the spike was impossible to ignore. The Piedmont Natural Gas customer said her January bill climbed to about $700, compared with roughly $400 for the same month last year. Like Wolf, Dancy said the increase caught her off guard because her familys heating habits remained largely consistent. She has a smart thermostat and keeps her home at 68 degrees during the day and 61 degrees at night. Advertisement Advertisement You can almost see your breath in my house in the morning before it taps on... Its just completely unexpected to have something this high. I mean, in the winters, I know it definitely can get in the three, four, even maybe $500, but $700? Dancy said. Every winter theres always an extreme cold snap. But to me, theres nothing extraordinary that would warrant this much of a hike. David Whitley Jr. said the January bill for his 3,400 square-foot home was $910, up from $768 last January and about $410 in January 2024. He called a Piedmont technician out to check for leaks but found none. My first thought was it sure feels like we are getting screwed, Whitley said. Did Duke Energy overcharge NC customers and raise rates? Heres what to know Why were Piedmont Natural Gas bills more expensive? Piedmont Natural Gas, which is owned by Duke Energy, said weather-driven usage increases and the price of gas were the biggest factors behind higher bills. Advertisement Advertisement The cost of gas has increased since last January, Jason Wheatley, lead communications manager for Piedmont, said in an emailed statement. Those costs are passed directly to customers dollar-for-dollar. Wheatley said the company works to purchase gas at the best possible price during the summer when demand and prices are lower. This winter brought several stretches of dangerously cold weather across Charlotte and the broader region. A snowstorm last month brought some of the heaviest snowfall to the area in about 20 years, tying 1880 for the fourth greatest single-snowfall day in the citys history. The weather has been the major driver behind increases Piedmont Natural Gas customers may be seeing, Wheatley said. Higher energy consumption related to colder temperatures is the largest contributor to increases in the average households home-heating expenditures during the winter months. Advertisement Advertisement Wheatley cited December cold snaps and freezing conditions associated with recent winter storms, saying the record lows and duration of those freezes caused heating systems to work harder and longer. Even so, the company emphasized that some costs have recently declined. Wheatley said Piedmont implemented a rate reduction for residential and small business customers in North Carolina effective Jan. 1. The benchmark commodity cost of natural gas also decreased Feb. 1, falling from $4.50 per dekatherm to $4.00 per dekatherm. The company suggests customers looking to save money on gas bills should reduce energy use, seal air ducts, seal the home, consider insulation and use a smart thermostat. For some residents like Miller, however, the explanation remains unsatisfying. That sounds like a convenient answer to them trying to take advantage of a situation where they can price gouge people. Because, I mean, we had snow, cool, great. It was cold last year too and my gas bill in January of last year was not $500. Can you identify this man? [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Oakwood Public Safety Department wrote on social media that they are searching for Zachary Combs, 37. He is wanted for theft from a retail store. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Combs also has outstanding warrants from other parts of the area, according to the post. He was last seen on a red bicycle. Oakwood Public Safety posted Combs mugshot and a security photo showing him with a red bike on its Facebook page. Contact (937) 298-2122 if you have any information about this wanted suspect. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Michigan State Police are warning motorists on Interstate 75 in Otsego County to use extra caution because of numerous elk crossing traffic lanes into the median on Sunday, March 1. Police said at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday that there have not been any reported crashes, but warned that an elk "herd" is apparently crossing over the northbound lanes to reach the median. The elk have been seen in the area of Winters Road, which is south of Vanderbilt and north of Gaylord. Advertisement Advertisement Elk are far larger than the typical whitetail deer, weighing up to 900 pounds. More: Michigan elk harvest numbers. How many animals were taken in 2025 Vanderbilt and Gaylord are the center of Michigan's elk herd. Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi, according to the Michigan DNR. About 1,000 elk live in the elk range of southern Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency counties. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Vanderbilt-area elk cross I-75. MSP warns drivers State Rep. James Talarico has taken the lead in the Democratic race for the U.S. Senate nomination, according to a new poll by a Democratic political firm. Attorney General Ken Paxton has widened his lead in the Republican race going into an apparent May runoff, according to the poll by Mississippi-based Chism Strategies, which has an office in San Antonio. Talarico has overtaken long-standing frontrunner U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and now leads Crockett, 52%-40%, in a poll of 472 primary voters Feb. 23-24. The poll has an error margin of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points, meaning results can vary by that much in either direction. Advertisement Advertisement Its the second poll in just days to show a Democratic candidate leading beyond the polling margin of error. But they swing in opposite directions: Crockett led Talarico, 56%-44%, in a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll Feb. 2-16. That poll was conducted before Talaricos Feb, 16 interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, aired on YouTube to avoid running afoul of FCC equal-time rules. The interview drew 9 million viewers within a week. With Democrats approaching record turnout in early voting, the race appears difficult to forecast. The winner of the March 3 primary will face whichever Republican prevails in a primary that will apparently go to a May 26 runoff between Paxton and incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Advertisement Advertisement In the Republican primary, Paxton has 41% of the vote to Cornyns 30% and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunts 14%. The poll of 529 voters has a 3-percentage-point margin of error. However, the poll also showed that Cornyn would gain 10 points in the runoff if he wins the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Paxton and Cornyn were tied in the earlier University of Texas poll. Both polls showed the race for the Republican nomination for Texas attorney general also appears headed to a runoff between U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton. The newer Blueprint poll showed Roy at 30% and Middleton at 26%, a mathematical tie within the 3% margin of error. The earlier UT poll also showed them in a mathematical tie. Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa appeared on the way to easy nomination to face Gov. Greg Abbott in the fall race for governor. Hinojosa led other Democrats with 61% in the poll. In late February 2026, internet users shared videos of people listening to an unidentified voice reading out a purported transcript of a phone call between two Republican politicians, Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. In the call, McConnell and McCarthy allegedly discussed bringing back slavery, creating state-funded religious schools, banning abortion, stemming immigration and the forced impregnation of eighth-graders. We found no credible evidence that the transcript was authentic or that any such conversation between McConnell and McCarthy ever took place. The claim is unfounded. Videos that circulated on social media in late February 2026 showed people listening to a man's voice reading out a claimed transcript of a phone call between Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. On the alleged call, McConnell and McCarthy discussed a wide range of proposed policies. Advertisement Advertisement One Threads user who posted a video of a woman listening to the transcript wrote (archived): Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy talk about grooming children young, turning them into slaves and making sure every girl is impregnated by the 8th grade. This will be possible by eliminating the separation of church and state, according to Mitch. (Threads user @itsonlyalienlife) The videos of people listening to the claimed transcript also circulated on Facebook (archived) and Instagram (archived). We found no evidence whatsoever that the audio clip or transcript represented an authentic conversation between McConnell and McCarthy. We found no reputable news sources reporting the "leaked" transcript (archived, archived, archived, archived), which would have been extremely newsworthy if true. Though McConnell and McCarthy both previously voted against federal protections for abortion, a common opinion for their party, neither had publicly expressed opinions or plans that aligned with the other supposed policy points like slavery and state-funded religious education allegedly discussed on the call. Advertisement Advertisement We reached out to representatives for McConnell and McCarthy to ask if the transcript read out in the videos was genuine and await replies to our queries. The full transcript of the alleged phone call, which an unidentified voice read out, was as follows: OK, so I got the transcripts. Mitch: We have to bring slavery back. Those were the good old days. Kevin: How will we do that, there's no way we can do that. Mitch: Black people won't do it but white people will. Kevin: How will we get white people to be slaves? That sounds ridiculous. Mitch: We have to get rid of the separation of church and state. We must have state-funded religious schools. Kevin: I don't see where you're getting at. Mitch: Those schools will have work programs for fourth through eighth graders. Kevin: Ah, I think I see where you're going here. How is that going to work? Mitch: We get the kids to be to pick all the produce as a part of their work program to teach them the values of good, old-fashioned blue-collar labor and the bounty of God. Kevin: I don't think that anyone will go for that. Mitch: It's all about grooming, start in the first grade and by fourth grade they'll be ready to do it. Kevin: But we already have people to pick the produce. Mitch: We have to finish the wall. Kevin: No way that's going to happen. Mitch: We find better ways to get the immigrants out of the United States. Kevin: Like doubling ICE? Mitch: Yes. Kevin: This will be too busy, too hard and we'll be too busy trying to sustain this over long periods of time and generations. Mitch: No, we get rid of the abortion laws in the United States and we make it mandatory that all eighth-grade females be impregnated in order to graduate. Kevin: Oh, like replacing the crops. Ha ha ha. Pun intended. Also Kevin: I will work on getting the abortion ban, you work on state-funded religious schools. Mitch: We don't have to do either. Lindsey and I took care of that with the new SCOTUS. "Lindsey" was an apparent reference to Lindsey Graham, the senior senator from South Carolina and a fellow Republican. "SCOTUS" is a common abbreviation for the Supreme Court of the United States. The versions of the alleged phone call shared online were scant on details about when the conversation supposedly took place. Some said the recording was from July 2022, but did not back up this claim. Online postings contained no further information about who leaked the alleged call or why. McConnell and McCarthy on abortion, slavery, school choice As stated above, Snopes found no evidence that the alleged call between McConnell and McCarthy was real, nor did the call seem to reflect the politicians' publicly expressed opinions. Advertisement Advertisement McConnell and McCarthy both voted against the Women's Health Protection Act, which would "prohibit governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services." The bill passed the House in 2021 but failed in the Senate in 2022. Since then, McConnell has said that abortion should be dealt with at a state rather than a federal level. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a nonprofit that seeks to reduce and ultimately end abortion in the U.S., rated both McConnell and McCarthy "A+." Both McConnell and McCarthy have historically opposed slavery, a central theme of the alleged call, on their social media accounts. McCarthy spoke (archived) of the "evils" of slavery in 2019. That same year, McConnell wrote (archived) about "slavery's stain on our history" on X. However, McConnell did previously oppose the idea of reparations for slavery, saying in 2019 he didn't think "reparations for something that happened 150 years ago, for whom none of us currently living are responsible, is a good idea." Lastly, McConnell allegedly advocated for "state funded religious schools" in the phone call transcript. These schools, he allegedly argued, would be the basis for the renewed slavery project, as students would participate in work programs. In reality, McConnell has historically been a strong advocate for school choice, co-authoring an opinion piece in 2013 that argued "Choice breeds competition which is the best way to improve schools," an opinion that would seemingly be at odds with advocating for forced attendance at state-funded schools. Advertisement Advertisement This was not the first rumor Snopes has investigated about either McConnell or McCarthy. For example, we previously looked into claims that McConnell said he would not participate in 2020 election debates that included female moderators and that a photo authentically showed McCarthy watching himself lose a vote for speaker of the House. Sources: Blad, Evie. "Senate GOP Sticks to School Choice Push in Slimmed Down Relief Proposal." Education Week, 8 Sep. 2020. www.edweek.org, https://www.edweek.org/education/senate-gop-sticks-to-school-choice-push-in-slimmed-down-relief-proposal/2020/09. Chu, Judy. "H.R.3755 - Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." Congress.Gov, 6 Aug. 2021, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3755. Huffington Post: Op-Ed by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Sens. Rand Paul, Mike Lee, Tim Scott and Lamar Alexander: School Choice: Part of the Solution to Our Broken Education System | The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions. 29 Jul. 2013, https://www.help.senate.gov/chair/newsroom/news/huffington-post-op-ed-by-senate-republican-leader-mitch-mcconnell-sens-rand-paul-mike-lee-tim-scott-and-lamar-alexander-school-choice-part-of-the-solution-to-our-broken-education-system. Advertisement Advertisement "McConnell Equates His Ancestors' Slave Ownership to Obama's." AP News, 9 Jul. 2019, https://apnews.com/article/a7bab51c3e324ee5bbc55a48b683d1a7. "mitch Mcconnell" AND "We Have to Bring Slavery Back. Those Were the Good Old Days." - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=44f27cba552c4951&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB1138GB1138&q=%22mitch+mcconnell%22+AND+%22We+have+to+bring+slavery+back.+Those+were+the+good+old+days.%22&tbm=nws&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeuYzzFkfneXafNx6OMdA4MQSBVctRys_GZriRO39Kwt_V4JtzjT2H9P7Y4f8B3324HB0OaERKaqfehCBbG4Uom1eOSmdOPijLFk_iCOjmCstoeol2p7iVKi4e3Zno7bmrAAh9ltofcJLj9aerEX_at89dqFpYudQUfEZpSdX3xiPcMS92A&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwivp5j8zNWOAxWQWUEAHZOQLroQ0pQJKAN6BAgSEAE&biw=1920&bih=845&dpr=2. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. "mitch Mcconnell" AND "We Have to Bring Slavery Back. Those Were the Good Old Days." - Search News. https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=%22mitch+mcconnell%22+AND+%22We+have+to+bring+slavery+back.+Those+were+the+good+old+days.%22&FORM=HDRSC7. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. "mitch Mcconnell" AND "We Have to Bring Slavery Back. Those Were the Good Old Days." - Yahoo Search Results. https://uk.news.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrFFpoNNYJoA1kVdiZQBQx.;_ylc=X1MDMjExNDcxNzAwOARfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10BGZyMgNzYi10b3AEZ3ByaWQDRkpaQTFNSXhTa2VMbld0a1FEUUt1QQRuX3JzbHQDMARuX3N1Z2cDMARvcmlnaW4DdWsubmV3cy5zZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tBHBvcwMwBHBxc3RyAwRwcXN0cmwDMARxc3RybAM4NARxdWVyeQMlMjJtaXRjaCUyMG1jY29ubmVsbCUyMiUyMEFORCUyMCUyMldlJTIwaGF2ZSUyMHRvJTIwYnJpbmclMjBzbGF2ZXJ5JTIwYmFjay4lMjBUaG9zZSUyMHdlcmUlMjB0aGUlMjBnb29kJTIwb2xkJTIwZGF5cy4lMjIEdF9zdG1wAzE3NTMzNjM3NjI-?p=%22mitch+mcconnell%22+AND+%22We+have+to+bring+slavery+back.+Those+were+the+good+old+days.%22&fr2=sb-top&fr=yfp-t. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement "mitch Mcconnell" AND "We Have to Bring Slavery Back. Those Were the Good Old Days." at DuckDuckGo. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%22mitch+mcconnell%22+AND+%22We+have+to+bring+slavery+back.+Those+were+the+good+old+days.%22&iar=news&t=h_. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. "Rep. Kevin McCarthy | National Pro-Life Scorecard." SBA Pro-Life America, https://sbaprolife.org/representative/kevin-mccarthy. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. "Sen. Mitch McConnell | National Pro-Life Scorecard." SBA Pro-Life America, https://sbaprolife.org/senator/mitch-mcconnell. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. @SenMcConnell. "With the Nation, Congress Looks Back to 1619 and Remembers the Size and Scope of Slavery's Stain on Our History. ." X, 10 Sep. 2019, https://x.com/SenMcConnell/status/1171443118610059267. Advertisement Advertisement @SpeakerMcCarthy. "It's Been 400 Years since the Evils of Slavery First Occurred in America. ." X, 10 Sep. 2025, https://x.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1171507398944518147. U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 117th Congress - 2nd Session. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00065.htm. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154, and DC 20515-6601 p:225-7000. "Roll Call 295 Roll Call 295, Bill Number: H. R. 3755, 117th Congress, 1st Session." Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, 24 Sep. 2021, https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2021295. Yang, Maya. "Mitch McConnell Refuses to Say Whether He Supports a US National Abortion Ban." The Guardian, 28 Apr. 2024. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/28/mitch-mcconnell-national-abortion-ban. ---. "Mitch McConnell Refuses to Say Whether He Supports a US National Abortion Ban." The Guardian, 28 Apr. 2024. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/28/mitch-mcconnell-national-abortion-ban. Two North Dakotans are semifinalists for the Bismarck State College presidents job as North Dakota State University narrows its presidential candidate list. Valley City State University also is searching for a new president, with an application period closing this month. Six semi-finalists who hope to become the next president of Bismarck State College were named on Thursday in a University System news release with each of the participants coming to Bismarck for in-person visits this week, including community forums Monday through Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The Bismarck State semi-finalists are: Phillip King, executive vice president and provost at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Gaby Hawat, principal at Catalyst Partners. Clint Cowden, assistant superintendent and vice president of instruction and student services at Palo Verde College. Brian Kalk, chief research officer at the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center. Dan Leingang, interim president of Bismarck State College. Rai Kathuria, former provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Empire State University. The semi-finalists were chosen from 51 applicants and 11 follow-on interviews, according to the state University System. Kevin Black, chair of the State Board of Higher Education and co-chair of the North Dakota State University Presidential Search Committee, said the committee reviewed over 60 applications. The committee is planning off-site interviews with candidates March 9-10 and campus visits with semifinal candidates March 23-27. Advertisement Advertisement Were really excited about taking the next step and theres some very quality people in there, Black said. Meredith Larson, chief operating officer for the University System, said the presidential search committee for Valley City State University has held one meeting so far with the application deadline closing for the position March 15. She added the first round of candidate deliberations by the search committee will be March 27. I would encourage anyone in the system who is interested in moving forward with additional leadership obligations to think about applying and encourage your peers to do so, she said. Larson said about 30 applicants have applied so far, but she anticipates more will come in as the deadline approaches. North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) More than six decades have passed since the most disastrous bus crash in U.S. history. Feb. 28, 1958, is a day the Floyd County community remembers. A crash cut the lives of 26 children and one bus driver short. Citation given by the families of the children who perished in the Prestonsburg School Bus Disaster to individual members of the Kentucky National Guard who assisted. (Kentucky National Guard) Tragedy struck the hills of Eastern Kentucky when a school bus carrying Floyd County children was involved in a devastating wreck. Families were changed forever, and our community was shaken to its core, Floyd County Emergency & Rescue Squad officials wrote on social media. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED | Never before seen video of Eastern Kentucky school bus crash surfaces after 60 years Twenty-six students and one bus driver drowned in the accident. (Floyd County Emergency & Rescue Squad) According to a Kentucky National Guard article, the Prestonsburg Bus Tragedy is tied for the most disastrous school bus crash in United States history. Following a period of heavy rains, a Floyd County school bus was taking 48 elementary and high school students to a Prestonsburg school on U.S. Route 23 when the bus struck the rear of a wrecker truck. The National Guard said that the bus plunged into an embankment and into the rough waters of the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. The bus was swept downstream and fully submerged. Advertisement Advertisement Only 22 of the children managed to escape from the bus in the first few minutes before the water swallowed it completely. But the remaining 26 children and the bus driver drowned. More than 500 Kentucky National Guard and other agencies responded to the disaster, but it took Navy divers 55 hours to locate the bus. For 69 days, the National Guard searched for and recovered the 27 victims of the disaster. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Kentucky Guardsmen involved count the Prestonsburg Bus Tragedy as the grimmest state duty they ever performed. The accident drew nationwide sympathy for the parents of the children and respect for the stoic courage of the Prestonsburg people, according to the National Guard. The Prestonsburg Bus Tragedy is one of the most disastrous bus accidents in U.S. history. (Floyd County Emergency & Rescue Squad) 50 years later, in 1988, another bus tragedy tied with the Prestonsburg Bus Tragedy for the highest number of fatalities from a bus accident. Advertisement Advertisement Both accidents occurred in Kentucky, and in each, the victims were all thought to have survived the initial collisions but were unable to safely evacuate the school-type buses afterwards. After the 1988 accident, Kentucky changed its public school bus equipment requirements and requires a higher number of emergency exits than any other state in the country, the National Guard wrote. The loss was unimaginable, the grief was heavy, and the pain was felt in every hollow, every church pew, and every front porch across Floyd County, the Floyd County Emergency and Rescue Squad wrote. Today, we remember the children, the families, and the turning point that shaped emergency services in our county. May we never forget why we do this job, the cost that led to our commitment, and may we always honor themnot just with words, but with service. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Prince William wanted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be axed from the line of royal succession in the autumn, alongside the stripping of his other titles, it has been reported. The Prince of Wales is said to be frustrated that the process of his uncles removal from the line to the British throne, which the government is now weighing up, was not resolved at the time. However, King Charles was reportedly reluctant to back the move until shortly before Mr Mountbatten-Windsors arrest last month, when he had come around on the issue, royal sources told The Sunday Times. Advertisement Advertisement The government is considering introducing legislation that would see Andrew removed from his current position as eighth in line to the throne, a move which the government said could take years, and would not begin until after the investigation into the former prince has concluded. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was a trade envoy. He has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing. Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police last month (Reuters) Following his arrest, Darren Jones, Sir Keir's chief secretary, told lawmakers: The government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course. The revelations about the Prince of Wales follow claims made last month that William had demanded Mr Mountbatten-Windsor be forced out of the royal family before the rot set in. Advertisement Advertisement William is said to have urged Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II to take action following the then-princes disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019. The King stripped Mr Mountbatten-Windsor of all titles, including the Duke of York, in October, following further revelations about his relationship with Epstein. He was reportedly reluctant to endorse his removal from the line of succession, but now wouldnt argue if the government was to act, sources told The Sunday Times. Prince William is said to be fearful that his uncles ongoing scandal will threaten the reputation and survival of the royal family. King Charles was initially reluctant to remove his brother from the line of succession (PA Wire) A recent poll revealed that 82 per cent of Britons think that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the line of succession. Advertisement Advertisement The calls for Andrews removal from the royal line of succession have also been backed by the leaders of Australia and New Zealand, who said they would support the UK governments decision. In a letter to the British prime minister, Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese said: In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession. The move to remove the former prince would require the support of the 14 other Commonwealth nations where King Charles is the head of state. The royal family has not publicly commented on the latest calls for Mr Mountbatten-Windsors axing. Following Mr Mountbatten-Windsors arrest, William was asked at the Baftas whether he had seen the recently-released film Hamnet, to which he replied: I need to be in quite a calm state, and Im not at the moment. Parents and council members gathered in a nearly empty high school cafeteria last week, reconvening for the first time since a college professors remarks about Black students disrupted a New York City school meeting and shook the community. Roughly two dozen people met in the basement of Joan of Arc Junior High School in the citys Upper West Side neighborhood on Thursday night while another 150 logged in on Zoom. The mood was tense and subdued. At the front of the room, two Black students held handmade signs reading, Student dignity. Accountability is not optional. By the end of the two-hour emergency meeting, Community Education Council District 3 members voted unanimously to condemn the remarks that had drawn national outrage and to call for clearer video conference protocols, anti-bias training for parents and stronger guardrails to prevent future disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement The anti-Black words spoken by an adult have been heard round the world, council Co-President Jill Rackmill said, opening the meeting by reading the eighth graders speech that had been interrupted weeks earlier. But the words of the student who courageously came to what should have been a safe and affirming space have not been. They have been drowned out. Adults failed her. The emergency gathering was the latest fallout from a Feb. 10 council meeting in which Allyson Friedman, a tenured associate professor at Hunter College, was heard over Zoom saying of Black students, Theyre too dumb to know theyre in a bad school, as a Black eighth grader pleaded to save her middle school from possible closure. A recording of the moment quickly spread online, pushing a contentious debate over local school closures and equity into the national spotlight. New York City Major Zohran Mamdani condemned the remarks as racist, and just hours before Thursdays meeting, Hunter College placed Friedman on leave pending an investigation. On the Upper West Side, they far sooner would smile at your face and do anti-Black things as opposed to say anti-Black things, public school parent and CEC District 3 council member Noah Odabashian said. And so I was a little shocked that they would say the quiet part out loud. Advertisement Advertisement Friedman has not responded to NBC News multiple requests for comment. In a statement to The New York Times, Friedman said she made the remarks to teach her child about racism. Hunter College of the City University of New York. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images file) (Drew Angerer) For months, school officials have floated proposals to relocate or close at least four middle schools on the Upper West Side, citing low enrollment, funding squeezes, academic performance and compliance with a 2022 law requiring class-size reductions by 2028. Proposals to close or merge schools in New York City frequently spark backlash because they affect funding, enrollment and neighborhood influence and can deepen long-standing racial and economic divides. It is unclear whether and when the proposals in the Upper West Side will be carried out. Advertisement Advertisement At this time, no formal proposals have been finalized or circulated, Dominique Ellison, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education, said in a statement. The proposals have divided the Upper West Side community, with some parents and students arguing that the changes would be disruptive and spoil thriving communities that each school has built. Elizabeth Sofro, a parent in the district who attended the meeting, said the proposals made people feel like they were being pushed to the wall with what they can handle, arguing that the closures were introduced with little time for the families to absorb the implications. So, stuff comes out. Peoples true colors come out, whether its good or bad, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Rita Joseph, a Black member of the City Council who chairs the committee on higher education, told The New York Times that discussion of school closures and relocations is also racial. Twenty-seven percent of the districts students in grades six through eight are Black, according to data from the citys Department of Education. Across the city, the data says, 23% percent of middle schoolers are Black. We cannot talk about school closures, equity or educational opportunity without confronting the culture and systems that devalue Black students and communities, Joseph told the outlet. The Feb. 10 community meeting was meant to be a public forum for families to comment on the proposals. Several times throughout the meeting, District 3 interim acting Superintendent Reginald Higgins invoked Carter G. Woodson in recognition of Black History Month. When you can control a mans thinking, you do not have to send him to the back door. He will go without being told, Higgins said, quoting Woodson. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one out for himself. The benefit of his education makes it necessary. Advertisement Advertisement The quote reflects Woodsons argument that systemic racism can condition people to accept inequality without being forced. About 40 minutes later, as students began to express their opinions about the proposals, Friedmans voice was heard over Zoom. The meeting was also held in person, but the students in the room did not hear Friedmans comments. In a statement to The New York Times, Friedman argued that she was trying to explain the concept of systemic racism to her child. The outlet noted that she appeared to reference Higgins earlier comments. My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group, Friedman said, noting that only part of her conversation was audible. I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures. Advertisement Advertisement Her explanation did little to stem the anger. Local lawmakers and activists held a press conference on Tuesday to condemn the remarks, and Hunter Colleges Black Student Union also issued a joint statement with four other student groups decrying the remarks and rejecting her apology. The hosts of the national radio show The Breakfast Club awarded Friedman Donkey of the Day. Regardless of whether it was said under the assumption of being muted, the sentiment itself is rooted in violent and painful history of racial segregation and dehumanization, the student union said in a statement. This rhetoric is incompatible with the responsibilities of an educator entrusted with molding young minds. Hunter College confirmed that one of its employees made abhorrent remarks during the meeting, but did not name Friedman. On Thursday, the school said the employee was placed on leave pending a university investigation. Several parents who attended the Feb. 10 meeting told NBC News they were disturbed by Friedmans comments and worried that they would distract from the policy issue. Advertisement Advertisement She said her statements were not her own and that she was using that moment as a teaching moment to teach her child something. What, by calling a student dumb? said Felicia Reese Amos, who is also a CEC District 3 council member. Sequoia Bilal, a mother of Black children who attend school in the district and the CEC District 3 secretary, said she is still shocked over the comments and the fact that a parent would talk in such a way about children. I dont know if its my place to forgive her, but I do hope that hearts like that are healed, Bilal said. I just think that all of it comes just from the place of hurt and ignorance. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Wales' first minister said leaders had a role to play in reducing potential tensions among communities related to the conflict in the Middle East, adding that she was "very concerned about community cohesion". Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes, with Iran retaliating with attacks targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan. Eluned Morgan said there would also be an "economic impact" due to the disruption to oil trading from the region. Advertisement Advertisement She added that there were many people in Wales with links to the Middle East, including some currently visiting the region. The UK foreign office is warning British citizens against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Those already there have been advised to shelter. Flights have been cancelled and multiple were people injured after missile strikes caused damage to airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Morgan told BBC Radio Wales' Sunday Supplement that she was concerned about community cohesion amid the conflict. "I want to make sure that there is protection for all our communities and we will all have a role in making sure that we don't see those kind of tensions arise within our communities", she said. Advertisement Advertisement Morgan said the people of Iran had endured "a repressive regime for several decades" and that it was "very clear" it should never have been "able to develop a nuclear weapon". But she said the priority should be to "de-escalate" the situation in the Middle East. "We need to protect civilian life and I think we've got to be clear that instability in the Middle East will have an impact here in Wales. "I'm very clear that upholding international law should remain a red line for us," she added. The region is key to global oil supply and the Straits of Hormuz in the Gulf is the busiest oil shipping channel in the world. Advertisement Advertisement International shipping has almost come to a standstill at the strait's entrance, with fears of disruption already pushing up global oil prices. Morgan said closing the straits would "obviously have a knock-on effect" in terms of the "trade and price of oil". More top stories Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Hundreds of people gathered outside the White House in Washington, D.C., and at other locations across the capital on Saturday in protest of the country's attack on Iran. Organizers coordinated protests within hours after President Donald Trump announced a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strike on several locations in Iran. Hundreds have died in the attacks, including, Trump says, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations were also planned in other major U.S. cities, including New York City, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and Minneapolis, The Hill reported. Others were scheduled for Sunday in Albany, N.Y.; Ellensburg, Va.; Chattanooga, Tenn,; Decorah, Iowa; Gainesville, Fla.; and Springfield, Mo. Advertisement Advertisement A group of organizations that included the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, 50501 DC and Code Pink coordinated the protests outside the White House. The demonstrators later marched along streets in the city, The Washington Post reported. Some in the crowd chanted, "No hate, no fear, Iranians are welcome here." Others: "From D.C. to Iran, stop the war, stop the bombs." People hold posters during a protest put on by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, along with other activist groups, against the war in Iran outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Metropolitan police officers and Secret Service agents were on hand for the D.C. gatherings, in some cases blocking roads to let marchers pass. The Metropolitan Police Department said on X that it was monitoring events in Iran and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to protect people in the capital. "At this time, there are no known threats to D.C.," the post read. "We are prepared to increase our presence as needed." People hold posters during a protest put on by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, along with other activist groups, against the war in Iran outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Groups also took to Times Square to denounce the strikes, WABC-TV in New York City reported. Advertisement Advertisement One protester, Mammad Mah, said his 78-year-old mother was in Iran and he hadn't heard from her since the strikes took place. Internet and phone service in Iran had been cut off. A protestor argues with a Metropolitan police officer after allegedly being shoved by a counterprotestor during a demonstration against war in Iran outside the White House. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI "There's no one that hates the ayatollahs, hates the mullahs as much as we do," he said. "But none of that justify attacking a nation and killing innocent people." A University of Maryland poll taken earlier this month found that 49% of Americans were opposed to attacking Iran and 30% were unsure. Twenty-one percent supported the United States initiating an attack on Iran. A member of the Handmaid Army DC signs a giant copy of the United States Constitution during a protest outside the White House. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Among Republicans, 40% favored action, 25% opposed and 35% were unsure. Six percent of Democrats favored action, 74% opposed and 19% were unsure. Among Independents, 21% favored action, 51% opposed and 28% were unsure. (Corrects bullet point to at least 23 dead, not 21) By Ariba Shahid and Mushtaq Ali KARACHI, Pakistan/BAGHDAD, March 1 (Reuters) - Demonstrations against the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran turned violent in Pakistan and Iraq on Sunday, while in other parts of the world Iranian exiles took to the streets to celebrate the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes in Pakistan, including 10 in the port of Karachi where security guards at the U.S. consulate fired on demonstrators who breached the outer wall, 11 in the northern city of Skardu where the crowd torched a U.N. office, and two in Islamabad. Advertisement Advertisement In Iraq, police fired tear gas and stun grenades to scatter hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters who had gathered outside the Green Zone diplomatic compound in the capital Baghdad, where the U.S. embassy is located. But in Paris, a joyous crowd of thousands turned out to celebrate, waving flags of Iran's pre-revolutionary monarchy, some carrying red roses and bottles of champagne. Iran's neighbours to the east and west, Pakistan and Iraq have the world's largest Shi'ite Muslim populations after Iran, and were the scenes of some of the worst unrest from crowds angry at the U.S.-Israeli attacks. Protesters in Karachi chanted "Death to America! Death to Israel!" at the consulate, where Reuters reporters heard gunfire and saw tear gas fired in surrounding streets. Advertisement Advertisement Consulate security staff opened fire at a crowd who were pushed back after breaching the outer security layer, said Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, a local government spokesman. The demonstrators also set a vehicle ablaze outside the main gate and clashed with police, he said. "We are in constant touch with consulate officials. They are all safe," Hemnani added. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad said in a post on X it was monitoring reports of demonstrations and advised U.S. citizens to observe good personal security practices. The consulate in Karachi and embassy in Islamabad did not respond to Reuters requests for further comment. Thirty-four people were injured, police said. Karachi's Civil Hospital said all those killed and injured were hit with gunshots. The provincial government of Sindh ordered an inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement UN OFFICE SET ON FIRE Skardu, where the U.N. building was set ablaze, is in Gilgit Baltistan in the north, Pakistan's only province where Shi'ites are the plurality. "A large number of protesters have gathered outside the U.N. office and burned down the building," local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told Reuters. The figure of 11 killed was provided by a government official and an intelligence official, both on condition of anonymity. Protesters also took to the streets in other parts of Pakistan, carrying black flags and chanting "Down with America!" and anti-Israel slogans. In the central city of Lahore, police said hundreds gathered outside the U.S. consulate. There were some small-scale clashes with police, who fired tear gas. Advertisement Advertisement Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged protesters to remain peaceful. "We stand with you," he said, adding that every Pakistani was as grief-stricken as the people of Iran. In the capital Islamabad, all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions were blocked to traffic, police said. Police fired tear gas and live bullets when thousands of protesters tried to march toward the diplomatic enclave, killing two and injuring nearly 10, two officials said on condition of anonymity. Elsewhere, protests took place in countries where Iran has influence. In Kano, a part of Nigeria with a sizable Shi'ite Muslim minority, thousands marched peacefully, waving Iranian flags and pictures of Khamenei. But in Western countries and other areas with large populations of Iranian exiles, many came out to celebrate. Advertisement Advertisement In the crowd in Paris, some people held aloft portraits of loved ones killed under decades of Iran's clerical rule. Others waved flags of Israel, the United States and France. In Lisbon, exiled Iranians gathered outside the Iranian embassy. "We had a party last night, up to 3 a.m. We danced, we chanted, we sang and sang, and that was really amazing," said Maximilien Jazani, 57. Iranians "want to go to vote and to choose the kind of government they want". (Reporting by Akhtar Soomro and Ariba Shahid in Karachi, Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar, Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore, Asif Shahzad in Islamabad, Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad and Reuters journalists in Lisbon and Paris; Writing by Saad Sayeed and Asif Shahzad; Editing by Peter Graff) CAIRO (AP) It has been seven weeks since the Iranian government used brute force to extinguish huge nationwide protests. But public resistance to the Islamic Republic is still flickering on Iranian college campuses. Anti-government demonstrations were held on at least 10 campuses in the past week, according to an exiled Iranian activist who tracks the country's student movement, four students who witnessed protests, and social media videos verified by The Associated Press. The students, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, all spoke of rising anger on their campuses toward Iran's leaders, and of confusion about the direction their country was headed. Advertisement Advertisement The simmering tensions on campuses come as the Iranian government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faces threats of military action by the United States over the country's nuclear program. The theocratic government is increasingly threatening students and administrators. One government official warned students this week not to cross a red line," while a hard-line cleric who heads Iran's judiciary said crimes would be punished if administrators didn't rein in the protests. Many universities have shut down their campuses and moved classes online. The switch to remote learning was reminiscent of steps authorities took late last year. As December protests in Tehrans grand bazaar over spiraling economic conditions quickly spread to towns and cities across Iran, authorities ordered remote learning in early January, shut off the internet and embarked on a bloody crackdown. Campus protests have persisted A complete toll of casualties from the crackdown has been slow to emerge because of internet restrictions imposed by authorities. Advertisement Advertisement The Human Rights Activists News Agency says it confirmed more than 7,000 deaths and that it is investigating thousands more. The government has acknowledged more than 3,000 killed, though it has undercounted or not reported fatalities from past unrest. An exiled Iranian activist who tracks the student movement, Ali Taghipour, said at least 128 university students died in the nationwide unrest. It was the biggest massacre of university students under the Islamic Republic, he said. By the time the state made universities in-person again, it coincided with the (40 day) memorials of the killings of the January protests, Taghipour said. Some campus memorials sparked new anti-government protests, he added. Protests erupted last Saturday at both Sharif University of Technology and Amir Kabir University. Videos circulating online verified by AP showed scuffles breaking out on both campuses between what appeared to be pro-government supporters and protesters yelling, Shameless! Shameless! That chant is often used to taunt security forces and plainclothes agents like the Basij, the all-volunteer arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guard who maintain a presence on university campuses through student groups. Advertisement Advertisement Students at the all-female Al Zahra University in northern Tehran chanted anti-government slogans on Monday, according to videos verified by AP. That same day, students at the University of Tehrans College of Foreign Languages held a rowdy demonstration, stamping feet and chanting, For each person killed, a thousand stand behind them! That gathering had begun as a memorial for a student killed in the January protests. Fears of a new crackdown The protests have raised fears of a new crackdown. On Tuesday, a government spokeswoman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, warned students to be careful not to cross a red line, according to the semiofficial Mehr news agency, and an Iranian state television anchorwoman read a statement attributed to the president of Sharif university apologizing for inappropriate events on campus. On Wednesday, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi, the cleric who heads Irans judiciary, said judicial authorities would get involved in persecuting crimes on campuses if educational authorities were unable to control them, according to comments carried in state media. Ejehi has become the face of Irans recent crackdown, calling for the fast-tracking of punishments for protesters. Universities across Iran have barred some students from campus and held disciplinary hearings, Taghipour said. Such hearings in the past have resulted in expulsions and even some students being forbidden from further university studies. Repression squelches optimism on campuses Irans college students have frequently propelled anti-government protests. Advertisement Advertisement In 1999, university students in Tehran sparked some of the first demonstrations against the Islamic Republic. Campus unrest also played a key role in protests supporting Irans reformist leaders in 2008-2009, as well as sustaining openly anti-government demonstrations in 2022 that turned toward calling for the overthrow of Irans theocracy. The refusal of Irans hard-liners to make any policy changes, and the gutting of the country's middle class under decades of Western sanctions and economic mismanagement, has led many college-age students to the conclusion the Islamic Republic cannot be reformed, a doctoral student at the University of Tehran said. That void has opened the way for Reza Pahlavi the son of the shah ousted in 1979 to become a serious political cause for some people in Iran, the student said. Memories of the shah's autocratic rule remain mixed in the country, although nostalgia for the period's economic prosperity has grown. Years of repression have foiled the ability of any organized opposition within the country. The repression has also shrunk the space on campuses for any kind of political debate and organizing, said a social sciences student at Tehran university. After 2022, around 70% of student associations were closed, he said, including a progressive student association he had led. Advertisement Advertisement The student added that he did not have any clear hopes about where student protests today could lead in the face of foreign military threats and the government's willingness to repress dissent with deadly violence. "On the one hand, we are facing a government that isnt afraid of killing anyone, and on the other hand, we are facing outside powers that support people being killed." Threat of war raises fears on campuses A student at a university in the northern city of Babol said fear is rising on campus about what a war could mean for the country. The student said his personal hope was for a democratic secular republic in Iran, although he worries armed conflict could lead to further suffering and increase the risks of the countrys disintegration. Iran is already struggling to maintain a full supply of basic services such as electricity and water in some parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement The university in Babol has kept courses remote since early January, the student there said, preventing people from gathering on campus. He said many students have skipped remote courses as a form of protest. At the University of Tehran, the social sciences student said he disagreed with students who support Pahlavi, partly because the exiled opposition figure has called for a U.S. strike on Iran. Ill never understand a person who sits in London yelling for America to bomb Iran. How will they accept responsibility for what happens tomorrow? Vladimir Putin's four-year-long invasion of Ukraine is the culmination of a quarter century spent tightening his grip on power, crushing opponents and trying to expand Russia's influence -- and borders. Whatever the outcome of the war that has killed hundreds of thousands, wrought massive destruction and forever changed both countries, it will be the central aspect of the 73-year-old's legacy. The Kremlin leader hopes victory will place him alongside the likes of Peter the Great in the pantheon of Russia's most consequential leaders. Advertisement Advertisement For him, it is existential. "Russia is fighting for its future, for independence, for truth and justice," Putin said in a Kremlin ceremony honouring Russian soldiers in February. That narrative has been largely rubbished in the West and Kyiv, which see the offensive as a brutal, imperialistic land grab. Putin's uncompromising approach to the war is emblematic of how he has run the world's largest country. Asked about his philosophy in a 2017 documentary he drew on his love of judo: "You can and should be flexible. Sometimes you can give in, but only if it leads to victory." Advertisement Advertisement - Chechnya, oligarchs, rivals - Since coming to power on the final day of 1999, cracking down, not giving in, has been his preferred course. First, it was Chechnya and the alleged atrocities committed by Russian forces there. The ruthlessness of Putin's public rhetoric -- overseeing the conflict first as prime minister -- helped catapult him into the Kremlin. Then came the oligarchs. The 2003 arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and expropriation of his Yukos oil giant both a warning and harbinger of what would come. As the 2000s oil boom enriched Russia, he ramped up the smothering of civil liberties. Advertisement Advertisement Those who spoke out were increasingly silenced. Politician Boris Nemtsov, gunned down just metres from the Kremlin in 2015; double agent Alexander Litvinenko, poisoned with radioactive polonium in London; and opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in 2024 in what European states say was another poisoning -- just some who met a grisly end after crossing Putin. The Kremlin rejects it ordered or orchestrated any of the deaths. - 'Western globalist elites' - For much of this time, Putin's Western partners looked on. Relatively cheap Russian energy was flooding into Europe, few wanted to break off nascent ties with the world's largest nuclear power, and Putin had positioned himself as an ally in the war on terror. Advertisement Advertisement That started to change with Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Russia was hit with sanctions and kicked out of the G8. Any goodwill left was obliterated by Putin's decision to launch a full-scale offensive on Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Four years and hundreds of thousands of deaths into a war he hoped would last a few days, the conflict has consumed Putin. "This is going to end up being the defining element of his presidency, whether the war drags on or whether it ends this year," British historian and long-time Putin watcher Mark Galeotti told AFP. Putin has come to see it as one front in a civilisational struggle between Russia and the West. Advertisement Advertisement "The Western globalist elites," he said in 2023, are "provoking bloody conflicts and coups, sowing hatred, Russophobia and aggressive nationalism, destroying family and traditional values." - 'Using' people - Born in post-war Leningrad -- now Saint Petersburg -- Putin trained as a lawyer and then joined the KGB spy service, which despatched him to East Germany in the 1980s. When the Berlin Wall came down and crowds marched on his Dresden field office, he was shovelling confidential documents into a furnace. Moscow, he recalled, "was silent". The collapse of the Soviet Union deeply affected him. Advertisement Advertisement Returning to his hometown amid the chaos of the post-Soviet era, he rose through the ranks of the city administration as a "colourless" official, journalist M. Gessen recounted in a biography titled "The Man Without a Face". "He's not especially charismatic," Galeotti said. But he has a "particular skill" for "using" people, he added. Putin's private life is just one of the topics that is off-limits inside Russia. Officially, he is divorced with two daughters -- trained scientists who hold senior positions in state-linked organisations. But he is widely reported to be in a relationship with 42-year-old former Olympic gymnastic champion Alina Kabaeva. Rumours of other children abound in independent and international media. He has never commented. Asked during his annual phone-in show in December 2025 whether he was "in love", Putin responded with a single word: "Yes." bur/st By Guy Faulconbridge and Vladimir Soldatkin MOSCOW, March 1 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "cynical" murder but he offered little in public to Moscow's ally beyond condolences. Khamenei is the third Russian ally to be toppled in the past 15 months, following the falls of Moscowbacked leaders in Syria and Venezuela. His death leaves the Kremlin facing a strategic setback in a region where it has long sought greater influence. Advertisement Advertisement Russia says this weekend's U.S. and Israeli attacks have thrust the entire Middle East into the abyss, although some Iranian sources have said that they have had little real help from Moscow in the biggest crisis for Iran since the U.S.-backed Shah was toppled in the 1979 revolution. After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year openly speculated that Israel could prompt regime change, Putin cautioned that Iranian society could consolidate around the political leadership there. Putin conveyed his condolences to the family of Khamenei, the government of Iran and the people of Iran in a note to President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said. "Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," Putin said in the note. Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei was killed on Saturday, aged 86, Iranian state media announced, in air strikes by Israel and the United States. Putin has long kept up contacts with Khamenei. His first visit outside the former Soviet Union since the start of the 2022 Ukraine war was to Tehran where he met Khamenei. Both wary of intercepts by U.S. intelligence, Putin and Khamenei would sometimes exchange written messages or communicate by envoy. ANOTHER RUSSIAN ALLY FALLS With Russian allies ousted in Syria and Venezuela, the fall of Khamenei poses a challenge for Moscow, though the Kremlin has shown little appetite to date for challenging U.S. President Donald Trump over Iran and has been more successful than the West predicted in negotiating with Syria's new rulers. Advertisement Advertisement Fyodor Lukyanov, the influential editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Politics magazine, compared the "murder" of Khamenei to the 2011 killing of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and the 2006 death by hanging of Iraq's Saddam Hussein. Lukyanov said the wider lesson from the events in Iran was clear: "Negotiating with the Americans makes almost no sense." While Moscow has bought weapons from Iran for its war in Ukraine and signed a 20-year strategic partnership deal with Tehran earlier last year, their relationship since the 16th century, when Muscovy officially established relations with the Persian Empire, has at times been troubled. The published strategic partnership does not contain a mutual defence clause, and Russia has repeatedly said that it does not want Iran to develop an atomic bomb, a step that Moscow fears would trigger a nuclear arms race across the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement "In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and bringing them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership," Putin said. While it is unclear who will ultimately rule Iran after Khamenei, if there is a sustained supply disruption to oil from the Gulf then Russian oil revenues will increase, bolstering its war economy. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Guy Faulconbridge, Editing by William Maclean) Matthew Michael Dennis was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 47-year-old Clifford Tennant. Dennis, 28, was apprehended following a shooting investigation in St. Johns County. Deputies discovered Tennants body along a wooded trail on Tuesday evening. Law enforcement responded to a call in the area of Carole Road near Alabama Avenue and Roddy Road after a 911 caller reported gunshots and found Tennant bleeding at the scene. Tennant was a resident of Palatka. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Detectives developed a suspect by interviewing neighbors and potential witnesses. The investigation progressed through several searches as law enforcement worked to identify the person responsible for the shooting. Investigators worked with the State Attorney for Floridas 7th Circuit to present evidence to a judge. Following this process, an arrest warrant was issued for Dennis. The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office SWAT team executed the warrant and took Dennis into custody. He was transported to the St. Johns County Jail. Dennis is currently being held without bond. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Sheriff H.D. Gator DeLoach commended the agencies involved for the quick apprehension of the suspect. I want to commend everyone who worked on this case and the teamwork with the state attorneys office and St. Johns County Sheriffs Office in allowing us to quickly apprehend Matthew Dennis, DeLoach said. Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes that the public may not be privy to, but at the end of the day, our job is to see that the guilty party is punished and the victims family can have closure, the sheriff said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A first-of-its-kind quantum computing network, funded with the help of millions in state funds, is live in Albuquerque. Qunnect, a New York-based quantum computing company, announced last week the launch of ABQ-Net, which it describes as Americas first open-access entanglement-based quantum network. It is located at 123 Central NW, on a data center campus owned by bigbyte.cc Corp. The facility opened thanks to $25 million in state funds issued by the New Mexico Economic Development Department to Roadrunner Venture Studios, which invests in deep-technology companies. This marks the first phase of the Roadrunner Quantum Lab, and a broader effort by state officials to leverage the states national labs to establish New Mexico as a hub for quantum computing as well as other advanced technologies. Advertisement Advertisement What youre doing is anchoring investment, Rob Black, secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, said during ABQ-Nets launch last week. Youre creating the place that will create that synergy here in New Mexico because youve created the infrastructure. That infrastructure will draw those software companies, will draw those other investors in anticipation. It will empower innovation. And its this network that is so key to that. The network is available for use to founders of quantum startups who want to test their ideas on a live quantum network. Giving founders access to Qunnects quantum network which has a name, Carina will spark innovation, said Noel Goddard, CEO of Qunnect. Goddard also pointed to local economic benefits created when employees of quantum companies start living, eating and spending money in Downtown Albuquerque. Boosters of the burgeoning quantum economy hope that small startups can create big ideas and products in Albuquerque. Making available quantum network hardware to founders can lead to innovation in iterative steps, one idea on top of the other. Advertisement Advertisement During the legislative session, lawmakers allocated some $49.3 million to the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a project of the U.S. Defense Departments Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which is responsible for developing military technologies. The goal of the initiative is to establish the Quantum Frontier Project to leverage the states labs, universities and private sector to determine whether utility scale quantum computing can be achieved by 2033. DARPA will match those funds, said Rep. Meredith Dixon, an Albuquerque Democrat, who, with Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, authored legislation approving the allocations. In September, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the states agreement with DARPA could total up to $120 million over four years. Qunnect followed suit, announcing its New Mexico entrance in November. But ABQ-Net is a product of just some of the money the state is sinking into quantum technology. Advertisement Advertisement ABQ-Net is anchored at Qunnects new Albuquerque office as well as the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a U.S. Department of Energy and Office of Science National User facility operated by Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dixon attended the launch of ABQ-Net. The term today is inflection point, she told the crowd. So I really do believe were there. And the Legislature is committed to continue to make investments. In an interview, Dixon said New Mexico has access to infrastructure and experts that few other states have, namely in the form of national labs, which have been working on quantum computing for years now. The timing for such investments is just right, as the quantum economy takes off. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, EDD announced that it is accepting applications for its Quantum Technologies Award. Under the program, early stage quantum technology companies can apply for a grant worth up to $200,000. The same grant program helped fund Mesa Quantum, which is using the states money to advance its laser technology in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories. We have the money, and we have to invest now, Dixon said. Two years ago was too soon and two years from now is too late. Goddard said when the company was trying to determine a new location, they found that New Mexico had an ecosystem that has two national labs, a series (of) universities and community colleges to help with workforce development. We saw a very serious community in terms of the state and local support system in order to truly invest in the building of a new startup ecosystem, Goddard said. Justin Horwath covers tech and energy for the Journal. You can reach him at jhorwath@abqjournal.com. There is mixed reaction across Southern California after the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran. President Donald Trump says Iran's Supreme Leader is dead and promises more attacks are still to come. On Saturday, one group celebrated the assassination of the Supreme Leader after months of protests, while another protested the U.S. military intervention. The operation began on Friday night with joint aerial attacks. The U.S. and Israel struck targets throughout Iran. On Saturday, Trump said Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. Iranian state TV later confirmed his death. Advertisement Advertisement Israel says they also took out the leader of the Revolutionary Guard, Iran's defense minister and several other high-level leaders. President Trump, who has called for regime change in Iran, is now calling on the Iranian people to take control of their country, and says bombings will continue throughout the week. Across the country and in Southern California, home to the largest Iranian population outside of Iran, several protests and celebrations are taking place. Celebrations in Westwood There was undeniable joy in Westwood on Saturday. Much like the positive reaction that was seen from many Venezuelans when the U.S. military captured President Nicolas Maduro -- many Iranians in SoCal are celebrating. Advertisement Advertisement Hours after President Trump announced that U.S. and Israeli strikes had killed Iran's Supreme Leader, people flooded the streets to celebrate. They waved Iranian flags while dancing and singing. They were apparently cheering after news broke that Iran's supreme leader was killed in strikes. Videos showed them hugging each other, jumping in the air and chanting "Thank you, Bibi," referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. For many, it was a moment they've been waiting for. "We are very optimistic, because this time, it's the Iranian masses that want a regime change. It's the Iranian youth that are standing up against the tyrannical regime," said Iranian community advocate Zohreh Mizrahr. "Our hope and our faith is in our Iranian youth with the support of our administration." Advertisement Advertisement "Finally, finally, our administration took notice of the plight of the Iranians, and they did something that should've been done 47 years ago," Mizahr continued. Others said they believe force -- not diplomacy -- was the only option for liberation, thanking President Trump for ordering the strikes. "He stood up to this tyrant regime and carried out what needed to be done. You cannot negotiate with people who have this ideology," said David Davidi. Supporters are calling this the end of one of the most repressive and deadly regimes in history. Anti-war protest in downtown L.A. Not all of the demonstrations across SoCal are celebratory. Across town, the tone couldn't have been more different. Advertisement Advertisement Outside Los Angeles City Hall, protesters gathered to oppose the strikes, saying they fear American service members could soon be caught in a wider war. There were also protests in New York, Washington and San Francisco -- put on by a coalition of grassroots organizations to oppose the Trump administration's attack against Iran. Protesters say they are concerned that the strikes will cost American lives and innocent civilian lives in Iran. They also say they are frustrated with Trump after he campaigned on the promise of "no new wars" and calls himself the "president of peace." "Like most Americans, we were shocked, horrified that the Trump administration would break international law, carry out a war of aggression. There's no threat from Iran. Many people have been killed, including many schoolgirls. An elementary school was hit," said Brian Becker, the national director of the Answer Coalition. "Importantly, this risks the danger of a broader regional war. Thousands of Iranians, tens of thousands, and thousands of American soldiers, who are clearly vulnerable, easily within striking distance of Iran, are now in harm's way. And why? Trump said that the American people were threatened by Iran. There is absolutely no evidence and no proof that Iran was threatening the United States. Iran does not have a nuclear weapon. Iran allowed international inspectors to come into its civilian nuclear energy program to verify that they do not have a nuclear weapon. This was a war of choice, meaning a war of aggression." Advertisement Advertisement "I mean, what people actually support the bombing of civilian areas in their own country? That's not right, and I don't think most Iranians agree with that," Becker continued. Speakers also raised concerns that the strikes were launched without congressional approval and questioned whether the attack was about nuclear security at all, like President Trump has claimed. "The president bragged that he obliterated Iran's nuclear capacity just months ago, so clearly that was a lie. This was an unprovoked and one-sided attack, and we understand it as something very illegal that all Americans should stand against," said Kameron Hunt. Activist and Actress Jane Fonda spoke to a crowd of anti-war protesters in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Activist and Actress Jane Fonda spoke, saying this moment feels all too familiar, reminding her of the Vietnam War, when U.S. troops were sent into combat and into harm's way for what she called "all the wrong reasons." Fonda has been an anti-war activist for decades, telling the crowd this is not just about politics, but people's lives. Fonda also criticized what she calls "profit over people," arguing that war often benefits defense interests, money and oil while ordinary families pay the price. "Right now we are witnessing the horror of an unnecessary, unprovoked war of choice, raged by the Trump administration, that has already taken the lives of dozens of schoolchildren because they bombed a girls' school in Iraq, among other civilian targets... Iran," Fonda said. "Right now, parents are pulling their children out of the rubble, their bodies out of the rubble. This dangerous and insane war against Iran not only violates international law and our constitution and War Powers Act, but risks exploding into a vast war of mass proportion, taking the lives of many, including U.S. servicepeople." Many additional demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Gavin Newsom is among the many Democrats slamming Trump over his decision to launch an attack on Iran. The governor released the following statement: "The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go. But that does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people. President Trump is putting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home." WASHINGTON Voters in Texas new 35th Congressional District on Tuesday will cast their ballots in a pair of wide-open primaries to decide the Democratic and Republican nominees in the San Antonio-area seat, one of five overhauled last year to be more favorable for the GOP. There are 11 Republicans and four Democrats running in the primaries for the 35th District, both of which could go to May runoffs between the top two finishers if nobody wins a majority of the vote. The areas current representative, Democrat Greg Casar, was drawn out of his seat and is now running in the solidly blue 37th District. The new 35ths boundaries contain less than 10% of its former constituency and now cover parts of San Antonio and outlying eastern areas in Bexar, Guadalupe, Wilson and Karnes counties. If the updated lines had existed in 2024, the district would have gone to Donald Trump by about 10 points, though the nonpartisan Cook Political Report gives congressional Republicans a four-point advantage. Democrats have set their sights on overcoming the GOP gerrymander that created the Hispanic-majority district, believing they could capitalize on a leftward shift of Hispanic voters since Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement On the Republican side, the biggest watershed moment of the primary came when Trump endorsed Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz on the eve of early voting a show of support that has often helped decisively boost GOP candidates in contested Texas primaries. One of De La Cruzs main rivals is state Rep. John Lujan, a San Antonio Republican whos betting he can overcome the Trump endorsement due to his familiarity among voters who elected him to his overlapping district in the Texas House. Also among the apparent frontrunners are former Republican congressional staffer Josh Cortez, Navy veteran Jay Furman and entrepreneur Ryan Krause, each of whom have raised competitive amounts of campaign cash and bring varying political experience to the race. Furman was the 2024 nominee for the 28th Congressional District, which covers some of the new District 35; he lost by about 6 points to incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. Krause most recently lost the 2020 and 2022 GOP primaries for the 15th District against Rep. Monica De La Cruz, the sister of Carlos De La Cruz. Trumps support of Carlos De La Cruz over Lujan was all the more notable because the seat was carved out by Republicans in the Texas Legislature, including Lujan, at the presidents request. Re-elected to the Texas House in 2021 after flipping a traditionally Democratic seat, Lujan currently represents southern and eastern portions of Bexar County, much of which is also part of the new congressional seat. Advertisement Advertisement Hes gotten endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey of Waxahachie, the San Antonio Express-News and dozens of his colleagues in the Legislature. Before he was elected, Lujan was a firefighter for 25 years and served as a deputy in the Bexar County Sheriffs Department. At a Lujan campaign rally two years ago, Abbott said Lujan was the only Republican who could win the state House race, noting that he had failed to win the district himself in his gubernatorial race. Lujan used his 2021 victory as a talking point during a Feb. 3 Republican candidate forum, saying that experience makes him the most qualified candidate to win against a Democrat in the general election. He also emphasized his willingness to work with lawmakers across the political aisle on bipartisan policies. I dont have to agree with them on everything, but we have to come to the table, Lujan said during the forum. You got the far right pulling the Republicans, you got the far left pulling the Democrats, and they want to make us like Washington, D.C. we need to keep it Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Lujan did not respond to an interview request. Carlos De La Cruz, a small business owner who spent 20 years in the Air Force, is pitching himself as a political outsider who is ready to be President Trumps wingman in Congress, as he states on his website. He has been endorsed by House Speaker Mike Johnson and three members of Texas congressional delegation. Carlos De La Cruzs sister, Monica De La Cruz, is running for reelection to Texas 15th District. Three counties represented by Monica De La Cruz over her terms in District 15 Guadalupe, Karnes and Wilson now fall under the 35th District, giving Carlos De La Cruz a potential edge in those areas due to his familiar surname. In a statement to The Texas Tribune, Carlos De La Cruz said his service in the Air Force is what sets him apart from other primary candidates. His political priorities include border security, supporting law enforcement, seniors and veterans, and reducing regulations that harm businesses, he said. Advertisement Advertisement I could not be more proud of my sister. We come from humble beginnings, and no one knows better than I do how hard she works for the people she represents, Carlos De La Cruz read in the statement. It will be an honor to serve alongside her in Congress. Cortez previously worked for Monica De La Cruz in her congressional office, after previously serving as a veterans liaison for former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. A native of Guadalupe County, he said hes the only candidate running who was raised in rural Texas and argued that his experience as a legislative staffer sets him apart from his opponents. Cortez added that he wants to tackle Texas water crisis and protect the regions energy and agriculture from federal overreach. Other priorities, he told the Tribune, include bolstering border security, cutting government spending and restoring fiscal discipline while protecting our Social Security and Medicare. I am an eighth-generation Texan from this area, Cortez said. This is my background, this is my people and this is my home. I have the experience, and I have the head knowledge and the on-the-streets knowledge to know what is affecting our area. Advertisement Advertisement Fundraising hauls in this district have lagged behind those of other Texas congressional races, where some candidates have raised more than $1 million. As of Feb. 11, the last date covered by campaign finance disclosures, Furman had brought in the most money in the District 35 race at about $396,000 $240,000 of which he personally lent to his campaign. Lujan comes in just behind Furman with about $370,000, and Carlos De La Cruz, Cortez and Krause all report similar amounts of at least $230,000. But overall, Republicans are outraising Democrats in the race, which could be one indication of where voters will give their support, said Walter Wilson, an associate professor of political science and geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio. If we think of money being a way to ascertain what people think is going to happen, clearly theres a lot more optimism on the Republican side for this district, Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement Wilson added that one of the most important factors for who ultimately wins the seat in November will be the state of the economy. If there are worsening economic conditions by the summer, in Texas and nationally, that may bode well for Democrats electoral prospects, he said. Besides Furman and Krause, other Republican candidates in the 35th District who have previously run for Congress include Vanessa Hicks-Callaway, a former field representative for Sen. Ted Cruz who lost primaries for Texas House in 2024 and 2020; Rod Lingsch, who received 10% of the vote in the 2024 primary for District 35; and Steven Wright, the District 35 nominee that year who lost handily to Casar in the then-Democratic leaning district. Furman said during the early February candidate forum that after coming back from Navy service, he found the U.S. border was the worst [hes] seen anywhere. He supports mass deportations and a moratorium on all asylum seekers, according to his campaign site. Furman also said during the forum he wouldnt support restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies, citing his desire to protect patients from large health care companies and give them choice in the marketplace. Advertisement Advertisement The Affordable Care Act is the opposite of good health care, he said. Republicans need to, as we increase our numbers in Congress, take a strong stand on this. Furman could not be made available for an interview by the time of publication. Other Republican primary candidates include businessman Randy Adams, home inspector Mark Eberwine and Coast Guard veteran and architect Larry La Rose, who ran for San Antonio City Council in 2025 and lost. In the Democratic primary, Marine Corps veteran and policy analyst John Lira and Bexar County sheriffs deputy Johnny Garcia have emerged as front-runners against two other candidates: housing justice organizer Maureen Galindo and gun club owner Whitney Masterson-Moyes. Advertisement Advertisement While Republicans redrew Texas 35th District to favor a GOP candidate, some Democratic Party leaders have said the seat could still be within reach. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, national Democrats House campaign arm, added Texas 35th District to its Districts in Play list in December, a signal that party leaders in Washington will invest in the partys nominee in November. In an early February press call, Katherine Fischer, executive director of Texas Majority PAC, one of the states biggest Democratic groups, said voters have soured on the Trump administration to the point that it could drag down Republican congressional candidates. She singled out District 35 as a seat that Democrats could win if theres a leftward shift among Hispanic voters, who make up 52% of the redrawn districts eligible voting population. Fischers comments came a few days after Taylor Rehmet flipped a deep red North Texas Senate seat, thanks in part to Latino voters, a traditionally Democratic bloc that has shifted to the right in recent cycles but shown signs of turning on Republicans since Trump returned to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Garcia said the district is within striking range, especially if Democrats can win back the Latino voters they lost in 2024. The sheriffs deputy said hes running on a platform of improving everyday affordability, lowering health care costs and strengthening education and public safety. Its going to take the right type of Democrat an old-school, common-sense, law-and-order Democrat to win this race, Garcia said. Garcia started as a corrections officer with the Bexar County Sheriffs Office before becoming a SWAT hostage negotiator an experience he said would help him work with representatives in Congress. He added that years working in construction and plumbing during college made him value labor jobs and helped him secure endorsements from groups such as the San Antonio AFL-CIO and Texas AFL-CIO, which both gave him a dual endorsement with Lira. Garcia is also backed by the centrist Democratic caucus Blue Dog Coalition and Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, a group that backs pro-Israel Democrats. The Blue Dog PAC put $5,000 into Garcias campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. One of Garcias opponents, Lira, said what sets him apart from the other Democratic candidates is his policy experience and his roots in the community as someone who was born and raised in the area. In 2022, he also ran in a new district made to favor Republicans, where he lost against incumbent GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales in the 23rd Congressional District. Im no stranger to running in districts that were built for Democrats to lose, Lira said. We were being used as political pawns my community, my school district, my church community, so I wanted to step up again and defend against this gerrymandering. Lira previously was a part of the U.S. Small Business Administration and National Commission on Military, National and Public Service. He also worked for California Rep. Jimmy Panetta and on policy for veterans and military families under the Biden administration. He said his priorities include lowering the prices of everyday goods, stopping junk fees on credit cards, increasing home affordability and bringing accountability to the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security. Hes notched endorsements from organizations such as the National Peoples Power, the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and the Austin Chronicle. Lira said he still thinks a Democrat can win in the redrawn district, especially if theres high turnout among left-leaning voters. I dont mind this drawing, Lira said. They didnt draw it red enough and are still giving us Democrats an opportunity with the right candidate to make it a turnout game and to defend this seat and keep it blue. Disclosure: University of Texas at San Antonio has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Iran installed a new leadership council to take control of the country and save the regime from collapse. Top security chief Ali Larijani triggered plans for a temporary ruling body to steady the Islamic Republic as Israeli and American bombs continue to fall on Iranian cities. Mr Larijani told state television that the president, the head of the judiciary, and a leading cleric had been chosen to undertake leadership duties until the next leader is selected. Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening salvos of the war, early on Saturday morning. His death left a power vacuum and triggered a succession process that will determine the future of the Islamic Republic. The process to appoint Khameneis successor has no constitutional deadline, but officials face extreme pressure to move quickly. Ultimate authority remains unclear without a Supreme Leader, under Irans theocracy. The succession process will likely determine whether Iran seeks negotiated de-escalation or total war. An early power broker has emerged in the form of Ali Larijani, who selected the new temporary council with the help of his powerful brother. Ali Larijani is the secretary of the supreme national security council and, according to an official, is already officially running everything - Mohamed Azakir/Reuters The council is made up of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and a cleric from the Guardian Council, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. Advertisement Advertisement Five categories of critical decisions including declaring war or peace, ordering referendums, dismissing the president, and appointing or dismissing supreme military commanders require approval from the Expediency Council, a separate body appointed by the Supreme Leader. Sadeq Larijani, Alis younger brother, chairs the Expediency Council, giving him extraordinary leverage over both wartime decision-making and the permanent succession process. The Telegraph reported last week that Ali Larijani has become vastly powerful, effectively running the country amid threats of war and nuclear talks. He said on Sunday: Yesterday Iran fired missiles at the United States and Israel, and they did hurt. Today, we will hit them with a force that they have never experienced before. Advertisement Advertisement The Expediency Council that Sadeq controls selected which Guardian Council cleric joined the temporary triumvirate, and the same body must approve major wartime decisions with a supermajority. The Assembly of Experts will ultimately select Irans next supreme leader. President Masoud Pezeshkian is on the new leadership council - Iranian Presidency/Anadolu via Getty Images The assembly requires at least 59 members a two-thirds quorum to convene, with the final choice requiring approval from two-thirds of those present. If exactly 59 members attend, 40 votes would be sufficient. A secret commission within the assembly has pre-screened candidates for years and is expected to present a shortlist of as few as two or three names to the full body. Advertisement Advertisement The commissions membership and deliberations remain classified, though former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani revealed in 2015 that it conducts interviews with several hundred people to identify qualified candidates. Beyond clerics of the Guardian Council, other potential candidates include Sadeq Larijani, Mohammad Mehdi Mirbaqeri, and Hassan Ameli each representing different factions and visions for governing the Islamic Republic through its deepest crisis since the 1979 revolution. When Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989, the Assembly of Experts convened the following morning and selected Ali Khamenei within hours even though Khamenei lacked the religious credentials the constitution required, forcing amendments to accommodate his selection. That rapid succession established precedent officials are expected to follow. Advertisement Advertisement But the current succession unfolds during active warfare. The prosecutor in Minab reported 148 people killed when a missile destroyed a girls elementary school Sunday, bringing the total death toll from strikes to well over 300. Senior officials confirmed killed include chief of general staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour and supreme defence Council Chairman Ali Shamkhani. 01032026_NEWS_IRAN_TREE The warfare complicates succession calculations. Candidates range wildly from representing pragmatic authoritarianism, apocalyptic theocracy, security-state governance, or aggressive regional confrontation. The new successor will determine whether the country attempts limited reform or intensified repression, and whether the Islamic Republic that emerges from this crisis resembles the state Khamenei led or something more radical and desperate. Advertisement Advertisement Hardliners can argue that compromise candidates represent the same cautious approach that failed to deter Saturdays strikes, demanding someone willing to wage total confrontation. Moderates counter that radical leadership will accelerate the regimes isolation and collapse. The temporary council formation also triggered regional reactions that will influence succession dynamics. Iraq declared three days of national mourning, calling Khameneis death a clear act of aggression. In Karachi, Pakistan, at least eight people were killed when protesters attacked the US consulate. Hundreds attempted to storm the US embassy in Baghdads Green Zone. Standing beside Ali Khamenei, Hassan Khomeini (right) is the grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini, Irans first Supreme Leader - Reuters Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani, one of Irans most senior grand ayatollahs, issued a religious decree declaring it obligatory for all Muslims to avenge Khameneis death. Advertisement Advertisement The fatwa used the term farz religiously mandatory complicating any potential de-escalation by framing revenge as sacred duty rather than political policy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran stands at a fateful juncture and that protecting Khameneis legacy represents a historic mission and grave responsibility for everyone. Irans government declared 40 days of public mourning and seven days of general closure. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Republicans on Capitol Hill are capitalizing on the strike against Iran to pressure their colleagues into funding the Department of Homeland Security without any of the policy changes that Democrats have been demanding as a condition of reopening the shuttered agency. They argue that Saturdays military action increases the threats of retaliatory terror attacks on the U.S. mainland and, given that, fully restoring DHS operations should be prioritized over partisan squabbles. Lets get DHS funded, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who sits on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said Sunday on ABC News. We need to make sure were defending the homeland by also funding whats here at home. Advertisement Advertisement Given the situation in the Middle East and the potential for Iran and its terrorist proxies to attempt some type of attack, it is imperative that @SenSchumer and @RepJeffries immediately drop all opposition to funding the Department of Homeland Security and pass the funding bill, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in a Saturday post on X. DHS funding lapsed earlier this month over a fight over the Trump administrations immigration enforcement tactics following the killing of two American citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents. Republicans and the White House have been trading offers with Democrats on a compromise bill, but so far Democrats who want a commitment to requiring enhanced training and a ban on masks for immigration officers in the field havent been satisfied with the GOPs proposals. House Speaker Mike Johnson told House Republicans on a call Sunday afternoon that the House will vote again on the DHS funding bill this week, citing the heightened security threat following the Iran strikes, according to four people on the call. The vote is expected Thursday, according to three other people with direct knowledge of the plans. It will essentially be the original DHS funding bill the House has already passed but which has been stuck in the Senate, they said. All were granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said the developments in Iran make such a vote urgent. It is inexcusable that Congress has not funded CISA, TSA, Coast Guard and Secret Service when we are seeing combat operations in the Middle East, Bacon said in a statement. If [House Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries votes no, then it is on him. With the pain of a DHS shutdown due to grow more acute as the funding lapse drags on, the Republicans' new messaging tactics are a sign the GOP is eager to seize on anything that might give them leverage in negotiations. But in the immediate aftermath of the Iran strikes, Democrats dont appear swayed by Republicans latest pressure tactic. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said in an interview Sunday that its Republicans, not Democrats, who need to change course on DHS negotiations, given wide public support for changes to the aggressive tactics deployed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol in cities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Weve sought a compromise from the outset, the Republicans have essentially stonewalled and rejected any common sense reforms to ICE or CBP, Blumenthal said. Republicans could open DHS with a simple thumbs up to these common sense reforms. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the top Democratic lawmaker on the funding panel in the Senate that oversees DHS, also said on CBS News Face the Nation Sunday that Republicans are presenting a false choice. "We can do two things at once: We can demand that ICE stop murdering American citizens, and we can demand that the administration not send our kids to die for a war that we don't need, Murphy said. I don't have any obligation to fund a Department of Homeland Security that is violating the law every day, just like I don't have any obligation to support this war that is illegal as well." Still, Republicans see defending the homeland as an argument that could resonate with Americans. Core to their argument is that DHS not only oversees immigration enforcement, but also other national security and emergency response agencies necessary for protecting the U.S. from its enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Counterterrorism operations at DHS will continue as essential functions of the departments mission, but other agencies could be affected. For instance, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which operates under DHS, has had its already beleaguered operations further curtailed by the shutdown. As the nation's top cyber defense agency, it both protects federal networks against cyberattacks and helps state, local and private organizations do the same. Iran has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous nations in cyberspace, and has used cyberattacks to target U.S. and Israeli critical organizations many times in recent years, such as defacing monitors at water treatment facilities in Pennsylvania in 2023. House Homeland Security Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) said in an email just prior to the attack on Iran that Iranian hackers pose a serious threat to the U.S. and allied nations and stressed that CISA and its staff needed to remain fully operational to ensure our nation is ready to deter and respond to cyber threats. FEMA would also play a major role in any response to a terror attack against the United States, especially in mobilizing federal resources towards communities. Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, wrote in a social media post Saturday that every agency tasked with protecting our nation must have the resources they need. The security of our homeland is not a game. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee also issued a joint social media post saying Democrats need to approve funding in the face of heightened threats. Spokespeople for Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and for Jeffries did not respond to requests for comment on whether the threat of retaliations from Iran could shift the Democratic stance on funding DHS. The party has previously criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for taking actions they see as weakening the agencys ability to respond to attacks, such as dramatically shrinking CISA, cutting its office to counter weapons of mass destruction and restructuring its internal intelligence operations. DHS did not respond to a request for comment. Joe Gould, Jacob Wendler and Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report. Mar. 1Sen. Jim Risch, of Idaho, and his colleagues from other Western states used a recent committee hearing to pledge their opposition to selling federal public land. During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to consider the nomination of former Congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management, Risch, a Republican, said Idahoans care deeply about public land and don't want it to be sold. President Donald Trump nominated Pearce, of New Mexico, to lead the BLM that oversees more than 245 million acres of federal land, including 12 million in Idaho. Many conservation organizations oppose the nomination based on Pearce's past support of selling public land. Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, failed legislation written by committee chairperson Mike Lee, R-Utah, produced a public backlash and protest that swamped congressional switchboards and inboxes with messages from worried constituents. Risch was instrumental in killing the public land sell-off language that was initially part of the 2025 budget reconciliation package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. Risch said he believes Pearce has the chops for the job but added he has never seen anything like last summer's protest and that issue alone will guide his eventual decision on his nomination. "This is a 98% issue in Idaho. In all my decades of serving the state, I have never received such passionate, unified messages as I have on this particular topic. Idahoans do not want their public lands sold. Period. Full stop. Public lands are really part of us and are sacred to us," Risch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senator, who is running for a fourth term, asked Pearce if he understands that only Congress can sell big swaths of public federal land. "When it comes to distribution of land, I look to you all to provide the groundwork," Pearce answered. "You all know your state, the parcels of land, much better than the people of Washington, D.C.. That's my commitment to you, that we will work with you on this and follow the law completely." Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked Pearce if he continues to believe that the federal government doesn't need most of the land it owns, as he once said while representing New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. Pearce initially said he was "not so sure I've changed," and that he was speaking out of frustration over federal mismanagement at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Wyden told him Westerners would be unable to trust someone who does not believe in public ownership. Pearce gave ground but stuck to his positions that local people and governments should be consulted and involved in federal public land management decisions. "I do not believe we have too much federal land sitting in fed hands," he said. "I know that it creates great stress in the West to have these lands managed from Washington." A spokesperson for Risch told the Tribune she doesn't know if the senator has made a decision on Pearce's nomination. A vote has not be scheduled. Conservation groups are urging him to not to support Pearce. Advertisement Advertisement "Risch will be making a fateful vote that would change the landscape of our public lands forever," said Alexis Pickering, executive director of Conservation Voters for Idaho. "We call on all Idahoans to join us in telling senators Risch and (Mike) Crapo to vote 'no'." Barker may be reached at ebarker@lmtribune.com. The Scoop Riyadh has emerged as a key exit route for the super-rich and senior executives stranded in the Gulf looking for a safe passage out of the region. Cities including Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become playgrounds for the wealthy over the past few years, attracted by the year-round sunshine, tax-free lifestyle, and perception of safety. That was shattered over the weekend as Iranian missiles and drones rained down on the two cities, along with Qatar and Bahrain, causing those that could to attempt to flee. The Saudi capitals airport is one of the few still operating in the region, forcing executives and their families stranded in other parts of the Gulf to take the long drive in order to catch private jets or commercial planes. Advertisement Advertisement Private security companies have been booking fleets of SUVs to ferry people on the 10-hour drive to Riyadh from Dubai and then charter private planes to take them out of the region, according to people familiar with the matter. They have been evacuating a mix of people, including senior executives at global finance firms and high-net worth individuals in the region for business or holidays, the people said. The rush in demand is sending prices for private jets and SUVs soaring, these people said. Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people who want to get out of the region right now, said Ameerh Naran, chief executive of private jet brokerage Vimana Private; private jets from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to $350,000, he said. As the conflict began to hit Dubai on Saturday night, security firms looked to use Oman as a route out of the region, but that route closed after Iran hit the port and an oil tanker in the country on Sunday. That left Riyadh as the safest route. Know More Riyadhs emergence as a relatively safe spot in the region is a turnaround for the city, which has previously carried a higher risk perception than its neighbors. In prior years, regular rocket attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen caused frequent closures of airspace. And in previous moments of crises or regional instability, like the Arab Spring or last years 12-day war between the US and Iran, the well heeled have typically traveled through other cities. Before that, strict religious rules and the legacy of terror attacks in the early 2000s gave a perception that the kingdom was unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement But with few other options available, Riyadh has seen perceptions change. Weve been approached by a mixture of clients including families, individuals, and corporations that want to get out of the region either because their fear for their safety, or for business reasons they just need to be able to travel, said Ian McCaul, operations and future plans director at UK-based security firm Alma Risk. The use of Riyadh as a transit destination has also arisen because the country has loosened visa rules. Many nationalities can now get a visa on arrival, whereas just a few years ago it was necessary to arrange visas in advance, which could take weeks. Its also a reflection that Riyadh has so far managed to escape the brunt of Iranian attacks, allowing it to keep airspace open. Why Iran has spared Saudi Arabia a more significant barrage is unclear. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier sought to avoid becoming embroiled in the conflict by saying he wouldnt allow the kingdoms airspace or land to be used for an attack on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Life in Riyadh, meanwhile, has largely continued as normal even as other cities in the region have been bombarded by Iranian rockets and drones. While some expatriate schools have turned to online classes and companies including the Public Investment Fund have advised at least some staff to work from home, many have continued as usual. Notable The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel has created a power vacuum in the core of the Iranian regime and sparked the complex process of finding his successor. The Islamic Republic has only replaced its supreme leader once since it swept to power nearly half a century ago. Khamenei, who succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, was killed without an officially declared heir. A three-person council was formed Sunday to hold power until Khameneis successor is chosen. But with the US-Israeli strikes ongoing, there is no indication of how long that might take. Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know. Whos in charge right now? Under Irans constitution, a three-person leadership council holds power until the new supreme leader is named. It includes the moderate president, Masoud Pezeshkian, the hard-line head of the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and a senior cleric, Alireza Arafi. The powerful speaker of Irans parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the regime had prepared ourselves for these moments and planned for all scenarios. With the formation of a leadership council, an unimaginable power and cohesion will take shape, he said. What it may not have planned for, however, is to have lost several of its most senior officials at once. Israel has claimed that a majority of Irans senior military leaders were killed in Saturdays strikes, including the armed forces chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi; the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour; and the secretary of Irans Defense Council, Ali Shamkhani. Advertisement Advertisement When Khomeini died in 1989 after the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted most of that decade it took less than a day for Khamenei to be named as his successor, meaning there was no need to form a transition council. With US-Israeli strikes ongoing, naming Khameneis successor will take longer. Until then, the temporary council must decide whether to continue delegating defense decision-making to Ali Larijani, Irans top national security official, and Ghalibaf. Both men were tasked with leading Irans defense during the 12-day war with Israel in June, along with Shamkhani, a former navy rear admiral who was killed in Saturdays strikes. Who chooses the new leader? A body of 88 senior clerics, known as the Assembly of Experts, will select Khameneis successor. The members of the Assembly of Experts, which is elected by the Iranian public every eight years, are vetted by the Guardian Council, a separate body of 12 jurists that oversees the activities of Irans parliament. Advertisement Advertisement In normal times, the Guardian Council determines if legislation passed by the parliament is compatible with sharia law, and it often demands revisions. It also approves candidates for parliament, the presidency and the Assembly of Experts. It is known for disqualifying candidates for the presidency. Ahead of the 2021 election, for instance, the Guardian Council barred over 600 applicants, including all the women as well as senior figures such as Larijani, the top national security official. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the Chatham House think tank, said the Assembly of Experts may not convene until the US and Israel wind down their operation. They cannot risk further death and damage to the institution, she told CNN. Who are the contenders? Khameneis second son, Mojtaba, is a significant figure with strong links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the elite wing of Irans military, as well as the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force. But given that the regime swept to power to replace the Iranian monarchy, the Shiite clerical establishment may want to avoid father-to-son succession. Advertisement Advertisement Alireza Arafi, a Shiite cleric who was named to the transition council on Sunday, was appointed to several senior positions by Khamenei and is seen as a strong contender. He is deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts and is a member of the Guardian Council, meaning he could vet his own name. He is also head of Irans seminary system. Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, who also represents the most conservative wing of the clerical establishment and sits in the Assembly of Experts, is another contender. So is Hassan Khomeini, a grandson of Khomeini who is known to be less hard-line than his peers. There is, however, a chance for surprises. The regime may opt for a younger, less well-known figure or perhaps for a council of leaders, rather than a single person. Vakil, of Chatham House, said the tension between hard-liners and reformists will not disappear with Khameneis death. Advertisement Advertisement Moments of succession tend to strengthen conservative and security-driven factions, at least initially, she said. Any internal debate about the countrys direction is likely happening quietly and within narrow elite circles rather than in public view. If reform politicians have ambitions, this is their now-or-never moment. What about regime change? US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations, Trump said in a video on Truth Social. He also called on the IRGC to lay down its weapons or face certain death. So far, despite some scenes of celebration, there is little sign that Iranians are taking to the streets to try to topple what remains of the regime. Nor are there signs of defections by elites within the security establishment. Trump told CBS News on Saturday that there are some good candidates to take power, but he did not name them. Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the deposed shah of Iran, has emerged as a potential next leader. Pahlavi was only 16 when Irans 1979 revolution toppled his father, and he has since lived in the United States. Some commentators have suggested he would have Israels backing. Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran's last shah, has become a front-runner in Iranian opposition politics. - Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone/AP One problem, however, is that there is not an alternative force waiting to take power in Iran, said David Petraeus, a retired US Army general and former CIA director. Advertisement Advertisement The challenge here is there is no Ahmed al-Sharaa figure, as in Syria, who had a military force, who was able to take down the hollow regime forces of the murderous Bashar al-Assad in Syria in 2024, Petraeus told CNN. Robin Wright, a contributing writer at the New Yorker, who has interviewed Khamenei, made a similar point, telling CNN: The Iranians have many young Nelson Mandelas, but they dont have the kind of African National Congress you had in South Africa that had years to form an infrastructure, to define what the alternative to apartheid might look like, and who would be its leadership. Iran doesnt have any of that. How is power exercised in Iran at present? With much of Irans leadership decapitated, power will likely be exercised behind the scenes by the IRGC, which has increasingly propped up the regime over decades. Answerable only to the supreme leader, the IRGC is tasked not only with combating enemies abroad but, increasingly, with keeping order at home. The IRGCs power extends beyond military force. Many of Irans economic elites, who have benefited from sanctions-era access to the regimes centers of power, hold influential positions in the IRGC. It could hold significant sway over the appointment of the new supreme leader. Advertisement Advertisement As its name suggests, the IRGC exists to guard the Islamic revolution and the regime it birthed. After 1979, various paramilitary groups that toppled the shah soon coalesced into the IRGC. It resisted initial attempts to be incorporated into the regular army and cemented its power during its deployment in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Today, it comprises between 150,000 and 190,000 troops. It has an army, navy, air force and intelligence wing, and it has also become enmeshed throughout Irans civilian economy. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces march at an annual military parade in Tehran in September 2024. - Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Although many of its senior leaders are thought to have been killed during this weekends strikes, the IRGC still oversees the Basij, which operates like a police force: visible, street-level, domestic. Meaning mobilization in Farsi, the Basij is a volunteer group that plucks members from across the country, often from poorer, more conservative backgrounds. It is tasked with propping up the regime at home and enforcing Islamic morality among the public. Advertisement Advertisement Facing its greatest moment of peril, the Iranian regime is moving quickly behind the scenes to prevent fragmentation and signal continuity, said Vakil of Chatham House. It remains to be seen whether those efforts are successful. CNNs Leila Gharagozlou contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly pushed for strikes against Iran, while Saudi Arabias role appeared more complex. US President Donald Trumps decision to launch Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Saturday in a joint operation with Israel followed weeks of behind-the-scenes pressure from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Washingron Post reported on Sunday, citing accounts from officials and regional sources. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly pushed for strikes against Iran, whileSaudi Arabias role appeared more complex. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly made several private phone calls to Trump over the past month, pushing for an attack despite publicly endorsing a diplomatic solution, the Washington Post reported. Simultaneously, Riyadh released a statement that the state would not allow its territory to be used in the event of an attack. Salman reportedly warned US officials that if the strike didnt happen soon, Iran would come away stronger and more dangerous. Trump insists he had two main reasons for Operation Epic Fury On Saturday, Trump told Axios that Operation Epic Fury was launched for two reasons: the first being the collapse of the US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, and the second being that the regime had begun to rebuild the nuclear facilities that had been struck during the Israel-Iran war in June Advertisement Advertisement "The Iranians got close and then pulled back - close and then pulled back. I understood from that that they don't really want a deal," Trump explained. Additionally, while preparing his speech announcing the operation, Trump requested his team compile a list of every Iranian-linked attack around the world over the past 25 years, and found that every month they did something bad, blew something up or killed someone. The 2026 midterms are still months away, but the groundwork is already being laid. In Washington, Republicans are advancing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act known as the SAVE Act which could reshape how Americans register and prove their citizenship. At the same time, state legislatures and courts are revisiting congressional maps in ways that could reconfigure districts and potentially tilt the balance of power. These parallel battles one over access to the ballot, the other over the boundaries that determine how votes translate into seats are unfolding largely outside the campaign spotlight. Taken together, they could shape turnout, representation, and ultimately control of a narrowly divided House. With margins in recent elections decided by just a handful of seats, even small procedural or geographic shifts could carry outsized consequences. The status of the SAVE Act In recent weeks, Trump has made the SAVE Act a focal point of his national agenda, urging lawmakers to pass the legislation as a centerpiece of election-security policy. During his 2026 State of the Union address, the president asked Congress to approve the voter-ID and proof-of-citizenship bill before anything else, positioning it as a response to what he described as widespread election fraud claims disputed by independent election experts. Advertisement Advertisement At its core, the SAVE America Act would change what Americans must show to register for federal elections. The bill would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport not only for first-time registration but also when voters update their information after a move or name change. That means documentation would be required before someone could be added to, or make changes to, the federal rolls. The idea has surfaced before: Versions of the SAVE Act cleared the House in 2024 and 2025 but stalled in the U.S. Senate, where most legislation requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. With unified Democratic opposition and not enough Republican support to reach that threshold, Senate leaders never brought the bill to a final vote. The 2026 measure largely follows those earlier efforts, with additional provisions tied to election administration and ballot procedures. Its path forward remains uncertain: Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated there arent enough Republican votes to change the chambers rules, meaning the bill would once again require bipartisan backing in a closely divided Senate. Some states have experimented with proof-of-citizenship requirements, with mixed results. Kansas enacted one in 2013, but federal courts later blocked it. Arizona has required proof of citizenship for state and local elections since 2004, though it must still allow residents without documentation to vote in federal races under federal law. The SAVE Act would apply a documentary proof requirement nationwide for federal elections replacing the sworn-attestation system most states currently use and eliminating the federal-only voting option that exists in states like Arizona. Its path forward is far from certain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said there isnt enough Republican support to change filibuster rules, meaning the bill would need 60 votes to advance a steep climb in a closely divided chamber. Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, writes in an email to Katie Couric Media that he's skeptical it has enough support to succeed, in part because stricter documentation requirements could affect Republican voters fairly significantly, making some lawmakers hesitant to risk their own reelection campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Even if the measure were to pass, its legal footing would depend on how courts evaluate it. The thing about new legislation is that it resets the standard of whats legal under existing law, Levitt says. If it passed a big if I dont think it would be vulnerable under existing federal statutes. It might well face a constitutional challenge, but timing matters more than anything for 2026. Democrats have sharply criticized the measure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it Jim Crow 2.0, arguing it echoes past efforts to suppress minority voters. Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have described it as a dangerous assault on American democracy. Voting in federal elections as a noncitizen is already illegal and documented cases are rare, with the Heritage Foundations database identifying 24 instances between 2003 and 2023. Still, Republicans argue that affidavits alone are insufficient and say stricter documentation standards are needed to prevent fraud and bolster confidence in elections. We need elections where people arent able to cheat, President Trump told NBCs Tom Llamas earlier this month. Opponents counter that the greater risk isnt fraud its access. Since the bill would require official proof of citizenship, voters couldnt simply sign an affidavit. Yet many Americans dont have qualifying documents readily available: roughly half lack a passport, and nearly one in ten eligible adults cannot easily access proof of citizenship. Even when documents exist, mismatched names or outdated information can create complications. For example, a passport might show a maiden name, while a drivers license shows a married one. Advertisement Advertisement Advocates warn those hurdles could disproportionately affect married women, naturalized citizens, low-income Americans, rural voters, seniors, young people, and transgender Americans. That concern isnt merely hypothetical: Research suggests even modest registration barriers can shape turnout at the margins particularly in closely contested races. Redistricting: the battle over maps While the SAVE Act is about who gets to vote, redistricting is about how those votes translate into power and whether they carry more weight in one district than another. Every 10 years, states redraw congressional maps after the census to reflect population shifts. But in several states, those boundaries are being reconsidered before the decade is over prompted by court decisions, political recalculations, or both. While mid-decade redistricting is legal, it has historically been rare outside court-ordered fixes, making the current moment especially consequential. With Republicans holding the House by a narrow 218213 margin, even a handful of revised districts could tip the balance. A butterfly flaps its wings somewhere in the country and the composition of the House changes as a result," Levitt writes. That said, indications so far are that this election is shaping up to be something of a wave election, and a wave of a significant size is likely to swamp litigation over registration rules or an individual incremental House seat or two. So ultimately, Im pretty confident that the outcome of the House is going to come down to national trends rather than incremental litigation." Advertisement Advertisement Unlike states such as California, which rely on independent redistricting commissions, others including Florida allow partisan legislatures to draw their own maps, giving the majority party greater sway over the process. Texas the first state to move after Trump urged allies to revisit their House maps could produce as many as five additional GOP-leaning seats in the midterms. On the other side of the country, California could generate a comparable number of Democratic-leaning districts after the Supreme Court upheld its revised plan, rejecting Republican claims that it improperly prioritized Latino voters. The contrast highlights how commission-led systems and legislature-controlled processes can influence the political terrain in markedly different ways. Elsewhere, several states are weighing mid-cycle revisions. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed convening a special legislative session in late April to revisit congressional boundaries. Republicans, who already control most of the states delegation, are eyeing potential gains of two to four seats in central and South Florida. In Virginia, the Democratic-controlled legislature has approved a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to redraw districts before the midterms. If voters approve the measure in an April 21 referendum, Democrats could net between two and four seats under a proposed plan. Additional court rulings including a pending SCOTUS decision that could reshape how the Voting Rights Act applies to redistricting may further alter the landscape before November. But the legal terrain has already shifted significantly: In 2019, the Court ruled that federal judges cannot police partisan gerrymandering, leaving most disputes to hinge on racial discrimination claims or state constitutional law. Advertisement Advertisement With margins this tight, a small number of competitive seats could determine which party claims the majority. And with major rulings still ahead, some maps may not be fully settled before voters head to the polls. In a year dominated by turnout and messaging, this quieter contest over representation could matter just as much. Whoever prevails will set the legislative agenda, underscoring that the stakes of redistricting extend far beyond Election Day. The post How the SAVE Act and Redistricting Efforts Could Shape the Midterms appeared first on Katie Couric Media. On a cracked two-lane road on the eastern edge of San Diego County, James Cordero eased his Jeep onto the shoulder after something caught his eye. It looked like an abandoned trailer. Inside he found a hidden camera feeding a vast surveillance network that logs the license plate of every driver passing through this stretch of remote backcountry between San Diego and the Arizona state line. Cordero, 44, has found dozens of these cameras hidden in trailers and construction barrels on border roads around San Diego and Imperial counties: one on Old Highway 80 near Jacumba Hot Springs; another outside the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo; another along Interstate 8 toward In-Ko-Pah Gorge. They started showing up after California granted permits to the Border Patrol and other federal agencies to place license plate readers on state highways in the last months of the Biden administration. Now as many as 40 are feeding information into Trump administration databases as the Democratic-led state chafes over the federal governments massive deportation program. Advertisement Advertisement The cameras are raising concerns with privacy experts, civil liberties advocates and humanitarian aid workers who say California should not be supporting the surveillance and data-collection program, which they view as an unwarranted government intrusion into the lives of Americans whove committed no crime. Moreover, they say the program conflicts with state law. Supporters say the devices allow law enforcement to quickly identify and locate people they suspect of serious crimes. They also argue the cameras help agencies spot patterns in drug and human trafficking, and could be used to help locate missing persons, such as children or other vulnerable people. If youre not doing anything illegal, why worry about it? said longtime Jacumba resident Allen Stanks, 70. Everyone is talking about privacy, OK. Stop putting everything on Facebook. Heres a picture of my food. Who cares? said Stanks. Advertisement Advertisement Some locals, however, suspect the cameras are behind some unusual encounters theyve had in recent months with officers from Border Patrol and its parent agency, Customs and Border Protection. In one case agents questioned a grandmother a lawful permanent resident about why she went to a casino, according to her grandson. James Cordero, a volunteer with the nonprofit Border Angels, places water bottles in a remote area near the end of the fence at the US-Mexico border on Dec. 29, 2018. (Apu Gomes / AFP via Getty Images) Cordero has a different concern. On his days off, he leads volunteers into the far reaches of the county, leaving water, food and clothing for migrants. He fears his colleagues could be detained by agents. Im not so much worried about myself, but Im worried about a lot of our volunteers that come out, said Cordero. I dont want them to have to deal with any of the nonsense of being tracked or being pulled over and questioned. He has good reason to be nervous. During the first Trump administration, federal officials prosecuted volunteers from the humanitarian group No More Deaths for leaving water and supplies for migrants in the Arizona desert. The volunteers faced charges, including "abandonment of property" and felony harboring, though the convictions for some were later overturned. Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol provides little information about its use of license plate readers on its website. In 2020, the Department of Homeland Security issued a report that describes the technology in general, but doesnt specify where its being used. CalMatters reached out to Border Patrol and Homeland Security officials for comment, but did not receive a response. Theres no transparency, that's the worst part, Cordero said. The Homeland Security report says some readers are capturing license plate numbers, as well as the make and model of the vehicle, the state the vehicle is registered in, the camera owner and type, the GPS coordinates for where the image was taken, and the date and time of the capture. The technology may also capture (within the image) the environment surrounding a vehicle, which may include drivers and passengers, the report states. It also says feds can access license plate readers operated by commercial vendors. Mapping hidden cameras Earlier this month, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and a coalition of 30 organizations sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Transportation urging them to revoke state permits and remove the covert readers operated by federal agencies like Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Agency along California border highways. Advertisement Advertisement The San Francisco-based privacy and civil rights advocacy organization, also known as EFF, mapped out more than 40 hidden license plate readers in Southern California, most of them along border roadways. It contends the devices bypass a 2016 state law that spells out how law enforcement agencies can use automated license plate readers, which are often referred to as ALPRs. By allowing Border Patrol and the DEA to put license plate readers along the border, theyre essentially bypassing the protections under [California law], said Dave Maass, the director of investigations for EFF. That is a backdoor around it. Maass said he believes Corderos concerns about the agency surveilling humanitarian volunteers may be valid. They claim they might be looking for smugglers or they might be looking for cartel members, but thats not who theyre collecting data on, said Maass. [The program] is primarily collecting data on people who live in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Maass said theres no way to be certain which agency is installing each camera, but his organization checked with all other agencies operating in the area, such as the San Diego and Imperial sheriffs departments, the California Highway Patrol, and Cal Fire, among others. The camera models currently installed on state highways in the border region are the same as ones the Border Patrol purchased in large amounts, according to Maass. Records obtained from Caltrans by EFF from 2016 appear to show Drug and Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol requesting permits to install the same devices in other parts of San Diego County, according to Maass. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to a request for comment. The governors office did not comment. The Drug Enforcement Agency also did not respond to a request for comment. Caltrans approves ALPR requests By day, Cordero works in water-damage restoration, the crews residents call after floods and burst pipes, making him comfortable with emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement People are literally dying out here, Cordero says of his volunteer work, done through the nonprofit Al Otro Lado, a legal services organization that also provides humanitarian support to refugees, migrants and deportees on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. All were trying to do is prevent people from dying. In response to questions from CalMatters, a spokesperson for Caltrans provided a written statement that the state agency has approved eight permits for license plate readers from federal agencies, like Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to be stationed in state highway rights-of-way. Caltrans does not operate, manage, or determine the specific use of technology or equipment installed by permit holders, nor does it have access to any of the collected data, the statement read in part. Caltrans said federal immigration agencies havent requested permits for the cameras since June 2024. They did not say how long a permit lasts. Between 2015 and 2024, their records indicate Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration requested 14 permit applications for law enforcement surveillance devices. Of the 14, eight were approved, four were canceled by the applicants and two did not result in projects in state right-of-way, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement In California, license plates are tracked not only by the federal government and law enforcement, but also by schools and businesses, including some Home Depots and malls. While schools and businesses may not agree to pass that information on to the federal government, local police with access to those cameras may do so. California law prevents state and local agencies from sharing license plate data with out-of-state entities, including federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement. A CalMatters investigation in June 2025 revealed that southern California law enforcement agencies, including sheriffs departments in San Diego and Orange counties, have shared automated license plate reader data with federal agencies in violation of state law. Newsom vetoed a bill to strengthen California license plate reader law last fall. Two days later, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the city of El Cajon for multiple violations of the license plate sharing prohibition. Since 2024, the attorney generals office has sent letters to 18 law enforcement agencies, including the Imperial County Sheriffs Office, the San Diego Police Department and the El Centro Police Department. Local agencies continue to share license plate data with federal immigration authorities, and not just along the border. The San Pablo Police Department in Northern California, one of the law enforcement agencies that received letters from the attorney generals office, shared license plate data with the Border Patrol as recently as last month, according to records obtained by Oakland Privacy's head of research Mike Katz-Lacabe. Some cameras are easy to spot, but Katz-Lacabe said that local police have concealed cameras that scan license plates for more than a decade, sometimes behind the grill of police cruisers or inside speed limit trailers or in a fake saguaro cactus. Advertisement Advertisement This has been the practice for years, he said. On a recent Saturday, Cordero was dressed for the remote border terrain flannel, hiking boots, a San Diego Padres cap pulled low against the sun. On this particular weekend, supplies at one of the drop sites had already been used, indicating people may be crossing in the area. Cordero has gotten good at finding stuff out here. In the remote Ocotillo washes, where the scrubs claw at peoples shins, he recently found what he believes to be the remains of a human finger. A year earlier, Cordero found a phone contact list next to human remains. He and his wife, Jacqueline Arellano, were able to use the phone list to notify the persons family in Arizona about where their missing loved one fell. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why when, months ago, he first saw the abandoned trailer along the side of the road on Old Highway 80, he had to stop to take a closer look. It took me passing by a few times before I realized what it was, said Cordero. Pulling over grandma An Associated Press investigation published in November revealed that Border Patrol had hidden license plate readers in ordinary traffic safety equipment. The data collected by the agencys plate readers was fed into a predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide to identify and detain people whose travel patterns the algorithm deemed suspicious, according to the APs investigation. Sergio Ojeda, a community organizer with the mutual aid group Imperial Valley Equity and Justice, said Customs and Border Protection apparently believed his grandmothers driving patterns were suspicious because they interrogated her about the amount of time she spends at local casinos in the area. She was outraged about it, said Ojeda. His grandmother, a resident of Imperial Valley with legal status, was crossing the border when agents asked her about her trips to casinos. She asked them back, Is something wrong with that? Am I not supposed to be doing that or why are you questioning me about this? and they were like 'Oh, no, it just seems suspicious,' Ojeda recounted. Ojeda said he was equally concerned, and he doesnt enjoy the feeling of being watched just because he lives near the border. Its how I feel every day, he said. Driving around, I joke with my co-workers: Which chapter of 1984 is this? Wendy Fry and Khari Johnson write for CalMatters Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: An analysis of bones from ancient people who once lived in Colombia has discovered DNA that does not directly connect them to any other ancient or modern population in South America. It is thought that these people might somehow be related to speakers of Chibchan languages, which are spoken in the area where they once lived. More genomic research will be needed to demystify who these unknown people were and whose ancestors they might be. Around 6,000 years ago, hunter-gatherers who migrated south settled in the Bogota Altiplano of what is now Colombia, transitioning to an agricultural society over the next 4,000 years. Then they vanished. Advertisement Advertisement Whoever these people were, they disappeared from the genetic record. The team of researchers who discovered them through fragmented DNA in their skeletal remains have not been able to find any ancient relatives or modern descendants. They are strangely not related to Indigenous Columbians, having more of a connection to people who now live on the Isthmus of Panama and speak Chibchan languages. It could be possible that they spread through the region, mixing with local populations for so long that their genes were diluted, but no one can be sure. Genetics tell the story of how the Americas were populated by the ancestors of modern Indigenous people. Their origins lie in Siberian and East Asian groups who are thought to have first mixed 20,000 years ago, during the Late Paleolithic, later crossing a bridge of ice to North America some 16,000 years ago. It was then that this lineage split into northern Native American and southern Native American lines. While the northern Native American ancestry is mostly made up of populations that stayed in North America, three more lineages branched into southern Native American ancestry, which would reach further south. The Isthmo-Colombian area, stretching from the coast of Honduras to the northern Colombian Andes, is critical to understanding the peopling of the Americas, the researchers said in a study recently published in Science Advances. Besides being the land bridge between North and South America, it is at the center of the three major cultural regions of Mesoamerica, Amazonia, and the Andes. Each southern Native American lineage can be traced back to its earliest ancestors. There is one line descending from the Anzick-1 individual discovered in 1968, when construction workers unearthed the 12,700-year-old skull of a child belonging to the Clovis people, one of the earliest known peoples in the Americas. This young boy is related to modern Indigenous people from North, Central and South America. Another lineage that is found in the Central Andes comes from ancient people living in Californias Channel Islands. Yet another lineage, also descended from the Clovis population, is associated with the oldest Central and South Americans from Belize, Brazil and Chile. Advertisement Advertisement When exactly these populations appeared in Central and South America is still mostly unknown, but they must have arrived by traveling over the land bridge that connects the southernmost part of Central America to the South American subcontinent. There is also a linguistic connection. Speakers of Chibchan languages share some genetic and cultural aspects with the mysterious people who cannot be traced directly to any population. When and where the ancestral Proto-Chibchan language originated is unclear, but distinct languages are thought to have started evolving from it several thousand years ago, possibly in southern Central America. Chibchan speakers in this region have kept the largest number of these languages alive. While genetic analysis of local Indigenous people has shown that they are related to more ancient speakers of Chibchan languages, some findings suggest that they are not directly descended from the first people to settle in that part of Colombia. By studying both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and genome-wide data from 21 ancient individuals who lived in this region from 6,000 to 500 years ago, the researchers were able to find out some information about who they were, but not all the answers. More ancient Panamanians were found to be related to modern Chibchan speakers than ancient Colombians. However, Indigenous Chibchan speakers from Central America are the modern population genetically closest to ancient Colombians who lived after 2,000 years ago. Many groups who were around at the same time and spoke similar languages to the unknown people still need further investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Ancient genomic data from neighboring areas along the Northern Andes that have not yet been analyzed through ancient genomics, the researchers said, such as western Colombia, western Venezuela, and Ecuador, will be pivotal to better define the timing and ancestry sources of human migrations into South America. You Might Also Like A police chase involving a semi-truck ended in an officer-involved shooting Saturday evening. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The chase began around 6:14 p.m. on Saturday in the 1700 block of East Market Street in Akron, CBS affiliate WOIO-19 reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Akron Police officers located a semi-truck in a parking lot. where the driver, who attempted to leave, struck multiple cruisers before heading westbound, WOIO-19 reported. When Akron Police officers became involved, we located the semi truck in a parking lot on East Market Street. During that time, the truck driver attempted to exit the parking lot and struck multiple cruisers, Lieutenant Michael Murphy, the Public Information Officer for Akron Police, said. As he headed westbound on East Market Street, the suspect struck a number of civilian vehicles as well before striking another police cruiser. Moments later, two Akron officers fired their weapons in an attempt to bring the pursuit to an end. When our officers encountered him and fired multiple shots, striking him at least one time. The suspect was transported to an area hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, Lt. Murphy told WOIO-19. Advertisement Advertisement The officers involved have approximately six years and nearly three years of police service, and have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is normal departmental procedure when a shooting incident involving officers occurs, according to Akron police. Lt. Murphy told WOIO-19 that this was a worst-case scenario for Akron to be involved in because the department never wants to have to use lethal force. Were extremely thankful. This could have been a very, very bad, tragic incident that could have impacted a lot of people. Again, I just want to state that the semi-truck driver struck multiple citizens, people who are driving through the city of Akron, Lt. Murphy said. He struck multiple police cruisers; its just very concerning for us and our officers being placed in danger in that way. Were just again thankful that our officers are safe and the people in our community are safe as well. The Summit County Sheriffs Office released a statement later Saturday night, stating that its deputies responded to the scene, and one deputy also fired his weapon, WOIO-19 reported. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). After the investigation, police said the case will be submitted to the Ohio Attorney Generals Office for review before being submitted to the Summit County Grand Jury for evaluation, WOIO-19 reported. The incident remains under investigation, and no further information is available at this time, according to police. The Fraternal Order of Police also issued a statement regarding the unpredictable and dangerous circumstances Akron Police officers can face at any time: Tonights officer-involved shooting is a good reminder of the chaos that can engulf area residents when evil doers prey on the innocent. We are incredibly thankful that the situation wasnt worse. We understand that one tractor-trailer truck driver involved in a domestic dispute had contact with multiple police agencies and recklessly led them on a chase into Akron. The suspect weaponized his truck to hit multiple vehicles including police cruisers before being shot by Akron police and a sheriffs deputy. The truck driver was alive when emergency personnel arrived and transported him to an area hospital. We are thankful that just one Akron officer sustained a minor injury. We are praying for other officers and innocent bystanders involved. Every officer involved should be applauded for their restraint, patience, and diligence in responding to this dangerous situation. The FOP will release more information when it becomes available. Brian Lucey, President Akron Fraternal Order of Police #7 [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] With new episodes of Bridgerton landing on Netflix, England's stately homes are once again in the spotlight. Filming has become a lifeline for many of these historical estates, providing vital income, funding conservation and attracting new visitors. The charity English Heritage manages 400 properties across the country, many of which have been used on screen, such as Ranger's House in Greenwich, south-east London, which doubles as the Bridgerton family home. Advertisement Advertisement Christina Pascoe, commercial development lead at the charity, says the TV cash helps maintain "quite simply but very important" features. "Like replacing drapes, carpets, stone masonry work - even something as simple as cleaning the windows on the front of Ranger's House," she says. "That sounds like a really minor thing... but for us, that is really important because it is expensive to have that work done by a specialist." The interior of Wrest Park doubles up well as rooms in Buckingham Palace [English Heritage] English Heritage says its most in-demand site is Wrest Park near Silsoe in Bedfordshire, which has featured in The Crown, Downton Abbey and was recently closed to the public for an Amazon Prime movie shoot. Advertisement Advertisement Pascoe explains its interior "look remarkably like the state rooms inside Buckingham Palace" but are also largely unfurnished. "That's very attractive because [the crew] don't have to decant the whole space before they start to load in their props." Indoor and outdoor sections of Wrest Park have been used in programmes like Bridgerton [Courtesy of Netflix] Tony Wood, a supervising location manager who has worked on Bridgerton, says what we see on screen is in stark contrast to the village of trucks, catering tents and thick black cables running through corridors on set. "Filming is 150 strangers running around in shorts, trying to get a job done, running around with big metal boxes," says Wood. Advertisement Advertisement He notes that the most attractive properties are those within 30 miles of London, as every pound spent on a crew's hotel bill is "money that you're not spending on the screen". It may seem simpler to shoot at a studio, but Wood says you cannot fake the "real life" of a stately home. "The cost of building four, five rooms that link together and [are] all as opulent and architecturally fantastic as a location would cost an awful lot of money. "It's not just one room, you can see out of the window to the countryside, you can see the vastness of it all... you can't get that in a studio." Period dramas like The Crown and Bridgerton have made regular use of historical houses for filming [Courtesy of Netflix] The National Trust, which runs more than 500 properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, says filming at their locations can start at a cost of about 6,000 a day. Advertisement Advertisement Harvey Edgington, the charity's senior filming officer, says that figure could be higher if the property needs to close to the public. "To do that in June and July will cost a lot more money than if they're trying to do it on a wet Wednesday in November." The National Trust said improvements to the visitor car park at Calke Abbey were made possible by the filming of the upcoming Peaky Blinders film [Courtesy of Netflix] Properties further from London are becoming more popular for crews as studios expand across the UK. Recently crews were at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire to shoot The Immortal Man, the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie, the same location where scenes from the latest Highlander movie were shot - which stars Superman actor Henry Cavill. Appearing in a high-profile project can boost a location's profile. Advertisement Advertisement Harvey recalls that Antony House in Cornwall quadrupled its visitor figures the year after it featured in the 2010 Alice in Wonderland starring Johnny Depp. X-Men, Indiana Jones and James Bond have been shot at Stowe House [Stowe House] Stowe House is a Grade I listed estate near Buckingham. It featured in memorable ball scenes in the early episodes of Bridgerton but decades earlier was used by Steven Spielberg as a backdrop for a Nazi rally in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Because Stowe is a functioning independent school, filming is always confined to the holidays. On one occasion, director Ridley Scott was due to film parts of 2023 epic Napoleon at the estate, but when the schedule slipped into term time, the visit was cancelled. Advertisement Advertisement The producers still paid the fee. Scenes for Kingsman were shot at the Marble Saloon in Stowe House where it doubled as a Russian bath house. It was cut from the final film [Stowe House] Susy Pullen, who looks after the commercial side of Stowe House, says: "Working in these historic and old spaces; nothing's very cheap. "To do anything costs quite a lot of money, so we're always looking at how we can get income in." During one production, crew members noticed "scruffy" doorways and paid to restore them so they would look best on film. Meanwhile, Stowe House custodian Anna Makavoy makes sure crew members are not leaning against anything, or causing harm to the house. Makavoy adds: "I may not even notice if I'm in the same room as a famous person because my eyes are on the prize, making sure they're not damaging anything." Moulds of the brickwork and staircase at Ashridge House were used to create replicas for the Harry Potter movies [Ashridge House] Ashridge House near Tring in Hertfordshire has a long history. Once a home of King Henry VIII, in the 19th Century it was transformed into a neo-gothic house by the Bridgewater family. Advertisement Advertisement Harry Potter production designer Stuart Craig took physical moulds of the weathered limestone to create the brickwork of Hogwarts. Managing director David Evans proudly beams: "You can look at freezes from the film and then compare them to our staircase and it's identical." He says filming provides a "good chunk" of the estate's annual income. "The filming revenue is really directly attributable to preserving the house and making sure that it's here for for generations to come." Evans says filming is also vital for reaching a younger generation as it puts "Ashridge House on the map a little bit". Advertisement Advertisement "It adds another angle and opens up a new audience for us that perhaps wouldn't have come to us before," he explains. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story North Korea on Saturday released pictures showing leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter at a rifle range, the latest propaganda images to promote the child touted as a potential successor. State media KCNA said Kim and his daughter along with Kim Jong Uns powerful sister Kim Yo Jong and other officials fired the rifles after the North Korean leader gifted them to military leaders to salute their service to the reclusive states ruling party. One of the images which was flagged during a CNN check as being potentially AI-manipulated showed the girl, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and in her early teens, firing a sniper rifle. Advertisement Advertisement In all, North Korea released 27 pictures of the event. CNN checked four of the photos for signs of manipulation. Only the picture of Kim Ju Ae firing the rifle showed possible use of AI. North Korea's official KCNA news agency shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firing a new sniper rifle, at an undisclosed place in North Korea. - KCNA VIA KNS/AFP/Getty Image Kim specially prepared the gifts of the new generation snipers rifle for the key leaders, calling it a really wonderful weapon, the KCNA report said. The shooting-range event came after the conclusion of a congress of the Korean Workers Party, a largely rubber-stamp political gathering of the nations elite, where Kims leadership was reaffirmed by unanimous vote. At the assembly, Kim Yo Jong was promoted to director of a party department after years in a deputy role, solidifying her standing in the inner circle. Several senior party and military posts were reshuffled, elevating younger loyalists. North Korea's KCNA news agency shows leader Kim Jong Un (R) and his daughter Kim Ju Ae heading to the shooting range, at an undisclosed place in North Korea. - KCNA VIA KNS/AFP/Getty Image But much of the attention was on Kims daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Kim Ju Ae stood with her father on the grandstand as he reviewed some 14,000 troops goosestepping through Kim Il Sung Square, named after her great-grandfather, in the capital of Pyongyang. She has also been at her fathers side for previous missile tests and other ruling-party events, fueling speculation that she will be the fourth-generation successor to the Kim family dynasty that has ruled North Korea since before the Korean War started in 1950. In February South Koreas spy agency said it believes the dictator has entered the stage of nominating her as successor. There has been no official confirmation from North Korea on the daughters role, but the image of her purportedly firing the sniper rifle on Friday brought even more attention to her. Advertisement Advertisement By emphasizing that Kim Ju Ae knows how to fire a rifle, North Korea is hinting that she is undergoing succession training, Yang Mu-jin, a distinguished professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told the Chosun Daily newspaper. Other images appeared to show Kim Ju Ae, wearing a leather jacket, observing through binoculars as her father took a shot, and helping present the rifles to others at the event. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A South Carolina woman was killed in a recent crash that left two other people hospitalized, according to the Lexington County Coroners Office. Jaroslava Cameron, a 70-year-old Prosperity resident, died Friday in what Coroner Margaret Fisher called an accident. The two-vehicle collision happened at about 5:25 p.m., said Master Trooper Hannah Davidson of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Cameron was driving a Chevrolet Trax compact SUV west on North Lee Street in the Batesburg area of Lexington County, according to Davidson. At the intersection with Summerland Avenue the Trax collided with a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban SUV that was driving south, Davidson said. Advertisement Advertisement Cameron, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene, according to Fisher. Both the driver and a passenger in the Suburban were taken to an area hospital with what Fisher called minor injuries. Further information on their conditions was not available. There was no word if either of the occupants of the Chevy Suburban were wearing seatbelts. No other injuries were reported. Both the Highway Patrol and coroners office are continuing to investigate the wreck. Through Feb. 22, at least 93 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2026, according to the state Department of Public Safety. A minimum of 914 people were killed in collisions in South Carolina in 2025, DPS data shows. At least nine people have died in Lexington County crashes this year, and 40 people died in wrecks there in 2025, according to DPS data. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: As the number of satellites in Earths orbit continues to balloon exponentially, the effects of spacecraft burning up in the upper atmosphere are getting a closer look. On February 20, 2025, the first stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaked across Europe, and scientists in Germany tracked its lithium pollution plume via LiDAR. They found that this one event injected 10 times more lithium into the atmosphere than the typical daily amount, and its an illustrative example of what dangers the atmosphere faces as the space industry continues to rapidly expand. Its only been seven decades since humanity sent its first satellite in orbit, but scientists are already seeing the damaging effects that space junk can have on the planet. One of the most famous examples is whats known as Kessler syndrome where the presence of so many objects in low-Earth orbit (LEO) could lead to a cascading collision event that essentially spells the end of spaceflightand the many technological benefits of modern satellitesentirely. Advertisement Advertisement But it turns out that space junk may also have a less-cataclysmic (but more immediate) impact on Earths upper atmosphere. Space junk re-entering Earths upper atmosphere can leave behind trails of pollution, but some of this damage has so far been occurring in the scientific blind spot located roughly 80 to 120 kilometers above Earths surfacean area thats too high for balloons and airplanes to observe, but too low for satellites to see clearly. But in a new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment , scientists revealed that they had a trick up their sleeve: lasers. On February 20, 2025, the re-entry of the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket made headlines , as the resulting fireball could be seen across Europe. While many gazed at this fiery display, Robin Wing at the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Germany and his colleagues instead fired up their LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systemwhich had been specifically designed for studying atmospheric pollutionand discovered something alarming. Typically, Earths atmosphere naturally accumulates roughly 50 to 80 grams of lithium (largely from small meteors) per day, Wing told the BBC. But this one Falcon 9 event produced 30 kilograms of the stuff, which could lead to a disruption of the aerosols in our atmosphere that help moderate the climate. This is a new scientific field. Its hard to speculate because its changing so quickly, Wing told the BBC. Our largest concern is aluminium [sic] and aluminium oxides [sic] interacting with the ozone layer. Scientists are already aware that spaceflightespecially explosive spaceflightcan be devastating for the Earths atmosphere. New Scientist noted that spacecraft reentry burn-up releases 1,000 tonnes of aluminum oxide into the atmosphere per year (a number that is likely to grow). In November of 2023, a disastrous SpaceX launch that saw the explosion of two rockets essentially punched a temporary hole in the ionosphere. These detrimental effects to Earths atmosphere are only compounded by the growing concern that large satellite constellations (which are increasingly the likely payload of these rockets) could have for the future of terrestrial astronomy . Advertisement Advertisement And these problems arent likely to subsidelast month, SpaceX applied for permission to launch one million satellites to join its already-existing force of 14,500 orbital spacecraft. The Falcon 9 case study [] is both a harbinger of the expected increase in the number of satellite and rocket re-entry events over the coming decade, the authors wrote in the study, and an excellent test of our ability to monitor and detect the pollution which results from the re-entry of artificial satellites. The promise of human spaceflight is undeniable. Earth is only a pebble on the great sandy beach that is the known universe, and exploring that beach is a species-level compulsion thats difficult to ignore. But that compulsion comes with some serious negative consequences for the little pebble we call home. You Might Also Like Legislative budget writers propose leaving more than 130 state jobs vacant, spending less on services and supplies and moving around not-yet-promised money within public agencies to rebalance Oregons budget and close a large funding gap at the transportation department. The moves should cover the state general funds remaining $128 million deficit during the next 18 months, and the nearly $289 million deficit at the Oregon Department of Transportation, sparing the agency from hundreds of layoffs. Federal tax changes passed by congressional Republicans during the summer that stymie some state revenues and add costs, and a lack of action on sustainable transportation funding during the 2025 long session, contributed to the dual deficits. We can do this budget for a little while, Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton and co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, said about the transportation budget at a Friday media briefing. Advertisement Advertisement But both the transportation department and the general fund will need long-term fixes to sustainable revenue streams in the years ahead, she said. This is not a good budget, Lieber continued about the transportation budget. This is a very, very, very difficult budget, because its taking services away from Oregonians in a very real way. Joint Ways and Means co-chairs Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, and Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland on Friday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The changes are detailed in amendments to Senate bills 1601, 5701, 5702, 5703 and House bills 5203 and 5204 released Sunday. Public hearings on the omnibus spending proposal will be scheduled early in the next week, according to Lieber and Ways and Means co-chair Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland. Although lawmakers just eight months ago passed a $39 billion two-year budget for the state during the long legislative session, they need to rebalance spending in the current short session. Thats due in largest part to revenue losses and added costs anticipated from the federal tax and spending cut megalaw passed by congressional Republicans during the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Oregon is one of a few states that automatically replicates changes in federal tax law at the state level, rather than selectively choosing provisions to mirror. That will, however, change slightly under a bill passed last week that allowed some disconnections to federal code, clawing back a net $291 million in tax revenue for the state in the next 18 months. Lawmakers also needed to get creative about addressing the budget problems at the transportation department, which had an immediate $289 million funding gap and long-term funding issues tied to increasing project costs and shrinking gas tax revenue as Oregonians drive more fuel-efficient vehicles. Finding a long-term solution was a priority during the 2025 legislative session, but lawmakers failed to negotiate a fix before the clock ran out on the six-month session. During a special session in the fall, they approved smaller increases to the state gas tax and vehicle registration fees. But Oregonians never had to pay those higher fees after the Republican-led No Tax Oregon campaign this winter paused implementation and anticipated revenue for the current budget cycle at least until a statewide vote in November. Democrats are trying to move that vote to May. Transportation hole To cover the nearly $289 million transportation funding gap, Lieber and Sanchez said their proposal offers a temporary pause and redirection of spending until lawmakers can come together during the long 2027 session armed with sustainable solutions. Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt rely on the outcome of the gas tax and vehicle fees referral to keep the transportation agency funded for the next 18 months, but if the new revenue streams arent approved, the agency and lawmakers will be on worse footing when they come together to budget in 2027, Lieber said. About one-quarter of the hole will be covered by cost savings from leaving more than 130 positions vacant. The agency lost about 360 employees since July due to budget uncertainty, Lieber said, and there are about 700 total vacant positions within the agency since early 2025, Interim Director Lisa Sumption recently told lawmakers, forcing workers to take on additional roles. People left that agency because of whats happening. Because of all of the kerfuffle that happened around it. These were real jobs that were lost. And were sitting here, very dryly, telling you the math problem, but these are human beings who were helping us, Lieber said. Vacancies that will continue to go unfilled include: 92 project delivery positions 3 positions that administer funding to cities and counties for projects 14 Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division positions in both field offices and headquarters 15 position in administrative services 8 positions in finance and budget Advertisement Advertisement The proposal also reduces agency spending on capital improvements and maintenance on its buildings and other infrastructure by about $4 million. The other 75% of the budget hole will be covered by redirecting to general operating costs money the agency has for specific projects, but that hasnt yet been spent or tied to immediate spending. Lieber said nothing was being used that had already been obligated to a specific project, or taken from future funding years. Lawmakers will take and reallocate: $5 million from the student driver training program $6 million from Oregon Highway 58 enhancements and expansions that have since wound down due to environmental issues and lack of local support $8 million from the Community Paths program for building and maintaining multi-use public paths $17 million from Safe Routes to Schools grant program $20 million from the Transportation Operating Fund, or the lawnmower fund, which is funded by non-road gas tax funds $35 million in dedicated revenue for bridge projects, seismic improvements, preservation of highways, culvert projects and safety projects $42 million from the Connect Oregon program, which provides grants for marine, aviation and rail projects $85 million of federal funds that can be tied to projects that dont need a match from the State Highway Fund, freeing up those local dollars Advertisement Advertisement Many of the redirects Democrats are now proposing were ones Republicans had called for during the 2025 session, in an effort to solve the transportation agencys problems not with increased revenue options but decreased spending. Lieber said the difference between what she and Sanchez are proposing now and what Republicans wanted in the long session, is permanence. They want to make sure programs like Safe Routes to Schools and Connect Oregon are not done away with completely. I mean, you can do anything for a short period of time, but this idea that permanently redirecting these funds is the solution, I think, should be examined very closely. Because it is damaging for our infrastructure, for that agency, and quite frankly, for the Oregonians who use the streets, Lieber said. Although lawmakers prioritized preserving money in transportation programs meant to protect health and safety, Lieber said Oregonians will notice the lack of staff and redirected funding from other critical functions of the agency. Advertisement Advertisement People are going to see things like longer waits at the DMV, much longer waits for street sweeping and filling up potholes and plowing, she said. It is at a bare minimum, right now, with this budget. Other topline cuts To cover the rest of the states $128 million general fund deficit, some agencies will cash in on earned interest in long-term savings and investment accounts, leave vacant roles unfilled and shift spending, particularly at the Department of Early Learning and the Department of Human Services. Lieber was adamant that no one would lose access to affordable preschool or child care options because of the funding shifts, which mostly reallocate unobligated funds to free up unrestricted dollars. The early learning agency was already operating with $45 million less than requested during the next two years after the Legislature reduced funding by 3% during the last session. Overall, the $128 million hole is down significantly from the $650 million gap lawmakers were staring down at the beginning of the session, including a $271 million price tag for administering new costs associated with safety net programs under the federal Republican tax and spending law. Advertisement Advertisement The recent passage of Senate Bill 1507, which allows the state to disconnect from three of 115 new federal tax code provisions, helped close nearly half the anticipated budget losses for the current biennium. An early February revenue forecast showing temporarily higher than expected corporate income taxes also helped. Republicans have threatened to send the disconnect question instead to Oregon voters in a ballot referral by the November general election, something Lieber said would devastate the states budget. If voters chose not to accept the disconnects and reconnect completely to the federal tax code, the governor could either call a special session to undertake large budget cuts from education and human services, which are the states largest expenses, Lieber said. Or, the governor could do an allotment, something Lieber described as a draconian method where every agency is ordered to quickly cut a percentage of spending across the board. Its not a scalpel, it is a bludgeon across every single agency, Lieber said. Advertisement Advertisement She warned that as difficult as rebalancing the current budget has been, the next few years will be significantly harder. An August analysis from Oregons chief financial office found that cuts to federal programs in last summers congressional megalaw plus new costs shifting from federal to state governments will cost Oregon $15 billion over the next decade. We are facing large budget deficits in 2027-29 and 29-31, she said. This budget was a bit minor leagues compared to the budgets that are coming ahead of us. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sir Keir Starmer has dramatically changed his mind over giving the Americans permission to use RAF bases in Cyprus to tackle the growing threat from Iran. In a late statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister insisted he was giving permission for the limited specific defensive purpose of protecting UK and US allies across the Middle East as Iran continues to lash out. But hours after the announcement there were reports of a major explosion at RAF Akrotiri, one of the UK bases in Cyprus where US planes will be allowed to fly from. Advertisement Advertisement Sources told the Cyprus Mail that personnel at the base were told of the threat, and instructed to return to your homes and stay inside until further notice. Starmer gives US permission to use RAF bases (UK Gov) The announcement followed defence secretary John Healey claiming that two Iranian missiles were aimed in the direction of Cyprus where the UK has bases on Saturday, although this has been disputed by the Cypriot authorities. Sir Keirs statement also came after severe criticism from Tories and Reform over the UK refusing to allow the US to use RAF bases and standing aside in taking direct action in the conflict. However, it will now fuel concerns that the UK is being steadily dragged into a conflict which could find itself played out in British streets. Yesterday Sir Keir revealed that Iran had planned 20 atrocities in the UK just in the last year. Advertisement Advertisement But Downing Street has made it clear that no US attacks on Iran will be launched from UK bases and the RAF will not be taking part in offensive action. In his video message to the nation, Sir Keir said: The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved. Green Party leader Zack Polanski blasted Sir Keir for caving in to Donald Trump. He told The Independent: It took just one phone call from Donald Trump for Starmer to jump into yet another Middle East illegal war, failing to learn the lessons of the tragedies of Iraq, Libya and Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey warned: "No matter how the prime minister tries to redefine offensive as defensive, this is a slippery slope. He must not let Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East. But, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who had condemned Starmer for not allowing the US to use the bases earlier, told The Independent: Better late than never. We have a follower not a leader. Former Tory defence secretary Grant Shapps described the move as a welcome U-turn. He added: Quite why it's taken him two days to make the most obvious decision of his premiership is another matter! But opposition to the move rapidly emerged from within Labour. Advertisement Advertisement Labour MP Richard Burgon, chair of the Socialist Campaign Group of left-wing MPs, posted: I am deeply alarmed that British military bases will be used in Trump's bombing of Iran these attacks violate international law. The UK government should be focused on de-escalation, diplomacy and a ceasefire that's the best way of keeping people safe, not following Trump. Sir Keirs announcement follows disputed claims by defence secretary John Healey that Iranian missiles were shot in the direction of Cyprus as well as attacks on regional allies in Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar. Iranian strike in Bahrain (Reuters) The prime minister explained: Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them. They have hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation, we have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. Advertisement Advertisement Our Armed Forces who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Irans actions. Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel. The indiscriminate Iranian retaliation has come despite the death of much of the countrys hardline religious leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Sir Keir said: The death of the supreme leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. Their approach is becoming even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians. Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and the world is a negotiated settlement. One in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Advertisement But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. This is the situation we face today. Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and its my duty to protect British lives. We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles. Sir Keir also joined French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz in a joint statement calling on Iran to cease its attacks. Advertisement Advertisement They said that they were appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region. They added: Irans reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region. Sir Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to back the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The Prime Minister has condemned Irans utterly abhorrent regime, but both he and his ministers have avoided saying whether the Government supports the attacks or believes they are legal. His refusal puts him at odds with other world leaders, including those of Canada and Australia, as well as Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. They have all expressed support for the strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir spoke to the heads of state of Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan to offer solidarity and support on Sunday morning. The Government has refused to say whether it believes the US-Israeli strikes which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, in his Tehran compound are legal. Credit: WANA via Reuters However, Sir Keir is also facing demands from senior figures on the Labour Left to condemn the US attacks on Iran as a breach of international law. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, refused six times to say whether the UK backed the action on Sunday, telling the BBC: Britain played no part in the strikes on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement We share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. The Government is believed to have refused to allow Donald Trump, the US president, to mount air strikes on Iran from British military bases, including Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Islands, and RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, on the basis that doing so would breach international law. Mr Healey said it was a matter for the US to lay out the legal grounds for its attack, saying: The straight answer to the question of is the US action legal? That is for the US to set out and explain. Its not for me as a Defence Secretary of the UK. Other world leaders have backed the US-Israeli action, with Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, saying he supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security. Advertisement Advertisement Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, used similar language, while Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, also backed the action. Britains refusal to allow the US to use its military bases for attacks is reportedly based on a legal opinion drafted by Lord Hermer, the Attorney General. On Sunday, Lord Frost, the Brexit minister under Boris Johnson, wrote on X: It is obvious that the Starmer Government does not support these strikes and does not think they are within international law. They are trying very hard to avoid having to say so because they know how damaging it would be. Healey is one of the few capable and serious members of this Cabinet. His awkward forms of words and agonised body language betray all too clearly how unhappy he is with this position. Social Media Advertisement Advertisement Mr Farage, the Reform leader, urged the Prime Minister to allow the use of British military bases and support the Americans in this vital fight. He also demanded that Sir Keir follow the EUs lead and proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Mrs Badenoch, the Tory leader, said she stands with our allies in the US and Israel as they take on the threat of Iran, while Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, questioned why Sir Keir was not more proactive in the build-up to the strikes. She said: A lot of this has been about why has Keir Starmer not actually worked with our American allies to be much more proactive? Advertisement Advertisement On the basis that a lot of intelligence is shared between our two countries, the Americans would easily have shared and rightly so details of their plans. Why were some of our bases not used? And was the British Government asked about use of our military bases in the defensive strikes that took place? Britain has been involved in active defensive action during the strikes, including over Cyprus, where Iranian ballistic missiles were fired towards a UK military base. Mr Healey said two ballistic missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus on Saturday and that British forces were involved in shooting down Iranian drones. The air base was not hit and it is not believed the Iranian regime was actively targeting Akrotiri, which is a crucial stepping stone for Britain to carry out strikes in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement The missiles were launched as Iran responded to the US-Israeli military action with a flurry of strikes across the region on Saturday, hitting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha and Israel. Credit: X/@clashreport Sir Keir spoke to the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the King of Jordan on Sunday morning. A Downing Street spokesman said: He expressed the UKs solidarity in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation, which has seen indiscriminate missile and drone attacks launched at their countries in the last 24 hours. They discussed the safety of civilians in the region, including British nationals and Armed Forces personnel, and expressed deep concern that strikes have hit civilian and commercial infrastructure harming innocent people. Advertisement Advertisement He reiterated that the UK has had planes in the sky since yesterday as part of the coordinated defensive response to protect our partners in the region, and would continue to offer our support. X / @Keir_Starmer Sir Keir is facing separate pressure from the Left to condemn the attacks and not get involved in any further action. Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said on Saturday that the attacks were illegal, writing: I am pleased to see the UK is not involved in these strikes on Iran. They are illegal and ill-advised. Richard Burgon, a Left-wing Labour MP, said the attacks were an illegal act of aggression, while Karl Turner, a Labour MP and former barrister, urged the Prime Minister to be clear about Britains stance. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Turner said: I am not an international lawyer, but my instinct is that this is prima facie illegal and you need to provide evidence to the contrary. I thought the Prime Minister was doing his best to sit on the fence [on Saturday] but it becomes frustrating when the Defence Secretary has to go on TV and appear as if we dont have a policy direction on this. We need one. I think we ought to be honest and stand up to the Americans a bit stronger. Figures from other parties on the Left were also critical. On Sunday, Zack Polanski, the Green leader, fresh from his partys victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election, condemned the attacks in Iran as illegal and unprovoked. Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who now heads Your Party in the Commons, said the American strikes were clearly illegal and designed to bring about regime change. Advertisement Advertisement He said the joint US-Israeli operation in Iran was a catastrophic act of aggression, brutality and escalation which had resulted in more lives lost, more pain, more horror and a great deal of money being made by arms manufacturers all around the world. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Delaware State Police identified 26-year-old Yeyson Perez-Ortiz of Laurel as the victim of a fatal one-vehicle wreck in Laurel. Perez-Ortiz was driving a Chevrolet S10 on Laurel Road, west of Curely Road, around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 28. His vehicle ran off of the southern edge of the roadway, police said. The car entered a deep ditch, hit a tree and overturned onto its roof. Perez-Ortiz was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he was not wearing a seatbelt. Advertisement Advertisement Delaware State Police are still investigating the crash, and encourage anyone with information to reach out to them or Delaware Crime Stoppers. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: State police identify man killed in single-vehicle Laurel crash Mirjam Southwell author of Choice Chose, Chosen a book based on the Roe v Wade court ruling reveals how she felt by the outcome at the time, and how it inspired her as we approach 'International Womens Day' 8th March 2026 Choice, Choose, Chosen, by Mirjam Southwell Opinion piece In the summer of 2022, Roe v. Wade the 1973 Supreme Court case that ruled a womans right to abortion was protected by the constitutional right to privacy was overturned. I didnt want to believe what I was reading, what I was hearing. Very powerfully, women were being told to get back in their box, to shut up and put up. I was angry, exasperated, desperate even. How, fifty years on, could this be happening? Yes, it was happening in the USA, but my gut told me it presaged the future for women in the UK and the wider world. Since time immemorial, women and men, have sought ways to end a pregnancy: Hippocrates had at least three methods up his sleeve and available to wealthy Romans; there are references to assorted methods in Chinese folklore dating back 5000 years and in Egyptian texts circa 1600 BCE. And one can safely assume that there were methods well known before the written word. In 19th century England, despite abortion being increasingly criminalized, newspapers persisted in running adverts for services offering relief to women temporarily indisposed. Similarly, 20th century newspapers carried advertisements, placed by medical specialists, offering to cure menstrual blockages. Where theres a need, theres a way So, whats been happening in 21st century UK? Some positive progress: 2018 saw the home use of the drug Misoprostal approved (medical abortion); in 2019 abortion was decriminalized in Northern Ireland; temporary COVID regulations in 2020 allowed telemedicine and the home use of both abortion pills; and in 2022 common sense prevailed with Parliament voting for the temporary regulations to be made permanent. Not so positively, 2023 saw the introduction of buffer zones for clinics providing abortions and an increase in sad and shocking cases of women criminalized for terminating or miscarrying their pregnancies. Buried in the mire of emotive debate is the fact that 89% of abortions (as of 2023) are performed at 10 weeks or under, at least four weeks before the illusive quickening (the first twinge of movement a woman feels in her womb). However, there is good news on the horizon. After a decade of debate, in June 2025 Parliament voted to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales. A necessary move towards abortion as healthcare, not criminal behaviour. N.B. the abortion laws have not been liberalized: The 24-week limit remains (10 weeks for pills by post); the approval of two doctors is still required; doctors and clinics must follow the law. But and it is not a small but, the amendment still requires approval in the House of Lords. And surprise, surprise, as of February 2026, those lords and ladies against abortion are working hard to delete or at least delay the amendment. Most observers believe it will be passed fingers crossed! I remain exasperated, angry, that a womans right to choose continues to be open to debate. No right to choose abortion denies a woman autonomy over her body. It denies a woman the free will to make decisions for her health, her ambitions, her life. In doing so, it insidiously denies women their existence as humans. About Mirjam Southwell Mirjam Southwell was born in Leicester and raised in Exeter. She has had a career in academic and applied research with chapters and papers published in non-fiction books and journals. In 2022, incensed at the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the loss of abortion rights afforded women in the USA, she protested against a group of pro-lifers in her home town in the East of England. Choice Choose Chosen is her first work of fiction. Choice Choose, Chosen was released: 28/02/2026 ISBN: 9781835743768 Price: 9.99 by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk On its own, Rep. Nancy Mace making a bigoted post about two Muslim members of Congress after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wouldnt be particularly newsworthy. The South Carolina Republican has made herself a national name via proud displays of hatred on Capitol Hill. Unfortunately, Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib face far worse from their Republican colleagues on a regular basis. Writing My heart goes out to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib tonight. Sending them thoughts and prayers, along with a graphic announcing Khameneis death is deeply Islamophobic, but not novel. What elevated Maces latest 250 Characters Hate into the headlines was Omars blistering response, in which she accused her fellow representative of having a drinking problem. Advertisement Advertisement I hope you arent drunk and took your staffs advice, she wrote. Rashida and I dont know this man and feel confident he didnt care about us. Please restrain from drinking too much as you have been warned from your staff and stay off social media when you are drunk. Omar then turned the sarcastic thoughts and prayers around on Mace. I pray in his holy month you find peace and respect for your self, she wrote. I hope you arent drunk and took your staffs advice, Rashida and I dont know this man and feel confident he didnt care about us. Please restrain from drinking too much as you have been warned from your staff and stay off social media when you are drunk. I pray in his holy https://t.co/s4kpye5QVg Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 1, 2026 Mace, for her part, responded by sharing the repeatedly debunked claim that Omar was married to her own brother. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Beyond social media feuds, Omar has been a vocal opponent of the current military action in Iran. She called Trumps decision to attack Iran a reckless abuse of power and pushed for Congress to pass a war powers resolution. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is unilaterally dragging this nation into an illegal and unjustified war with Iran without congressional authorization, without a clear objective, and without any imminent threat to the United States, she shared in a statement. The American people are exhausted by endless wars built on false promises and paid for with American and foreign lives. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority This unlawful operation must end immediately. The post Stay off social media when youre drunk: Omar responds to mocking Mace post about Khamenei appeared first on Salon.com. Most of Julie LeFevres seventh-grade agriculture students have had a taste of agriculture education when they get to her classroom. She sees her job as giving students a bigger bite to keep them at the table. My class is a sample of all the ag classes to get them excited and to want to continue with ag classes when they get to high school, LeFevre said. She has taught agriculture at Challand Middle School in Sterling since the program started in 2016. It originally started as an eighth grade class but scheduling conflicts moved the class to the seventh grade schedule. In 2026-27, Challand students will be able to take agriculture in seventh and eighth grade. Advertisement Advertisement The majority of LeFevres students dont come from farms or farming backgrounds. But they have already had some agriculture learning through the Whiteside County Farm Bureaus Ag in the Classroom program, which brings agriculture education and educators into classrooms starting in kindergarten. They spark their interest and do a phenomenal job getting a little bit of interest going. They talk about fiber, food and fuel and how agriculture is part of every bit of our lives, LeFevre said. LeFevre takes that a step further. Once we find their own personal connection, theyre hooked, she said. Students who choose LeFevres agriculture class are automatically FFA members through a program by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, which pays for any student in an agriculture class, starting in seventh grade, to receive free FFA membership. Advertisement Advertisement LeFevre said participation in FFA, in activities, contests and Career Development Events, makes a difference in how students do in school as a whole. When they find something they enjoy and that they flourish with, when they have that moment that sparks to them, lots of little things fall in line. They become more organized as a student, they show enjoyment in school. Attendance improves because they want to get here for this. It spirals into other classes, LeFevre said. Students gain soft skills and practical knowledge through participation in FFA and in LeFevres agriculture class that they can use in the rest of their school careers and in life. I focus on English language arts, LeFevre said. We talk about how you have to be able to put a sentence together and use proper grammar and be able to speak and read and that all just builds off of each other. It makes them a better student and a better student leader. FFA opens opportunities for all students. NEED TO KNOW A new study suggests Neanderthal males mated with human females more often than the reverse pairing Researchers propose migration and social behaviors may explain this pattern in early human-Neanderthal interactions Modern humans of European and Asian ancestry still carry up to 2% Neanderthal DNA from ancient interbreeding A new study has revealed new insights into the mating patterns and preferences of early humans. The study, published in the journal Science on Feb. 26, found that when Neanderthals and early humans interbred a known phenomenon between the two species most pairings appear to have involved Neanderthal males and human females. The reverse combination, in which Neanderthal females mated with human males, was seemingly significantly less common. Advertisement Advertisement The studys authors stated that this pattern may reflect a kind of partner preference between the two groups, meaning these pairings may not have been random. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Scientists dont know exactly why this preference would have existed, but said that there are several possible explanations, including migration patterns, specific social behaviors, or how the two groups interacted when humans moved into areas where Neanderthals already lived. Neanderthal skulls at the Human Evolution exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Its a really thought-provoking paper, said Benjamin Peter, a population geneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology who was unrelated to the study, while speaking to Science.org. Advertisement Advertisement This is certainly the best attempt trying to get at this question that I have seen. Duke University paleoanthropologist Steven Churchill, who is also unrelated to the study, said that the recent findings could invite questions and theories about potential social dynamics between Neanderthals and early humans. While speaking to Science.org, he noted that if Neanderthal males monopolized the attention of human females, it reasonably could have led to competitive, unfriendly interaction between the two species overall. However, the studys authors also noted that the apparent pairing pattern could be a simple matter of biology as opposed to preference. They added that hybrid children born to Neanderthal mothers and human fathers may have been less likely to survive, which would make those pairings less common in the genetic record. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Many people alive today, especially those with European or Asian ancestry, still carry small amounts of Neanderthal DNA. This is because a population of early humans left Africa between 45,000 and 49,000 years ago and lived alongside Neanderthals in Eurasia, according to The Washington Post. As much as two percent of the genomes of people of European or Asian ancestry originate from Neanderthals, according to Science.org. Read the original article on People Craig Monteilh has gone rogue again. The first time the undercover operative had a change of heart, years after the FBI deployed him to penetrate southern Californias Muslim community, his U-turn became a splitting headache for law enforcement and officials at the highest levels of the Justice Department. Monteilhs latest about-face may even be flummoxing the Supreme Court. This past Friday, the justices were set for the fifth time to discuss the latest twist in an epic legal fight Monteilh set in motion 15 years ago with his sensational claims that he was dispatched by the FBI to pose as Muslim and uncover possible terrorist connections at an Orange County, California mosque, the Islamic Center of Irvine. Advertisement Advertisement During that assignment, Monteilh had a falling out with the FBI and provided inside details that supported an ACLU lawsuit alleging that Operation Flex violated the religious freedom and privacy rights of mosque-goers through audio and video surveillance. But now Monteilh has also said that much of the information he gave to the ACLU was made up. Posing as Farouk al-Aziz and given the FBI code name Oracle, Monteilh says he pretended to convert to Islam at the Irvine mosque while surreptitiously recording audio and video there for about a year and a half. The operation began in 2006, just two months after the top FBI official in California, Stephen Tidwell, spoke at the same mosque to reassure Muslims that the agency wouldnt deploy undercover tactics in their houses of worship. Advertisement Advertisement If we're going to mosques to come to services, we will tell you," Tidwell said, according to a video of his June 2006 speechreviewed by The Washington Post. "The FBI will tell you we're coming for the very reason that we don't want you to think you're being monitored. We would come only to learn." Monteilhs exposure of the sensitive undercover operation touched off a 15-year legal battle thats still burning. Part of the case, Fazaga v. FBI, alreadyreached the Supreme Court, in 2021. The fight is back before the high court again as the Trump administration asks the justices to toss out most of the case in order to protect state secrets. Monteilh, now 63, is eagerly awaiting the justices next move, which could be announced as soon as Monday morning. Hes hoping they return the case to a lower court for a hearing where he can publicly air his grievances against both sides. The ACLU, they don't want me to say anything else that makes them look like we're in cahoots. The government, on the other hand, theyre asserting state secrets. So, they don't want to use me, but they have to to finish it, don't they? Monteilh told POLITICO in a recent interview, clearly relishing the predicament facing both sides. Who's the guy in the middle right now with the puppet strings? The FBI has earned my vengeance. Weeks before the Trump administration took the case back to the Supreme Court last summer, Monteilh dropped a bomb. Inan email to lawyers on both sides, later filed in court, the former FBI asset said a declaration he signed under penalty of perjury in 2010, which fueled the decade-and-a-half of legal wrangling, was not accurate and contained 50-60% lies. Advertisement Advertisement Most of the information the ACLU and I made up, Monteilh added in the email. I do not stand by that information. In a series of additional emails,Monteilh alleged that two ACLU attorneys, Peter Bibring and Ahilan Arulanantham, willfully overlooked information Monteilh wanted to include. Both ACLU attorneys overruled me, stating it wouldnt look good for the lawsuit, Monteilh wrote. Ina court filing, Bibring and Arulanantham emphatically denied that they knowingly assisted in the submission of false declarations or engaged in a quid pro quo arrangement for [Monteilhs] testimony. Counsel have represented the interests of Plaintiffs with the utmost integrity during the entire life of this litigation, and have not engaged in any misconduct, the attorneys wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Arulanantham said in a statement to POLITICO that when Monteilhs formal statements for the case were being drafted a decade and a half ago he never told me or anyone else at the ACLU that his declarations contained false or misleading information in any form, including half-truths. If he had, we would not have filed them, Arulanantham said. As is common in whistleblower cases, the attorney said, another person was also brought in to observe when the declarations were signed and could testify that Monteilh affirmed they were accurate at the time. An ACLU representative said no one was available to comment. Bibring did not respond to a request for comment. In the filing, Bibring and Arulanantham argued that even setting aside Monteilhs testimony, theres ample audio and video evidence and accounts from other witnesses to support the lawsuit. The attorneys also provided a judge with statements from Monteilh repeatedly accusing the FBI/Government attorneys of blackmail for threatening to imprison him if he violated a non-disclosure agreement he signed while working for the FBI in 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs counsel note that they did not choose the whistleblower in this case; Defendants did, wrote Bibring and Arulanantham, who both left the ACLU for other jobs in 2021. Arulanantham is still working on the case. Indeed, while Monteilhs recent emails may be embarrassing for the ACLU, his white-hot anger is reserved for the FBI. He contends the bureau broke promises by allowing him to be jailed for eight months on a theft charge and shorted him $100,000 it owed him. A judge dismissed a lawsuit Monteilh filed against the FBI in 2010. The FBI has earned my vengeance, Monteilh said in one of the emails to lawyers that was later filed in court. Representatives for the FBI and Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to POLITICO, Monteilh made clear that he would do his best to make the long-delayed fact-finding in the lawsuit exceedingly uncomfortable. I'm not an informant, I'm not your snitch. I'm not the guy you got leverage on. I am a professional operative. I'm an independent contractor, he said. If you fuck me like that, I'm going to turn around and do the same thing to you. In the end, whether it's a portion or the whole thing, that's my money. If the FBI knows one thing, they'll never, ever forget my name. A stunning claim Monteilhs missives, if theyre believed, also offer an explosive explanation for the pervasive secrecy around his work for the FBI and the governments determination to curb the mosque-surveillance lawsuit on state-secrets grounds. Monteilhs provocative claim: He helped set in motion the U.S. military operation that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Given Monteilhs conviction for theft, a prison term he served for forgery before connecting with the FBI and his self-described skills at deception, the assertion has to be taken with a grain of salt. But it aligns with public facts that give it at least a surface plausibility. One of the people Monteilh surreptitiously recorded during Operation Flex Ahmadullah Niazi is the brother-in-law of Amin al-Haq, whom the U.S.declared a specially designated global terrorist for serving as bin Ladens bodyguard and the head of Al Qaedas Black Guard. Niazi was indicted in 2009 on charges of immigration and naturalization fraud. At a bail hearing for Niazi, an FBI agent testified that a person working for the bureau had recorded Niazi discussing terrorist ideology, jihad and blowing up abandoned buildings. Niazi was released on bail and the charges were later dropped for unclear reasons. Monteilh says he was that FBI operative, and that information he obtained from Niazi helped the agency trace cell phone calls that indicated al-Haqs location in Pakistan leading to his arrest there in 2008. In an email filed in court, Monteilh contends that al-Haq gave up the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Advertisement Advertisement Monteilh said FBI officials told him they confirmed al-Haqs information with al Qaeda prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, leading to the 2011 operation that killed bin Laden. U.S. officials have said they found bin Laden by tracking a trusted courier identified in part through information from Guantanamo detainees. Al-Haq was not tried or formally charged by Pakistan during that period. According to local media reports, he was released in 2011, a few months after the raid that killed bin Laden. While the FBI has never addressed Monteilhs claim about a link to the bin Laden operation, Justice Department attorneys effectively publicized that assertion last year by filing Monteilhs email about it on a public court docket. Wrangling over state secrets In 2011, officials at the highest levels of the FBI and the Justice Department insisted that the bulk of the ACLU lawsuit could not go forward because it would expose state secrets. Attorney General Eric Holdersigned a declaration claiming that disclosing the identities of people who were the focus of Operation Flex, and the sources and methods the operation used, would risk significant harm to national security. Advertisement Advertisement The extreme secrecy around the mosque surveillance lawsuit has contributed to staggering delays. In 2015, the case languished at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for more than three years as the parties awaited a decision on whether a federal law on surveillance overrode the governments state secrets claim. The appeals court ruled it did. After another 15 months, the Supreme Court reversed that decision a victory for the government. Now the justices are being asked to reinstate a lower courts order dismissing the case which was handed down more than 13 years ago. The judge who wrote it left the court in 2024. Legal experts struggled to explain the delays, but said classified information the government submitted in connection with its bid to dismiss the lawsuit likely played a role: Law clerks working on the case require security clearances and some documents have to be kept in a secure facility or brought to chambers by couriers, in locked bags. Its unclear why the latest Supreme Court petition has been scheduled and rescheduled for discussion at five of the justices private conferences. Sometimes that means the justices decided not to take a case and a justice who wanted to take it is writing a dissent. In other instances, it means the justices simply deferred making a decision. Monteilhs media moment When Monteilhs story began to spill out in 2009, he became the subject of gauzy profiles by news outlets eager to highlight another alleged excess in President George W. Bushs post-9/11 War on Terror. This American Life devoteda whole program to Monteilhs escapades for the FBI, memorably dubbing him the gym rat, after his fondness for developing information from people he met during workouts. With the Supreme Court set to act on his case soon, Monteilh is itching for a chance to return to the spotlight and settle his score with the FBI. My plan is working, he said. The Supreme Court, when they're ready, is going to [send it] back to Santa Ana. And when they do, I'll be ready. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, Donald Trump has said. He claimed that his death after the aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. The US president also said heavy and pinpoint bombing is to continue uninterrupted through the week or longer. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump called Mr Khamenei one of the most evil people in history. He said that Mr Khamenei was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. The assassination of the leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, has raised the prospect of a protracted conflict given Iranian threats of retaliation. In a nationally televised address earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were growing signs that Mr Khamenei had been killed when Israel struck his compound early on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Khamenei succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He had the final say on all major policies, leading Irans clerical establishment and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard the two main centres of power in the countrys theocracy. The Israeli military said the strikes also killed Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Iranian Security Council and a close adviser to Mr Khamenei, and Mohammad Shirazi, the head of Mr Khameneis military bureau, were also said to have been killed. The Iranian supreme leaders compound is said to have been hit (Airbus DS 2026 via AP) (Uncredited) Following the attack on targets across Iran, Mr Trump called on the Iranian people to take over your government. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, said at least 201 people had been killed. The first strikes appeared to target the compound of Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader in central Tehran. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Mr Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive as far as I know. The US president said in a video posted on social media: For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. He urged Iranians to take cover during the strikes, but added: When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. Advertisement Advertisement In southern Iran, at least 85 people were reported killed after a girls school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the local governor told Iranian state TV. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, said he was aware of reports that the school was struck and they were looking into them. The violence quickly expanded with the Revolutionary Guard saying it had responded by launching a first wave of drones and missiles targeting Israel, where a nationwide warning was issued as the military said it was bringing down Iranian fire. Irans Foreign Ministry said the country will not hesitate in its response, adding: The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemys military assault. An explosion in Haifa Bay, northern Israel (Leo Correa/AP) (Leo Correa) Bahrain said a missile attack had targeted the US Navys 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom, witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to US Army Central, and explosions were heard in Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement About 12 hours after the attacks began, the US military reported no US casualties and minimal damage at bases despite hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. It said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defence capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates closed their air space and sirens sounded in Jordan. The UAE said one person had been killed by falling shrapnel and air defence fire was seen over its commercial hub Dubai. The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior officials. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump said the US had begun major combat operations in Iran after the US assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear programme. He claimed in the video that Tehran has continued to develop its nuclear programme and plans to develop missiles to reach the US. He acknowledged there could be American casualties in the conflict, saying that often happens in war. Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, but it has blocked international inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed during a 12-day war then. Satellite photos analysed by the Associated Press have shown new activity at two of those sites, suggesting Tehran is trying to assess and potentially recover material there. Donald Trump said the US has begun major combat operations (Michael Gonzalez/AP) (Michael Gonzalez) Iran has a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile programme, limiting their range to 1,240 miles. That puts all the Middle East and some of eastern Europe in their range. Advertisement Advertisement There is no public evidence of Iran seeking to have intercontinental ballistic missiles, though Washington has said its space programme could allow it to one day. Tensions have soared in recent weeks as American warships moved into the region, and Mr Trump said he wanted a deal to constrain Irans nuclear programme. He saw an opportunity while the country struggles at home with growing dissent after nationwide protests. Iran had hoped to avert a war but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, like its long-range missile programme or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. But Mr Trumps statement indicated the US was striking for reasons far beyond any nuclear ambitions, listing grievances stretching back to the beginning of the Islamic Republic. Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran (AP) (Uncredited) Mr Netanyahu said the attack aimed to remove an existential threat posed by Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands, he said. Targets in the Israeli campaign included Irans military, symbols of government and intelligence targets, according to an official source. Irans Revolutionary Guard had vowed to respond if attacked, including saying American military personnel and bases spread across the region would be targets. Explosions rocked Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles. There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties. Several hospitals in Israel launched emergency protocols, including moving patients and operations to underground facilities. US embassies or consulates in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel posted on social media that they had told staff to shelter in place and recommended all Americans do the same until further notice. Police in Germany arrested the suspected head of an international multimillion euro drug smuggling operation following a three-year investigation, authorities said on Sunday. The 34-year-old German man is now in custody after being arrested at his home in western Germany, a Dusseldorf police spokesman confirmed. Investigators believe the gang imported at least 12 tons of cocaine with a suspected value of around 100 million ($118 million) from South America over several years. Advertisement Advertisement The Sunday edition of the Bild tabloid reported that 16 properties were searched during the operation, and luxury goods worth almost 800,000 were seized in the villa of the accused smuggler. In addition, properties worth almost 15 million were confiscated from close relatives of the man. The suspect was arrested last Tuesday morning by a special police task force after a three-year investigation. Four previously uncaught accomplices had also been operating in Serbia, Canada and Montenegro. "Asset seizures in the millions are no coincidence, but the result of hard, meticulous investigative work," the Interior Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul told the newspaper. "We hit the big fish where it hurts - their money, their property, their freedom." Nine people died in the catastrophic Castle Peak avalanche near Lake Tahoe, and a detailed new account from two survivors is shedding light on how the tragedy unfolded - and how quickly it overwhelmed nearly everyone in its path. The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 on a north-facing slope below Perry's Peak in the Castle Peak area of Tahoe National Forest, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center. A guided group of 15 backcountry skiers - 11 clients and four guides from Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides - was trying to return to the trailhead from the remote Frog Lake huts when the snow gave way. Advertisement Advertisement In interviews published Saturday by the New York Times, two survivors, Anton Auzans and Jim Hamilton, described climbing in whiteout conditions beneath wind-loaded slopes as gusts topped 50 mph and nearly 4 feet of fresh snow blanketed the terrain. Then came a single warning from somewhere ahead in the line: "Avalanche!" Within seconds, a wall of snow surged downhill. Auzans said he dove behind a tree, only to be dragged and buried. Hamilton, delayed by a ski binding that would not lock and trailing behind with a guide, never heard the slide - until he saw the group's ski tracks abruptly end in a berm of debris. Advertisement Advertisement Two women who survived the avalanche have declined to speak to reporters, and the third man could not be reached. It's not known whether their accounts would match those of the two men. Rising danger before the slide A U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter lands at Truckee Tahoe Airport in Truckee on Feb. 21 while aiding in recovery efforts for a group of skiers who went missing during a deadly avalanche. (Godofredo A. Vasquez/Associated Press) The Times account provides new detail about how conditions escalated in the days leading up to the avalanche. Snow began falling heavily Sunday night. By Monday morning, nearly a foot of fresh powder had accumulated at the huts and the storm was intensifying. While clients gathered for breakfast, the four guides met privately to plan the day, the survivors said. Early Monday, the Sierra Avalanche Center warned that "Avalanche danger is rising" and that backcountry travelers "could easily trigger large avalanches today." The hazard rating increased to Level 3 - "considerable" danger - on a five-point scale, with forecasters cautioning it could rise to Level 4, or "high," by nightfall. Advertisement Advertisement Whether the guides reviewed those forecasts or consulted with Blackbird headquarters is unclear, the survivors said. The huts had internet access, Hamilton told the Times. In a previous statement, Blackbird said, "Guides in the field are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions." On Monday, the guides selected terrain they described as safer - tree-covered slopes of about 25 degrees, below the 30-to-45-degree range where most avalanches occur. The day ended without incident. By Tuesday morning, avalanche danger had escalated again. The Sierra Avalanche Center forecast warned that avalanches were likely and advised backcountry users to avoid avalanche terrain. The survivors told the Times that the guides decided the group needed to leave immediately, canceling a planned ski lap. Returning through the steep Frog Lake Notch - the route they had used to enter - was ruled out because of increased avalanche risk. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Times, other alternatives existed: a longer route through trees to the southeast, a winter road through safer terrain, or remaining at the huts, which had food and shelter. The survivors said staying was not discussed with clients. Instead, the guides chose to retrace much of the original route but bypass the notch by traveling around the back of Perry's Peak. Why that route was selected was not explained to the clients, the men said. There was no group discussion about alternatives, and no one voiced objections. "I didn't say anything," Auzans recalled. "I'm not an expert and so I decided to trust the plan." A single line beneath a loaded slope Emergency responders unload equipment from a truck at Truckee Tahoe Airport on Feb. 21. (Stephen Lam/Associated Press) By Tuesday midmorning, the two guided parties - eight women who were close friends and three male clients - had merged into a single group moving with four guides. They climbed in a line through a clearing beneath Perry's Peak. Advertisement Advertisement The meadow itself was not steep - roughly 20 degrees, below the typical angle where avalanches release. But directly above the group was a wind-loaded slope of about 35 degrees, within the range where slides most commonly occur. Most of the skiers were bunched together behind the lead guides breaking trail when the avalanche released. According to the Sierra Avalanche Center's summary, 12 of the 15 skiers were caught in the slide. Three were not buried and immediately began a companion rescue, using avalanche beacons, probes and shovels to search for friends and partners. Nevada County Undersheriff Sam Brown previously told CBS News that survivors "went into, I think, frantic mode of trying to find their friends and partners," and "were ultimately able to unbury three individuals who did not survive." Advertisement Advertisement In the Times account, Auzans described digging through snow hardened "more like cement" than powder. The survivors located two women who were still breathing and a male guide who was unresponsive. Hamilton described partially digging out a survivor, one of the men in his group, and making sure he could breathe before looking for others. Auzans said he called 911 at 11:30 a.m., setting rescue efforts in motion. As minutes passed and the storm continued to intensify, the group faced a brutal calculation. After roughly an hour - when survival odds for deeply buried victims drop sharply - they decided to stop searching for others and focus on the two women they knew were alive. "We were all in danger. We did as much as we could," Auzans told The Times. "What are our priorities? We had to save the people we knew were alive." Advertisement Advertisement The six survivors sheltered for hours under a tarp in a snow pit as blizzard conditions continued. Don O'Keefe, law enforcement chief for the California Office of Emergency Services, told the Times that emergency personnel communicated by satellite text with one of the guides for more than four hours as crews mobilized. "One of my personnel was communicating with one of the guides over a four-hour period, giving information back to the Nevada sheriff's office and coordinating what rescues could be permitted," O'Keefe said. Search-and-rescue teams reached the site around 5:30 p.m. and escorted the survivors on skis back to the Frog Lake huts before transporting them by snowcat. Two were treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The victims and the investigation People observe a moment of silence during a Feb. 22 vigil in Truckee for the nine people who died in an avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada. (Godofredo A. Vasquez/Associated Press) All nine victims were later recovered following avalanche mitigation efforts. Advertisement Advertisement The six clients who died were identified by their families as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt. In a joint statement, their families said: "We are devastated beyond words," adding that the women were experienced backcountry skiers who were trained and fully equipped with avalanche safety gear. Nevada County officials identified the three guides who died as Michael Henry, 30; Andrew Alissandratos, 34; and Niki Choo, 42. The New York Times account raises new questions about decision-making before the slide - including the choice to leave as avalanche danger rose and the route selected beneath Perry's Peak. Avalanche safety researchers have long noted that many backcountry accidents involve human decision-making factors as well as snow conditions. Larger groups, deference to perceived experts and the lure of fresh powder can all influence risk tolerance. Advertisement Advertisement The Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Cal/OSHA are investigating the incident. Authorities have not announced findings or alleged wrongdoing. For the survivors, the memory remains vivid. Buried in darkness, Auzans said he thought of his young son and fought to create an air pocket with his hands. When he broke through to daylight, he said, there was only silence. Within minutes, the digging began. This article originally published at Survivors recount desperate decision after Tahoe avalanche killed nine. Oil and gas prices have surged as Iran continues to launch strikes across the Middle East in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel. Natural gas prices spiked on Monday after QatarEnergy, one of the world's biggest exporters, halted production following "military attacks" on its facilities. Oil prices also jumped, with the global benchmark Brent crude briefly hitting $82 (61) a barrel on Monday, after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Iran warned vessels not to pass through the crucial waterway in the south of the country, through which about 20% of the world's oil and gas is shipped. In the US, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 stock market indexes opened down but regained those losses during Monday's trading and closed marginally higher. In London, the FTSE 100 share index closed down 1.2%, with the owner of British Airways recording the biggest fall in the index following the disruption to Middle East airspace. Banks such as Barclays, Standard Chartered, and HSBC also saw their share prices slide amid concerns that a sustained rise in energy prices risks fuelling inflation which, in turn, could lead to fewer interest rate cuts by central banks. Advertisement Advertisement Oil and defence firms were the biggest risers on the FTSE 100. In France, the CAC-40 index closed down 2.2%, while Germany's Dax extended earlier declines to close 2.6% lower. QatarEnergy, which is owned by the state, said that it had suspended producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) after the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said a drone launched from Iran targeted a facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Qatar's MoD also said a drone went after a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed, south of the capital Doha. Europe's benchmark gas price jumped 50% on Monday before closing 39% higher. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Aramco temporarily shut its major oil refinery at Ras Tanura on the coast after being hit by a drone. International shipping has almost come to a standstill at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts warning that a prolonged conflict could push energy prices even higher. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said that two vessels had been struck, and an "unknown projectile" was reported to have "exploded in very close proximity" to a third. "The market isn't panicking", Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Marquee told the BBC. "There is more clarity that so far, oil transport and production infrastructure hasn't been a primary target by any side," he added. Advertisement Advertisement "The market will be watching for signs that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz returns, which would see oil prices subside again." But some analysts have warned it could go over $100 in the event of a prolonged conflict which could have a knock-on effect on inflation and interest rates. Robin Mills, chief executive at Dubai-based consultancy Qamar Energy and a former executive at oil giant Shell, said: "The jump in prices will feed through almost immediately because the oil traders are very much following the news too. "At the moment, oil prices are not particularly high, they are still below where they were even two years ago so we're not in full-blown oil crisis mode yet." Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, the Opec+ group of oil producing nations agreed to increase their output by 206,000 barrels a day to help cushion any price rises, but some experts doubt this would help much. Edmund King, president of the AA, warned the disruption could drive up petrol prices around the world. "The turmoil and bombing across the Middle East will surely be a catalyst to disrupt oil distribution globally, which will inevitably lead to price hikes," he said. "The magnitude and duration of pump price increases depends on how long the conflict goes on." Subitha Subramaniam, chief economist and head of investment strategy at Sarasin & Partners, said if oil prices remained high for a sustained period: "It will start to cascade into other prices such as food, agriculture, industrial commodities and that's just going to really bleed into inflation." Advertisement Advertisement The pace of inflation has been easing in the UK, leading to the Bank of England cutting interests. Subramaniam suggested that the Bank may choose to leave interest rates unchanged at 3.75% for the moment despite recently signalling further cuts could be made. [BBC] On Sunday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said three tankers from the UK and US had been "struck by missiles and are burning". The UK and the US have not commented. The UKMTO said "multiple security incidents" had been reported across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, and it had advised ships to "transit with caution". Advertisement Advertisement At least 150 tankers have dropped anchor in open Gulf waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz, although a handful of Iranian and Chinese vessels have passed through today, according to ship-tracking platform Kpler. "Because of Iran's threats, the strait is effectively closed," Homayoun Falakshahi from Kpler told BBC News. Danish container shipping group Maersk said in a statement on Sunday that it would pause sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal and reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope. You can also send us your questions by following this link Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said to the best of his knowledge, there was no indication Iran was anywehre close to getting nuclear weapons following the dual military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel. I dont have present-day intelligence on what progress they had made towards rebuilding nuclear weapons since we bombed their facilities, Cruz told Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan Sunday morning. I have no indication that that they were anywhere close to getting nuclear weapons because our bombing was devastating. At the beginning of the exchange Cruz said Trumps decision to launch a military strike against Iran will be the single most important decision of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement I think he laid out powerfully and effectively why he is taking this action. He is taking this action because the government of Iran is a profound and malign influence, he continued. They have been the leading state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years. They have, over that time, killed nearly 1,000 Americans. They provide more than 90% of the funding for Hamas. They provide more than 90% of the funding for Hezbollah, the Iranian ayatollah was, until yesterday, actively trying to murder the President of the United States Donald J. Trump. Brennan also told Cruz he was not going to find a lot of people in any way defending the supreme leader, but also made it clear that she wanted to discuss putting Americans in harms way, and asked if Trump explained his decision to pull back from diplomatic efforts. Because the diplomacy was an abject failure. The Iranians approached the diplomacy with arrogance, which with absolute hubris, Cruz answered. They said they would not stop enriching. No matter what they were going to continue to enrich uranium. They would not discuss zero enrichment. They claimed a right to enrich uranium in underground bunkers with no supervision. When asked if he believes Iran had an ongoing nuclear program, Cruz first pointed to American intelligence from last year. So there is no doubt that a year ago, Iran had an active and ongoing nuclear weapons program, he said. We took out the vast majority of that at the end of the 12-Day War, where Israel had taken out Advertisement Advertisement That U.S. intelligence assessment was not made public, if that is what was briefed to you, Brennan interjected before Cruz continued, We took out we launched targeted bombs at the end of the 12-Day War, where we dropped the equivalent of about a third of a nuclear weapon on those underground facilities, facilities like Fordow, which was built into the base of a mountain. When it comes to securing the nuclear material Cruz has insisted is still in the country, the senator explained, Look, the quantity of nuclear material I didnt say one anything, one way or another on that. What I said is they were building nuclear weapons a year ago, and our bombing took that out. They also had an ongoing desire to rebuild them. Margaret, thats one of the reasons I urged President Trump, now is the time. You know, dictatorships survive because theyre perceived as invulnerable. And in this instance, Iran decisively lost the 12-Day War, that weakened the regime and set up what the president is doing now. Watch the interview with Ted Cruz in the video above. The post Ted Cruz Says No Indication Iran Was Anywhere Close to Getting Nuclear Weapons | Video appeared first on TheWrap. After last weekends teen takeover in Cobb County, law enforcement was out in full force Saturday night. Changes were also made after multiple takeover events were planned tonight. Channel 2s Cory James was live outside Cumberland Mall where a new curfew was in place Saturday. James went to multiples places nearby where there appeared to be increased security. Mounted police circled Cumberland Mall Saturday night as Cobb County Sheriffs deputies and Marietta police staged in nearby parking lots. Advertisement Advertisement This happened on the first day anyone younger than the age of 18 had to be with an adult 21 or older after 3 p.m. The change was put in place because of this teen takeover event last weekend at The Battery. Nearly 20 people were arrested. Officials say it was an illegal and unlawful event. I saw the SWAT team, K-9 units and a lot of police, said Lillyana Lilly. She heard about what happened and was shocked to see increased security with her kids. I was like, Whats going on? They said its just parental control and they want to make sure kids have parents before they go in, Lilly said. Down the street, Sky Zone Trampoline Park was also surrounded by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement An employee told Channel 2 Action News that teens attempted to gather here in the evening, but management called police to shut it down. And that is what Cobb County police did on social media, telling people a street takeover that was promoted on social media would not be tolerated. Channel 2s cameras caught some of those officers patrolling outside Town Center Mall. And the increased presence wasnt just in Cobb County. James spoke with a mom in Gwinnett County who said law enforcement at the Mall of Georgia escorted her son and his friends out. She shared this video of them being walked across the street and described what police told her. Advertisement Advertisement He said, Your son was loitering. Him and his friend were just walking around and they didnt seem to be doing much. And because of the issues in Cobb County last weekend with the takeover, they were really cracking down on loitering. And I said, My son isnt a loiterer. I gave him 50 bucks, parent Kristyan Perez said. A spokesperson for Cumberland Mall didnt respond to a request for comment. A Mall of Georgia representative said a teen takeover event did not take place tonight. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] In January 1979, the shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, left a nation that erupted in celebration at the end of his rule, ushering in the era of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. More than 47 years later, the death of Khomeinis successor, Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, elicited similar scenes of joy, with crowds in some areas openly cheering and dancing in the streets to mark the killing of a leader more feared than loved. Iranians celebrate on Jan. 19, 1979, in Tehran after the departure of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi set the stage for the founding of the Islamic Republic. (Aristotle Saris / Associated Press) But the celebrations in one Tehran neighborhood were also furtive and short-lived to avoid riot police or members of the Basij, a voluntary auxiliary force with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Hundreds of people gathered, shouting and honking horns, and then quickly moved to another neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement There were reports of similar displays across the capital. But in rural areas where the Basij and police have less of a presence thousands deluged the streets, chanting and dancing in jubilation. Those gatherings contrasted with more organized, massive rallies that have long been the forte of Irans authorities. At such rallies this weekend, Khamenei supporters mourned his death. In the hours after Khamenei was pronounced dead Saturday, thousands gathered in main squares across the country, hoisting pictures of the supreme leader, waving Iranian flags and chanting ,We sacrifice ourselves for you, O Hussein a reference to a martyred Shiite figure. Many openly cried. Communications have been disrupted throughout Iran, and gauging the national mood in a country of more than 90 million people is difficult. But while some wept for Khamenei, those interviewed in Tehran appeared happy to see the downfall of a government they have long protested against. Two men on a motorcycle decorated with a picture of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ride ahead a group of government supporters near Khamenei's residency in Tehran on Sunday. (Vahid Salemi / Associated Press) But despite the divergent views on Khamenei, both sides shared a sense of uncertainty, with fears that Iran was at a crossroads, facing fateful questions over its political and economic future and a sense that it could easily go down a dangerous and chaotic path. Advertisement Advertisement Its a mixed feeling. On the one hand, yes, were happy about the decapitation strikes and Khameneis death. But the surviving officials and commanders arent just going to raise their hands and give up, said Hassan, a barber in Tehran who, like many interviewed, did not want to be named to avoid reprisals. Theyll fight back, and therefore the collapse of the regime will take a long time, and it wont be easy, he said. Ziba, a 60-year-old retired nurse reached by phone, said she was driving with her husband to fill up with gas near Tehrans Arayia Shahr Square around midnight, right after a Basij base near their home was struck, right when rumors of Khameneis death were gathering force. We started honking to celebrate, she said. When they went back to their apartment, they cheered with joy from their window. Advertisement Advertisement But they were too afraid to do more. They live in a neighborhood with a number of high-ranking officials and were worried it would lead to reprisals. She added that her family was happy, but that they expected the collapse of the theocracy to take longer. And it would involve the destruction of a lot of the countrys military infrastructure, which she considered to be the countrys assets. In the meantime, she was concerned with protecting her family. Both her son and daughter were at home after authorities declared a seven-day public holiday. I begged them to not go outside and to leave the house with us to another area of Tehran, she said. Advertisement Advertisement I hope the regime will collapse quickly. Inshallah" God willing "it will, she added. Others were divided within the same household. Rahman, an electrical engineer who would shed no tears for Khamenei, was driving his elderly father and avid supporter of the supreme leader to a mosque where he would be participating in a mourning event. Rahman was hoping that within 10 days, protesters would take to the streets once more and impose their will on the now-decapitated theocratic regime. But the more realistic situation is that U.S. and Israeli strikes will continue until the top officials sit for negotiations and accept a deal that keeps them in power, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Amir, a 20-year-old barista, wasnt letting thoughts of the future ruin his mood now. He had taken part in the protests in January, and also in the 2022 demonstrations protesting the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman accused of violating the law forcing women to cover their heads. Im telling you, Im laughing and happy for the first time in years, he said. I dont know or care what happens next. All I can tell you is that this regime has no genuine devotees, only mercenaries. I hope they give up soon. Iranian people demonstrate in support of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Sunday. (Ebrahim Noroozi / Associated Press) For Iranian diaspora communities, which are in large part opposed to the government, Khameneis death sparked unadulterated happiness. In Los Angeles, London and others cities, people showed up in what were essentially street parties outside Iranian diplomatic missions. Advertisement Advertisement In the Middle East, reactions too were divided, a reflection of Khamenei's long shadow on the region. In Syria, Khameneis death was seen as vengeance for his support with arms, men and materiel for former Syrian President Bashar Assad, who was deposed in December 2024. In Lebanon, the Shiite group Hezbollah held a thousands-strong rally in the Beirut suburb where it holds sway. And in Iraq, a Shiite majority nation whose deep ties with Irans rulers were kick-started by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the government declared three days of mourning. In the meantime, hundreds attempted to storm the Green Zone, where the U.S. Embassy is located, before being pushed back by police forces. Special correspondent Mostaghim reported from Tehran, Times staff writer Bulos from Sudan. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Tesla owner was shocked to find their car vandalized after a quick grocery run. Thankfully, the car's built-in security cameras caught the culprit in the act. One Reddit user shared the footage on behalf of their friend, the Tesla owner, to warn other electric vehicle drivers. The incident occurred at a Costco parking lot in northern California. "A guy keyed our Tesla Model 3 for no reason while we parked at the Costco parking lot," the original poster wrote. "Our camera system on the vehicle has recorded the whole process." Advertisement Advertisement In the video, a young man is seen loading groceries into the car parked next to the Tesla. After the man pushes aside his empty shopping cart on the curb, he presses a metal bracelet against the passenger side of the Tesla, leaving a deep scratch. The man then returns to his car to flee the scene. The Tesla owner urged other Redditors to help identify the culprit so that vandals are properly held accountable for their crimes. "We have already filed a report to the local police department," the Tesla owner wrote. "For people doing things like this for no reason, or maybe just for fun, if we don't hold them accountable, [they] might think it's okay, not a big deal, and next time, your car may get keyed for no reason." Unfortunately, this incident is one of many EV vandalism cases that have popped up in recent years. A study by the Electric Vehicle Charging Association reported that over 20% of EV charging stations have experienced some form of vandalism, leading to disruptions in charging services. Advertisement Advertisement There are no concrete explanations for why EV vandalism is on the rise. Some theorize that it may be a product of "green backlash," which refers to the negative sentiment against environmental progress. Some states have even banned government investments in sustainability initiatives. Others theorize that intimidatory acts against EVs are simply due to jealousy. Either way, the potential explanations behind these behaviors do not excuse the crimes that occurred. Reddit users reacted to the incident under the post. "Of course it's one of those jerks that don't return their cart," someone commented. "Costco will also ban the member and revoke their membership," another said. "Get a police report as, depending on your state, this could be a felony." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. By Yousef Saba, Jaidaa Taha and Jonathan Saul DUBAI/LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - At least three tankers were damaged off the Gulf coast and one seafarer was killed as Iranian retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran exposed ships to collateral damage, shipping sources and officials said on Sunday. Risks to commercial shipping have surged in the past 24 hours, with more than 200 vessels including oil and liquefied gas tankers dropping anchor around the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, shipping data showed on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has said it has closed navigation through the critical waterway, prompting Asian governments and refiners - key buyers - to assess oil stockpiles. Major container shipping lines have rerouted round the Cape of Good Hope. "The U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran dramatically increases the security risk to ships operating in the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters," said Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at shipping association BIMCO. It was not immediately clear who launched the projectiles and drones that targeted or damaged ships on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump said meanwhile that the United States had destroyed nine Iranian navy ships and pummeled Iran's naval headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement 'SHIPS MAY BE TARGETED DELIBERATELY OR IN ERROR' "Ships with business connections to U.S. or Israeli interests are more likely to be targeted, but other ships may also be targeted deliberately or in error," BIMCO's Larsen said. A projectile hit the Marshall Islandsflagged product tanker MKD VYOM, killing a crew member on board as the vessel sailed off the coast of Oman, vessel manager V.Ships said on Sunday. "The vessel suffered an explosion and subsequent fire after being struck," V.Ships Asia said in a statement. "It is with great sadness that we confirm one crew member, who was in the engine room at the time of the incident, has died," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement The International Maritime Organization, the U.N.'s shipping agency, urged companies to avoid sailing through the affected area until conditions improved. A Palau-flagged oil tanker under U.S. sanctions was also hit on Sunday off Oman's Musandam peninsula, injuring four people, the country's maritime security centre said without specifying what hit the vessel. Another tanker in the UAE port of Jebel Ali was almost damaged by falling debris from an aerial interception after overnight Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states, maritime security sources said. A third, oil-bunkering tanker was damaged off the UAE coast, two shipping sources said. Advertisement Advertisement A fourth vessel, an oil products tanker, was targeted with a drone off the coast of the UAE, although it managed to sail without being damaged, maritime security sources said. Port operations at Jebel Ali have been paused due to the situation, officials said on Sunday. RISK OF MINES Vessels were advised to keep clear of the Strait of Hormuz and wider Gulf of Oman because of the risk of retaliatory strikes by Iran, the U.S. transport ministry's Maritime Administration said separately in a note on Saturday. "Any U.S.-flagged, owned or crewed commercial vessels that are operating in these areas should maintain a standoff of 30 nautical miles from U.S. military vessels to reduce the risk of being mistaken as a threat," it said. Advertisement Advertisement There was also the potential risk of mines being laid by Iranian forces in the narrow lanes within the Strait of Hormuz, security sources said. The Iranian military loaded naval mines on vessels in the Persian Gulf in June, heightening concern in Washington that Tehran was gearing up to establish a Strait of Hormuz blockade, two U.S. officials told Reuters in July. Maritime sources said they expected war risk insurance rates to surge when underwriters reviewed cover on Monday. War risk cover is required when sailing into perilous areas and the Lloyd's of London market has already listed Iran, the Gulf and parts of the Gulf of Oman as high-risk. Advertisement Advertisement "We would estimate that near-term rate increases for marine hull insurance in the Gulf could range from 25% to 50%," said Dylan Mortimer at insurance broker Marsh. (Reporting by Yousef Saba, Jaidaa Taha and Jonathan Saul, Additional reporting by Yannis Souliotis, Arathy Somasekhar, Enes Tunagur, Muhammad Al Gebaly and Nadine Awadalla; writing by Jonathan Saul; Editing by Ros Russell, David Goodman and Aidan Lewis) Three American troops have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the attacks on Iran, the US military said on Sunday, as Iran ramped up its retaliation campaign across the Middle East. US Central Command did not say when and where the deaths occurred. Tehran launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel and across the Persian Gulf on Sunday, striking US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, as well as targeting a US aircraft carrier. Israel and the US also unleashed fresh strikes, with blasts heard across the capital city, and former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad among those killed. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks, according to the Daily Mail. "It's always been a four-week process, he said. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less. Trump warned the US would hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before if it tried to avenge the assassination of their supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during Saturdays strikes. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify strikes on Iran, saying its forces were striking in the heart of Tehran and warning this will only increase in the coming days. Rescue workers survey the scene of a hit from an Iranian missile in Tel Aviv (AP) But later, the US president said Iran's interim leadership had called for talks, and said he had agreed. He told Atlantic magazine from his Mar-a-lago mansion in Florida: So I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. Advertisement Advertisement The offer of talks came shortly after US Central Command confirmed that three service members had been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury the codename for the offensive against Iran while five others were seriously wounded and several others sustained minor injuries and concussions. The deaths are the first combat-related fatalities of US military personnel in major operations ordered by Mr Trump since he returned to the White House last year. Meanwhile, in a late statement on Sunday evening, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he has accepted a US request to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles in storage depots or launchers. "The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region," he said in a video message on X. Advertisement Advertisement In another dramatic day: Trump said 48 leaders of Irans regime have been killed in Israeli strikes The Iranian Red Crescent Society and official state-linked media said on Saturday 201 people had been killed and at least 747 injured. The death toll is reported to have since grown. At least 165 were killed in a strike on a girls primary school in southern Iran, authorities said Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the leaders of several Middle Eastern countries in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation It was revealed that Iranian missiles and drones had landed within a few hundred yards of British troops at a base in Bahrain Three people have been killed in the UAE, including one at the Zayed International airport in Abu Dhabi, after it was targeted with an Iranian projectile Holidaymakers in Dubai and Doha have been forced to shelter inside their hotels as the barrage of Iranian missiles continued Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had carried out further airstrikes in the Iranian capital to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to Tehran, as well as dismantling the majority of defence systems in western and central Iran. Smoke and flames rising from Dubai's landmark The Palm archipelago (UGC) Concern is also mounting about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for the global economy off Irans southern coast. Iran has said it has closed navigation through the critical waterway. Advertisement Advertisement At least three tankers were damaged off the Gulf coast and one seafarer was killed, according to shipping sources and officials on Sunday. Major container shipping lines have rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. where two vessels are reported to have been struck by unknown projectiles on Sunday. The UK has played no part in the US-Israeli strikes, but defence secretary John Healey warned on Sunday that Iranian retaliation could put UK personnel and allies at risk. British aircraft have been deployed on defensive operations, flying from Cyprus and Qatar and taking down drones and missiles menacing UK bases and allies, Mr Healey added. He also confirmed to Times Radio that a British counter-drone team in northern Iraq had shot down Iranian drones. Advertisement Advertisement He said few people would mourn the Ayatollah, but repeatedly declined to say whether the UK backed the US-Israeli strikes that killed him, or if the UK believed they were legal, when asked six times by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg. John Healey said missiles landed within a few hundred yards on UK troops in Bahrain (PA) He said: Britain played no part in the strikes on Iran. We share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. In Dubai, home to more than 240,000 British expats, the blasts from Iranian missiles continued to cause uncertainty and fear after two hotels were hit overnight. JS Anand, founder and CEO LEVA hotels, which has a flagship hotel in Dubai, told The Independent: It caused a lot of panic, uncertainty, and there was an emergency message that came out in the night. Advertisement Advertisement It said there was a barrage of missiles coming in, everyone came to the lobby and basement, worried about what was going to happen, so we had to take care of them. Most of them have extended their stay because there are no flights and no certainty on when the airspace is going to open up. Flights across the region continue to be disrupted, causing travel chaos for thousands of travellers unable to leave. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by Flightradar24 showed on Sunday, and three major airlines Etihad, Qatar and Emirates have grounded all flights to the region until at least Monday. Emirates planes have been grounded at Dubais airport, a major transit hub in the Middle East (AP) In attacks elsewhere in the region, Kuwait's Ministry of Health said one person had been killed, and 20 people wounded in retaliatory attacks by Iran, while American citizens in Oman have been warned to take shelter after missiles were launched there. Mr Trump announced on Sunday that the US military was sinking Iran's Navy, having destroyed nine Iranian warships so far and "going after the rest". While Iran's Revolutionary Guards said it had launched an attack on the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, state media reported. US Central Command said the ship was not hit and that Iran's missiles didn't come close. Advertisement Advertisement In Israel, nine people were killed by a missile strike in the town of Beit Shemesh, its ambulance service said, after sirens sounded overnight on Saturday. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets within Iran remained, including sites of military-industrial production. We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary, he said. President Donald Trump says there will likely be more U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict before it ends after officials confirmed three service members were killed in the operation this weekend. Trump called the operation in Iran one of the most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen, in a video message shared Sunday afternoon. Earlier Sunday, the United States Central Command announced that three service members had been killed and five others were seriously wounded by shrapnel in the operation, which U.S. officials have dubbed Operation Epic Fury. Advertisement Advertisement Trump noted the deaths in the video and added, Sadly, there will likely be more... before it ends, thats the way it is. Likely be more. The president also said Sunday that the U.S.-Israeli joint operation has hit hundreds of targets in Iran. Three U.S. service members have been killed and five are seriously wounded as part of the operation in Iran. President Donald Trump on Sunday said there will sadly, likely be more before it ends (AP) President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed the news that three U.S. service members were killed in the operation in Iran, adding that there will likely be more (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) Combat operations continue at this time in full-force and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives, Trump added, without sharing any details about what the objectives would be. Trump said that an Iranian regime with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American, and that the Iranian leaders had waged war against civilization itself. Advertisement Advertisement Additional information, including the names of the slain U.S. service members, will be released 24 hours after their next of kin are notified. It was not immediately clear where the troops were killed. The joint U.S.-Israel military strikes, which began Saturday morning, carry the potential for a wider war and the fallout could rock the world economy. Since the strikes began, Iran has launched hundreds of retaliatory missiles at Israel and U.S. military installations around the Gulf. Iran vowed revenge after its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, leaving the Islamic Republic grappling to rebuild its leadership. The strikes targeted about 40 top Iranian officials in Tehran, including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was reported to be among those killed. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned the U.S. will hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before, if it retaliates. Trump urged Iranians to seize the moment and take over. He also said Sunday that the Iranians want to talk, and I have agreed to talk. The latest strikes came two days after the most recent U.S.-Iran talks, which saw Trump pressure Tehran to limit its nuclear program. More than 200 people have died in Iran following the strikes, according to Iranian authorities. Ten people have been killed in Israel and two in the UAE. Tehran continued to launch retaliation strikes Sunday, with an oil tanker hit off the coast of Oman and a person killed in Abu Dhabi after a drone was intercepted over its airport. Iranians show their support for the U.S. and Israeli strikes (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was also struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury and the ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier, U.S. Central Command wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement As the President said, members of Irans armed forces, IRGC and police must lay down your weapons. Abandon ship, the post added. Israel also launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran Sunday, with the countrys military saying its planes had conducted strikes to open the path to Tehran. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets remained, including sites of military-industrial production. "We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary," he said. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed Saturday in the strikes (Getty Images) Irans provisional governing council started its work Sunday, and is expected to name a new supreme leader. The country has struggled amidst nationwide protests that began over the economy, but turned into anti-government demonstrations. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and Israel also struck Iran last June during earlier nuclear talks, and weakened Irans air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program as a result. The Trump administration has asserted that Iran has been rebuilding its nuclear program and has pressured Tehran to limit its actions. Meanwhile, Iran has insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. With reporting by the Associated Press The exterior of the former Towne Square Mall should start looking different soon. Envision Contractors has picked up a building permit for an exterior renovation of the building, which is becoming Mauis Indoor Theme Park. Cost of the work is listed at $312,400. Theres a new restaurant on south Frederica Street. Yummy Bowl Mongolian Stir-Fry & Sushi opened this week at 5135 Frederica St. Thats the former location of TGI Fridays, which closed in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement The Kentucky Distillers Association has launched an online trip builder for people to use to personalize their visit to its Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The trail now has 68 stops, including Owensboros Green River Distilling Co. Bourbon currently generates $10.6 billion in economic impact a year, supporting 24,000 workers with $2 billion in salaries and benefits, and pouring more than $370 million into local and state taxes, the KDA says. Information is available at kybourbontrail.com. Speaking of Green River Distilling, comedian Jim Gaffigans Fathertime Bourbon, a premium brand, is made there. Advertisement Advertisement The line includes small-batch, high-proof options like Precious Batch and Empty Nester Strength. Kentucky businesses set an all-time record for products shipped globally in 2025. The $50.6 billion worth of products marked a 5.65% increase over 2024. Bass Pro Shops announced this week that it will build a 70,000-square-foot store on eight acres adjacent to Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah. Cost is estimated at $25 million. Dean Dennis has been named general manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Dennis was the first general manager of the Owensboro Convention Center, serving from 2013 (before it opened) to 2016. The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 1, 2026. MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who joins us from Austin. Good morning to you, Senator. I'm glad we got your audio working. You are from Houston, I believe this morning. SENATOR TED CRUZ (R-TX): I am. Good morning, Margaret. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Good morning, I want to ask you about Austin, though, because there are reports of three people dead, more than a dozen injured following a mass shooting in that city. The FBI is saying this morning that their Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation. Is there any nexus to terrorism or anything that is going on in regard to the, the worldwide caution at this moment? SEN. CRUZ: We, we don't know for sure that there are some early reports that this shooting may be connected to terrorism, but we need to follow the evidence and see, see in particular, what motivated the shooting. We are certainly, Heidi and I, are praying for those who were wounded and the families of those who were killed, but, but at this point, we don't know what the evidence will show in terms of whether this was an act of terrorism. MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll continue to follow those, those early reports, but senator just looking at the global environment right now, CENTCOM announced three Americans were killed and five seriously wounded in this operation. President Trump and Presiden- Vice President Vance campaigned on not getting America involved in new wars. What do you say to Americans this morning who are asking why we are in this conflict now? SEN. CRUZ: President Trump's decision to launch this decisive action against Iran is the single most important decision of his presidency. I think he laid out powerfully and effectively why he is taking this action. He is taking this action because the government of Iran is a profound and malign influence. They have been the leading state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years. They have, over that time, killed nearly 1,000 Americans. They provide more than 90% of the funding for Hamas. They provide more than 90% of the funding for Hezbollah, the Iranian ayatollah was, until yesterday, actively trying to murder the President of the United States Donald J. Trump. I spent the entire day with President Trump on Friday, right before he launched these attacks. He and I discussed this at length on Friday. My counsel to him was that the Iranian regime has never been weaker, that it was teetering and now was the time. My advice was do not miss this opportunity. I think the president has acted boldly. He's acted decisively, and Iran no longer being led by a theocratic, murderous dictator, that makes America much, much safer. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator, you are not going to find a lot of people in any way defending the supreme leader, that is for sure. However, putting Americans in harm way is what I'm pressing you on here. Did the president explain to you why he called off active diplomacy? Because at the very same time he was on that plane, the vice president of the United States was talking to the Omani mediator, who was trying to get a deal and told us that they were close to one. Why not choose diplomacy? SEN. CRUZ: Because the diplomacy was an abject failure. The Iranians approached the diplomacy with arrogance, which with absolute hubris. They said they would not stop enriching. No matter what they were going to continue to enrich uranium. They would not discuss zero enrichment. They claimed a right to enrich uranium in underground bunkers with no supervision. As President Trump said on Friday when he was with me in Texas, his line was zero enrichment, and the Iranians refused to discuss it. They also refused to discuss their proxies. They refused to discuss Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis. And President Trump understood that the Iranian quote negotiation was just a stall tactic, and that the only response- my advice to him, I said, there's only one deal you should accept. And it's the deal that you offered Maduro, which is if you want to leave and flee the country, you can do so. Anything else is unacceptable. And, and Khamenei made his choice. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, there are disputes there in terms of your characterization of what was actually on the table and what the administration had indicated it was willing to accept in terms of allowing enrichment for medical purposes and the like, but, but that's now obviously done-- SEN. CRUZ: --So Margaret, what I just told you-- Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: --Yeah-- SEN. CRUZ: --what I just told you is almost word for word, what Secretary of State Marco Rubio told me yesterday. MARGARET BRENNAN: Can you tell us now if you believe that there was an ongoing nuclear weapons program? One of the top arms control- arms control experts out there, David Albright, has written there should be an immediate priority on rapid response operations to secure Iran's nuclear stockpiles right now. Can you assure the public that it will be secured, and if so, who is doing it if there are no Israeli or U.S. forces on the ground? SEN. CRUZ: So there is no doubt that a year ago, Iran had an active and ongoing nuclear weapons program. We took out the vast majority of that at the end of the 12-Day War, where Israel had taken out-- Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: --That U.S. intelligence assessment was not made public, if that is what was briefed to you. SEN. CRUZ: We took out- we launched targeted bombs at the end of the 12-Day War, where we dropped the equivalent of about a third of a nuclear weapon on those underground facilities, facilities like Fordow, which was built into the base of a mountain. The bunker buster bombs we used, Israel doesn't have those bombs. No other country has those bombs. We took them out last year. The Iranians were still hell bent on rebuilding them, and one of the things we are doing right now is taking out their missiles, in particular the southern missile belt. Right now, Iran is building roughly 100 missiles a month. They're actively building missiles to threaten their neighbors, and I will point out-- MARGARET BRENNAN: --They're firing some of them right now at their neighbors. SEN. CRUZ: Yeah. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: At our allies. SEN. CRUZ: They're illustrating powerfully. They're attacking virtually every Arab neighbor that surrounds them. They are firing missiles that- it's almost like they want to illustrate to the world just how malign they are. MARGARET BRENNAN: But in terms of containing the risk, who's securing the nuclear material that you say still exists within Iran? Who's doing that? SEN. CRUZ: Look, the quantity of nuclear material I didn't say one- anything, one way or another on that. What I said is they were building nuclear weapons a year ago, and our bombing took that out. They also had an ongoing desire to rebuild them. I don't have present day intelligence on what progress they had made towards rebuilding nuclear weapons since we bombed their facilities. I have no indication that that they were anywhere close to getting nuclear weapons because our bombing was devastating. And Margaret, that's one of the reasons I urged President Trump, now is the time. You know, dictatorships survive because they're perceived as invulnerable. And in this instance, Iran decisively lost the 12-Day War, that weakened the regime and set up what the president is doing now. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Ted Cruz, we have to leave it there for today. Thank you for joining us. SEN. CRUZ: Thank you. MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be right back with a lot more Face the Nation. Stay with us. Sneak peek: The Woman Who Died Twice War with Iran | CBS News Special Art and data converge in Arizona's Sonoran Desert The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 1, 2026. MARGARET BRENNAN: Imtiaz Tyab reporting from Muscat, Oman. We turn now to the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton, who joins us from Bentonville. Good morning to you, Senator. SEN. TOM COTTON: Good morning, Margaret. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: The President of the United States warned the American public that there could be casualties, American casualties. Does that mean the U.S. is putting boots on the ground? SEN. COTTON: No, Margaret, the president has been clear that what we should expect to see is an extended air and naval campaign that's designed not only to continue to set back Iran's nuclear ambitions, but most importantly, to destroy its vast missile arsenal. Many more missiles than the United States and Israel have air defenses combined, as well as the missile launchers and its missile manufacturing capability. Now obviously one risk of that kind of campaign is that an aircraft could be shot down, and the president would never leave a pilot behind. So no doubt we have combat search and rescue assets in the region that are prepared to go in and extract any downed pilot. But barring that kind of unusual circumstance, Margaret, the president has no plan for any kind of large scale ground force inside of Iran. MARGARET BRENNAN: The New York Times is reporting that it was the CIA that provided the intelligence in regard to the exact location of the Supreme Leader and then he was subsequently killed. You're smiling as I say that. Are you confirming that it is true that it is the United States that pinpointed his location leading to his death? SEN. COTTON: No, Margaret, I can't confirm anything about the intelligence that the United States intelligence community collects. I can tell you that, of course, we have exquisite intelligence collection methods, that the location and the intentions of the Supreme Leader and the other Ayatollahs in Iran, or for that matter, the leaders of other adversaries around the world, is obviously one of the highest priorities of our intelligence community. But clearly, this operation is driven by intelligence collected by Israel and the United States that has once again proven that our nations have capabilities that no other nation on earth has. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Indeed. There are questions, though, about what happens next. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified to Congress last month and was asked specifically, what happens if Iran's regime fails. Take a listen. [ON TAPE] DATE: JANUARY 28, 2026 SECRETARY RUBIO: So I don't think anyone can give you a simple answer as to what happens next in Iran if the Supreme Leader and the regime were to fall, other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems that you could work towards a similar transition. [END TAPE] MARGARET BRENNAN: That was a month ago. We're seeing some succession planning happening inside Iran. Is this a managed regime change here, or is the United States betting on regime collapse? Advertisement Advertisement SEN. COTTON: Well, Margaret, first, I want to stress what happens next in the days ahead and probably the weeks ahead. Iran does have a vast missile arsenal, and that's going to be the prior- prior- priority objective for this military campaign. It is destroying that arsenal that threatened American troops from bases as far flung as the Indian Ocean to Western Europe, and making sure Iran can't rebuild it-- [CROSSTALK] MARGARET BRENNAN: --Many of those are being fired right now-- SEN. COTTON: --As far as the future- well, but we're stopping a lot of them from being fired before Iran can fire them. It's much easier to kill the archer on the ground than it is to shoot his arrows out of the sky. As far as the long term future of Iran's government, Secretary Rubio is right, I don't think anyone can give you a simple answer. There's probably a lot of jockeying inside of Iran right now, they have a very consultative, deliberative process to replace the Supreme Leader. There's a reason why he didn't want to have a clear succession plan in place. It's hard to do that when the United States is pummeling their leadership every moment of the day. I'm sure, though, that there are also some supreme- or there are also some leaders inside of Iran who might be jockeying to audition for the role of Iran's Delcy Rodriguez. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Okay, but what you just described in terms of Delcy Rodriguez sounds like it is a managed transition, not regime change. Is that accurate? SEN. COTTON: Margaret, again, as Secretary Rubio said, it's not a simple answer-- MARGARET BRENNAN: --Right, but we're in the middle of it now. So don't you need an answer? SEN. COTTON: --We're going to continue to hit not just their military capabilities-- MARGARET BRENNAN: --At least an outcome, a goal?-- SEN. COTTON: --But we're going to continue to hit their military capabilities, and we're going to continue to hit their senior leadership, the ayatollahs, who have also been complicit in 47 years of heinous crimes, not only against Americans but against their own people. Again, there's no simple answer for what's going to come next. But as President Trump promised last month when the Iranian people were rising up against their own regime, help is on the way. Help has arrived. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, exactly. You're talking about what comes next, but then you're also telling me you don't know what comes next. So do you believe that regime change is possible from air support alone? Has a leader of the opposition been identified? Is the opposition unified to deliver in a way that President Trump is calling on the people to do? Are we arming anyone to actually challenge the regime? SEN. COTTON: Margaret, the opposition is 90 million Iranians who have suffered under the brutal Islamic Republic Revolutionary regime for the last 47 years. MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes, and the president-- SEN. COTTON: --We've seen in recent months that there's-- Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: --called them to take over their government. SEN. COTTON: And we would all celebrate if the Iranian people were able to rise up and reclaim their freedom and reclaim their destiny. And as the president said when he promised help is on the way, help has arrived. And that's why you've already seen some protests out celebrating the death of the supreme leader, the man who has brutally repressed his own people for almost 40 years. Now, we can't necessarily dictate what course that is going to take, but the help that the president promised is on the scene, and it's going to continue to be on the scene for probably a few weeks, as we make sure that Iran's military is no longer capable of threatening our own troops, our Arab friends in the region and Israel, and also repressing its own people. MARGARET BRENNAN: This is a big gamble by the president. Before the strikes, according to CBS polling, 74% of Americans said that Trump would need approval from Congress for military action against Iran. He did not seek that. If this operation takes weeks, which is how you described it, do you believe the administration has effectively made its case to the American public to expect casualties to support this action? SEN. COTTON: Margaret, I thought the president's eight minute video yesterday was outstanding. It laid out Iran's 47-year campaign of terror and revolutionary violence against the United States and our people and really, the civilized world. I'm sure the president will speak more in the coming days, will have briefings to Congress-- Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: --47 years, he did not describe imminence or justify that in that video. Do you believe that the American public is owed something more than a Twitter video? SEN. COTTON: Margaret, I think an eight minute address to the American people, whether the president posted on social media or whether it happens on your network, is in keeping with presidential custom of addressing the American people. Again, I'm sure that he's going to be speaking more in coming days. The administration will be briefing Congress, and we're going to have a vote in the Congress. The Democrats are forcing a vote-- MARGARET BRENNAN: --On the War Powers Act. SEN. COTTON: I expect there'll be overwhelming Republican support for our troops, for the, for our troops, and for the president's decision to finally eliminate the threat of Iran. And I would invite Democrats in the Congress to join their Democratic colleagues like John Fetterman and Josh Gottheimer and Greg Landsman in supporting our troops, in finally putting America's foot down against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Advertisement Advertisement MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Cotton, we appreciate you in your role in oversight of the Intelligence Committee, making the case for the administration. We have more questions, and we would love to put them to the administration as well. Thank you very much for your time this morning. Face the Nation will be back in one minute. Stay with us. Sneak peek: The Woman Who Died Twice Bill Clinton's opening statement for Epstein files deposition Anthropic CEO on "red lines" for AI military use: "We wanted to stand up for American values" US President Donald Trump decided to strike Iran after pressure from Israel and Saudi Arabia, which had publicly maintained the appearance of opposing military action, several sources have said. Source: The Washington Post (WP), as reported by European Pravda Details: The WP obtained information about behind-the-scenes negotiations. The attack on Iran came after a week of lobbying by US allies in the Middle East, four people familiar with the matter said. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman repeatedly called Trump over the past month, urging the US to carry out the strike. However, in public he expressed support for a diplomatic solution. The WP reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the US military build-up in the Persian Gulf, as he views Iran as an existential enemy. The joint efforts of the two leaders were said to have influenced Trump's decision to launch the strikes, which killed, among others, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other senior commanders and officials. Journalists, citing US intelligence, noted that the attack took place despite assessments that Iran's forces would not pose a threat to the US over the next decade. Sources told the WP that while Saudi Arabia assured Iran it would not allow the US to use its airspace for the strike, the Saudi crown prince warned US officials of the risks of refraining from attacking Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Mohammed bin Salman's position was backed by his brother, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, who met US officials behind closed doors in Washington in January. At that meeting, he warned of the negative consequences of leaving Iran untouched. Background: On the morning of 28 February, Trump announced that the US had launched a large-scale operation against Iran. Israel also carried out strikes. Iran responded with strikes on several Gulf countries where US facilities are located. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A U.S. judge has given the go-ahead for President Donald Trumps ambitious $400 million ballroom project at the White House, dismissing objections raised by preservationists. District Judge Richard Leon declined to grant a preliminary injunction that would have temporarily paused the project on Thursday. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit seeking to delay construction until the White House complies with federal laws and regulations, including securing congressional approval. Judge Leon said he could not grant an injunction based on the National Trust's current arguments, but indicated the group could amend its complaint to renew claims that Trump is overstepping his authority. Don't Miss: Advertisement Advertisement Carol Quillen, President of the National Trust, expressed disappointment at the judges ruling but was gratified that the organization was encouraged to amend its complaint. Meanwhile, Trump hailed the decision, calling it Great news for America, and our wonderful White House! The president also updated that the construction is ahead of schedule and under budget. Trending: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started. White House Defends Renovation The proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom, planned for the site of the demolished East Wing, would significantly expand the space. The Trump administration has argued that the project aligns with long-standing presidential renovation precedents and advances the public interest. In December, Trump shared some details about the proposed ballroom, stating that it would feature a drone-free roof and bulletproof glass. The project, funded by private donors, is being touted as a high-security showpiece that will host future inaugurations and state dinners. Advertisement Advertisement Interestingly, a previous account from former Senior White House Advisor, David Axelrod, revealed that Trump had proposed the ballroom idea back in 2010 during the Obama administration. Read Next: This Under-$1 Pre-IPO AI Company Is Still Open to Retail Investors Learn More The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: Advertisement Advertisement This article Trump Hails 'Great News For America' As Court Rejects Bid To Halt $400 Million White House Ballroom Plan originally appeared on Benzinga.com The joint operation comes as Trump has repeatedly touted that Iran has nuclear weapons. It sparked threats and retaliation from the Iranian government, which shot missiles at U.S. and Israeli military bases in the region. Early Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced a joint military operation between the United States and Israel against Iran, focused on government and military sites, according to officials. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people, Trump said in a video statement shared early Saturday morning. He also suggested there may be American casualties. Advertisement Advertisement He added in a statement, Were going to ensure that the regions terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. Its a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon. The operation also included a missile strike on an all-girls elementary school in Minab, Iran. According to early reports from state media in Iran, more than 80 students have died and over 60 are injured. Bernice King and the King Center reacted to the strike with a post on Instagram, mourning the lives of the children who were killed in the attack. Our nation bombed a girls elementary school this morning. Little girls going about their daydead, the caption on the post reads. Trump has called for regime change in the region and sources told ABC News that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those targeted. Khamenei was among the individuals killed in the attack, an Israeli source told USA Today. Advertisement Advertisement Iran fired retaliatory missiles at U.S. and Israeli military bases in the region, though most of those missiles were intercepted, and footage captured a drone hitting a high-rise building in Bahrain and another striking near the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. In his full message to the citizens of Iran, Trump urged them to take back their government. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations, he said. He added, For many years, you have asked for Americas help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So lets see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers took to social media in response to the preemptive operation, with most Republicans hailing the move and Democrats condemning it, once again calling for a war powers resolution. This is not America First, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) wrote on X. When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war. I am opposed to this War. This is not America First. When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war. Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 28, 2026 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) echoed Massies sentiments about the bipartisan effort to draw up a war powers resolution and a Congressional vote. For months, I have raised hell about the fact that the American people want lower prices, not more war especially wars that arent authorized by Congress, as required by the Constitution, and dont have a clear objective, Kaine said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement These strikes are a colossal mistake, and I pray they do not cost our sons and daughters in uniform and at embassies throughout the region their lives, he said. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) called for both sides of the aisle to stand up to the President over his most recent act of aggression toward an international entity. In January, the Trump Administration launched a military operation that led to the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, while retaining most of the people in his government. CONGRESS, not the PRESIDENT, but CONGRESS has the EXCLUSIVE authority to declare war! she wrote on X. Speaker Johnson needs to call us in IMMEDIATELY & it is time for the House & the Senate to pass a war powers resolution! She continued: This is how you prove your love and respect for the constitution. This is how you show your constituents that you are truly patriots! It is time for us, collectively, as Dems and Repubs to stand up to this President. Please call your reps in the house and the senate and urge them to take a vote on a war powers resolution! Why is it that this President refuses to even pretend that he cares about following the law?! Ive been stomping & telling people that this election is life or death! CONGRESS, not the PRESIDENT, but CONGRESS has the EXCLUSIVE authority to declare war! Speaker Johnson needs to Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) February 28, 2026 More must-reads: The U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began only hours ago, but theres already one clear lesson for the rest of the world: If you have a nuclear weapon, you are safe from potential U.S. attack, and if you dont have a nuclear weapon, you are vulnerable. In 2018, President Trump violated a multilateral nuclear agreementthe Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iranthat was working. Less than a decade later, he has decided with no sound legal or military justification to launch a barrage of military strikes with the apparent aim of toppling the Iranian regime. This is the clearest but by no means only example of a country without a nuclear weapon falling victim to illegal American military attack. The long-term consequences will likely be a large-scale increase in the number of countries that possess nuclear weapons, something that will undermine American and global security for generations to come. Even before the United States detonated the first nuclear weapon in 1945, it sought to limit the spread of nuclear weapons, recognizing that the more countries that have these capabilities, the more threatened the U.S. and global peace and security would be. That reality led the U.S. over the past 80 years to build up a global system of alliances, treaties, and legal norms that for the most part was successful in preventing the widespread proliferation of nuclear weapons. There are perhaps 50 countries in the world capable technically of building nuclear weapons, but only nine possess such weapons. They are the U.S., Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. Indeed, more countries started nuclear weapon programs and then eventually gave them up than ever built nuclear weapons. This massive nonproliferation success story is unlikely to survive Americas attacks against Iran, and the future effort to limit proliferation is as cloudy as the true justification of Trumps bombing of Iran, and what happens after the bombing is over. Iran is just the latest example of a country without nuclear weapons being targeted by American military force. There are multiple examples where countries tried and failed to build nuclear weapons, such as Iraq, or else voluntarily gave up those capabilities and still fell victim to American military action, such as Libya. This contrasts with a country like North Korea, which illegally acquired nuclear weapons and has successfully avoided American coercion or military action. And while Ukraine never had operational control or possession of Soviet nuclear weapons, Ukraines decision in 1994 to cooperate with the West and facilitate the return of Soviet nuclear capabilities to Russia in exchange for Russian, U.S., and British security guarantees eased the way for Russias invasion of the nonnuclear country. Advertisement Advertisement A number of global factors, including but not limited to the Trump administrations disdain for U.S. allies and alliances in general, have fueled concern over the past several years that U.S. friends and allieslong convinced they did not need nuclear weapons of their ownmay choose to go nuclear. Countries in Europe and in East Asia are openly discussing whether they need their own nuclear weapons in order to compensate for the loss of credible American security assurances. As long as the U.S. appeared serious about wanting to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Iran, the global nonproliferation system stood a chance. Now that it is beyond any doubt that Trump has rejected diplomacy and seeks to forcibly eliminate the regime in Iran, the potential demand for nuclear weapons among U.S. adversaries is also likely to grow. This is the future that the U.S. has long sought to avoid. President John F. Kennedy predicted in the 1960s that as many as 25 countries might develop nuclear weapons in the coming decades. It was that dangerous reality that led the U.S. and the Soviet Union to negotiate the nuclear nonproliferation treaty allowing peaceful nuclear technology to be shared with states that agreed to remain nonnuclear. One reason the U.S. pursued this path was that every country that builds nuclear weapons is another potential threat to the United States and its allies, every arsenal is a potential target for theft, and every leader of a nuclear weapon state has to get every nuclear weapon decision right every single time. The U.S. military is incredibly well funded and well trained. It is more than capable of destroying any target that the American president designates for destruction. But we should not mistake tactical success for a strategic win. In attempting to eliminate the alleged regional threat that Iran poses, Trump is inviting an even greater threat to the world. For there is simply no more dangerous world than one filled with nuclear weapons. As they spread, the danger of their use will continue to increase and the demand for the U.S. and others to take military action preemptively to prevent proliferation or to attack nuclear capabilities will also continue to grow. In this future, there will be deadly escalations and miscalculationsand eventually the evisceration of the long-held taboo against the use of nuclear weapons. President Trump on Saturday said he will offer immunity to members of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with its military and police forces, after the U.S. and Israel attacked the country earlier in the day. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us, Trump wrote on Truth Social where he also announced that Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead. As I said last night, Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!' Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves, the president added. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. Advertisement Advertisement The president also said the U.S. bombing campaign on Iran could continue uninterrupted over the next week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! The U.S. and Israel carried out a join operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, attacking the IRGC command and control facilities, ballistic missile and drone launch sites, military airfields and Iranian air defense systems. The attack took place at 1:15 a.m. EST, with Trump announcing the attack over an hour later in a video posted online. Irans Red Crescent counted over 200 people killed during the airstrikes, along with 750 people who were injured, according to Iranian state media. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said it was looking into reports that strikes hit a girls school in southern Iran, which Iranian officials said killed more than 80 students. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) said its strikes hit over 500 targets, including Iranian missile launchers and aerial defense systems. The IDF carried out its longest military flyover in history, with over 200 jets attacking Irans missile sites and the IRGCs air defense systems in western and central Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Israel was one of the targets Iran retaliated against following the initial attack, with drones and ballistic missiles also striking Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Each country warned it would retaliate if threatened. The strikes were met with praise from Republican lawmakers and condemnation from Democrats. Some Democratic members of Congress called for a quicker reconvening to force a House vote on a resolution to put a check on Trumps war powers in check. Few Republicans have said they will back a war powers resolution, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) co-sponsoring it with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Wisc.) became the second Republican to back it. Surely Congress can be troubled with a vote? Davidson wrote Saturday on the social platform X. Surely any administration can define the mission? Or, more of the same as much as it takes, as long as it takes in another place. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. With Saturdays military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehrans clerical rule. Guardrails were tossed aside, as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Irans leadership, including the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation. For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israels urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei. Advertisement Advertisement The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region. That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Irans defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the 86-year-old Supreme Leaders death, without elaborating on a cause. Khamenei was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Trump said. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. Trump loses patience Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration officials told reporters that they offered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an offer of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity. Advertisement Advertisement But the officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One of them said that Iran has met their offers with games, tricks, stall tactics. The order to launch strikes came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian officials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience. The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly five decades, between the government and a dissatisfied populace, and between Iran and its adversaries, said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal. Revised risk calculation Saturdays strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trumps risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations over two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Trump in 2018 pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obamas administration. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Irans elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to topple Saddam Hussein. And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, which he claimed had obliterated their program. He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him, said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Hes been risk-ready. Thats the nature of his personality. Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration officials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration officials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns. Irans rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last years war, astounded Trump. Even before the latest round of talks ended on Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action. On Tuesday, Trump in his State of the Union speech claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland a justification that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway. Advertisement Advertisement Iran hasnt acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassified report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 should Tehran decide to pursue the capability. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Wednesday that Irans refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a big problem. Rubio declined to address the DIA finding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States. And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, on Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadnt decided whether to strike Iran. But he offered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out conflict. The idea that were going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight there is no chance that will happen, Vance said. Advertisement Advertisement By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Irans approach. Im not happy with the fact that theyre not willing to give us what we have to have, Trump said. Im not thrilled with that. Well see what happens. Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump monitored the operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team. Trump may have been emboldened by his Venezuela experience Trumps success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department official who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Trump had threatened military action last month, but held off, as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics. As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out. Schanzer said that Trumps decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of fighter jets and warships in the region as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation. It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the Supreme Leader would not capitulate. The way this unfolded was inevitable, because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show flexibility, Schanzer said. Madhani reported from Washington. At first, the Iranian missiles hit the expected targets. Along with the barrages sent towards Israel, a rocket smashed into the American Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. Drones headed for the USs sprawling Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. But within hours, the attacks had moved beyond American military installations, and glass-and-steel hotels, luxury skyscrapers and state-of-the-art international airports up and down the southern Gulf coast were also taking strikes. Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday morning, nowhere in the region had been spared Tehrans fury. Credit: X/@Osinttechnical It is a nightmare scenario for countries which are closely aligned with the US and have spent decades cultivating reputations and economies based on being the most glamorous, safe and boringly predictable places in the Middle East. And, from Irans perspective, that is the point. Credit: X/@clashreport I think it is obviously extremely important in terms of the Iranian strategy. The Iranians are hoping that if they put pressure on the Gulf states, they will pressure the United States to stop the war, says Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence chief focused on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement It is only going to get worse in the coming days. They are closing the Strait of Hormuz, will send the price of oil sky-high, and so on, he adds, referring to the narrow waterway at the entrance to the Gulf through which a fifth of the worlds seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass. Tehran hammers the region Iran had clearly signalled that the Gulf states, which for years have regarded the Islamic Republic as a regional thug, would be in its crosshairs should the US and Israel attack. But the scale of Tehrans barrage has been heavier than anything its neighbours anticipated. After the first 48 hours of war, the United Arab Emirates said it had been attacked by at least 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones. Qatar has reported at least 66 incoming missiles; Bahrain, 45 missiles and a number of drones. Credit: X Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia, the largest and most powerful of the Arab kingdoms, was reported to have intercepted projectiles targeting Riyadhs international airport and an airbase housing US military personnel. Its key eastern oil-producing region was also targeted, with the state-owned behemoth Saudi Aramco halting operations at its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday after an Iranian drone strike on the facility. Kuwait said it too had been attacked. As of Monday morning, explosions continued to sound in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Manama. Even Oman, the intermediary and host of torpedoed peace talks in the build-up to war, has been struck. Given the scale of the attacks, casualties have been relatively light. Three people were killed Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals and 58 injured in the UAE, mostly, authorities there said, by falling debris from missile intercepts. Kuwait said one person had been killed. So far, air defences appear to be working well. But the psychological impact of civilian deaths in states which draw in millions of foreign workers, Western expats included, will be profound. A dilemma In the run-up to the US offensive, the Gulf states had unanimously refused to allow the US to launch strikes on Iran from their territories in an attempt to prevent being pulled into the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement That clearly failed and they are now bearing the brunt along with Israel of the Islamic Republics retaliation. They need this to stop as soon as possible, says Nicholas Hopton, a former British diplomat and director-general of the Middle East Association. All these countries rely on stability. Theyre outraged that theyre being hit, because its not just US bases [being targeted], its tourist hotels. And if [Donald] Trump drags them all into a prolonged military conflict it doesnt need to be years, it could be months or even weeks the damage that will do to their economies will be huge. Donald Trump during talks about Operation Epic Fury the assault on Iran at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on Saturday - Daniel Torok/The White House If the war doesnt stop, some may consider joining the offensive themselves. Saudi Arabia has already said it reserves the right to strike back at Iran. Its a position echoed by its neighbours. Advertisement Advertisement If it needs to come to that, it will come to that, Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE minister of state for international co-operation, said on Sunday. Really the ball is in Irans court right now about how they want to deal with a neighbourhood and a neighbour that has traditionally been a very fair and good neighbour to them. Whether to suffer the drones and missiles of Iranian attacks, or take up arms and by opposing end them? That is the question, and both courses are fraught with risk. A long-standing wish to see the Islamic Republic home to 90 million people weakened is offset by fear of regional instability if the regime falls. The urge to retaliate for the missile strikes is restrained by the domestic political risk of being seen to side with Israel against another Muslim country. And they know that the risks of getting involved in the war are enormous. Advertisement Advertisement To realise its ambitious 2030 Vision [to diversify its economy away from dependence on oil], Saudi Arabia particularly needs stability at this time, says Hopton. So being dragged into a conflict or prolonged period of destabilisation and tension with their big regional rival on the other side of the Gulf would not be appreciated. The Gulf states are terrified that the Iranians will attack their energy industry if they join the strikes, adds Citrinowicz. MBSs double game Those dilemmas were reflected in a double game allegedly played by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), in the run-up to the war. In public, MBS called for a diplomatic solution to continue and, like his neighbours, ruled out allowing American forces to attack Iran from Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement But in private, he urged Trump to go ahead with an attack, arguing that Iran would only grow stronger if America did not strike now, according to conversations first reported in the Washington Post. Smoke rises in Tehran following an explosion after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran - Majid Asgaripour/Reuters The crown princes position was reinforced by his brother, defence minister Khalid bin Salman, who reportedly held closed-door meetings with US officials in Washington in January. Those reports were denied by a spokesman for the Kingdom on Monday, who said Riyadh had been been consistent in supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a credible deal with Iran prior to the outbreak of war. But Riyadhs reportedly contradictory approach may reflect its simultaneous desire to see Iran long its regional foe cut down to size and its fears that its own oil industry is vulnerable to attack. Advertisement Advertisement Citrinowicz says the kingdom and other Gulf states will be doing their utmost to make sure that the Americans do not hit the energy installations in Iran at Bandar Abbas for fear of provoking reprisal strikes of the kind which affected the Ras Tanura refinery. Making friends out of foes The Israeli-American attack has upended relations among the Gulf countries themselves. Bin Salman and his UAE president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, have been locked in an increasingly tense confrontation over Emirati support for factions in Yemen. But after the Iranian strikes began to hit their countries, the two strongmen spoke on the phone for the first time in months. A key question for the future of the region is whether their new-found friendship will survive once the war with Iran is over. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict has also put a guided missile through a nascent Saudi-Iranian rapprochement brokered by China in 2023. It was meant to mark the era of a post-American Gulf, a realignment triggered by suspicions that America, in the aftermath of its withdrawal from Afghanistan, might not be an entirely reliable security guarantor. Perhaps that was never going to survive contact with the decades of mutual suspicion. Arab Gulf monarchs have never had any love for Irans blend of revolutionary republicanism, political Islam and good old-fashioned Persian imperialism. Those tensions led to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emiratess long and bloody war with Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen in the 2010s, a 2019 Iranian-backed drone attack on Saudi Aramcos petrochemical facilities, and a provocative Iranian attempt to mirror Chinas claim to Taiwan by declaring Bahrain a breakaway province. How much pain can the Gulf endure? The Gulf monarchies could probably weather a few more days of strikes. But a prolonged conflict would spell long term economic catastrophe. And even a short war could dramatically change the strategic picture in the region. Will Bin Salman and Bin Zayed bury their differences for good, or return to confrontation? Most consequentially, will there come a point when the Gulf states conclude that hosting US bases, and a broader alliance with Washington, brings more danger than safety? Already, the appeal of the American security umbrella has been tarnished by the fact the US not only dragged them into the firing line, but seems unable to stop Irans assaults. American bases are not helping them. Theyre not protecting them. And on the other hand, the US cannot use them to attack Iran. So maybe therell be dramatic changes also regarding the US presence over there, says Citrinowicz. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Roughly 12 hours after he launched a war on Iran early Saturday morning, President Donald Trump said his military campaign had killed the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei, the president wrote on Truth Social. Politics: Trumps War Strategy Relies On Iran Being Reasonable But Trumps effort to frame his war of choice as just and worthy of international celebration is a long shot. Instead, the administrations latest military escalation is boosting a perception globally that could permanently and significantly hurt Americas and Americans role in the world: the view of the U.S. as a rogue actor, fueling instability, acting illogically and even illegally, and risking innocent lives. Advertisement Advertisement For all the questions remaining about the offensive How long will it go on? Does the U.S. have a plan to replace the regime if it falls? Is there any remaining hope for de-escalation? a further degradation of Americas image abroad, including among its traditional allies, is one of few certainties. Even before today, the pattern was clear: This is a state that actively disregards international law and its protections for civilians, which makes civilians, makes children, makes pregnant mothers, makes people who have nothing to do with geopolitical aims at all, less safe everywhere in Gaza, in Canada, in Europe, in Asia, said Mark Kersten, a professor at the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada. Even in America itself, because international law is an important way to protect people in their own countries. Kersten characterized the new war as unequivocally illegal a wanton and clear violation of the United Nations charter. A screen grab from a video released on President Donald Trumps Truth Social account shows Trump making statements regarding combat operations on Iran on Saturday in Palm Beach, Florida, United States. Truth Social/Anadolu via Getty Images Trump began his offensive in Iran, in partnership with Israel, without even attempting to rally broader support from other countries or some legal basis for an attack through the UN Security Council, as former president George W. Bush did before the invasion of Iraq. He proceeded to assassinate Khamenei, who, while widely reviled, was a sitting head of state. Advertisement Advertisement An anonymous U.S. official eventually claimed to reporters that the U.S. acted preemptively in anticipation of an Iranian missile attack on American forces, but the administration has released no evidence of an imminent assault. Experts see that prospect as very unlikely, and another anonymous source contradicted the Trump administrations claim to CNN. The attack represented the second time in less than a year since Washington purported to be prioritizing diplomacy with Tehran before choosing war. Politics: Can Trump Prevent A Massive Middle East War? Meanwhile, the administration has not offered any U.S. plan to prevent a spiral of violence and atrocities in Iran and across the Middle East. A strike in the U.S.-Israeli operation hit an Iranian primary school, killing more than 100 people, mostly schoolgirls, and throughout Saturday, Iranian retaliation struck neighboring countries aligned with the U.S., wounding people and targeting civilian sites like airports and a hotel. Given those facts, officials in the region and in Europe are alarmed, and their U.S. counterparts are unlikely to be able to reassure them and encourage confidence in Trumps strategy, said Jennifer Gavito, a former State Department official with senior roles across administrations of both parties. Advertisement Advertisement Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday. via Associated Press I look back to Libya and Iraq, she said, referring to the chaos and mass death following American regime change missions in both countries. I dont know what reassurance could have been given in that moment and especially with the benefit of history now on our side how you confidently project success. Gavito noted public comments decrying the war from the foreign minister of Oman, which had sought to mediate between the U.S. and Iran: It speaks to the betrayal that [other nations] feel that yet again we seemingly used negotiations as a cover and pretext for a strike that makes us in the future less of a credible partner. Politics: Why Is Trump Attacking Iran? He's Still Figuring It Out. Reports suggest U.S. and Israeli officials quietly planned the Iran campaign for months, even as Trump repeatedly said publicly that he wanted a deal. Advertisement Advertisement The coming days and weeks are likely to bolster skepticism of the American strategy as Trump has offered conflicting visions of the resolution to the conflict, saying he wants to see Iranian civilians abandon and topple the government, and plans to continue bombing. A quick settlement on the core area of disagreement between Tehran and Washington Irans nuclear and missile capabilities is hard to imagine as a more hardline leadership is expected to succeed Khamenei, and seek to project strength and resistance. We have already made this existential for the Iranian regime.so they have no incentive, Gavito said. Already loath to make big concessions, Iran had reportedly this week offered greater limits on its nuclear development than it had in a previous nuclear deal with world powers, which Trump abandoned. Waging a bloody, domestically unpopular and unauthorized war without a clear end, the Trump administration is unlikely to attract greater international backing. Politics: Israels War On Iran Bears The Echo Of Past American Mistakes Disdain rooted in the Iran policy will compound wariness of the U.S. conduct and judgment in recent years in various contexts, from Trumps kidnapping of Venezuelas president last month to Gaza, in which Trump, and before him, President Joe Biden, have defied calls to reconsider heavy American support for devastating Israeli policies decried by most countries. Advertisement Advertisement Coming after the Gaza war, where the U.S. was seen in violation of international law and working against all human rights statutes by enabling Israeli genocide, we have now another instance by another admin of a different political view, confirming again that the U.S. does not work according to international law, said Randa Slim of the Stimson Center think tank. The U.S. is increasingly seen as a country that does not play by the book. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a staunch proponent of attacking Iran and defender of Israeli conduct, attacked European countries for suggesting the U.S. should return to diplomacy with Tehran. Nathan Howard via Associated Press To the Trump administration, its allies and others, global goodwill and legitimacy may seem irrelevant. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a staunch proponent of attacking Iran and defender of Israeli conduct, on Saturday attacked European countries for suggesting the U.S. should return to diplomacy with Tehran. It is so sad to see Western democracies lose their passion for justice and a sense of right and wrong, Graham wrote on X. Youre suggesting we should continue to negotiate with religious Nazis. It is pathetic. Politics: Trump Says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Is Dead Iran on Saturday also drew criticism from national security, legal analysts and other observers for its attacks on nearby countries, which had repeatedly said they did not want to see a war with their neighbor and have attempted to overcome years of mutual distrust. Advertisement Advertisement These actions set back years of rapprochement, Slim said, noting Arab nations had recently come to see Israels heightened regional power as a greater threat, but the risk posed by Iran was now reemphasized. But with many people around the globe now wondering how U.S. policy could unexpectedly spiral and harm them, Kersten described a heightened foreign focus on disconcerting Washington policy-making and the hope of changing it. Blatant threats to [Canadas] sovereignty were in some ways a harbinger for how states can navigate [the Trump era], and I dont think they have figured out how to navigate this, he said, pointing to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys embrace of the attack on Iran despite his high-profile recent remarks urging countries to reemphasize the importance of law and principles in international politics. Kersten suggested foreigners are still searching for voices of reason in the United States and feel dismayed by what they are seeing. Advertisement Advertisement If this dangerous path is to stop, it is only going to stop because of the actions of people within the United States, Kersten said. Canada cant stop it. Middle Eastern partners have demonstrated they cant stop it...the UN will not. No international organization or tribunal or coalition of states, whether [the European Union] or any other entity can. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost According to US President Donald Trump, the current armed conflict with Iran could run four weeks. From the outset, it was assumed that it would take about four weeks, Trump said in a telephone interview with the British newspaper Daily Mail on Sunday . "It's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less," the US president explained. Three US soldiers have been killed and five others seriously injured in the US military operation against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's counterattacks have hit US military bases in the Gulf region and other targets. Trump praised the soldiers who were killed as "great people." "And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous - it could happen again," he added. Eyal Zamir, the chief of staff of the Israeli military, gave a similar assessment late on Sunday, saying that Israel reached "significant achievements" in Iran over the first 48 hours, but "many more days of fighting lie ahead." Hours after the U.S. military announced that three U.S. service members were killed during military strikes against Iran, President Donald Trump told NBC News, We expect casualties with something like this. Trump added in a phone interview, We have three, but we expect casualties, but in the end its going to be a great deal for the world. U.S. Central Command on Sunday also said that five U.S. service members had been wounded in military operations against Iran, which began as a joint U.S.-Israeli operation early Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement The strikes against Iran killed the countrys supreme leader, Trump announced Saturday. He told NBC News earlier in the day that a large amount of Irans other senior leaders were also killed in the military operation. In Sundays phone call, the president said that the U.S. military operation was ahead of schedule and that when we get 48 leaders, thats a big event. The site of a strike on a girls school in Minab, Iran, on Saturday. (Ali Najafi / AFP - Getty Images) (Ali Najafi) Since Saturdays initial military action, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East. Asked Sunday what he hoped the outcome of the American military operation in Iran would be, Trump said, There are many outcomes that are good. Number one is decapitating them, getting rid of their whole group of killers and thugs. And there are many, many outcomes. We could do the short version or the longer version. Advertisement Advertisement Trump added that Iranian officials do want to talk with the U.S. and are talking, though he didnt provide the names of Iranian leaders in touch with the U.S. or explain what topics the talks are centering on. The president said I dont know when asked if he would stop striking Iran amid ongoing negotiations, adding that he would consider it if they can satisfy us but that they havent been able to. He said the reason he launched the strikes was very simple. They werent willing to stop their nuclear research, he said, referring to earlier negotiations with U.S. officials. They werent willing to say they will not have a nuclear weapon. Residents watch from the roofs of their houses as plumes of smoke rise in Tehran, Iran, on Sunday. (Atta Kenare / AFP - Getty Images) (Atta Kenare) Later Sunday afternoon, Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important, adding that the rest of the Iranian naval fleet is also being targeted and will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea. Advertisement Advertisement He added that in a separate U.S.-led attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. In a video Trump posted on Truth Social early Saturday morning, shortly after the strikes against Iran began, he urged Iranian citizens to use the moment to take over their government. A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran on Sunday. (Vahid Salemi / AP) (Vahid Salemi) It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations, he said. He has not publicly briefed the American people about the ongoing military operation against Iran since posting that video. The strikes yielded mixed reactions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with most Republicans commending the presidents decision to strike Iran and most Democrats criticizing Trumps decision to strike without authorization from Congress. President Donald Trump speaks to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as he oversees Operation Epic Fury at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. (Daniel Torok / White House via Getty Images) (Daniel Torok) Its in Americas interest to make sure that Iran can no longer be the largest state sponsor of terrorism, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told NBC News Meet the Press on Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who appeared separately later on the program, rebutted Grahams statement. Let me say this: Khamenei was a brutal dictator, but Americans are not safer today, Khanna told Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker. Kelly questioned the Trump administrations goals in the military operation, saying, Hope is not a strategy. We got to have a plan here. I mean, what is the strategic goal, and how do we achieve it? When Congress returns to Washington this week, lawmakers are expected to vote on a war powers resolution that would compel the president to seek approval from Congress to conduct more military operations in Iran. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The United States sunk nine Iranian naval vessels during its attacks on Iran, including "some of them relatively large and important" US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. He said US forces "are going after the rest" and noted that in a separate attack the US "largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters." There was no confirmation from the Iranian side. Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had announced that it had attacked the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles. This was part of Operation True Promise 4, in which Iranian forces are destroying US and Israeli targets in retaliation for the attacks in Iran, the IRGC explained on its website. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for the region in the Middle East, said that was not true. "The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didnt even come close," CENTCOM wrote on X.. It said that B-2 bombers had attacked secured missile installations in Iran. The stealth bombers were equipped with 2,000-pound bombs, it said. Advertisement Advertisement CENTCOM also accused the leadership in Tehran of attacking civilian facilities in its counter-attacks, contrary to what had been reported. In addition to several airports and hotels, an oil refinery and residential areas in several Gulf states had also been targeted, it said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al-Jazeera news channel that only US bases and facilities had been targeted. After the Supreme Court recently took a carving knife to Donald Trumps claim of emergency powers to justify much of his tariff agenda, one could easily think he and his associates might reconsider their view that he neednt follow the plain language of the Constitution. No such luck. The president is making it clear that he plans to ignore the Courts decision that found imposing tariffs required congressional approval, and that he will find other ways to check off the remainder of his dictatorial wish list. Trump has only a few real priorities in his second term: tariffs, revenge, money and legacy. His continuing obsession with the 2020 presidential election falls under the revenge category, and instead of it waning as an active concern, it actually seems to be gaining steam. The recent FBI raid of an election office in Fulton County, Georgia, to seize the stored ballots from that race looks to be just the opening salvo in a much larger strategy to interfere in the 2026 midterms. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Trump is contemplating an executive order declaring a national voting emergency, citing the same law the Supreme Court just declared he could not use when it came to imposing tariffs. Trump has been hinting around at this, posting on Truth Social a couple of weeks ago, I have searched the depths of Legal Arguments not yet articulated or vetted on this subject, and will be presenting an irrefutable one in the very near future. There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not! Advertisement Advertisement Since the presidents inability to accept his loss has made all of us experts on what the Constitution says about elections, this bleat was rightfully dismissed as yet another asinine rant. Article I of the Constitution makes it clear that the states are charged with the Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. It says nothing about the president taking over the voting system because he thinks theres an emergency. In fact, it says nothing about the executive at all. If youre wondering where Trump got such a ridiculous notion, look no further than the usual suspects, some of whom have been around for decades, pushing insane conspiracy theories and assassinating the characters of Democratic candidates around election time. Its long been a GOP cottage industry, and a lucrative one. According to the New York Times, Trumps director of election security and integrity is a lawyer named Kurt Olsen, one of the most relentless 2020 election deniers who was considered to be a fringe menace in the first Trump administration. He was involved in the attempts to overturn the election and has continued to pursue the case ever since. Olsen has been given the power to criminally refer cases to the Justice Department, and he was revealed to have instigated the search warrant for the Fulton County raid. But he is one of many 2020 denialists working throughout the administration in jobs related to elections. The Times reporting focuses on two outside activists who are pushing Trump to sign this executive order, which is being touted as a 17 page draft that explains the legal rationale for using the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, neither of which confer any executive jurisdiction over voting. The main instigator is a newer name in GOP dirty-tricks circles. Peter Ticktin is a lawyer and former New York Military Academy schoolmate of Trumps who worked on the attempted coup in 2020. The other is a much more familiar and shady name in GOP politics: Jerome Corsi, the man who made swift boating a household term. Advertisement Advertisement Corsi first made his name over 20 years ago when he wrote Unfit for Command, the book that smeared then-Massachusetts senator and Democratic nominee John Kerry in his 2004 presidential bid against George W. Bush. Corsis book was a patented right-wing hit job, dishonestly targeting Kerry as nothing more than a rich boy liar who faked his heroic war record. But his approach was particularly cunning: The accusation he leveled at Kerry mirrored the real story of Bushs National Guard service. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Corsis next projects were aimed at Barack Obama, starting in 2008 with his book The Obama Nation. He followed that in 2011 with Wheres the Birth Certificate?, a smear that Trump had taken to the top of the charts. Corsi was also alleged to have worked with one of the original dirty tricksters and long-time Trump friend and mentor Roger Stone on the Wikileaks campaign against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president in 2016. One of the great ironies of this latest round of underhanded campaign tactics and yet another example of Corsis old I know you are but what am I strategy is that this proposed emergency executive order is based on thoroughly debunked accusations of foreign interference in the 2020 election involving China. The story goes that the Chinese government manufactured phony identification cards to help people vote for Joe Biden and that former FBI Director Christopher Wray covered it up. This wild theory, which was based on some 20,000 fake drivers licenses being seized in Chicago, most of which were intended for college students to get into bars, recalled the ridiculous audit of ballots in Arizona, in which conspiracy theorists were looking for the presence of bamboo in the papers composition. (And there are about half a dozen more conspiracy theories about foreign interference.) Advertisement Advertisement Since multiple investigations found Russian interference in the 2016 election, Trump and his accomplices naturally said that China interfered in 2020 and now they are using it as an excuse to sow doubt about and hijack the 2026 midterms. And Corsi, the man who was involved in some of the back-channel work to disseminate the Russian hacks of Clintons emails in 2016, had the chutzpah to say, Here we have a situation where the president is aware that there are foreign interests that are interfering in our election processes. That causes a national emergency where the president has to be able to deal with it. You cannot make this stuff up. Election denialism is Trumps personal contribution to the degradation of our political culture. When all is said and done, it will remain his most enduring legacy. No president before him has ever been so willing to create mistrust in the electoral system to cover for his own failures. Remember: This is someone who said before any votes were cast in 2016 that he would only accept the election results if he won. But the work of smearing Democrats and causing havoc in elections is a Republican specialty, and some of the people whove been making a tidy living at it for decades are on board for one more ride. The post Trump is swift boating the midterms appeared first on Salon.com. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) President Donald Trump warned the Iran regime against a strong counter attack in stark terms following the U.S-Israel strikes early Saturday morning. In a terse post on Truth Social shortly after midnight ET on Sunday, the president vowed a heavy U.S. response to any counter attack from Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, Trump wrote. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Trump was responding directly to a social media post from Ali Larijani, Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council. In a post to X late Saturday night U.S. time, Larijani threatened a large-scale response to the U.S.-Israel attack. YESTERDAY IRAN FIRED MISSILES AT THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL, AND THEY DID HURT, Larijani wrote. TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. YESTERDAY IRAN FIRED MISSILES AT THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL, AND THEY DID HURT. TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. Ali Larijani | (@alilarijani_ir) March 1, 2026 In an earlier Truth Social message on Saturday, Trump said there would be further strikes in the coming days regardless. Advertisement Advertisement The heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! The post Trump Warns Iran THEY BETTER NOT Counter Attack Or WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN! first appeared on Mediaite. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A U.S. Senate candidate made a special visit to the Sioux City Public Museum this weekend. This is part of Josh Tureks policy platform, Pushing for Change tour. It was an open invitation for local residents to speak one-on-one with Turek. Several residents came to the museum for a round table discussion on different topics impacting everyday Iowans. Some of the topics discussed were affordability and health care in Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement We had a great roundtable discussion with some people here locally and quite a few young people just talking about affordability. They dont believe that theyll ever be able to live the American dream, that for them, they feel like the American dream at this point is just being able to afford food and making sure that they can keep a roof above their head, said Rep. Josh Turek, Iowa representative and U.S. senate candidate. Turek said his focus is all about the everyday Iowan and learning more about topics that residents throughout the state struggle with. Its about making sure that the average worker and the average Iowan, the middle class, can not only just, you know, exist, but can actually try that the American dream can once again be accessible to everyone, Turek said. He also said he has gone through similar struggles, and that has pushed him to make the change. Advertisement Advertisement Im someone who has also gone through a lot of health care adversity in my life. I was born with my disability. I had 21 surgeries before I was even 12, said Turek. I think we need more people who have actually experienced the real world, both on the economics and on the health care side. There is only one other candidate for Iowas U.S. Senate seat: state senator Zach Wahls. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KCAU 9 News | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Donald Trump has said the war with Iran may last as long as four or five weeks. Iran has vowed to match the US, spreading conflict around the region, but both sides have military limits, despite the obvious mismatch in firepower. On Saturday morning, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei joined an underground meeting of his regimes senior leadership in the heart of Tehran. At the same time, two other gatherings of top Iranian security and intelligence officials were taking place above ground. Advertisement Advertisement At about 10am Iran time, all three locations were struck in a coordinated attack. It was the start of Americas Operation Epic Fury and Israels Operation Lions Roar. At least 10 other senior officials are thought to have been killed. In an eight-minute address shared on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump vowed to obliterate Irans nuclear capacity and called for regime change. 01032026_NEWS_IRAN_TREE Trumps tactics The US president has suggested that the active phase could last two or three days with several off-ramps for the Iranians to take to end US aggression. He also offered immunity to Iranian servicemen and members of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps should they lay down their arms. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the Iranian regime losing its head, neck and shoulders in one fell swoop, Mr Trumps claims offer it a small chance of survival. Israels 12-day war in June last year left both defensive and offensive capabilities in Iran in a questionable state. Russia has refused to rebuild the air defences taken out by the strikes, which included covert intelligence operations involving boots on the ground. There are also questions over how much of Irans missile-launching capability survived the assaults last year. Further video published on Saturday of the latest strikes shows missile and drone infrastructure being targeted by both US and Israeli forces. 1701 How Iran's short-range ballistic missiles compare Irans revenge Still, Iran was able to launch roughly 300 counter-strikes, according to US officials cited in a report by The Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Should the Islamic Republic wish to sustain the war beyond the initial active phase, its capacity to do so depends on its ability to fire ballistic missiles and drones at US and Israeli targets. So far, US officials have claimed there has been no meaningful damage or casualties from the retaliation. Iran appears to have changed its tactics from last year, when it bombarded Israel with dozens of missiles in single salvos. Instead, it has opted for more sporadic attacks over a longer period. This could be because, following the 12-day war, that is all its missile capabilities allow for. Anything that was fired back was probably pre-arranged, given that Americas military build-up over recent weeks has hardly been a state secret. Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, a regime hell-bent on survival might want to take a proportionate response because going too hard, too fast would expose missile stockpiles and launchers most of which are stored in secret underground bunkers to incoming US and Israeli attacks. Without its missiles, whatever is left of Irans weapons would have no deterrent to make attackers think twice before moving. Credit: @IDF / X A truly large-scale response from Iran would probably only come in desperation, with the regime knowing it is about to fall and wishing to go out swinging. However, Iran isnt the only side with limitations that could dictate the length of the latest conflict. US limitations Tehrans retaliation raised questions over the fragility of US and allied air defence in the wider region. Advertisement Advertisement The US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was an obvious and momentous target for the Iranians. In the past, there has been little in the way of air defence equipment stationed at the base. Telegram / Supernova_plus Over the past weeks, the US has moved dozens of additional air defence systems into the region, including top-of-the-range THAAD [Terminal High Altitude Area Defense] and Patriot batteries, both capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Still, user error appears to have allowed incoming missiles to slip through the defences. And then there are questions about whether there are enough interceptor missiles stockpiled to sustain a long-term war. Reports suggest there are not enough batteries or interceptors to cover all of Americas and its allies interests. Advertisement Advertisement If estimates are accurate, Iran has an arsenal of around 2,000 short-range ballistic missiles, as well as many more one-way attack drones that could help drain American stockpiles. If the Iranians unleash everything go hard and fast if the regime feels threatened, then eventually the US will run out of THAAD and Patriot interceptors, Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy commander, told the BBC. 1412 THAAD defence system Regime change Mr Trumps end goal of regime change could also be a limiting factor, unless he is willing to commit ground troops. History suggests that aerial campaigns alone rarely achieve successes like this. The pre-war air assault in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 in Iraq lasted six weeks before ground forces were deployed. Advertisement Advertisement The Nato bombing of Yugoslavia lasted 78 days in 1999, and the alliances aerial campaign against Libya in 2011 lasted 222 days. While the Americans have assembled the largest fighting force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, there will be questions about whether the deployment can be sustained for the long term. But perhaps the biggest limiting factor on Mr Trumps ambitions is the political backlash he faces back home. His Maga base is largely isolationist and hates the idea of becoming entangled in foreign wars. Trumps dilemma Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has reportedly voiced concerns about US casualties and dwindling munition supplies, especially air defence, should the war continue. Advertisement Advertisement While the US has not taken any meaningful damage, the odds this happens increase every hour the fight continues. Republicans close to Mr Trump had wanted a diplomatic deal to avert any fighting. Will complaints ring louder, especially from JD Vance, the vice-president, who has been one of the most vocal critics of American overseas interventions, should Mr Trump drop his pledge to stop dragging the country into forever wars in the Middle East? These will resonate should American forces start suffering casualties. But for Mr Trumps own vanity, he must also deliver a moment he can sell as a win back home. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. (This story has been updated to include the latest information from the CHP on the road closure. Also, adds details on the crash.) Two women were dead after a head-on collision in Moorpark off of northbound Highway 23 just south of Los Angeles Avenue Feb. 28, according to authorities. Northbound Highway 23 traffic was shut down for a few hours while a California Highway Patrol investigation continued, but is now flowing, authorities said. A little past 2 p.m., reports of a head-on traffic collision went out to agencies including the Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol and they responded to an accident on northbound Highway 23 near Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark. Advertisement Advertisement Two vehicles were involved with one vehicle going "over the barrier and flipped," according to logs on the CHP's traffic incident website. A Chevrolet Silverado truck with a driver and passenger on southbound Highway 23 was allegedly traveling on the center median when it lost control and went over the embankment towards northbound Highway 23 lanes, said Ryan Ayers, spokesperson for CHP Moorpark. The truck then collided head-on with a Lexus ES 350, which had a driver and two passengers, Ayers said. The passenger of the Chevrolet was ejected from her seat and was pronounced dead at the scene, Ayers said. The driver of the Lexus was also pronounced dead at the scene, he added. Both were females from Los Angeles County. Two people suffered major injuries and were taken to a local hospital while one person had minor injuries, Ayers said. Advertisement Advertisement Northbound Highway 23 had been shut down with vehicles being diverted off at Tierra Rejada Road, said CHP dispatcher Rebecca Block at 4 p.m. One lane of northbound Highway 23 had been reopened and "the traffic is flowing now," said Ayers. No other details were available. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: 2 women dead from Moorpark crash, northbound Hwy 23 reopened As tensions escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran, a Tulane University cybersecurity expert says there is no credible military threat to Louisiana but there are other risks residents should understand. Joshua Copeland, an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Tulane and a 20-year military veteran, says while Iran does not have the capability to physically strike Louisiana, overseas conflict can still have local consequences. While there's no credible threat specific to Louisiana or New Orleans in particular, there is a history of cyber operations, influence and misinformation campaigns, Copeland said. Advertisement Advertisement Copeland explained that international conflicts often come with what he calls second and third order effects including network probing, website disruptions, ransomware attacks, and coordinated online messaging efforts designed to amplify fear. These activities are often meant to create economic and psychological impact, he said. Why New Orleans could be a digital target Copeland pointed to the regions critical infrastructure as a potential area of concern from a cyber security standpoint. Specifically for New Orleans, you have very critical infrastructure like the Port of New Orleans, maritime logistics, energy and petrochemical facilities, as well as large public venues and tourism, he said. That can make it an attractive target for folks who want to do bad things. Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana plays a major role in shipping, energy production, and Gulf Coast commerce sectors that rely heavily on secure digital networks. However, Copeland stressed that current open-source reporting does not indicate any specific or credible threat to the state. For us, the risk is very minimal, he said. The Iranian government does not have the ability to reach out and physically touch the United States or Louisiana particularly. What residents and businesses should do Copeland advises organizations to review cybersecurity practices and maintain strong digital hygiene. If you run an organization, talk to your cybersecurity professionals, he said. Make sure you have robust hygiene. Advertisement Advertisement For the public, his message is simple: stay informed, but dont panic. The big thing is maintaining awareness, not alarm, Copeland said. If you see something, say something. He adds that the situation overseas remains dynamic and could evolve quickly in the coming days. Click here to report a typo. Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play. The joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran has entered its second day. The Iranians, as well as their regional proxies, continue to retaliate in kind against multiple countries in the region. Readers can catch up on the events of the first day of the war with our initial rolling coverage here. The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, now confirmed by Iranian authorities, has created a new dimension to the conflict. The regime in Tehran has pledged to avenge Khamenei, and has also announced 40 days of public mourning. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement mourning the death of Ali Khamenei. The IRGC framed his death as a sign of divine acceptance and victory, vowing severe and decisive revenge against those responsible. It pledged that the Guards, Irans armed forces, and Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) March 1, 2026 Public Relations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: The heaviest offensive operation in the history of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin in moments towards the occupied territories and the bases of the American terrorists. NoctuMind (@noctu_mind) March 1, 2026 40 DAYS OF PUBLIC MOURNING ANNOUNCED IN IRAN AFTER KHAMENEI'S DEATH STATE MEDIA Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) March 1, 2026 Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran pic.twitter.com/Qhu4WoDkrL Press TV (@PressTV) March 1, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Israels Channel 12 has reported that 30 munitions were dropped on the Supreme Leaders compound. BREAKING: 30 missiles were dropped on the Iranian Supreme Leader's compound and Khamenei is 'almost certainly' dead, according to Israel's Channel 12. The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) February 28, 2026 Speaking with CBS News Robert Costa by phone earlier tonight, President Donald Trump suggested that a new diplomatic resolution to the conflict may now be within reach. It is much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously, because they [the Iranians] are getting beat up badly, he said. Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates, Trump added when asked if he had someone he would like to see lead Iran now. He also said he knew who was running Iran following Khameneis death, but I cant tell you. Its what we expected. Less than we thought, actually. We thought itd be double, the President also said about Irans retaliatory attacks so far. Asked by @costareports who is calling the shots in Iran now following Ayatollah Khameneis death, Trump said, I know exactly who, but I cant tell you. On whether theres someone he wants to see lead Iran now, Trump said, Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates. Sara Cook (@saraecook) March 1, 2026 As for Irans retaliatory attacks on Israel and U.S. assets and allies in the region, Trump told @costareports, Its what we expected. Less than we thought, actually. We thought itd be double.Though he said he is keeping watch and the situation remains fluid. @CBSNews Sara Cook (@saraecook) March 1, 2026 The rest of our new rolling coverage continues below, with the most recent updates at the top. Advertisement Advertisement We have concluded our rolling coverage in this piece. We will be back soon to continue our reporting. UPDATE: 8:31PM EST- The three U.S. troops who were killed during Operation Epic Fury belonged to a sustainment unit in Kuwait, two U.S. officials told The Washington Post. One of the officials said the three troops served in the Army, the publication stated. The militarys official statement on the deaths did not specify where the service members were killed, a deviation from the Defense Departments traditional notification procedures when announcing U.S. combat fatalities. Three U.S. servicemembers killed overnight by Iran were serving with a unit under the U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC) deployed to Kuwait, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to the Washington Post. OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 8:17PM EST- Amazons cloud unit, AWS, said on Sunday that power to its data center in the United Arab Emirates was shut down temporarily after objects struck the facility, triggering sparks and a fire, Reuters reported. The UAE is reeling from Irans retaliatory missile and drone strikes following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. The Iranian strikes hit airports, ports, and residential areas across the country and the wider Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement When Reuters asked AWS whether the incident at the data center was connected to the strikes, the company did not confirm or deny. Reuters reports that an object struck an AWS data center in the UAE, causing a fire and shutting it down. Assuming this was an Iranian drone strike, it is the first time a commercial data center was physically targeted in a conflict. It wont be the last.https://t.co/4b7DHklwoU Chris McGuire (@ChrisRMcGuire) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 8:10PM EST- In the wake of the attack on Iran, U.S. officials are prepared for potential suicide attacks targeting American facilities and personnel abroad, CNN is reporting, citing a source. Most concerns are around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Qatar, reporter Zachary Cohen posted on X. Attackers could also attempt to use vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, the source added. US officials have increased security at various government agency headquarters & other domestic locations that could be targeted in response to the operation in Iran, the source said. US officials are prepared for potential suicide attacks, in addition to more retaliatory missile strikes, targeting American facilities & personnel abroad in response to military operation in Iran, source tells me. Most concerns are around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Qatar. Attackers Zachary Cohen (@ZcohenCNN) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 7:54PM EST- NEW: Fresh satellite imagery from @planet suggests the Qatar Early Warning Radar (QEWR), a $1 billion Raytheon FPS-132 system, MAY have been damaged, as claimed by Iran. The 3m image is not definitive but there is what could be burn-scaring on the ground near the radar. pic.twitter.com/7t06N4Wjpi Geoff Brumfiel (@gbrumfiel) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 7:46PM EST- The U.K. MoD gave us a statement about the RAF Akrotiri drone attack: Advertisement Advertisement Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at midnight local time. Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people. This is a live situation and further information will be provided in due course. MoD confirmed there were no casualties and that it recently moved additional capabilities to our bases in Cyprus as part of our ongoing work to support security and stability in the Middle East. UPDATE: 7:38PM EST- A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone was seen in the following video engaging an Iranian missile launcher with an AGM-114 Hellfire. The strike reportedly took place after a ballistic missile was launched. We cannot tell from this video what, if any damage, was inflicted on the launcher. Footage of a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper UAV engaging an Iranian missile launcher with an AGM-114 Hellfire via @hey_itsmyturn. pic.twitter.com/vwjePW6ivU OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 The IDF reported that following the sirens sounding in several areas in northern Israel, a projectile that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, and several projectiles fell in open areas in accordance with standard protocols. No injuries or damages were reported. UPDATE: 7:30PM EST- The projectiles were fired hours after Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy located in Lebanon, vowed to confront the United States and Israel over their strikes on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement We will undertake our duty of confronting the aggression, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a statement, adding that his movement would not leave the field of honor and resistance. The IDF statement did not say who fired the projectile. If it was Hezbollah, it would be their first attack since the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran two days ago, the Times of Israel noted. The IDF said the rockets were launched from Lebanese territory, not that it was Hezbollah. Its still too early to tell. IDF: Following the sirens that sounded in several areas in northern Israel, a projectile that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory was intercepted by Ariel Oseran (@ariel_oseran) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 7:01PM EST- The Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus was reportedly hit by an Iranian drone early Monday morning local time. Personnel on the bases were informed that a small drone had impacted the airfield and that the bases authorities were responding, the Cyprus Mail reported. It was also confirmed that there were no casualties as a result of the strike, but that minor damage had been caused. Advertisement Advertisement Base authorities also instructed personnel to remain in place and await further instruction, the publication reported, warning that there may be additional impact. The drone may have been an Iranian Shahed-136, Cyprus Mail added. The War Zone cannot independently verify these claims and we have reached out to the RAF and U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) for details. Cyprus Mail can now confirm that a small drone, possibly an Iranian Shahed-136, impacted the airfield at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus earlier tonight, resulting in no casualties and minor damage to the base, with authorities instructing personnel to remain in place and await further pic.twitter.com/yTMdvWfG7c OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 1, 2026 Troops at Akrotiri were reportedly warned about the attack before it happened. British servicemembers stationed at RAF Akrotiri and other facilities in Cyprus, as well as their families, received this alert via email and text tonight shortly before midnight, with the alert stating: Imminent Security Threat There is an ongoing security threat. Please pic.twitter.com/Cod7JrRW17 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 1, 2026 In a snippet of conversation with Cyprus Air Traffic Control, Akrotiri military base can be heard saying there are a lot of missiles between Cyprus and Beirut. Cyprus ATC, talking to an aircraft over the Mediterranean moments ago: Akrotiri military base said there are a lot of missiles between Cyprus and Beirut. pic.twitter.com/QlbDW7ZuL3 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 6:05PM EST A flight of four B-2 Spirit stealth bombers returning to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri after bombing Iran had to divert to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. The aircraft with the callsigns PETRO41, PETRO42, PETRO43, and PETRO44 reportedly altered their course due to weather issues at Whiteman. You can read more about this mission in our story here. A video of some of the jets landing can be seen below. US Air Force B-2A Spirit long range strategic bombers from Whiteman AFB, MO have just touched down at Dyess AFB, TX after diverting following their mission over Iran due to weather at Whiteman. https://t.co/mfeThUOgLChttps://t.co/P6a2V5soFNpic.twitter.com/q7iLy97vus TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) March 1, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: 6:00PM EST Imagery has emerged showing what appears to be one of the more exotic participants in the U.S./Israeli campaign being waged against Iran: the secretive RA-01 drone operated by the Israel Defense Forces. A video of the drone operating in daylight purports to show it over Tehran, but that cannot be verified at this point. The top-secret Israeli drone RA-01 was filmed in Tehran today. pic.twitter.com/zeOxDRpBIW Ph.Gritti (@Philipp27960841) March 1, 2026 The existence of the highly classified stealth drone, used for covert missions, emerged from an unauthorized disclosure of U.S. intelligence documents back in 2024, as we discussed at the time. Israel is presumed to operate at least a pocket fleet of these long-range stealth drones capable of gathering intelligence and possibly also conducting strikes. UPDATE: 5:45PM EST For the second time since the operation started, President Trump has posted a video statement exclusively on his Truth Social platform. In it, he warned that combat operations would continue until all of Washingtons objectives are achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives, Trump said. He confirmed that three U.S. service members had been killed and said there would likely be more casualties. As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, he said. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. In justifying the operation, Trump said: An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death. UPDATE: 5:40PM EST Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a message of condolence following the death of Irans supreme leader. Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Erdogan wrote: I extend my condolences to the esteemed Khamenei, praying that the Almighty Allah grants him mercy, and offer my sympathies to the brotherly people of Iran; I convey my condolences on behalf of my country and my nation. He added: Together with the people of Iran, we in Turkey will steadfastly continue our efforts to ensure that all our friends and brothers in the region regain the peace and stability they deserve, that the conflict raging in our region comes to an end, and that we return to diplomacy. Komsumuz Irann Dini Lideri Ayetullah Ali Hamaneyin dun gerceklesen saldrlar sonucunda hayatn kaybetmesinden uzuntu duydum. Sayn Hamaneye Cenab- Allahtan rahmet, kardes Iran halkna bassaglg diliyor; ulkem ve milletim adna taziyelerimi iletiyorum. Iran halkyla Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RTErdogan) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 4:30PM EST The U.K. government has more details of the revised level of support it is willing to provide to the United States in its campaign directed against Iran. The United Kingdom is now offering for the U.S. military to use its bases for strikes targeting Iranian missile sites. In a video shared on social media, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and its my duty to protect British lives. We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles. The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved. UK's Keir Starmer: The only way to stop the threat is to destroy Iranian missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles. The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive pic.twitter.com/iUFRlFALZz Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 4:20PM EST President Donald Trump today provided some more details on what the administration hopes the outcome of the strikes will be. There are many outcomes that are good. Number one is decapitating them, getting rid of their whole group of killers and thugs, the president said. And there are many, many outcomes. We could do the short version or the longer version. As for the rationale behind launching the new campaign, Trump contradicted public comments from the Iranian regime, which said it would not develop a nuclear weapon, but that it wanted to reserve the right to develop nuclear technology for non-military purposes: They werent willing to stop their nuclear research. They werent willing to say they will not have a nuclear weapon, Trump said. Trump on Iran: There are many outcomes that are good. Number one is decapitating them, getting rid of their whole group of killers and thugs. And there are many, many outcomes. We could do the short version or the longer version. Source: NBC News Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 4:10PM EST According to a report from CNN, U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies spent months tracking Khamenei, and waiting for the right moment to strike: They were monitoring for his daily patterns where he lived, whom he met with, how he communicated and where he might retreat under threat of attack, five people familiar with the matter told CNN. They were keeping tabs, too, on Irans senior political and military leaders, who rarely gathered in the same place with the ayatollah, the countrys supreme leader for nearly four decades. The opportunity came on Saturday morning, when top Iranian officials, including Khamenei, planned to meet at the Tehran compound that was home to the offices of the ayatollah, the Iranian presidency and the national security apparatus. One Israeli source told CNN that the overly cautious supreme leader felt less vulnerable during daylight hours, exactly when he was targeted. UPDATE: 4:00PM EST Earlier today, U.S. Central Command confirmed the first U.S. casualties of the conflict. We now know that the three personnel that were killed in action were stationed in Kuwait. Meanwhile, more than 200 people have been killed across Iran and more than 700 injured, according to the Red Crescent on Saturday. UPDATE: 3:50PM EST In its latest announcement of the campaign so far, the U.S. military says it has carried out strikes against over 1,000 Iranian targets since Saturday. U.S. Central Command lists these targets as follows: Command and Control Centers IRGC Joint Headquarters IRGC Aerospace Forces Headquarters Integrated Air Defense Systems Ballistic Missile Sites Iranian Navy Ships Iranian Navy Submarines Anti-ship Missile Sites Military Communication Capabilities Operation Epic Fury: The first 24 hours pic.twitter.com/VRcoc5G1Hd U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 President Trump says the attack on Iran could last for a month. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: Its always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. Its always been about a four-week process so as strong as it is, its a big country, itll take four weeks or less. Commenting on the first deaths of U.S. service personnel in the fighting, the president said: Theyre great people. And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately It could happen again. UPDATE: 3:30PM EST At least four civilian-flagged vessels, all tankers, have been struck by Iranian drones or missiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz, at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, today. These vessels have been identified as the Liberian-flagged Ocean Electra, the Marshall Islands-flagged MKD Vyom, the Spanish-flagged Hercules Star, and the Palau-flagged Skylight. A casualty was reported aboard the MKD Vyon, hit around noon near Oman; a crew member in the engine room was killed. According to unconfirmed reports, the Skylight, struck five nautical miles off Oman, may have been hit by U.S. forces. There are claims that this ship may have been monitoring movements on the Hormuz Strait on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. There are reports of four injured crew on this vessel. Container shipper Maersk has announced that, for security reasons, it has suspended travel of its ships through the Hormuz Strait. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) advises ships to avoid the affected area. So far, four tankers have been struck by Iranian drones or missiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Today at 16:45 UTC, a projectile, exploded near an unidentified tanker west of Dubai . A projectile also hit the Marshall Islandsflagged oil product tanker MKD VYOM, owned pic.twitter.com/zC8ov5SZeB Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 3:20PM EST U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News today that 48 Iranian leaders have been killed so far by U.S. and Israeli strikes. Its moving along. Its moving along rapidly, Trump said. Nobody can believe the success were having, 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And its moving along rapidly. .@JacquiHeinrich: "Moments ago, I spoke with President Trump, who tells me he knows how many targets are left to hit the president told me 48 Iranian leaders were wiped out in one shot, adding that Operation Epic Fury is moving along 'rapidly.'" pic.twitter.com/I97hNf3Ebx Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 1, 2026 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former Iranian president, appears to have been among those killed in Saturdays strikes, according to local media. UPDATE: 3:15PM EST Some fairly extraordinary footage has emerged, purportedly showing an Iranian ballistic missile equipped with a cluster warhead, used in a strike somewhere in Israel. While we cannot be entirely sure what kind of weapon the video shows, it appears to be consistent with a submunitions payload, and Iran has used these kinds of missiles against Israeli targets in the past. Footage of a likely cluster-warhead equipped Iranian ballistic missile fired at Israel tonight. pic.twitter.com/OKPFoXAXxV OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 A series of blasts was heard over Jerusalem this evening, with Iranian missiles detected. Air raid sirens and explosions were heard over the city. In a statement the Israel Defense Forces said: A short while ago the [Israeli military] identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. UPDATE: 3PM EST Iranian officials are now saying they didnt mean to target Oman, which has served as an intermediary between the U.S. and Iran. They are blaming it on the isolated command and control arrangement in place. We have no idea if they meant to target Oman or not, but the idea that units are operating more independently fits with our previous analysis that they were doing just that as major disruptions in command and control were expected. This likely came from experiences from the 12 Day War and manifests itself in the much less coordinated, more sporadic missile attacks, specifically on Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi: What happened in Oman was not our choice. We have already told our Armed Forces to be careful about the targets they choose. Our military units are now, in fact, independent and somewhat isolated, and they are acting based on general pic.twitter.com/g0l9Te2HNa Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 Reports state that the Gulf Arab allies are sticking with the U.S. and seeing this through even though they are taking major hits from Iranian weapons. At the same time, they have a lot to benefit from a region without the past Iranian regime, although there is no guarantee that what will take its place wont be worse. Senior Israeli official tells me that the UAE's MBZ and ABZ are hanging tough rather than pushing the U.S. to give in. Senior U.S. official says, "They're champs." Elliot Kaufman (@ElliotKaufman6) March 1, 2026 RAF Typhoons are now shooting down drones over the Persian Gulf: NEW: A Royal Air Force Typhoon operating out of Qatar as part of the joint UKQatar Typhoon Squadron has shot down an Iranian drone that was heading toward Qatar. pic.twitter.com/4qaTEAVUU6 Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 Out of the numerous videos and stills we have seen from the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is operating in the Arabian Sea, the main munition being carried by the Super Hornets is the AGM-154 JSOW. This is a glide bomb with precision capabilities via an imaging infrared seeker. It gives a degree of standoff range and is relatively stealthy. You can read more about JSOW here. Honest Abe is burning through the JSOWs like crazy. https://t.co/rQMZPBnwAz Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 2:12 PM EST You can read our writeup on the B-2s entering the air war here. In a follow-up to our article about the damaged Iranian frigate that was burning in port, since then the U.S. has sunk all of the three Alvand class frigates docked there and pummeled the naval base. These were among Irans largest and most capable warships. Vantor image taken today showing the base decimated and all the ships destroyed. (Vantor) Vantor image showing one of the frigates on fire from yesterday. (Vantor) Trump also says the U.S. has sunk nine Iranian ships so far and largely destroyed the Iranian Navys headquarters. BREAKING: President Trump says U.S. forces have destroyed and sunk nine Iranian naval ships and largely destroyed Irans naval headquarters. pic.twitter.com/N0SROE5PNr Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 We are seeing increasing messaging from some Arab gulf states that they have just about had it with the constant drone and missile attacks, especially on their population centers, and could get involved militarily. Saudi Arabias de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the first time, has authorized the Royal Saudi Armed Forces to strike back against Iran if necessary, calling attempted attacks by Iran against the east of the country and Riyadh cowardly, and stating that pic.twitter.com/XjUjbZ85mh OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 1, 2026 https://t.co/UvHjydujvl pic.twitter.com/xRdeqJx2Bq MoFA (@mofauae) March 1, 2026 It appears that Iran has struck a munitions storage area at a U.S. base in Erbil, Iraq. Unconfirmed reports claim an Iranian drone strike struck an ammunition warehouse at a U.S. base in Erbil, Iraq. pic.twitter.com/8OOtZ6AYPG WarMonitor (@TheWarMonitor) March 1, 2026 The scenes in the Iraqi Green Zone continue to be troublesome: Heavy clashes between between Iraqi Security Forces and Pro Iran protesters outside the Green Zone. pic.twitter.com/PCfNdUDmn6 Tammuz Intel (@Tammuz_Intel) March 1, 2026 The Royal Air Force is now flying combat patrols over the Persian Gulf to help defend against drone strikes. British Royal Air Force Typhoons officially started flying combat air patrols over the Persian Gulf today, have already shot down multiple Iranian drones headed towards Qatar. pic.twitter.com/hQ7WOiZYjr OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 Israel now says all of Irans core leadership is dead: Its official: All senior terrorist leaders of Irans Axis of Terror have been eliminated. pic.twitter.com/4AnelZxAp7 Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 1, 2026 The IDF has declared aerial superiority over the Iranian capital. The exact rubric that had to be satisfied to make this announcement is unclear and the airspace over parts of the rest of the country remains at least semi-contested. AERIAL SUPERIORITY ACHIEVED OVER TEHRAN: The IAF have been operating over the skies over Tehran, striking and eliminating numerous targets. Targets struck include ballistic missile launchers, headquarters, Iranian air defense systems & command centers of the Iranian pic.twitter.com/Hon021dntz Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 Iranian fighter aircraft are dying on the ground in increasing numbers as direct attacks on targets deeper into Iran speed up: STRUCK: Two F5 and F4 fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff The strike was conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Forces activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense. pic.twitter.com/lEvpyiPI5M Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 The interdiction campaign against Irans ballistic missile threat also continues: - , -30 , . " . pic.twitter.com/U3E1WG6ZMs Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 1, 2026 Netanyahu says operations over Tehran will intensify over the coming days: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures of the oppressive regime. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, set to escalate further in the coming days." pic.twitter.com/ad9ANr5Rm1 Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 1, 2026 There are reports that France is sending its only carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to the crisis: BREAKING: The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its carrier strike group leave the Baltic Sea and set sails for the Eastern Mediterranean to counter Iranian threats against the region. pic.twitter.com/ki3Q4d5DyA Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) March 1, 2026 Here are some additional images of sites struck, mainly around Konarak, near where the ships were sunk, courtesy of Vantor: UPDATE: 11:06 AM EST U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the first U.S. casualties of the conflict. Three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to an official statement. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing. The statement does not say where these casualties occurred. CENTCOM Update TAMPA, Fla. As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 CENTCOM has also confirmed that Iran targeted the U.S. Navys supercarrier USS Abraham Lincoln, but says that the missiles didnt even come close to the ship. Irans IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE. The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didnt even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOMs relentless campaign to defend the American people by pic.twitter.com/AjaeHMemtA U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 Reports are now emerging about U.S. Air Force B-2s having struck targets in Iran sometime overnight. Flight trackers and others had already been pointing to growing signs that a flight of the bombers had flown sorties in support of Operation Epic Fury. U.S. Used Stealth B-2 Bombers in Operation Epic Fury https://t.co/hsj65ooskc @shelbyholliday Dave Brown (@dave_brown24) March 1, 2026 The B-2s are on their way back to Whiteman AFB as PETRO41 flight. They checked in earlier this morning with SEVILLE CONTROL over the Straight of Gibraltar just like Op Midnight Hammer. I love how the Spanish controller says to them, Adios pic.twitter.com/IuiTAxkrf5 Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) March 1, 2026 #OperationEpicFury #FreeIran "OPERATION EPIC FURY" BOMBER MISSION At last, I can confirm that overnight a flight of 4 B-2A "Spirit" bombers flew non-stop from the United States to Iran to attack targets belonging to the regime. I am releasing this information now as the bombers pic.twitter.com/5mmiU4QXl4 DefenceGeek (@DefenceGeek) March 1, 2026 Fox News is also reporting that the bombers dropped 2,000 bombs rather than the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker busters employed during Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran last year. TWZ has previously noted that B-2s were likely to make an appearance in Operation Epic Fury last night, but also highlighted that the bombers could bring immense conventional firepower to bear even without carrying MOPs. NEW: 4 B2 bombers flew round trip from the US- dropped dozens of 2000 lb bombs on underground ballistic missile sites in Iran: US defense official tells me. Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) March 1, 2026 B-2s will likely show up tonight, making direct attacks on key targets in a way no other platform can. Yes this could include MOPs, but also lots of JDAMs against less fortified targets. They can achieve massive effects in a single sortie. One B-2 can carry 80 500lb JDAMs. Entire pic.twitter.com/d0ztfmHYVN Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) February 28, 2026 NPR has obtained satellite imagery from Planet Labs that looks to show no damage to an AN/FPS-132 early warning radar in Qatar that Iran reportedly targeted yesterday. The IDF is now saying that it destroyed the General Staff headquarters of Irans Internal Security Forces, as well as the command center responsible for coordinating the defense of Tehran. IDF: We destroyed the General Staff headquarters of Irans Internal Security Forces. pic.twitter.com/N54PLUect1 Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 IDF: The Tharallah headquarters, which served as the command responsible for defending Tehran against military threats, was destroyed. pic.twitter.com/fwjO3N67Yn Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 We have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures from the oppressive regime, and our forces are now hitting the heart of Tehran with growing intensity, a campaign that will only ramp up in the coming days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said in a new video statement. Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking from the roof of the Kirya in Tel Aviv, said that we have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures from the oppressive regime, and our forces are now hitting the heart of Tehran with growing intensity, a campaign that will pic.twitter.com/jea6COl1tx Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump has told CNBC that operations against Iran are currently proceeding ahead of schedule. TRUMP TELLS CNBC THAT IRAN MILITARY OPERATIONS ARE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) March 1, 2026 An image is circulating online that is said to show an Iranian attack on an oil platform off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Reports coming in that Iranian fire has hit an Emirati offshore oil platform in the Gulf. Would be a direct attack on the Gulf's energy infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/0PUeEAHQ58 Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) March 1, 2026 Multiple outlets have also now reported that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency provided key intelligence that enabled Israels strike on Supreme Leader Khameneis compound. Confirmed: CIA provided the intelligence to the Israelis for the strike on Khamenei compound first reported by @NYT @julianbarnes https://t.co/a3GdESEBAf Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 9:50 AM EST U.S. Central Command has now issued a formal statement regarding the targeting of what it calls an Iranian Jamaran class corvette. This is how the U.S. military refers to Irans Moudge class warships, which are also often described as frigates. Satellite imagery provider by Vantor had initially assessed the ship that was struck to be an Alvand class warship, from which the Moudge class is derived. You can read more about this in TWZs previous reporting here. An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. As the President said, members of Irans armed forces, IRGC and police must lay down your pic.twitter.com/NzsR3dI2Hs U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 Imagery circulating points to Iranian attacks in the vicinity of Frances naval base in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Possible Shahed hit at the Abu Dhabi port. This hit appears to be in the French Naval Base. 24.5204, 54.39601@GeoConfirmed https://t.co/vxhujUcvGR pic.twitter.com/mB8bwmqbjV COUPSURE (@COUPSURE) March 1, 2026 The original video showing the hit was deleted, reposting here: https://t.co/SkZXS7oegF COUPSURE (@COUPSURE) March 1, 2026 There are reports that another ship has been struck, this time off the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf side of the Strait of Hormuz. The crew of the vessel was reportedly able to extinguish the resulting fire and are continuing their voyage. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has told Al Jazeera that the countrys Assembly of Experts could elect a new Supreme Leader to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the next few days. A U.S. official has also told that outlet that it is still unclear how Khameneis death may impact Irans actions going forward. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi: Maybe in one or two days, the Assembly of Experts will elect a new leader for the country. pic.twitter.com/6PU0fJrK86 Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 U.S. official to Al Jazeera: It is not yet clear how Khameneis death will affect Irans military capabilities or its response. Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 My message to the remaining officials of this republic of terror is this: surrender to the Iranian nation. Declare your loyalty to my plan and our transition framework, and hand over power without further bloodshed, Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and now an opposition figure to the regime in Tehran living in exile, has written in a post on X. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to failure in advance. Whoever they place in his position will not only lack legitimacy, but will also be a partner in the crimes of this regime. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces, I say: your weapons must be used to defend the great nation of Iran, not the republic of crime, thuggery, and its anti-Iranian criminals. Join the people of Iran and the Lion and Sun Revolution, he added. Use your arms to protect Iranians against the mercenaries of the Islamic Republic so that this 47-year nightmare may end more swiftly. My compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the Zahhak of our time the demon who, only weeks ago, issued the order for the massacre of tens of thousands of Irans finest sons and daughters is gone. With his disgraceful death, and that of many of his appointees and affiliates, the Islamic https://t.co/dFxweIJIjF pic.twitter.com/IzGDbIs6Jt Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) March 1, 2026 Pakistani authorities have confirmed the violent clashes around the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, sparked by the war on Iran, have left several dead and dozens wounded. Locals protesting stikes on Iran have stormed the entrance area of the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/fiqSoRRpPt OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 Reports that security forces opened fire on the protestors pic.twitter.com/dZlZ20PxvB OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 The ongoing conflict continues to cause major disruptions in general air traffic through the region, with the airspace over multiple countries restricted or closed entirely. Updated list of airspace closures and current NOTAM expiration times. Extension of these NOTAMs is probable. https://t.co/AU0KOdzprt pic.twitter.com/rFU7SlSRwv Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 8:44 AM EST U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released additional imagery of ongoing activities as part of Operation Epic Fury: First 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury: The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander pic.twitter.com/McrC7xeM0A U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 The IDF has released a video showing Iranian F-4 and F-5 combat jets being targeted on the ground in Tabriz. STRUCK: Two F5 and F4 fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff The strike was conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Forces activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense. pic.twitter.com/lEvpyiPI5M Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 For the first time in Operation Roaring Lion, air force aircraft are operating in stand-in over the skies of Tehran in a powerful strike against regime and repression targets, Defense Minister Israel Katz has said. There will be continuous powerful strikes on targets in the Iranian capital, he added. The IDF has also released a new video outlining the phases of its operation, which it says has now given it total air superiority over Tehran. Defense Minister Israel Katz says the Israeli Air Force is striking Tehran with "stand-in" munitions, meaning those dropped directly over their targets. "For the first time in Operation Roaring Lion, air force aircraft are operating in 'stand-in' over the skies of Tehran in a Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 The video outlines the phases of the operation: targeting air defense systems and missile launchers in western Iran, then paving the way toward Tehran and establishing aerial superiority over the capital. pic.twitter.com/STDYyyZvG3 LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) March 1, 2026 WATCH: For the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, the IAF is striking targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past day, the IAF conducted large-scale strikes to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to pic.twitter.com/DN2MkGCfWc Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 Sound of fighters and several explosions heard in Tehran just now. https://t.co/b7orE2saii pic.twitter.com/6M0dBMdGvF Iran Nuances (@IranNuances) March 1, 2026 The IDF says its strikes have killed the Chief of Staff of Irans armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi, as well as dozens of other senior officials. ELIMINATED: Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces. Additionally, the IDF struck & eliminated 7 members of the top Iranian security leadership in Tehran and 40 senior commanders. pic.twitter.com/0a4wf3dk9N Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 The IDF is also continuing to target Iranian ballistic missiles, as well as air defenses and drone capabilities. Israeli authorities assess that Iran still has approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles of all types, which constitutes an existential threat, according to The Times of Israel. The IDF publishes a new batch of footage showing strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers, air defenses, and drones pic.twitter.com/dUNmmbapXS Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 The Israeli military assesses that Iran currently possesses some 2,500 ballistic missiles. Ahead of June 2025's war, the IDF said it identified efforts by Iran to significantly accelerate the production rate of ballistic missiles and increase its stockpile from around 3,000 to Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 IDF jets have already dropped more than 1,200 munitions on targets in Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Katz has also said strikes on Iran will continue for as long as necessary and until the objectives are achieved. Israeli Air Force fighter jets dropped over 1,200 munitions during strikes in Iran over the past day, the military says. pic.twitter.com/jSnZNwJK6u Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 Defense Minister Israel Katz says the strikes on Iran "will continue for as long as necessary" and will not stop "before the objectives are achieved." "The elimination of Khamenei is a turning point. We all hope that the activity will also lead to the outcome we want, that the pic.twitter.com/yei2lnwqUz Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 Iranian missiles have struck Beit Shemesh in Israel, causing casualties. The Iranian Regime directly fired missiles toward the civilian neighborhood of Beit Shemesh, killing innocent civilians. The Iranian regime purposely targets civilian targets while we precisely target terror targets. This is who were operating againsta regime who uses pic.twitter.com/9W8Fp4T2tH Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 , 18 , . " , pic.twitter.com/wcAQ2plSla (@IL_police) March 1, 2026 Footage shows the aftermath of the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beit Shemesh which killed at least six and wounded over 20. The video shows that the missile caused extensive damage to a bomb shelter. The Home Front Command is set to investigate the circumstances of the pic.twitter.com/bVj7QIvodO Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 Some 20 people were injured, including four in serious and critical conditions, by the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beit Shemesh, medics say. The Magen David Adom ambulance service says it is taking 17 victims to hospitals, including two in serious condition, one person pic.twitter.com/Vzz6yxhFgw Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 Video showing the moment Beit Shemesh was hit. pic.twitter.com/XhdTm4AFhD Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 Skylight, a small Palau-flagged oil tanker, has reportedly been struck in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in injuries to members of its 20-person crew (said to include 15 Indian and 5 Iranian nationals). This tanker has been under U.S. sanctions for links to Irans Ministry of Defense since December. There are no indications that it was attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, but the exact circumstances surrounding the attack are unclear. SKYLIGHT (9330020) wasn't passing through the Strait of Hormuz. She's been anchored in the Musandam governorate of Oman (north of UAE at 26.288021, 56.266388) since 2026-02-22. This small 11K DWT tanker, mostly used for fueling other tankers, has been blacklisted by the US since https://t.co/pDLmmXVnwO TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: Note this small oil tanker is known as part of the Iranian oil refined products smuggling operation, and was put under US sanctions in December (US Treasury linked it to the Iranian Ministry of Defense). So the reported "hit" may not be what it looks at first glance. https://t.co/JB0SbpVLUl Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) March 1, 2026 (SKYLIGHT) () () () () () . pic.twitter.com/LD9s94LEVR | MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE (@OMAN_MSC) March 1, 2026 At least three people were killed and dozens wounded in another round of Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to that countrys Ministry of Defense. UAE authorities have previously said that some injuries sustained as a result of Iranian attacks have come from falling debris as a result of interceptions of incoming threats. NEW: UAE Ministry of Defense says 3 people were killed and 58 suffered minor injuries in the Iranian attack, including Emirati citizens and several foreign nationals. Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 An apartment was damaged in the Town Square residential complex in Dubai Faytuks Network Geolocation: 25.00388, 55.29317@zarGEOINT pic.twitter.com/QcRothexnm Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 Photo from Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. pic.twitter.com/ohZCocBHw8 Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 WATCH: Videos sent to us from Al Warqa, Dubai, shows interceptions in the sky pic.twitter.com/VUSakqab1N Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 Authorities confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, resulting in two injuries. The injured have received the necessary medical care. Authorities also clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were the Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 1, 2026 The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UAE air force and air defence forces have so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack, according to an official statement. The ministry said that on the morning of the second day of the attack, UAE air force and air defence forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, while eight missiles fell into the sea. They also destroyed two cruise missiles and 311 drones. However, 21 drones struck civilian targets. The ministry affirmed the capability of the UAE air force and air defence to address various threats. The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UAE air force and air defence forces have so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack. The ministry said that on the morning of the second day of the pic.twitter.com/rj8e5iXrQ5 |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 1, 2026 Kuwaiti authorities now say they intercepted 97 and 283 drones launched from Iran. The Kuwaiti Army says its air defenses have intercepted 97 Iranian missiles and 283 drones since the start of what it describes as Iranian aggression. Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026 British authorities say Iran has fired missiles in the direction of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. U.K. Defense Minister John Healey says he does not believe the launches were directly aimed at British forces on the island, but that it shows how indiscriminate Irans retaliatory attacks have been. Authorities in Cyprus have pushed back on this, saying there are no indications the country was ever under threat. BREAKING: Britain reveals: Iran launched two missiles at Cyprus British Defense Secretary: Two missiles launched from Iran were fired towards Cyprus, where the kingdom maintains strategic military bases. He clarified that London believes the missiles were not aimed directly at Iris (@streetwize) March 1, 2026 Statement by the Government Spokesperson @SpokespersonCY @letymbiotis In relation to statements and media reports referring to the launch of missiles towards the direction of Cyprus, it is clarified that this is not the case and there is no indication whatsoever that the pic.twitter.com/4ylQKyWsRf (@CYpresidency) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 3:44AM EST Israel is pounding a number of targets in Tehran with heavy munitions. The strikes appear to be focused on regime targets. The IDF also says the strikes are aimed at securing air superiority and creating a clear route to Tehran. This is likely in reference to manned fighters getting the ability to make direct attacks en masse with minimal risk. This would open up the skies to larger scale bombardment of the capital by relying less on standoff munitions. Heavy Israeli Air Force airstrikes ongoing in Irans capital, Tehran right now. pic.twitter.com/BvAGnTgkF4 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 The Israeli Air Force is carrying out an extensive wave of airstrikes against "targets of the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran," the military says. The military says the IAF carried out extensive strikes in the past day "to establish air superiority and open the way Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026 Israel has started a new large-scale series of strikes on Tehran Columns of smoke are rising over the capital of Iran. pic.twitter.com/ePCbYa1gHR NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 1, 2026 Iran has hit Oman for the first time in the conflict, striking the port of Duqm on the Arabian Sea, facing the Indian Ocean. Apparently, long-range kamikaze drones were used. This is something of a surprise as Oman has provided diplomatic facilitation between the U.S. and Iran. Iran has struck Oman for the first time, with at least two Iranian attack drones hitting the port of Duqm, wounding one worker. Oman had been acting as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. pic.twitter.com/2PhNHkjgJ7 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 40 buildings have been damaged by Iranian strikes in Tel Aviv. The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality reports that 40 buildings were damaged by the Iranian missile strike overnight, and more than 200 residents have been evacuated to hotels. pic.twitter.com/5M4xE5qqAE Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 At least six people were killed in the violent protest at the U.S. consulate in Pakistan that we previously mentioned. Police say at least 6 people have been killed in clashes as hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan following the killing of Iran's supreme leader. https://t.co/ghGtH9K8Dv The Associated Press (@AP) March 1, 2026 Irans internet outage continues, which has limited visibility into the country to some degree during the crisis. Update: #Iran's internet blackout has now passed the 24-hour mark with national connectivity flatlining at 1% of ordinary levels. The measure limits civic engagement at a key moment for the country's future after the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in US and Israeli airstrikes. pic.twitter.com/W4jDgds1Ty NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 2AM EST An Iranian National Security Council member says a temporary leadership council will be established today. Another official said there were plans in place for exactly this scenario. The power vacuum that exists in the country is clearly one of the key pressure points the U.S. and Israel would hope to exploit, although what comes next could end up with a negative outcome. Trump has stated that he has an idea of who will take over in Iran that will be a positive for the U.S., but he did not elaborate. Iranian National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani: The temporary Leadership Council will be formed today. Preparations for establishing the Leadership Council have been completed. pic.twitter.com/jOxCFeSoYg Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: We have prepared ourselves for all scenarios, and plans have even been made for after the martyrdom of Imam Khamenei. You will see that with the formation of a Leadership Council, authority will take shape among the people Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 1:20AM EST President Trump has just posted that the threat from the IRGC that it will be executing an unprecedented reprisal operation will be met with an even larger amount of force. BREAKING: IRGC announces attacks on 27 US bases in the Middle East LIVE updates: https://t.co/nnwzWlRtDhpic.twitter.com/ysjEHhuVrB Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 1, 2026 Trump on Truth Social: Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) March 1, 2026 President Trump just posted a new threat targeting Iran: "WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" pic.twitter.com/ZJol0SmVg3 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 It is clear that Irans playbook is to target civilian areas as well as U.S.-related military areas in Arab gulf states. Doing so puts pressure on the governments that the U.S. is clearly trying to assuage. At the same time, some of these areas are less defended than those near U.S. installations, which makes scoring hits more probable. How long defenses in these areas can hold out is an increasingly important question. Video: Aftermath of a new Iranian attack on U.S. interests in the city of Doha in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/E3y6JtCEHU Evan Kohlmann (@IntelTweet) March 1, 2026 DIRECT HIT REPORTED IN DOHA, QATAR pic.twitter.com/cxgEABgZeV Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 1, 2026 An Iranian missile hit Dubai International Airport this morning, with smoke seen rising near the north end of the airfield. pic.twitter.com/keBhRAsuAf OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 Dubai is burning now .Iran please forgive them now .It's enough our sons and daughters are in dubai pic.twitter.com/xm7cWFus2H Hon. Peter Salasya (@pksalasya) February 28, 2026 After a night of many celebrating the death of the Supreme Leader, there are now demonstrations in Iran vowing revenge. Iranians are calling for revenge after Khamenei's killing. pic.twitter.com/7aGgCw4aNY Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 We are also beginning to see activity emerge at U.S. embassies and consulates, such as in Pakistan: Locals protesting stikes on Iran have stormed the entrance area of the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/fiqSoRRpPt OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 UPDATE: 1AM EST The IDF says it has struck more than 30 new targets in Iran as part of continuing operations, including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centers. ONGOING STRIKE: 30+ targets so far, in western and central Iran, including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centers. The IDF will continue to degrade the Iranian terror regimes capabilities until they can no longer threaten our pic.twitter.com/hygz4sgUlM Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 A video U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released earlier today looks to show a strike targeting some of Irans Russian-made MiG-29 fighters. The full video shows U.S. forces striking drones, air defense sites, shore defense radar installations, and more. -4 Iranian MiG-29 fighter jets pic.twitter.com/ANIIozkTbE (@TheDeadDistrict) March 1, 2026 As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow. pic.twitter.com/B0k5gV4YnU U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026 CENTCOM has also now released a video indicating the employment of ground-launched Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) short-range ballistic missiles as part of ongoing strikes on Iran. The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed. pic.twitter.com/nNDoDexH6g U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 CENTCOM has also denied various claims that had been circulating earlier in the day, including about U.S. casualties, an attack on a U.S. naval vessel, and the severity of damage to U.S. facilities in the region. The Iranian regime claims to have killed 50 U.S. service members. LIE. There have been no reported U.S. casualties. The IRGC claims that a U.S. Navy ship was struck by missiles. LIE. No U.S. Navy ship has been struck. The Armada is fully operational. The Iranian pic.twitter.com/qGsZ45EmzD U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026 The IDF says that there have been at least 20 waves of Iranian missiles in the past 24 hours. The IDF has also assessed that Iran has launched at least 150 ballistic missiles at Israel since the start of the new conflict, according to The Times of Israel. This would be just slightly less than the number of missiles the Iranians fired at Israeli targets on the first night of the 12 Day War. Experts have also highlighted a notable difference in the size and coordination of individual Iranian barrages in the current conflict. While clearly, Irans command and control is disrupted, this could also be attributed, at least partially, to different tactics and decentralizing the command and control process in preparation for major disruptions that this conflict would bring. For the 20th time in the last 24 hours, millions of Israelis run to shelter across Israel under Iranian missile fire Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026 First night of 2025 war, five barrages in 7 hours, ~180 missiles. Meant to overwhelm defences. Today was scattered over many more salvos pic.twitter.com/3altHjSBzy avi scharf (@avischarf) February 28, 2026 That MIGHT be a function of changes the IRGC made to its command structure post 12 Day War to prevent the paralysis that seemed to grip them at the time. Decker Eveleth (@dex_eve) February 28, 2026 So far that campaign seems to be having the precise opposite effect, but that may change if this really does last weeks. Decker Eveleth (@dex_eve) February 28, 2026 Imagery has emerged showing the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain being subjected to additional Iranian attacks. Civilian sites in Bahrain also continue to be hit. Authorities in Bahrain say they have intercepted at least 45 missiles and nine drones launched from Iran. The U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain is coming under Iranian attack. Missile impact reported. pic.twitter.com/q6OkEwHoXP Defence Index (@Defence_Index) March 1, 2026 An Iranian drone/missile just directly hit the Crowne Plaza Manama, a 5-star hotel complex in Bahrain. pic.twitter.com/hfAn3aYIep OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 General Command of Bahrain Defence Force: Successful interception of 45 Iranian missiles and 9 droneshttps://t.co/W6xiKkIfO1 Bahrain News Agency (@bna_en) February 28, 2026 Satellite imagery circulating online, attributed to Chinese firm MizarVision, shows plumes of black smoke rising from at least two separate locations at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. At least one of these areas appears to be a fuel storage facility. TWZ has not yet been able to independently confirm any damage to the base. High-resolution Chinese satellite imagery shows that Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait was attacked by Iran, with thick smoke rising. pic.twitter.com/XpvxCOPcBm NoctuMind (@noctu_mind) March 1, 2026 The video below is said to show Patriot surface-to-air missiles being fired at Iranian missiles targeting Qatars Al Udeid Air Base. Another footage of interceptors launched from Patriot air defence batteries defending Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base against Iranian missiles. One interceptor missile appears to have failed. pic.twitter.com/tCWwlawaaT Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026 The port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the target of another Iranian strike. Iran has carried out a strike on Jebel Ali Port, the UAEs main port. pic.twitter.com/l3LYPpjbfk Defence Index (@Defence_Index) February 28, 2026 Fire continues to burn at the Jebel Ali port in Dubai after shrapnel from an interception set parts of the site on fire. pic.twitter.com/qqTJEdTSzl Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) March 1, 2026 Iranian-backed militants in Iraq have claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport in Erbil, the capital of that countrys northern autonomous Kurdish region. Pro-Iran protesters have also reportedly been trying to force their way to the U.S. Embassy inside the Green Zone in Baghdad. Image: Alleged aftermath of a Saraya Awliya al-Dam drone attack targeting an airport facility in Erbil, Iraq. pic.twitter.com/UpWUj1iWjn Evan Kohlmann (@IntelTweet) March 1, 2026 Chaos in Baghdad this morning as pro-Iran regime protestors attempted to breach the Green Zone, reportedly trying to get to the U.S. embassy. pic.twitter.com/OpZPZUL3Oq OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 The U.S. Airbase at Erbil International Airport in Iraq is burning this morning after an Iranian drone/missile attack. pic.twitter.com/lUGFbg8r0X OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 The [UAEs] Ministry of Defense announced that the Air Force and Air Defense forces of the United Arab Emirates have succeeded, since the start of the Iranian attack, in intercepting and destroying 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched toward the countrys territories, confirming the high readiness of air defense systems and their capability to handle various threats, according to a machine translation of official statement. The Ministry clarified that since the start of the attack, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles were detected and launched toward the country, with 132 of them destroyed, while 5 fell into the sea. Additionally, 209 Iranian drones were detected, 195 of which were intercepted, while 14 fell within the countrys territories and waters, causing some collateral damage. 137 209 137 209 pic.twitter.com/93XmWy7AgE |MOD UAE (@modgovae) February 28, 2026 Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has put out a statement about monitoring for potential threats to the homeland. The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly concerned about the potential for cyberattacks from Iranian-aligned actors, according to CBS News. As the Iran conflict continues to unfold, @ODNIGovs National Counterterrorism Center is engaged and operating at full capacity, 24/7. We are tracking developments in real time, assessing any potential risks to the homeland, identifying emerging threats, and providing timely, NCTC Director Joe Kent (@NCTCKent) February 28, 2026 DHS says in notice it is "most concerned" in the short-term about cyberattacks from "Iran-aligned hacktivists" on U.S. digital infrastructure. CBS Apex (@Apex_WW) March 1, 2026 Questions remain about the real state of progress in Omani-mediated talks between the United States and Iran over the latters nuclear program in the weeks leading up to the conflict. They took as suspicious proposals that Iran saw as concessionary. Laura Rozen (@lrozen) February 28, 2026 Am not saying what Iran proposed would have been enough, I dont know, but it seems US negotiators did not have the expert guidance to understand it correctly Laura Rozen (@lrozen) February 28, 2026 Contact the author: joe@twz.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After a strike against Iran was carried out by Israel and the United States on Saturday, demonstrations were held in Portland with some groups in opposition to the military action and others in support of it. The strike in Iran reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Democrats decried that President Donald Trump had taken action without congressional authorization. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the administration had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore), who held a town hall in Southwest Portland on Saturday, said he was not briefed by the Trump administration prior to the Iran strike. He joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and other lawmakers from Oregon and Washington in urging Congress to hold a vote on the War Powers Resolution to rein in the Presidents actions. Trump defended the military action, claiming Iran is continuing to develop nuclear weapons and develop missiles that can reach the U.S. Jason Ohmann with Portland for Palestine. Ferbuary 28, 2026 (KOIN). The protest group Portland for Palestine held a demonstration at Pioneer Courthouse Square at 3 p.m. on Saturday, with dozens of people backing the rally cry, No War With Iran and U.S. out of the Middle East! Were here to elevate our participation to the point where we can let them know that this is not acceptable, to not only just to us as an organization, but to the American people at large, said Jason Ohmann with Portland for Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement According to Iran state media, the strike on Iran resulted in 200 people killed and more than 700 injured, the Associated Press reported. The demonstrators against the Trump administration are bringing awareness to those deaths. If thats the way to attain freedom, then thats not something I want, Ohmann said. KOIN 6 News also spoke with a supporter of the U.S.s decision to strike. The woman from Iran said its the best day of her life. We are hoping for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, a democracy that weve been waiting for for so long, that Iran has been fighting for and craving for, for over 47 years since the Islamic revolution occupying my country, said Jasmine Farhand with Iranian-Americans of Portland. Jasmine Farhand with Iranian-Americans of Portland. February 28, 2026 (KOIN). Citizens of Iran have been protesting their countrys regime for two months in protests around the world, including when dozens gathered in Portland on a global day of action on Feb. 14 that was also held at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Advertisement Advertisement Farhand and others from Iran said thousands have been killed by the regime in recent months. We have the freedom to go back and visit and not be afraid anymore. And feel the freedom. I have been wanting this for my people for so long. I wanted them to have the freedom that me and my family do have here in the U.S., Farhand said. Israel said the strikes had targeted three locations in Tehran where intelligence had indicated that top Iranian officials were gathered. The U.S. said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region, and exchanges of fire continued into the night. The U.S. military reported no U.S. casualties and minimal damage at U.S. bases despite hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. However, Trump later said, We may have casualties. Advertisement Advertisement As the attack on Iran unfolded, President Trump urged the Iranian public to seize control of your destiny by rising up against the Islamic leadership. It is the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the Islamic Republic during talks over its nuclear program. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. British troops and civilians in the Middle East are being put at risk from "indiscriminate attacks" by Iran, the defence secretary has said, adding that protecting them is his priority. John Healey told the BBC "no-one will mourn" Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. The UK did not participate in the strikes and the defence secretary said it was for the US to set out the legal basis for its actions. Advertisement Advertisement He said since the strikes had begun, British military personnel in Bahrain had been "within several hundred yards" of a retaliatory missile and drone strike on Saturday, while two missiles had been fired in the direction of Cyprus. Healey was asked repeatedly on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg if the UK backed the US-Israeli strikes on Iran or thought they were legal. He said while the UK had not taken part in the strikes, "we share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon". He would not be drawn on whether the UK would be involved in further strikes but said it was attempting to prevent further regional escalation. He also said the UK was reviewing its terror threat level. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, an RAF Typhoon jet operating out of Qatar shot down an Iranian drone in a "defensive air patrol", the Ministry of Defence said. This is the first time a UK fighter has brought down an Iranian drone since the US and Iran strikes began. Earlier, a UK counter-drone unit in Iraq took down an Iranian drone that was heading towards a Coalition base housing UK service personnel. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had already confirmed British planes are patrolling in the Middle East as part of a defensive operation to "protect our people, our interests and our allies." The UK, France and Germany, in a joint statement on Sunday evening, accused Iran of carrying out "indiscriminate and disproportionate" strikes. Advertisement Advertisement "We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source," they said, adding they have agreed to work with the US and others "on this matter". The BBC understands UK government officials are also formulating plans to potentially evacuate British nationals from the Middle East, although it is unlikely to be imminent because of airspace closures across the region. Since Saturday, Iran has launched waves of missile and drone attacks against targets across Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq. Healey told the BBC: "In that Bahrain military base that was hit by missiles and drones yesterday, we had 300 British personnel, some within several hundred yards of the strike." Advertisement Advertisement He said two ballistic missiles were separately fired towards Cyprus although he was "pretty sure" it was not being targeted. The minister said these attacks demonstrated how British military personnel and civilians were "at risk with a regime that is increasingly indiscriminate, widespread and uncontrolled in the attacks it is mounting". A Cypriot government spokesman later said Sir Keir had "clearly confirmed that Cyprus was not a target" during a telephone call with the country's president Nikos Christodoulides. Dame Priti Patel said she supports the US and Israeli air strikes on Iran [BBC] On the UK's response to the US-Israeli strikes, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel told the BBC she found it "absolutely astonishing" Sir Keir had not been more proactive in giving support. Advertisement Advertisement She said the moral basis for the attacks on Iran was "absolutely right" and the UK should ensure there were no threats to British citizens. Dame Priti offered to help fast track any legislation to take action against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wrote on X that the UK should follow the European Union in designating the IRGC a terrorist organisation. Green Party leader Zack Polanski told the BBC he believed an "illegal and unprovoked attack" had taken place against Iran and questioned why UK ministers would not condemn it. "I'm worried the UK is going to be pulled into another illegal war," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Sir Keir should speak to Trump and ask the president to outline a "serious plan to protect civilians and support a transition to democracy" in Iran. The Foreign Office has advised against "all but essential travel" to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. It said British nationals already there should shelter in place and register their presence with the department. The advice comes as airlines continue to cancel and divert flights serving the region. Some 76,000 British nationals in the Middle East have signed up to the "register your presence" scheme, which ensures people receive direct updates from the Foreign Office. Advertisement Advertisement Most of them are understood to be holidaymakers in the UAE or those in transit at the UAE's major hub airports. A Downing Street spokesperson said Sir Keir had expressed the UK's "solidarity in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation" and discussed the safety of civilians during calls with the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the King of Jordan on Sunday. Key developments on Feb. 28-March 1: Ukraine hits Russia' S-300 air defense radars in series of strikes, shows footage 'Ukrainians made it through,' Zelensky says on toughest winter of Russia's invasion Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov says 'Freedom to the Iranian people' Kyiv voices support for US-led strikes on Iran Ukrainian forces struck radar stations of an S-300 air defense system and an S-300V4 complex in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk Oblast overnight on March 1, among other military targets, Ukraine's General Staff said. Advertisement Advertisement That same night, Ukraine struck a Russian ammunition depot and a troop position in Donetsk Oblast. In the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian strikes targeted a fuel and lubricants depot, a military repair facility, and Russian troop positions, the report read. Kyiv routinely strikes Russian military facilities, as well as oil infrastructure and other industrial targets that help Russia finance its war and supply the Russian army with weapons, fuel, and equipment. The Ukrainian military released footage that appears to show a drone hitting a Russian radar system. The General Staff did not specify whether Ukrainian forces deployed other weaponry apart from drones in the attacks. The General Staff did not specify whether Ukrainian forces deployed other weaponry apart from drones in the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement 0:00 / 1 The General Staff also confirmed that drone control centers were destroyed on Feb. 28 in Russia's Belgorod Oblast and in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk Oblast. Separately, Ukrainian forces struck Russian troops and a drone control center in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The scale of Russian military losses and the full extent of the damage are still being assessed, the General Staff said. Read also: The day Russia didnt show up for Iran 'Ukrainians made it through,' Zelensky says on toughest winter of Russia's invasion President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 1 that during the final week of winter, Russia launched over 1,720 attack drones, nearly 1,300 guided aerial bombs, and more than 100 missiles of various types against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement "But despite everything, Ukrainians made it through this difficult winter, when Russia did not even try to seek justification for its bestial strikes on civilian critical infrastructure," Zelensky said on X. The winter of 2025-2026 has been described as Ukraine's toughest yet, as heavy Russian strikes on the energy system, combined with severe frosts, have pushed the country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis. Over the three-month winter period, Russia launched more than 14,670 guided aerial bombs, 738 missiles, and nearly 19,000 attack drones, most of them Shahed-type models, according to Zelensky. The president added that the same Iranian-designed drones are currently being used by Tehran against countries in the Middle East, amid a fresh conflict that broke out following Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement "Evil must be confronted in every part of the world," Zelensky said. "When the United States and other partners show enough determination, even the bloodiest dictators ultimately pay for their crimes." A wave of massive Russian strikes in January and February, when daytime temperatures plunged to -20C (4F), pushed Ukraine's energy system to the brink. Widespread destruction and repeated attacks that hindered repairs forced many regions to shift from scheduled power cuts to emergency outages, some lasting more than eight hours at a stretch. Russia carried out its most severe strike yet on substations linked to Ukraine's nuclear power plants on Feb. 7, cutting electricity output from the country's nuclear fleet by roughly 50%, according to Vitaliy Zaichenko, CEO of state grid operator Ukrenergo. Advertisement Advertisement The assaults on energy systems are part of a broader campaign: last year, Russia launched 229 attacks on Naftogaz, Ukraine's state oil and gas company more than in the previous three years combined, the company said in a Feb. 17 press release. Read also: I betrayed my country the Ukrainian prison where women collaborators wait for Russia Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov says Russia would accept U.S.-backed security guarantees for Ukraine, the head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Feb. 28. Speaking to reporters during the national Yedyni Novyny (United News) telethon, Budanov said Moscow had previously indicated its willingness to accept guarantees offered by Washington. Advertisement Advertisement "At past negotiations, the Russian side directly said that they would accept the security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the U.S.," Budanov said. He added that Russia understands it may be "forced" to accept such guarantees. Budanov's remarks came days after U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva on Feb. 26 as part of ongoing efforts to broker peace with Moscow. Russia did not participate in the talks. The delegations reportedly discussed Ukraine's postwar recovery needs and plans for a subsequent round of negotiations that would include Russia. As diplomatic efforts continue, Kyiv has maintained that strong, binding security guarantees from its partners particularly the United States are essential to any peace deal and to deterring a future Russian invasion. Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear what form those guarantees would take. Moscow has previously rejected proposals tied to Ukraine's security, including NATO membership or the deployment of European peacekeepers on Ukrainian territory both seen as the strongest deterrents for future attacks. Russia has also sought security guarantees of its own. Budanov said he sees "progress" on the question of security guarantees, suggesting the Kremlin may be more open to the concept than it has publicly indicated. 'Freedom to the Iranian people' Kyiv voices support for US-led strikes on Iran Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country's support for US-led strikes against Iran, saying on Feb. 28 that "the regime in Tehran had every opportunity to prevent a violent scenario." The U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran in the early hours of Feb. 28, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling for regime change in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Since the initial attack, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against neighboring countries in the region which house U.S. military bases. Leading up to the attack, Zelensky publicly supported the idea of attacks against the Iranian regime, although he stressed that diplomatic talks were the best way forward. "The reason for the current events is precisely the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular the murders and repressions against peaceful protesters, which have become particularly large-scale in recent months," the Foreign Ministry said in its Feb. 28 statement. The ministry made a distinction between the Iranian regime and the Iranian people, declaring that the Ukrainian government stands by "the Iranian people and their legitimate desire to live in security, freedom and prosperity." Advertisement Advertisement "We wish security, prosperity, and freedom to the Iranian people, as well as stability and prosperity to the Middle East," the statement from the Foreign Minisitry reads. In its statement, the Foreign Ministry also invoked the Iran-supplied Shahed drones used in thousands of attacks against Ukrainian cities since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, adding that Tehran and Moscow's wartime alliance was "a gross violation of international law." Zelensky, in a statement released on Feb. 28, also pointed out that Russia has used more than 57,000 Shahed-type drones in its attacks against Ukraine since 2022. "It is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran," Zelensky said. However, Zelensky also cautioned against the war expanding into a wider conflict, saying that "it is important to preserve as many lives as possible" and that it is "important" that the U.S. is "acting decisively." Read also: Reporters notebook: What a factory says about Ukraines economy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has welcomed Belgium's seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker and called on other countries to follow its example. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Quote: "We welcome Belgium's strong step, seizing an illegal Russian shadow fleet tanker. Such resolute and justified action is required to deprive Russia of resources to continue its aggression and war crimes against Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Sybiha thanked the Belgian government, the armed forces and security agencies, as well as partners from the G7 and the Nordic and Baltic countries that supported the operation, for their determination and professionalism. Background: As reported earlier, Belgian forces seized an oil tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet. The vessel detained by Belgium has been on the European list of ships whose activities must be restricted since October 2025 on the grounds that they form part of the shadow fleet of oil tankers or contribute to Russia's energy revenues, which Moscow relies on to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ethera is described as a vessel transporting "crude oil or petroleum products or mineral products that originate in Russia or are exported from Russia" and engaging in "irregular and high-risk shipping practices". Among the restrictions imposed is a ban on access to EU ports. On 22 January, France, with the support of the United Kingdom, detained the Grinch off the coast of Spain after inspecting documents that confirmed suspicions the vessel was sailing under a false flag. The tanker is part of Russia's shadow fleet and is subject to EU and UK sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later said his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron had told him about plans to release the tanker due to legal requirements. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! March 1 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that the changes in Iran brought about by U.S. and Israeli strikes should be "used properly" to benefit the country's people who had withstood violence from their authorities. Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Iran's authorities had killed "tens of thousands of people in the last couple of months alone," referring to a crackdown on protests. Iran, he said, had "predetermined the way it is treated" by supplying attack drones to Russia in Moscow's four-year-old conflict in Ukraine and had also "fomented wars in the region." Advertisement Advertisement "It is important that the this chance for changes in Iran be used properly," he said. "The Iranian people were on their own for a long time, enduring violence while standing against the Iranian regime." He repeated his contention, stated on Saturday after the strikes began, that U.S. resolve "brings results." Zelenskiy thanked "everyone who is trying to prevent the spread of war" and said Russia should heed what had happened to Iranian leaders that "justice is finally served in the end." Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Moscow had fired more than 57,000 Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones at Ukraine during the war. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Bogdan KochubeyEditing by Nick Zieminski) Feb. 28GRAND FORKS A campus-wide challenge to bring awareness to the University of North Dakota's Food for Thought Food Pantry brings the university community together to support students, said Kristi Okerlund. Okerlund, the director of student involvement and parent programs, said anything UND can do to support students and help them be successful is "a huge win." Making sure they don't go hungry is one way of doing so. "You can't be academically successful when you're hungry," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Last year was the first Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge, held by the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines to fill the Food for Thought Food Pantry. Out of the 14 teams across the university that participated, 3,594 items were donated and $4,325 was raised in online donations. This year's challenge began Feb. 19 and ends March 5. Maridee Shogren, dean of the college, said there is no particular goal in mind for this year except to exceed the contributions and donations from last year. The number of teams has already been exceeded, with a total of 17. As of Thursday, Feb. 26, the top three teams were Hunger Heroes (representing housing and residence life staff and organizations), Alphabet Soup (representing Chester Fritz Library) and McCANnel Hall (representing McCannel Hall). Hunger Heroes had gathered 448 pantry items, Alphabet Soup had gathered 66 pantry items and $310 in online donations and McCANnel Hall had gathered 355 pantry items. The challenge came out of the college's three-year strategic plan. When creating the current plan, the college wanted to include community outreach and something the college could come together to work toward, Shogren said. "From a mom perspective, it breaks my heart to think that there are students who are hungry," she said. "I know how challenging it can be for somebody to try to study and to learn when they don't have enough food, and the stress and the worry that comes from that. ... I think it is so important that we have that available for students, in a very non-judgmental fashion, that's open to everyone who needs it." Advertisement Advertisement Items Okerlund sees go off the shelves fast include white rice, vegetable oil, toilet paper, laundry soap and others. More unique items the pantry doesn't get often go within an hour, she said. "Word travels quickly when new things arrive," she said. A presentation is also included to coincide with the Pack the Pantry event. The Feeding Futures Presentation, which was held Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Memorial Union, featured presentations by students and faculty regarding food insecurity and its presence at UND. The presentations discussed the barriers to food security, the results of food insecurity on students, what kinds of students see the most food insecurity, raising awareness about food insecurity at UND and what possible solutions exist to lessen food insecurity at UND. Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, an assistant professor of social work, suggested ideas like emergency food stipends, a food endowment fund and universal campus meals. He said students in middle school and high school aren't asked to budget for their own meals because they are encouraged to focus on studying, while college students who are also focused on studying are expected to. "Yes, they're older, yes, they're able to take on more, but in some ways, they're actually sitting in the same type of situation where they've got lower material means, or they're more reliant on others for those material means as they are continuing to try and get their education," he said. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is "deeply concerned" about the bombings in Iran. "There are reports of attacks on schools in Iran, including a girls' school in Minab," the German office of the children's aid organization stated in Cologne on Sunday. "Attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including schools, constitute a violation of international law." At least 108 female pupils were killed in a rocket attack in the south of the country, according to Iranian sources. A girls' primary school in the province of Hormozgan was hit, state-run news agency IRNA reported. Dozens more female pupils were said to have been injured. Advertisement Advertisement These claims cannot be independently verified. UNICEF called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The children's aid organization also appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to exercise the utmost restraint and to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights. This includes, in particular, the protection of the civilian population and the services on which children rely for survival. The US fired Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its strikes on Iran on Saturday. Tomahawks have been used heavily in recent conflicts, raising concerns about stockpile strains. The missiles would be crucial in a conflict with an adversary like China. US Navy warships fired Tomahawk missiles in their attack on Iran on Saturday, burning through more of the limited stockpile that American forces might need in a conflict with a well-armed adversary like China. Tomahawks are cruise missiles whose long-range and precise targeting have made them a weapon of choice in recent US campaigns in the Middle East. They are also considered necessary for any potential high-intensity conflict in the Indo-Pacific, where long-range firepower is seen as critical. Advertisement Advertisement US officials and experts have raised concerns that Tomahawk stockpiles are being drained after their use against targets in Nigeria, Yemen, Iran, and now Iran again risking that the US might not have enough on hand should it go to war with an adversary like China. There are, however, efforts underway to boost production. As part of a new agreement with the Pentagon, RTX Corporation said this month it would be working to increase annual Tomahawk production to over 1,000 missiles a year as part of a multi-year effort. Tomahawk cruise missiles were part of a mixture of weapons, including drones, used in strikes against Iran on Saturday during Operation Epic Fury, a US official told Business Insider. US Central Command later released video of the launches. Speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss military developments, the official said US warships launched Tomahawk missiles at Iranian targets while ground forces used the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS. The official didn't specify the number of Tomahawks fired or the sites targeted. Advertisement Advertisement The US built up a massive force presence in and around the Middle East before the start of Operation Epic Fury, including 13 Navy destroyers that, if all were in striking range, could launch 150 to 250 Tomahawks, according to an analysis of the US military's Middle East deployment by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. If US operations were to include one of the four Ohio-class submarines converted to carry cruise missiles, it would add up to 154 more Tomahawks. It remains unclear whether the US strikes include a guided-missile submarine. Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran. ZUMA Press Wire via Reuters Connect Operation Epic Fury is the most recent US combat engagement to use Tomahawks. It follows Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites last summer, and years of strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. Tomahawks were also fired in December at sites in Nigeria associated with an Islamic State affiliate. Across these operations and military actions, US officials have highlighted the importance of Tomahawks in America's arsenal and the need for increased production. Advertisement Advertisement "Precision-guided, long-range munitions like Tomahawk, Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, the heavyweight torpedo, all those ammunitions we need to increase production on," then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby said last May during testimony before the House Appropriations Committee, adding that it may be necessary to look toward other alternatives if current production lines are insufficient. The highly capable BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is manufactured by RTX Corporation and has been in service since the early 1980s. The estimated price tag for each of these jet-powered, subsonic cruise missiles is approximately $1.3 million. They rely on multiple guidance systems to find their targets, including GPS and cameras that compare a strike point with uploaded reference maps. The Tomahawk's reach depends on the variant. The Tomahawk missile is a combat-proven weapon that the US military has repeatedly turned to for long-range precision strikes, often launching multiple missiles at a single target to ensure destruction. The Tomahawk is relatively slow compared to ballistic missiles, but it includes maneuvering designed to evade defenses close to a target. As RTX notes on its website, the US and its allies have used the missile in an operational environment more than 2,350 times. Advertisement Advertisement The pace of expenditure has varied by military campaign. During Operation Midnight Hammer, roughly 30 Tomahawks were launched from an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine against Iranian nuclear sites. In strikes against Houthi forces, the US launched over 135 of these missiles. And in December 2025, over a dozen Tomahawks were launched at ISIS-affiliated targets in Nigeria. Tomahawk missiles have long ranges and are precision-guided. US NAVY/AFP via Getty Images US Tomahawk use appears to exceed its procurement. For fiscal year 2025, the Navy budget request planned for a purchase of 72 Tomahawks, and in fiscal year 2026, that number dropped to 57. It can take up to two years to produce Tomahawks, further adding to constraints on missile stocks. Tomahawks are primarily fired by US Navy warships and submarines and have ranges often well beyond 800 miles. A new US Army program, known as the Typhon, also fires Tomahawks from a mobile land-based launcher, potentially deepening demand for the munitions. Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote in a 2024 analysis that "victory in the next war will require a robust arsenal and deeper magazine depth of our fighting forces." Advertisement Advertisement "During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, US forces launched roughly 800 land-attack Tomahawks during the initial invasion. By today's production rate, that would take us a decade to replenish. Fighting China would certainly require far moreand Beijing knows it," she said. A war with an adversary like China has become a benchmark for munition levels because US officials believe American forces would need to destroy a vast number of Chinese weapons, especially its land-based missile batteries, at extremely long ranges. War games and analyses, such as one conducted by CSIS in early 2023, suggest the US industrial base isn't prepared to maintain production at the scale needed for a fight with China, and recent conflicts have added further strain. And while some US allies, like Japan, are also buying Tomahawks, concerns remain about how many will be needed if conflict breaks out in the Indo-Pacific. "If we go to war with China, it's going to be bloody, and there's going to be casualties, and it's going to take plenty of munitions," Kilby said last year. "So our stocks need to be full." Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON Federal counterterrorism agencies are on high alert for a potential retaliatory attack on U.S. soil after U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran that killed the nation's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have both announced they are on war footing, as they have been in the past over whether U.S. strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, on Iranian targets would prompt the Tehran regime and its proxy forces to seek revenge. And while officials from both agencies declined comment to USA TODAY on March 1 about their heightened operations, veteran Iran watchers said there is good reason for them to be worried. Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against American and Israeli targets after the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Iran said its enemies would be "decisively defeated." Photos show reported attacks in Bahrain and Qatar. Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from a video. Smoke rises during a reported Iranian missile attack near a U.S. base, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, in this screengrab obtained from a video released on February 28, 2026. Smoke wafts in the distance after missiles were fired over Qatar on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke from an apparent missile interception hangs in the air on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke rises from an area in the direction of Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the Qatar Emiri Air Force and foreign forces including the US, in Doha on February 28, 2026, following a reported Iranian strike. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel. Smoke from an apparent missile interception on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke from an apparent missile interception on February 28, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Iran launched a wave of missiles against Israel and U.S. military sites in the wider region after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on multiple locations across Iran this morning. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Smoke rises during a reported Iranian missile attack near a U.S. base, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, in this screengrab obtained from a video released on February 28, 2026. Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026 in this still image obtained from a video. See Iran's retaliatory attacks on US military sites in the Middle East 1 of 9 Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against American and Israeli targets after the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Iran said its enemies would be "decisively defeated." Photos show reported attacks in Bahrain and Qatar. Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from a video. Iran has developed this capability to carry out attacks abroad over many years, including in the United States, former FBI and Treasury Department counterterrorism official Matthew Levitt said. If there was ever a time the regime would want to act on it, it would be now. Advertisement Advertisement Already, Iran has responded with a wave of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, including targeting countries hosting U.S. military bases like Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed March 1 that bloodshed and revenge is Irans legitimate right and duty. Three American service members have been killed and five others have been seriously injured in the ongoing conflict. The Iranian regime has a long history dating back at least 46 years of assassinations and other terrorist plots on U.S. soil and against Americans overseas. Those include plots disrupted by the U.S. against Iranian dissidents, and against Trump and his former National Security Adviser, John Bolton, in response to a 2020 military strike that killed Iranian military leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Advertisement Advertisement The United States went on high alert last June 22 over concerns of retaliation from Tehran after the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites a day earlier. Major U.S. cities from New York to Los Angeles stepped up their security, and the U.S. government issued warnings to U.S. citizens at home and abroad. More: US sanctions Iranian officials for plot to kill John Bolton, other Trump officials Washington's intervention in the so-called 12-day war last year between Iran and Israel prompted the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to issue terrorism advisory warnings of potential Iranian attacks in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement And it spurred the FBI to pull many agents from one of Trumps top priorities, immigration and mass deportation efforts, back to counterterrorism in anticipation of potential attacks, Levitt wrote in an article for the U.S. Armys Combating Terrorism Center in August. At the time, federal officials advised their state and local government counterparts to be especially vigilant for potential domestic plots in the United States. One DHS National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin warned that the Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. The bulletin warned that terror plots werent the only concern. Cyberattacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, with other attacks possible by the Iranian government, the bulletin said. Advertisement Advertisement Citing Irans long-standing commitment to target U.S. Government officials, the bulletin said the likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland. What are the FBI and DHS doing now? On Feb. 28, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is fully engaged on the situation overseas, and that he has instructed the FBIs Counterterrorism and intelligence teams, including its 200-plus Joint Terrorism Task Forces across the country, to be on high alert and to mobilize all assisting security assets needed. Our JTTFs throughout the country are working 24/7, as always, to address and disrupt any potential threats to the homeland," Patel said in an X post. While the military handles force protection overseas, the @FBI remains at the forefront of deterring attacks here at home - and will continue to have our team work around the clock to protect Americans. Patel called on everyone to please report anything that may seem suspicious to law enforcement via the FBIs 1-800-CALL-FBI tip line and tips.fbi.gov website. Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Department of Homeland Security is on similar heightened alert for potential U.S.-based attacks. I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland, Noem said in an X post. Officials from both agencies told USA TODAY they could not comment beyond what Patel and Noem announced. Decades of plots, assassinations and attacks In 1980, Iranian operative David Theodore Belfield, who had changed his name to Daoud Salahuddin, allegedly assassinated a former aide to the recently deposed Shah of Iran in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Bethesda. Advertisement Advertisement Ali Akbar Tabatabai, 49, the Shah's aide, had organized the Iran Freedom Foundation, a vocal group opposed to the new religious government led by the then-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Dozens of other plots over the years followed, both in the U.S. and against American targets oversea, according to congressional investigators. U.S. prosecutors say those efforts ramped up significantly in the years following the Trump-ordered assassination of Soleimani, a major general in Irans feared Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commander of the IRGC international attack unit known as the Quds Force. Since Soleimanis death in 2020, Iranian operatives have plotted attacks on Trump, Bolton, other U.S. officials and prominent Iranian dissidents, either alone or in concert with the IRGCs many proxy organizations including the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement In all, U.S. authorities have disrupted at least 17 Iranian plots in the homeland since Soleimanis death, Levitt wrote in his West Point article. A murder-for-hire plot against Trump In November 2024, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York charged three men in a murder-for-hire plot against a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin. One of them, Iran-based operative Farhad Shakeri, was also charged with being directed by Iran and the IRGC with "surveilling and plotting to assassinate" Trump in revenge for Soleimanis assassination, according to a Justice Department criminal complaint. Also indicted were Carlisle Pop Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, both of New York. Another man with ties to Iran, Asif Merchant, is currently on trial in New York, and accused of taking part in a 2024 terrorism attempt and plot to kill Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Bolton, the former top Trump aide who has been one of Irans top U.S. targets, said March 1 he could not comment on whether he is receiving special protection from the FBI or Secret Service as he has in the past. I just probably shouldn't get into anything about that, Bolton told USA TODAY. I just have no comment on all that sort of thing. Bolton said he was given numerous duty to warn intelligence alerts by the FBI in recent years following confirmed Iranian threats to his life because of his role in the Soleimani assassination. Those were deemed so serious that the FBI asked the Biden administration for special Secret Service protection for Bolton beginning at Thanksgiving 2021. It lasted until Trump ordered it cancelled on his first day back in office in January 2025 because of a falling out between the two after publication of Boltons tell-all memoir of his time in Trumps first administration. Advertisement Advertisement But, Bolton said, The whole counterterrorism apparatus ought to be on high alert at this point in the U.S., and in contact with our friends and allies around the world, because there's no doubt that Iran will the regime will try and use every mechanism they've got to retaliate for what's happening. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FBI, Homeland Security on high alert after US attacks Iran By Federico Maccioni, Joe Brock and Tim Hepher DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Global air travel remained heavily disrupted on Sunday as war in Iran kept major Middle Eastern airports including Dubai, the world's busiest international hub, closed for a second day in one of the sharpest aviation shocks in recent years. Key transit airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar, were shut or severely restricted as much of the regions airspace remained closed after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Advertisement Advertisement The ripple effects were felt far beyond the Middle East, with tens of thousands of passengers stranded as far as Bali, Kathmandu and Frankfurt. Israel said it had launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday while loud blasts were heard for a second day near Dubai and over Doha after Iran launched retaliatory air attacks on the neighbouring Gulf states. Dubai International Airport sustained damage during Iran's attacks while airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait were also hit. Thousands of flights have been affected across the Middle East, according to data on flight-tracking platform FlightAware. Advertisement Advertisement Emirates, the world's largest international carrier, said it had suspended all operations to and from its Dubai megahub until Monday. Qatar Airways, which has suspended all operations, said it would provide a further update on Monday and Germany's Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to the region to March 8. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by Flightradar24 showed on Sunday. The flight-tracking service said that a new pilot bulletin had extended the closure of Iranian airspace until at least 0830 GMT on March 3, though regional airline sources said there was no certainty how long the conflict-related turmoil would continue. Advertisement Advertisement SHOCKWAVES FAR BEYOND THE MIDDLE EAST The region and its airlines have become used to travel disruption over the past few years, but such a prolonged closure of the skies - more than 24 hours - and the shutdown of all three major Gulf transit hubs is unprecedented, analysts said. The Gulf is also a major intersection for air cargo, putting further pressure on trade lanes on top of disruption at sea. Airline executives have said that crew and pilots are now scattered across the world, complicating the complex process of resuming flights when airspace reopens. Carriers around the world also face higher oil prices after Brent crude jumped 10% to $80 a barrel over the counter on Sunday, with analysts predicting they could climb as high as $100. Advertisement Advertisement "For everyone the main impact will come through oil prices, which will obviously take a bump upwards," said aviation adviser Bertrand Grabowski. Airport closures sent shockwaves around the globe. At Frankfurt airport on Sunday morning, Australia-bound Lara Haenseler from Bochum, Germany, was trying to rebook after her flight to Dubai was cancelled. The phone hotline is completely overloaded. We can't reach anyone," she said. In Bali, Indonesia, long queues snaked through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as passengers waited to speak to airline staff. Travellers sat on their luggage as they waited to find out details of their flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, while departure boards in Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport showed a long list of cancelled flights. Advertisement Advertisement About 4,000 flights had been due to land in the region on Sunday, said analytics firm Cirium. The UAE's civil aviation authority said that it had assisted about 20,200 travellers on Saturday. Dubai and neighbouring Doha sit at the crossroads of east-west air travel, funnelling long-haul traffic between Europe and Asia through tightly scheduled networks of connecting flights. With those hubs idle, aircraft and crews remained stranded out of position, disrupting airline schedules worldwide. "It's the sheer volume of people and the complexity," said UK-based aviation analyst John Strickland. "It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over place." Advertisement Advertisement Airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East cancelled or rerouted flights to avoid closed or restricted airspace, lengthening journeys and driving up fuel costs. The disruption has been intensified by the loss of Iranian and Iraqi overflight routes, which had grown more important since the Russia-Ukraine war forced airlines to avoid both countries' airspace. The Middle East airspace closures were squeezing airlines into narrower corridors, with fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan adding a further risk, said Ian Petchenik, communications director at Flightradar24. "The risk of protracted disruption is the main concern from a commercial aviation perspective," Petchenik said. Advertisement Advertisement "Any escalation in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan that results in the closure of airspace would have drastic consequences for travel between Europe and Asia." Highlighting the scale of the disruption, Air India cancelled its flights on Sunday departing from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar for major cities in Europe and North America. (Reporting by Federico Maccioni in Dubai, Joe Brock in Los Angeles, Tim Hepher in Paris, Joanna Plucinska in London and Timm Reichert in FrankfurtEditing by Christopher Cushing, David Goodman, Josephine Mason, Aidan Lewis) Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in the attacks by the United States and Israel, alongside his top security officials, as Tehran pledges to take revenge for the killing of the supreme leader. Khameneis killing is a serious setback for Iran, where more than 200 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 out of 31 provinces since Saturday. Irans retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and neighbouring Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Khamenei, 86, was killed in the strike at his office in Tehran. The supreme leaders daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were also killed in the attack. People mourn the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on March 1, 2026 [Atta Kenare/AFP] Here is everything that happened so far on Day 2 Inside Iran The Israeli military said on Sunday that it had begun striking targets deep inside Tehran, a day after a joint US-Israeli attack killed Khamenei. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the sixth wave of extensive missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli military assets and 27 US bases in the Middle East in retaliation. Irans state media confirmed the killing of Khamenei, as well as security adviser Ali Shamkhani and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour. According to the Hamshahri newspaper, Ahmad Vahidi has been named the IRGCs new commander-in-chief. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the news. Iranian armed forces chief of staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were also killed in the attacks. A three-person council consisting of Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian, head of the judiciary, and one of the jurists of the Guardian Council will temporarily assume all leadership duties in the country, Irans state TV reported. Irans top security official, Ali Larijani, said plans are in place to form a temporary governing body to carry out Khameneis duties. The death toll in the attack on an elementary girls school in southern Irans Minab city climbed to 148 people, and 95 others were injured. Khameneis supporters have taken to the streets in the main Iranian cities, including Tehran and Isfahan, to mourn the killing of the supreme leader. Irans highest-ranking official to appear on camera since Khameneis killing, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the parliament speaker, called the US and Israeli leaders filthy criminals who will face devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. A TV monitor displays an illustration reading Trump at War alongside a photo of the US president at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 28, 2026 [Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP] Latest from Trump Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before, US President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post late at night. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before! he added. In an interview with CBS News, Trump said he believes the US is better positioned to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran. Much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously, Trump said, adding, because they are getting beat up bad. Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliation The Israeli ambulance service says one Israeli woman has been killed, and 121 others wounded, mostly with minor injuries, in waves of Iranian missile attacks. Air raid sirens continue to blare in and around the city of Tel Aviv. The Israeli military said the majority of these missiles and drones were intercepted or downed, but some managed to get through in Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh, a city west of Jerusalem. Israels military said it struck more than 30 targets in attacks on western and central Iran in another wave of strikes to target the ballistic missile array and air defence systems of the Iranian terror regime. Attacks will continue on air defence installations, missile sites, military headquarters, and other regime targets in Iran, the statement from Israels military added. Israeli police and emergency teams respond at the scene after a missile hit buildings in Tel Avivs Gush Dan area, March 1, 2026 [Nir Keidar/Anadolu] Iran continues to target the Gulf region At least 11 explosions were heard above Qatar on Sunday morning. The Qatari Ministry of Interior says a total of 16 injuries have been recorded following the Iranian attacks. Omans Duqm commercial port was hit by two drones, injuring one person, the state news agency said on Sunday. Oman was mediating between the US and Iran. Omans Maritime Security Centre said on Sunday the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight was targeted about 5 nautical miles (9km) off Musandam. A twenty-person crew were evacuated, initial information shows four people were injured, it said. Jordanian defence systems intercepted missiles that entered the airspace of the capital, Amman, as well as northern areas. The US embassy in Jordan issued a security alert early on Sunday morning, urging people to shelter in place. Sirens have also been reported in Kuwait as Iran continues its retaliatory attacks against the US allies in the Gulf. More explosions were heard in Dubai as well, a day after a fire broke out in the citys Palm Islands tourist attraction. Debris from a drone intercepted by Dubais military led to a fire at Jebel Ali port, a frequent stop for US Navy ships in the Gulf. Iraqs Muqtada al-Sadr expressed sadness and sorrow over Khameneis killing as protesters in Baghdad confronted security forces in areas that host the countrys government, parliament, and foreign embassies. Protests have erupted in neighbouring Iraq as well as in Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan. At least six people were killed and several injured in riots that broke out near the US consulate in the Pakistani port city of Karachi. Iraq has announced three days of public mourning across the country in the wake of Khameneis killing. A person sits in front of a store damaged in a reported overnight Iranian strike in Tel Aviv on March 1, 2026 [Ilia Yefimovich/AFP] Advertisement Advertisement At the United Nations Security Council US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the strikes on Iran were directed towards dismantling its ballistic missile capabilities, degrading naval assets, and ensuring that the Iranian regime can never, ever threaten the world with a nuclear weapon. Russias UN envoy strongly condemned the latest military attacks on Iran, calling them another unprovoked act of armed aggression. Vassily Nebenzia said, The US and Israeli military operation has been a betrayal of diplomacy. Chinas Ambassador Fu Cong called the US-Israeli strikes brazen, condemning the threat of force and calling for respect for Irans sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. He said it was shocking that the US and Israeli attacks came in the middle of diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran. The UN Chief said the military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world, and added that everything must be done to prevent wider escalation of war across the Middle East. A yacht sails past a plume of smoke rising from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1, 2026 [Fadel Senna/AFP] Whats the latest situation at the Strait of Hormuz? Explosions continue to be heard for a fifth day in Iran, Israel, and across several Middle Eastern states after the United States and Israel began attacking Iran on Saturday. Tehran has responded by launching waves of missiles and drones at Israel and towards several military bases in the Middle East where US forces operate. Iran had previously warned that if it were attacked, it would respond by targeting US military facilities across the region, which it considers legitimate targets. Which countries have been attacked? Israels air force says it dropped more than 1,200 munitions across 24 of Irans 31 provinces over the past day in its joint attack with the US. Advertisement Advertisement Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has launched attacks on 27 bases in the Middle East where US troops are deployed as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel. So far, Iran has launched strikes across nine countries in the region: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. An Iranian drone also struck a runway at a UK military base in Cyprus. Most of these attacks have been intercepted. (Al Jazeera) How many people have been killed or injured? Below are the confirmed casualties across the 12 countries that have been subject to attacks as of Wednesday at 12:00 GMT. Advertisement Advertisement Due to the rapidly evolving situation, all figures may change as more information becomes available. (Al Jazeera) Iran killed: 1,045, injured: hundreds The death toll in Iran from the US-Israeli attacks has risen to 1,045, Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency is reporting. The deadliest single incident occurred in the city of Minab in southeastern Iran, where a strike on an elementary girls school. Hossein Kermanpour, the head of public relations at Irans Health Ministry, says the Israeli attack on the girls school in Minab on Sunday has killed about 180 young children. Israel killed: 11, injured: hundreds On Sunday afternoon, an Iranian ballistic missile strike on central Israels Beit Shemesh killed nine people and injured more than 20. Rescue workers are still combing through the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Late on Saturday, one woman in the Tel Aviv area was confirmed killed after being struck by falling shrapnel. At least 40 buildings in Tel Aviv were damaged in Iranian strikes on Saturday, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported, citing the city government. An explosion occurs in Tel Aviv on February 28, 2026, after Iran launched missiles into Israel [Gideon Markowicz/Reuters] US soldiers killed: 6, injured: 18 On Monday, the US military confirmed that its death toll from the conflict has risen to six, after two bodies were recovered from a regional facility struck by Iran. CENTCOM Update TAMPA, Fla. As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action. U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region. U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026 Bahrain killed: 1, injured: 4 Iranian missiles have targeted the headquarters of the US Navys 5th Fleet in Bahrains Juffair area multiple times. Bahrains Ministry of Interior also confirmed that the countrys international airport was targeted with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night, several residential buildings in the capital, Manama, were struck by Iranian drones. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that an Asian worker was killed on Monday when debris from an intercepted missile fell onto a foreign vessel undergoing maintenance in Salman Industrial City. A building was damaged in the Seef commercial district of Manama, Bahrain, on March 1, 2026, in an Iranian drone attack [Hamad Mohammed/Reuters] Iraq killed: 2, injured: 5 The US and Israel also targeted the Jurf al-Sakher base, also known as Jurf al-Nasr, in southern Iraq, which houses the Popular Mobilisation Forces, made up of mostly Shia fighters, and the Iran-supported Iraqi paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah. Iraqi state media and sources within Kataib Hezbollah confirmed that two fighters were killed in the strikes and five were wounded. Advertisement Advertisement In northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region, where the US is reported to still have troops, several powerful explosions were reported near the US consulate and international airport in Erbil. Air defences intercepted the drone attacks on Saturday, according to reports. A plume of smoke rises near Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Iraq, on March 1, 2026 [Shvan Harki/AFP] Jordan killed: 0, injured: 5 The Jordanian armed forces reported intercepting 49 drones and ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace. While their fragments caused localised property damage. Kuwait killed: 4, injured: 35 On Monday, Kuwaits Defense Ministry said several US warplanes have crashed in the country, all the crew survived. On Wednesday, The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health reported the death of a girl from shrapnel-induced injuries. Advertisement Advertisement At least three others have been killed in Kuwait since the start of the conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran. Lebanon killed: 50 injured: 335 Israeli air attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 50 people and wounded at least 335, the Health Ministry has said. Hezbollah launched what it said was a rocket and drone attack against a military base near Haifa, in northern Israel, in retaliation for the killing of Khamenei. Oman killed: 1, injured: 5 On Sunday morning, the Oman News Agency, quoting a security source, said two drones had targeted the Duqm port, injuring one foreign worker. Later, Omans Maritime Security Centre said a Palau-flagged oil tanker was attacked about 5 nautical miles (9km) off Omans Musandam governorate, injuring four people. Qatar killed: 0, injured: 16 As of Sunday morning, the Qatari Ministry of Interior confirmed that the number of injured was at 16 people. Most injuries were reported to be from falling shrapnel and debris with one person seriously hurt. Advertisement Advertisement The Qatari Ministry of Defence confirmed that two ballistic missiles struck the Al Udeid military base, where US forces are stationed, while a drone targeted an early warning radar installation. Qatari air defence systems, in coordination with regional partners, successfully intercepted about 65 missiles and 12 drones over Qatari airspace, it said. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority suspended all air navigation indefinitely. Qatar Airways grounded all flights. All schools have moved to remote learning, and public gatherings for Ramadan have been suspended until further notice to ensure public safety. Saudi Arabia killed: 0, injured: 0 The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Iranian attacks targeted both the capital, Riyadh, and Eastern Province, home to major oil infrastructure and the King Abdulaziz Air Base. Advertisement Advertisement The kingdom has officially reported no casualties as of Sunday afternoon. United Arab Emirates killed: 3, injured: 68 As of Tuesday afternoon, at least three people in the UAE were confirmed killed and 68 others wounded. A Pakistani national was killed and seven people were injured when debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell on a residential area near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that another individual, identified as an Asian national, was killed by falling shrapnel in a residential district of the capital. Additionally, four airport staff at Dubai International Airport sustained injuries, and four people were injured at Palm Jumeirah after a fire in a building caused by falling debris. US military presence in the Middle East The US has operated military bases in the Middle East for decades. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US operates a broad network of military sites, both permanent and temporary, across at least 19 locations in the region. Of these, eight are permanent bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As of mid-2025, there are about 40,000 to 50,000 US soldiers in the Middle East stationed in both large, permanent bases and smaller forward sites. The countries with the most US soldiers are Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These installations serve as critical hubs for US air and naval operations, regional logistics, intelligence gathering and force projection. The United States and Israel on Saturday defended their attacks on Iran, which called resulting civilian deaths a "war crime" during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. "The international community has long affirmed a simple and necessary principle: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," said US ambassador Mike Waltz, pointing to past UN resolutions ignored by Tehran. "That principle is not a matter of politics, it's a matter of global security, and to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Referencing Iran's recent deadly crackdowns on protesters, Waltz said that Iran's presence at Saturday's emergency meeting in New York "makes a mockery of this body." "But where the UN lacks moral clarity, the United States of America will maintain it," he added. Israeli ambassador Danny Danon condemned the "hypocrisy" of some Security Council members who criticized the joint US-Israeli attack, but not the retaliation by Iran. "We did not act of impulse. We did not act of aggression. We acted out of necessity because the Iranian regime left no reasonable alternative," Danon said. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian counterpart Amir Saeid Iravani denounced the "war crime" of civilian deaths, notably of more than 100 children at Minab School in southern Iran. "It is regrettable that some members of this body, in a blatant double standard, disregard the flagrant act of aggression committed by the US and Israel on Iran, and condemn Iran for using its inherent right to self-defense in the UN Charter," he said. Iravani notably did not comment on or confirm the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which US President Donald Trump announced moments before the meeting. The mixed views highlighted a divided Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Russia and China only condemned the US-Israeli strikes, while others principally targeted Iran. Some were more careful to simply call for deescalation. Gulf states condemned Iran's strikes against them as "cowardly" in a joint statement read by Bahrain's ambassador. "We hold the government of Iran fully responsible for these attacks, and we reject any justifications or explanations to justify this hostile behavior or to manipulate rules of international law," said Jamal Fares Alrowaiei on behalf of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria and Jordan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that military action in the Middle East risked triggering uncontrollable consequences in the region. "Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world," he told the Security Council. abd-bjt/sla (FOX40.COM) The United States and Israel launched a vast military operation Saturday. This large-scale action abroad, taken under the Trump administration without congressional approval, has sparked a divide among Americans. FOX40 spoke with people who took different stances on the controversial call. A Californian who served in the Israeli forces in the past, and now works in geopolitical intelligence, said, from a military perspective, he believes this action was justified. He called the Iranian regime, and its pursuit of rebuilding its nuclear arms, an existential threat. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, some California lawmakers reiterated, while they support the Iranian people, they see the recent strikes as unconstitutional and a direct violation of the War Powers Act of 1973. This isnt something that sort of just happened over the last few days, Eric Schorr, TAM-C Solutions Geopolitical Intelligence Senior Director, and former IDF Captain, said. Its not something that is brand new. This has been building for a very long time. Explosions rippled through the Iranian capital, Tehran, Saturday morning. The effort ultimately took down Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This joint action, between the U.S. and Israel, came eight months after the U.S.-led airstrikes in Iran this past June. That mission ended with President Donald Trump claiming to have destroyed the Iranian regimes nuclear weapons supply. Thats why many Americans, like U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, questioned the presidents justification for intervening in the Middle East again. Advertisement Advertisement My thoughts and prayers are with our service members, but this is another broad use of American military force that is been approved only by the president, Sen. Schiff said in a statement his team shared on social media Saturday. The War Powers Act of 1973 limits the president from involving the United States in war with a foreign nation without congressional approval. According to the constitution, in order for the United States to strike, Iran would have needed to pose an imminent threat. Now this Iranian regime is a brutal, murderous regime and I stand with the Iranian people who have bravely stood up to, and protested at the great cost of thousands over their lives, this terrible regime, Schiff said. But the president has not made the case to the American people why we need to go to war and I dont think the American people want another forever war in the Middle East. However, others, like Schorr, said this action was not only justified but imperative. Advertisement Advertisement What has happened since June? Well, in particular, there was an attempt at negotiations, Schorr said. However, the, reigning regime seemed adamant on trying to rebuild its damaged nuclear weapons program and to continue, unhindered, in its ballistic missile acquirement and development as well. Schorr cited the Iranian governments nuclear weapons program and failure to negotiate. He also described the Iranian regime, under Ayatollah Khamenei, as an existential threat. These are the people who constantly said, Death to America, Schorr said. This regime has been not only a purveyor of terrorism and horror across the Middle East in the world, but also at home. Last month, over the last six weeks, they have killed, some estimates between 10 to 30,000 of their own citizens who are just marching in the streets because they want freedom from this regime. The Iranian government has since retaliated launching strikes at U.S. bases and allies. Schiff said Saturdays attack could have an exponentially more severe impact on Americans than what was previously seen. Advertisement Advertisement This is much larger in scope than what we saw when the president earlier announced an attack on Iran, Schiff said. It will involve many more risks to American service members, indeed, the president has acknowledged that this is a war and that American service members may be lost. Schorr said we will have to wait and see what happens. I think what were seeing here is the United States and Israel removing an existential threat to their, to our, countries and also providing an opportunity, a doorway, a pathway for the free people of Iran to become free at last, Schorr said. Senator Schiff confirmed he and other political leaders are calling for congress to go into session and vote on a War Powers Resolution. He said there should be no further military action without congressional approval. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. The ongoing U.S. strikes on Iran could have a ripple effect across the region, triggering a barrage of attacks from Tehrans proxy groups on American troops, allies and interests. The likes of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and various Shiite militias in Iraq could be called on to target U.S. service members, civilians, ships, embassies and frequented hotels in the Middle East, threatening a wider regional war, experts say. Hezbollah, considered the most powerful of Irans proxies, is of particular concern to counterterrorism experts given its significant stockpiles of rockets and missiles even after Israel last year sought to decapitate its leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the more formidable nonstate actors in the world, and so they still have capabilities to make life difficult, said Colin Clarke, the executive director of the Soufan Center. The Hezbollah threat, I think, is the one that at least in the West, we probably worry about most. But Hezbollah isnt the only Iran-backed actor that can cause serious damage. A former senior U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hill on Friday that the Trump administration should be more worried about the Houthi rebels in Yemen, which the U.S. targeted during Operation Rough Rider last year. As part of Rough Rider, Washington from March to May 2025 launched a major air and naval campaign against the Houthis following renewed Red Sea shipping attacks. But the campaign had difficulty destroying the groups underground arsenal of missiles, drones and launchers, and the Houthis quickly resumed attacks on commercial shipping. I would be more concerned about the Houthis going after oil infrastructure and then direct shots against the Israelis, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran early Saturday morning after a third round of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran in Geneva, Switzerland, failed to satisfy the Trump administration. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who mediated the talks, claimed that Iran had agreed to give up its enriched uranium and grant U.S. inspectors access to nuclear sites. But the Trump administration demanding that Iran end uranium enrichment, limit its arsenal of ballistic missiles and cut off its support of regional proxy groups that are designated as terrorist organizations by Washington decided it was through with negotiations and launched Operation Epic Fury. Intended to spur regime change for Tehran, the military operation began with waves of strikes at 1:15 a.m. EST, utilizing Washingtons massive military buildup in the Middle East the largest regional deployment since the invasion of Iraq in 2003 to hit Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, ballistic missile and drone launch sites, military airfields and Iranian air defense systems. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian supreme leader, was killed in a social media post Saturday afternoon, adding that the U.S. bombing will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary. Experts fear the U.S. attack on Iran could trigger a wave of retaliation against Israel and U.S. forces in the region, as well as on civilians. Case in point, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait all appeared to have been targeted by Iranian attacks later on Saturday. All countries host U.S. bases or forces in the region. Iran reportedly managed to launch a strike against a service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrain, and Qatar reportedly intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha, which hosts U.S. Central Command. Advertisement Advertisement Brett Velicovich, a former Army intelligence special operations soldier who served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, said if the U.S. opts for a sustained operation rather than quick strikes, Iran would probably try and unleash their proxies to strike down targets in the region. If weve got some sustained operation like we did in Iraq and Afghanistan, which would be a major mistake, that would then give proxies the ammunition religiously to convince more people to help them and thats really where the danger is, said Velicovich, who now helps run the drone company Powerus. He hypothesized that the groups would attempt to shoot American drones and maritime assets a capability the Houthis have already demonstrated assassinate diplomats, conduct kidnappings, and carry out other methods to attempt to stoke a bit of chaos in places where Iranians are prevalent, such as Qatar or the UAE. The reality is the Iranians do have their hands in a lot of different places, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Clarke, of the Soufan Center, said he was concerned about U.S. embassies in Europe and hotels being prime targets for Iranian proxy groups. They often attempt to target civilians. So really, the targets head is limitless from that perspective, he said in an interview, adding that if there are true Hezbollah sleeper cells around the world, again, I think this would be the time when Iran would seek to use those, because the threat is existential. The ex-senior intelligence official said the U.S. and other Western countries are monitoring for signs that Iran might direct proxies to conduct retaliatory strikes. Its a function of capability and intent. And in some cases, a lot of times, you have capability, but no intent. In this case, I would be looking at intent to actually execute and be part of this, the former official said. Advertisement Advertisement Javed Ali, former senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, said he is worried about the relationship between Iran and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militia, which has been at war with Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, as Hezbollah has always been the most capable group within Tehrans so-called Axis of Resistance. I think there is a serious threat of terrorism in the region, he said in an interview with The Hill. How much of a global terrorist attack capability does Hezbollah still have? Thats an open question. Ali, who is now a professor at the University of Michigan, said the most dangerous organization within Iran, from a terrorist perspective, is the Quds Force, a secretive unit of Irans IRGC, as they have trained, equipped and partnered with the Axis of Resistance now for decades. To me, that is Irans ace in the hole when it comes to unconventional warfare, and they havent used it against the United States, at least not outside of Iraq, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone is as convinced that Irans proxies pose a significant risk to U.S. forces and interests. Velicovich said Iranian proxies may prove to be ineffective after being hammered over the past few years by Israeli strikes. And retired Adm. William Fallon, a former commander of U.S. Central Command, told The Hill that Hezbollah has been quiet as of late and is not in a great position to strike American troops. I dont think any of them are in shape to do much right now, he said. Hezbollahs got a lot of rockets [but] most of them are aimed at Israel. Theyre pretty much on the defensive, looking out for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement As for proxies in Iraq and Syria, I think [the U.S.] has pretty well reduced our footprint in both of those places, Fallon added. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Three US soldiers were killed and five others seriously injured in the US military operation against Iran, while US forces targeted and sunk an Iranian warship, the US Regional Command for the Middle East (CENTCOM) wrote on X on Sunday. CENTCOM said "several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty." On Saturday, the US military had said that no deaths or injuries had been recorded on its side as a result of Iranian counter-attacks. It also said that the damage to US facilities was minimal and had no impact on the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Iran had targeted US military bases in the Gulf region after Israel and the United States attacked the country, killing its leader and many top officials CENTCOM also announced on X that the US forces had targeted an Iranian warship in the operation, and that the ship "is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier." The US military had previously announced that it had prioritized targets that posed "an imminent threat." These included command and control centres of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, Iranian air defence facilities, missile and drone launch sites and military airfields. Utah lawmakers pushed forward two different kinds of election reforms this week that appear on track for a collision during the final seven days of the 2026 legislative session. Building on conversations from last session, Republican legislators are advancing bills to address apparent conflicts of interest in election oversight and concerns about voter identification. But the House and the Senate appear at odds over whether these changes should take the form of wholesale reforms or simple tweaks to Utahs unique electoral system. New secretary of state position? On Thursday night, the House passed a pair of bills that would propose a constitutional amendment to transfer chief election officer duties from the lieutenant governor to a new secretary of state position. People watch representatives gathered in the Utah House of Representatives Chamber during the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Utah had an independently elected secretary of state until 1976, when voters approved an amendment to eliminate the position five years after lawmakers had combined the role with that of lieutenant governor. Advertisement Advertisement Utah is the only state besides Alaska that puts the lieutenant governor in charge of elections. This has led to complaints about the lieutenant governor overseeing a running mates race. More than 30 states elect a secretary of state as a separate constitutional office. The remaining 17 states have a chief election official that is appointed by the governor, legislature or a state board of elections. If it passes the Senate, the amendment, proposed in HJR25 and detailed in state code in HB529, would appear on the 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, it would trigger an election for a new secretary of state in 2028. To avoid the same conflict of interest concerns, subsequent secretary of state elections would be held in midterm years and would be administered by the lieutenant governor or an official chosen by the board of canvassers. Advertisement Advertisement The problem, real or perceived, is that we have a structural imbalance, said bill sponsor Rep. Lisa Shepherd, R-Provo, in a committee hearing on Tuesday. I dont want our lieutenant governor to have that muck. Both proposals passed by a 45-vote margin, mostly along party lines, after Shepherd argued that in todays environment of election distrust there needs to be a separate election position voters can fully vet. Senate not interested But on Friday, Senate leadership told reporters they were unsure what problem the House was trying to fix. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, was also hesitant to add more amendments to the long list on the November ballot. People linger before breaking for lunch in the Senate Chamber during the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Adams preference, he said, was a Senate proposal that passed favorably out of a House committee on Friday morning and is headed for a final vote. Advertisement Advertisement SB194, sponsored by Senate Majority Assistant Whip Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, would seek to address the same concerns surrounding the Lieutenant Governors Office by requiring a formal conflict of interest avoidance plan. A plan was developed voluntarily by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson prior to her 2024 reelection campaign, and by former Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox when he ran in 2020, assigning a third-party to respond to gubernatorial race disputes. SB194 would make these steps official policy, outlining which specific decisions would require recusal by the lieutenant governor and designation of another individual to fill in for the lieutenant governor. McKells omnibus election bill responds to several election concerns addressed in other bills, but takes a more incremental approach that seem more likely to bring together the Legislatures upper and lower chambers. Opt-in for vote by mail On Wednesday, a House committee approved GOP lawmakers second attempt at overhauling Utahs vote-by-mail system, to require most voters to opt-in to receive a ballot by mail and to opt-in to return it by mail. Advertisement Advertisement The bill, HB479, sponsored by Rep. Jefferson Burton, R-Salem, echoes a policy from last year that was ultimately watered down to include one additional ballot verification measure the final four digits of a government ID. Burtons vision is to place two poll workers at drop boxes to verify photo ID of those who choose to receive a ballot in the mail but who wish to avoid the delays caused by the post office or the subjectivity of signature verification. A voter drops off a ballot outside of the Salt Lake County Government Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News This vision is shared by House leadership, who committed to help cover the expenses of up to $1.7 million for additional county clerk staffing, saying the boost to voter trust after recent election mishaps would be worth the costs. If nothing else its going to restore confidence in our electoral systems which we need desperately at this time, House Majority Leader Casey Snider, R-Paradise, said. Advertisement Advertisement However, Senate leadership is attempting to exert its influence on the bill before it passes to their side of the Capitol. Like he did with Burtons photo ID bill last year, McKell has joined HB479 as its Senate sponsor. On Friday, McKell said it was uncertain whether HB479 would continue in its current form or become part of his bill. Burton paused a floor vote for HB479 on Friday, saying he needed to work on it over the weekend. HB479, which now has Burton as the House sponsor, builds on last years reforms by clarifying ballots will continue to require signature verification in addition to government ID once the changes are phased in. Other election bills Bills are displayed on a screen in the Utah House of Representatives Chamber during the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Several other election reforms are on trajectory to become Utah law. Advertisement Advertisement HB209, sponsored by Rep. Cory Maloy, R-Lehi, would require residents to show proof of citizenship to vote in state elections, instead of simply attesting to citizenship. The bill passed the House and awaits a final Senate vote. SB153, sponsored by Sen. John Johnson, R-North Ogden, would make most private voter records public unless a reason is given. This would bring Utah in line with most other states. The bill passed the Senate and awaits a final House vote. HB32, sponsored by Rep. Paul Cutler, R-Centerville, and HB242, sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton, clarify the training and gathering requirements for signature petition circulators. Both await final Senate approval. White House/X Vice President JD Vance has kept a low profile following claims that he has differences with Donald Trump over the United States waging war on Iran. Vance has made no secret of his skepticism over Americas involvement in foreign wars, and sources say the split has affected his relationship with the president. As everyone else in Trumps inner circle took on key assignments for the unauthorized strike on Iran, Vance was notably quiet. According to the New York Times, Vance did not oppose a strike but intensely questioned the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, and CIA chief John Ratcliffe at a planning meeting for the attacks at the White House two days before the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement The Atlantic also reported that Vance had reservations about the war plans. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and the national security team joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday as the strikes were launched on Iran in Saturdays early hours. JD Vance was positioned in the White House Situation Room, where his vice-presidential seal replaced that of the president. Also there was (second left) ardent anti-Iran war campaigner Tulsi Gabbard, who is the Director of National Intelligence; Chris Wright, the Energy Secretary (far left) and (right) Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary / White House/X The White House released two photos showing Marco Rubio with Trump and only one image of Vancewho was not with Trump. / White House/X Secretary of State Marco Rubio was tasked with informing lawmakers about the impending attack, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was heading up the communications team. Meanwhile, Vance remained at the White House with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright in the Situation Room, where they were kept in touch via a secure line. Advertisement Advertisement Nothing was heard from Vance in the immediate aftermath of the bombings. Trump launched his war from a hastily constructed space in Mar-a-Lago with (left) John Ratcliffe, the Director of the CIA, (fourth from right) Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and (second from right), Dan Scavino, his golf caddy turned aide. / White House / X While Vance and Rubio were vying for Trumps attention, sources say the VPs reticence about a conflict with Iran was seen by the president as a sign of disloyalty. PLOVER, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 26: U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks at Pointe Precision on February 26, 2026 in Plover, Wisconsin. Following the State of the Union, Vance is visiting the Pointe Precision machining facility. (Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images) / Pool / Getty Images Instead, he is being sent out to U.S. cities to plug the administrations affordability and energy programs, and this week was put in charge of uncovering fraud. At the same time, Rubio is winning plaudits from the commander-in-chief for juggling negotiations in the Ukraine War, Gaza, Cuba, and Iran. Rubio has reportedly moved into a favored position with Trump after his demonstrated war willingness. / Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images A spokesperson for the vice president maintained it was categorically false that Vance had been frozen out by the president. Advertisement Advertisement The vice president was fully integrated in the planning process and monitored the execution of the operation from the situation room, he said. The vice president remained in Washington to maintain operational secrecy, and in keeping with the administrations security protocols to limit the president and vice president co-locating away from the White House, he added. The day before bombs rained down on Tehran, Vance insisted there was no chance there would be a prolonged conflict with Iran. The idea that were going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sightthere is no chance that will happen, he said. Advertisement Advertisement He added in an interview with the Washington Post that he didnt know what Trump was planning to do about Iran, but claimed that he and Trump were skeptics of foreign military interventions. On Friday, Rubio was telling Americans to get out of Iran as soon as possible and declaring the country a state sponsor of wrongful detention as the clock ticked towards an attack. Later, he contacted seven of the eight members of the gang of eight key lawmakers on Capitol Hill to tell them what was about to happen. On Saturday, Trump called for regime change and made it clear it wasnt a limited operation. There was not a peep from Vance. A woman whose boots were burned by a pair of MAGA-loving Internet bloggers during a racist live-streamed tirade in Manhattan told the News she felt violated sexually before the street encounter turned racial, and said getting them off the street will save another victim from dealing with the pain shes still processing. They just walked up to me, the 54-year-old social worker said of the Feb.19 assault. They were strangers and just walked up to me. They just said, Youre beautiful, can I kiss you? I said, No. Advertisement Advertisement He said, If you were my slave, I could kiss you, and thats how it started. The victim, 54, fresh off a birthday the day before, said she was picking up a cake in Chelsea to continue the celebration when she clashed with the cretins, one of whom wore a red Make America Great Again hat at W. 26th St. and Seventh Ave. She declined to be identified by her full name. Cops said Michael Santiago, 31, and Michael James, 33, confronted the Black woman and unleashed a slew of racist insults that were caught on camera and posted online. The duo are known online as ScrubsNYC, and their shtick of bizarre arguments they provoke with everyday New Yorkers has brought them a modest 1,740 subscribers on YouTube, 1,400 followers on Kick and just 295 followers on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement The internet trolls livestream videos of themselves appearing to harass everyday New Yorkers and often finding themselves being thrown out of apartment buildings, bodegas and other establishments. I want to f you right up your n a, James, who wore a MAGA hat, screamed at the victim, as Santiago recorded. I want to f a slave. Youre my slave. Youre my slave. At one point, James asked to kiss the victims pair of boots. Instead, she said, he knelt down and set one of her boots on fire with a hand-held blowtorch. The hair on the boots were singed but the flames quickly petered out, a video of the incident shows. Cops say the $89 pair of boots were ruined. Advertisement Advertisement Both men were arrested almost a week later and charged with attempted assault, criminal mischief and menacing, all as hate crimes, as well as aggravated harassment, arson and criminal tampering. The two suspects live in the same apartment building on the Upper East Side, according to cops. The social worker said she is still traumatized by the afternoon attack. I was shocked. I was very shocked, she said. I never heard these words before. No one has ever called me a slave, ever. Im a very honorable woman. I went to college. At the end of the day, men dont talk to me like that. These men, telling me to suck their d-, calling me a slave, calling me a bitch, all of these things,. Im over a certain age. Im 54. At my age, I dont have encounters like that. Advertisement Advertisement If she hadnt stood up to them, she said, things could have escalated with some other woman. If they had not tried to kiss me, if they had not tried to set me on fire, this wouldnt have ended where it did, she said. The problem wasnt that they were racially derogatory. The problem is they were physically assaultive. They invaded my space sexually. They were 360 degrees of wrong. The charges against Santiago and James are being prosecuted as hate crimes, officials said. The woman, who also took video of them, said she felt compelled to stand up to them. The livestreamers video, which was posted online, shows the victim pulling out her own phone in the middle of James tirade and recording. Youre a slave youre a slave to my Blackness, she tells James at one point.. Advertisement Advertisement One of the reasons I chose to step forward is because I am an older woman, she said. What if a 19-year-old woman had to go through this. She doesnt have the same life experience as me. They didnt start off burning people. They started trolling and doing things. But this time they burned somebody, so what comes next? How much more are we going to allow them to do. When cops arrested the pair, James told police, That is me on the video. I do see myself burning the boot, according to prosecutors at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court Friday. Cops recovered an electric stun gun from Santiagos backpack. James was also arraigned on harassment and menacing charges, accused of threatening an ex-girlfriend with a knife in a separate incident. Advertisement Advertisement After his arraignment he told the News, Im not denying I was there, but I dont remember the incident. Despite the hate speech, the social worker said the incident is beyond racial or political for her. The Republicans are all saying hes a Democrat, she said. Im not into that. I believe in families, I believe families should be able to walk down any block in New York City and be OK. James was back to livestreaming Sunday morning, hyping his release from custody. There are concerns that the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and the Islamic Republic's retaliation, will also have an impact on the security situation in Germany. The German government's anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, warned that "we must assume that there is an increased threat to Jewish life in Germany," Klein told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers on Sunday. Following the killing of the Iranian head of state and religious leader Ali Khamenei, it is to be expected that Iran will use its networks in Germany for terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli institutions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "We have seen the connections between increased tensions in the Middle East and increased attacks on Jewish life in Europe time and again in the past," said Klein. Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the German parliament's Intelligence Oversight Committee urged vigilance. "Retaliatory measures, including by Iranian sleeper cells in Europe," cannot be ruled out, he told the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper on Sunday. "The Iranian regime has repeatedly shown in the past that it also carries out its terror outside its own borders," he said. He added that Israeli, Jewish and US institutions in particular have been the focus of such threats for many years. However, he said, there is no reason to panic due to the existing protective measures. Advertisement Advertisement The German Interior Ministry said on Saturday that Germany's security authorities are "continuously assessing the threat based on current developments, are highly vigilant, and are adapting appropriate protective measures as necessary." A Mount Pleasant man is charged with paying people overseas to torture monkeys. According to the complaint, filed in federal court, Joseph Garrett Buckland was part of an online group involved with distributing, watching and discussing videos depicting animal crushing. The term animal crushing meant actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals were purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege Buckland belonged to the group from March 2023 to May 2025. Group members would pay people in Indonesia with instructions to create animal crushing videos, prosecutors say. The videographer would then obtain and torture a monkey, and the resulting video would be distributed online. Reportedly, Buckland and three co-conspirators, who lived outside Pennsylvania, conspired to create and distribute such videos. The complaint lists 14 different occasions where Buckland allegedly commissioned the creation of animal crushing videos, and three instances of allegedly distributing them. One video is noted to last nearly an hour and a half. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Wesport police arrested a 20-year-old man after a 15-year-old was shot on Saturday morning. According to authorities, at approximately 7:57 a.m., the Westport Police Department received a 911 call reporting that a female had been shot at a residence on Eddy Drive. When police arrived on scene, they and located a 15-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to her hand. She was transported to a Rhode Island hospital for treatment of her injuries which are non-life threatening. Advertisement Advertisement 20-year-old Vijay Hak was identified as being involved in the shooting, and a shotgun was allegedly located in the first-floor kitchen area of the residence and was rendered safe by officers at the scene. Hak complied with officers commands and was detained without incident. As a result of that investigation, Hak was placed under arrest. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and allegedly located a large quantity of psilocybin mushrooms and Xanax. They also allegedly located additional narcotics and contraband, including a Polymer 80 ghost gun. Hak was charged with assault and battery by discharging a firearm, possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of a large capacity feeding device, two counts of improper storage of a firearm large capacity and non-large capacity, possession of ammunition, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building, possession of ammunition, possession of a shotgun without a license, receiving stolen property over $1,200 (shotgun), drug possession with intent to distribute class c (Psilocybin Mushrooms and Alprazolam), drug possession with intent to distribute class e (Codeine Phosphate), drug possession with intent to distribute class b (Adderall), and drug possession with intent to distribute class b (Tapentadol) Advertisement Advertisement The incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The conflict in Iran and the Middle East has entered its sixth day, with no let-up in strikes. Israel and the US have intensified attacks, while Iran has carried out fresh retaliatory strikes across the region. More than 900 people have been killed by Israeli and American strikes, Iranian state media reported, and 11 people have died in Israel as Iran fired back. Six US soldiers have died in an Iranian strike that hit a makeshift operations centre in Kuwait. Advertisement Advertisement The first US evacuation flight left the Middle East after the Trump administration faced backlash for not having an evacuation plan ready. More than 17,500 US citizens have returned home since February 28. President Trump has said he expects the conflict to last four to five weeks. Here's what we know so far: Did Trump need Congress' approval to attack Iran? In his 28 February video announcement, Trump described the US-Israel attacks on Iran as "major combat operations". Advertisement Advertisement As commander in chief, a president can carry out certain military operations without a formal declaration of war. According to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours of hostilities beginning. On Tuesday, Trump submitted a resolution to Congress, telling lawmakers that the threat from Iran had been "untenable" despite efforts to find a diplomatic solution. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said the Trump administration had notified the "Gang of 8" - a bipartisan group of the top eight congressional leaders - ahead of the strikes. Advertisement Advertisement A bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting Trump's ability to wage war in Iran failed in the US Senate on Wednesday. The war powers measure was rejected in a 53-47 vote, largely along party lines. It would have halted US military action in Iran without congressional approval. Democrats argue that Trump has sidelined Congress and offered shifting reasons for the war. Most Republicans blocked the resolution, but some said they could change course if the war expands in the coming weeks. Why did the US attack Iran? Shortly after explosions were reported in the Iranian capital on 28 February, Trump took to social media to accuse Tehran of waging an "unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States". Advertisement Advertisement He argued Iran had rejected every opportunity to renounce its nuclear programme and claimed it was developing long-range missiles that could threaten Europe, US troops overseas, and even "soon reach the American homeland". He further cited the violent takeover of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, resulting in dozens of Americans being held hostage for 444 days, as well as Iran's proxies bombing a US Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 that killed 241. The US president had also pledged in January to intervene when Iranian security forces crushed protests amid an economic crisis. Trump has also said that it was the "last best chance" to take out missiles and a nuclear threat. Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on 2 March that the mission's objective is to destroy Iran's ballistic missile and naval capabilities. He also said the administration knew there was going to be Israeli action against Iran, and the US would have suffered "much higher casualties" from Iran's response if the US had not struck first. In June last year, the US bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran. Trump said the attack, nicknamed Operation Midnight Hammer by the US, had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear programme. Will there be US boots on the ground? There's no indication US combat troops will be deployed on the ground in Iran, not least because of the low appetite among the American public for a ground invasion. Advertisement Advertisement "The president has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside of Iran," Republican Senator Tom Cotton told the BBC's US partner CBS on 1 March. The US operation will include "an extended air and naval campaign", Cotton said, and search-and-rescue efforts could "go in and extract any downed pilot". The US has about 13 military bases across the Middle East, with 30,000 to 40,000 troops normally deployed between them. The US military has been building its presence in the Middle East for weeks and has two aircraft carriers, USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said on 2 March that the administration expects the campaign to last four to five weeks and that they have "the capability to go far longer than that". On the same day, Rubio said "the hardest hits are yet to come from the US military" and that the next phase "will be even more punishing on Iran than it is right now". The US State Department has urged Americans in much of the Middle East to leave via commercial means due to "serious safety risks". The advisory applies to citizens in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense said on 2 March that the US embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones, which caused "a limited fire and minor material damage to the building". The next day, Rubio confirmed that a drone struck a parking lot near the US consulate in Dubai and that all personnel are accounted for. Iran's attack might have the opposite effect, bringing Gulf countries closer together and enabling cooperation with the US and among themselves. On the evening of January 29, 1991, three Iraqi divisions left their trenches in Kuwait and began a slow assault on the Saudi Arabian town of Khafji. The Iraqi units ran into resistance, and many of them had been degraded over days of airstrikes by the US-led Coalition that was backing Saudi Arabia. The coalition was preparing to liberate Kuwait, which it would do on February 24. In some ways, the Iraqi offensive echoes Irans attacks today on many Gulf countries, amidst the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The battle of Khafji was Iraqs attempt to show that even under massive bombardment by the US Air Force and other allies, it could still launch an offensive. The Iraqi army had stood up well during a decade of war with Iran in the 1980s. However, its Soviet armed divisions, consisting of tanks and infantry, were no match for the coalition. Some 60,000 Iraqi soldiers participated in the offensive. In three days of battle, it was all over for them. Advertisement Advertisement Iraqs attack on Saudi Arabia came after Iraq had already invaded Kuwait in 1990. The Iraqi invasion had led the US to assemble a huge coalition to defend Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Then the US and the other forces pushed Iraq out of Kuwait. Americas close alliance with many Gulf states has origins in that fight. Much was learned during that war, and it brought the US closer to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and other states. Today, Iran is the one attacking these Gulf countries. Iran is waging part of its war with the US on Israel by striking at Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries in the Gulf. Dozens of projectiles have apparently been launched at Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, including missiles and drones. Although Iran maintains a pretense that it is attacking US forces, the videos show that Iranian drones and other munitions have hit apartment buildings, a hotel, and apparently damaged an airport. In other instances, the Iranians have struck at military targets. However, it seems that Iran has a two-pronged approach. It wants to strike at US bases, but it also wants to drive up the price for these Gulf countries hosting US forces. Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER) Iran's behavior is similar to Iraqs in 1991. Iraq lashed out not only at Saudi Arabia but also fired Scud missiles at Israel. Iraqs attacks on Israel helped accelerate Israels investment in air defenses. This has helped Israel stay safer during the recent conflict with Iran. The Arrow missile defense system has its origins in the need to defend against the Scud threat. As such, Irans actions today are linked to Iraqs actions in 1991. Iran's attack on Gulf States brings them closer together So far, Iran has exacted a price. Flights have been cancelled in the Gulf. Commerce is the key feature of many of these countries. Without flights, it is hard for them to do business, and their large expat populations will suffer. Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, the attacks will bring these countries closer together, enabling cooperation with the US and among themselves. Many of these countries operate air defenses acquired from the US. In addition, the UAE and Israel have normalized ties, which means they will benefit from Israeli expertise as well. Iran has thus lashed out, but could end up causing the opposite effect it intended. The regime has long caused havoc in the Gulf. In 1983, Iran was linked to embassy bombings carried out in Kuwait. Iran has also long terrorized shipping in the Gulf, using threats against shipping to maintain its influence. Back in 2019, Iran even mined several tankers, causing havoc off the coast of the UAE. Iran has also harassed naval vessels in the Gulf, even kidnapping crew. This shows that attacks on the Gulf are not new for Iran. It has also launched drone attacks on ships in the past, and it has encouraged its proxies, the Houthis in Yemen and Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, to launch attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have also targeted the UAE in the past. Therefore, the Gulf countries know the threat they are dealing with. Dr. Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the president of the UAE, posted on social media that Iranian aggression against the Gulf states has misdirected its target and isolated Iran at its critical moment. Your war is not with your neighbors, and with this escalation, you confirm the narrative of those who see Iran as the main source of danger to the region, and that its missile program is a permanent source of instability. He added, "return to your senses, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbors rationally, Al-Ain news noted. In a subsequent interview, he said that the UAE will not sit quietly in the face of the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Arab News noted on March 1 that loud blasts were heard in Dubai and Qatari capital Doha for a second day on Sunday, and Oman was hit for the first time as retaliatory strikes on neighboring Gulf states in response to US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic widened. In addition, it said, Two people were injured in Dubai after shrapnel from drones fell over two houses when they were intercepted, a Dubai media office statement said. Dubais international airport, its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel, and man-made Palm Jumeirah Island all suffered damage. A landmark legal battle over privacy, data control and the business model of big tech is playing out in India as WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy faces close scrutiny from the country's top court. At stake is not just WhatsApp's policy, but broader questions over privacy rights, consumer choice and regulation of dominant online platforms. WhatsApp is India's most popular messaging app. A few days ago, WhatsApp told the Supreme Court it would comply by 16 March with an order requiring it to give Indian users greater control over how their data is shared with its parent company, Meta. Advertisement Advertisement In an affidavit, seen by the BBC, the messaging platform added that users could continue using the app even if they opted out of sharing data with Meta for advertising. The move comes days after the court criticised WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy, warning that it would not allow WhatsApp or Meta to "play with" Indians' right to privacy or "make a mockery" of the Constitution, which guarantees privacy as a fundamental right. The remarks were made during open court hearings on WhatsApp's January 2021 policy update, which required users to share data with Meta companies to keep using the app - a "take it or leave it" approach that India's competition watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), said left users with "no real choice". The update drew criticism from users who said they felt compelled to accept terms they were uncomfortable with, noting it differed from the 2016 policy, which had allowed existing users to opt out of sharing data with Meta for advertising. Advertisement Advertisement The policy has also been criticised by digital rights activists as invasive and a violation of user autonomy, while others argue that leveraging a platform's popularity for advertising is common practice in the internet age. WhatsApp is ubiquitous in India with about 853 million users, according to World Population Review. Rivals such as Signal, Telegram and homegrown platforms like Koo exist, but none match in popularity. Given its vast reach, WhatsApp and its parent company are among the global tech firms closely watched by India's federal government which has, in recent years, tightened digital regulations and pushed platforms for greater accountability. A legal battle over WhatsApp's privacy policy began in March 2021 when the CCI ordered an investigation, alleging that Meta was engaging in "exploitative and exclusionary conduct". It said forcing users to share data with Meta companies allowed the firm to leverage WhatsApp's dominance in India to deny advertising access to rivals. Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, the CCI fined Meta $25m for "abusing its dominant position" and ordered it and WhatsApp to implement behavioural remedies within three months. It barred WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta entities for five years and directed the company to clearly specify the purposes of data sharing in its privacy policy. WhatsApp and Meta challenged the order before a company law tribunal, which upheld the penalty but stayed the five-year data-sharing ban. In January 2026, the firms moved the Supreme Court to contest the fine. While hearing the case earlier this month, the Supreme Court criticised WhatsApp's "take it or leave it policy", saying that it was a way of "committing theft of private information". The court also voiced concern over personal communications being used for targeted advertising and directed WhatsApp to establish a consent-based framework for data sharing. WhatsApp has a 97% penetration rate among internet users in India [Getty Images] In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, WhatsApp reiterated that personal messages are protected by end-to-end encryption and said it would implement the CCI's data-sharing remedies, which aim to give users greater control over their data. Advertisement Advertisement The app said it would notify users to allow them to opt out of data sharing and enable them to review or modify their choices through a prominent tab in the app's settings. "Sharing of user data collected on WhatsApp with other Meta companies or Meta company products for purposes other than for providing WhatsApp services shall not be made a condition for users to access WhatsApp service in India," the affidavit said. "All future policy updates shall also comply with these requirements," it added. It also said WhatsApp does not share user data with Meta for advertising purposes "except where a user chooses to use optional features", and that data will not be shared if those features are not used. Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, WhatsApp has already started preparing plans to comply with India's new digital data protection law. The law has been challenged in the Supreme Court by petitioners who argue it violates the rights to information and free speech and could be misused for surveillance. A five-judge bench is set to hear the case in March. The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the penalty against Meta and the case is still being heard in court. Some users and rights activists have welcomed the move, arguing that big tech companies should not exploit large developing markets solely for profit. Others, including digital rights activist Nikhil Pahwa, say Meta and WhatsApp, as commercial entities, have a legitimate right to monetise user metadata. Advertisement Advertisement "Advertising is a legitimate business model, and the Internet runs on billions of dollars of advertising," Pahwa says. He also said that since WhatsApp is a messaging service rather than a product, users can opt out and switch to alternatives such as Signal or Telegram if they are uncomfortable with its data-sharing policies. "If sharing data to enable better delivery of advertising on a firm's platforms is an abuse of dominance, then Gmail, Google Maps and Search should also be prevented from sharing data with Google's advertising business. Where will this end?" Pahwa asks. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across several states. Parts of Alaska and the Upper Midwest are forecasted to see up to 14 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 45 mph. The system is also expected to bring hazardous travel conditions. Which 7 States Are Under a Winter Storm Warning On February 28, 2026, Newsweek reported that the National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings for parts of Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. While conditions differed depending on the state and region, a combination of heavy snowfall and powerful winds posed risks across the board. The city of Hyder, Alaska, is facing the heaviest snowfall forecast, with between 11 and 14 inches of snow expected to fall between noon Saturday and noon Sunday. Other regions of the state, like Juneau, were also expected to deal with up to 12 inches, and some Panhandle locations could see 10 inches. Importantly, all of the other states named in Newsweek's report were also expected to have areas where inches of snow would drop. The storm's path brought moisture from the Gulf of Alaska, which explains why there are higher totals there than in the drier Upper Midwest states that were also named by the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Newsweek's article also details powerful winds that are expected to affect areas of Alaska. Along the Central Beaufort Sea Coast, wind gusts of up to 45 mph have been forecasted. Additionally, Sitka and parts of the southern Panhandle could be struck by up to 35 mph winds, at the same time that as much as seven inches of snow falls. Heavy snow combined with gusty winds can quickly lead to whiteout conditions, where visibility drops sharply, and driving becomes extremely hazardous. Newsweek highlighted that slippery roads in North Dakota were a key concern. Men's Journal's automotive writer, Brian Iselin, has written an expert guide on preparing your vehicle and yourself to drive safely during winter storms. Iselin recommends allowing for extra travel time to avoid rushing and making mistakes on slick roads. He also suggests checking your tire pressure, clearing snow from wheel wells, topping up your anti-freeze washer fluid, and testing that windshield wipers are in working condition. For owners of modern cars with driver-assist features like cameras and sensors, he warns that snow and road spray can make that tech unreliable. Finally, he suggests bringing a winter travel safety kit with essentials like blankets, a shovel, a flashlight, and snacks in case you're stranded. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Update 2/28/26, 4:44 p.m. HURRICANE, Utah (ABC4) New details have been released regarding Saturday mornings fatal plane crash south of Hurricane. Shortly after 10:15 a.m., the Consolidated Communication Center for Washington County received a call about an aircraft that crashed just north of the Utah-Arizona border. The Washington County Sheriffs Office, Utah Division of Natural Resources, Bureau of Land Management, and Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. The pilot was found deceased upon arrival. She has been identified a 40-year-old woman out of Boulder City, Nevada. Her name has not been released at this time. Advertisement Advertisement To respect the privacy of the family, at their request we will not be releasing the name of the pilot, the sheriffs office stated in a press release. This investigation is still ongoing, and investigators with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are on their way down to continue their investigation. Due to this, the exact cause of the crash is not available at this time. The plane was flying with others. The Washington County Sheriffs Office expresses our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the pilot. No further information is currently available. Update 2/28/26, 11:38 a.m. HURRICANE, Utah (ABC4) A woman is confirmed dead after an airplane crash south of Hurricane Saturday morning. A call regarding a downed aircraft came in around 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, according to Sgt. Alfred, WCSO. Deputies responded to the scene and identified the aircraft as a fixed wing, single engine plane. Advertisement Advertisement A woman is confirmed dead after an airplane crash south of Hurricane Saturday morning. (Courtesy: Washington County Sheriffs Office) The female pilot, confirmed deceased, was reportedly the sole occupant of the plane. Her identity is not being released at this time. The crash occurred at the ridgeline southwest of Apple Valley, at the plateau located on the state line, authorities said. The Washington County Sheriffs Office is leading the investigation. No further information is available at this time. Original Post HURRICANE, Utah (ABC4) An aircraft has crashed south of Hurricane near the Utah-Arizona border, according to the Washington County Sheriffs Office (WCSO). Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft reportedly crashed near the Honeymoon Trail in Washington County. Deputies are currently responding to the scene, according to Sgt. Lucas Alfred, WCSO. While details are very limited at this time, there are possibly injuries due to the crash. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Albanian actor Anila Bisha is renowned for playing complex women on the stage and screen, skills honed over a 30-year career, but now she lives in the shadow of her AI avatar and a performance she never gave. Last September, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced with much fanfare he had appointed what he claimed was the first AI-generated minister, tasked with preventing corruption in public tenders. Within days, the "minister" would deliver its inaugural parliamentary speech. Advertisement Advertisement "I am not here to replace people, but to help them," the bot, a digital doppelganger of Bisha in traditional Albanian dress, said in a video message that would garner headlines around the world. But Bisha, watching her familiar face deliver a speech she knew nothing about, in a role she never agreed to, was left reeling. "I couldn't believe it when I saw myself delivering a speech in parliament, when I heard my voice saying that I am a minister," the 57-year-old told AFP. "I was in shock, I cried so much." - A tough job - In early 2025, Bisha agreed to lend her face and voice to a virtual assistant for an online government services portal -- aimed at helping people navigate bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement She was delighted at the time, but it was tough work. To create a responsive and realistic avatar for the chatbot, she stood for hours speaking nonstop. Every movement of her mouth and every sound had to be recorded so the bot, dubbed "Diella" or "Sun" in Albanian, could respond naturally to user requests. Within a few months, Diella had recorded nearly a million interactions and issued over 36,000 documents through the platform -- a success hailed by the government and users. "I received so many congratulations about Diella," Bisha said. - One Sun, 83 children - In September, Rama suddenly "promoted" the chatbot to be minister of public procurement -- a move that he promised would make public tenders "100 percent corruption-free". Advertisement Advertisement But with little public detail, the announcement drew sharp criticism from the opposition and experts who raised constitutional and accountability issues in a country where graft is widespread. Bisha, too, said she was left in the dark and spent months reaching out to the government. "The use of my image and my voice for political purposes is something very serious for me," Bisha said. According to the actor, she had signed a contract only for the use of her image on the e-services platform, and the agreement lapsed in December last year. The government ignored her messages and Rama pressed on. Advertisement Advertisement Diella was "pregnant", he told a Berlin conference in October, and she would soon give birth to 83 children, one for each of his MPs. Bisha was disgusted. "People who don't like the prime minister hate me, and I feel so hurt." - 'Getting scary' - Rama continues to promote Diella abroad as part of his promise to root out corruption -- a key requirement for the country's EU ambitions. Since December, the head of the department responsible for the AI has been under house arrest for his alleged links to an illegal manipulation of government tenders. Rama's own deputy is also embroiled in a corruption scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Bisha has abandoned her hopes of an amicable settlement with the government and launched a legal fight against "Diella" earlier this month. On Monday, an attempt to have the use of her image suspended ahead of a full legal challenge was rejected by an administrative court. But her lawyer said they would lodge the main suit within days, including a claim for one million euros ($1.17 million) in damages for a violation of her image rights. In a statement, a government spokeswoman said the lawsuit was "nonsense", adding: "But we welcome the opportunity to solve it once and for all in a court of law." Advertisement Advertisement Bisha said she would keep fighting until she reclaimed her identity -- even if it meant taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. "I don't know what could happen with my voice and my figure, what else could be done?" she said. Although she still doubts that an AI could ever replace an actor's ability to convey "beautiful emotion", her recent experience has shaken her hopes for the future. "I don't know, its development is coming, and it's getting scary." bme/al/jxb PARIS (AP) Three close allies of the United States said Sunday they are ready to join forces to defend their interests in the Middle East and stop Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as others around the world raised concerns that the conflict sparked by coordinated U.S.-Israel attacks could spread into a wider war. Britain, France and Germany said they were prepared to work with the United States. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Irans capability to fire missiles and drones at their source, their statement said. We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Massive explosions rocked the Iranian capital for a second day as Israel's military said it was targeting the heart of Tehran. Iran pressed on, targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in Gulf states. Iranian officials hurried to plan a future after the death of Khamenei, who had no designated successor, as some Iranians who had long suffered from political repression celebrated. On streets around the world, there were protests in outrage or bursts of celebration. Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church, said he was profoundly concerned about the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and urged both sides to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss. Allies will work with US to defend interests The statement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said they are appalled by Irans reckless strikes on their allies, which threaten their service members and citizens in the region. Advertisement Advertisement A drone strike damaged a hangar at a French naval base at the port of Abu Dhabi, France's defense minister said. British Defense Minister John Healey said Iranian missile and drone strikes came within a few hundred yards (meters) of a group of 300 British military personnel in Bahrain. Healey also said two missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, where the U.K. has bases, though a Cyprus government spokesman said on social media those reports were not valid. Starmer said the U.K. will not join in strikes on Iran but has newly agreed to let Washington use British bases for attacks on Irans missiles and their launch sites. Top diplomats from the 27 European Union nations held an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the situation and next steps for the bloc. Advertisement Advertisement The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Irans history. What comes next is uncertain, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape. Iran is urged to return to your senses Perhaps cautious about upsetting already strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, many nations, including several in the Middle East, refrained from commenting directly or pointedly on the joint strikes but condemned Tehrans retaliation. The 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability. That coalition of nations has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region. Return to your senses ... and deal with your neighbors with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, told the Iranian theocracy. The UAE closed its embassy in Iran and announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic mission after Iranian strikes hit the country. Advertisement Advertisement The UAE foreign minister met with counterparts from five other Gulf states Sunday for an emergency virtual meeting. The top diplomats said their countries retain the legal right to respond and the right to self-defense under international law. Russia and China criticize the killing of Khamen ei Russian leader Vladimir Putin blasted Khameneis killing, which he called a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law." The blatant killing of the leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are unacceptable, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. These actions violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations. Wang said attacking a sovereign state without U.N. Security Council authorization undermines the foundation for peace established after World War II. Advertisement Advertisement At least 22 people were killed in clashes with police in northern Pakistan and in the southern port city of Karachi after hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate there, authorities said. In Iraq, hundreds wore black and waved flags belonging to Iran-backed Iraqi militias and red flags that symbolize vengeance in the Shiite Muslim faith as they marched across Sadr City to decry the killing of Khamenei. Anger flashed at protests in Istanbul and among Shiite Muslims in India. Demonstrations were also held in cities including New York, Berlin, Paris and Vienna by members of the Iranian diaspora and their supporters, celebrating the end of Khameneis rule. Some demonstrators waved flags of the Iranian monarchy, with Israeli and U.S. flags also on display. ___ Ciobanu reported from Warsaw. Lorne Cook in Brussels and AP reporters around the world contributed to this report. American and Israeli forces have carried out strikes on cities across Iran, in what US President Donald Trump has described as "major combat operations". Trump called for the Iranian people to rise up and government forces to surrender following what Israel called a "preemptive attack". He later said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, which was confirmed by Iranian state TV. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it was responding to the strikes by targeting US bases and assets across the Middle East as part of operation "Truthful Promise 4". Advertisement Advertisement This comes after weeks of threats and negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. Here is how the international community is reacting. UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the military escalation, and warned that international peace and security were being undermined. "The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security," he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability." At an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York on Saturday afternoon, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the strikes were "directed toward specific and strategic objectives: to dismantle missile capabilities that threaten allies, to degrade naval assets used to destabilise international waters, and to disrupt the machinery that arms proxy militias and to ensure the Iranian regime, never ever can threaten the world with a nuclear weapon". Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said: "Israel together with the United States acted to stop an existential threat to Israel, to our allies, and to global stability. "When a regime chants 'death to Israel,' 'Death to America', we take it seriously. We believe them and we act. Our objectives are clear." Advertisement Advertisement Russia, Iran's ally, condemned the strikes. "The aggression that Iran was subjected to today has already resulted in an escalation in the region and could spill over far beyond its borders," Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia warned. Moscow earlier called on the international community to assess what it called "irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security" in the Middle East. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi - who had been mediating this week's US-Iran nuclear talks - said he was "dismayed". "Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined," he wrote on X, telling the US that the strikes don't serve their interests or that of global peace. "I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war." Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blasted the joint US and Israel strikes as "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate". In a post on X he said that Trump has turned "America First into Israel First - which always means America Last". Saudi Arabia condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait as it denounced in the "strongest terms blatant Iranian aggression". "The Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement A joint statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also urged Iran to "seek a negotiated solution". The statement, posted on X by the German Embassy in London, said the countries had consistently urged the Iranian regime to end its nuclear and missile programs, refrain from "destabilising activity", and to stop the "appalling violence and repression against its own people". "We did not participate in these strikes," the three leaders said, adding they are in contact with international partners, including the US, Israel and others in the region. "We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future," they said. Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir said British planes were "in the sky today" in the Middle East as part of "co-ordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies". Previously, Macron said the "outbreak" carries "grave consequences for international peace and security" and warned that ongoing escalation is "dangerous for all". "France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners at their request," he added. Germany said it was informed of the attack in advance, and that Chancellor Merz consulted with relevant security ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Kaja Kallas, the European Union's (EU) top diplomat, called the latest developments "perilous". "The EU has adopted strong sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue," she said in a statement on X, adding she has spoken to Israel's and other regional foreign ministers. "Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said it would be consulting allies and regional leaders to support efforts to ease tensions. In a statement, Brazil's government condemned the US and Israeli attacks and expressed "grave concern". Advertisement Advertisement Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country backed the US "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security". UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called for restraint and urged all parties "to see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the 'negotiating table'". "As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price," he said, before reminding those involved that protecting civilians is "paramount" under international law. Earlier on Saturday, Trump posted a lengthy video on his Truth Social website, confirming US involvement: Advertisement Advertisement "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," he said, adding that Washington's aim is to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon". He also told the Iranian people to remain in shelter and not leave their homes. "When we are finished, take over your government," he said. "It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly called on all Iranian people "to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran". Thanking Trump, he reiterated his message that Iran "must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity". "Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands." Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family was a "cynical" murder. After Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, which resulted in airstrikes between Iran and Israel, the world began to react to the destruction on both sides of the conflict. Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family was a "cynical" murder that violated all the norms of human morality and international law. Advertisement Advertisement "Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," Putin said in a note to Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian released by the Kremlin. Khamenei was killed on Saturday, aged 86, Iranian state media announced, in air strikes by Israel and the United States. "In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and brought them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership," Putin said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026. (credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS) "I ask you to convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, the government, and the entire people of Iran." North Korea North Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement that Israel's attacks on Iran and the US military operation were "illegal aggression" and a violation of national sovereignty, state media Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday. Pope Leo Pope Leo said on Sunday that he is following events after US-Israeli strikes against Iran with "deep concern" and made an impassioned appeal to stop what he called a "spiral of violence." Advertisement Advertisement "I address a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss," said the pope. "Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons ... but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialogue," the pope said during his weekly address to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square after a Sunday prayer. Kallas European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday that the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was "a defining moment in Irans history." "What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape," Kallas said on social media platform X. Advertisement Advertisement "Im in contact with partners, including those in the region that bear the brunt of Irans military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation." Britain European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday that the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was "a defining moment in Irans history." "What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape," Kallas said on social media platform X. "Im in contact with partners, including those in the region that bear the brunt of Irans military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation." Greece More than a thousand demonstrators marched to the US and Israeli embassies in Athens on Sunday to protest against strikes in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrators mainly affiliated to the Greek Communist Party held banners and placards reading "Hands off Iran" and "Close Souda base." Greece on Saturday tightened security in Souda naval base on the island of Crete, a strategic facility for the United States in the eastern Mediterranean. The US and Israeli embassies were cordoned off with rows of blue police buses. Police sources estimated the number of protesters at more than 1,300. China China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday that attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran during US-Iran negotiations were "unacceptable," according to state news agency Xinhua. Advertisement Advertisement Wang said the "blatant killing of a sovereign leader" and the incitement of regime change were unacceptable, after Iran reported the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Saturday's barrage. China is calling for an immediate cessation of military action, a return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and joint opposition to unilateral actions, the minister said. The United States and Israel launched their attacks early on Saturday, targeting Iran's military capability. China's ministry on Saturday expressed concern over the strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all sides to avoid escalation and to resume dialogue and negotiation. It said Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, China's embassy in Israel issued a notice advising Chinese citizens in Israel to evacuate to safer areas within the country as soon as possible or to leave for Egypt via the Taba border crossing. China's foreign ministry on Sunday also urged Chinese citizens in Iran to leave "as soon as possible," listing four land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iraq. In a commentary on Sunday, China's state-run Xinhua news agency criticized the attack, calling it "brazen aggression against a sovereign nation" and "power politics and hegemony." Xinhua said Washington's use of military coercion was a "flagrant violation" of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and a departure from "fundamental norms of international relations." Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Hong Kong-based airline operator Cathay Group 1981.HK on Saturday suspended operations in the Middle East, affecting passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh as well as freighter services through Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, Cathay, the parent of Cathay Pacific Airways 0293.HK, said in a statement. It said it is re-routing flights that typically pass over the affected area. The conflict has caused widespread flight disruptions and cancellations. Germany Germany must expect a rise in the threat posed to Jewish life after US and Israeli attacks that killed Khamenei, Antisemitism Commissioner Felix Klein told the Funke media group on Sunday. "It is to be expected that Iran will use its networks in this country to carry out terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli institutions," said Klein, the government official responsible for tackling antisemitism. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) A New York businesswoman was sentenced Friday to nine years in federal prison over a financial scheme that ripped off more than $30 million from foreign investors and funneled some of the stolen money into U.S. political campaigns, including a fundraiser for President Donald Trump. Sherry Xue Li was also ordered to forfeit $31.5 million, as well as property at three locations, and to make restitution to her victims. The 54-year-old Oyster Bay resident, who has been detained since her arrest in 2022, pleaded guilty last year to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by obstructing the Federal Election Commissions administration of campaign finance laws. Advertisement Advertisement Her co-defendant, Lianbo Wang, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to five years in prison. Lis lawyer didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday, but U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said she faces justice for her cynical schemes. She peddled false promises and outright lies to her many investors and stuffed her pockets while they suffered devastating losses, he said in a statement. Prosecutors say Li and Wang for years convinced investors, many of them from China, into contributing $500,000 each to a fictitious development project, with a false promise that it would guarantee them lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the two, who are naturalized U.S. citizens, used millions of dollars from those investments for personal expenses, including clothing, jewelry, housing, vacation travel and upscale dining, according to prosecutors. They say Li and Wang also sold investors access to U.S. politicians and used the proceeds to make illegal contributions to U.S. political campaigns and committees. In one instance, the two charged investors $93,000 each for admission to a 2017 Trump fundraiser, then used the money to make illegal donations totaling $600,000 to the committee hosting the event. Li even took a photograph with Trump and his wife, Melania, at the event, and used the image to solicit donations to the fake development project, prosecutors said. The campaigns and committees were unaware of the scheme, and no allegations of criminal wrongdoing were lodged against them, prosecutors said. You are the owner of this article. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raising the risk of regional instability To many Iranians in Washington, U.S. attack signals either freedom or imperialism Federal agents stand in the driveway and speak with a homeowner as more than a dozen federal agent search for a man they claim is a dangerous criminal on Oct. 19, 2025, in Mt. Prospect, Ill. "Canada and India are both growing economies with big ambitions in energy, technology, and AI. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, The Chairman of Tata Group, and I met in Mumbai to discuss how our countries can partner in these areas to create greater security and prosperity for both our peoples," Carney posted on X. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mark Carney is on an official visit to India from February 27 to March 2, 2026. This is Prime Minister Carney's first official visit to India. Prime Minister Carney arrived in Mumbai on February 27. Over the next two days, he participated in separate business engagements, interacted with Indian and Canadian CEOs, industry and financial experts, innovators, educators, and Canadian Pension Funds based in India. Prime Minister Carney was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on March 1. On March 2, the two Prime Ministers will hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House. Both leaders will review the progress achieved to date across diverse areas of the India - Canada Strategic Partnership, building on their earlier meetings in Kananaskis (June 2025) and Johannesburg (November 2025). "They will also take stock of ongoing cooperation in key pillars, including trade and investment; energy; critical minerals; agriculture; education, research, and innovation; and people-to-people ties. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments," according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney will also attend the India-Canada CEOs Forum. The visit comes at an important juncture in the normalisation of India-Canada bilateral relations. (ANI) Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said three more semiconductor plants will go into commercial production in India in 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday inaugurated the Micron ATMP (Assembly, Test, Marking, and Packaging) facility in Sanand, Gujarat. This landmark event, marking the commencement of commercial production, signifies a historic milestone in India's journey toward global technology leadership. "The promise he (PM Modi) made to the country that the semiconductor industry has to be brought to India, he fulfilled that promise. This is the first step," Vaishnaw said today at a semiconductor-focused conference. "Very soon, the second plant is also going to go into commercial production and after that two more plants will go into commercial production this year. In other words, four of the ten plants that have been approved, will be inaugurated in 2026," the minister added. Today, the minister is also set to review the under-construction Tata fab in Dholera. In just four years, since the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021, India has transformed its semiconductor journey from vision to reality. To support this vision, the government had announced a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. India now has 10 approved semiconductor projects across six states. Together, these projects represent an investment of about Rs 1.60 lakh crore and position India to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders. Semiconductors are at the heart of modern technology. They power essential systems in healthcare, transport, communication, defence, and space. As the world moves toward greater digitalization and automation, semiconductors have become integral to economic security and strategic independence. Today, the minister also reiterated that Mumbai-Ahmedabad ambitious bullet train project is expected to be inaugurated sometime in 2027. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Japan. The Project is passing through the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. The travel time between the two major cities would be a little less than 2 hours, the minister said. (ANI) Janice Dickinson has slammed Tyra Banks as a hardcore b****. Janice Dickinson: ANTM tortured these girls for Tyra Banks' ego A decade after the pair worked together on America's Next Top Model, Janice, 71, has claimed Tyra encouraged her to be cruel to the contestants and claimed Tyra was particularly harsh on Black models. Speaking on E!'s Dirty Rotten Scandals, Janice said: The producers, especially Tyra, were begging me to be harsher and cruel, like Simon Cowell was on American Idol.' Tyra didn't want any competition. She went off on one girl and it was so frightening that I was going to get up and hold her down. She would go harder on the Black girls on the show because of competitiveness and jealousy and her being older than these young women. She was always trying to be this tough teen mum to the girls but she didn't know them, she didn't give them enough confidence. Janice also claimed that the show tortured these girls for Tyra's ego. She said: They left the show completely depressed and depleted while she got so rich. America's Next Top Model really tortured these girls for Tyra's ego. I was there and I saw it for four seasons. She was a hardcore b****. Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Tyra Banks refused to speak to Jay Manuel when he returned to America's Next Top Model. The 52-year-old star brought the 53-year-old makeup artist on board as a creative director when the series first launched in 2003, but he decided to move on eight seasons into the show. In new Netflix documentary Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, Jay recalled emailing Tyra to thank her for the opportunity. He revealed: "She didnt respond. It was probably the longest three days ever. "And she ultimately wrote back just three words. 'I am disappointed.' "After that email exchange, all communication just stopped. It shouldve been the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart, but that did not happen." Higher-ups at network UPN convinced him to return for one more cycle while they tried to figure out his replacement. Reflecting on that period, he told PEOPLE magazine: "Tyra chose not to speak with me at all while the cameras were off. When they were on, she'd speak to me. "After [trying to leave], I did cycle nine, which was ... torture for me. I was so broken by the end of that cycle because of the mental torture of what was going on." In the wake of his ongoing legal turbulence in the cheque bounce case, actor Rajpal Yadav has voiced his broader concerns about the film financing practices in the industry. Speaking to ANI, Rajpal Yadav stressed the need to standardise financial agreements within the film fraternity, even appealing to the film federation to establish a formal investment fund and a contract framework that would govern finance sources, artists, and even production houses. "I request the whole film federation to agree with an investment fund for film finance to go ahead. They should create a basic platform, which the foreign investors, as well as the actors, should follow. If this happens, it will be very easy," Yadav said. Rajpal Yadav was granted interim bail in a 9 crore cheque bounce case, stemming from a 2010 loan of 5 crore he took for his film "Ata Pata Laapata". The loan, provided by businessman Madhav Gopal Agrawal, accumulated interest and penalties, ballooning to 9 crore. Rajpal Yadav has been granted interim bail after depositing Rs 1.5 crore, with the court allowing bail until March 18. He maintains his innocence, stating the intention behind the deal was not malicious, but rather a misunderstanding. Opening up on his legal troubles, the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' actor continued, "It has been 26 years since I have been working, and at least 200 agreements have been made, from Rs 1 lakh to 1.5 lakhs, to 15 lakhs. If I had fought on the agreement, then why do I have only one case, and no one else? I am saying this again and again, that no matter which machine, I have been asked, where does Rs 5 crores come from, and where does it go? I am a man of Rs 1500 crores... I am saying that, whatever is behind this film, I am ready to support it, but the intention of 5 crores behind this film is wrong. It is wrong to take money and trap people. The intention of Madhav and Mithilesh was not right. That is why this is a fight of three people. No one knows about the rest." Rajpal has expressed gratitude for support from fans and colleagues, including Salman Khan and Sonu Sood, and vows to repay the debt. On Saturday, Rajpal Yadav addressed a press meet with his lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay. During the interaction, the actor spoke openly about his legal battle, upcoming work plans, and the lessons he has learned over the past decade. During his media interaction, the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' actor revealed that he has projects lined up for the next seven years, with a total worth exceeding Rs 1000 crore. He also mentioned that he is committed to 10 films over the coming period. (ANI) Actor Sonal Chauhan has found herself stuck in Dubai after several flights were cancelled due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The actress has now reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help, asking for support to return to India safely. The 'Jannat' actress took to her Instagram Stories to share her situation with her followers and the authorities. She spoke about being "stranded" in Dubai as flights have been cancelled with no clear update on when services will restart. In her post, she directly sought the government's "guidance and support" during the ongoing crisis. Her post read, "Hon'ble PM @Narendramodi ji, I'm currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I'm seeking the government's guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return." Take a look Sonal Chauhan is among the many passengers currently stuck at Dubai International Airport. Sudden flight cancellations have left travellers waiting for updates, with many unsure about when they will be able to return home. Several videos shared online show crowded airport terminals and worried passengers as they wait for official announcements. The crisis follows a sharp escalation in West Asia after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked sites. The operation triggered retaliatory threats and airspace closures in several countries, including Iran and Iraq, disrupting major international air corridors. Airlines across the country have been forced to reroute or cancel flights, with airports setting up help desks to assist stranded passengers. Both Air India and IndiGo said they remain in close coordination with aviation authorities and are monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Services will resume once safe flight corridors become available, the airlines said, urging passengers to stay updated through official channels as the situation evolves. (ANI) Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu shared a scary experience from Dubai after missiles were seen lighting up the night sky amid rising tensions West Asia. Vishnu was in Dubai visiting his family when the situation unfolded. On Saturday evening, the 'Kannappa' actor took to his Instagram Stories and shared a video showing what appeared to be missiles visible from outside his residence. Loud interception sounds could also be heard in the background as he looked towards his young child, who appeared frightened by the noise. Along with the video, he described the entire experience, explaining how the "missiles" and loud sounds shook their home. The actor also wrote that he hopes no child would ever hear the sound of war. "In Dubai visiting family tonight. Missiles visible in the sky. The loud interceptions shook our home and frightened little Ayra. Praying for peace. No child anywhere should grow up hearing the sound of war above their roof," he wrote. Vishnu also thanked local authorities for ensuring civilian safety and reflected on how moments like these show how fragile life can be. He added, "Grateful to the UAE defense forces for keeping civilians safe. Moments like this remind us how fragile life really is. Praying for strength and peace. Har Har Mahadev." https://x.com/iVishnuManchu/status/2027764388623515653?s=20 Earlier in the day, actor Sonal Chauhan, who found herself stuck in Dubai after several flights were canceled, reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help, asking for support to return to India safely. The 'Jannat' actress took to her Instagram Stories to share her situation with her followers and the authorities. She spoke about being "stranded" in Dubai as flights had been canceled with no clear update on when services would restart. In her post, she directly sought the government's "guidance and support" during the ongoing crisis. Her post read, "Hon'ble PM @Narendramodi ji, I'm currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been canceled, and there is no clear way to return to India. I'm seeking the government's guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return." Earlier in the day, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. (ANI) Hours after the United States and Israel's major military assault against Iran, Hollywood stars have spoken out against the attack. The strikes began on the morning of February 28 in a coordinated campaign that has now drawn global attention and strong reactions from artists and actors. Musician Jack White took to his Instagram account to criticise the US response and the manner of its announcement. He mocked the image and tone of President Donald Trump while referring to the strikes from a "Board of Peace." White wrote about the conflict and the political leadership's actions in strong language online. "Don't you love seeing him declare war on a country while wearing a trucker hat that says 'USA' on it?" White wrote. "Behold the leader of the 'Board of Peace.' For the next war announcement, Donny, may I suggest having your feet up on the Resolute desk while eating a Big Mac in a velvet tracksuit? Venezuela, Greenland, Iran, Cuba, what's the difference, right? Don Jr. and Barron won't have to fight or die, just other people's children, so... invade and bomb away! New sign-ups for the 'Board of Peace' starting at one billion dollars! Can you believe Donny hasn't received a real Nobel Peace Prize yet? Unfair! Maybe in his third term, he'll get one," he added. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVTYRAkjnGJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Writer and actor John Cusack took to X to share his view that the conflict was a distraction from other controversies involving Trump and alleged lobbying pressures. His post linked broader political events with the military action against Iran. He wrote, "Trump starts a wag-the-dog war to distract from Epstein and to do Netanyahu's bidding who's lobbied for this for over 30 years Had enough yet?," he wrote according to Variety. Carrie Coon also used her social media to echo criticism of the administration's policies. In her post, she made a remark that referred to the new "Department of War," echoing the language used by other critics to show disapproval of the military action. Actor Mark Ruffalo shared an article on Instagram Threads according to Variety, about Jared Kushner, a Trump negotiator, and suggested that war was being pushed as a choice. This added to the voices in Hollywood calling for scrutiny of the attack's motives. The U.S. and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on U.S. bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. (ANI) Cher's son, Elijah Blue Allman, has been charged after an incident at a private prep school in New Hampshire, according to PEOPLE. According to the Concord Police Department, the 49-year-old musician was taken into custody on Friday, February 27. Police were called to St. Paul's School in Concord at around 6 pm after reports of an unwanted guest on the campus. Local reports said that Elijah allegedly created a disturbance in the school's dining hall and behaved aggressively, according to the outlet. Police later identified him as the person involved. After being detained, Elijah was charged with two counts of simple assault, criminal trespassing, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct. Police told PEOPLE that he has no connection to the school. The case is still under investigation. Elijah was taken to the Merrimack County Jail and later released on personal recognisance bail. This means he did not have to pay bail but must appear in court when required. The incident comes months after Elijah was taken to a medical facility in California in June, when police said he was acting erratically. At that time, deputies said drugs were found at the home, and he was taken to the hospital. He was released a few days later. Earlier, in December 2023, Cher had filed for a temporary conservatorship over her son's estate, citing concerns about his health and substance use. The case was later settled privately, and Cher withdrew the request in September 2024, according to PEOPLE. Cher shares Elijah with her late former husband, rock musician Gregg Allman. She is also the mother of Chaz Bono. (ANI) In an Instagram post, she wrote, "The most unbelievable news for us! The news we have been waiting for 47 years! Khamenei is dead. God is great." Elnaaz, who was born in Iran and later moved to Germany before building a career in India, expressed joy over the death of Khamenei. She followed up with another story featuring the same news headline, this time adding "thank you" and celebratory emojis. Elnaaz also posted a video of herself dancing in celebration of Khamenei's death, referring to him as a "dictator." "We are celebrating a Dictators Death folks! Khamenei is gone," she posted. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVVQn3_gkdb/ Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. (ANI) IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating that the airline will communicate any probable adjustments to the passengers in view of the escalating tension in the Middle East. "We remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor developments in the region around Iran and the Middle East, with the safety and security of our customers and crew always as our highest priority. We understand that the evolving nature of the situation may cause uncertainty. Please be assured that our teams are carefully reviewing all developments and taking measured decisions with utmost responsibility," the advisory stated. IndiGo further urged the passengers to keep a track of their flight status on the official website of the airline. "As circumstances remain dynamic, further schedule adjustments may be required. Should there be any changes affecting your journey, we will communicate them promptly through your registered contact details. Customers are advised to monitor their flight status via bit.ly/31paVKQ before proceeding to the airport. We truly value your patience and trust during this time. Please know that we remain fully committed to supporting you and ensuring your journey is managed with care, clarity, and safety at every step," the advisory added. Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi issued an advisory urging the members of the Indian community in the UAE not fall for rumours and fake news. "The members of the Indian community in the UAE are requested to not be victim of rumours and fake news about the security situation in the country, and follow the official handles of the Embassy/Consulate/UAE government authorities for updates: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi - @IndembAbudhabi, Consulate General of India, Dubai - @cgidubai, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs - @mofauae, UAE Ministry of Defence - @modgovae, UAE Ministry of Interior - @moiuae, UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster, Management Authority -@NCEMAUAE, Emirates News Agency - @WAMNEWS_ENG, UAE Government Media Office - @UAEmediaoffice, Abu Dhabi Media Office - @ADMediaOffice, Dubai Media Office - @DXBMediaOffice, Due caution be also exercised in posting information in social media handles about the situation as per the advisories issued by the UAE authorities," the advisory stated. Despite the Iran-Israel conflict, Dubai continued as normal on Friday night. Traffic on Dubai streets was, as usual, completely undisturbed by the dramatic events unfolding on Friday afternoon. (ANI) The disruptions follow due to widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, affecting all international flight routes. One of the stranded passengers at the IGI airport expressed his frustration over constant flight delays and cancellations and said he had been waiting for 14 hours but still had no update regarding their flight. "I was supposed to fly to Saudi from Delhi, but my flight was cancelled. We have been waiting for 14 hours, but we have not heard anything yet. It is becoming very difficult," said the passenger. The cancellations and delays come amid the escalated tension and disturbance in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States, targeting Iranian sites. Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that 444 flights are expected to be cancelled even today. In a post on X, the MoCA stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in complete coordination with all the concerned airlines to ensure passenger safety and operational regulations. "Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, 410 flights of domestic carriers were cancelled on 28 February, and 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on 1 March. DGCA is maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations..." the post read. (ANI) Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, terming the attack by Israel and the United States a "terrorist act". He claimed that it has pushed the Gulf region into war. Speaking to ANI, Abbas said, "The attack carried out by Israel and America yesterday is called a terrorist attack. Today, it has plunged the entire Gulf into war, and you are all seeing the situation throughout the Gulf. The world should understand how America and Israel are spreading bloodshed, hatred, and terror throughout the world." He further stated that Khamenei was not just the leader of one nation but a figure for the wider Muslim community and oppressed people globally. "Khamenei was not the leader of any one country, but the leader of every oppressed person, every Muslim, and every human being...No one knows where this ongoing conflict will lead. But I am confident that Iran will win," he said. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. (ANI) Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad on Sunday condemned the US-Israel strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He described the actions of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as cowardly, saying they had "signed their own death warrants." Maulana Jawad praised Khamenei as a leader who consistently supported the oppressed and termed his death a "great loss to humanity." He announced three days of mourning, urging people to close their shops and businesses, but emphasised that participation should be voluntary. He also stated that a candlelight march would be held at 8 pm to honour the late leader. "These are all cowards who martyred a leader who always helped the oppressed... Trump and Netanyahu have signed their own death warrants. Allah will punish them. We have announced three days of mourning, and people should close their shops and businesses, but we should not pressure anyone... It is a great loss to humanity... We will hold a candlelight march tonight at 8 pm, said Maulana Jawad. Meanwhile, Shia Muslims in Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir and Lucknow held protests against the killing, expressing their anger over the strikes. A protestor in Lucknow said that the US kept on deceiving Iran in the name of peace talks asserting that "if one Khamenei dies, a thousand Khameneis will rise", adding that the war would continue. "They (US) kept deceiving with talks and threatened about war, but our leader did not get afraid and did not bow... If one Khamenei is killed, a thousand Khameneis will rise and this war will continue... Trump cannot win easily," the protestor told ANI. This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Reuters cited Iranian state media reporting that 40 days of public mourning was announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling, cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." (ANI) Sinners dominated the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday (28.02.26). Sinners dominates NAACP Image Awards Ryan Cooglers acclaimed horror film continued to gain momentum ahead of the upcoming Academy Awards, picking up 13 wins out of 18 nominations, including Breakthrough Performance for Miles Caton and Actor in a Motion Picture and Entertainer of the Year for Michael B. Jordan. Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo won the Supporting Actress and Actor awards, while writer and director Ryan Coogler picked up the Outstanding Motion Picture award along with Writing in a Motion Picture and Directing in a Motion Picture. The entire cast was also awarded the Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture gong, while the movie picked up soundtrack awards too. Speaking at the ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Coogler said: Since our people been here over four centuries, theres always been a lot of lies told about us. And a lie, no matter how powerful the person saying it is, is still a lie and the truth, no matter how little power the person saying it has, is still the truth, and the truth is yall are loved, yall are beautiful and yall are powerful and mighty. And bless yall. Thank yall so much. While accepting his Best Actor award, Michael B Jordan paid tribute to his late friend and Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman. He said: Yall really dont understand how much this means to me, being here. I used to come here when I was a kid, when I was about 15 years old, sneaking in through the back as best I could. This is a place where I always felt encouraged, always felt like I was being celebrated and nourished. You told me it was OK to keep going because I felt seen here, I felt comfortable, I felt the love. Thats why I love being here, and I love you guys so much. And I was thinking about lead actor, and I was thinking about what lead actor meant to me, and, honestly, Ive got to dedicate this award to Chadwick Boseman. I love being Black. I love yall. Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas, on Sunday, condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes, terming the act as "very unfortunate" for the global community. Shia cleric while speaking to ANI, said, "It is very unfortunate. The world thinks that by killing Khamenei, Iran will be finished... America and Israel will get a befitting reply from Iran. Today, large-scale protests and demonstrations will be carried out at Lucknow's Imambara at 8.30 PM... All India Shia Personal Law Board have announced a mourning period of 3 days when we all will wear black clothes and put up black flags at our houses." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning Iranian state media was cited by Reuters. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The Iranian Supreme Leader's death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. According to Tasnim News, Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday while in office. It said on X, "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred at their workplace in the Leader's Residence. They were engaged in performing their assigned duties and present at their workplace (their office) at the moment of martyrdom, and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning." The Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. The front page of the Jerusalem Post also carried the news of the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Meanwhile, various reports emanating from Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. (ANI) Dr Bindu Bajaj, Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Safdarjung Hospital welcomed the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the country, calling it a significant move in the fight against cervical cancer. Speaking to ANI on the importance of the vaccine, Dr Bajaj said, "It was very important to bring this vaccine to our country. This cancer is very common. This vaccine is being given at the age of 14, so its results have been seen to be good. We are very happy. "It was very important to bring this vaccine to our country...This cancer is very common...This vaccine is being given at the age of 14, so its results have been seen to be good...We are very happy", she said. HPV vaccine aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, a major health concern in India. The vaccination drive is targeted at pre-teens; the vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on public health. She highlighted that cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women and emphasised that early vaccination will play a crucial role in reducing the disease burden in the coming years. Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in the launch program of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign against cervical cancer at the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital. While addressing the event, the Delhi Chief Minister highlighted that at least 80,000 women develop cervical cancer every year."Approximately 80,000 women develop cervical cancer each year, which can be prevented by getting the HPV vaccination at an early age. In such a situation, it is a matter of good fortune that the Prime Minister has made this vaccine available free of cost to all women... When I was looking at its efficiency rate, then almost 93 per cent protection is possible with this vaccine, due to which our women will be saved from this disease..." she stated. Furthermore, Gupta said that the state government will run the HPV vaccination drive for three months to vaccinate young girls aged 14-15."In Delhi, 1.6 lakh girls are 14-15 years old, in the next 3 months we will run HPV vaccination drive in which our health department, education department, Asha workers, everyone will join in it, will spread its information to every household and will ensure that every daughter takes this vaccine so that no daughter of Delhi gets cervical cancer..." she added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign and development projects worth Rs 16,680 crore in Rajasthan's Ajmer. Addressing a large public rally after the event, PM Modi said the BJP's double-engine government in Rajasthan has completed two years, and the state is now advancing on a new path of development. The Prime Minister called the HPV vaccination campaign an important step towards empowering the women of the country. "Today, from this land of brave women, I have got the opportunity to launch an important campaign for the daughters of the entire country. The HPV vaccination campaign has been launched in Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering the women of the country," PM Modi said. "The promises of development with which the BJP government came to serve you are being fulfilled with great speed. And today is the day to accelerate this very campaign of development," he said. (ANI) The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Sunday, in a diplomatic gesture of grief, has lowered its flag to half-mast as a mark of respect and mourning following the official confirmation of the demise of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and US strikes. The Iranian Embassy in India on Saturday had unequivocally refuted any chance of "surrender" to the "ignoble" demands of Israel and the United States of laying down their arms and surrendering. The Iranian embassy in a statement said that the United States, in collaboration with the "corrupt Zionist regime" of Israel carried out aerial operations in the country targeting "certain locations," including in civilian infrastructure. The operations across Tehran and Iranian cities are expected to continue in the coming days, the statement added. "This morning, the courageous nation of Iran witnessed an aerial operation carried out by the brutal regime of the United States, in collaboration with the corrupt Zionist regime, targeting certain locations within the country. This malicious act took place once again during the course of negotiations, reflecting the enemy's mistaken belief that the steadfast nation of Iran would surrender to their ignoble demands through such cowardly actions," the embassy said in an official statement of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. "According to information obtained regarding the plans of these two corrupt regimes, their operations in Tehran and certain other cities are expected to continue," the embassy said while sharing the statement. The Embassy also advised its citizens to remain calm and travel to other areas which are safe from the "aggression" of Israel and the USA. It also advised that people should. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has made prior arrangements to ensure the provision of all essential needs of society. There is no cause for concern regarding the supply of basic necessities. Citizens are requested to refrain from crowding shopping centers, as such gatherings may pose potential risks," the statement read. Meanwhile, schools and universities have been closed due to the ongoing strikes. The statement read that banks will continue to operate as usual, and government offices will operate at 50 per cent capacity "for the time being." (ANI) United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the key sectors of trade, technology, and manufacturing. In a post on X, after the meeting on Saturday Sergio Gor wrote, "Thank you to @CMOGuj Bhupendra Patel for a productive discussion today and a very warm welcome. We explored new opportunities to deepen U.S.-Gujarat cooperation in trade, technology, and manufacturing. Incredible potential for Gujarat to work closely with the U.S. ahead!" Gor praised India's entry into the global semiconductor supply chain, highlighting that India is becoming a major player in semiconductor manufacturing. He also spoke about the growing relationship between the United States and India. Gor mentioned that there are currently 10 semiconductor projects worth 19 billion dollars being developed in India, which shows the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Modi. Speaking at the inauguration of Micron's new semiconductor facility in Gujarat, Gor said, "Today marks India's entry into the global semiconductor supply chain as a manufacturing nation. This is just the beginning. With 10 semiconductor projects worth $19 billion underway across India, that is a direct testament to your Prime Minister's leadership, to his vision, and to his ability to secure the future for India and for our global partners, including the United States." "Gujarat's leadership is incentivising semiconductor projects. From Sanand to Dholera, it sets an example for your entire country... We are beyond proud of Micron being here, and in just the last few years, they have achieved incredible results. The United States stands ready to participate in this growth. American companies are watching closely, and many are eager to explore opportunities to do business in Gujarat. President Trump cares deeply about our relationship. The next three years of our administration enable our two nations to tap into the limitless potential that exists," he said. He added, "This facility represents the future. It represents American technology leadership working hand in hand with Indian manufacturing excellence. It represents supply chain resilience, built on trust between our two great democracies. The chips packaged in this facility will power devices around the world. More importantly, the partnership this facility represents will power our shared prosperity and security for generations to come." (ANI) Large numbers of people across the old Lucknow on Sunday took to the streets in the Uttar Pradesh capital to protest against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel. Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas today condemned the killing of Khamenei as "very unfortunate" for the global community. The Shia cleric, while speaking to ANI, said, "It is very unfortunate. The world thinks that by killing Khamenei, Iran will be finished... America and Israel will get a befitting reply from Iran. Today, large-scale protests and demonstrations will be carried out at Lucknow's Imambara at 8.30 PM... All India Shia Personal Law Board have announced a mourning period of three days when we all will wear black clothes and put up black flags at our houses." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning. Iranian state media was cited by Reuters. The Embassy of Iran in India today strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and termed the action an "unforgiveable crime", the Embassy urged governments around the world to condemn the killing. It also shared a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which shared military actions taken by Iran against an American vessel and a naval base in Kuwait. In a post on X, it said, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expresses its profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following the brutal and criminal attacks carried out by the regime of the United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance), to the Muslim Ummah, to the great nation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to all freedom-loving nations of the world. "It further added, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom-seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression." (ANI) In the X post, Singh wrote, "For those whose ancestors hail from India, Ayatollah Khomeini becoming Iran's Supreme Leader--his passing marks the end of an era. India has lost a trusted friend. Humble tribute to Khomeini ji. Iran is India's traditional ally. It has always voted against Pakistan and stood by India. It has provided India with energy security." He added, "In this hour of crisis, the Indian government should clarify its stance, otherwise the global dictator America's tyranny will spread all over the world." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. (ANI) The General Secretary of the Shia Federation in Jammu, Syed Fida Hussain Rizvi, on Sunday mourned the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, describing him as a "victim of America and Israel's terrorism." Rizvi said that talks were ongoing when an attack took place, resulting in the "martyrdom" of their "Supreme Commander" Khamenei. He added that people from across Jammu have been gathering in Bathindi, Central Jammu, with around 2,000 people already present. "Ayatollah Khamenei has fallen victim to the terrorism of America and Israel. Talks were ongoing, and during that, an attack occurred in which our great leader, the Supreme Commander, was martyred. At this moment, people from all over Jammu are reaching Bathindi, Central Jammu. Around 2,000 people have already arrived here," Rizvi told ANI. Meanwhile, Shia Muslims in Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir and Lucknow held protests against the killing, expressing their anger over the strikes. A protester in Lucknow said that Ayatollah Khamenei was killed with deception by those who have "treachery in their blood." She also called Israel and US "cheaters." "Those who have treachery in their blood have killed Khamenei with deception... If one Khamenei is killed, a thousand Khameneis will rise... Israel and America are cheaters," the protestor said. The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. (ANI) Shia Community Leader Syed Samar Kazmi on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that the community would not forget his death and would continue to remember his legacy. Speaking to ANI, Kazmi said the loss was significant and accused the United States and Israel of being responsible for his death. "This is not the first time we have lost a leader, but we will not forget the death of our beloved leader. We will convey to our generations how America and Israel killed our leader by deception," Kazmi said. He further expressed that Iran's Supreme Leader was killed only because he raised his voice against injustices and for the killings in Palestine. "A part of Muslims has always been on the path of the beloved leader and always said that we will always raise our voice for the oppressed... He was killed only because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent..." Kazmi added. Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Protests were reported in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Budgam district, where Shia Muslims staged a demonstration against the US and Israel's killing of Iran's Supreme Leader.A similar protest was also witnessed in Srinagar, where hundreds of Kashmiri Shia Muslims demonstrated against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Protesters raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the attack. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday. Thereafter, Thousands of people in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad gathered to mourn their leader. Iran is currently observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. (ANI) Former Governor of Telangana and BJP leader Tamilisai Sundararajan on Sunday criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for his absence during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state, where developmental projects worth 7,000 crore were dedicated to the nation. Telangana Former Governor, Tamilisai Sundararajan, while speaking to ANI, said, " Everyone is welcoming his arrival, and I am very happy that the Prime Minister is dedicating welfare schemes worth Rs 7,000 crore to Tamil Nadu. But I wish to raise one question: Tamil culture teaches us to welcome guests with open hands, and we honour them." "Yet, what culture is the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following? He was in Chennai but was unable to come and welcome our Prime Minister. He continues to hide because he cannot again tell a lie by saying that the Prime Minister has not given anything to Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister has come to dedicate schemes to the state, but the Chief Minister wanted to avoid openly acknowledging this", Tamilisai Sundararajan added. On the other hand, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Madurai, asserting confidence in the alliance's electoral victory in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. "We are truly honoured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the NDA alliance, will be visiting Madurai tomorrow. He will visit the Lord Murugan temple, which, after a lot of struggle, has finally been opened to allow the auspicious lighting of the lamp," Goyal told the media. The Prime Minister is scheduled to offer prayers at the Thiruparankundram temple before addressing a major public rally at the Mandela Nagar grounds near the Ring Road. PM Modi will also share the stage with Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK leader and NDA's alliance partner in Tamil Nadu. During his visit, the Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate key infrastructure projects related to national highways and railways aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth in the state Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Madurai today to participate in a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign public meeting, with preparations currently underway in full swing across the city. The public meeting is set to take place at the Mandela Nagar grounds near the Ring Road, where preparations, including stage construction and other arrangements, are being carried out by the officials and party workers. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugrate key central government infrastructure projects related to national highways and railways. These projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity and boosting economic development in Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions. The visit comes as the NDA intensifies its campaign activities ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with senior leaders engaging with voters and addressing public meetings across the state. (ANI) Gupta, a Mechanical Engineer from Delhi College of Engineering, has more than 35 years of deep and diverse experience across the Oil and Gas value chain. He brings a comprehensive blend of technical, strategic and board-level leadership, with expertise spanning Project and Construction Management, Contracts and Global Procurement, Technology Selection, Business Development, Operations and Maintenance. Gupta joined GAIL as Director (Projects) in February 2022 and has been leading the execution of multiple high impact initiatives encompassing Natural Gas and LPG Pipelines, Gas Processing Units, critical SCADA infrastructure, and Green Energy initiatives to achieve Net-Zero goals, setting national benchmarks for Clean Energy adoption. He also oversees Operations and Maintenance of a vast network of more than 20,000 km of Natural Gas and LPG Pipelines, Compressor Stations and Process Plants. Under his leadership, GAIL completed the Dabhol Breakwater Project of Konkan LNG Limited (a subsidiary of GAIL), enabling all-weather operations. He has pioneered many digital transformation initiatives, enhancing operational agility and transparency in business areas. Earlier, as a Board member of GAIL Joint Ventures, including Chairman of Talcher Fertilizers Ltd (India's maiden Coal Gasification-based Fertiliser Complex), Director of ONGC Petro-additions Limited (OPaL) and South-East Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited (SEAGP), and former Chairman of Green Gas Limited and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited, he has played a pivotal role in strategic goal setting, stakeholder alignment, corporate governance, and future-ready business planning. During his career spanning 32 years at Engineers India Limited previously, he led many large cross-functional teams to execute landmark projects under complex and challenging conditions, including the world's largest single-train Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex at Nigeria, HMEL's Mega Petrochemical Complex at Bathinda, and GAIL's Petrochemical expansion at Pata. He also led the first greenfield refinery project in Mongolia, contributing significantly to India's global energy diplomacy. A thought leader and prolific writer, Gupta has authored several technical papers and articles on critical packages and fast-tracking project execution. His ideas on project acceleration, digitization and excellence have been institutionalized as best practices. (ANI) Gemma Bissix says returning to EastEnders was emotional, following the death of Dame Barbara Windsor. Gemma Bissix's tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor The 42-year-old actress will be returning to Albert Square for a short stint as Clare Bates following an 18-year absence as part of her on-screen stepfather Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley)'s ongoing dementia storyline. However, Gemma admitted that returning to the BBC One soap without Barbara, who died from Alzheimers disease, a form of dementia, in 2020 aged 83, has been strange. She told The Sun on Sunday: Barbara was such an amazing friend to me. She got me my agent when I left EastEnders at 15. She was just an amazing woman, and her husband Scott - what an amazing man. He sent me messages saying how proud she was of me because Id started out so young. Scott told me that Barbara always said that I was going to be a star. How lovely is that? Gemma also revealed that one of her earliest memories on the show was being quizzed on her lines by Steve McFadden, who plays the soaps hardman Phil Mitchell. She said: The second day that I started I was in the canteen looking at my scripts, and he came up and said to me Do you know your lines? I was pretty confident and said, Yeah. He took my script off me and said, Go on then. My heart was racing but I got all my lines out, and he said to me, Well done. You know you can do it. Ive used the same method to help other kids starting out. EastEnders bosses felt it was "essential" to bring the character of Clare back for the storyline. Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer previously said: We always knew we wanted to bring Clare Bates back to Walford as we continue Nigels storyline, and Im delighted that Gemma said yes. "The stepfather and daughter duo share a complicated history and have been estranged for many years, but it was essential for us to revisit this relationship as Nigels dementia progresses and the family start to consider his additional care needs. Last year, Gemma made a shock return to Hollyoaks as Clare Devine, despite her alter ego having seemingly been killed off in 2013. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Sunday urged urgent action on pending voter list cases, highlighting that 60 lakh matters remain under adjudication despite the Supreme Court's February 21 directive. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said, "There are 60 lakh cases under adjudication. Although on February 21st, the Supreme Court directed the appointment of adjudicating officers at the judge level to address these matters... As of today, 10 days have passed since that directive, but not a single adjudication has taken place. This needs to be done urgently, daily, and must be informed and uploaded regularly." On the issue of voter deletion, he advised, "The individuals whose names are missing from the voter list or are under adjudication face a breach of their fundamental rights. Regarding the deletion issue, individuals whose names have been deleted should approach the local TMC leaders and workers, fill out Form 6, and submit it. I need the complete list, as the Supreme Court is also displeased. These are all open issues, and I trust that if everyone works properly, the numbers will decrease significantly." The remarks came after the Election Commission of India (ECI) released the final electoral roll following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal, stating that 5,46,053 voters have been deleted using Form 7 after the draft list was published in December 2025. The total number of voters in West Bengal now stands at 7,04,59,284 voters (7.04 crore) as compared to 7,66,37,529 (7.66 crore) before the SIR exercise, showing a change of more than 61 lakh names in the list. According to a press note by the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), a total of 58,20,899 Enumeration Forms were not received, as the poll body found 24,16,852 voters to be deceased, 12,20,039 absent, 19,88,076 shifted, 1,38,328 already enrolled, and 57,604 names were deleted based on other reasons. After the ECI published the draft voter list on December 16, 2025, the poll body added a total of 1,82,036 voters to the list using Forms 6 and 6A, and made 6,671 additions by Form 8. As per the Commission, 60,06,675 electors under adjudication were included in the final roll. (ANI) Senior Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday called the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "despicable" and said that strikes carried out by the US and Israel in Israel deserve unequivocal condemnation. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "The targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation by the so-called leaders of the democratic world and the killing of multitudes of innocent people is despicable and deserves strong condemnation, no matter what the proclaimed reason for it is." "Tragically, multiple nations have now been dragged into conflict," she added. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi's 'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind', Priyanka Gandhi said, "world needs peace, not more unnecessary wars". "I do hope that, having genuflected before the Prime Minister of Israel and President Trump, our Prime Minister makes every effort to bring all Indian citizens in the affected countries back home to safety", she said on X. Earlier in the day, Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh reacted to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, terming it as the end of an era and highlighting the historic ties between India and Iran. In the X post, Singh wrote, "For those whose ancestors hail from India, Ayatollah Khomeini becoming Iran's Supreme Leader--his passing marks the end of an era. India has lost a trusted friend. Humble tribute to Khomeini ji. Iran is India's traditional ally. It has always voted against Pakistan and stood by India. It has provided India with energy security."He added, "In this hour of crisis, the Indian government should clarify its stance, the global dictator America's tyranny will spread all over the world." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy affirmed that the "People's Government" would stand firmly by the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Medina bus tragedy in Saudi Arabia. Addressing the bereaved families at a meeting held in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said, "This government is yours and will always support you in difficult times," assuring all possible assistance. He recalled that soon after the accident in Medina, a delegation led by Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin was deputed to Saudi Arabia. The state government also facilitated travel arrangements for the victims' families. With the coordination of the Indian Consulate and the Saudi authorities, the last rites of the deceased were performed at Jannatul Baqi. The Chief Minister noted that state governments generally do not provide compensation for deaths occurring outside the country. However, on humanitarian grounds, the Telangana government decided to extend financial assistance to the affected families. CM Revanth Reddy handed over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh each to those who were seriously injured in the accident. He said the meeting was organised to personally reassure the families during their time of grief. Recalling his long association with the Muslim community, the Chief Minister said that since 2009, he has been sponsoring five pilgrims annually, one from each of the five mandals in the Kodangal Assembly constituency, for the Hajj pilgrimage at his own expense. The selection process, he added, has been entrusted to local religious leaders. Among those present at the meeting were the Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, State Government Advisor Shabbir Ali, Nampally MLA Majid Hussain, Haj Committee Chairman Khusro Pasha, Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) Vice Chairman Fahim Qureshi, State Minority Finance Corporation Chairman Obedullah Kotwal, CM OSD Vemula Srinivas and other officials. (ANI) The deceased have been identified as Karthik, 34 years old, a florist, and his wife Aishwarya, 30 years old, both residents of Haveri city. The couple died on the spot due to the impact of the collision. According to Haveri police, the accident occurred while the couple, along with others, was returning after offering prayers at a temple. The two injured persons were rushed to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital in Hubballi for treatment. Their condition is stated to be serious. Fire brigade personnel and local residents carried out a rescue operation and removed the bodies from the severely damaged vehicle. Police later visited the spot and conducted an inspection. A case has been registered and further investigation into the incident is underway, police said. (ANI) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Centre's foreign policy, calling it "brutally exposed" and listing "failures" ranging from US-Pakistan relations to the handling of China and the recent Iran crisis. In a detailed post on X, Ramesh stated, "India's foreign policy under the self-styled Vishwaguru stands brutally exposed, notwithstanding all the grandstanding on it by the cheerleaders of the PM, led by himself." He alleged that the US continued to maintain close ties with Pakistan and raised concerns over remarks made in the context of terror attacks and regional tension. "The US President continues his romance with Pakistan, applauding again and again the very man whose inflammatory remarks provided the backdrop to the terror attacks in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The US has also categorically come out in support of Pakistan's war on Afghanistan," Ramesh said. Ramesh also questioned the government's response to claims by the US leadership regarding its role in halting Operation Sindoor in May 2025, stating that the Prime Minister has not publicly addressed these assertions. "The US President has, at last count, claimed a hundred times that he had intervened to halt Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025, using the threat of increased tariffs on India's exports to the US. But the PM is completely silent on these assertions of President Trump. The first announcement of the halt to Operation Sindoor was made by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 5:37 PM on May 10, 2025," he stated. On the India-US trade deal, Ramesh said, "On February 2nd, 2026, President Trump declared that - at Mr Modi's request - the India-US trade deal had been finalised and is coming into effect immediately. That this was a desperate move by Mr Modi, who was attempting to divert the headlines from the issues raised by @RahulGandhi in Parliament, is clearly obvious." He added, "Eighteen days later, the US Supreme Court announced that President Trump's tariff strategy that formed the foundations of the India-US trade deal was illegal and unconstitutional. This decision was widely expected, but Mr Modi pressured President Trump to sign the trade deal for his own political calculations." Ramesh further criticised the trade deal, alleging that it was one-sided and that India had made significant commitments on imports without corresponding assurances from the United States. He further raised concerns over India's foreign policy approach towards West Asia, including developments related to Israel and Iran, and accused the government of deviating from India's traditional diplomatic principles. "Mr. Modi visited Israel on Feb 25-26 2026, at a time when the entire world was aware that a US-Israel military attack on Iran for regime change was imminent. The assault began just two days after Mr. Modi left Israel where his speech to the Knesset was a display of shameful moral cowardice. The Modi Govt's response to the war unleashed on Iran that has involved targeted assassinations has been a betrayal of India's values, principles, concerns, and interests," he said. On China, Ramesh stated, "Mr. Modi gave a clean chit to China publicly on June 19, 2020. This shocking statement came even as twenty of our brave jawans were martyred on the border in Ladakh. The clean chit greatly weakened our negotiating position and we are now being compelled to normalize relations with China on Chinese terms and conditions." Concluding his criticism, Ramesh said, "The nation is paying a heavy price for both the substance and style of Mr. Modi's foreign policy." Meanwhile, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, Nasir Khuehami, on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting the evacuation of around 1200 Kashmiri students from the affected Iranian territories after the United States and Israel launched military strikes at Iran. The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. (ANI) AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday strongly condemned the Trump-Israel attacks on Iran and Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, warning that the entire region will be embroiled in instability unless the attacks stop immediately. In a post on X, Owaisi said the attacks are absolutely condemnable and described them as an immoral and unlawful act, expressing his sincere condolences to those affected. "Trump-Israel's attacks on Iran are absolutely condemnable. This, especially when Iran-US were in Geneva. More than 200 people have been killed across Iran, including 108 who were killed when strikes hit a girls' school. Absolutely an immoral and unlawful act. My sincere condolences. These attacks on Iran should stop at the earliest, otherwise the whole region will be embroiled in instability. We must remember the 10 million Indians work in this region," Owaisi posted. He also criticized Israel's attack on Iran and Pakistan's aggression against Afghanistan, stating that both show the two nations are forces of aggression and mischief in their respective neighbourhoods. "Israel's attack on Iran and Pakistan's on Afghanistan shows us that Israel and Pakistan are forces of aggression & mischief in their respective neighbourhoods," he said. The condemnation comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia following coordinated military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian sites. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was also killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. The strikes have already resulted in significant casualties across the country. Meanwhile, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also reached a critical point after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on several Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared "open war" against Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban-led administration of harboring militants. Afghanistan has expressed openness to negotiations despite the escalating conflict, with both nations reporting significant casualties along the border. Owaisi's statement highlights concerns about regional stability, particularly given that approximately 10 million Indians work in the Middle East region and could be affected by widening conflicts. (ANI) The killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sent shockwaves globally, with the Shia community in Delhi expressing deep sadness and concern. Maulana Mohd Ali Mohsin Taqvi, Imam of Shia Jama Masjid, on Sunday condemned the act, stating it's a worrying precedent where leaders can be targeted, putting countries' sovereignty at risk, adding, "the world is about to witness worse days." Speaking to the media, "Every person in favour of justice and sovereignty of a country is deeply saddened today. The world is about to witness worse days. The President of any country can be abducted, any country's leadership can be killed with bombs... It was Iran today, tomorrow it may be Turkiye, Saudi Arabia... We are deeply saddened today", he said. He further informed that a condolence meeting is being held in Delhi to pay tribute to the Iranian leader. "We are holding a condolence meeting today. The Supreme Leader of Iran was a simple man and was known as a major scholar of the Islamic world. He never bowed in front of the oppressor", he said. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. (ANI) Congress MP Imran Masood on Sunday condemned the US-Israel strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking to ANI, Masood described Khamenei as a "brave" leader whose loss is felt worldwide. "The world has lost a brave leader...History will remember him as a brave leader, one who, despite numerous restrictions, worked to build his country. The loss of such a man is certainly very painful. Neither Israel nor America has the courage to fight face-to-face. They are killing with technology. They don't have the courage to fight on the ground," the Congress MP said This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. The country has declared 40 days of public mourning. Iran's state media reported that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report, whistling, cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X, saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad, posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the death of Khamenei, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." (ANI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation in the Gulf countries, highlighting the potential impact on expatriates from the state. The Chief Minister stated that he has written to Narendra Modi, urging the Union Government to take necessary diplomatic steps to safeguard the interests and ensure the safety of Indian nationals, especially Keralites, in the Gulf countries. "The current situation in the Gulf countries is highly concerning. As far as Kerala is concerned, there is a massive number of expatriates residing in these nations. Therefore, I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting his intervention to resolve the concerns in the Gulf region," he said. The US and Israel in Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar on February 28, conducted strikes on Iran in which the latte's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. Further, Tasnim news agency said that several high-ranking Iranian military commanders were confirmed to have been killed "in a terrorist attack by the US and the Israeli strikes in Tehran." According to a statement, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRCG) Major General Mohammad Pakpour, Secretary of Iran's Defense Council Ali Shamkhani, and Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh were among the figures martyred in the US and Israeli attack on a meeting of the Defence Council. Iran also retaliated launching massive missile and drone strikes on Israeli-occupied territories and American bases in the region. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes was a "declaration of war against Muslims". Meanwhile, Bahrain's National Communication Centre on Sunday announced that the country's air defence systems successfully intercepted a fresh wave of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeting the territory, Khaleej Times reported. The publication also reported that Qatar strongly condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted Duqm Port in Oman and an oil tanker off its coast. Officials called the strikes a violation of Oman's sovereignty and an "unacceptable escalation," noting that the attacks were aimed at a country actively working to mediate the crisis between Iran and the international community. Khaleej Times also cited Kuwaiti Air Defence Force saying that they successfully confronted several hostile aerial targets on Sunday morning. The interceptions took place south of the country and were carried out with "efficiency and capability," according to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence spokesman. UAE's Ministry of Defence said that its defence systems detected and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched toward the country. Officials also confirmed two fatalities and multiple injuries resulting from falling debris. Israel's Defence Force has released video footage of the attacks, which shows huge plumes of smoke rising over Tehran as the strikes make contact. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday paid floral tributes to CN Annadurai and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at Marina Beach in Chennai. Stalin, who turned 73 today, said that Tamil and Tamil Nadu are "our life" and protecting them is a duty, adding that from his youth to the present day, he has dedicated himself to serving the nation and its people, fulfilling his responsibilities through action. "Tamil and Tamil Nadu are our life! Protecting them is our duty! Saying that I know nothing but labour, from youth to this day at the age of 73, I have been serving the nation and its people, fulfilling my life's duty through action," Stalin wrote on 'X'. He expressed his aspiration to contribute meaningfully to Tamil Nadu's proud history, emphasising that the state has been placed at the forefront under the Dravidian Model of governance, with development schemes and achievements reaching every citizen. "Even if I am but a small contributor in Tamil and Tamil Nadu's proud history, I aspire to perform great service in every opportunity that comes my way. It is with that resolve that we have placed Tamil Nadu as the leading state in the Dravidian Model, marching steadfastly on the path of progress. In a way that makes the world turn and look, I have elevated Tamil Nadu as India's foremost state. The schemes and achievements of Dravidian model governance have reached the heart and home of every one of the millions of Tamil Nadu's people!" the 'X' post added. Stalin further highlighted the pride of the Tamil people, noting that the unique Tamil race has contributed intellectual light to the nation and must remain steadfast in its ideals, while urging unity to overcome challenges. He pledged to continue dedicating himself fully to the progress and welfare of Tamil Nadu. (ANI) Rep. Jasmine Crockett took aim at state Rep. James Talarico in a new ad as the Texas Democratic continues to heat up. "James Talarico says the right things, but he doesn't practice what he preaches," it begins. "He says he'll take on billionaires but a billionaire-funded super PAC is spending $5.4 million in dark money supporting him. He says he'll show up for Texas but he has missed over 900 votes like rural healthcare, education and school safety," the add continues. NEW: Jasmine Crockett just started running a new attack ad going after James Talarico in the #TXSen race. It started running as a paid ad on Facebook + Instagram today. "Talarico is just talk. Crockett is all fight." pic.twitter.com/G6tujWlgTf Andrew Arenge (@MrArenge) February 22, 2026 "Jasmine Crockett has taken on bullies from the courtroom to congress and won. Talarico is just talk, Crockett is all fight," it concludes. Crockett has been active in the public conversation during the electoral period, most recently posting internal poll showing she would beat Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in an eventual election for the U.S. Senate in this year's midterms. The survey in question was conducted by Hart Research among likely voters earlier this month, according to Political Polls. It shows Crockett getting 49% of the support, compared to Paxton's 45%. In a social media publication, Crockett recalled that last Tuesday was the first day of early voting. "You all know who I am & that I will continue to fight for transparency, affordability & accountability! I'll see y'all at the polls!" Polls have shown diverging scenarios in the primary. One conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs showed Crockett got 47% of the support, compared to James Talarico's 39%. 12% of respondents said they are undecided. The poll showed that Crockett leads Talarico among all key demographics except for White voters and those with an advanced degree. 46% of likely Latino voters said they support Crockett, compared to 37% who chose Talarico. 15% said they were unsure. It is a contrast with other polls saying Talarico had an advantage with Latino voters. Another poll showed a different scenario. Conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs, it showed that Republicans John Cornyn and Ken Paxton would beat Crockett and Talarico regardless of the matchup. Paxton would beat the two Democratic candidates by two percentage points. Cornyn would also beat Crockett by the same margin and would win a race against Talarico by a single percentage point. Rep. Wesley Hunt would beat the two candidates by a larger margin. Originally published on Latin Times All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said the killing of the Supreme Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has saddened the entire Islamic community. Describing Khamenei's death as a significant loss not only for Iran but for Muslims worldwide. He alleged that the "deceitful actions" and "oppression" of the United States and Israel led to the situation, terming both nations as "cruel and tyrannical." Speaking to ANI, "This has shocked and saddened the entire Islamic community. His passing is a loss not only for the people of Iran but for the entire community. The deceitful actions of America and Israel, and their oppression and barbarity, drove him to the brink of martyrdom. Whether it's America or Israel, both are cruel and tyrannical... " "This war will be even more terrible. Trump has pushed the entire world into war. I appeal to the Indian government to make arrangements for the safe return of Indians who are there in Iran and the Gulf countries," he further added. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. The Embassy of Iran in India today strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and termed the action an "unforgiveable crime", the Embassy urged governments around the world to condemn the killing. It also shared a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which shared military actions taken by Iran against an American vessel and a naval base in Kuwait. In a post on X, it said, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expresses its profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following the brutal and criminal attacks carried out by the regime of the United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance), to the Muslim Ummah, to the great nation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to all freedom-loving nations of the world. "It further added, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom-seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression." (ANI) Pulwama Police has appealed to all media organisations, journalists, social media users, digital platforms and the general public to act with responsibility and discretion while reporting or sharing any information concerning law and order, security-related matters or public gatherings in the district. This comes as the Shia Muslim community in the region mourned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the airstrikes launched by the US and Israel. The police urged the media to verify the contents through competent and authorised official sources and cautioned that rumours, unverified inputs, or speculative reports can cause avoidable alarm, create confusion among the public and negatively impact peace and normalcy. Police advised the media to maintain professional standards and depend solely on authenticated updates released by the district police for the dissemination of information. "Pulwama Police makes it clear that any person or organisation found deliberately circulating misinformation or attempting to disrupt public harmony through misleading content shall face appropriate legal action as per law," the police said in a statement "The cooperation of all citizens is solicited in ensuring peace, stability and communal harmony across the district," they added. Members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday staged a massive protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar following the news of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israel-led strikes. The protests were peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. Protests were also held in Bandipore and Ramban today. Protesters in Ramban raised slogans "Tum kitne Hosseini maroge...har ghar se Hosseini niklega (How many Hosseini will you kill, from every home, a Hosseini will rise." They also burnt an effigy of US President Donald Trump during demonstrations. In Bandipore, protesters carried portraits of the late cleric, expressing grief and condemnation over the incident. Earlier similar protest was carried out in Budgam and Srinagar over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Protesters raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the attack. The wave of protests and mourning reflected the deep religious and political resonance of Khamenei's leadership among Shia communities worldwide. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for "developed Tamil Nadu for developed India," assuring the Centre's support to "inclusive development" in the State. Addressing a public gathering in Madurai, PM Modi hailed the inauguration and foundation stone laying of infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,400 crore. As he laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry Section of NH-332A and the Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram Section of NH-87, PM Modi said that the projects will ease the travel for pilgrims and ensure smooth transit of agricultural and marine goods. The Prime Minister said, "Every Indian is inspired to build a developed nation by 2047, and Tamil Nadu will play a decisive role in shaping the nation's destiny. Our collective goal is a 'developed Tamil Nadu for developed India'. Centre remains fully committed to enabling inclusive development and the state's progress." "In the past 12 years, the government of India made huge investments in the highway networks of Tamil Nadu. Over 4,000 kilometres of highways have been built here since 2014. I am happy to lay the foundation stones today for two major Highway projects. This ensures ease of travel for pilgrims and smooth movement of agricultural produce and marine products," he noted. Further, PM Modi said that the Indian railways have undergone a historic transformation in the last decade, with the railway sector budget increasing nine times since 2014. "Over the last decade, Indian railways have undergone a historic transformation... This is particularly visible in Tamil Nadu. The Railway budget allocation has increased dramatically, ninefold, since our government came in. More than 1300 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid, 97 per cent electrification has been achieved, hundreds of flyovers and underpasses and improved safety and efficiency," PM Modi said. He added, "Last year, I inaugurated the new Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu. It's India's first vertical lift sea bridge, a symbol of engineering excellence. This bridge in itself has become a major tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu." While the DMK government in Tamil Nadu has accused the Centre of not providing the state with adequate funds, PM Modi said that the infrastructure funding to the state has tripled compared to the previous decade. In the Union Budget 2026-27, the Centre has proposed Bengaluru-Chennai and Chennai-Hyderabad bullet train corridors and a rare earth mineral corridor, which PM Modi said will "revolutionise the economy" of the region. He said, "Infrastructure funding to Tamil Nadu has tripled compared to the previous decade. The budget of 2026 continues the trend with a strong focus on Tamil Nadu. In this budget, we have proposed Bengaluru-Chennai and Chennai-Hyderabad bullet train corridors. They will revolutionise the economy of this whole region. The budget lists Tamil Nadu as part of the rare earth corridors. Rare earth corridors will promote advanced manufacturing, research and tech development." Earlier today, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry Section of NH-332A and the Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram Section of NH-87. According to a press release from the PMO, the four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry section will help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas of Puducherry, and reduce travel time by nearly 50 per cent, from one hour to about 30 minutes. The project will provide seamless connectivity among key National Highways and State Highways, enhance access to prominent destinations such as Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station and Auroville, strengthen connectivity between coastal villages and Viluppuram district headquarters, and boost tourism and economic activity in the region. The four-laning of the Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram Section of NH-87 will provide faster access to major religious destinations, including Madurai, Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. The project will reduce travel time by around 40 per cent, from one hour to approximately 35 minutes. It will strengthen multi-modal connectivity by linking major railway stations at Madurai and Rameswaram, airports at Madurai and INS Parundu, and non-major ports at Pamban and Rameswaram. Aligned with the principles of PM Gati Shakti, the corridor will integrate key economic nodes, including fishing clusters, a Special Economic Zone, a Mega Food Park and a textile cluster, thereby catalysing trade, industry and socio-economic development across the region. PM Modi also inaugurated eight redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These redeveloped railway stations are Morappur, Bommidi, Srivilliputtur, Sholavandan, Manaparai, Pollachi Junction, Karaikkudi Junction, and Thiruvarur Junction in Tamil Nadu. He also dedicated to the nation the Chennai Beach-Chennai Egmore Fourth Line, a rail line that will significantly enhance operational efficiency in the Chennai suburban rail network by facilitating additional passenger and freight train services and benefiting lakhs of daily commuters, including office-goers, IT professionals, students and traders. To further strengthen broadcasting services in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister inaugurated three new Akashvani FM relay transmitters at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. These transmitters will expand regional coverage, ensure uninterrupted FM broadcasting and enhance access to public broadcasting services across multiple districts of the state. (ANI) Syed Hussain, Kashmir Student Union Member, on Sunday said that Iran will avenge the "martyrdom" of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with an "unprecedented war," as Israel has "crossed all limits", quoting Iranian authorities. Khamenei died following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. Condemning his death, Syed Hussain said that Israel has crossed all boundaries and amplified the Iranian leaders' call for a larger offensive against Israel and the US. "Iran has now said that they will be starting an offensive, because till now they have never done an offensive strike on Israel or any of America's bases. But after the martyrdom of our beloved leader, because Israel has crossed all the limits, all the boundaries, there will be an offensive," he said. "As per the Iranian leaders and Iranian officials, they have said that this will be the start of the end of this war, and it will be an unprecedented war, and it will be devastating for Israel and American bases in the Gulf countries," he added. He further accused Israel and the US of an unprovoked joint offensive, dismantling the then ongoing negotiations with Iran, which led to the killing of Khamenei and his family. "It was said that a negotiation between America and Iran is going on. And all of a sudden, there was an offensive from Israel and the US jointly. And in this offensive, our beloved leader Ayatollah Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei was martyred with his whole family and all other officials," he stated. Lauding Khamenei's life, he said that the "protest is not against Israel and America only" but against all those "oppressors who are doing oppression throughout the world." "Our beloved leader, he practically led his life like Ali and died like Hussain," he said. This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic--the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard-- the most urgent cliffhanger. (ANI) Delhi Police on Sunday sought four more days of police custody for one of the accused, Siddharth, in connection with the AI Summit protest at Bharat Mandapam, while seeking judicial custody for the remaining nine accused. Meanwhile, bail applications have been filed for the accused. Indian Youth Congress workers, arrested in connection with their protest at the AI Summit on February 20, were brought to Patiala House Court earlier in the day. During the protest, members of the IYC removed their shirts displaying slogans reading "Compromised PM", drawing the attention of the authorities and resulting in multiple arrests. Advocate Sulaiman Mohammad Khan has alleged that the sessions court secretly stayed the bail in the AI Summit protest case, despite bail having been granted earlier. He added that a petition has been filed with the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent hearing, with interim bail expected before the next court date on March 6. After a meeting with the Registrar of the Delhi High Court, Khan told ANI on Saturday, "After being granted bail by the magistrate, we furnished bail bonds in the Patiala High Court. We were then given the next day's date as bail papers were to be verified. We heard from media reports that the Crime Branch had moved the matter to the district judge, and a sessions court heard the case. The bail, which was expected to be granted this morning, was stayed by the court secretly, without any prior information." He added, "We immediately drafted a petition to the High Court and mentioned the Registrar General as well, seeking an urgent hearing, since the sessions court has given us a date of 6 March. We hope that a bench will be constituted soon and that we will be granted interim bail in this matter." Advocate Khan further claimed that the Delhi Police chose an inappropriate time for the hearing. "The Delhi Police chose an inappropriate time for the hearing. We furnished our bail bonds in a timely manner, but the Delhi Police moved its application after court hours and secretly obtained orders without informing us," he said. The remarks came after the Patiala House Court on Saturday stayed the bail granted to Indian Youth Congress (IYC) President Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the AI Summit protest case. The stay was ordered after Delhi Police challenged the relief granted earlier by a Duty Magistrate. Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal stayed the bail order and listed the matter for hearing on March 6. One of the defence counsels said they would challenge the stay before the Delhi High Court, arguing that the order was passed without issuing notice to the accused or allowing him to be heard. A Patiala House Court had also remanded Uday Bhanu Chib to judicial custody despite granting him bail in the early hours. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Vanshika Mehta directed verification of the bail bond and surety documents submitted on his behalf and refused to release him until the process is completed. Chib was granted bail during a midnight hearing at the residence of the Duty Magistrate after being produced around 12:30 am upon completion of four days of police custody. He was granted bail on furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000, subject to conditions including surrendering his passport and electronic devices. Chib was arrested by Delhi Police on February 24. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Sunday alleged that a "Congress bulldozer rule" is running in Telangana. He said that while Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticise the BJP at the national level for running a bulldozer government, they are remaining silent about the bulldozer-style governance and atrocities happening in Telangana. He alleged that while publicly criticising bulldozer politics, Congress leaders are ignoring the demolitions carried out by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for the sake of money being sent to them. KTR expressed anger that Revanth Reddy's idea of governance is limited to demolishing houses, encroaching on lands, running real estate businesses, and destroying the lives of the poor for that purpose. KTR said the Chief Minister has made demolishing people's homes and engaging in real estate business his primary agenda. Since coming to power in Telangana, he has not initiated a single project, built a single house, or laid a single road, focusing only on destruction. Today in Hyderabad, as part of the Musi project, KTR met victims from Hyder Shah Kote and Madhu Park Ridge Apartments in the Rajendranagar area, who are losing their houses, lands, and apartments. He expressed solidarity with them and participated in the 3.5 km "Musi Dandi March" padayatra. Later, addressing a meeting near Madhu Park Ridge Apartments, KTR urged the victims to try to protect their lands and apartments for two years, assuring that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) would support them in this struggle. He promised that once KCR's government returns to power, no one would lose their land or house for the Musi project. KTR alleged that despite repeated appeals and pleas by apartment residents and families, even requesting mercy for small children, the Congress government and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy are forcibly evacuating houses, issuing threats, and engaging in destruction. He questioned why the Chief Minister, despite having the fully equipped Pragathi Bhavan available, is constructing a new residence worth 200 crore, even though he already has a palace-like house. KTR asked why Revanth Reddy and his brothers need houses worth hundreds of crores while poor and middle-class families are being deprived of even a single apartment. KTR alleged that since coming to power, Revanth Reddy has focused solely on demolishing houses across the state. Immediately after assuming office, under the name "HYDRA," hundreds of houses were demolished. Similarly, in places like Ramagundam, Mahabubnagar, and Khammam, houses are being demolished, causing hardship and destroying lives. He accused the government of launching a massive scam in the name of the Musi project to benefit associates and family members through real estate contracts, putting poor people's homes at stake. He said that when their government was in power, they prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Musi beautification costing 16,000 crore without affecting a single house. He added that their plan included roads and flyovers while ensuring no homes were disturbed. Instead of implementing that, he alleged, Revanth Reddy is destroying thousands of homes for a 1.5 lakh crore scam. KTR questioned how the same Congress government, which now talks about Musi buffer zones, had previously granted permissions for the same apartments when it was in power. He asked whether officials and Congress leaders who gave those permissions earlier should now be held accountable. He pointed out that Rahul Gandhi criticises the BJP nationally for bulldozer politics but remains silent about the bulldozer rule in Telangana under a Congress Chief Minister. He further alleged that while demolishing houses claiming they fall under Musi limits, the government is not touching farmhouses, villas, and houses owned by its own ministers and representatives. He described the state as being run by a real estate broker and called upon people to protect Telangana from what he termed a "land-devouring demon." KTR assured that BRS would extend full support to Musi victims, including legal assistance. He warned Revanth Reddy to immediately stop demolishing thousands of houses for the Musi project and to stop threatening people through party leaders and MLAs. He urged victims not to fall for government pressure or compensation offers and to remain united in their struggle. (ANI) Duty Magistrate Ravi remanded all eight accused to judicial custody after considering the application moved by Delhi Police. The investigation officer moved a plea seeking 14 days of judicial custody. Accused persons are Md Mizanur Rehman, Md Sefayat Hossain, Md Zahidul Islam, Md Liton, Md Uzzal, Umar Farruk and Rubiul Islam. All these accused have been arrested in a major counter-terror operation. Delhi Police produced the accused persons before the court after police interrogation. Police had said the mobile phones of the accused are to be analysed, and their relation with other accused persons is also to be investigated. Bangladeshi IDs have also been recovered from the accsued persons. They have been arrested after multiple raids in Kolkata (West Bengal) and Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu). These actions led to the dismantling of a LeT module and the arrest of eight LeT operatives. The timely apprehension of these individuals has averted some possible terror strikes in India. On February 8, 2026, a written complaint was given by the CISF shift in charge to SHO PS Supreme Court Metro regarding affixing of Pro Pak and Pro Terror posters by unknown individuals at Janpath Metro Station, the Police said in a release. (ANI) In a travel advisory, the Airport urged passengers to stay updated with their respective flight's status prior to heading to the airport and refer to the airport's official website for real-time updates. "Due to the ongoing political developments in the Middle East, westbound international flights may face delays or schedule adjustments. Passengers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport. For real-time updates, please visit our official website: www.newdelhiairport.in," the advisory read. So far, a total of 100 flights, 60 departing flights and 40 arriving flights, have been cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, according to sources. Similarly, 125 flights, 67 departing flights and 58 arriving flights have also been cancelled at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, according to airport sources. At Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 17 arrivals and 16 departures have been cancelled for March 1 and 3 arrivals and 2 departures are cancelled for March 2. Due to airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East, Air India express have cancelled over 110 flights. Meanwhile, International carriers like Emirates have temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai up until 1500hrs UAE time on Monday, 2 March. Flight operations at Hamad International Airport in Doha remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid a tribute to the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, on the occasion of his 350th Shaheedi Samagam, noting the role of social unity in his legacy. In a video message at the 'Hind-Di-Chadar' event in Navi Mumbai, PM Modi called the gathering following the legacy of the Sikh Gurus, a "yagya." He said, "It is a privilege to be a part of this historic and sacred event. India's history is one of valour, coordination, and cooperation. Through this event on the soil of Maharashtra, we are witnessing that great legacy. When our Gurus reached the pinnacle of sacrifice, our social unity played a vital role. People from every class and society drew inspiration from our Gurus." "Society learned to remain steadfast in truth and culture under all circumstances. In that great yagya of social unity, rituals like 'Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat' played a significant role. Today, when the country once again needs social unity the most, this wonderful gathering of Sangat gives us confidence that the blessings of our Gurus and saints are with us," the Prime Minister said. Congratulating the Maharashtra government for organising the event, PM Modi recalled Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary in Nanded and noted that the "heroic history" of the Sikh Guru has been taken to several places in Maharashtra. "This gathering has been a continuous 'yagya.' This journey began last year on the sacred land of Nagpur. We all witnessed the deepening of that feeling on the historic land of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded, and today, this journey has reached an important milestone in Navi Mumbai. The message of this journey is not limited to these three cities. The heroic history of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib has been carried to thousands of villages and small settlements across Maharashtra. I especially congratulate the Maharashtra government for organising this programme," PM Modi said. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is revered for standing up against tyranny and defending religious freedom during the Mughal era. He is known to have achieved martyrdom after being beheaded in Delhi. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for never missing an opportunity to serve and honour the Sikh Gurus at a national level. Addressing the gathering at the "Hind-Di-Chadar" event held at Kharghar Overground on the occasion of the 350th Shahidi Samagam Centenary Year of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, the Union Home Minister emphasised the Sikh Guru's sacrifice, which he said safeguarded the future of Hindus and Sikhs. Amit Shah asserted that if Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had not made the supreme sacrifice for the protection of religion, the Hindu and Sikh religions would not have remained safe in the world today. He highlighted how the Gurus united society against the atrocities of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to protect society, culture, and faith. He further noted that devotees from across the country had gathered to bow before the martyrdom of the Guru from 350 years ago. Minister Shah also expressed concern over recent reports of religious conversions in Punjab. He stated that such activities are an insult to the teachings and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus and must be stopped. He concluded by saying that the country must draw inspiration from the Gurus' sacrifices to protect social unity and cultural values. He further lauded Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for creating special programs which help the youth in learning the Sikh Guru's life lessons. "It is a matter of great joy for me that Devendra Fadnavis has invited me to this program today on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis for creating special programs to bring the life stories of Guru Tegh Bahadur to the youth across Maharashtra...," the Home Minister said. Additionally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also shed light on Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib's supreme sacrifice to protect the Sanatan Dharma and the faith of Hindus. He said that it is because of his martyrdom that countrymen are able to keep their religious traditions safe today. The Chief Minister stressed that information about the Guru's sacrifice must reach all citizens, especially Hindu brothers and sisters, so they understand how his sacrifice strengthened society. He clarified that Guru Teg Bahadur Ji would not be limited to the Sikh community alone; rather, his legacy would be taken to every 'Nanak Naam' community and all sections of society across the state. Fadnavis recounted that during the atrocities and forced conversions under Aurangzeb, the society looked to Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. Despite being subjected to inhuman torture, the Guru refused to renounce his faith and eventually embraced martyrdom. (ANI) These protests are no longer just about campus issues. They are unfolding at a moment of serious geopolitical strain. Domestic anger now sits alongside high-stakes diplomacy and military pressure. Protests Resume as Universities Reopen As universities reopened, students quickly returned to the streets. Demonstrations were reported at the University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. In Tehran and Mashhad, students gathered in courtyards and outside faculty buildings. Videos show them chanting against the leadership. Some honoured classmates were killed during earlier unrest. The mood was tense but organised. These were not isolated incidents. Reports describe coordinated protests across several campuses. Students appear determined to keep the pressure on. Security Forces Move In The response was swift. Units linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were deployed in some areas. Tear gas was used to disperse crowds. Witness accounts and shared footage also described gunfire near certain university sites. Clashes intensified when protests moved beyond campus gates. In parts of Tehran, confrontations spilled into nearby streets. Students were seen openly criticising the country's leadership. In some cases, images of senior officials were torn down or trampled. State media offered a different version of events. It broadcast footage, it said showed pro-government students being attacked. The gap between official reporting and videos shared online remains stark. Direct Criticism of the Supreme Leader Students have openly criticised Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader. Chants against senior officials were heard on several campuses. Protesters vowed to continue despite the heavy security presence. University activism has deep roots in Iran. Campuses have often been at the forefront of political movements. This latest wave follows that pattern. But the national context is especially sensitive. Unrest Amid Nuclear Talks The protests are unfolding as Iran engages in nuclear discussions with the United States in Geneva. Diplomatic talks continue. At the same time, US officials have publicly discussed military options in the region. Iran has accused Washington of interference in its domestic affairs. There is no official evidence linking the campus protests directly to the negotiations. Still, both tracks are happening at once. That overlap has drawn international attention. The timing has placed Iran under a double spotlight. International observers are watching developments in Geneva. At the same time, they are monitoring events on university campuses. Images of students confronting security forces have circulated widely on social media and international news platforms. Each new protest adds to the sense of a country navigating pressure on two fronts. A Tense Moment at Home and Abroad Iran now faces unrest at home and pressure abroad. Universities have become visible symbols of that tension. Scenes of tear gas drifting across academic grounds have reinforced how serious the situation has become. The situation remains fluid. Demonstrations continue. Security forces remain present. Diplomatic talks move forward. Lecture halls and libraries were meant to reopen for study. Instead, they have become scenes of confrontation. What happens next will unfold in full view both inside Iran and on the global stage. Originally published on IBTimes UK The three-day Vasantotsav concluded on Sunday at Lok Bhawan in Dehradun. Over the course of the festival, a large number of visitors enjoyed the natural beauty of flowers along with various cultural and competitive events. This year, IIT Roorkee secured first place by winning awards in 13 categories, while ONGC secured second place with awards in four categories. A total of 161 prizes were distributed across 54 sub-categories under 15 main categories during the festival. The Governor, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented awards to the winners of flower exhibition competitions, rangoli contests, children's painting competitions, photography competitions, and other categories, according to a release. For the first time, the Governor's Award was introduced at Vasantotsav-2026 to recognise outstanding farmers, women farmers, and young farmers innovating through startups. In the category of outstanding farmers, Deepak Gadiya from Bageshwar district secured first place, Kapil Sharma from Rudraprayag district secured second place, and Shubham Singh from Pithoragarh district secured third place. In the women farmers category, Radha Rana from Champawat district secured first place, Kavita Mehra from Almora district secured second place, and Shanti Juyal from Pauri Garhwal district secured third place. In the category of leading young farmers innovating through startups, Devendra Singh Chauhan from Tehri district secured first place, Pankaj Mehta from Nainital district secured second place, and Ujjwal Saini from Haridwar district secured third place, according to a release. The closing ceremony was further enhanced by melodious performances from the pipe bands of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which were thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the audience. On the occasion, the Governor remarked that the happiness and satisfaction visible on the faces of nearly 350,000 visitors over the three days was the greatest success of the event. He stated that the core spirit of Vasantotsav-2026 was to promote positivity, balance, and creativity within individuals through flowers. He highlighted that research-based stalls set up by the Horticulture Department demonstrated how flowers can contribute to health, mental balance, and overall well-being. Emphasising innovation as the most important mantra toward achieving the vision of "Developed India 2047," the Governor noted that each stall and presentation at the festival reflected new thinking and creativity. He praised the rhythmic yoga performances, yoga presentations by specially-abled children, Wushu demonstrations, and various cultural programs. He also commended the stalls set up by women self-help groups, stating that the women of Uttarakhand are playing an inspiring role in advancing self-reliance. In his address, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Vasantotsav is not merely a cultural event but a celebration of Uttarakhand's natural wealth, agricultural strength, and emerging green economy. He noted that the spring season conveys a message of positive energy and spiritual joy through nature's adornment. The vibrant colours and fragrances of the flowers displayed at Lok Bhawan symbolise the state's rich biodiversity. He also appreciated the Governor's discipline, patriotism, and visionary leadership, stating that under his guidance, the state continues to progress steadily on the path of development. The Chief Minister emphasised that a combination of traditional knowledge and modern innovation can help local products gain distinct recognition in national and international markets. He praised the efforts of self-help groups, women, and youth, describing them as strong steps toward building a self-reliant Uttarakhand. He further stated that commercial floriculture is currently being carried out across approximately 656 hectares in the state, emerging as a low-cost, high-income opportunity for farmers. The state government is encouraging farmers through initiatives such as a comprehensive flower policy, exemption from mandi fees, marketing support, and beekeeping subsidies. To enhance farmers' income, new policies worth approximately Rs 1,200 crore have been implemented, including the Apple Policy, Kiwi Policy, State Millet Mission and Dragon Fruit Policy. Under these schemes, up to 80 per cent subsidy is being provided to promote horticulture development. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister's residence on Sunday to review preparations for the proposed visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Haridwar on March 7. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all arrangements for the programme are completed in a timely, well-organised, and dignified manner. He emphasised that security, traffic management, public convenience, and inter-departmental coordination must function smoothly throughout the visit, according to a release. Highlighting Haridwar's significance as an important religious and cultural city, the Chief Minister instructed that special care be taken to ensure that devotees and the general public do not face any inconvenience during the event. He called for stringent security measures, an effective traffic management plan, strengthened parking arrangements, and seamless coordination among all concerned departments. He also directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for cleanliness, drinking water, electricity supply, and healthcare services at the event venues. The meeting was attended by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, and other senior officials from the concerned departments. Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of preparations and the measures being undertaken by various departments, according to a release. The Chief Minister instructed all concerned officials to regularly monitor every aspect of the arrangements and ensure that no laxity is shown at any level, so that the Union Home Minister's visit to Haridwar is conducted successfully and in an orderly manner. Dhami has also issued clear instructions that pension cases must be resolved with complete promptness while chairing a review meeting He ensured that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of social security scheme benefits. He directed officials to launch extensive outreach campaigns to spread awareness about pension schemes among maximum eligible beneficiaries and to present an innovation-based, effective action plan at the earliest to connect deprived and vulnerable sections with these schemes. The Chief Minister stated that under the "Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan Ke Dwar" programme, camps organised across the state have had a significantly positive impact, leading to a notable increase in the number of pension beneficiaries. Calling it a reflection of the government's sensitive and committed approach, he instructed that such special drives must continue regularly in remote and hilly areas to ensure that social security benefits reach even the last person in the queue. During the meeting, the Chief Minister released the February 2026 pension instalment of the Social Welfare Department through a one-click digital transfer. On this occasion, a total of 957,651 beneficiaries received Rs 14,191.61 lakh (Rs 141.91 crore). The amount includes both the monthly pension and arrears, ensuring timely financial support to eligible beneficiaries. (ANI) Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday asked the BJP-led Central Government to clarify its stance on the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, asking whether the government stands for war or peace. Akhilesh Yadav underlined the deadly circumstances and said that India should inform about its diplomatic efforts to establish peace as a neutral country. In a post on X, Yadav wrote, "In these circumstances of deadly attacks and war targeting everyone from the most prominent figures to ordinary citizens of any country, our country's government should clarify its stance on this international issue and state whether it stands with war or with peace, and, as a neutral country, what diplomatic efforts it is making to stop the war and restore peace." Further highlighting the dangers of the spread of misinformation in times of war, the SP chief said that the government should verify the news related to the number of deceased in the war. "Our country's government should, at every possible level, verify the news related to those killed in the war and place the truth before the public. Wartime news is often part of a strategy, which is why its verification is necessary. The killing of humanity along with human beings is extremely regrettable. Every country should behave responsibly," the SP chief wrote. https://x.com/yadavakhilesh/status/2028051927590986105 Earlier on February 28, Iranian media had reported that at least 40 Iranians had been killed in an Israeli strike on a school in the city of Minab in the Hormozgan province, in the southern part of Iran, quoting the governor of the province. Reporting on the death toll as mentioned by the state media, Reuters said that atleast 24 have been killed due to a fresh strike at girls' primary school, bringing the toll to over 40. "An Iranian governor said at least 24 had been killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Minab in southern Iran. State media now reports the death toll at the school, a girls' primary, has risen to 40," Reuters reported. Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. (ANI) Muslims across the country gathered in large numbers to mourn the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and protest against the US and Israel. Members of the Shia community held a candle march in the national capital to condole the untimely demise of Iran's Supreme Leader. All India Shia Council held a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, raising slogans against the US and Israel. In Uttar Pradesh, members of the Shia community gathered at the Chhota Imambara in Lucknow to pay tribute. A massive crowd also gathered across the streets of Lucknow and raised slogans against the US and Israel. Similar protests were also seen in Jammu and Kashmir, where men, women and children gathered outside and condemned the US and Israel attack. Protests were also held outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar The protests were peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. Members of the Shia community also held a candle march in Raipur. Similar protests also happened in Patna, Bihar, with people showing outrage against the US and Israel. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, terming the US and Israel attack as "cowardly and inhuman". "A respected leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed; the Iranians will definitely retaliate. While the peace talks were underway in Geneva, the attack was launched. This is a cowardly and inhuman attack. If this war continues, oil prices will rise, and even a difference of USD1 will have a huge impact on the Indian economy," he said. All India Shia Majalis-E-Ulema-Wa- Zakireen, Nisar Hussain Hyder Agha condemned the US and Israel attack. "We came to know about the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei afetr attack on Iran dropping over 30 bombs. We condemn this act. Protests are happening all over the world against this attack," he said. Congress MP Imran Masood condemned the US-Israel strikes and described Khamenei as a "brave" leader whose loss is felt worldwide. "The world has lost a brave leader. History will remember him as a brave leader, one who, despite numerous restrictions, worked to build his country. The loss of such a man is certainly very painful. Neither Israel nor America has the courage to fight face-to-face. They are killing with technology. They don't have the courage to fight on the ground," the Congress MP said. All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said the killing of the Supreme Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has saddened the entire Islamic community. He alleged that the "deceitful actions" and "oppression" of the United States and Israel led to the situation, terming both nations as "cruel and tyrannical." Speaking to ANI, "This has shocked and saddened the entire Islamic community. His passing is a loss not only for the people of Iran but for the entire community. The deceitful actions of America and Israel, and their oppression and barbarity, drove him to the brink of martyrdom. Whether it's America or Israel, both are cruel and tyrannical. " Maulana Mohd Ali Mohsin Taqvi, Imam of Shia Jama Masjid, condemned the act, stating it's a worrying precedent where leaders can be targeted, putting countries' sovereignty at risk, adding, "the world is about to witness worse days." Speaking to the media, "Every person in favour of justice and sovereignty of a country is deeply saddened today. The world is about to witness worse days. The President of any country can be abducted, any country's leadership can be killed with bombs. It was Iran today, tomorrow it may be Turkiye, Saudi Arabia. We are deeply saddened today", he said. US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the strikes. Iranian state media also reported that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed. The regional situation has reached a critical flashpoint following the execution of joint missile strikes, titled Operation Roaring Lion/ Operation Epic Fury, by Israel and the United States on Iran. Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning following the death of their Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence. Iran has vowed "the most devastating offensive operation" against US bases and Israel in retaliation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has pledged revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in West Asia, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Strikes by Iran have been reported in Dubai in the UAE, Qatar's capital Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Iran said it was targeting US bases in the region. An oil tanker was struck off the coast of Oman, and airlines cancelled and diverted flights in and around the West Asian region. (ANI) During the event, the Minister will inaugurate the Bharat Pavilion, unveil the IMC 2026 Curtain Raiser, address the GSMA Ministerial Program on "Breaking the Cost Barrier," and participate in high-level bilaterals and strategic industry interactions. According to the Ministry of Communications, the union minister is scheduled to deliver an address in the GSMA Ministerial program at the Main Stage Session titled "Built for What's Next," where global leaders will deliberate on future-ready digital infrastructure and emerging technology frameworks. He will also deliver the Closing Keynote Session on "Breaking the Cost Barrier" at the GSMA Ministerial Stage, focusing on affordable, inclusive, and scalable digital connectivity models for the world. As part of his engagements, Scindia will interact with global CEOs at a CEO dinner hosted by India, underlining India's commitment to collaborative innovation and trusted partnerships. The union minister will also have focused booth visits and technology demonstrations at leading global and Indian companies. In addition, the union minister will visit the booth of Tejas Networks for the launch of the T31600-D3 Hyper-scalable DCI Platform, marking a significant milestone in India's advanced telecom product development. Scindia will also hold high-level bilateral meetings with various stakeholders from the telecom sector to explore cooperation in universal meaningful connectivity and resilient communication infrastructure. The Minister's participation at MWC 2026 underscores India's growing stature as a global leader in the digital and mobile ecosystem. Through strategic engagements with governments, industry leaders and technology innovators, the visit aims to deepen international partnerships, attract investment and strengthen India's role in shaping secure, inclusive, and future-ready digital networks worldwide. (ANI) Delhi's Patiala House Court granted bail to nine individuals arrested in connection with the AI Summit protest. However, Siddharth Avdhoot's bail plea was rejected, and he has been sent to four more days of police custody. Duty Magistrate Ravi granted bail to nine accused in the AI Summit protest case on a bond of Rs. 25,000 each with one surety. The bail bonds are to be furnished on Monday. The court granted bail to Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Narsimha Yadav, Ajay Singh, Saurabh, Arbaz Khan, Ajay Kumar Vimal, Raja Gujar, and Jitendra Yadav. Delhi Police had opposed the bail pleas of the accused. Senior advocate Tanvir Ahmed Mir, along with advocates Roopesh Singh Bhadauria, Litesh Batra, and Chitwan Godara, appeared for the accused. Advocate Mir submitted that the police had taken custody of the accused for nearly nine days. Meanwhile, the police sought custodial remand for one accused, Siddharth Avdhoot, and judicial custody for the remaining nine accused. Senior advocate Tanvir Ahmed Mir argued that the custody of the nine accused was unnecessary and that they should be granted bail, stating, "Bail is the rule, jail is the exception." He further submitted that there was no flight risk. "There is no apprehension of tampering with evidence, as this case emanates from a simple protest," he said. The senior advocate further submitted that "there is apprehension of no influence of the complainant, who is a police officer and also the investigating officer and he cannot be intimated. No public person had filed the complaint." He emphasised that "there is Freedom of expression under the Constitution of India, and criticising government policies is a fundamental right until it endangers the security of the country." "Was any brick thrown? Was any abuse hurled?" Senior Advocate Mir questioned. He opposed the remand application of Avdhoot and submitted that he was not available at the spot. The protest, which was criticised for wearing T-shirts that read "India-US Trade Deal Compromised." Mir argued that the trade policy in question could affect the livelihood of farmers and promote large business conglomerates. He submitted that the evidence has been locked in electronic form as video footage. It is captured and being analysed by the police. "They can be bailed out, subject to an undertaking to appear before the IO as and when called. As all offences alleged are punishable with imprisonment for less than 5 years," he stated. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Shrivastav, alongwith Advocate Prashant Prakash, opposed the bail pleas of all 10 accused persons. He pressed for the judicial custody of nine accused and four days' police custody of the accused, namely Avdhoot. During the hearing, a joint CP, a DCP, an ACP alongwith investigation team of the crime branch were present during the hearing. APP Atul Shrivastav submitted that it was not a simple protest; it was organised by political party members. They have a right to protest. But it was organised when the AI Impact summit was going on, and the entire system was at work. This protest brought a badlight to the country. "The accused belongs to one of the oldest political party. You should have acted in a proper manner. They should have organised the protest at some other place like Jantar Mantar," APP Shrivastav submitted. "In a democratic country, is the way to go there in an international event to do a protest," APP questioned. "The rights of freedom and expression are subject to lawful restrictions." "International relations going to be affected, a place where international leaders and international media was there, you chose that place," APP Shrivastav submitted. Delhi Police argued that it was not that type of a protest. While opposing the bail plea, Delhi Police submitted that the accused persons concealed the material facts. As per the recent judgement of the Supreme Court, it is upon the accsued to disclose all the criminal antecedents. Earlier, bail pleas were rejected by this court of four accused namely Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Singh and Narsimha Yadav were rejected by this court, Delhi police said. This fact is not in the bail application. It is a concealment of criminal antecedents, police said. One of the accused has a case against him in Tuglak Road police station. He was granted bail by the court. These facts were not mentioned in the bail plea. Bail granted to an accused by a magistrate has been stayed by the sessions court. "It is a case where some persons planned, and some executed the plan. It was started with Manish Sharma, Udai Bhanu Chib and Siddharth Avdhoot. Siddharth's role is bigger than others." APP also dealt with the contention that the alleged offences have a maximum punishment upto 5 years. "In the offences under section 325 IPC, where the maximum can be upto 7 years, it is upon the judicial Magistrate First Class to transfer the case to the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate. If the punishment awarded in a consecutive manner in multiple offences, it can be 15 years in consecutive sentences in the offences alleged against the accused," APP Shrivastav added. Delhi Police said Siddharth was part of the meeting and planning, stating, "There was a hierarchy, a structured planning. Siddharth was taking help from other persons, namely Nishad Khurram and Umesh Chandra." "They are to be arrested and need to be interrogated," Delhi police said. It was also said that the accused persons are a flight risk. Three accused persons fled after the incident. They were hiding in a Resort in Shimla, and they were arrested by the Delhi Police. They gave their mobile to another person; they did not join the investigation. Kuber Meena was arrested from the ISBT, and Divyansh Girdhar was arrested from Palam. Kuber Meena is in five days' police custody, police said. "The public has trust in the police and the judicial system. It would remain established if we are allowed to investigate in a fair manner. We have evidence at this stage," APP Atul Shrivastav argued. "There was a well-structured plan at Himachal Sadan, Siddharth Avdhoot also did the reiki. Their mobiles are to be recovered. Manish Sharma and Vishwajeet are top conspirators, who are on the run," police said while opposing the bail pleas. In rebuttal arguements, Senior Advocate submitted that every person has a right to protest. He can protest any place he wants to protest. Police is nobody to say where to protest. "If a person can not protest at a place where some corporate and conglomerates are there. Should he go to the Thar desert to protest, Senior Advocate Tanvir Ahmed Mir argued. Should he go to Ladakh on a mountain and protest from there and post it on social media?" he asked. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the national capital on Sunday amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following US-Israel strikes on Iran. The meeting was held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Modi returned to Delhi after his two-day visit to Puducherry and Madurai, where he participated in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign events ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. During his tour, he inaugurated key central government infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, focusing on national highways and railways, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic development in the region. The meeting came in the aftermath of Israel and the US' coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities, targeting Iranian military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. US President Donald Trump said that the strikes were done to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon".Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, thus triggering conflict in the Middle East. Amid the escalating crisis, several Indian leaders have urged urgent measures for the safe return of citizens stranded in the affected Gulf countries. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Prime Minister requesting that the safety of Indians in West Asia be ensured, offering the support of the state government for measures such as helplines and facilitating the safe return of expatriates. The Chief Minister emphasised the urgent need to protect Indian citizens amid the escalating crisis. Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also expressed concern over the large Indian diaspora in the region. He said, "We requested the Prime Minister. I have sent an email to the central government. India can contribute, and it can intervene to stop the war." Furthermore, Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), appealed to the Prime Minister to evacuate Punjabis and other Indians from the affected countries. He stressed that a special airlift operation should be initiated immediately once air routes reopen. The National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Nasir Khuehami, also wrote to PM Modi seeking the evacuation of around 1,200 Kashmiri students from Iranian territories affected by the military strikes.(ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the first 2026 Consultative Committee meeting on India-EU relations, highlighting the strong partnership between India and the EU in areas such as trade, technology, security, and mobility. He also thanked MPs for their active participation. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2027676380553445672?s=20 In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Held the first Consultative Committee meeting of 2026 on India - EU relations. Discussed the strong momentum of India - EU partnership and its mutually beneficial aspects across a range of sectors including trade, technology, security and mobility. Thank all MPs for their active participation." Earlier, Jaishankar spoke with his counterparts from several Gulf countries amid rising tensions in West Asia, stressing the need for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. He said India is concerned about the escalating situation and highlighted the country's strong interest in regional peace and the safety of the Indian community living in the region. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Just spoke to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, FM of Saudi Arabia. Exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf. Underlined India's stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of Indian community." In another post, he said he spoke with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who briefed him on the latest situation in the country. "Spoke with Kuwait FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He briefed on the latest situation in Kuwait. Underlined India's concern at the escalation. Value his reassurance for the welfare of the Indian community," in another post, he said. Jaishankar spoke with top leaders from Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE about rising tensions in the Gulf. He said he was assured by Bahrain's FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Qatar's PM and FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and UAE's DPM and FM Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that the Indian community's safety and welfare would be protected. (ANI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, urging world leaders to "act responsibly". During the emergency meeting to address the situation in Iran and the Middle East, Guterres said, "Let's act responsibly & together to pull the region & our world back from the brink."He said, "military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region in the world". Guterres called for immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation in the Middle East. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said that the Iranian regime has destabilised the world, citing its attacks on American forces and citizens, threats to regional allies, support for violent proxies, and pursuit of advanced missile and nuclear capabilities. He added that the United States is taking lawful actions to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "The Iranian regime has willfully destabilised the world. It has killed American forces and citizens, threatened regional allies and jeopardised the security of international shipping upon which the world depends. It's massive support for violent proxies... has brought bloodshed and disorder across the Middle East for far too long," he said. "Iran's continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions, despite diplomatic opportunities, presents a grave and mounting danger. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That principle is not a matter of politics. It's a matter of global security, and to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions," he said. Earlier, Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, followed by Iranian attacks, undermine international security and risk uncontrollable consequences, and called for lasting peace through dialogue and negotiations based on the UN Charter. https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2027855751155212760?s=20 In a post on X, Guterres said, "I condemn the military escalation in the Middle East today. The strikes by the US & Israel against Iran & the subsequent attacks by Iran undermine international security. These actions carry the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world. Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations. The @UNCharter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace & security." On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post. Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. (ANI) Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Saturday praised the military of Israel and the United States, stating that the partnership is a "true blessing," while expressing support for the United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the collaborative military strike on Iranian sites. In a post on X, he stated that the strike was aimed at one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the world, responsible for mass terror. https://x.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/2027692841510551850?s=20 "Thank you, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, the leader of the free world, for taking a historic and courageous decision. I fully support you and Prime Minister Benjamin @Netanyahu and your teams in this decision to launch a bold, combined operation against the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, which is responsible for decades of mass terror and murder around the world and aims to become a nuclear-armed state. I sincerely hope that this operation will bring a historic change and a better future for the whole Middle East and the entire world..." he wrote on X. Calling Israel a strong nation, Herzog praised the defence forces, saying that the nation stands behind them. "Let me be clear to all those who seek or threaten to harm us: the people of Israel are a strong nation. No one can break our spirit. To the brave women and men of the IDF: I trust and support you. An entire nation stands behind you. May God bless you all, and may you all return home in peace..." he said. Furthermore, the Israeli president praised the soldiers of the United States, underlining that the partnership will bring hope, prosperity, and security. He extended support to the regions affected by Iran's counterstrike in the Middle East. "To the United States military servicemen and women conducting this noble mission: thank you. Our partnership is a true blessing, advancing hope, prosperity, and security. Together, we will prevail. May God bless you, and may you all return home in peace. We stand together with our friends and allies in the Middle East who are under attack from the Iranian regime. May God bless them and safeguard them from all harm. To the people of Iran: I hope and pray that you will soon be able to see a better future of freedom," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern Scholar Adrian Calamel said that the strike was more US-driven than Israel-driven. "From my assessment, this is more US-driven than it is Israel-driven. This has to do with a regime that was unwilling to give up the enrichment and reprocessing capabilities. Any country that has those two capabilities has produced a nuclear weapon. Under no circumstances could we let that happen... I would say 15 years since the Obama administration, the regime, and the United States have tried to reduce everything to the nuclear file, and the regime not being able to have these nuclear possessions, which is absolutely right. They tried to put the United States in a box with that. So we did overlook their human rights abuses, their terrorism, you know, what they do to their own population. What Trump has done is consistently put them back into that nuclear box. So he actually worked the deal and put them out, negotiated them on that..." he said. Calamel further stated that India will agree to the threat of nuclear weaponry, even though it can advocate for diplomacy in public. "I think publicly, India is going to say that they advocate for diplomacy. That is the best route. But ultimately, I would believe that India understands the dangers of having a nuclear-armed Iran when you have a nuclear-armed Pakistan right next door that has been playing nuclear blackmail with India for years now..." he added. Calamel further said that India has a lot of concerns because of the domestic population in the UAE and the foreign nationals who are in the UAE. (ANI) Actor Seo In-guk is in the news for what he said about co-star Jisoo. People are talking about a headline that went with his interview before their new Netflix show, "Boyfriend on Demand." A post on Instiz that talked about an article that summed up Seo's comments started the conversation. Pannchoa translated the post and shared it around the world on February 25, which got a lot of people talking. Singles, a fashion magazine, put out Seo's Japan cover pictorial on the 25th, just before the drama's premiere. Seo talked about what first interested him in the project during the interview. He said, "I was first drawn to the worldview," explaining that the emotional arc, which induces "over-immersion" within the "virtual dating simulation" setting, is the key point to watch. He also explained how he is different from the character he plays on TV. Seo said, "I'm not as serious as Kyungnam," and described himself as "playful and honest with my emotions." Seo praised Jisoo for being on set with him. He said that she was "the mood maker on set and an actress who fits her character like a glove." Even though people said nice things about him, the headline that talked about his comments caused some internet users to be confused and angry. People who commented on the article online questioned how the title was set up. One person said, "What is this title?" Another added, "Wow, that title." Another user said,"The only thing he said about her acting was that she was 'the mood maker on set and an actress who fits her character like a glove.'" Some people were worried about misunderstandings that might happen. One person said, "These journalists must be sued. Writing articles like this will only create misunderstanding." Another asked, "Do journalists have beef with Jisoo?" Additional reactions included, "No but why do we keep asking this kind of questions about co-stars?" and "I don't think that 'fitting her character like a glove' means anything acting-wise though. I feel like the title is just trying to send the explanation in another route." Seo also thought about how much he had grown this year. He called 2026 "a year of blossoming" and said he hoped that "all the things I've been steadily preparing will turn out well." He also said that he learned "how to understand emotions structurally," which shows how much he loves both acting and music. With the United States claiming that the Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei had been killed in the strikes, reports coming in from Iran suggest that celebrations have broken out in various parts of the country. Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad posted one such video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." In another self made Video Alinejad further said, "Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run. I want to just run and shout, and shout out of joy," Earlier, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. The death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us." "As I said last night, "Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!" Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD," he posted. Khamnei's death has not been confirmed or denied by any authority in Iran and the question remains if the regime will appoint a successor and if the reported death will bring closure to the conflict in West Asia. (ANI) Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said that all bases and assets of hostile forces in the region are considered legitimate military targets under Iran's right to self-defence. He added that Iran will continue to defend itself until aggression ends, while remaining committed to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, and accused Israel of involving the United States in a conflict with Iran. His remarks came during an emergency special session of the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York on Saturday (local time) to address the situation in Iran and the Middle East. Iravani said that Israel "succeeded in dragging the United States into the quagmire of war with Iran". "All bases, facilities and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives within the framework of Iran's lawful exercise of self-defence. Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defence decisively and without recitation until the aggression ceases in full and unequivocal terms. Iran remains firmly committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbouring countries," he said. The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to hold an emergency session on Monday at 08:00 to address the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera. The meeting, requested by Russia, comes ahead of the board's already scheduled quarterly session, where Iran's nuclear program was to be discussed. Diplomats noted that, unlike US strikes last year, Iran's nuclear facilities were not reportedly targeted in Saturday's attacks, as reported by Al Jazeera. On Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities, signalling a sharp escalation that risks expanding tensions into a broader regional conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening, according to The Jerusalem Post. Senior Israeli officials were also informed that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader was found under the rubble left by the air strike, the report said. (ANI) Iranian media Press TV has reported on Sunday that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the Israeli-US strikes. In a post on X, Press TV said, "Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran" https://x.com/PressTV/status/2027918822913491294?s=20 As per Reuters, citing the state media, 40 days of public mourning has been announced in Iran after Khamenei's death. Earlier, the Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. Meanwhile, various reports emanating from Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report whistling and cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." In another self made Video Alinejad further said, "Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run. I want to just run and shout, and shout out of joy." Reports coming out of London also showed videos of expatriate Iranians and Israelis dancing and celebrating side by side on the streets of London. Earlier, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." (ANI) Bahrain's Interior Ministry on Sunday said a drone targeted Bahrain International Airport amid Iran's retaliation to US-Israel strikes, causing material damage but no casualties, as authorities moved swiftly to secure the site and assess the situation. In posts on X, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that the airport was struck and that emergency protocols were activated. The ministry said, "Targeting of Bahrain International Airport with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life, at a time when the relevant authorities are initiating procedures to secure the site." https://x.com/moi_bahrain/status/2027898831258730764 The ministry added, " The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place", adding that relevant authorities had initiated procedures to secure the area. https://x.com/moi_bahrain/status/2027891377208446996 Also, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. According to Al Jazeera, Iran has targeted United States assets across the Gulf Arab states in retaliation for a huge joint attack on Iran by the US and Israel, sparking fears of a regional conflagration. The Iranian government on Saturday confirmed its attacks on several targets, according to the Fars news agency, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where airbases with US assets are hosted, Al Jazeera reported. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed all Israeli and US military targets in the Middle East have been struck "by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles". "This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated," it said. All US assets throughout the region are considered legitimate targets for Iran's army, it added. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, underscoring New Delhi's concerns over regional stability. In a post on X, he said, "Just spoke to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, FM of Saudi Arabia. Exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf. Underlined India's stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of the Indian community." The Saudi foreign ministry confirmed that Prince Faisal received a phone call from his Indian counterpart. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2027816704852758635 In a post on X, the Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia said, "Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan received a phone call from Indian External Affairs Minister, @DrSJaishankar." https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/2027881612268945495 In a separate development, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received a call from Jaishankar on February 28 (Saturday). The X post of Kuwait's Foreign Affairs Ministry, said, "His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call today, Saturday, February 28, 2026, from His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the friendly Republic of India, during which His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed the Republic of India's solidarity with the State of Kuwait regarding the Iranian attack that targeted the country, and emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and the integrity of its territories." https://x.com/MOFAKuwait/status/2027825027228536996 During the conversation, Jaishankar expressed solidarity with Kuwait over what the Kuwaiti side described as an Iranian attack targeting the country and stressed the importance of respecting Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iranian media Press TV has reported on Sunday that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the Israeli-US strikes. In a post on X, Press TV said, "Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attacks on Iran"Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." (ANI) Photos broadcast by Iran's state-affiliated Press TV on Sunday showed a fresh strike on a US base in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as tensions intensify across the region. Earlier today, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said a drone targeted Bahrain International Airport amid Iran's retaliation to US-Israel strikes, causing material damage but no casualties, as authorities moved swiftly to secure the site and assess the situation. In posts on X, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that the airport was struck and that emergency protocols were activated. The ministry said, "Targeting of Bahrain International Airport with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life, at a time when the relevant authorities are initiating procedures to secure the site." Also, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports' media office. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, underscoring New Delhi's concerns over regional stability. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue. "This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence while expressing regret over any humanitarian consequences arising from the escalation. In a letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would continue to act "decisively and without hesitation" in self-defence until what it termed aggression against the country fully ceases, Al Jazeera reported. Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. (ANI) Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Sunday said that amid its ongoing strikes in Iran, over 30 sites had been attacked, which include aerial defence systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centres. Sharing the details in a post on X, the IDF said that it will continue to "degrade" Iranian capabilities. "ONGOING STRIKE: 30+ targets so far, in western and central Iran, including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centers. The IDF will continue to degrade the Iranian terror regime's capabilities until they can no longer threaten our people", the IDF wrote on X. https://x.com/IDF/status/2027935704454451368?s=20 Earlier on Sunday morning, IDF shared that it had struck the missile launch site in the Qom area of Central Iran. In a post on X it noted that the strike targeted a site that stored Ghadr H-1 ballistic missiles. https://x.com/IDF/status/2027883604500431179?s=20 Earlier in a video message, the IDF called the strikes against Iran--Operation Roaring Lion. "The launch of Operation Roaring Lion comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, a historic, unprecedented level of cooperation between two nations fighting side by side against terror. Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high", IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. The Israeli-US strikes have resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei According to state-run Press TV, Iranian government issued a statement warning that the "crime of assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution will not go unpunished" and asserting that the "pure blood of the martyred Leader will uproot the criminal regimes of the US and Israel." Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death (Arba'een) holds immense spiritual weight. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. (ANI) "Operation Epic Fury" (US) and "Operation Roaring Lion" (Israel), the joint strike in Iran on Saturday is a rare convergence of interests, reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Washington Post reported. As per the Washington Post, Saudi Arabia pushed the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to four undisclosed people familiar with the matter. For years, these two powers operated as "frenemies" in the shadow of Iran's regional influence. The frame here is "The Enemy of My Enemy." As per the four people, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called US President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for "diplomatic support" to resolve the issue, said the Washington Post. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his long-standing public campaign for US strikes against what he sees as an existential threat to his country, said the Washington Post. The combined influence of Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly helped lead Trump to order a large-scale aerial operation against Iran's leadership and military, which, in its initial hour, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials, the Washington Post said. Returning to the White House with a mandate of "Strength through Action," Trump obliterated a 37-year-old threat. The death of 86-year-old Ali Khamenei, along with several top military and political leaders, effectively ends the "Second Revolution." The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with Trump's administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an "imminent threat" from Iran. Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country. The Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects. Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. (ANI) The Embassy of Iran in India on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei by Israeli-US strikes in Iran in the early hours of Sunday. Terming the action an "unforgiveable crime", the Embassy urged governments around the world to condemn the killing. It also shared a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who shared military actions taken by Iran against an American vessel and naval base in Kuwait. In a post on X, it said, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expresses its profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following the brutal and criminal attacks carried out by the regime of the United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance), to the Muslim Ummah, to the great nation of Islamic Republic of Iran, and to all freedom-loving nations of the world." It further added, "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom-seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression." https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/2027979687373488533?s=20 Also on Sunday, the Embassy of Iran in India shared an announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which noted that as a part of the fifth wave of Operation True Promise 4, the MSP ship in the Indian Ocean which it alleged was carrying ammunition for American vessels, was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions. It further mentioned that the American naval base in the Abdullah Mubarak area of Kuwait was hit by 4 ballistic missiles and 12 drones, and all the infrastructure was destroyed, "and a large number of American forces were killed and injured." Other updates shared include that an MST-class combat support ship, which was carrying fuel for American vessels in the Indian Ocean, was hit by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles. https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/2027967794386768130?s=20 On his death, Iran's Supreme National Council also issued a statement sharply criticising the US and Israel. Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high". Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue. "This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets. (ANI) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the forced eviction of long-settled families in the Umerkot district, calling it a grave violation of human rights and a sign of systemic policing failures. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, it said, "HRCP is gravely concerned by the forced eviction of long-settled families in Umerkot district. The reported conduct of the police, including violence against women, children and the elderly, reflects entrenched structural deficiencies, a politicised command, weak civilian oversight and impunity for excesses." The commission further criticised the provincial administration, noting that "suspension and inquiry are insufficient." It urged the Sindh government to implement comprehensive police reforms, including independent complaints authorities, transparent protocols for evictions, mandatory human rights training, and mechanisms to protect the police from elite influence. "The police must protect vulnerable citizens, not function as an instrument for powerful interests," the HRCP said. According to a report by Dawn, the Awami Tehreek (AT) also staged a demonstration in front of the Larkana Press Club, denouncing what they termed "police brutality" in Umerkot. As reported by Dawn, Speakers alleged that the Sindh government was forcibly removing poor and marginalised families from their homes using fraudulent revenue documents, effectively erasing centuries-old villages. They said that Sindhi residents were being dispossessed of ancestral land while facing violence and humiliation during eviction drives. The protest leaders accused the police of acting as a "private armed force" of influential landlords, claiming that robberies, looting and dacoit activities were being carried out under police protection. According to an earlier report by Dawn, a citywide strike had brought normal life to a standstill in Umerkot after police, acting on a court order, forcibly evicted dozens of families from their homes in Afghan Para near Sultan Chowk. Markets remained shuttered, public transport was sparse, and routine commercial activity was severely disrupted as residents protested what they described as an unjust and heavy-handed operation. The displaced families told the media that they had been living in Afghan Para for close to a century, with generations born and raised in the locality. They argued that despite their long settlement, they were dispossessed without proper verification of land records, without rehabilitation arrangements, and with the use of force. (ANI) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Saturday, sharply condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them a " catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression" and warning of the mounting civilian toll. In a post on X, he said, "Today's military strikes on Iran -- carried out by the United States and Israel -- mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace." https://x.com/NYCMayor/status/2027799160574120418 He added that he is focused on ensuring the safety of New Yorkers, saying he has been in contact with the city's Police Commissioner and emergency management officials. According to Mamdani, proactive measures are being taken, including increased coordination across agencies and enhanced patrols of sensitive locations. He said, "I am focused on making sure that every New Yorker is safe. I have been in contact with our Police Commissioner and emergency management officials. We are taking proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution." Addressing Iranian New Yorkers directly, he said, "Additionally, I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city -- you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders. You will be safe here." The condemnation came amid a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran on Saturday. Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai strongly condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, including an attack on a girls' elementary school in Minab that has led to many casualties. According to Al Jazeera, more than 50 people were initially reported to be killed in the strike on the girls' elementary school, with the death toll rising to over 80 as rescuers continued searching through rubble. Footage from the scene showed backpacks and schoolbooks scattered among debris. In a post on X, Malala said, "They were girls who went to school to learn, with hopes and dreams for their future. Today, their lives were brutally cut short. I am heartbroken and appalled by the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including reports that a girls' school in southern Iran was hit, resulting in the injury and death of many girls. The killing of civilians, especially children, is unconscionable, and I condemn it unequivocally." https://x.com/Malala/status/2027839488710340647 She called for an end to the escalation of violence across the region and urged all parties to uphold obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools. She added, "My heart is with the children, families and communities affected by escalation across the region. I stand firmly against violence and the targeting of schools and civilians. I call for the escalation of violence across the region to end. Justice and accountability must follow. All states and parties must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools." (ANI) Nepali migrant workers are facing a tough time as West Asian nations have halted flights, leaving thousands stranded without a way to return home or join their companies. Many had travelled to these countries for work, but with flight suspensions, they're stuck in limbo. Parmeshwor Shah arrived in Kathmandu from Siraha on Saturday morning to take a flight later in the night to Qatar for work as a migrant worker. But now he is stranded at the airport, as Qatar Airlines has halted its operations owing to the ongoing tension in West Asia. Shah had arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport three hours ahead of the flight time to avoid the influx of passengers, but had been wandering around the airport in a daze, not knowing what to do or where to go. "I was bound to go to Qatar yesterday. If the tension continues there, then we don't have anything to eat or a place to stay. The government should assist us in this situation. When we go to the airlines, they would refer to the notice of halt in operation. I neither have money to stay here (Kathmandu) nor return home (Siraha), the amount that I had has already been spent, as I came here to take the flight for a single day, then after I am in a problem now, the airlines are also not listening to my issue," Shah told ANI. As soon as Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran and Iran took retaliatory measures on Saturday, followed by attacks on other US-backed countries in West Asia, prompting the closure of airspace. Though this has raised worries for the safety and security of over 1.7 million Nepali nationals living and working across the region, those who came to Kathmandu to fly there are now in cross-road of confusion. Another stranded migrant worker, Jyoti Pariyar, shared his experiences with ANI. "Everyone is now basically stranded here. We have been constantly checking the notice; there have been no communication channels, and no one is here to handle the passengers. The airlines could have arranged something for us, instructing us about further steps; we don't have any sort of facilities. We cannot go back home because we have travelled a long way to here, and we are basically left without any facilitation," another outbound passenger ahead of the parliamentary polls this Thursday, Jyoti Pariyar, told ANI. According to the latest data from the Government of Nepal and various migration agencies, among the six major Gulf countries, the UAE hosts the largest number of Nepali, more than 600,000. Qatar is estimated to have around 500,000 Nepali workers. Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 450,000, Kuwait around 120,000, and Bahrain and Oman more than 50,000 each.In addition, about 5,000 Nepali are working in Israel, mainly in caregiving and agriculture. The Gulf countries are key destinations for foreign employment for Nepali workers. The military escalation in West Asia over the past 24 hours has raised serious concerns about the safety of Nepali workers in the region. The rising trend of flying abroad in search of better opportunities and education has been rising in the Himalayan Nation, with a population of less than 30 million. The majority of those flying abroad are youths and the earning age group queuing up at the airport ready to take off, leaving the elderly behind. An estimated 1500 Nepali youths have been departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport to work abroad in the West Asian nations as waged labour in search of a better life and opportunities. In the wake of the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday issued a comprehensive advisory to Nepali nationals residing in Israel, Iran, and other countries in West Asia, urging them to remain vigilant amid escalating tensions in the region. The advisory comes in the wake of military escalations, including a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, followed by retaliatory missile strikes by Iran targeting US bases in countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar. The ministry has asked all the Nepali citizens in conflict-affected areas to follow local security advisories and adhere strictly to the instructions of competent authorities in Israel, Iran, and other countries. The ministry also asked Nepali nationals to minimise outdoor activities, stay indoors as much as possible, remain alert, and exercise caution. "Avoid unauthorised travel, do not travel without prior authorisation from relevant local authorities. Maintain regular communication, keep in contact with Nepali communities, embassies, and the ministry in Kathmandu," the ministry urged. It also asked Nepali to defer non-essential travel, while those planning to visit Israel or Iran have been strongly advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilises. With approximately 700,000 Nepalis residing in the UAE, the embassy has urged caution following missile attacks by Iran on US military bases in the region. Citizens are asked to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in contact with the embassy for support (Tel: +971-508180280). "In the context of the evolving situation in West Asia, Nepali citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates are requested to refrain from unnecessary travel, remain vigilant, and follow the security guidelines and information issued by the UAE government," the embassy said. The Embassy of Nepal in Doha, Qatar, has urged Nepalis residing in Iran to travel only after obtaining prior permission from local authorities. The embassy in Doha, which also oversees Iran, made this request through a notice issued on Saturday. "Do not travel without prior approval from the relevant Iranian authorities," the embassy said. The Embassy of Nepal in Doha stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia. "Strictly follow the security advisories and instructions issued by Iranian authorities," the embassy said. "Stay indoors as much as possible, remain alert, take necessary precautions, and maintain regular contact with the Nepali community." (ANI) The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has alleged an intensified crackdown on Sindhi nationalist activists across Sindh, claiming that state institutions are targeting members of the movement through raids, arrests, and enforced disappearances. In a video statement, JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro accused Pakistani state agencies including the ISI, Military Intelligence (MI), Rangers, and Police of conducting operations against activists who speak about Sindh's rights and political grievances. He alleged that several nationalist workers have been forcibly abducted, their homes raided, and their families harassed. According to Abro, authorities recently raided the residence of Mohammad Osama Sumro, organiser of the JSFM UK Chapter. During the raid, family members were allegedly mistreated, and portraits of veteran Sindhi leader GM Syed and martyr Bashir Khan were desecrated. He further claimed that similar raids were conducted at the homes of party spokesperson Mansoor Ahmed and London organiser Tahir Khan. The JSFM chairman described these actions as retaliation for peaceful protests organised internationally, including demonstrations outside 10 Downing Street in London and efforts to raise the issue of enforced disappearances in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the British Parliament. Abro also condemned police action during a protest outside the Karachi Press Club organised by Sindhi Conference Jamait Awami Raj Tehreek, where law enforcement allegedly used batons and tear gas and made several arrests, including Khalil Shah. Highlighting long-standing cases, Abro stated that activist Talib Laghari has been missing since January 2025, Sohail Raza Bhatti for 11 years, and Allah Wadha Amhar was allegedly abducted at the age of 14 over a decade ago. He claimed that more than 200 Sindhi activists remain missing. Appealing to the international community, the JSFM urged organisations such as Amnesty International, the United Nations, and members of the British Parliament to take notice of what it described as human rights violations in Pakistan and to press for the safe recovery of missing persons. (ANI) At least five people were injured on Sunday after heavy clashes broke out between police and demonstrators outside the US consulate in Karachi who were protesting against the US-Israeli strikes in Iran, GeoTV reported. According to the report by GeoTV, the protesters had gathered outside the consulate on MT Khan Road and tried to enter its premises, pelting stones. It further said that police resorted to heavy shelling to control the situation. Those injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to rescue officials. As per GeoTV, law enforcement agencies, including police and Rangers, have intensified security in the area to prevent further violence and ensure public safety Traffic movement in the area was severely affected due to the protest, with authorities closing the road from Sultanabad leading towards Mai Kolachi, causing significant traffic congestion. As per Karachi Traffic Police, vehicle diversions also took place. Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high" Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The country's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his "story" was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. (ANI) Iranian Army's Chief of Staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in the Israeli-US strikes in Iran, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday citing Iran's state-run media IRNA. IRNA' report further said that said more commanders of the armed forces were also killed and that their names would be announced later. Earlier today, the Israeli Air Force said its jets carried out strikes on military targets in Iran, reportedly killing seven top Iranian defence officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour. In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force shared, "IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership: Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia. The world is a better place without them. https://x.com/IAFsite/status/2027856785546117442?s=20 Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday. He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high". Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue. "This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets. (ANI) Three vessels operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) were stopped on Sunday by Iran from proceeding towards the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the ARY News reported. According to ARY News, orders were issued regarding the ships Karachi, Lahore and Khairpur, which had set sail to transport oil. Sources told the broadcaster that the vessels Lahore and Khairpur have been instructed to remain at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates, while the vessel Karachi has been directed to anchor at Gwadar port in Pakistan. All three ships were carrying Pakistani crew members at the time, the report said. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued warnings that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all maritime traffic, including commercial and naval vessels. The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, provided the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is regarded as one of the world's most strategically significant maritime choke points. Stretching approximately 104 miles in length, the strait varies in width from about 60 miles to 24 miles at its narrowest point. It serves as a critical oil export route, linking Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to global markets via the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The decision to hold back PNSC vessels comes amid regional instability due to US-Israel strikes on Iran and the retaliation of Iran, which has raised concerns over maritime security in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Moreover, at least 9 people have died on Sunday after clashes between protesters and Pakistani law enforcement personnel near the US Consulate in Karachi, Dawn News reported, citing the executive director of Civil Hospital Karachi's (CHK) trauma centre. According to a report by GeoTV, the protesters had gathered outside the consulate on MT Khan Road and tried to enter its premises, pelting stones. It further said that police resorted to heavy shelling to control the situation. Those injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to rescue officials. As per GeoTV, law enforcement agencies, including police and Rangers, have intensified security in the area to prevent further violence and ensure public safety. Traffic movement in the area was severely affected due to the protest, with authorities closing the road from Sultanabad leading towards Mai Kolachi, causing significant traffic congestion. As per Karachi Traffic Police, vehicle diversions also took place. Also on Sunday in terms of maritime security, the Embassy of Iran in India shared an announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which noted that as a part of the fifth wave of Operation True Promise 4, the MSP ship in the Indian Ocean which it alleged was carrying ammunition for American vessels, was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions. It further mentioned that the American naval base in the Abdullah Mubarak area of Kuwait was hit by 4 ballistic missiles and 12 drones, and all the infrastructure was destroyed, "and a large number of American forces were killed and injured."Other updates shared include that an MST-class combat support ship, which was carrying fuel for American vessels in the Indian Ocean, was hit by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles. Other updates shared include that an MST-class combat support ship, which was carrying fuel for American vessels in the Indian Ocean, was hit by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected seven Chinese naval vessels and a balloon operating around its territorial waters as of 6 AM (local time) on Sunday. In a post on X, the MND stated, "7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2027911703992717389?s=20 Earlier on February 28, the MND detected seven Chinese naval vessels and a Chinese balloon around its territorial waters. In a post on X, the MND said, "7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2027549317809033399?s=20 Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government's stance on prohibiting senior officials from China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) from entering the country remains unchanged, citing an ongoing lack of goodwill from Beijing, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said, according to a report by Taipei Times. MAC Deputy Chairman Liang Wen-chieh defended the government's position while responding to media questions about a Shanghai delegation that attended the Taipei Lantern Festival. The delegation was led by a lower-ranking TAO official instead of the director of its Shanghai office. Liang stated that this arrangement had been clearly specified in the TAO's entry application and added that the council had not received any application from the Shanghai office director or deputy director, Taipei Times reported. According to the report, China's decision to send a junior official may be linked to its large-scale military drills conducted around Taiwan last year, shortly after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wen-an returned from the Shanghai-Taipei Twin City Forum held in Shanghai. During that forum, Chiang had called for peace and shared prosperity across the Taiwan Strait. The council had imposed a ban in 2024 on senior TAO officials entering Taiwan in response to the Chinese Communist Party's release of a 22-point set of "guidelines" targeting what it described as "die-hard" Taiwanese independence separatists. These measures reportedly included provisions permitting the death penalty. Liang stated that any reconsideration of the policy would depend on a demonstration of goodwill from Beijing. (ANI) Large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across several countries following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets in grief and anger, according to Press TV. In Tehran and other Iranian cities, millions were reported to have mourned the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Crowds filled streets in Isfahan and Zanjan, while chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" echoed at the Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine in Qom, Press TV reported. In a symbolic gesture signalling retaliation, a red "flag of revenge" was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque, a site of religious significance in Iran. The flag is traditionally associated with calls for justice and retribution in Shia symbolism. Outside Iran, solidarity gatherings were also reported. In Baghdad (Iraq's Capital), crowds gathered in the streets to mourn. In India, visuals showed people assembling outside the Iran Cultural House in Delhi, where a meeting was scheduled to mourn Khamenei's death. Members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday staged a massive protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar following the news of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israel-led strikes. The protests were peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. Protests were also held in Bandipore and Ramban today. Protesters in Ramban raised slogans "Tum kitne Hosseini maroge...har ghar se Hosseini niklega (How many Hosseini will you kill, from every home, a Hosseini will rise." They also burnt an effigy of US President Donald Trump during demonstrations. In Bandipore, protesters carried portraits of the late cleric, expressing grief and condemnation over the incident. Earlier similar protest was carried out in Budgam and Srinagar over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Protesters raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the attack. According to Press TV, protests in Pakistan turned violent in some areas. Thousands reportedly gathered in Skardu, where the United Nations office was set on fire. In Karachi, angry demonstrators stormed the US consulate, leading to clashes with Pakistani security forces. Reports indicated that more than 10 people were killed after soldiers opened fire on protesters outside the consulate. Pakistani forces were seen confronting demonstrators amid heightened tensions following what protesters described as US and Israeli aggression, according to Press TV. The wave of protests and mourning reflected the deep religious and political resonance of Khamenei's leadership among Shia communities worldwide, with gatherings spanning from Iran and Iraq to South Asia. (ANI) In a post on X, the French leader revealed that French and Belgian forces conducted a joint operation to intercept a vessel suspected of violating sanctions. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2028035399054942433?s=20 "A major blow to the shadow fleet: in the North Sea, our French Navy helicopters helped last night in the boarding by Belgian forces of an oil tanker under international sanctions. Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine by enforcing sanctions." The operation referenced by Macron was part of a broader maritime enforcement effort in which Belgian special forces successfully boarded and took control of an oil tanker belonging to the "shadow fleet" utilised by Moscow to bypass international restrictions. The vessel was intercepted in the North Sea during the early hours of Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the details of the mission, underscoring the strategic importance of disrupting the maritime network Russia uses to "circumvent Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine." In a post on X, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the personnel involved in the high-stakes boarding. "Today, a vessel from Russia's shadow fleet was intercepted in the North Sea," Prevot wrote, expressing his gratitude to the Belgian special forces for their "exceptional professionalism and courage." Providing further details on the outcome of the mission, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken stated that the intercepted tanker was "being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized." (ANI) Alireza Arafi, a cleric member of the Guardian Council, has been appointed as the jurist member of Iran's Leadership Council, a body tasked with fulfilling the supreme leader's role until the Assembly of Experts elects a new leader, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday. Arafi will be part of the temporary Leadership Council alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, as per Al Jazeera. Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the joint operation with the US to "remove the existential threat to Isreal." In a video address, he said, "Good week, my brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel. This morning, Israel and the United States set out on a joint operation to remove the existential threat to Israel from the Ayatollahs' regime in Iran. I told you: The operation will continue as long as necessary, and patience is also required." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2027836572289175614?s=20 "I thank my friend, President Donald Trump, for his leadership. I spoke with him again this morning and I commend the close cooperation between us. We will not allow a murderous terrorist regime to arm itself with nuclear weapons. We will continue to strike at the targets of the terrorist regime and remove the threat. And I also appeal to the citizens of Iran: Do not miss the opportunity. Unite together for your future and your freedom. Citizens of Israel, continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. Together we will stand firm. The people of Israel live," he added. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top security officials have been killed in the US and Israel's ongoing attacks. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions continue to be heard in Qatar and the UAE. US President Donald Trump has also warned Iran will be hit "with a force that has never been seen before" if it hits "very hard today," Al Jazeera reported. Iran's government says an interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media say at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday issued a statement expressing deep concern over the current conflict in the Middle East, calling for "maximum restraint" and to ensure that civilians are protected. It urged both parties to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of civilians. "Nepal expresses its deep concern over the evolving situation in the Middle East and is closely observing the developments there. Nepal urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from further escalating tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians. Nepal calls for resolving the differences through diplomacy and dialogue," the statement said. "Nepal emphasises that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States should be respected in line with the UN Charter and international law. Nepal views that the rules-based international order and the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security should be upheld," it added. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top security officials have been killed in the US and Israel's ongoing attacks. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge and said they have launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions continue to be heard in Qatar and the UAE, as per Al Jazeera. US President Donald Trump warned Iran it will be hit "with a force that has never been seen before" if it hits "very hard today". Iran's government says an interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media say at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, as per Al Jazeera. Iran's retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and US assets in multiple Middle East countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman. Several countries across the region have shut their airspace amid the exchange of attacks. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, describing the death of Iran's Supreme Leader as a "cynical murder," according to Russian state media agency TASS. In his first official remarks since the targeted operations and the subsequent retaliatory strikes in the region, Putin criticised the nature of the attack. He stated that the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei violated "all norms of human morality and international law," as per TASS. Reflecting on ties between Moscow and Tehran, he added that Khamenei would be remembered within the Russian Federation as an "outstanding statesman." Putin's remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. The country has declared 40 days of public mourning. Iranian state media also reported that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. However, an Israeli newspaper reported that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. Amid conflicting narratives, international media outlets carried visuals and reports of public reactions inside Iran. CNN reported celebrations in several cities, with whistling, cheering and slogans of "Death to the Islamic Republic" and "Long live the Shah" heard on the streets. Fox News posted a video reporting that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy also shared a video on X, writing, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the death of Khamenei, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." Meanwhile, Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death, Arba'een, holds immense spiritual significance. The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday. Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution's founder Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities such as Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is now focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, amid speculation about potential candidates and the implications for Iran's future leadership. (ANI) Following the killing of the nation's top leadership, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a formal address and said that the event is a moment of profound religious and historical consequence. In a post on X, the Foreign Ministry shared Araghchi's reflections, which opened with a scriptural tribute, "Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God. Some of them have fulfilled their vow (by sacrificing their lives), and some are still waiting, and they have never changed in the least."The ministry also warned those responsible for the strike, stating that "He will remain a living nightmare for his killers forever." https://x.com/IRIMFA_EN/status/2028045481448718361?s=20 Expressing the emotional weight of the loss, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated, "With a heart overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, I extend my deepest condolences on the martyrdom--reminiscent of Imam Ali--of our wise Leader and perceptive guide, His Eminence Ayatollah #Imam_Khamenei (may his soul be sanctified), to His Holiness the Imam of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance), the noble nation of Iran, and the Islamic Ummah." Describing the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a moment of immense gravity, he noted that the "sagacious leader, resolute in decision, profound in wisdom, and steadfast on the path of truth, has left behind an enduring legacy of dignity, prudence, and perseverance for history." Addressing the impact of the strikes, Araghchi acknowledged that the "martyrdom of such a towering figure is undoubtedly a tremendous loss and a heartbreaking sorrow, yet his luminous school of thought and steadfast path shall remain alive, dynamic, and inspiring." He further emphasised that the nation is now at a critical juncture, remarking, "Now, at this decisive juncture, safeguarding this precious legacy and continuing the radiant path of that righteous servant of God constitute a historic mission and a grave responsibility upon us all." Regarding the future direction of the nation's ideology, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi characterised it as "the path of faith, resistance, and hope--a path irrigated by the pure blood of martyrs and sustained by the unwavering resolve of its followers." The statement asserted that despite the killing of the leadership, the political vision would persist, noting that "the banner he raised shall not fall to the ground, faithful and steadfast hands will carry it to ever loftier summits." Echoing these sentiments, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a separate statement following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing his death as a transformative moment for the nation and the wider Islamic world. In a post on X, the ministry reflected on his decades of leadership, stating that "The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali #Khamenei, lived a pious life, loved #Iran, secured Iran's independence, opposed foreign domination, and worked tirelessly for our country's resilience and fortitude." https://x.com/IRIMFA_EN/status/2028030817994260832?s=20 The statement further addressed the timing and nature of the killing, noting, "His last phase of life--an honorable and dignified death as a martyr on the 10th day of Ramadan at the hands of the most corrupt and criminal individuals on earth--turns him into an inspiring legend in the history of Iran and Islam." As official statements were issued in Tehran, large-scale mourning gatherings and protests erupted across several countries following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Shia communities taking to the streets in grief and anger, according to Press TV. In Tehran and other Iranian cities, millions were reported to have mourned the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Crowds filled streets in Isfahan and Zanjan, while chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" echoed at the Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine in Qom, Press TV reported. In a symbolic gesture signalling retaliation, a red "flag of revenge" was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque, a site of religious significance in Iran. Outside Iran, solidarity gatherings were also reported. In Baghdad, crowds gathered in the streets to mourn. In India, visuals showed people assembling outside the Iran Cultural House in Delhi, where a meeting was scheduled to mourn Khamenei's death. Members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir staged a massive protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan headquarters in Srinagar following the news of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israel-led strikes. The protests were described as peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar. According to Press TV, protests in Pakistan turned violent in some areas, with thousands reportedly gathering in Skardu, where the United Nations office was set on fire. In Karachi, demonstrators stormed the US consulate, leading to clashes with Pakistani security forces, and reports indicated that more than 10 people were killed after soldiers opened fire on protesters outside the consulate. Pakistani forces were seen confronting demonstrators amid heightened tensions following what protesters described as US and Israeli aggression, Press TV reported. (ANI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned that Israel will continue targeting Iran with more strikes and called on Iranians to unify and free themselves of the regime. In a video address, the Israeli PM said, "In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terrorist regime. We will create the conditions for the brave people of Iran to free themselves from the chains of tyranny. And for this reason, I address you once again: O citizens of Iran, do not let this opportunity slip away." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2028032267931557987?s=20 "This is an opportunity that comes only once in every generation. Do not sit idle, because your moment will arrive soon. The moment when you must take to the streets, come to the streets in your millions to finish the job, to overthrow the regime of terror that has embittered your lives. Your suffering and sacrifices will not be in vain," Netanyahu said. He added that help had arrived. "The help you have longed for has now arrived. Help has arrived, and now the time has come to unite for a historic mission. O citizens of Iran, Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis, and Baluchis--Now is the time to unite your forces to overthrow the regime and secure your future," he said. Israel and US launched Operation Roaring Lion/ Operation Epic Fury in coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities targeting Iranian military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. US President Donald Trump said that the strikes were done to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon". Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. On Sunday, Israel said it had launched fresh attacks on "the heart of Tehran". Meanwhile, US air defences intercepted a drone over a military base near Erbil International Airport in Iraq, according to security sources quoted by Al Jazeera. Iran, meanwhile attacked the port of Duqm in Oman and targetted an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. The Gulf Cooperation Council head, Jasem al-Budaiwi condemned as a "serious violation and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security." He described these actions as "unacceptable provocations" that "undermine stability" in the Gulf and stressed the need for restraint and respect for international law. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the strikes on Iran "will continue for as long as necessary" and will not stop "before the objectives are achieved" as reported in the Times of Israel. (ANI) Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the killing of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, describing it as a "terrorist act" by the United States and the "Zionist regime" of Israel. The statement, shared on X by the Iranian Embassy in India on Sunday, described the incident as martyrdom following brutal attacks on his residence during the early hours of the tenth day of Ramadan. https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/2028069558875984340?s=20 "The Leader of the Islamic Ummah and the Great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Khamenei (may his noble soul be sanctified), was martyred in the course of the brutal attacks by the American and Zionist regimes on his residence on the morning of the tenth day of the blessed month of Ramadan, and thus attained the exalted station of martyrdom and ascended to the highest heavens," the statement said. Extending what it termed "congratulations and condolences" on the martyrdom, the ministry addressed His Holiness Baqiyatullah al-A'zam (may our souls be sacrificed for him), the people of Iran, the Islamic Ummah, and all freedom-loving and justice-seeking people throughout the world. It characterised the killing as "the terrorist act of the United States and the Zionist regime in assassinating the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other senior officials of the country, in the framework of military aggression against Iran's territorial integrity and national sovereignty." Calling it "an unprecedented assault in violation of all recognised human and ethical principles and the most fundamental norms of the Charter of the United Nations and international law," the ministry warned that "military aggression against Iran under any pretext, the assassination of leaders, and the killing of innocent civilians will have dangerous and far-reaching consequences for international relations and will represent a perilous shift toward lawlessness and naked force at the global level." Urging action from the international community, it called on all countries and institutions, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council, to safeguard principles restraining power and preventing domination among states. "Undoubtedly, indifference and inaction in the face of the organised crimes and oppression of the United States and the Zionist regime will embolden aggressors and place the world and future generations under the shadow of grave consequences," the statement added. The ministry highlighted what it described as a "clear pattern of lawless conduct" by the US and the Zionist regime, including renewed aggression amid diplomatic processes, oppression of the Palestinian people, and attacks on independent countries in West Asia. Holding the "architects and perpetrators of this criminal scheme--the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime" responsible, it termed them "among the most corrupt and criminal figures of the contemporary world." Despite the loss, the statement asserted resilience. "The martyrdom of this great Leader and distinguished son of Iran will not impede the path of dignity, independence, and resistance of the Iranian nation. Rather, it will further strengthen national resolve and unity in defending Iran's sovereignty and rights," it said. "The noble nation of Iran, relying upon God Almighty and upon its rich civilisational heritage and historical experience, will steadfastly continue the path of independence, dignity, and resistance with greater determination than ever before." It stated, "This martyrdom marks not the end of a path, but the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and historic steadfastness." These remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes titled Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury by Israel and the United States on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. An Israeli newspaper, however, reported that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning and vowed "the most devastating offensive operation" against US bases and Israel in retaliation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge and stated that it launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in West Asia, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Strikes by Iran were reported in Dubai in the UAE, Qatar's capital Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with Tehran stating that it was targeting US bases in the region. An oil tanker was struck off the coast of Oman, and airlines cancelled and diverted flights in and around the West Asian region. Following Saturday's strikes, Israel on Sunday said it is attacking targets "in the heart of Tehran." Amid the military escalation, international media outlets carried visuals and reports of public reactions inside Iran. CNN reported celebrations in several cities, with whistling, cheering and slogans of "Death to the Islamic Republic" and "Long live the Shah" heard on the streets. Fox News posted a video reporting that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former spokesperson for the state of Israel, Eylon A Levy also shared a video on X, writing, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." Earlier, US President Trump announced the death of Khamenei, calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." He further noted that military actions would persist, stating, "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." Iran's Supreme Leader's office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic's history. Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution's founder Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities such as Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Attention is now focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, amid speculation about potential candidates and the implications for Iran's future leadership. (ANI) The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday released the video of an airstrike in the "heart of Iran", after its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed. The IDF conducted strikes in Iran as part of Operation 'Roaring Lion'. In a post on X, the IDF said, "WATCH: For the first time since the start of Operation 'Roaring Lion', the IAF is striking targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past day, the IAF conducted large-scale strikes to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to Tehran." https://x.com/IDF/status/2028036311110566149?s=20 Israel also killed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces. In a post on X, the IDF said, "ELIMINATED: Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces. Additionally, the IDF struck & eliminated 7 members of the top Iranian security leadership in Tehran and 40 senior commanders." https://x.com/IDF/status/2028047745387237576?s=20 The IDF then further struck two fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff. In a post on X, the IDF said, "STRUCK: Two F5 and F4 fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff. The strike was conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Force's activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense." https://x.com/IDF/status/2028067677239972025?s=20 The IDF then said that Iran produces dozens of ballistic missiles per month with a clear acceleration in its recovery pace. In a post on X, it said, "The Iranian Regime's Plan for the Destruction of Israel: A Sharp Acceleration in the Regime's Missile Production Capabilities. Currently, the regime produces dozens of ballistic missiles per month with a clear acceleration in its recovery pace--an attempt to produce ~8,000 missiles by 2027. In addition, the regime is investing significant efforts in fortifying its underground production infrastructure. The possession of missiles by a regime that has declared its intent to destroy Israel constitutes an existential threat." https://x.com/IDF/status/2028072284599070769?s=20 https://x.com/IDF/status/2028073308919386299?s=20 Meanwhile, an impact from an Iranian ballistic missile strike has killed at least four people and injured about 20 others in Israel's Beit Shemesh, 30km (19 miles) west of Jerusalem, according to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Israel's army said in a statement on Telegram that search and rescue forces, together with medical teams and a helicopter for casualty evacuation, are operating at the impact site. (ANI) The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said that Iran fired missiles towards civilians in the neighborhood of Beit Shemesh. The IDF said in a post on X, "The Iranian Regime directly fired missiles toward the civilian neighborhood of Beit Shemesh, killing innocent civilians. The Iranian regime purposely targets civilian targets while we precisely target terror targets. This is who we're operating against--a regime who uses civilian casualties as their war tactic." https://x.com/IDF/status/2028091722488520903?s=20 Gulf News reported that the Ministry of Interior of Qatar announced that eight additional injuries were recorded as a result of the Iranian attack, bringing the total number of people injured to 16. Limited material damage was also reported in various areas. Security authorities and Civil Defence teams immediately activated response plans to safeguard public safety, maintain essential services and address any emergencies. The Ministry urged residents to comply with official instructions, stay indoors, limit movement unless necessary, avoid approaching debris or unidentified objects, and report them via emergency number 999, as per Gulf News. It emphasised the importance of relying solely on official sources and warned against circulating rumours, images or videos of the aftermath to avoid legal consequences. Specialised teams remain deployed around the clock to respond and contain impacts. The Gulf News further reported that the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force confirmed that the Kingdom's air defence systems successfully intercepted 45 missiles and 9 drones, including Shahed-136 types, launched in "hostile Iranian attacks." Authorities reassured the public that defensive systems remain fully operational and at the highest state of readiness to address any threats to national security. Specialist teams continue securing affected sites to ensure the safety of citizens and residents. The General Command urged the public to remain indoors unless necessary, exercise caution, and rely solely on official sources, warning against circulating rumours or unverified reports. Following the drone attack on Bahrain International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the immediate activation of rapid response protocols, with only minor material damage reported. Government hospitals treated three minor injuries, all discharged, while a fourth person remains under observation, as per Gulf News. Bahrain International Airport was targeted on Sunday in a drone attack, causing minor material damage, a senior civil aviation official confirmed. Authorities had activated approved emergency plans in advance, including evacuating the passenger terminal, to protect passengers and staff. Rapid response protocols were implemented immediately, with coordination ongoing among relevant agencies to ensure the airport's security and the safety of all passengers and staff, as per Gulf News. The Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported that the Civil Defence responded to a minor fire in the Industrial Area, caused by falling shrapnel following the interception of a missile. No injuries have been reported. Authorities confirmed that the situation is under control, as per Gulf News. (ANI) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in the national capital on Sunday following the conclusion of a productive visit to Mumbai, marking the next phase of his official tour of India. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, received the visiting leader at the airport. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "A warm welcome to PM @MarkJCarney as he arrives in Delhi after a productive Mumbai leg. He was accorded a ceremonial static guard reception at the airport and was received by MoS for Commerce & Industry and for Electronics & IT @JitinPrasada." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2028119006415364430?s=20 At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mark Carney is on an official visit to India from 27 February to 2 March. This marks Prime Minister Carney's first official visit to the country, which began when he arrived in Mumbai on 27 February. Over the next two days, he participated in separate business engagements, interacting with Indian and Canadian CEOs, industry and financial experts, innovators, educators, and Canadian Pension Funds based in India. The visit is expected to bolster bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Jaiswal further noted in his post that "A substantive agenda awaits, including his official talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow." These high-level discussions, scheduled for 2 March at Hyderabad House, will see the two Prime Ministers hold delegation-level talks to review the progress achieved to date across diverse areas of the India-Canada Strategic Partnership. Building on their earlier meetings in Kananaskis (June 2025) and Johannesburg (November 2025), the leaders will "take stock of ongoing cooperation in key pillars, including trade and investment; energy; critical minerals; agriculture; education, research, and innovation; and people-to-people ties." According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, they will also exchange views on regional and global developments. In addition to their formal talks, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney will attend the India-Canada CEOs Forum. This visit comes at an important juncture in the normalisation of India-Canada bilateral relations, with the anticipated discussions on Monday focusing on key strategic and economic issues of mutual interest between the two nations. (ANI) The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on Sunday sent personal messages to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, expressing his sincere support and solidarity with the peoples of those countries during this challenging period of escalating tensions in East Asia. Tokayev strongly condemned all military actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty and security of states that are friendly and brotherly to Kazakhstan. "Our country consistently advocates resolving all complex international issues and armed conflicts exclusively through diplomatic means," the Kazakh leader stated in his messages. The Head of State also affirmed that Kazakhstan stands ready to provide any possible assistance to the brotherly Arab nations and expressed hope for the continuation of regular working contacts with their senior leadership. https://x.com/aqorda_press/status/2027886057233252589?s=20 Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guards say they targeted US aircraft carrier Lincoln with 4 ballistic missiles, state media reported. A total of 541 Iranian drones were detected, of which 506 were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 fell within the country, causing material damage. The incidents resulted in three fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 58 minor injuries among Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top security officials have been killed in the US and Israel's ongoing attacks. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledges revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions continue to be heard in Qatar and the UAE. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran will be hit "with a force that has never been seen before" if it hits "very hard today". Iran's government says an interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media say at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, as per Al Jazeera. Iran's retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and US assets in multiple Middle East countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman. Several countries across the region have shut their airspace amid the exchange of attacks. (ANI) Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Ambassador Paramita Tripathi held a virtual interaction with around 100 prominent members of the Indian community and heads of Indian Associations in Kuwait. The Ambassador on Sunday briefed the attendees on the recent developments in the region. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said, "Ambassador Paramita Tripathi, along with Embassy officers, held a virtual interaction with around 100 prominent members of the Indian community and heads of Indian Associations in Kuwait. The Ambassador briefed the attendees on recent developments in the region and reiterated the Embassy's commitment to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals in Kuwait. She appreciated the community's willingness to contribute and support those in need through constructive and responsible engagement." https://x.com/indembkwt/status/2028128624885346478?s=20 The Embassy also assisted Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait due to temporary airspace shutdown. In a post on X, the Embassy said, "Embassy officials continue to be in touch with and assist the Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait due to temporary airspace shutdown. The Embassy is constantly following up the matter with the local Authorities concerned, the management of the hotels in which the stranded passengers are staying as well as the respective Airlines. All possible assistance is being provided to the Indian nationals." https://x.com/indembkwt/status/2028073682774475004?s=20 https://x.com/indembkwt/status/2028064026274451811?s=20 Meanwhile, Indian Embassy in Austria advised Indian citizens to keep an eye on flight status. In a post on X, it said, "ADVISORY Embassy of India, Vienna (1 March 2026) In view of recent and ongoing flight disruptions, Indian nationals are advised to: Check flight status with airlines. Monitor airline updates for changes. Air India Helpline: +911169329333, +911169329999 for ticket reissuance/ full refunds. In case of any Emergency, contact Embassy of India, Vienna helplines: 24x7: +43 676 8943748801 WhatsApp: +43 676 8943748801, +43 676 3269536 Visa Issues: Contact Austrian authorities for guidance. Keep proof of cancelled or rebooked flights. Austrian Federal Police: +43 5 91333293200 for assistance with emergency transit visas." https://x.com/IndiainAustria/status/2028097197053477246?s=20 Indian Embassy in Oman published its updated requirements to enter the country. https://x.com/Indemb_Muscat/status/2028021322291548338?s=20 Indian Embassy in Lebanon also issued advisory to Indian nationals, saying that they must avoid unnecessary travels. https://x.com/IndiaInLebanon/status/2028029288306311272?s=20 The advisories come as Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes. Talking on the issue, Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri said, "The supreme leader of Iran, Mr. Khamenei, having been killed is very shocking and it is quite clear that the talks which were going on between America and Iran, which were arranged by Oman and were taking place in Geneva were going very well... Now it seems that these talks were really a decoy... An acting supreme leader has been appointed as a temporary measure... Iran is continuing its attacks on the Middle Eastern country and even on Israel... Iran is saying in the Security Counil that they have been attacked and so they have the right to self-defense and retaliation." She further added, "President Donald Trump made a statement and he was very categorical in the statement that the target was to eliminate the Iranian leadership. Now the target is to continue to weaken the Iranian leadership's hold, the IRGC, Revolutionary Guards and others' hold on society by eliminating their military capabilities. There is talk that 1971 revolution should be reversed." The Iranian army announced it downed 10 advanced drones across the country today, bringing the total number of drones shot down so far to 22. Most of them, according to Iranian officials, were Hermes drones allegedly belonging to Israeli and American forces, Al Jazeera reported. Iranian authorities are making it clear this is a moment of full-scale resistance. They say they intend to strike back as forcefully as possible, and insist they have not yet deployed their most powerful military capabilities, including some of their advanced missile systems. Officials are warning that both the United States and Israel will pay what they describe as "a heavy price" in the days ahead, as per Al Jazeera. They are also framing this conflict as unlike previous confrontations. Iranian leaders are characterising it as an existential war - one in which, they say, there will be no retreat, no compromise, and no surrender until Iran has demonstrated its ability to defend itself and preserve what it calls its dignity and independence. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that the country's new leadership wants to talk with his administration and he plans to do so. "They want to talk and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them," he was quoted as saying by The Atlantic magazine. "They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long," Trump added, as quoted by Al Jazeera. (ANI) President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) spoke with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as the US and Israel continued their strikes across Iran, the White House said. Iran has also targeted the US facilities in Bahrain, the UAE and other neighbouring Gulf nations in its retaliatory action. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said that Trump was briefed on a shooting incident in Austin, Texas. At least two people were killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting at a popular bar in Austin, authorities said Sunday, CBS News reported. The gunman was also killed. Sharing a post on X, White House Press Secretary wrote, "Today, President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE. The President has also been briefed on the shooting in Austin, Texas." https://x.com/PressSec/status/2028181585019670771 This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes titled Operation Roaring Lion/Operation Epic Fury by Israel and the United States on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, alongside his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28 In a statement shared on X, and subsequently reposted by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry confirmed that the military has "so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack." https://x.com/IndembAbuDhabi/status/2028127018886590524 Earlier, US President Trump announced the death of Khamenei on Truth Social, calling it "justice for the people of Iran" and stating that "pinpoint bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE." (ANI) Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, has said that the confrontation with Iran "cannot be viewed" as a bilateral dispute between Tel Aviv and Tehran, asserting that the issue is regional and global in nature, with implications stretching across West Asia and beyond. He said that the conflict is not limited to Israel and Iran, and one must look at and be aware of. Speaking to ANI on Sunday on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, Carmon said, "Iran is not an Israeli problem. Iran is a global and a regional problem... You cannot detach the confrontation with Iran's sponsoring terrorism and developing ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities, and detach it only to a bilateral conflict between Iran and Israel." He further claimed that Iran's actions have affected several countries in the region. "The Iranians are attacking the neighbouring countries that are part of our region. We have seen damage in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and even Jordan," he said, highlighting that the fallout of the hostilities is not confined to Israel alone. Explaining why Iran may be targeting Middle Eastern countries, Carmon suggested that there might be an indirect will to bring turmoil to the region, and maybe to revive the ancient Sunni-Shia confrontation. "There might be an indirect will to bring turmoil to our region and maybe to revive the ancient Sunni-Shia confrontation. Maybe this is a way to pressure the US to end the attack because regional neighbours are being attacked. It is so obvious that this is not limited to Israel and Iran. It is something we must look at and be aware of," he said. On the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Carmon said the leadership question extends beyond a single individual. "It's not only Khamenei. It is a list of 3 to 5 other leaders of the defence and political establishment in this terrorist regime. They nominated Ahmad Vahidi. Vahidi is a terrorist who has led terrorist attacks throughout the past 30 years... He is the guy who is going to lead the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) ... It reinforces the fact that this regime must be changed, taking away its capabilities to pose a threat to the region, including Israel," he said. Carmon also highlighted concerns over disruptions to the global supply chain amid the conflict but expressed optimism that the situation would not be permanent. "The world cannot stay indifferent to those developments, but those developments are not a permanent situation... When this is eliminated as a regime and changed by a peaceful one, I'm sure that West Asia or the Middle East will have much better days," he said. On India's role in the escalating tensions, the former envoy said, "I am sure that India does not have a role." The remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes titled Operation Roaring Lion/Operation Epic Fury by Israel and the United States on Iran on February 28. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirming that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, alongside his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. (ANI) KYOTO, Mar 01 (News On Japan) - In the Keihoku district on the northern edge of Kyoto City, a free school operating out of a former elementary school has become a sanctuary for children who struggle to attend regular classes, offering not only a second chance at learning but also a place of emotional safety for both students and their parents. Surrounded by mountains and rich natural scenery, the small community is home to a towering cedar tree more than 450 years old, long regarded as a local symbol. The former No. 3 Elementary School, which closed amid declining enrollment, reopened three years ago as a free school welcoming children once again. The school, known as Manabino, is led by Umeda, affectionately called Mako-chan, and her husband Akinobu, a former elementary school teacher. Around 10 students from elementary to high school age, many of whom have experienced school refusal for various reasons, now attend what they describe as a second home. While there is a basic daily structure, participation is flexible. We suggest a flow for the day, but its only a proposal, Umeda explains. If a child doesnt feel up to it, they can rest. There is no absolute must. Students say the atmosphere is more relaxed than at conventional schools. There are times set aside for study, but also for outdoor play, visiting the nearby river, or preparing meals together. If you dont want to do something, you dont have to, one student says. Its freer. Meals are supported by local volunteers, now numbering more than 30. The involvement of the community has been essential, from the use of the former school building to help with lessons and activities. Students wash their own dishes, learning practical life skills while building a sense of responsibility. One sixth-grade student had stopped attending school for a period and spent most of her time at home focused solely on piano. She began attending Manabino after her older sister returned to regular school. Reflecting on her earlier school experience, she recalls discomfort with rigid expectations. When you draw yourself, they tell you what color your skin and hair should be, she says. But everyone is different. For children who have felt hurt, pressured, or misunderstood, rebuilding confidence requires first restoring a sense of acceptance. Many children have lost sight of the wonderful qualities they naturally possess, Umeda says. So we start with the premise that You are fine just as you are. Whether you can do something or not, the fact that you are here is precious. Ensuring emotional safety, she believes, is the first step toward any new challenge. After graduating from university, Umeda worked in after-school childcare. She and her family relocated to Keihoku when her eldest son was born, and they built a home there three years ago. Around that time, her son began refusing to attend school. At first I asked, Whats wrong? Are you being bullied? Dont you like studying? she recalls. But when I asked myself whether forcing him to go would truly benefit his life, I couldnt honestly say yes. She vividly remembers the relief she felt when she decided to establish a free school. The moment I thought, Lets create one, I felt a huge weight lift. In sparsely populated areas, the small number of children makes running such facilities financially challenging, and few alternatives exist nearby. At the same time, in close-knit rural communities, losing ones place can mean having nowhere to retreat. That reality has made Manabinos role all the more significant. Last year in February, Akinobu, who had long wrestled with balancing public education and the free school, left his teaching position. The decision cost the family a stable source of income and at one point brought the school to the brink of closure. Yet they say it ultimately strengthened their resolve. Rather than clinging to money for security, being honest about what we truly want to do and taking on the challenge feels like happiness, he says. Its tough, but its rewarding. Some students now split their time between Manabino and their original schools. One sixth-grade boy alternates attendance depending on the day. When he first stopped going to school, his relationship with his mother became strained. To support families, the free school holds monthly meetings exclusively for parents, recognizing that their struggles also need acknowledgment. I said so many harsh things to him, one mother says, recalling frequent arguments when her son could not leave the house. Over time, seeing her child regain his sense of self has helped rebuild trust. Staff members note visible changes in both children and parents as emotional burdens ease. Throughout the year, the school organizes various events, encouraging students to take on challenges at their own pace. Whether performing music, participating in activities, or simply expressing curiosity, each step is celebrated. Emotional safety nurtures curiosity, Umeda says. We want this to be a year when we see childrens potential sprout again. And adults, too, can rediscover joy and grow together. If everyone can simply be healthy and themselves, that is enough. In a quiet mountain community once marked by decline, an abandoned school has become a place where children and their parents are learning how to begin again. Source: YOMIURI Morocco and Egypt have emerged as the primary African recipients of European Investment Bank financing in 2025, as the EUs financial arm deployed a record 3.1 billion across the continent through its international development branch, EIB Global representing one third of the institutions total disbursements outside the European Union. The investment drive, aligned with the EUs Global Gateway initiative, targeted high-impact projects across infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, and private sector development. Moroccos allocation concentrated on two critical priorities. The first addressed mounting water security pressures, with EIB financing directed toward drinking water production and distribution infrastructure designed to expand equitable access in small towns and rural communities. The second funded large-scale post-earthquake reconstruction in the Al Haouz region, rehabilitating schools, hospitals, and roads while embedding climate-resilient design standards and energy efficiency requirements throughout a model for what development planners call building back better. Egypts engagement centered on its green energy transformation. EIB support backed the Obelisk photovoltaic project, described as Africas largest solar plant with battery storage, alongside a 21 million EU grant channeled through the Bank for industrial decarbonization and circular economy capacity. Investment in the RMBV North Africa Fund III further strengthened Egypts private sector ecosystem, targeting growth financing for hundreds of small and medium enterprises. Beyond the two top recipients, the 2025 disbursements revealed a continent-wide strategy. Cameroon extended rural electrification to over 1.6 million people. Cote dIvoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea received support for cocoa value chain development with an emphasis on gender inclusion and youth employment. Angola financed its first national cervical cancer vaccination campaign covering two million girls, while Rwanda and BioNTech advanced mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity a milestone for African pharmaceutical sovereignty. EIB Global also committed over 350 million to pan-African investment funds, including vehicles managed by Amethis and Ardian, specifically targeting high-potential SMEs caught in the funding gap between early-stage financing and Series A capital. The Banks Africa Venture Finance Programme, housed at Oxford University, trained more than 40 African venture capital fund managers in 2025 alone. In 2025, the EIB intensified its support for win-win partnerships in Africa, built on mutual respect, said EIB Group President Nadia Calvino. We make a difference where it matters most in high-impact projects that people can feel and communities across Africa can count on. The Group reached its target of mobilizing 100 billion including 20 billion for Global Gateway well ahead of its 2027 deadline. A Panamanian-flagged merchant ship was shipwrecked on Saturday off the coast of Laayoune, the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics said in a press release. This incident occurred following a report of water ingress while the commercial vessel DURA BULK was en route to the port of Laayoune carrying a cargo of bulk clinker, the Ministry said. The ministry said in a statement that the vessel, Dura Bulk, flying the Panamanian flag, was carrying a shipment of loose clinker when the incident occurred on February 28, 2026, while en route to Laayoune port. Authorities launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation, successfully saving all crew members, who are foreign nationals. The rescued sailors were provided medical care and transferred safely. The ministry confirmed it is working closely with relevant authorities to monitor the situation and said an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the sinking. Finland has expressed supports to the Autonomy Plan for the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty as one of the most feasible solutions to the regional dispute. This position was expressed in a Joint Communique adopted in Rabat this Sunday following a meeting between Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, who is on an official visit to Morocco, and her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita. Finland reiterated its support for the Autonomy Plan presented by Morocco, considering it a serious and credible basis for achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution, the joint Communique stated. The two officials also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) and reaffirmed their support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy aimed at reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue. In August 2024, Finland stated that Moroccos Autonomy Plan for the Sahara issue provides a good basis for a solution to the long-running dispute, describing the proposal as a serious and credible contribution to the political process led by the United Nations. In a statement announcing Elina Valtonens visit to Morocco, the Finnish Foreign Ministry said talks will cover bilateral relations and trade, the Sahara issue, and current foreign policy and security matters. Discussions are also expected to cover the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and regional security, including developments in the Sahel and Sudan. The meeting seeks to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in economic and political areas, the ministry said. Relations between the two countries are strong and offer potential for expansion, particularly in trade and investment, Valtonen was quoted in the statement as saying. She also described Morocco as an important partner for the United Nations and for Europe. OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to raise oil output by a modest 206,000 barrels per day (bpd) in April, opting for a cautious supply increase even as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran disrupts shipments across the Middle East. The decision, confirmed in an official statement after the groups meeting, involves eight core members: Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman. The increase ends a three-month pause in production hikes but falls well below the larger boosts of up to 411,000548,000 bpd that had been discussed in recent days. The move comes as oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz which accounts for more than 20% of global crude transit have been severely disrupted. Shipowners have halted voyages after receiving warnings that the waterway was closed, with hundreds of vessels reportedly anchored on either side of the Strait. Several ships have also come under attack amid escalating hostilities. Despite fears of oversupply earlier this year, Brent crude has rallied sharply on geopolitical risk, climbing toward $80 per barrel in over-the-counter trading on Sunday after hitting $73 on Friday its highest level since July. Analysts say the modest increase may do little to calm markets. OPEC+ has historically raised output to cushion supply disruptions, but spare capacity outside Saudi Arabia and the UAE is limited. Even those producers may struggle to export additional barrels until Gulf navigation stabilizes. Saudi Arabia had already ramped up production by roughly 500,000 bpd in recent weeks in preparation for potential disruptions tied to U.S. strikes on Iran, according to sources. The UAE has also increased exports. Iran, an OPEC member producing around 3.3 million bpd, has seen its export infrastructure come under strain amid the conflict. With tensions high and shipping constrained, traders say prices will depend less on quota decisions and more on whether oil can physically move through the Gulf. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Authorities step up island security after Holbox military operation Holbox, Q.R. Military security has been stepped up a notch on the island of Holbox after a raid earlier in the week. On Saturday, security personnel including police and military made their presence known on the island. According to the SSC (Secretary of Citizen Security), the operation was part of the actions agreed upon with various sectors of the island. The military made their presence known on the island Saturday February 28, 2026. Institutional Security and Community Outreach Presence in Holbox. As part of the actions agreed upon with various sectors of the island, and in inter-institutional coordination, the head of the Secretariat of Citizen Security, Rear Admiral Julio Cesar Gomez Torres, along with the Secretariat of the Navy, the Secretariat of National Defense, and the National Guard, carried out an operational presence on Holbox Island, the SSC (Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana) reported. Through preventive patrols and community outreach efforts, authorities from all levels of government continue to strengthen surveillance and direct contact with citizens as part of the ongoing security strategy to preserve order and tranquility. These actions are part of the continuous work being done to guarantee a safe environment for both the residents of Holbox and those who visit this destination. Earlier this week, a large group of military personnel carried out an operation on the island in response to citizen complaints. Police organized the Holbox operation in response to resident complaints of the buildings being used to sell drugs, hide criminals and establish cells in the area. At least two buildings on the island were the target of the Thursday morning military operation. Police were seen touring island streets on Saturday February 28, 2026. While no arrests were made Thursday, there are reports that several island businesses were seized by authorities, including an eatery and at least one vacation rental property. In an exciting feature highlighted by a cutthroat battle for front-end supremacy, Stellar Yankee took his time and came from the back of the pack to record a thrilling off-the-pace victory, registering a second straight win in the $26,027 claiming handicap for pacers in for price tag of no less than $54,795 and no more than $82,192 on Saturday, Feb. 28 at The Meadowlands. Winning driver Jordan Stratton was aiming to leave from the gate but aborted that mission. Hes no doubt happy with the way things worked out. Dream Bird (Joe Bongiorno), the longest shot on the board at 31-1, was sprinting early from the rail in the six-horse field. Boston Bound (Mark Herschberger), the 8-5 favourite, was in the early fray and heading for the front, but Bongiorno was having none of that and commanded Dream Bird to torrid fractions of :25.4 and :52.3, leaving Boston Bound parked for a second consecutive week. Slight 8-5 second choice Soho Santorini A (Colin Kelly) was sitting in the pocket, licking his chops as the top two slugged it out. Dream Bird clung to a narrow edge on Boston Bound at three-quarters in a remarkable 1:20.4. Kelly swung Soho Santorini A to the outside, but by then Stellar Yankee, who raced three-wide nearing the head of the stretch, got in front of him and stopped that ones momentum as he mounted a stellar late bid. Stellar Yankee was airborne through a personal final quarter of :27.4 and swept past the field to record an easy three-length win. In the process, the eight-year-old gelded son of Always B Miki-Somethinginawater lowered his lifetime-best time for a second straight week, this time stopping the clock in 1:49.1. In another incredibly game try, Boston Bound finished second with Mamba (Steve Smith) claiming third. I wasnt invited to go to the front, said Stratton. But in a short field, I was able to get out in the stretch. Hes always an honest horse when he comes here to The Meadowlands, and tonight, he gobbled them up. Stellar Yankee has now won four of his last 11 starts for owner Howard Jacobs since starting that run of form at the lower conditioned levels in late November. Lifetime, the Cory Stratton trainee now has 34 victories in 197 tries, good for earnings of $535,629. As the 2-1 third choice in the betting, he returned $6.80 to win. Stratton and Big M leading driver Brett Beckwith topped the driver colony hit parade with two winners apiece. There were a pair of carryovers on the 14-race card, and one of them took a monstrous amount of action. The 20-cent Pick-5 sported a carryover of $26,400 that motivated players to bet $188,943 of new money into the pool, for a grand total of $215,343. The winners' odds for the sequence were 1-2, 28-1, 1-1, 4-5 and 7-5. William Carter guided longshot Dance It Out to victory in the second race to take down plenty of tickets, but those who did use him and cashed collected a payoff of $1,464.02. The $1 PK 8 continues to roll on, going unhit for a fourth consecutive offering, upping the carryover to $72,337. A sequence where winners' odds were 1-1, 4-5, 7-5, 6-1, 5-1, 2-1, 12-1 and 3-5 proved to be too tough for the masses. Those with six correct collected $63.50. All-source handle on the 14-race program totalled $3,187,297, marking the second time this year that wagering cleared the $3-million hurdle. Racing resumes Friday at 6 p.m. (Meadowlands Racetrack) Italy draws tens of millions of visitors year after year, many choosing to visit the country's breathtaking Mediterranean coastline. Sardinia is one of Europe's hidden "Blue Zone" islands, where residents have long lifespans, and it's also home to a top-rated beach. La Pelosa was crowned the best beach in Italy in 2026 in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards the stunning spot was ranked eighth in the world. It ranks at the top of Tripadvisor's list of beaches in Italy, and also has an impressive 4.5-star rating on Google, with over 16,000 reviews. Beach.com similarly rates it as one of the best beaches in Italy. La Pelosa is located in northwest Sardinia, near the town of Stintino. It's the perfect addition to your 7-day Northern Sardinia trip, with sparkling blue waters similar to the Caribbean. A 16th-century tower, Torre della Pelosa, offers historic charm The tower was used as a lookout point against invaders and there are also views from the beach out to the island of Piana. La Pelosa is perfect whether you want to go swimming, or get more adventurous with an activity like windsurfing, or are simply looking for some sunbathing. Due to the beach's popularity, access is heavily regulated during peak summer months. Read more: Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Italy What to do at La Pelosa beach People and umbrellas at sandy La Pelosa beach with turquoise water - Kucherav/Getty Images The best thing to do at La Pelosa is to relax and enjoy the spectacular views and shimmering water. The beach is in a shallow bay, so the water is calm. This is great for swimming and wading, particularly for families with kids who want to enjoy the water safely you'll need to go far out before the water level rises. Advertisement Advertisement Sardinia is excellent for watersports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, and La Pelosa is no exception. Local schools like Windsurfing Center Stintino offer lessons and rentals at the beach, known as a good spot for the Grecale (northwest wind). It's also a solid choice as a beginner venue, or if you want to freestyle. It's particularly good for windsurfing outside of peak season, when there are fewer people and more space. Besides windsurfing, you can also rent stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, canoes, and sailboats to explore more of the beach. The clear water here also makes La Pelosa a prime location for snorkeling and diving. Practical information for your trip to La Pelosa People walking and relaxing at La Pelosa beach, with historic tower on island beyond - Riccardo Cugusi/Getty Images La Pelosa is extraordinarily beautiful, and the beach has attracted big tourist crowds in previous years. Visiting the beach during the summer months now requires additional planning, though. In peak season, which is typically June to October, visitors will need to book a ticket in advance to visit La Pelosa. Numbers are limited to a maximum of about 1,500 people per day tickets cost 3.50, and entry is free for kids 12 and under. Half of the tickets are only released 48 hours in advance, so be sure to secure your ticket once booking opens for your specific dates. Ticket restrictions are only in place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Going in the morning or evening is a fantastic way to avoid both the crowds and the hassle of booking tickets. One of the most important rules at La Pelosa is that you're required to use a bamboo or straw mat under your towel to protect the sand. Travel blog This Island Life recommends stopping by a local supermarket beforehand, as mats will be cheaper there than at the beach. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available at the beach, and cost roughly 30 per day. Smoke only in designated areas, don't litter, and be sure to wash your feet before leaving Rangers can issue fines. Numerous Reddit users recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid issues with parking. Parking is 2 per hour, and you may need to walk a distance from your parking spot to the beach itself. After enjoying the pristine waters at La Pelosa, explore more of the island with a visit to Sardinia's quaint beach town, La Caletta. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. For decades, the Iranian regime has openly proclaimed slogans that leave no room for ambiguity: Death to Israel and Death to America. These were not mere words. While these slogans echoed in Tehrans main square, the regime enriched uranium, developed ballistic missiles, and buried military facilities underground. Its rhetoric was accompanied by a strategy. They think she has it, my mother said, looking at me warily, her voice filled with dread. She has the Big One. You mean, they think she has cancer? The Big C? I replied, thinking quickly and trying to figure out what the Big One was. The person to which she was referring was a mid-seventies retired nurse who was active and fearsome in her post-retirement days. A controversial new video produced by the Central Arizona Project offers a dire warning: Cut water deliveries to the canal system too much and it will "cripple our state, flatten our economy and weaken our national defense." The video's tone and atmosphere are dramatic, opening with crosshairs aimed at a scene of the Arizona State Capitol complex and accompanied by a harsh soundtrack that sounds as if it were lifted from a World War II-era documentary on the military. The video comes as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing five proposed alternatives for cutting Colorado River deliveries, three of which would cut supplies to the CAP by a range of 77% to 98%. The cuts are all discussed in the federal agency's draft environmental impact statement on the river. The bureau will apparently have to decide on its own what to do, because the seven river basin states, including Arizona, were unable to agree on a compromise over how to make the cuts. But is the warning valid? Will CAP cuts really flatten Arizona's economy and cripple the state? A number of longstanding water observers in Arizona strongly disagree with that rhetoric, saying it is overblown and alarmist at least in terms of the next several years or longer and inconsistent with other messages state and local officials have been putting out about the risks from CAP cuts. Until now, officials of the CAP and the Arizona Department of Water Resources have stressed that people using CAP water won't have their taps run dry when cuts first occur because cities and private water companies will have other supplies available for at least a few years. To critics, the video's use of words like "flatten" aren't consistent with that reality. The agency that runs CAP, the three-county Central Arizona Water Conservation District, declined to respond to questions from the Star about the video and its rationale for such a grim warning. The $4 billion, 336-mile CAP canal system serves drinking water and some irrigation water to Tucson, Phoenix and Pinal County. "Everything and more will likely be in our DEIS response, which is due Monday," district spokeswoman DeEtte Person said, referring to the comments CAP will make to the Bureau of Reclamation's draft environmental impact statement. But CAP Board President Terry Goddard defended the video, although as a board member who sets policy for the agency but does not run its day-to-day operations, he wasn't involved in producing it. It was produced by CAP staff as part of CAP's effort to organize a group called the Coalition to Protect Arizona's Lifeline. The group includes leaders of many Arizona cities, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, along with leaders of many of the Arizona tribes that use CAP water. "If you take one-third of the (CAP) water from Central Arizona, it would be a very serious problem," Goddard said. But if the bureau approved the proposal to cut it by 98%, essentially "that would take us to zero. It would be devastating." "In the spirit of Paul Revere, folks need to know this is a concern and they need to take appropriate action while they still can," Goddard said. "I dont want to wake up after they make a final decision and say, 'If we had only made our concerns known to Congress.' I dont want to have that moment ever happen. We need to exercise every option we have. The only way that will happen is if people realize this is serious." 'Is this scaring necessary?' There is no doubt among water experts that a big cutback of CAP deliveries would pose major long-term water problems for the state. Tucson gets virtually all of its drinking water from CAP. Many Phoenix-area cities, including Phoenix itself, get significant percentages of their drinking water from it. If a large share of the state's CAP supplies is curtailed, those cities eventually will have to turn back to pumping groundwater, with all its accompanying risks of land subsidence, higher pumping costs and deteriorating water quality as the aquifer is lowered. But several water experts, including leading water researchers at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, strongly disagreed with the video's use of words like "cripple" and "flatten" to describe the impacts of big CAP cuts on the state and its economy, particularly in the short term. They described it as at least temporarily inaccurate, since the state has sunk about four years' worth of CAP supplies into the aquifer through the state-managed Arizona Water Bank. Tucson itself has nearly six years of CAP supplies stored underground through its own recharge efforts, and a number of Phoenix-area cities have followed suit. "By alarmist, I mean it is going to scare a lot of people as to the current situation, when many of us have been trying to explain the realities of the situation we are in and the options to addressed," said Sharon Megdal, director of UA's Water Resources Research Center. "I have indicated that its very serious, not the economy will be flattened. They're saying things will be really, really bad. We dont know they will be bad." "They're trying to get people concerned so they write comments to the Bureau of Reclamation, but a lot of people if they see this, they will say 'Oh my God, this is horrible, I better not move into Arizona or I better move out of Arizona,'" said Megdal, who was on the CAP governing board from 2008 through 2020. "Is that what they want the results to be?" she asked about the video. "I think this could have unintended consequences; is this scaring necessary?" she continued. "This was not done in a vacuum by a few people. It suggests to me that people are worried and that the seven-state negotiations over the river are not going well." Sarah Porter, director of ASU's Kyl Center for Water Policy, said, "We all understand the need to explain how important Colorado River water is to Arizona. But we shouldnt ignore that cities have taken big steps to be prepared" for major CAP shortages. "It will be disruptive. ... There's a longer term cost in finding long-term renewable supplies. But it won't flatten the economy, at least in the short term." "Most cities have groundwater supplies. They will turn to the Arizona Water Bank supply (but) there's a cost for turning to those supplies," Porter said. "What we've seen when there's (even) a little water problem of some far corner in the Phoenix-Tucson region, that is very ratting to investors and of course some national media. I can't predict whether or not very deep cuts in CAP supplies would have a significant impact on investor confidence, but there could be that impact. It's super important that cities be prepared for very deep cuts, so that we don't experience that loss of confidence. That's probably the biggest risk we face," Porter said. She agreed, however, that losing CAP water used by Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson and Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix would have a significant effect on national security. Since the country has gone through several rounds of base closings, that would mean those left have been deemed to be important, she said. 'I'm not saying that happens tomorrow' Goddard said that using the water bank and other recharged water supplies will provide water in the short term, but when it comes to long-term economic effects, CAP takes a long view. "We have been seriously dependent upon renewable resources of the Colorado River. It's one of the important pillars on which our economy is based," said Goddard, who formerly held posts as Arizona attorney general and Phoenix mayor. As for the economy being flattened, "I'm not saying that happens tomorrow. But I think people who make investments would take a long look and it would be a huge concern to them," Goddard said. "The fundamental, important thing to emphasize, what we are responding to is the worst of the options under consideration. They are all bad but some of the worst would have a serious impact, a devastating impact on our economy." The video also appeared to Porter and other observers to carry an entirely different message from what CAP General Manager Brenda Burman offered in early February. At that time, she said at a press briefing that while one of the bureau's proposed alternatives would "wipe CAP off the map," she felt that people now drinking CAP water wouldn't have to worry about not getting water when they turn on their taps because Arizona has stored so much water underground to prepare for future shortages. Said Porter: "I think it is hard to see consistency in those two messages." The video cherry-picks the data, said David Wegner, a retired bureau engineer and environmental official who now sits on a National Academy of Sciences advisory committee on water issues. "Every organization has an objective. They pick the data that proves their point. You've got to look at the data and put it into context and see what it means." Disagreeing, Goddard said that if you put the word "flatten" into the context of what's happening with CAP and the river negotiations now, "if the worst option is taken it will have very serious consequences." Megdal also questioned a statement in the video that big CAP cuts would take water away from Arizona "that we all have a legal right to." "I think that's a broad statement. As we all know, CAP is lower priority water. We all acknowledged when CAP was approved that we could lose all CAP water before California lost a drop. Would the federal government be taking water Arizona has a legal right to? I think that is something people could take issue with." Porter, however, said the 1968 law authorizing CAP that put the project lowest on the priority list for getting Colorado River water in times of shortage is only one part of a broader picture involving who should have rights and access to river water. 'More for a headline' Its realistic to expect there will be impacts to the Arizona economy, if it's a 50% or more cut to CAP in the long run, said Brett Fleck, water resources adviser for the city of Peoria, which is northwest of Phoenix. "I'm not sure it would flatten the economy. Arizona is not completely dependent on CAP. Salt River Project is the foundation of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It was there first. "I understand the point that's being made. Theres a real connection between CAP supplies and Arizona's economic vitality and potential. But I think tying those two things together in a sweeping statement is maybe more for a headline than a policy paper," Fleck said. UA economist George Frisvold said he couldn't comment in any detail on the CAP video because it doesn't define "flatten" and it wasn't accompanied by an analysis to back the point up. But Jeffrey Silvertooth, a UA environmental science professor, said he agreed with the video's warning about economic flattening, based on what's happened in Pinal County since CAP water was completely cut to its farmers in 2022 and 2023. Since then, about half the farmland in two major irrigation districts in Pinal County has been fallowed, and many of the farmers have left the business and not settled on a future course, he said. Or, they may move elsewhere to farm, said Silvertooth, who has worked with farmers there for many years. "It's been a real quandary for them. There's been a lot of stress for those communities," Silvertooth said. New-look ratings week results It's time to rethink weekly results... With the removal of non-ratings weeks from survey, TV Tonight is adopting a new approach to weekly ratings results. This is because there is less emphasis on who won the week (ie. Nine is no longer sending results), and greater on individual show performance. TVT will log the top brands for all 5 networks based on overnight performance. These will list the highest individual episode for each show (eg. Seven News Monday) rather than a figure averaging across multiple (eg. Seven News Mon Fri). Rounding continues for shows about the 1m mark. Where a weekly share is supplied this will still be republished. * Best brands in National TV Audience: Nine: Married at First Sight Wed: 2.02m Nine News Mon: 1.4m A Current Affair: Mon: 1.2m 60 Minutes: 952,000 Seven: Seven News Tues: 1.37m Home & Away Tues: 975,000 Australian Idol Sun: 817,000 The 1% Club UK 668,000 ABC: ABC News Mon: 998,000 7:30 Mon: 918,000 Australian Story 641,000 Media Watch 596,000 10: Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here 571,000 Gogglebox 548,000 Australian Survivor Mon: 464,000 Millionaire Hot Seat Mon: 330,000 SBS: Australias Greatest Conman Tue: 216,000 SBS World News Tue: 203,000 / TBA Who Do You Think You Are? 133,000 The Colosseum with Dan Snow 133,000 * refer Week to Date, Total TV share, 6pm Midnight. BERLIN, March 1 (Reuters) - Israel has flown its official government aircraft to Germany and parked it for safety at Berlin's airport, German government sources said, after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunged the region into conflict. Media reports citing data from the Flightradar24 flight tracking service said the aircraft departed Israel early on Saturday afternoon and circled over the Mediterranean before flying to Germany in the evening. The flight had been registered in advance by the Israeli government, the government sources said, adding that only crew members were on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's state aircraft, "Wing of Zion", is a Boeing 767 that has been specially equipped for official government trips. (Reporting by Reuters Television and Andreas Rinke, Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Hugh Lawson) By Federico Maccioni, Joe Brock and Tim Hepher DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Global air travel remained heavily disrupted on Sunday as war in Iran kept major Middle Eastern airports including Dubai, the world's busiest international hub, closed for a second day in one of the sharpest aviation shocks in recent years. Key transit airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar, were shut or severely restricted as much of the regions airspace remained closed after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ripple effects were felt far beyond the Middle East, with tens of thousands of passengers stranded as far as Bali, Kathmandu and Frankfurt. Israel said it had launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday while loud blasts were heard for a second day near Dubai and over Doha after Iran launched retaliatory air attacks on the neighbouring Gulf states. Dubai International Airport sustained damage during Iran's attacks while airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait were also hit. Thousands of flights have been affected across the Middle East, according to data on flight-tracking platform FlightAware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emirates, the world's largest international carrier, said it had suspended all operations to and from its Dubai megahub until Monday. Qatar Airways, which has suspended all operations, said it would provide a further update on Monday and Germany's Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to the region to March 8. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by Flightradar24 showed on Sunday. The flight-tracking service said that a new pilot bulletin had extended the closure of Iranian airspace until at least 0830 GMT on March 3, though regional airline sources said there was no certainty how long the conflict-related turmoil would continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SHOCKWAVES FAR BEYOND THE MIDDLE EAST The region and its airlines have become used to travel disruption over the past few years, but such a prolonged closure of the skies - more than 24 hours - and the shutdown of all three major Gulf transit hubs is unprecedented, analysts said. The Gulf is also a major intersection for air cargo, putting further pressure on trade lanes on top of disruption at sea. Airline executives have said that crew and pilots are now scattered across the world, complicating the complex process of resuming flights when airspace reopens. Carriers around the world also face higher oil prices after Brent crude jumped 10% to $80 a barrel over the counter on Sunday, with analysts predicting they could climb as high as $100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For everyone the main impact will come through oil prices, which will obviously take a bump upwards," said aviation adviser Bertrand Grabowski. Airport closures sent shockwaves around the globe. At Frankfurt airport on Sunday morning, Australia-bound Lara Haenseler from Bochum, Germany, was trying to rebook after her flight to Dubai was cancelled. The phone hotline is completely overloaded. We can't reach anyone," she said. In Bali, Indonesia, long queues snaked through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as passengers waited to speak to airline staff. Travellers sat on their luggage as they waited to find out details of their flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, while departure boards in Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport showed a long list of cancelled flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 4,000 flights had been due to land in the region on Sunday, said analytics firm Cirium. The UAE's civil aviation authority said that it had assisted about 20,200 travellers on Saturday. Dubai and neighbouring Doha sit at the crossroads of east-west air travel, funnelling long-haul traffic between Europe and Asia through tightly scheduled networks of connecting flights. With those hubs idle, aircraft and crews remained stranded out of position, disrupting airline schedules worldwide. "It's the sheer volume of people and the complexity," said UK-based aviation analyst John Strickland. "It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East cancelled or rerouted flights to avoid closed or restricted airspace, lengthening journeys and driving up fuel costs. The disruption has been intensified by the loss of Iranian and Iraqi overflight routes, which had grown more important since the Russia-Ukraine war forced airlines to avoid both countries' airspace. The Middle East airspace closures were squeezing airlines into narrower corridors, with fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan adding a further risk, said Ian Petchenik, communications director at Flightradar24. "The risk of protracted disruption is the main concern from a commercial aviation perspective," Petchenik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Any escalation in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan that results in the closure of airspace would have drastic consequences for travel between Europe and Asia." Highlighting the scale of the disruption, Air India cancelled its flights on Sunday departing from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar for major cities in Europe and North America. (Reporting by Federico Maccioni in Dubai, Joe Brock in Los Angeles, Tim Hepher in Paris, Joanna Plucinska in London and Timm Reichert in FrankfurtEditing by Christopher Cushing, David Goodman, Josephine Mason, Aidan Lewis) iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a significantly smaller Dynamic Island than current models. Photo: AppleInsider. Rumors surrounding Apples next high-end iPhone generation continue to intensify, as multiple reputable sources simultaneously claim that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a significantly smaller Dynamic Island than current models. While not officially confirmed, the frequency and consistency of these reports have led many in the tech community to believe the change is almost certain. Dynamic Island expected to shrink considerably Reports of a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro have circulated for some time. A recent update reiterates that Apples 2026 flagship will adopt a more compact screen cutout design. Although a sweeping design overhaul is unlikely, Apple is said to be integrating new under-display technology that would substantially reduce the footprint of the Dynamic Island. This is viewed as an important milestone in Apples gradual pursuit of a cleaner, less visually intrusive front display. After a post in January 2026 revealed specific dimensions of the next-generation Dynamic Island, the rumor gained further traction as additional sources indicated adjustments to the front camera module on the iPhone 18 Pro. According to the latest report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to redesign the Dynamic Island to make it smaller on the iPhone 18 Pro. The move does not come as a surprise. Apple has reportedly been researching under-display Face ID technology since as early as 2021. In fact, speculation about under-display Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro is not new. As early as December 2023, sources suggested that Apples next-generation Face ID hardware would debut in 2026, aligning with the expected launch of the iPhone 18 Pro. Display analyst Ross Young reiterated in reports published in May 2024 and May 2025 that under-display Face ID would arrive in 2026. Such repeated claims have strengthened confidence that Apple has made sufficient technical progress to commercialize a technology that has been rumored for years. Beyond analysts, social media leakers in China have also frequently referenced the change. In May 2025, a Weibo account claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro would use an under-display Face ID system and repeated the assertion in June, September, October and November of the same year. A month later, another leaker echoed a similar view. In short, the rumor mill appears to have reached broad consensus: the iPhone 18 Pro will likely feature under-display Face ID. The remaining question concerns how Apple will arrange the systems components and what precise form the new Dynamic Island will take. Dynamic Island unlikely to move to the left corner One of the more notable debates centers on the position of the Dynamic Island. In January 2026, YouTuber Jon Prosser, who previously faced legal action from Apple over leaked iOS 26 information, claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro would feature a smaller Dynamic Island positioned at the top-left corner of the display. However, later that same month, leaker Instant Digital dismissed the claim. According to this source, the Dynamic Island would not shift to the left side of the screen. Instead, only the infrared sensor of the Face ID system would be relocated. Specifically, the report suggests that while the infrared sensor may move to the left, the Dynamic Island and front-facing camera will remain centrally positioned near the top of the display, similar to the current layout. The source even speculated that the rumor about the front camera moving left could have originated from a translation error. By late January 2026, leaker Ice Universe added another detail: on the iPhone 18 Pro, the size of the Dynamic Island could shrink by approximately 35 percent, from 20.76mm to 13.49mm. Accompanying mockup images depict a noticeably smaller cutout that remains largely centered at the top of the screen. At present, most sources appear aligned on one point: the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro will likely be significantly reduced in size thanks to under-display Face ID technology. However, the overall positioning of the module is unlikely to change dramatically. Instead, select components such as Face ID sensors may be repositioned to optimize screen real estate. If these reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro would represent a meaningful step in Apples long-term strategy to gradually eliminate visible front-facing elements and move toward an almost uninterrupted display experience. Although months remain before its official unveiling, the volume and consistency of rumors suggest that a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro is shifting from speculation to a realistic expectation within the global tech community. Hai Phong The Ministry of National Defence held a ceremony in Hanoi on February 26 to present decisions of the State President and the Minister of National Defence to an officer assigned to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Under the new deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoang Long, a lecturer from the National Defence Academy, will replace Major Nguyen Anh Tuan as an Intelligence Staff Officer (SO ISR) at the MINUSCA. Following a rigorous selection process and comprehensive pre-deployment training in line with UN standards, Lieutenant Colonel Long is assessed as capable of fulfilling his assigned duties and ready to assume responsibilities at the mission. According to Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, personnel selected for rotation meet strict requirements in professional capacity, military training, physical fitness, peacekeeping knowledge and foreign-language proficiency. Lieutenant Colonel Long has completed all mandatory UN training courses, including pre-deployment training, specialist professional courses and international peacekeeping exercises, both at home and abroad. Assigning the task, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defence, head of the Inter-sectoral Working Group and head of the Ministry of National Defences Steering Committee for Vietnams Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations, stressed the need to ensure absolute safety throughout the mission, remain vigilant in grasping developments on the ground, and strictly observe the Partys guidelines, State laws, military discipline, UN regulations, mission rules and host-country laws. He also urged the officer to uphold professionalism, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, actively learn from international colleagues, and contribute to promoting the image and values of the Vietnam Peoples Army and the country of Vietnam to the international community. The Deputy Minister further requested the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations to continue effectively managing and supporting deployed forces, ensuring safety and successful fulfilment of assigned tasks. For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Long affirmed his determination to complete the mission with the highest sense of responsibility, maintain internal and international solidarity, strictly comply with regulations, and proactively ensure security and safety during his tenure at the mission./.VNA Deputy PM Pham Thi Thanh Tra Tra on February 25 chaired a meeting with ministries and branches regarding the drafting of a Decree on managing title holders, positions, and state capital representatives at enterprises. She emphasized that Politburo Resolution 79 on state economic development set the requirement for a fundamental renewal of management thinking, aiming toward modern governance and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of SOEs. She stated the requirement to continue strong reform of administrative procedures and promote decentralization and the delegation of power to enhance the autonomy and self-responsibility of SOEs. However, she also noted that decentralization must be linked with a clear and transparent distinction of appointment authority between the Prime Minister, the owner's representative agency, and the enterprise, ensuring no overlap or accountability gaps. The Deputy Prime Minister raised issues regarding two key titles: the chairman of the board of members and the general director. These are positions with a decisive role in strategic planning and the organization and management of production and business activities. In addition to a clear decentralization mechanism, the document needs to specify cases of "necessity and urgency" for competent authorities to consider and decide on appointments, dismissals, removals, and related personnel processes. This regulation aims to ensure flexibility in management, meeting development requirements in each period. An important issue that Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra requested to be carefully researched is the pilot specific mechanism for hiring, recruiting, and appointing directors and general directors at some SOEs. She suggested designing a separate clause on the pilot mechanism with a specific scope, address, and clear duration to evaluate and draw lessons before replication. When implementing specific hiring and recruitment mechanisms, rigid requirements for planning, seniority, and time in office as per general regulations may not be applied, provided that the selected person has management capacity and specific achievements or products. Regarding annual evaluation and classification, the Deputy Prime Minister requested innovation centered on efficiency, allowing enterprises to apply modern evaluation tools such as KPIs or other advanced methods, rather than mechanically applying administrative evaluation mechanisms. The new draft Decree must also supplement mechanisms for strict power control and supervision, ensuring openness, transparency, and the prevention of conflicts of interest. Notably, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the spirit of Resolution 79 is to encourage a dynamic, creative, and "dare-to-think, dare-to-do" enterprise management team. She requested the Ministry of Home Affairs and other ministries and sectors to research mechanisms to protect enterprise managers who dare to think, dare to do, and dare to take responsibility for the common good. Tran Thuong Nguyen Thi Kim Tien. Photo: VietNamNet Former Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien told investigators she received a total of VND2.5 billion (approximately US$102,000) from subordinates on several occasions, but said she did not know the origin of the money. As previously reported by VietNamNet, the Investigation Police Agency under the Ministry of Public Security has completed its investigation and proposed prosecuting Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, former Minister of Health, over violations related to the second campus projects of Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc Hospital. According to investigation findings, during the implementation of the two projects and the selection of contractors for 10 construction packages, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien either directed or agreed with proposals from Nguyen Chien Thang, former Director of the Central Medical Projects Management Unit, to facilitate certain contractors in undertaking these packages. In return, Thang asked the contractors to pay the management unit an amount equivalent to 5 percent of the pre-tax advance or payment value of each package. Under this arrangement, contractors later gave Thang a total of VND88.465 billion (US$3.61 million). From this amount, Thang paid Nguyen Thi Kim Tien VND2.5 billion (US$102,000). Thang also gave Nguyen Huu Tuan, former Deputy Director of the unit, VND2.47 billion (US$101,000); Tran Van Sinh, former Head of the Technical and Cost Estimation Division, VND2.97 billion (US$121,000); Nguyen Kim Trung, former Deputy Director, VND1.725 billion (US$70,000); and Le Thanh Thiem, Director of Sao Nam Song Hong Co., Ltd., US$2 million. In addition, the former director spent VND5.5 billion (US$224,000) on several individuals within the unit and VND2.59 billion (US$105,000) to provide allowances to its staff and leaders. In total, Thang disbursed more than VND63 billion (US$2.57 million) out of the more than VND88 billion he had received. The remaining more than VND25 billion (US$1.02 million) could not be sufficiently clarified, and Thang is held responsible for this amount. Of the more than VND88 billion collected from contractors, over VND36 billion (US$1.47 million) came from enterprises under the Ministry of National Defense. The Investigation Police Agency did not handle this portion but transferred the information to the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Ministry of National Defense for processing under its authority. The investigation conclusion states that by September 2017, after Thang retired, Nguyen Huu Tuan became Deputy Director in charge and later Director of the unit. Tuan continued collecting sums equivalent to 5 percent of the pre-tax advance or payment value from contractors carrying out the 10 construction packages of the two hospital projects. Through this, Tuan received a total of VND12.17 billion (US$497,000) from three contractors. Investigators determined that Tuan paid Nguyen Thi Kim Tien VND5 billion (US$204,000) and spent VND283.5 million (US$11,600) on allowances for the units staff and leaders. Investigation documents show that Tuan disbursed more than VND5 billion out of the VND12.17 billion received. The remaining amount could not be fully clarified, and he is held responsible for it. Of the VND12.17 billion, VND4.5 billion (US$184,000) came from a contractor under the Ministry of National Defense. This portion was also transferred to the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Ministry of National Defense for handling. At the investigation agency, Thang stated that after receiving VND88.465 billion from contractors, he paid Nguyen Thi Kim Tien a total of VND12.9 billion (US$527,000) and US$100,000. Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien admitted only to receiving VND2.5 billion (US$102,000) from Thang on multiple occasions. A confrontation between Thang and the former minister showed both sides maintained their statements. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien told investigators she did not know the origin of the money given to her and had no agreement with Thang or Tuan regarding giving or receiving money. Tuan also admitted receiving VND12.17 billion from three contractors, paying Nguyen Thi Kim Tien VND5 billion, spending VND5.89 billion (US$240,000) on the units common activities, and using VND1.28 billion (US$52,000) for personal purposes. Business executives accused of giving bribes Investigators clarified the acts of giving bribes by 10 individuals, including deputy general directors, directors, chairpersons of boards of directors of various enterprises and a university lecturer. According to the investigation, these individuals were aware of the violations and agreed to give money at the request of Nguyen Chien Thang. They proactively submitted denunciations of criminal acts committed by Nguyen Chien Thang and Nguyen Huu Tuan, made sincere declarations, expressed remorse and actively cooperated with investigators to clarify the nature of the case. Based on legal provisions, the Investigation Police Agency exempted these individuals from criminal liability, confiscated all bribery money for the state budget, and recommended strict Party and administrative disciplinary measures against them. T. Nhung Running for three days, the festival will create a space where a wide range of traditional crafts converge and heritage values meet the rhythm of modern life. The book street will be filled with music, folk melodies, the colours of traditional craft villages, and experiential activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors will have opportunities to engage in cultural exchanges, read books and promote reading culture; join creative workshops and art drawing sessions; and enjoy performances of Hat boi (classical drama), Don ca tai tu (southern amateur singing), and traditional musical instruments. They can also explore Vietnamese craft villages from various provinces and cities, take part in folk games for families and children, savour traditional cuisine, and look for distinctive cultural products. Over the past 10 years of formation and development, the citys Book Street has created a space associated with book-related activities, honouring authors and works while preserving a meaningful reading environment that has positively impacted the cultural and spiritual life of local residents. The street has established itself as a cultural reading brand, contributing to the promotion of 100 interesting destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. As night falls, it is no longer merely a place for reading but has become a gentle cultural rendezvous in the heart of the city, where people can slow down, connect, and begin the new year with sustainable values. The festival is organised with reading activities at its core, while also tapping into cultural, educational and artistic elements, as well as community-oriented recreational activities that meet the publics demand for healthy and enriching cultural enjoyment. The event represents a concrete step toward realising the policy of building Ho Chi Minh City into a creative, dynamic and identity-rich urban centre, while affirming that the book street is not only a knowledge destination but can also evolve into a vibrant nighttime cultural space bringing together books, arts, music, cuisine and experiential activities for the community./. VNA Multi-billion-dollar commitments In early February, on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2026, VIFCHCMC and Vietjet Air announced the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub under the umbrella of VIFCHCMC. Immediately following its launch, the hub secured investment commitments exceeding 6.1 billion USD through a series of agreements between Vietjet and international partners. Prior to this, VIFCHCMC had set up a Maritime Financial Hub to support trade finance and logistics, with the participation of major global shipping groups. It has also mobilised 2 billion USD for smart urban data infrastructure and financial programes serving Ho Chi Minh Citys development, under cooperation agreements involving G42 of the United Arab Emirates and a consortium of domestic investors. In parallel, VIFCHCMC established an investment fund dedicated to the on-chain economy, with committed capital of 1 billion USD. The fund focuses on blockchain, asset tokenisation and next-generation digital financial models. This initiative stems from a strategic partnership between VIFCHCMC and a joint venture between VinaCapital and the Global On-chain Economic Alliance to research and operate Ho Chi Minh Citys digital asset investment fund. According to Rich McClellan, CEO of the VIFCHCMC Operating Authority, recent weeks have seen growing interest from foreign investors seeking to channel investments into Vietnam through the financial centre. Among them, Vantage Point Management, a Singapore- and Australia-based asset management firm overseeing multi-billion-dollar portfolios, has expressed ambitions to mobilise up to 10 billion USD from global institutional investors for allocation into infrastructure and real assets. Founding and strategic members of VIFCHCMC have likewise pledged to attract and accompany international investors. Building trust and an enabling framework To attract leading global investors and financial institutions, a transparent and competitive policy framework is essential. The National Assemblys Resolution 222 on the International Financial Centre in Vietnam, together with eight government decrees guiding its implementation, provides substantial incentives. Economists note that Vietnams policy package offers advantages compared to several regional financial hubs, including corporate income tax and personal income tax incentives for experts, scientists and highly skilled professionals working at the centre. These competitive benefits enhance Vietnams appeal to major global investors. Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hoang Ngan, a National Assembly deputy and Chairman of the Advisory Council for Breakthrough Development at Saigon University, observed that as Vietnam accelerates into a new development era, the international financial centre will serve as a companion to the countrys key growth drivers. Beyond preferential policies, he emphasised the importance of building a comprehensive ecosystem around VIFCHCMC so investors can clearly identify opportunities and benefit from supportive national policies. The early establishment of the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone is expected to generate important synergies for the centre. Agreeing with this view, economist Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu stressed that foreign investors assess not only the operations of the IFC itself, but also the broader investment climate across Vietnam. Accordingly, alongside regulatory breakthroughs within VIFCHCMC, reforms beyond its boundaries must continue to align more closely with international standards and practices./. VNA Long Thanh Airport project. Lam cited the Long Thanh Airport project as a practical example of shortcomings in the operations of SOEs when he delivered a directive speech at the national conference to implement the Politburos Resolution 79 (on developing the state economy) and Resolution 80 (on cultural development) on February 25. Lam emphasized that the state economy must truly occupy the strategic heights of the national economy, hold the leading role, and become the national anchor in the new era. This must be proven by the capacity to lead, efficiency, and substantial contributions to macroeconomic stability and the country's medium- and long-term development. Questions that demand answers The Party Chief has legitimate grounds to raise concerns about public investment projects in general and the Long Thanh international airport project in particular. He noted that it seems SOEs are not calculating based on economic accounting principles, but are mainly thinking about disbursement. The story of Long Thanh airport shared by the general secretary has truly captured public attention. A comparison was made: Long Thanh airport is being invested with $16 billion for a capacity of 100 million passengers (equivalent to about $150 per passenger), while the figure in Malaysia or Singapore is just about ten billion. Meanwhile, questions such as "Can it outperform Malaysia and Singapore?", "How long will it take to recover capital for the State?", and "How much does this airport contribute to the country's economic growth each year?" are uncalculable." In comparison with many large airports in the region and the world, such as Daxing Airport (Beijing) with seven runways and a capacity of 100 million passengers/year with an investment of about $11.5 billion; or Istanbul Airport (Turkey) with four runways, a capacity of 90 million passengers, and capital of about $12 billion; it can be seen that at $16 billion, Long Thanh Airport is among the highest-cost airports in the world. The General Secretary's questions are not only a warning about the waste of national resources but also demonstrate a determination to rectify and re-establish order in economic accounting for large State projects and works, ensuring efficiency, capital recovery, and clear contributions to the country's sustainable development. The Long Thanh International Airport project was approved by the 13th National Assembly on June 25, 2015, at its 9th session. In the context of Tan Son Nhat Airport being overloaded, the construction of Long Thanh Airport is expected to become an international aviation transfer "hub" for the region, capable of competing with major airports like Changi (Singapore) and Suvarnabhumi (Thailand), significantly reducing pressure on Tan Son Nhat and creating a century-defining boost for the economy of the Southern Key Economic Zone and the entire country. The project is also expected to contribute 3-5 percent to Vietnam's GDP by creating a complete airport economic ecosystem, including high-tech industrial parks, logistics, trade, services, and tourism, attracting high-quality FDI and creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Leaders of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) once committed to recovering capital after 14 years of operation, or even earlier, if 80-85 percent of international passengers and 10-15 percent of domestic passengers from Tan Son Nhat (about 15-16 million passengers/year) move to Long Thanh immediately after the airport goes into operation as expected. The problem of using $16 billion However, these figures can only be realized when the infrastructure connecting Long Thanh Airport with HCMC is invested at the same time with metro lines, high-speed railways, and inter-regional highways. Conversely, if the connecting infrastructure development delays by another 5-7 years, every minute of passenger waiting and every hour of cargo truck congestion will silently erode economic benefits. The waste then becomes the loss of potential profit if that $16 billion were invested in other more practical fields. Now, the story is no longer about a 2-hour or 30-minute travel time from the center of HCMC to Long Thanh Airport or about construction techniques, but about the responsibility to use national resources in the most transparent, economical, and efficient way. According to the General Secretary, when questions about the efficiency of the mega-project Long Thanh Airport cannot be answered by the investor, "this may lead to waste, negativity, and even potential loss." Therefore, the Long Thanh story is not a private matter of ACV or a project management group, but a problem of using $16 billion in the context of the country talking much about the "era of rising up." Van Thieng Phuong Anh (right) and her mother. Do Thi Phuong Anh, born 2003, a young woman raised at SOS Childrens Village Hai Phong, has just graduated with distinction. In 2021, Phuong Anh was the only recipient of the Lions Heart Scholarship awarded by British University Vietnam. The scholarship is worth VND1 billion per academic year, covering full tuition for English foundation courses, the university foundation program, the undergraduate degree, as well as living expenses and accommodation throughout the study period. Anh said the opportunity to learn about this scholarship was quite accidental. During an information session introducing the scholarship at the village, realizing it was a door opening many opportunities for children like her, Phuong Anh decided to take a "risk." Having no experience in applying for scholarships or designing an impressive portfolio, Phuong Anh chose the simplest way: researching exactly what the school was looking for and honestly telling her own story. While struggling with her essay about the journey of finding herself, Phuong Anh suddenly looked at her shoe cabinet and realized there were dusty old pairs, and pairs she once insisted on buying but never wore. Ultimately, the student chose the simplest pair, not fashionable but durable for long-term use. The journey of choosing shoes is like the journey of finding my ego. There were times I was busy following the crowd, trying to force myself into others' directions while forgetting that only when I am myself do I shine brightest, Phuong Anh shared. Thus, the student chose to write about difference, strong personality, and the desire to live true to herself, regardless of her starting point. That sincerity convinced the admissions panel, making her the sole scholarship winner that year. That was the happiest day of my life, Phuong Anh recalled. More than 20 years ago, shortly after she was born, Anh was left at the gate of SOS Childrens Village Hai Phong with her umbilical cord still attached. She was taken in and raised by Do Thi Thang, who adopted her and gave her the name Do Thi Phuong Anh. Growing up at SOS Children's Village Hai Phong, Phuong Anh said the thing she learned most was gratitude. I am lucky to have a mother who always accompanies and loves me. That makes me no longer dwell on the past, nor feel so miserable. I only feel grateful for growing up and studying at the village, Phuong Anh shared. Besides Mother Thang, Phuong Anh is also grateful to many others, from people in the village to friends, teachers, and benefactors. Every time I am helped is a time I learn how to be grateful and appreciate what I have, the student said. Receiving the scholarship and entering an international university environment, Anh brought confidence with herself, though initially there was some worry. I was not self-deprecating but feared the sympathetic or pitiful reactions of others. Luckily, when friends knew the story, they respected me greatly. They also did not criticize or pressure each other about origins or economic conditions, Anh said. But the early stage of university was still the most difficult time for Anh because the studying was entirely in English, and everyone's way of communicating was very different. However, one thing the student felt suited her personality was that this university upholds logical thinking and respects individual perspectives. Students do not just research to reach conclusions but must also clearly show their arguments and personal views, even if they contradict the majority, Phuong Anh said. The environment that respects differences and upholds each person's unique story also helped Phuong Anh maximize her abilities. Thanks to that, the student completed the program and graduated with Excellent honors in December 2025. However, what makes Phuong Anh most proud is her steadfastness with set goals and "always being herself." Nevertheless, the student also has many regrets because, up to now, she has not done much for Mother Thang and the younger children, like the promise to study well and then return to contribute to the village. Phuong Anh hopes in the near future to develop herself in the field of education and social organizations. I hope I can create positive impacts and open more 'doors' for young people with special circumstances like mine, Phuong Anh said. Thuy Nga The new space for Vietnamese enterprises will be visible on restarted construction sites, in projects resolved to completion, in technologies mastered by Vietnamese hands and in concrete decisions taken at every level of government. From drones to digital identity The story begins with a phone call early on the morning of November 20, 2025. A friend had lost contact with relatives in a deeply flooded area. Luong Viet Quoc, CEO of RTR Technology, did not wait. He and his colleagues loaded relief supplies and four drones onto a vehicle, coordinating with local authorities while redrawing routes on digital maps amid landslides and blocked bridges. By the afternoon of November 22, RTRs Hera drone reached an isolated kindergarten where seven children and eleven adults were stranded. The drone transmitted live images to the command center, guiding ground forces to approach safely. This story marks an important shift: drones manufactured by Vietnamese engineers are entering life-saving missions, disaster response and rescue operations with technology, initiative and a spirit of action. Dr. Luong Viet Quoc and US Defense Attache Bouchillon at the 2022 National Defense Exhibition. Flood rescue operations using Hera drones during heavy rains across parts of the Central and Central Highlands regions in late 2025 were markedly different from before. These drones cut through wind and rain, delivering supplies to places beyond the reach of conventional rescue vehicles. On another front, also related to security, another Vietnamese private enterprise has moved into the very core of institutional infrastructure: chip-based citizen identification cards, digital identity and data sovereignty. For nearly two decades, Nguyen Trong Khang, Chairman of MK Group, has built capabilities in secure card manufacturing, biometric matching solutions and digital identity authentication systems serving tens of millions of citizens. At one point, MK Group proudly reported producing tens of millions of chip-based citizen ID cards. These cards are not merely administrative documents. They are the foundation of a digital state - now mastered to a high degree by a Vietnamese private enterprise. If RTRs story shows that private firms can help safeguard lives in the most perilous moments, MK Groups story shows that they can help build the digital nervous system of a modern state. In both examples, private enterprises are not peripheral service providers or subcontractors. They have become co-actors in some of the most sensitive domains. When this has already happened, the question is no longer what the private sector can do, but how far institutions will allow it to go - and under what frameworks of accountability and oversight. The space that RTR, MK Group and many other private enterprises are entering reveals opportunities opening in unprecedented ways. But that is only half the story. The other half lies in the systemic barriers still holding the private sector back. Awakening a sector that generates over 50% of GDP The private sector contributes more than 50% of GDP, over 80% of employment and nearly one-third of export turnover. Yet its internal structure remains thin and vulnerable. On average, there is only one enterprise for every ten citizens. Nearly 20 provinces have fewer than three enterprises per 1,000 inhabitants. Only around 40% of enterprises are profitable, and among micro enterprises the rate falls below 30%. An economy aspiring to double-digit growth cannot feel secure when most businesses operate on a small scale, lacking capital, data, markets and a truly reliable legal framework for long-term investment. The biggest bottleneck does not lie in entrepreneurial will, but in institutions and procedures. Enterprises must still seek licenses under fixed business classifications. New models risk suspension because they are not yet regulated. Escalating land costs render many production projects unviable. Most small and medium enterprises have almost no access to long-term capital or advanced technology. Aqua City urban area in Dong Nai. Photo: Anh Phuong. A new space for private enterprise therefore also means dismantling systemic barriers - where the mindset of not daring to sign or passing it upward to be safe remains common, and where overlapping procedures force projects to endure a decade of paperwork before implementation. These barriers are gradually being addressed through the Politburos quartet of resolutions, reflecting a coherent development mindset: modern law as foundation, technology as engine, international integration as market space and the private sector as the central driving force of a new growth model. In a working session with the business community on Resolution 68, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated: The Party has directed, the Government is united, the National Assembly agrees, the people support - we only discuss how to act, not how to retreat. This statement clearly positions the private economy. Nearly one million enterprises and more than five million business households are no longer merely encouraged actors. They are pillars upon which all high-growth objectives must rest. The quartet of resolutions, along with expert recommendations, conveys a shared vision: the State cannot act as both referee and player; private enterprises cannot remain excluded from strategic sectors; and institutions cannot call for innovation while maintaining a jungle of procedures that restrains initiative. Beyond technology and manufacturing, the new space for private enterprise also lies in strategic infrastructure: the North-South high-speed railway, nuclear power plants, the Red River landscape axis, metro lines, expressways and seaports. Projects that shape the nations development space are now being designed so that private firms can participate as co-investors, co-creators and risk-sharing partners. An economy seeking double-digit growth cannot rely solely on fiscal and monetary tools. It requires a new layer of physical infrastructure and urban-industrial space in which private enterprise is explicitly invited and enabled to participate. Unlocking what has been left dormant A significant portion of the new space lies in what has long been dormant. In July 2025, at a national conference on resolving stalled projects, authorities cited 2,981 suspended projects with an estimated total investment of US$235 billion and about 347,000 hectares of related land. These projects represent housing, urban infrastructure, logistics, industrial zones, jobs and future fiscal revenues. Yet they remain frozen due to unresolved violations, shifting legal frameworks, overlapping documentation and, above all, fear of responsibility. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized: Where clarity exists, act there; resolve each issue fully; do not let mistakes compound. But any policy, no matter how timely or correct, remains merely text unless it penetrates the level of implementation. Aqua City in Dong Nai offers a telling example of how institutions only matter when they are applied. After a prolonged period of legal entanglements and institutional hesitation, Dong Nai adopted a different approach: provincial leaders assumed direct responsibility, established an inter-agency task force, consolidated all obstacles under one focal point, conducted periodic reviews and resolved issues decisively. When leaders are willing to stand at the forefront within the bounds of law, officials feel secure enough to propose solutions. When departments sit together to resolve issues, procedures no longer circle year after year. The successful handling of Aqua City sends a clear message: if institutions operate properly, resources frozen for years can be released within months. If such approaches are replicated, 2,981 stalled projects could become a catalogue of opportunities for private enterprise and supply-side growth. Ultimately, products such as Hera drones, chip-based citizen ID cards, Aqua City and many other goods and services will generate unprecedented growth impulses once institutional barriers are dismantled. All of this converges on one central question: are we truly ready to entrust and safeguard the role of the private economy as the most important driver as we ourselves have defined it? If the answer is yes, then the new space for Vietnamese enterprises will appear on restarted construction sites, in projects resolved to completion, in technologies mastered by Vietnamese hands and in concrete decisions taken at every level of government. At that point, double-digit growth and a Vietnam entering a new development era will become the natural outcome of a clear institutional choice: to recognize, treat and protect the private economy in accordance with the role we have already assigned to it. Tu Giang The 19th round of negotiations for the free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, is taking place in Geneva with highly positive signals, reflecting strong political determination on both sides to conclude the deal at an early date. At a bilateral meeting with Switzerland on February 25, the two sides discussed key outstanding issues. They acknowledged significant progress across core areas, including trade in goods, services and investment, intellectual property, sustainable development, and government procurement. To accelerate the process, both sides agreed not to introduce new issues into the negotiations and to focus on flexibly resolving remaining differences. The EFTA side highly appreciated Vietnams efforts and its market access proposals, while reaffirming the blocs traditional strengths in promoting private investment and technology transfer. Technical teams from both sides are now intensifying legal reviews and finalising remaining procedures, with the aim of concluding negotiations and potentially signing the agreement at the upcoming EFTA Ministerial Conference in Iceland this June. Once signed, the Vietnam-EFTA free trade agreement is expected to provide a major boost to trade and investment ties, expanding cooperation with some of Europes most advanced economies and contributing positively to supply chains and sustainable growth./. VNA Despite constraints from limited resources, natural disasters, epidemics, and socio-economic volatility, the health sector met major targets in 2025, while advancing legal and institutional reforms, broadening service access, and outlining a long-term development roadmap through 2035. Maternal and child healthcare targets achieved Coverage of early essential newborn care reached 85.06%, underscoring the impact of standardised protocols at health facilities. Child mortality rates continued to fall sharply. The under-five mortality rate in 2025 was estimated at below 16 per 1,000 live births, more than three times lower than the 1990 level. The infant mortality rate (under one year) declined fourfold to below 11 per 1,000, while the neonatal mortality rate dropped fivefold, from 44 per 1,000 in 1990 to 8.8 per 1,000 in 2025. Nutrition outcomes improved markedly, with underweight prevalence among children under five falling nearly fourfold from 38.7% in 1998 to 9.6% in 2025, and stunting standing at 17.8%. Doctors transfer knowledge on reproductive health to ethnic minorities (Photo: VNA) The social security net was further consolidated, with 100% of children under six receiving free health insurance cards and 95% of infants under one fully immunised. More than 85% of pregnant women completed at least four antenatal visits, while about 96% of deliveries are assisted by skilled health workers. Postnatal care within the first week after birth rose from around 65% in 2020 to 75%. The maternal mortality ratio declined sharply from 233 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to some 42 per 100,000. In 2025, Vietnam advanced digital health adoption. The Ministry of Health's Department of Maternal and Child Health, working with relevant agencies, successfully piloted the Electronic Maternal and Child Health (eMCH) system in select localities. The platform integrates personal health records, automates reporting, and eases administrative workloads for healthcare workers. Closing access gaps Reviewing five-year progress of the 2021-2030 National Action Programme for Children, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health Dinh Anh Tuan noted comprehensive gains in child care, education, and protection. Legal and policy frameworks for children has been updated to meet international standards, better ensuring fundamental rights, particularly for those under six and in special circumstances. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan affirmed that her ministry will maintain coordination with other ministries, agencies, and international partners to further cut mortality rates and improve life quality for mothers and children. Priorities include sustaining safe, effective immunisation under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation to ensure all children receive full and timely vaccinations. The sector will also leverage research, advanced sci-tech, digital transformation, and IT tools. Lan highlighted the National Assembly's approval of a resolution endorsing investment in the National Target Programme on Healthcare, Population, and Development for 20262035 as a landmark step, reflecting firm resource commitment to the area. Looking ahead, the ministry plans to build a supportive legal environment for reproductive, maternal, and child health services. Proposals will be made to amend the Law on Children after nine years of enforcement to better address current needs. The sector will roll out the National Strategy on Child Development, embedding health goals into broader socio-economic plans, with priority given to narrowing and ultimately eliminating regional disparities in healthcare access so all children and citizens benefit from quality services, she said./.VNA In his article Five Action Movies to Stream Now, published on February 20, journalist Robert Daniels included Hijacked, directed by Ham Tran. He noted that with titles such as Plane, Fight or Flight and Flight Risk, the airplane thriller genre is enjoying a resurgence and praised Ham Tran for offering a distinctive approach in his airborne period piece. Currently streaming on Amazon Prime in the US, the film follows Binh (played by Thanh Son), an off-duty air marshal instructor who boards Vietnam Civil Aviation Flight 501 to return home in time for the birth of his child. His journey takes a dramatic turn when a ruthless gang seizes control of the plane. The New York Times review highlighted the films gripping action: This midair action thriller features incredible closequarters fighting, often between Binh and the sadistic Long (played by Thai Hoa), leader of the gang, and involving other passengers and air marshals who attempt to wrest back control of the plane. "The special effects here are also realistically rendered, particularly when a fighter jet with orders to shoot down the aircraft arrives. From these melodramatic flourishes to the films blood lust, which outweighs the planes fuel, Hijacked is a sturdy excursion. Responding to the recognition, director Ham Tran shared his excitement on Facebook: It is truly meaningful that our film can be seen outside Vietnam. I hope it will inspire global audiences to explore more Vietnamese cinema released during this exciting period. What a wonderful way to welcome the Lunar New Year! Happy New Year, everyone. Released in September 2025, Hijacked became a box-office sensation in Vietnam, earning 251 billion VND (nearly 11 million USD). Critics and audiences alike praised its suspense and intensity, hailing it as the most successful Vietnamese action film to date. The ensemble cast, including Thai Hoa, Bao Dinh, Tram Anh, Loi Tran, Thanh Son and Vo Dien Gia Huy, received widespread acclaim for their performances. Alongside Hijacked, The New York Times article also recommended several other international action films: 96 Minutes (Chinas Taiwan) by Hung Tzu-Hsuan, Customs Frontline (Hong Kong) by Herman Yau, To Live Through Death (China) by Ren Gaoliang and State of Fear (Brazil) by Pedro Morelli./. VNA An increasing number of Vietnamese enterprises are expanding their presence in international markets not by relying solely on low cost or preferential incentives, but through technological innovation, adherence to stringent standards and strong brand development. However, experts say further policy improvements are needed to help businesses compete on equal terms with foreign rivals. Confidence in competitiveness Chairman of the Phuc Sinh Group Phan Minh Thong said Vietnamese enterprises must continuously upgrade their capabilities to enhance international competitiveness. From an exporter of raw peppercorns, Phuc Sinh has shifted toward deep processing, brand building and direct participation in global distribution chains. Its pepper and coffee products are now available in more than 120 markets, with annual export turnover estimated at over 400 million USD. According to Thong, global competition is no longer about simply selling products but about retaining markets. International partners increasingly prioritise traceability, sustainable production and the ability to guarantee stable and long-term supply over price advantages. Without a change in mindset, traditional farming practices will erode competitiveness. Meanwhile, standards-based agriculture could be a sustainable gold mine, he noted. Sharing this view, Chairman of the Vina T&T Group Nguyen Dinh Tung stressed that mastering the entire value chain is crucial for competing with multinational corporations. Drawing on the companys experience in exporting fresh fruits to the US, the European Union and Japan, Tung said supply stability, consistent quality and reliable contract performance are decisive factors. Controlling raw material zones and proactively managing quality and logistics enable enterprises to retain markets and compete fairly with global agribusinesses, he added. Beyond agriculture, Vietnamese firms are also asserting competitiveness in high-tech sectors. Dr Luong Viet Quoc, CEO of Real-time Robotics (RtR), said unmanned aerial vehicles researched, designed and manufactured by Vietnamese companies are now capable of competing directly with products from China, Israel and the US. Designing appropriate policies Organic spices of Vietnam on display at BIOFACH 2026 (Photo: VNA) Vietnams export turnover increased from over 336 billion USD in 2021 to an estimated 475 billion USD in 2025. Tens of thousands of enterprises are involved in export activities, and many sectors have established a stable presence in major markets such as the US, the EU and Japan. However, experts observed that the number of enterprises able to compete on equal footing internationally remains modest compared to the countrys economic potential. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Business Associations (HUBA), said resilience and adaptability to new global trade rules pose major challenges. Requirements relating to carbon taxes, ESG standards, trade remedies, rising logistics costs and increasing compliance expenses are exerting mounting pressure on businesses while most of them have limited resources to handle. From a broader perspective, Prof. Dr Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the National University of Singapore stressed that enterprise competitiveness must be viewed holistically. While businesses are central, they cannot be separated from institutions, the business environment or linkages within the wider economic ecosystem. As more Vietnamese companies venture into global markets, the key question now is how to enable more domestic enterprises to scale up sustainably and maintain their footing amid intensifying global competition. Experts proposed continued administrative procedure reforms to reduce compliance costs, alongside more suitable credit policies to support innovation-driven and green-transition enterprises. Developing logistics infrastructure and strengthening supply-chain linkages among domestic firms, foreign-invested enterprises and international distribution networks are also considered essential./.VNA In the news release, Linux Foundation Announces OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation to Accelerate Open Source AI-RAN Innovation, issued 01-Mar-2026 by The Linux Foundation over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end: Linux Foundation Announces OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation to Accelerate Open Source AI-RAN Innovation The OCUDU Project is the home to CU and DU open source RAN software; the Ecosystem Foundation and associated assets for CI/CD/CT to establish foundational code base for 5G and early 6G Global industry leaders AMD, AT&T, DeepSig, Ericsson, Nokia, NVIDIA, Softbank Corp., SRS and Verizon along with 21 general members and 17 research institutions join as founding members to spearhead this private-public partnership enabling direct access to the AI Native OCUDU software-defined RAN solution upon which to build and innovate 5G and early 6G networks solutions and applications BARCELONA, Spain, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile World Congress 2026 -- The Linux Foundation (LF), the world's leading home for open collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data, today announced the formation of the Open Centralized Unit Distributed Unit (OCUDU) Ecosystem Foundation, an open collaboration hub dedicated to building, scaling, and sustaining the OCUDU technical project assets and leveraging them to establish a foundational reference platform for RAN including AI based algorithms and solutions. The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation provides a critical mechanism for industry vendors to optimally guide OCUDU development to support 5G and early AI Native 6G services. OCUDU started with an investment from the National Spectrum Consortium (NSC) and the FutureG Office, which awarded funds to AI Native wireless company DeepSig and Software Radio Systems (SRS) to build the initial software for OCUDU. The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation brings together an ecosystem across enterprise, telecom operators, cloud providers, equipment vendors, and research institutions to co-develop and integrate critical components required for 5G and early 6G deployments. This community-driven model complements global standards from 3GPP and O-RAN alliance and industry alliances like AI-RAN alliance. This global effort ensures that innovation, transparency, and interoperability remain at the core of global software-defined RAN evolution. "By aligning global efforts under the Linux Foundation, we're building an open, trusted, and secure open source platform to power the next decade of wireless innovation," said Arpit Joshipura, general manager, Networking, Edge and IoT, at the Linux Foundation. "The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation represents a key step forward in open source RAN, specifically for CU and DU." "This initiative brings the best of the open source model to one of the most critical layers of future wireless: the foundation for an interoperable, software-defined radio access network," said Dr. Tom Rondeau, principal director for FutureG. "By shifting the maintenance of these common components to a collaborative, open-source project, under neutral governance at the Linux Foundation, we enable our industry partners to focus their resources on the innovative and monetizable technologies that are most effective for the nation. We are building a foundation that enables shared success and accelerates progress for the entire ecosystem. We are looking forward to seeing this approach provide a vital platform for strengthening our relationships and collaboration with our allies and international partners." "The key to driving innovation in wireless is to leverage a broad ecosystem of experts in networking, radio software, and emerging AI technologies," said Joe Kochan, CEO of NSC. "What started with a competitive proposal process to elicit the best technology solutions from among NSC's large and diverse membership is now expanding under the Linux Foundation, and NSC is proud to continue partnering with both LF and the FutureG team to advance OCUDU development efforts and build the next generation of wireless capabilities." General members of the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation include 1Finity, Aalyria, Abside Networks, Airspan, Altio Labs, Booz Allen, Cirrus360, Cisco, Cohere Technologies, ISCO International, JMA Wireless, Keysight Technologies, Marvell, ORAN Development Company, Raycom Wireless, Radisys, Red Hat, Sempre.ai, Skylark Wireless, T-Mobile, and Viavi. Key Objectives of the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation Create a public-private commercial and research ecosystem and an open source stack for open source CU and DU (part of Open RAN) House the OCUDU Project and other associated open source projects over time Foster global collaboration across all areas in the RAN along with end-to-end solutions based on super blueprints across other open source foundations (including documentation, testing, integration and the creation of other artifacts) that aid the development, deployment, operation or adoption of the open source project. The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation combined with ongoing open networking initiatives such as LF Networking (LFN) extends the open source communities deeper into RAN intelligence, automation, and edge orchestration. University Participation and Research & Labs Collaboration The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation also welcomes participation from universities and research labs to help strengthen the initiative's research-to-production pipeline and workforce development. By bringing academic partners into the same open governance model as industry and government stakeholders, the Foundation will accelerate applied research, reproducible experimentation, and validation of CU/DU innovations in real-world environments. University collaborators can contribute to areas such as next-generation PHY/MAC research, AI/ML-driven RAN optimization, security and resilience, energy efficiency, and test methodologies, while helping to educate and grow the next generation of open source RAN engineers. Participating institutions include Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation, Idaho National Laboratory, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Northeastern University, Rice University, SRI International, Texas A&M University, The MITRE Corporation, UC San Diego, UNH Interoperability Labs, University of Notre Dame, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Utah, and VT Research Contracting Services. "Through the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) program and other wireless infrastructure efforts, NSF has spent years fostering an open-source environment and has played a crucial role in supporting the early development of infrastructure that enables open-source wireless research," said Behrooz Shirazi, NSF Senior Science Advisor. "OCUDU will build on these efforts with the support of partnering universities and scale them to create a global, production-ready research ecosystem." Supporting Quotes AMD "Open ecosystems and standards-based collaboration are essential to unlocking the next era of wireless innovation. By joining the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, AMD is helping advance an AI-native, software-defined RAN foundation that enables greater interoperability and empowers operators, vendors, and developers worldwide. This open source, consortium-driven model helps the industry drive innovation and accelerate the path from 5G to scalable 6G systems built on transparent, trusted technologies," said Derek Dicker, corporate vice president, Enterprise Business Group, AMD. AT&T "With nearly 150 years of supporting government communications, we're proud to partner with the Department of War and Linux Foundation effort in advancing an open, multi-vendor ecosystem," said Jeff McElfresh, Chief Operating Officer, AT&T, Inc. DeepSig "OCUDU represents an important step towards faster-moving, open and software-driven future mobile networks," said DeepSig CEO Jim Shea. "By creating an open foundation on leading computer platforms, it enables innovation to move faster and reduce integration, interoperability and new technology insertion costs and delays. DeepSig is proud to help build the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation to support an open, transparent and competitive future for wireless connectivity. As government and industry demand more advanced capabilities, new functionality, and greater efficiency from their networks, the ecosystem will benefit from a neutral environment where AI-native innovation can thrive and mature more quickly than traditional standardization processes alone. OCUDU creates that foundation, allowing AI-RAN applications to be embedded directly into the software network stack and delivering resilient, high-performance connectivity independent of the underlying hardware, catalyzing 6G and new mobile network value." Ericsson "Joining OCUDU as a founding premier member reflects Ericsson's long-standing commitment to open innovation and secure, interoperable networks," said Erik Ekudden, CTO, Ericsson. "Working within the Linux Foundation community, we will help shape a technologyneutral RAN foundation that advances resilient, open RAN architectures where trusted, highperformance connectivity enables and accelerates 5G and paves the way for AI-native 6G in the U.S. and globally." Nokia "Open collaboration is essential to accelerating the AI native transformation of the RAN," said Pallavi Mahajan, Chief Technology and AI Officer at Nokia. "By participating in the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, we are deepening our commitment to open, interoperable, software-defined networks. This initiative brings together the best of industry, academia, and government to build a robust foundation for 5G and early 6G innovation. We are proud to contribute our expertise to the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, and we are looking forward to working closely with FutureG to help drive the next wave of intelligent, energy-efficient, and globally scalable RAN technologies." NVIDIA "As we look toward the future of wireless, 6G must be fully software-defined and built on AI-native, open, and trustworthy platforms," said Ronnie Vasishta, senior vice president of Telecommunications at NVIDIA. "In addition to open sourcing the NVIDIA AI Aerial RA software libraries software-defined RAN framework, joining the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation is the next step in that commitment to enable broad ecosystem innovation and provide the foundational tools necessary for the industry to build AI-native 6G networks." SoftBank Corp. "AI-RAN will define the next era of wireless networks, and SoftBank is committed to leading that transformation," said Ryuji Wakikawa, Vice President and Head of the Research Institute of Advanced Technology at SoftBank Corp. "Accelerating AI-RAN requires innovation across the entire industry ecosystem, including vendors, operators, academia, and government agencies. Through OCUDU, we are building a carrier-grade open-source foundation and fostering cross-sector collaboration to advance AI innovation and a globally competitive, interoperable RAN ecosystem. We have strong expectations that OCUDU will play a key role in realizing AI-RAN." SRS "For over a decade, SRS has led the way in delivering trusted, open software for mobile wireless networks," said Paul Sutton, CEO of Software Radio Systems. "Being selected as CU/DU providers for the OCUDU project marks a significant milestone for our team. Building upon the srsRAN Project, OCUDU moves the industry closer to the 'Linux of RAN' a carrier-grade, open-source software platform that will drive innovation and accelerate the deployment of next-generation wireless networks." About the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, hosted by the Linux Foundation, is a global public-private initiative dedicated to building a commercial and research ecosystem around a production-ready open source CU/DU stack. By fostering collaboration across the entire RAN lifecycle, from R&D to end-to-end integration, OCUDU provides the reference architectures, conformance tooling, and "super blueprints" required to scale Open RAN from pilot projects to global production. About the Linux Foundation The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards and data. Linux Foundation projects, including Linux, Kubernetes, Model Context Protocol (MCP), OpenChain, OpenSearch, OpenSSF, OpenStack, PyTorch, Ray, RISC-V, SPDX and Zephyr, provide the foundation for global infrastructure. The Linux Foundation is focused on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org. The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of the Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Media Contact Jill Lovato The Linux Foundation [email protected] Correction: The "About the Linux Foundation" boilerplate has been update; "Arpit Joshipura's" title was also updated. SOURCE The Linux Foundation NEW YORK, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Nidec Corporation (OTC: NJDCY) resulting from allegations that Nidec Corporation may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Nidec Corporation securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47559 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On September 3, 2025, after market close, CNBC published an article entitled "Nidec shares plunge 22% as China unit probe finds accounting issues tied to management." The article further stated that shares of Nidec fell "after the company announced a probe into allegations of improper accounting in its group. This marks the largest one-day drop in the Japanese electronics components manufacturer's shares." On this news, Nidec American Depositary Receipts' ("ADRs") fell 22.7% on September 4, 2025. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. A Wrexham baby bank has marked five years of supporting vulnerable expectant mothers delivering nearly 375 hampers of essential items since it was set up. Baby Basics Wrexham, now based at Caia Park Partnership, opened on February 21, 2021 after being founded by local mum Sarah Davies and a team from Christ Church Wrexham. It started in a single rented room at the Priory Centre, producing 35 hampers in its first year from clothing collected from friends and colleagues. Its first referrals came from a Flying Start midwife, Wrexham Foodbank, the British Red Cross and Wrexham County Borough Councils Family Aid Team. Five years on, the organisation has helped more than 60 referral partners and has distributed almost 375 hampers to families across the area. The baby bank relocated to larger premises at Caia Park Partnership in 2024, allowing it to expand its storage and sorting space. In autumn 2025, a National Lottery grant enabled the charity to move into two rooms and increase the range of clothing sizes it can offer. A Baby Shower fundraiser was held in celebrate, with the amount of clothing donations nearly doubling since. Sarah Opper, Centre Manager at Baby Basics Wrexham, said: Im so proud to be a part of something that has generated so much support from the community. Currently were receiving donations faster than we can sort them and give them out. The people of Wrexham are amazing. The hampers include clothing, toiletries and essential items for newborns, and are distributed through professional referrals including midwives and support workers. Local business, churches, craft groups and schools have gotten behind this initiative too with collections and fundraisers being done by different groups such as Rhosddu Primary, Ysgol Bodhyfryd, Dunelm, Greyhound Pub, Primark Wrexham, Hope Street Church, St. Margarets craft club and Prysmian. The impact of the project was highlighted by a recent donation from a mother who had previously received support from the baby bank. In a note to volunteers, she wrote: Over two years ago when we were having our first child we received help from your organisation, so now we want to give a little back. The hamper you gave us back then brought us not only practical help but also much joy, we are forever grateful for that. Please remember how important what you do is and keep up the good work. The centre, which is entirely volunteer-run, accepts donations of baby clothing from newborn to 12 months. It operates on Monday mornings until midday at Caia Park Partnership and is also seeking additional volunteers to help sort and pack hampers. Families who believe they may benefit from support are encouraged to speak to a midwife, health visitor or other professional who can make a referral. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raising the risk of regional instability. Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news announced the 86-year-old's death early Sunday. President Donald Trump had announced his death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. The announcements came after a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump said the heavy and pinpoint bombing was to continue through the week or as long as necessary. The strikes opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program. The reported killing of Khamenei after decades in power appeared certain to create a significant leadership vacuum given the absence of a known successor and because the Supreme Leader had final say on all major policies. On Sunday, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most-intense offensive operation ever targeting Israel and U.S. bases. Here's the latest: Argentina's president lauds joint operation that lead to Iranian leader's death President Javier Milei praised the joint operation carried out by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he described as one of the most evil, violent, and cruel individuals in modern history. In his statement, Milei also recalled the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish community center, known as AMIA, in Buenos Aires. The bombing killed 85 people and injured hundreds, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the countrys history. The president reaffirmed that pursuing justice for the victims of the AMIA bombing remains a state policy. We will continue until the last person responsible pays with his freedom or his life for this horrific crime, Milei said. China organizing evacuations from Iran A Chinese organization is registering Chinese citizens in Iran for evacuation to neighboring countries, according to a media report. More than 200 Chinese are scattered across Iran, Tan Kai, the president of the Iran Federation of Chinese Organizations, told the Global Times newspaper. The group is making evacuation preparations at the instruction of the Chinese Embassy, Tan said. An embassy statement said the land borders with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey were open for individuals wishing to depart on their own. In Israel, the Chinese embassy advised citizens to move to safe areas away from the centers of Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem and airports, power stations and similar sites. It said it would begin registering citizens on Sunday who wish to evacuate to Egypt and cannot do so on their own. Head of Irans Revolutionary Guard and top security adviser killed in US-Israeli strikes The head of Irans Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed in American-Israel airstrikes on the country, state media reported Sunday. The state-run IRNA news agency announced the death of Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who took over as the Guards top commander after Israel killed its past commander in the 12-day June war. Also killed was Ali Shamkhani, long a figurehead within Irans security establishment, IRNA said. Shamkhani was wounded in the June war. Council formed to govern Iran after Khamenei's killing A council has formed to govern Iran after the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. That council is enshrined in law in the Islamic Republic. It is made up of Irans sitting president, the head of the countrys judiciary and a member of the Guardian Council chosen by Irans Expediency Council, which advises the supreme leader and settles disputes with parliament. Irans reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei are on it. Iranian law says the Assembly of Experts must, as soon as possible, pick a new supreme leader. Debris from aerial interception spark fire at Dubais Jebel Ali Port Dubai authorities say that debris from an aerial interception sparked a fire at Dubais Jebel Ali Port, the citys main sea terminal and a major global transshipment hub. The Dubai Media Office says emergency crews responded immediately to the blaze on one of the ports berths and were working to contain it. The sprawling Jebel Ali, which sits between Dubais two man-made palm-shaped islands, is the worlds busiest port outside of East Asia. The best known of those islands, the Palm Jumeirah, was also struck. Dubai officials earlier reported that debris from an intercepted drone also caused a fire on the facade of the citys iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The media office also said Dubai International Airport was damaged and that four employees were injured. Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatens 'most-intense offensive operation ever Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened Sunday to launch its most-intense offensive operation ever after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The most-intense offensive operation in the history of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin in moments, targeting (Israel) and American terrorist bases, it said. Mourners raised a black flag over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city and a major pilgrimage site for Shiite Muslims. Global shipping firm tells its vessels in the Persian Gulf to shelter A global shipping firm has instructed its vessels inside the Persian Gulf, and bound to the Persian Gulf, to shelter, citing the rapid military escalation between the U.S., Israel and Iran, and restrictions on traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The company, CMA CGM, said on its website that it has suspended the passage of its vessels through the Suez Canal, a crucial waterway connecting the Red and Mediterranean seas. Vessels will be rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, it said. Irans Revolutionary Guard says regret-inducing punishment coming Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard warned Sunday that a severe, decisive and regret-inducing punishment would be coming over Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis killing. The Guard, which answered only to Khamenei, issued the statement after state media acknowledged the 86-year-old leaders killing. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and what it called the vast popular Basij forces will powerfully continue the path of their leader in defending his legacy, standing firm against internal and external plots and delivering what it described as a lesson-giving punishment to aggressors against the Islamic homeland, it added. Iran's Cabinet warns that great crime will not go unanswered Irans Cabinet warned early Sunday that this great crime will never go unanswered after a U.S.-Israeli campaign killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statement came after Iranian state media reported Khamenei, 86, had been killed in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. On Iranian state television, an anchor broke in to read the announcement of Khameneis death. To the noble and proud people of Iran: With the ultimate grief and sorrow this is to inform you that following the barbaric attack by the criminal governments of America and the evil Zionist regime, the true example of faith, jihad and resistance, the Supreme Leader of the Revolution Grand Ayatollah Khamenei achieved the blessing of martyrdom, the anchor said. Daughter, son-in-law of Khamenei killed in US-Israeli attacks in Iran The daughter and son-in-law of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were killed in the U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran, according to semi-official news agency. Also killed in Saturday's attacks were a grandchild and a daughter-in-law, Fars News Agency, citing unidentified sources. The agency didnt provide further details. Irans government declared 40 days of public mourning and a seven-day nationwide public holiday to commemorate Khameneis death. Iran state TV says Khamenei was at his Tehran compound when attack began Iranian state television described Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as being at his compound in downtown Tehran when the initial attack began. Satellite photos from Airbus showed the site heavily bombed. The death of Iran's Supreme Leader at his office showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance, state TV said. Iranian state media announces Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, is dead, Iranian state media reported. State television and the state-run IRNA news agency reported his death, without elaborating on a cause of death. U.S. President Donald Trump had said hed been killed in a joint American-Israeli operation targeting Iran. Australia's prime minister says he supports US actions Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he supports U.S. actions to prevent Iran threatening international peace and security. "We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security, Albanese posted on social media on Saturday. Arab League says Arab-Israeli conflict has expanded into 'full-scale regional war The Arab League said the Israeli-US airstrikes on Iran are a moment when the Arab-Israeli conflict has expanded into a full-scale regional war. Maged Abdelaziz, the 22-nation leagues U.N. observer, accused Israel of using the Iran war to evade ending its occupation of Palestinian territories and prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and to impose its hegemony on the Middle East by using military means. Despite the announcement of some progress in U.S.-Iranian talks in Geneva two days ago, he told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council Saturday that Israel launched a wanton military attack claiming it was intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. At the same time, Israel itself refuses to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, he said., and it refuses to subject its nuclear facilities to the International Atomic Energy Agencys nuclear safeguards regime. International Atomic Energy Agency to hold special session on Monday The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency will convene a special session at its headquarters in Vienna on Monday morning following a request from the Russian Federation, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said in a press release. In a diplomatic note dated Feb. 28 and seen by the Associated Press, Russias Permanent Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna requested the convening of the special session on matters related to military strikes of the United States and Israel against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran that started in the morning of 28 February 2026, preceded by repeated open threats of such action, including against nuclear facilities under the IAEA safeguards. The special session of the Board of Governors will take place before the already scheduled regular session of the Board on Monday, the IAEA said. Iranian, US ambassador have tense back-and-forth in UN Security Council session In a rare and colorful exchange, the representatives of the United States and Iran exchanged warnings and direct rebuffs toward the end of the emergency session on Iran as military aggression between their countries risked spilling into a regional war. After U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz responded to Iranian claims that America had violated international law, Tehrans diplomat to the U.N. asked to speak again to issue a warning: I advise to the representative of the United States to be polite. It will be better for yourself and the country you represent. Waltz responded immediately, saying, This representative sits here, in this body, representing a regime that has killed tens of thousands of its own people, and imprisoned many more, simply for wanting freedom from your entire tyranny. Israel says it acted against an `existential threat Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that Iranian chants of Death to Israel, Death to America and the burning of both countries flags were acts of state-sanctioned hatred and preparation for action. But today, alongside our ally the United States, we acted to stop an existential threat before it became irreversible, he said, stressing that Israel didnt act on impulse or for aggression. We acted out of necessity, he said. Danon said diplomacy was exhausted. Addressing the Iranian people, he said the operation is directed at a regime that has silenced you and Israel stands with you. Syria condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf monarchies Syrias Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it strongly condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted the sovereignty and security of Gulf monarchies hit by barrages of Iranian missiles. Under Bashar Assad, Syria was among Irans closest regional allies and a staunch critic of Israel, yet the statement made no mention of the Israeli or U.S. strikes that began the day, reflecting the new government's efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic heavyweights and the United States. Iranian diplomat says hundreds of civilians killed or wounded Amir Saeid Iravani, Iranian ambassador to the U.N., said hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured on the first day of the United States and Israels unprovoked and premeditated aggression against Iran. The aggression and atrocious crimes of the United States regime and the Israeli regime, and their deliberate and persistent targeting of civilian infrastructure, are ongoing, he said during the emergency Security Council session. This is not only an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Israel says woman in the Tel Aviv area died from Iranian missile attack Israels rescue services, Magen David Adom, said Saturday night that a woman in the Tel Aviv area had died after being injured in an Iranian missile attack. It was the first death announced in Israel since the exchange of missiles began Saturday morning. It came after a heavy barrage of Iranian missiles targeted central Israel, damaging buildings and setting fires. The service did not immediately identify the woman or give more details on what happened. Magen David Adom says it has so far treated at least 90 people lightly injured in Israel and one man who was seriously injured. Iranian official says Israel and US will regret their actions Ali Larijani, the secretary of Irans National Security Council, said Saturday that Israel and America will regret their actions. The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will deliver an unforgettable lesson to the hellish international oppressors, Larijani posted on X. Rubio cancels planned visit to Israel next week after Iran attacks U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled a planned trip to Israel early next week following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The State Department said the trip that had been set for Monday and Tuesday was now off. There was no indication if it would be rescheduled. Due to current circumstances, Secretary Rubio will no longer travel to Israel on March 2, said Dylan Johnson, the assistant Secretary of State for public affairs. Dubai airport says 4 injured in ballistic missile attack Dubai International Airport the largest in the United Arab Emirates and one of the busiest in the world said Saturday that four people were injured as the Emirates condemned what it called a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles. Strikes were also reported at other commercial airports in the region, including Kuwait International. Other airports closed and canceled flights. Trump says bombing of Iran will continue through week or longer U.S. President Donald Trump in his social media post said the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would not bring an end to the joint airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! Trump said. The president stresses that his hope was for the Iranian government to join with the opposition. Trump says Irans supreme leader is dead U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead, saying his passing is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. The death occurred after a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump in his post called Khamenei one of the most evil people in history. Trump said that Khamenei was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. Trump says he believes Irans supreme leader is dead U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with ABC News he believes Irans supreme leader is dead. The president was asked if Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the Isreal-U.S. attack and he said, We believe so. But he also said: I dont want to say anything definitively until I see things but we believe he is. And much of their leaders are gone. Trump said the U.S. had great intelligence and that it believes much of the Iranian leadership is gone. ABC News did not release audio of the interview. UN chief calls for end to hostilities, return to US-Iran talks Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that everything must be done to prevent a further escalation. The alternative, he warned, is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Guterres reiterated his earlier condemnation of the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes for violating Irans sovereignty and territorial integrity and international law, including the U.N. Charter and he also condemned Irans retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Shrapnel from Iranian missile attack injures man in Tel Aviv area Israels Magen David Adom rescue service says rocket shrapnel from the latest Iranian missile attack has seriously injured a man in the Tel Aviv area. It marks the first serious injury to be reported in Israel since the exchange of missiles began. Magen David Adom says it has also treated 90 casualties, all in mild condition. No one has been killed in Israel. Israels U.N. ambassador calls condemnation of airstrikes hypocrisy Danny Danon told reporters ahead of an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that Iran is responsible for escalating actions by its proxies and its nuclear and missile programs, and now Israel and the U.S. act to prevent an irreversible and immediate threat. He did not respond to a question asking whether he could confirm the death of Irans supreme leader. But he said: We will continue to target the leadership of the radical regime and we will do whatever necessary to enable the right conditions for the people of Iran and stability for the region. How long will it take? As long as it will take to achieve the goals, Danon replied. Everyone is watching the situation on the ground, he said, and the time for the Iranian people to take control of the future is very soon. Most of Irans senior leadership is gone Trump Asked about reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in airstrikes on Saturday, President Donald Trump said: We feel that that is a correct story. In a brief phone interview with NBC News, Trump said a large amount of leadership of Iran had been killed, adding: I dont mean like two people. He also said most of Irans senior leadership is gone, including many people who make decisions. Asked who might now become Irans new supreme leader, Trump joked, I dont know. But at some point theyll be calling me to ask who Id like before noting he was being only being a little sarcastic in suggesting that. Irans defense minister and Revolutionary Guard commander killed, says Israel Israels military has named some of the top members of Irans leadership it says were killed in its first round of Saturday strikes on Iran. Neither Iran nor the U.S. commented on or confirmed the claims. Israel said the strikes killed Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. The military also said its strikes took out Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Iranian Security Council and a close adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and Mohammad Shirazi, the head of Khameneis military bureau. Khamenei is dead, Israeli officials tell AP Israeli officials told The Associated Press Saturday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. or Iran on his status. The killing of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, would throw its future into doubt. In a nationally televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were growing signs that Khamenei had been killed when Israel struck his compound early Saturday. Shortly after the address, two Israeli officials said Israel had confirmed his death. The officials both spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement and gave no further details. Iraqi group claims drone attack on U.S. base in Irbil A group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq-Brigades of the Guardians of Blood in a statement claimed that it launched a drone attack on a U.S. base in Irbil, the capital of Iraqs semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region. Earlier Saturday, a number of missiles and drones were intercepted over Irbil. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq is an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that has previously launched attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria. Irans conventional missile capability was an intolerable risk, says US official A senior Trump administration official says Irans conventional missile capability presented an intolerable risk to the U.S., and that that reality has since been demonstrated by Tehrans strikes around the region after the U.S.-Israeli attack. On a call with reporters, the official said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had briefed top leaders in Congress. Rubio made it clear then that Iran was ready to use conventional missiles against U.S. forces in the Middle East, the official said. The official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details about Trumps decision-making process that have not been publicly disclosed added that Irans unwillingness to discuss ballistic missiles in previous negotiations left Trump no option but to proceed militarily. Separately, Trump administration officials said on a phone call with reporters that they offered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes. But the officials said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. The Trump administration officials said that Iran met their offers with games, tricks, stall tactics. The officials requested anonymity to describe the rationale behind the joint military strikes on Iranian targets by the U.S. and Israel. Pro-Iran protests in Baghdad Hundreds of people demonstrated in Baghdad in support of Iran and against the attacks launched by Israel and the U.S. Demonstrators carried posters of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, slain Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and the high Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Demonstrators clashed with anti-riot police several times in the demonstration that was held near the heavily fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital. US posts aerial footage showing strikes on variety of targets Aerial footage posted to social media by U.S. Central Command showed U.S. munitions striking what appeared to be a variety of targets from drones to buildings. The video montage was released Saturday afternoon. It showed black and white aerial footage of what appeared to be a drone on a runway, a radar tower, a missile battery, and a compound of buildings. They were all being struck by what seemed to be bombs or missiles and followed by large explosions. The footage features the words unclassified at the top of the screen and a targeting reticle in the middle. U.S. Central Command did not provide more details about the video. EU foreign ministers to hold virtual meeting on Sunday European Union foreign ministers will meet virtually on Sunday to discuss the unfurling conflict in the Middle East, the blocs top diplomat said. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a social media post that she would hold a meet of the Foreign Affairs Council to work toward a de-escalation. It is essential that the war does not spread any further. The Iranian regime has choices to make, Kallas said. The Iranian regimes indiscriminate attacks against its neighbors carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this. Growing signs that Khamenei 'is no longer alive Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is growing evidence that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the U.S.-Israeli operation. Speaking in a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said the strikes had targeted Khameneis compound. There are growing signs that the tyrant is no longer alive, he said. Khamenei has not been seen in public since the operation began. AceShowbiz - Lisa Rinna has confirmed that she was drugged at a premiere party earlier this year, with tests revealing fentanyl and other substances in her system. The reality TV star and actress made the revelation during an interview on Good Day New York. When asked by anchor Rosanna Scotto if she was certain she had been roofied, Rinna stated, "Yes, I was. I had fentanyl in my system." She elaborated that a test taken after the event showed "high levels of amphetamines and other things." The incident occurred at the January premiere party for The Traitors Season 4, held at The Abbey, a well-known gay bar in West Hollywood. According to reports, her co-star Colton Underwood noticed she was "completely inebriated" despite minimal drinking and alerted her team. Rinna was helped by her husband, Harry Hamlin. Rinna said she cannot discuss the matter in great detail because "we are still dealing with it," and noted the information was leaked. She also emphasized this was not an isolated event at the venue. "So many people that I know have had this happen at the Abbey," she said. "All my daughter's friends. This is not a first-time thing. This is something that's gone on for years." Rinna concluded that the situation needs to be a public conversation and she is glad it is now out in the open. AceShowbiz - The familiar format of The View was upended this week as a major winter storm forced emergency changes to the long-running talk show, leaving fans less than thrilled. The panel already looked different with Alyssa Farah Griffin on maternity leave, replaced by temporary fill-ins like Savannah Chrisley and conservative activist Amanda Carpenter. However, the most noticeable change occurred on Monday when moderator Whoopi Goldberg was absent from the table at the show's start. Whoopi Goldberg quickly appeared on a video monitor to explain her remote appearance. "Welcome to The View. You know, I'm coming to you remotely because this crazy, historic blizzard that is slamming the East Coast has snowed me in," she said. The blizzard had prompted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to enact a travel ban, effectively shutting down the city. Whoopi Goldberg was not the only one unable to reach the studio. In a rare move, The View proceeded without a live studio audience due to the dangerous travel conditions. This marked the second time this year weather has left the audience seats empty. Reaction from viewers was swift and critical. On Reddit, one fan proposed a theory: "Theory: Whoopi has it in her contract that only Joy can moderate the show in her place." Other comments expressed broader frustration with the episode's disruptions. "I just turned it on to watch and was so confused when I saw no audience. If I was in New York today and had tickets to see the show, I wouldn't be happy," wrote one viewer. Another stated, "Today was ridiculous, Whoopi should have been there or the show should have gone on without her." As New York City worked to clear the snow, Whoopi Goldberg was expected to return to the ABC talk show later in the week. AceShowbiz - Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two new charges of rape and sexual assault. The actor and comedian entered the plea at Southwark Crown Court in London on Tuesday. The new allegations relate to two separate women in London in 2009. This brings the total number of women who have made criminal allegations of sex crimes against Brand to six. Last year, Brand pleaded not guilty to five other charges. Those alleged crimes include a 1999 rape in Bournemouth, a 2001 indecent assault in Westminster, a 2004 oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster, and a sexual assault of another woman in Westminster between 2004 and 2005. A trial for those charges is set to begin on June 3. A hearing will be held to determine if the two new allegations should be joined to the existing case, with a management hearing scheduled for March. Brand has vehemently denied all claims against him. In a video shared on his social media last year, he stated, "I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity." Since the allegations became public, he has turned to Christianity and been baptized. Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations. This followed reporting by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times. One woman told Dispatches that Brand entered a relationship with her when she was 16 and he was 31, describing him as "emotionally abusive and controlling." Another woman alleged to The Sunday Times that he raped her in 2012 in his Los Angeles home. The claims against Brand date between 2006 and 2013, a period when he was at the height of his fame working on shows like Big Brother's Big Mouth and Kings of Comedy. AceShowbiz - Robert Cosby Jr., the son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, is facing two felony charges following a reported domestic incident. He has been charged with felony assault and felony aggravated assault. The charges stem from an alleged fight with his ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff, on May 18th, 2024. According to authorities, Smokoff reported that Robert Cosby Jr. assaulted her after she allegedly flushed his drugs down a toilet. She claimed he "beat her about face and head, and kicked her in the stomach." Police noted that photos from the day showed Smokoff with injuries, including red and swollen eyes, a lump below her eyebrow, and a red mark on her neck. The report was filed while Robert Cosby Jr. was already in prison for a previous trespassing incident involving the same ex-wife, for which he served approximately two months. He was charged upon his release. His legal situation is further complicated by this recent release, and it is currently unclear what his potential punishment may be. Robert Cosby Jr. is expected to appear in court on March 17th, 2026. This is not the first time the Robert Cosby Jr. has faced legal trouble, and his struggles have been documented on the reality television show Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. In a past episode, viewers saw him have a difficult conversation with his mother, Mary Cosby, about his challenges. Following the news, some fans and followers expressed concern online, with comments suggesting he needs to acknowledge a need for help and continue treatment. This incident continues a trend of legal issues for individuals connected to various Real Housewives franchises, including past cast members like Joe and Teresa Giudice, Jen Shah, and Luann de Lesseps. AceShowbiz - Fans of The Valley are speculating that stars Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick have ended their relationship ahead of the show's Season 3 premiere. The couple, who got engaged and announced a pregnancy during the show's second season, are now the subject of breakup rumors based on social media activity. Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick met at a wedding in 2022 and documented their long-distance romance, fertility struggles, and engagement on the Bravo series. They welcomed their daughter, Kaia, in June 2025. However, eagle-eyed followers now point to a lack of recent joint posts, Kristen Doute not wearing her engagement ring in a sponsored post, and the absence of a birthday tribute from Luke Broderick as potential clues. The couple previously co-hosted a podcast, Balancing Act with Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick, but a recent episode featured only Kristen Doute with their co-star, Zack Wickham. The last time Luke Broderick posted with Kristen Doute was at BravoCon in November 2025, and that was a group photo with the cast. In the preview for Season 3 of The Valley, the couple is shown having postpartum intimacy issues. Other couples from the series, like Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor and Michelle and Jesse Lally, have also split ahead of their season premieres, adding fuel to the speculation. Fan reactions on social media are mixed. Some believe the rapid pace of their relationshipmoving in, getting engaged, and having a baby quicklywas a strain. "Having a baby is so rough on your relationship," one fan noted, while another commented, "Especially when the relationship steps happened at hyper speed." Others remain hopeful, pointing out that Kristen Doute mentioned Luke Broderick on the recent podcast. Some also suggested her missing ring could be due to postpartum finger bloating. A potential point of conflict, as seen on the show, was Luke Broderick's reluctance to leave Colorado Springs, Colorado, for a life in California. Whether this or other pressures led to a split remains unconfirmed. The premiere of The Valley Season 3 is scheduled for April 1st on Bravo. 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April Oliva, 40, allegedly attacked her 6-year-old daughter, Valerie, with a kitchen knife inside their Milton residence on the evening of Tuesday, February 24, according to an arrest report. The incident came to light after April Oliva's sister "received a disturbing phone call" from her. The sister reported that April Oliva "was not making much sense, making comments about evil spirits" and said "something bad happened." The sister stayed on the line while having a roommate call their father. April Oliva's father arrived at the home after midnight on Wednesday, February 25. He entered and found his daughter and granddaughter "covered in blood" in the kitchen. He observed that Valerie's body was "lifeless." When Santa Rosa County Sheriff's deputies arrived, they found April Oliva "in the kitchen laying on top of Valerie's body." Authorities discovered blood stains throughout the home, including bloody footprints, with the most significant amount concentrated in the kitchen. A knife was located in the dining room, below a kitchen island. "It was quickly determined Valerie was deceased and had sustained deep lacerations to her neck exposing tissue and bone," the arrest report states. The report notes the child had suffered more than 20 stab wounds and cuts. April Oliva was also injured, with "lacerations to her neck and abdomen." She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. At the hospital, she asked for an attorney. It was not immediately clear if she had retained legal counsel. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office issued a news release on February 25 confirming an arrest warrant charging April Oliva with murder in connection with her daughter's death. At the time of the release, she was still being treated at the hospital. "The investigation remains active and ongoing," the sheriff's office said. "This is a deeply tragic case, and our thoughts are with all those affected." Valerie's father informed investigators he had been out of town during the alleged attack. He stated he had spoken with his wife, April Oliva, around 7 p.m. on the evening of the stabbing and that no one else had been inside the home with her and Valerie. A potential motive for the alleged crime is not yet known. The sheriff's office said additional information would be released as it becomes available. AceShowbiz - America's Next Top Model is facing renewed scrutiny following a new Netflix docuseries, with former contestants and judges criticizing host Tyra Banks. Talk show host Sherri Shepherd has now offered her perspective on the growing backlash. The docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, premiered recently and featured Banks. However, many viewers felt she did not take sufficient accountability for the show's controversial moments, which have been re-examined in a modern context. Sherri Shepherd addressed the issue on her daytime talk show. "The show did awful things to the contestants, and I think everybody expected Tyra to take more accountability. I understand why people are mad," Shepherd stated. She then provided context for the era, adding, "But I also say, you have to understand the time this all happened was in 2003. Reality TV was the wild, wild west back then." Shepherd also welcomed former America's Next Top Model judges Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel, and Miss J Alexander to her program. Jay Manuel, who discussed his fallout with Tyra Banks, suggested she was not her authentic self in the documentary. Miss J, who revealed they suffered a stroke in 2022, shared an update on their relationship with Banks. They noted that while many celebrities visited them in the hospital, Tyra Banks did not, and confirmed that she still has not visited. Tyra Banks has not publicly responded to the recent criticism. In the docuseries, she revealed she is working on bringing America's Next Top Model back for a twenty-fifth cycle. AceShowbiz - Brian Kilmeade has announced a new book, prompting a wave of mixed reactions from social media users. The Fox News personality made the announcement during a recent episode of the morning show Fox & Friends. During the broadcast, Kilmeade revealed the cover and release date for his upcoming work. "Got a little announcement, coming out in October, but the book cover is official, brand-new book I have coming out, first time in two years," he said. The book is titled Uniting the States: Six Crucial Moments that Forged the American Miracle and is scheduled for release on October 6. The book will examine six historical events that Kilmeade suggests were pivotal to the nation's development. He listed these as the Boston Massacre, George Washington's military strategy, the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, John Quincy Adams's work with abolitionists, and Shays' Rebellion. Kilmeade expressed his hope that the book would help people "understand a little bit more how special our country is." He also mentioned that a Fox special related to the book is in development. After sharing a clip of the segment on his social media accounts, the announcement drew both praise and criticism. Several commenters expressed excitement and support for the project, with one fan writing, "If it is anything like your last books it will be a great read." Another supporter commented, "We need more books like this in our schools." However, the post also attracted negative remarks. Some critics questioned Kilmeade's qualifications, with one asking, "You can't talk, but, you claim you can write?" Others made politically charged comments, calling him "divisive" or a "Trump clone seeking to get himself richer." A simpler critique read, "Stop wasting trees." Brian Kilmeade has co-hosted Fox & Friends since 1998 and also hosts a weekend television show and a radio program for Fox News. AceShowbiz - The 2026 Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) were held in Dublin, with the independent drama Christy emerging as the night's big winner. The film, directed by Brendan Canty, took home the top prize for Best Film, along with awards for Best Director, Casting, Editing, and a Supporting Actor win for Jamie Forde. Christy had entered the ceremony with a leading 14 nominations. The film tells the story of a young man navigating life after leaving the foster care system. In the international categories, the film Hamnet secured several major awards. It won Best International Film, while Jessie Buckley earned Best Lead Actress for her performance and Paul Mescal won Best Supporting Actor. The script by Maggie O'Farrell and Chloe Zhao was also recognized. Other notable international acting winners included Leonardo DiCaprio, who won for his role in One Battle After Another, and Emma Stone, who was honored for her performance in Bugonia. These wins come ahead of the BAFTA ceremony. In the Irish film acting categories, Eanna Hardwicke won Best Lead Actor for Saipan, which had received 12 nominations. Kerry Condon won Best Supporting Actress for her role in F1. On the television side, the drama Blue Lights won Best TV Drama. Anthony Boyle won Lead Actor in a Drama for House of Guinness, and Lola Petticrew won Lead Actress for Trespasses. The script for Trespasses, by Ailbhe Keogan, also won. Supporting performance awards went to Chris Walley for The Young Offenders and Alison Oliver for Task. Louisa Harland received the Rising Star Award. The ceremony was noted for setting a record number of women nominated in directing categories across film and television. Veteran actor Ciaran Hinds is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The full list of winners is as follows: Best Film: Christy Director - Film: Brendan Canty, Christy Script - Film: Maggie O'Farrell, Chloe Zhao, Hamnet Lead Actor - Film: Eanna Hardwicke, Saipan Lead Actress - Film: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet Supporting Actor - Film: Paul Mescal, Hamnet Supporting Actress - Film: Kerry Condon, F1 International Film: Hamnet International Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another International Actress: Emma Stone, Bugonia George Morrison Feature Documentary: A Want in Her Rebbreast Short Film Award: Nostalgie Animated Short: Retirement Plan Cinematography: Seamus McGarvey, Die My Love Casting: Amy Rowan, Christy Costume Design: Consolata Boyle, Blue Moon Editing: Allyn Quigley, Christy Make-up & Hair: Natalie Reid, Trespasses Original Music: Eimear Noone, Craig Stuart Garfinkle, Baite Production Design: Philip Murphy, Neville Gaynor, Wednesday Sound: Steve Fanagan, Anemone VFX: Eoin O'Sullivan, David Sewell, House of Guinness Best TV Drama: Blue Lights Director - Drama: Not listed in provided source text. Script - Drama: Ailbhe Keogan, Trespasses Lead Actor - Drama: Anthony Boyle, House of Guinness Lead Actress - Drama: Lola Petticrew, Trespasses Supporting Actor - Drama: Chris Walley, The Young Offenders Supporting Actress - Drama: Alison Oliver, Task AceShowbiz - The legal team for Kanye "Ye" West is arguing that his antisemitic and misogynistic statements constitute protected artistic expression, a stance that directly contradicts the rapper's recent public apology. The argument was made in a court filing this week seeking to halt a workplace harassment lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by a former marketing staffer at Ye's Yeezy company. She alleges that while promoting his Vultures 1 album in 2024, Ye compared himself to Hitler, sent her pornographic material, and called her a "bitch" in texts. Her attorney stated the rapper "waged a relentless and deliberate campaign of antisemitism and misogyny against my client." This legal defense comes just weeks after Ye published a full-page apology in The Wall Street Journal in late January. In that letter, he retracted some antisemitic statements, attributing his past hateful rants to a brain injury from a car accident over 20 years ago and a subsequent bipolar disorder diagnosis. "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people... I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions," he wrote. However, in the new court filing, his attorneys present a different narrative. They claim the communications challenged in the lawsuitincluding "creative directives, conceptual drafts, provocative imagery, marketing strategy and staffing decisions"were integral to developing Ye's art and are therefore protected. The filing echoes a prior motion to strike the complaint under California's anti-SLAPP statute, which argued that "Ye is not merely a creator; he is art." The judge in the lower court previously rejected this First Amendment argument, calling the prior motion "rife with defects, specious arguments, and misstatements of law." The judge also found witness declarations for Ye "totally lacking in personal knowledge." As a result, Ye was ordered to pay $79,000 in attorney's fees to the plaintiff's lawyer. The central legal question now is whether artistic expression can serve as a shield against allegations of workplace harassment. Ye's team is pushing the notion that his provocative performance art grants him wide latitude, even with employees. The plaintiff argues that the First Amendment does not protect harassment in a workplace setting. The California Court of Appeals will decide whether the lawsuit can proceed to discovery. Ye's history of antisemitic statements is well-documented, including public posts on social media where he wrote phrases like "I LOVE HITLER" and "IM A NAZI." His January apology was met with cautious optimism, but this latest legal maneuver suggests a continued effort to avoid accountability for his alleged conduct toward staff. In addition to this harassment case, Ye is involved in a separate jury trial this week concerning a $57.3 million California home he purchased in 2021. The property was subsequently destroyed, and a man claims Ye forced him to live there, leading to bodily harm. Both Ye and his wife, Bianca Censori, are expected to testify in that trial. AceShowbiz - Sydney Errera has publicly confirmed her breakup with fellow Farmer Wants a Wife star Mitchell Kolinsky. The reality TV alum shared the news in a TikTok video, ending months of speculation about the couple's status. Sydney revealed that she and Mitchell Kolinsky ended their relationship over two months ago. Following the split, she moved back to her home state of New Jersey to spend time with her family. She used this period for reflection on their romance, which began when Mitchell Kolinsky chose her at the end of Season 2 of Farmer Wants a Wife. "I really wanted to tell my fans and followers how much I appreciated them," Sydney said in the video, thanking them for their kind messages. She emphasized that both she and Mitchell Kolinsky gave the relationship "more than 100%." Despite the breakup, she expressed that she still has love for him and that the feeling is mutual. Sydney also discussed the personal growth from her experience. She stated she is proud of herself for originally relocating to be with Mitchell Kolinsky in Tennessee, a move she never imagined making. Her affection for Nashville persisted, and she has now decided to move back to the city after her time in Jersey. Fans of Farmer Wants a Wife reacted to her video with support and sadness. Comments expressed hope for both individuals' happiness, with one user writing, "I wish you and Mitchell the best that life can be," while another respected their decision. The couple's split follows a pattern of many pairs from the show who have not stayed together long-term. I was all set to lay out what I think will be a near-ideal campaign strategy for midterm election success, a strategy that will allow President Trump to strengthen his political hold over Congress during his last two years as president, something that almost no president has achieved in either the 20th or 21st centuries. Advertisement Then I saw on Fox News that American and Israeli forces had struck Iran, taking out the Ayatollah Ali Khameini and his key staff. Americas aerial contribution to this task saw our fighters and bombers beginning to degrade Irans missile capabilities, both in terms of launching them and building them. The president also indicated that U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force are actively degrading the Iranian navy. We can also count on our stealth strike bombers to further degrade Irans nuclear weapons potential. Advertisement Caught by surprise, all I could think of was, about time. I pledge that I will get back to what President Trump can do to make the midterm elections successful in my next post. However, if history is any indication, Trump will get credit with Republican and independent voters, along with many rational-minded Democrats, which will help him build up his margins in the House and Senate. Advertisement But keep this in mind: Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) shows that millions of otherwise rational Americans are prone to go cuckoo for Coco Puffs whenever Trump does anything praiseworthy. Theyre even talking about invoking the widely discredited War Powers Act of 1973 another unconstitutional legal topic for another article. I was surprised, however, by the impact of TDS along with rampant antisemitism on the left-leaning publics attitude about taking out Iran before they could build and launch dirty bombs or even nuclear weapons. Advertisement A snap poll reported on by Fox indicated that only 56 percent of Americans support the first days strikes, even though we literally decapitated the ayatollah, and took out his designated successor, along with around 40 of his top military and political leaders. These targets included those responsible for the mass-deaths that, as Sean Hannity suggested, could be upwards of 50,000 freedom-loving Iranian protestors over the past couple of months. Those 50,000-plus victims were far more than Id heard elsewhere, but Hannity has better sources than I do. Cut the number in half and its still genocide. In any event, we know that the ayatollahs secret police and Revolutionary Guard forces killed many thousands of Iranians who merely wanted a democratically elected government. At that time, President Trump told the protestors Help is on the way, but frankly, I felt skeptical. Much as I like his policies, I have a sense that he seems bombastic. O.K., I admit it, I was wrong. Im glad to be wrong. Advertisement To the Iranian patriots, our taking out the ayatollah was like a gift from a benevolent God. In fact, it was the Israelis whose intel spotted the opportunity to take the (ahem) out, and to do so while also taking out his leadership cadre, including his designated successor, his son. Iran is now (as I write this) telling the world that we also took out several of the ayatollahs daughters and at least one gender-unspecified grandchild. Im sure the ayatollah conducts high-level strategy sessions while bouncing his gender-fluid grandchild on his knee. Advertisement Israel, in the largest airstrike in its nations history, took out the evil (ahem) dictator who, for thirty-something years, has been terrorizing the Middle East, along with his own citizens. With Israel taking him out, to America was left the military targets along the coast of the Persian Gulf, as well as manufacturing and launching facilities for ICBMs and drones, and no doubt other choice targets. Makes sense. It was only with tongue-in-cheek irony that I observed the Russian ambassador to the UN condemning the U.S. for this attack, even why, more than four years ago, Russia invaded the Ukraine, a war that is still ongoing. Another target the U.S. inherited is the Iranian navy, including its shore facilities and its anti-ship rocket and torpedo launchers that line their shoreline, leading up to the Straits of Hormuz. Thats a vital chokepoint for international oil shipments, used by both Iran and the Arab oil countries on the other side of the Persian Gulf. Countries Iran attacked in retaliation targeting U.S. bases, but in Arab countries. Now another five nations, all equipped with American-made and compatible weapons, have joined in the attack on Iran. Talk about a strategic blunder! Its not clear if our Navy is going to take out the storage tanks and piers where Iran ships out oil. What is clear is that Iran is almost a sole-source supplier of crude oil to the Peoples Republic of China, which has a vested interest in keeping the oil flowing. Im no fan of the PRC, so I can't help thinking a major disruption of their oil supplies might encourage them to take others oil supplies. Whos going to tell them no? Probably us, but that will be a costly battle, especially while were involved in neutering Iran. Thats a battle Trump is in no way eager to take on. In fact, hes scheduled to visit the PRC in a couple of weeks, a trip that might need to be rescheduled. He cant safely be in China while were fighting Chinas proxy, Iran. The U.S. Navys carrier forces in the area are flying planes that carry weapons that are primarily designed to sink ships and blow up piers and such. They are literally the right fighting force to take out the right target at the right time. Getting back to the current war, I cant wait to see the bomb damage assessment videos, especially since the attacks occurred in daylight, rather than after dark. Back in Gulf War I, Americans were gobsmacked to see strike videos where F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighters placed bombs through small windows in heavily fortified bombproof ground facilities. Imagine what can be done thirty-some years later. That no American or Israeli planes were shot down on Day One, and no American or Israeli pilots were injured or lost in a daylight strike is nothing short of phenomenal. Still, to keep our combatants safe, I hope theyll undertake the bulk of future attacks at night, long after dark, where their stealth abilities and infra-red vision gear will be maximized. One other thing Im looking forward to is hearing about how basically our entire fleet of B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bombers managed to drop those super bunker busters we used last summer on every nuclear-processing and -refining facility Iran has. We know where they are, and we know what we can do with them. So lets take this opportunity to make sure that, like their sitting-duck navy, Iran will have no hope of creating nuclear weapons, even if the ayatollahs successors decide they still want to fool around with nukes. The news is moving fast, and some of this might be superseded by more attacks and more bomb damage assessment. But until then, this is what weve done and what we can look forward to doing. I am a proud donor to American Thinker, and a subscriber as well. I hope youll consider joining me in this. Youll get some remarkable goodies, but I think youll also be able to consider American Thinker with pride, as something you help make happen, 365 days a year. I am, among other things, a military historian. Ive got ten military history books on Kindle, and starting later this year, Ill get them professionally edited and published in print format, as well as ebook format. My focus is on Naval aviation early in World War II, when the Japanese were unstoppable except by a relative handful of Navy and Marine aviators who risked it all. When Im not writing Military History novels, Im writing Science Fiction novels one regarding a remarkable UFO encounter in rural Kentucky is due out later this year. I also ghostwrite books, blogs, speeches, magazine articles and television commercial scripts or anything else needing to be written. I just signed an agreement to ghostwrite a memoir what will be my 20th published ghostwritten book, but Im always looking for more opportunities to excel. Contact me at [email protected] or 702-561-1167 to discuss how I might help you with a book you can call your own. Image: X video screenshot Ever since Irans Islamic Revolution succeeded in erecting a theocratic regime whose leaders condemn America as the Great Satan, call for death to America, and kill American soldiers, a question has hung in the air: How many years would the United States tolerate an Islamic dictatorship that murders American citizens, threatens Americas economic interests, and annually celebrates having held fifty-two Americans hostage for four hundred and forty-four days by burning American flags? The answer might be forty-seven. Advertisement As is his wont, President Trump appears to be grabbing the status quo by its ear and squeezing it as it squeals in pain. The theocratic police state that has brutally run Iran for nearly a half-century has also financed, provided material support for, and carried out more acts of terrorism around the world than any other nation. Irans agents have murdered civilians on every populated continent and murdered members of Americas Armed Forces on both land and sea. Irans Islamic terrorists dont build; they bury roadside bombs meant to mangle the bodies of unfortunate travelers. Irans Islamic terrorists dont support free trade; they seize private maritime vessels and mine international shipping lanes. Irans Islamic terrorists dont seek peace; they demand the nuclear destruction of Israel and the United States. President Obama begged the Iranians for mercy by conceding to the terrorist regimes every demand in a lopsided nuclear deal, handing the Islamic theocrats billions of dollars in cash, and betraying American victims of Iranian terrorism whose court judgments have never been satisfied. The Obama and Biden administrations were so desperate to prop up Irans Islamic tyrants that the Democrats bent over backwards to appease terrorists who celebrate the slaughter of Americans. Advertisement President Trump has chosen a different path. In the forty-seventh year of a destructive Islamic terror-state, Americas forty-seventh president has decided that governments celebrating the deaths of Americans should not be allowed to exist. Trump gave Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei numerous chances to submit to American demands. Khamenei chose death to America, so now Khamenei is dead. This continues a trend in American military posture over the last several months. After giving Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro the chance to choose exile (an opportunity he refused), President Trump snatched him up in the middle of the night and likely ended twenty-seven years of communist rule in one of the Western Hemispheres most important countries. By quarantining the waters around Cuba and preventing oil shipments from reaching the island nation, President Trumps actions may lead to the collapse of a communist regime that has been in power for sixty-seven years. When Trumps carrots dont work, he pulls out big sticks. From a position that prioritizes Americas strategic interests, these actions were long overdue. After all, it has always been a bit incongruous for the United States to project superpower and unipolar strength, while appearing seemingly incapable of squashing Irans Islamic terrorists or the advance of communist regimes within Americas own backyard. Advertisement As the world changes quickly and likely becomes more dangerous for the foreseeable future, President Trump has decided that its time to settle all family business. That famous movie line from Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppolas masterpiece The Godfather seems appropriate for these circumstances. In the film, Al Pacinos Mafia don utters it after having successfully taken revenge against every party that had ever injured his family. Today, Americas Don is patiently, methodically, and strategically doing the same thing. Although his political enemies have abused the justice system to investigate him frivolously, secure improper convictions, and tarnish his reputation, President Trump is no criminal. But he is a bit of a gangster, in the sense that he knows how to use Americas reputation for strength in a way that protects American lives. When Americas enemies consider harming Americans away from home, they must now look up the street to see if President Don is already swinging his nail-spiked bat. Unlike some of his invertebrate predecessors, Trump understands that effective deterrence requires the biggest, baddest dude on the block to deliver an occasional beating. While President Trumps warnings to Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran have not been mere bluster, his actions against those countries leaders are not the products of mindless rage either. Look around at where the world is heading. Whether we are ready for it or not, the global technology landscape is rapidly changing. The era of Artificial Intelligence is here, and it will likely change everything. Not only are we already seeing how AI will replace human jobs in almost every professional field, but also we have begun to see how AI will dramatically reshape the battlefield. Reports indicate that AI may have assisted Delta Force operatives in their mission to extract Maduro from his heavily fortified Caracas compound. AI-operated drone swarms have hunted targets in Russia and Ukraine. AI systems are already curating online information, policing social media platforms, and assisting in state-directed information warfare. The U.S. Department of War is integrating AI across military platforms. Advertisement As U.S. military planners quickly adapt to technological innovation in order to stay ahead of enemies and adversaries around the world, long-term strategic worries mount. Can the advantages of AI be effectively corralled, or will AI also become an effective and deadly tool for hostile regimes? One of the lessons learned during the War in Ukraine has been that relatively inexpensive drones can cause colossal damage to weapons systems that cost billions of dollars. If guerrilla insurgents (or rogue regimes or terrorists) with minimal resources can inflict tremendous damage upon superior fighting forces, then the limitations of asymmetric warfare go out the window. If AI proliferates across the globe, then presumably nuclear proliferation follows, too. We are heading toward a future when AI, drones, and even inexpensive autonomous robots will likely minimize the disparate military lethality of poor and wealthy nations. With such an unpredictable future headed our way, President Trump is settling the American familys past business before old foes have a chance to transform into something even more threatening. He is urgently addressing American vulnerabilities around the world. His actions reveal intent to prepare for the worst-case scenarios rapidly heading our way. His attack on Iran should be seen through this lens. Advertisement Consider the geopolitical chess moves that President Trump has made in his first year back in office. He has reasserted the Monroe Doctrine and is actively building Fortress America in the Western hemisphere. He is strengthening economic and military alliances with regional powers such as Japan, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Poland, and Hungary. He is working to neutralize hostile regimes that threaten global fuel supplies and international shipments. He is expanding American control over regions of the world with abundant supplies of hydrocarbon energies and other natural resources that have become only more critical in the emerging AI age. He is even looking for ways to cooperate with the Russian Federation, create economic ties with long-term adversaries, end unnecessary wars, and build the foundations for some semblance of peace. President Trump is right now preparing the United States for an uncertain future in much the same way that an industrious squirrel stores nuts to survive the harsh winter ahead. Attacking Iran comes with risks. Only time will tell whether this military operation makes America safer and the world more stable. Ask yourself this, though: What is it that the president sees down the road that has convinced him to take action against Iran right now? As with all decisions that come from the Oval Office, theres always much more to the story than what is plainly visible. Threats are growing. Uncertainties are exploding. President Trump is battening down the hatches because the storm outside is brewing. He seeks future peace through present strength. Advertisement Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Violent leftists are becoming even more unhinged and dangerous by the day. And they justify this in their worldview by repetitively spewing their vicious Nazi lie that conservatives are Nazis even though it should be obvious that Nazis were always leftists. Advertisement Violent leftists are dehumanizing their political enemies just like the Nazis did while they project that idea onto the pro-freedom right. It's now becoming a matter of self-defense in correcting this lie before it becomes deadly with their 'ends justify the means' mentality. So, in order to defend ourselves, we will debunk their usual tiresome talking points, while adding to the mountain of evidence that the Brown Bolsheviks of the Third Reich were, in fact, leftists. Advertisement First off, this century-old lie only works if you don't know the historical facts and only have superficial feelings about the subject. Because it's a well-known fact that many leftist collectivist regimes are nationalistic: Cuba ('Fatherland or death' ), North Korea, and the now-defunct USSR. And that the Red Bolsheviks of the later were also notorious for persecuting their political rivals the Mensheviks and Socialist revolutionaries. It was communists threatening Reichstag Socialists and socialist versus communist in Germany in the 1920s. Rendering the tired old nationalist and rivalry talking point that the Brown Bolsheviks of the Third Reich were supposedly 'far-right' as meaningless. Advertisement Their latest effort would verge on the edge of laughable if the implications weren't so dangerous. Because they weren't satisfied with the meaningless nationalism or rivalry criteria, and they've decided that fashion choices are now 'fascist.' Advertisement Never mind that there is a growing list of more than 50 ways the left is like the azis, now they've decided that the Republican Party supposedly has a Nazi problem because of a 'wide-lapel greatcoat with brass buttons and stars along one sleeve.' Seriously, that is their current Nazi lie criteria. Because we all know that there are only two types of people who wear greatcoats in the cold of wintertime: Republicans and National Socialists. Advertisement You can just imagine the editorial meeting at The Atlantic where they conjured up this concept. Perhaps starting out with the suggestion, President Trump drinks water you know who else drank water Hitler, and finally settling on the genius of 'wide-lapel greatcoats' in winter. Violent leftists have outdone themselves in setting the bar lower than Hunter Biden snorting parmesan cheese from the carpet. Advertisement Meanwhile, we're adding to the already documented list of more than 50 ways the left is like the Nazis. We're not measuring lapel sizes in winter, just taking a serious assessment of the ever-growing list of common traits between the two leftist parties. For example, see if this sounds eerily familiar: Gretel Bergmann considered her roommate Dora Ratjen at the German pre-Olympic training camp to be kind of weird, but a nice kid. They got along very well. But she never looked when she undressed, or most likely, she never got undressed in front of her completely. It was even more strange that while they had a huge shower room, Dora would always use a little room which had a bath, that was supposed to be off-limits. The rest of the girls also thought she was a little unusual with a pretty deep voice and they made fun of her. Dora would end up replacing Gretel on the German Olympic team, even though she was the German record-holder and Jewish. As you've likely already guessed, Dora was in reality a male, or what we now refer to as 'trans,' and competing in a female sport with the approval of the Nazis. While this sounds eerily similar to today's left pushing the trans agenda, these events actually took place in Nazi Germany at the 1936 'Hitler's Olympics', with indications that the national socialists had a hand in the plan. You read that correctly: 90 years ago, the Nazis were dabbling in this, long before it was a thing for other leftists. But let's not dwell on those kinds of common traits; we have lapels to measure. And whoever heard of wearing a greatcoat in winter, in Chicago and Minneapolis, no less. While The Atlantic is desperate to find anything to prove its thesis, it seems to have forgotten its institutional memory and a very incisive article from its April 1939 issue entitled: Brown Bolshevism. Then there is the fact that in 1933, Joseph Goebbels praised Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR): See the video here. We firmly believe that President Roosevelt and his advisers are on the right track. It is, in fact, the greatest economic and social problem of all time. To return the many millions of unemployed who have lost their jobs at the machines and in the offices back to their old jobs. This cannot be left to private initiative alone. It is crucial that the public sector intervenes with positive measures. The full clip can be seen here. Stuart Chase was a member of Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt's ''brain trust'' who coined the phrase ''a New Deal" and viewed it as 'collectivism': "Socialization is upon us, horse, foot and guns," "the New Deal may be called collectivism rampant." Nazi Germany, following the American election (of 1936), asserted that America had chosen a course not very different from Germany's Four-Year Plan. Then there is the ominous Red/Green alliance embodied with Islamist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the commie who has to be considered, in that this is yet another common trait between the Brown Bolsheviks of the Third Reich and today's left. Start with the fact that Albert Speer quoted Adolf Hitler as making the following observation on Christianity: "We have the misfortune of having a false religion." And that "The Mohammedan religion too would have been much more compatible to us than Christianity." This was borne out during WWII with various actions by the Brown Bolsheviks, with a report from April 7, 1941: 3 Reich Plotters Try to Win Syria; Following Gains in Iraq, Nazis Seek Support for Hitler as 'Protector of Islam' Followed by another report from May 3, 1941: Hitler's Jihad. Compare that to brass buttons and juvenile jokes in a private chat room. Now it's time to defend ourselves by correcting the record. The nation's socialist left has always had a disturbing obsession with perpetrating its Nazi lie, and years ago, it was only a minor annoyance. The far left is trying to rewrite history, while they projected the charge that the pro-freedom right was rewriting history. But in recent months, these kinds of lies have become very dangerous. Glenn Beck recently penned an editorial entitled: What happens when everyone is a Nazi? On the dehumanizing effects of these lies. The dire societal problem is that it's easier to wreak violence on people when you see them as less than human as did the National Socialists of Germany. Maybe the violent far left should take a step back and consider that they are becoming what they keep lying about. We can just add dehumanization to their long list of common traits with the Nazis, but they probably wouldn't get the irony of it. But for us, we need to meet their lies with the truth and defend ourselves before it's too late. D. Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack. Image: DPLA, via Picryl // public domain Dear gentle readers (sorry, I watched Bridgerton with my wife a few nights ago), see if you can detect a theme in the following stories: Advertisement First, per thegatewaypundit.com, Britains far-left Green Party has defeated Nigel Farages Reform Party in a Manchester special election marred by Muslim voter fraud. The election took place in an area with a very large Muslim population and was marred by extremely high levels of family voting. There oughta be a law. Advertisement But there is a law against rape and gang rape in virtually all Western nations but it hasnt done much good in the U.K. in recent years. Which is sadly not surprising given the fact that members of the kingdoms highly diverse police force dont just look away, but allegedly sometimes traffic the young girls or even rape them themselves. And then theres Keir Starmer. Advertisement The rape of a young girl is a particularly heinous act, yet arguably not as heinous as killing everyone in a group of people because of their faith. Which is precisely what Achmat Akkad, a staffer at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdanis Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, has proposed. Advertisement Remarkably, Akkad is reportedly a community coordinator and Mental Health First Aid Trainer, and yet has relatively recently posted various anti-Semitic comments such as 1 Israeli left in this world would be one too many! Thats all too clear. And Akkad is by no means the only over-the-top Jew-hater in Mamdanis warmly collectivist administration. Do they consider the United States to be the Great Satan? Might be nice to know. Advertisement Meanwhile, at a school in the Wylie, Texas, Independent School District, a group called WHY ISLAM was somehow able to set up a table on campus during school hours earlier this month without district approval. Reports indicate that the group was giving out Qurans and hijabs to girls throughout the high school, and were also disseminating pamphlets touting Sharia law in honor of World Hijab Day. Being as there is no World Bible Day, I expect Christian groups throughout the land to remedy that oversight and hand out Bibles and crosses at K-12 schools across the fruited plane in the days leading up to Easter. Right? Advertisement O.K., probably not. Especially considering that a Christian teacher who sought a religious exemption when he was ordered to read an LGBTQ book to his first-graders, was (allegedly) threatened with termination if he did not. Eric Rivera was called into the principal's office and was given a "final warning" to teach Stella Brings The Family or lose his job. It is clear that Christians are under attack from both Muslims and hyper-secularists. The ranks of Christians have been thinning for years now in the West, even as the numbers of Muslims and hyper-secularists continue to grow. Image: Pexels // Pexels Content License The scientific community has seriously betrayed the American public, and its reliability and reputation are in jeopardy. After the poor guidance and literal lies that the members of medicine and science have told us over the last few years, we have to ponder: Where do we go for the truth? Advertisement There are many reasons for science taking a deceptive approach to research. By exploring them, we may learn how to overcome their compulsion to misrepresent their results. Trust in our scientists has become difficult to discover and maintain: Advertisement While there is no denying evidence of low trust in scientists among certain social groups, or of critical public appraisals of some aspects of scientists' work, the solution does not consist of blindly seeking to replenish trust. Trust that is misplaced is no better and, indeed, is often worse than trust that is absent. Misplaced trust can induce credulity, opening up individuals to believing and/or sharing misleading or erroneous scientific claims. [snip] Yet any route to greater trust needs also to work through scientists' status as social actors, and the public's appraisals of them as such, and not simply as disembodied providers of knowledge and expertise. Advertisement So if our trust in the scientific and medical community has been compromised, it is partly because we want to believe that these are highly ethical, educated people, seeking the truth and wanting to help society. In fact, however, they are vulnerable to the same whims, desires, and goals that the rest of society experiences. And we may have to remove them from the pedestals upon which we have placed them. We hold certain assumptions about science that seem to have validity in the past. That history has encouraged us to believe the research and results. The rules for conducting scientific studies were firm about being honest with us: Advertisement Science earns trust because it is transparent, self-correcting, and built on collaboration among scientists who rigorously test, challenge, and refine ideas. Mistakes are exposed and corrected through peer review and replication. But times have changed. So have the attitudes and beliefs of the scientific community. The rigors identified with science seem to have eroded. Scientists have fallen prey to many of the same attitudes about their work that we regular people may consider about our own, whether they are standards, integrity, or outcomes: Advertisement At the American Council on Science and Health, Chuck Dinerstein [the director of medicine] is hardly the first to express concern about the erosion of trustworthy science. But he expresses it well; instead of just hand-wringing, he offers some context: Scientists tend to be the sort of people who want credit and recognition, not wealth: Unfortunately, the very same force can push people over ethical cliffs. To win the accolades, one must be first; speed matters. One need look no further than the continuing controversy over who discovered CRISPR. In scientific research, when there are dozens of methodological forks in the road, the dishonest can make murky results look crystal-clear. Advertisement [snip] And when the watchdogs are political actors, the incentive shifts again; more to do with keeping results palatable to those who hold the purse strings or public platforms than passing peer review. Many recognize that seeking the truth is the preferred approach to research, and faking results is simply not acceptable. And because the public tends to hold scientists and doctors in high esteem, we are reluctant to doubt them. But the scientific world is not powered by curiosity alone: It also runs on a credit system, [Robert] Merton argued in a 2007 essay. The scientists who create new knowledge are rewarded with recognition. Jobs, funding, and sometimes awards and fame, follow. Under the credit system, misconduct starts to make more sense. [snip] The experience also instilled in him [Merton] a cynicism about the incentive structure in science, he says. When a scientists worth is measured by their h-index [productivity and impact of a researcher] and grant dollars, that can encourage fraud that might not otherwise occur. Because for some people, I think its just out of desperation. Or, for some people, its a desire to be the best, but they want to get there too fast, or they dont care how they get there, he says. If you create perverse incentives, youre going to create perverse behaviors. The fraud appears not only in the research itself. The publishing journals have become inundated with fraudulent papers, and the situation has worsened in recent years. The problem has become international. A group at Northwestern University conducted a study to determine how widespread the fraud actually is: The researchers conducted an in-depth examination of scientific misconduct by pairing large-scale analyses of published research with detailed case studies. While discussions of research fraud often center on individual wrongdoing, the Northwestern team identified complex international networks made up of people and organizations that deliberately coordinate efforts to compromise the academic publishing system. The problem is so widespread that the publication of fraudulent science is outpacing the growth rate of legitimate scientific publications. The authors say this trend should alert the scientific community to the urgency of the situation and prompt action before public trust in science is seriously damaged. The Northwestern researchers are also sounding the alarm with the approaching acceptance of AI: If were not prepared to deal with the fraud thats already occurring, then were certainly not prepared to deal with what generative AI can do to scientific literature, Richardson said. We have no clue whats going to end up in the literature, whats going to be regarded as scientific fact, and whats going to be used to train future AI models, which then will be used to write more papers. This study is probably the most depressing project Ive been involved with in my entire life, Amaral said. Since I was a kid, I was excited about science. Its distressing to see others engage in fraud and in misleading others. But if you believe that science is useful and important for humanity, then you have to fight for it. Lets hope that the scientific and medical communities will take the incursion of fraud seriously, that they reinstate standards and expectations, and that they hold one another accountable for the quality of their work. Otherwise, we are all at risk. Image via Pixabay. Rumor has it that the Trump administration may be investigating the naturalization paperwork related to Rep. Ilhan Omars citizenship status. These rumors are not new, but a recent interview with Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice, speaks to the issue in ways that resonate deeply. Advertisement In her appearance on Benny Johnsons podcast, Dhillon pointed to Omars behavior at the State of the Union. It was truly reprehensible, and not because I am the pearl-clutching type. She repeatedly and loudly heckled the president as he discussed a major fraud scheme in Minnesota one that prosecutors say robbed taxpayers of millions and involved defendants from multiple communities, including some Somali-Americans. Instead of internalizing the moment as a call for accountability or reform, she was more interested in behaving like a petulant child. Nothing about her performance elevated her constituents or her party in the mind of the average American. Methinks the lady doth protest too much, because it felt like deflection. No doubt it looked like something from the playbook of Hillary Clinton. The sad thing is that it often works. Advertisement However, to deflect is one thing. To miss a redemptive opportunity is quite another. Rep. Omar is in a unique position to speak to her constituents, to her Somali-American community, and root out corruption wherever it is found. It would be a golden opportunity to rebuild trust with average Americans who, frankly, dont know what to think or believe. She really missed the boat here. Dhillon poignantly shared her thoughts on the privilege of American citizenship in her interview. She was brought here by her parents. She spoke of her pride in being American and the importance of fighting to preserve our magnificent country and its freedoms. Referencing Omars and Rep. Rashida Tlaibs behavior (Tlaib also sported a button on her lapel that said F--- ICE), Dhillon shared her thoughts on Omars apparent ingratitude for the privilege of American citizenship: Advertisement Its shameful. ... People need to get out there and touch some grass in other countries and see what they go through to really appreciate how great we have it in this country. But freedom isnt free, and every generation needs to fight for it. And if were complacent about it, we will lose it. Amen. Omar would do well to contemplate those words. Advertisement More importantly, Dhillon addressed the core issue, suggesting that in principle, an inquiry like this should be relatively straightforward: follow the paperwork and apply the law. Dhillon acknowledged she has no direct knowledge of any investigation, and that her role at the DOJ is not to police this one. Still, she underscored the basic legal premise, that citizenship is a privilege, and that if it was obtained through fraud, the beneficiary is not entitled to keep it. Ilhan Omar: What are the allegations? Omar immigrated here from Somalia and obtained citizenship in 2000. Thus far, no court ruling or official determination has established wrongdoing. However, the circulating allegations are several: Advertisement Critics allege Omar married her brother, framing it as immigration/marriage fraud. The core claim is that Omars 2009 legal husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, was allegedly her brother and that the marriage was a sham to help him obtain or maintain U.S. immigration status. This allegation remains publicly unproven and disputed. Reports also describe an earlier religious marriage to Ahmed Hirsi (not legal) in 2002, a religious divorce in 2008, and then a religious and legal marriage to Elmi in 2009. Omar divorced Elmi in 2017. Other reports state that Omar later legally married Hirsi in early 2018, after the divorce from Elmi was finalized. Minnesota campaign finance officials publicly disclosed that Omar and Hirsi filed joint tax returns in 2014 and 2015 before they were legally married and during a period when Omar was still legally married to Elmi (tax fraud and bigamy). Filing a joint return when you are not legally married violates both state and federal law. There are also allegations that Omar used campaign funds for personal matters, including legal work connected to taxes or research into immigration records. In 2019, campaign finance officials found irregularities and fined her $500. She also had to repay her campaign committee nearly $35,000, including $1,500 for payments made to an accounting firm for services related to joint tax returns for 2014 and 2015. Omars father has also been accused online of having been a Somali war criminal and of being unlawfully present in the U.S. Although these claims have not been proven, it is also true that reliable documentation can be exceedingly difficult to obtain from countries like Somalia. These allegations are worth pursuing through the appropriate legal channels. It is arguably ludicrous that it hasnt already been done. And it sure would go a long way to restoring trust in our immigration and our justice system, with credible claims either substantiated or definitively put to rest. Dhillon went on to support the idea of an investigation, if indeed Omar has broken the law, because that is the way things should be, especially since the claims are serious and credibly alleged. Dhillon added, Advertisement Its a truism of immigration law that if you commit fraud in the course of obtaining your citizenship, if you lie about being oh, that you werent a Nazi, you know, or a guard at a concentration camp, you can be denaturalized. To lie about your marriage status, that on which your citizenship depends or, or your familial status or what have you. If you fake any of those documents or you lie, thats grounds for denaturalization. It is, as Dhillon said, a precious privilege to be granted citizenship in this country, something, she also said, should not be taken away lightly. As for Ilhan Omar, whether she has broken the law or not, she does not seem to understand her privilege or her mission. She is not only here enjoying the bounty of this great country; she is also in a position, as a representative, to elevate confidence in her community by holding accountable those who perpetuated the alleged fraud. Instead, she reinforces and, frankly, draws the wrong kind of attention to herself with her misguided and insolent public conduct. She becomes the very stereotype she shuns and behaves like a salty Somali pirate. Image: Ilhan Omar. Credit: Leopaltik1242 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Before you may dismiss this thought experiment, consider what is underpinning Middle East instability and contention: a lack of central leadership. Advertisement A map of the region shows that it is generally bounded to the north by Turkey, to the South by the Saudi Arabian peninsula, to the east by Iran, and to the west by Israel. Call this the four territories of the Middle East. Advertisement Image: Library of Congress, via Picryl // public domain They are all obviously very different in culture, but they have more in common than they may appreciate. In its unique way, it is a budding new America. But it needs a founding father. Advertisement The problem is that deep history anchors the ancient Ottoman and Persian Empires into a frozen traditionalism. Their ability to reemerge as a controlling empire is not feasible, or within their economic stage of development: they are still largely agrarian, less-developed nations, with an overlay of some first-world technology in urban areas. Moreover, they are missing the key ingredient of regional leadership: an ambition to lead. The history of the United States was likewise framed in a fundamental conflict over division versus unification a Jeffersonian versus Madisonian view of nation. The Civil War was a manifestation of this struggle. Lincoln correctly discerned the absolute logic of unification, even if that required force in order to establish it. This embodied a specific choice for modern industrial growth, versus stagnant agrarianism. Advertisement If one considers the Middle East in the same context of division versus unification; of agrarian versus industrial, then its long-term imperative may be clearer: it must unite, and it must be united. The former Soviet Union arguably possessed the same logic over what are now the independent but stagnant stans, or the states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. Under a Union, they were the republics of Uzbek, Kazakh, Turkmen, Tajik, and Kyrgyz. Today they are more or less rogue states, subject to dangerous instability, and the forces of outside manipulation. They require unification. The former Yugoslavia is the same, and the continent of Africa is the model of fractured dysfunction with no central command. Advertisement In the larger Middle East, a power vacuum exists where ethnoreligious tribalism is allowed to become the source of national identity. No one is in charge. Some argue that Israel is beset by its own differences and contentions, but like the U.S., it is young, and because it is young, it has broken free from some aspects of history that tie down the rest of the region. Advertisement Israel has accelerated along the economic stages of growth in ways that dwarf its neighbors, despite not having any benefit of abundant natural resources like oil. Its natural resource, as Netanyahu discussed in a brilliant presentation, is its people and their entrepreneurialism (Japan is a similar example). He effectively laid out a business plan for the entire Middle East. Moreover, while some critics argue that the U.S. has been too generous with Israel financially, this economic investment from the U.S. has transformed Israel in ways that even the Israelis may not fully recognize: they have been somewhat Americanized in subtle ways involving modern science, technology, business, and government. That is exactly why we are "natural allies: not strictly because of favor or religious solidarity, as some critics naively assert, but because there is an embodiment of common modern economic enterprise that has enjoined the two countries as pillars of entrepreneurialism, and therefore established the true source of individual liberty, and which other nations envy. All this leads to a thought experiment whereby the Middle East Transformation is, in reality, a transformation of Israel into a regional leader, capable of bringing modern economic transformation to the entire Middle East, and acting as a conduit of an American economic culture that unites a warring, backward region. It acts as the unifying, federalist center of a united Middle East States. The main roadblock, one that is comparable to the ideological extremist Left in America, is the theocratic extremist Iran. Tehran is in some ways also the Richmond in a Middle East civil war. If they are subdued and transformed, the entire region will naturally fall in line. The varied states including Iran, Iraq, and others in some ways varied only like New York, California, Texas and Ohio will not agree to cooperate as dependents; but they may agree to a federalism system of government that manages power between a national, federal government and regional state units within a common territory, where the benefits of coordinated modern financial economics and technology are diffused across a cooperating union, and thereby the entire region economically lifted. This rests on fundamental self-interest. This is not a periphery-core argument where one developed region harvests the raw materials and labor of others, but rather an American model of federalism, where a center is able to coordinate and compensate for the strengths and weaknesses of different parts. Much like the American Revolution, the main issue is what happens the day after what happens in the Middle East after the bullets and bombs stop? Who leads? And how is leadership established? A logical new capital in a new Middle East, functioning like the original concept of Washington, DC, is Tel Aviv. That simply makes Cairo, Istanbul, Tehran, Baghdad, and Riyadh the effective equivalent of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix: independent cities in independent states under state and city government, but united by a capital establishing regional integrity (and borders). That places great responsibility on the capital to maintain a federalism of states that are independent, but united by a shared regionalist commitment to a modern, interlinked economy. If Israel wants to transform the Middle East, that means it must be willing to lead the Middle East. No one else is willing or able to do so. Matthew G. Andersson is a former CEO and author, and testified before the US Senate. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and the University of Texas at Austin where he worked with economist and White House national security advisor W.W. Rostow at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Image: Library of Congress, via Picryl // public domain This week, while in Atlanta, Georgia, to promote his new memoir, California Governor Gavin Newsom told a room full of people that his low SAT scores made him just like them. There is a dispute about the racial makeup of the crowd, but sitting on stage next to Newsom was the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, who is black. If anything, the optics of that moment were bad for no other reason than that Newsom appeared to be saying that his poor test scores, combined with his inability to read, put him on the level of the black man sharing the stage with him. Advertisement That is the uncharitable way to read the interaction, but Newsom brought it upon himself. In his attempt to play the everyman, he insulted the black community. Famed academic Cornel West said of the incident, That mindset sits at the core of white supremacy the belief that Black people are less beautiful, less moral, less intelligent! Dont play with us like that. Likewise, many Republicans seized on the moment to pile on and accuse Newsom of racism. Is Gavin Newsom racist? The answer to that question is complicated. While we cannot know his mind, it is difficult to imagine that he holds racial hatred in his heart. However, by treating the black community as a monolith, he has allowed himself to harbor racial prejudice. When any group is treated as a collective rather than as individuals, one is forced to rely heavily on stereotypes, as Newsom appeared to do in this interview. Advertisement If we imagined a Republican politician making a similar gaffe, that politician would be ceaselessly lambasted. Democratic politicians and the more partisan members of the media who have attempted to spin the interaction would be the same people calling for resignations and apologies. This blatant hypocrisy is almost undeniable. Advertisement X screen grab. If this moment on stage was not a display of some previously hidden racial animus inside Newsom, what was it? Well, there is a disturbing trend among many Democrats, something called the soft bigotry of low expectations. This phrase has been used for the past twenty years to cover a variety of issues, but the meaning remains the same. Democrats, while seeking to help or care for the black community, often infantilize them, or in more insidious cases, see them as lesser. Advertisement This form of racism comes from the opposite end of the spectrum than society is used to, but it is just as bigoted. Its no longer the old Democrat notion that blacks are genetically inferior, an idea behind the KKK and Jim Crow. The new Democrat bigotry comes from a misplaced sense of empathy. In recent years, it has been termed the white savior complex. Charity is a good and noble cause, but the patronizing way that people approach the black community is off-putting to the very people they proclaim to be representing. Advertisement The most obvious example of this form of bigotry comes in the way of voter ID. According to polling data, up to 76% of black Americans support showing an ID to vote. However, if you listen to Democrat politicians, voter ID is nothing but a modern form of Jim Crow. There are activists, well-meaning in nature, who make the argument that it is more difficult for a member of the black community to obtain ID. These arguments always fall flat, partly because the notion that the black community is incapable of overcoming the barriers of obtaining an ID is insulting, but mostly because the black community itself favors the idea. Advertisement Affirmative action is another area where good intentions brush up against prejudicial thinking. In the 1960s, there may have been a good argument for the necessity of affirmative action. Many places in the United States still held deeply racist views, and discrimination was rampant. By providing black Americans with a head start, America helped speed the end of institutional racism. The arguments today for affirmative action, however, are tinged with nothing but low expectations. For example, lowering test score requirements at institutions of higher education, as Harvard does, to admit more black students, is not a practice that should be supportedespecially when thinkers like Thomas Sowell have correctly pointed out that these programs actually wind up harming the black community. Call it naive, but the belief that black excellence can stand on its own merits seems less racist than lowering standards to achieve an arbitrary quota. The notion of merit, though, is antithetical to the modern Democrat party. Many politicians, including Governor Newsom, still treat the black community as if it needs endless coddling. Democrats code-switch and pander whenever they are put in front of black audiences. It is demeaning and should be cause for nothing but embarrassment. The black community does not need pandering; they need dignity and equality, and maybe an apology from Governor Newsom. In January of 2024 I wrote Terrorist Attacks in America: for what are they waiting? It warned of a new reality: thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of terrorists allowed into America by Bidens Handlers with little or no vetting. many were given free bus or jet travel to locations of their choice. Advertisement Mexican drug cartels are known to have arrangements with enemy states. They transport weapons and all the goodies terrorists need across the border. As I wrote then: theyre sort of a cartel/terrorist UPS. Flash forward to March, 2026. The US and Israel struck Iran, reportedly killing the Ayatollah Khamenei and as many as 40 high-ranking regime officials in the initial round of strikes. Advertisement Thats a very good thing. Its certainly disheartening to the 7th century Islamic lunatics running Iran, but its also potentially very dangerous for America here in the continental US. Why? Remember all those terrorists hanging out in America, just waiting for the go order? With Khamenei and many other high-ranking terrorists that would have given the go order obliterated, command and control is likely at least somewhat disrupted. In the meantime, President Trump has demanded the surrender of the Iranian military, suggesting the possibility of immunity of some kind: Advertisement Graphic: Truth Social Post Advertisement We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us, Trump wrote on Truth Social where he also announced that Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead. As I said last night, Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!' A sane enemy might take advantage of that offer, and I suspect some of the remaining, high-ranking functionaries will. However, Iran, like every other Arab/Muslim culture in the Middle East is an honor culture. They will not take their humiliation and impending military defeat well. Some of the remaining Iranian officials may very well give the go order. And even if they dont, the individual jihadists in America are likely to activate their cells without any order from Tehran. Advertisement These are 7th century barbarians, people whose entire lives have been formed around the idea that America is the Great Satan and that it is their lifes duty to conquer all infidels to establish a world-wide Islamic caliphate. They are Shia Twelvers. They believe there is a 12th Imam who is hidden, waiting for men like them to provoke Armageddon, which will cause the 12th Imam to return and rule the world for Islam. These are not Methodists who might sample a local Baptist church. They are fanatic true believers for whom being killed in Jihad is their highest earthly aspiration. They will not do 9-11 style attacks. Such events are likely to be discovered and intercepted. Instead, small groups of terrorists, armed with automatic weapons and explosives, will attack public gathering places in every state of the union. Grocery stores, theaters, parks, sporting events, schools, anywhere they can kill large numbers of infidels before theyre killed. Theyll keep killing until they run out of ammunitionthen theyll use knivesor until theyre killed. Advertisement Even without a formal go order, many of these fanatics will take it upon themselves to take the path of Jihad out of revenge and religious fervor. But wont the police protect me? Theyd love to, but there arent nearly enough of them, and even if it takes multiple officers a mere five minutes to respond to an attackthats an outrageously optimistic response timehundredsincluding you and people you lovecould be dead. So, what do we do? Stay at home? Shut down America? We dont do that. Were Americans and were really bad at running scared. We prepare, and we do that by going armed, and by practicing situational awareness as were never done before. The police call that putting ones head on a swivel, being very aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye out for anything unusual or threatening, knowing where entrances and exits are and always asking what if? That means continually thinking and planning ahead. This isnt unreasonable paranoia, but a reasonable assessment of a potential threat. Situational awareness can allow one to avoid trouble because they identify it early enough to simply leave before things get western. It also allows those so trained and inclined to be ready to effectively fight back, perhaps ending a terrorist attack before it really begins. Thats American too. Its possible Iran might be under new management in days. Its possible the Middle East will know a peace it never thought possible. But even if those wonderful possibilities happen, the terrorist threat in America is at a fever pitch. Be aware, be prepared and be strong. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. It was inevitable. It began on 4 November 1979 when Iranian radicals held our embassy hostage for 444 days. That ended the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. He knew we were dealing with a 7thcentury barbaric culture who respond only to strength. Advertisement The Iranian regime is a Twelver Shia death cult. They believe there is a hidden 12th Imam and its their duty to provoke Armageddon so he will return and rule the world for Islam. As insane as this sounds, they believe it and will kill anyone, including hundreds of thousands of their own people, to achieve it. Their primary enemies in this insane unholy quest are Israel and America. When they chant death to Israel and death to America, they mean it. Should Iran ever obtain nuclear weapons, they will use them. They are not like us. Advertisement The Iranians began killing Americans17--through their proxies or by themselves in April 1983 in a suicide car bombing at the American embassy in Beirut. In October of 1983, Iran detonated a truck bomb at a Marine compound in Beirut, killing 231. Advertisement June 1996: The Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia killed 19 Americans and wounded 500. August 1998: embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were simultaneously blown up, killing 224, including 12 Americans and wounding thousands. Advertisement 2003-2011: Iranian proxies killed at least 603 American troops. Far more would maimed and otherwise wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. January 2020: An Iranian ballistic missile attack at and airbase in Iraq leave 100 American troops with traumatic brain injuries. Advertisement October 7 2023: In the massacre of 1200 in Israel, at least 48 Americans were killed and 12 kidnapped. January 2024, in a drone attack on a US military base in Jordan, three Americans were killed and more than 40 others wounded. Advertisement November 2024: A report released by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies indicates that Iran and its proxies have conducted more than 180 attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East between October 17, 2023, and November 19, 2024, resulting in more than 180 wounded and three killed U.S. service members. This list is far from exhaustive. Barack Obama gave the Iranians billions in pallets of cash and entered into a deal that guaranteed Iran would develop nuclear weapons, while putting resolving their murderous intentions off on future presidents. Joe Bidens handlers also enriched the Iranians by billions, enabling them to come very close to developing nukes and fully funding their terrorist proxies in the Middle East and throughout the world. Graphic: X Post Democrats are, of course, siding with Iran: Graphic: X Post Irans people are pro-American and with the newly renewed attack on Iran are dancing in the streets. According to Israeli intelligence, the genocidal dictator Khamani is dead. Israel and America are destroying the military and economic nodes that should allow the Iranian people to overthrow their Islamist government. One can only hope were also providing the weapons and other equipment necessary to make that possible. The Iranian people arent Arabs but Persians. If they successfully rise up against their torturers, they arent going to be satisfied with anything less than the blood of the demons that have been oppressing, torturing and murdering their families for decades. Its not our business to interfere with their housecleaning. It is our business to obliterate every Iranian Islamist for the deaths and injuries theyve inflicted on Americans, and are again inflicting as they send rockets, missiles and drones against our people in the Middle East. Its our business to end a medieval death cult that plotted the assassination of President Trump and that has killed hundreds of thousands in the Middle East and around the world. Its our business to end the state that is the largest exporter of terrorism in the world. Will a Middle East without Iranian Islamists become peaceful and prosperous? Islam remains a medieval death cult determined to murder every Jew and to rule the world. There are Muslims who do not want to harm anyone and who are willing to live in peace with others, but they are not living the text or intent of their faith. Understanding that, understanding that eternal vigilance against Islamist designs for world conquest is necessary, and that force, not feckless diplomacy, is the only thing that can deter them is the new reality. It has always been reality, but it took Donald Trump to put that reality into effect. Will Iranians depose the Islamists? Will this usher in a new era of peace in the Middle East? Well shortly see. But what weve already seen is what a difference the right president makes, a president who knows Iran has been at war with us, and western civilization, since 1979. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. In the early hours of Saturday Feb. 28, 2026, the coordinated military forces of USA and Israel began the objective of taking down the leadership and military of Iran. During the first wave, it appears that the Israelis attempted to kill the political and military heads while taking out missile launchers. The USA forces are at the same time degrading the Iranian navy, air defense systems, and command and control sites. This full-out war will likely last days to weeks. The Iranians have already turned their missiles (2,0003,000) toward USA bases in Arab countries. Advertisement These Suni countries had declined to allow air power from their lands against Shia Iran. Now that the Iranians have attacked them, they are likely to allow flights from the USA bases within their countries. This makes the war a regional conflict. It brings forth the ancient animosities between the two competing sects of Islam. But this war will be more difficult than the most optimistic thinkers predict. The overthrow of the Iranian regime is the objective, which will take some time. The mistake of attacking the Arab nations will now unify them against Iran in this active war. The Iranian leadership within the political and military forces is multi-layered. They have devised a 3- to 5-level replacement system that will require destruction of the regime. In his eight-minute speech announcing the war, President Donald Trump offered amnesty to the regular military forces that surrender, while indicating that the aim is to take out the IRG forces. If the normal military follow through, then there will be fewer dead and a shorter war. Hopefully, the overwhelming force will make the regular military come to a swift decision to avoid fighting. Advertisement The VOA has been broadcasting in Farsi to the people over satellite systems. This will alert the upset civilians to see the USA as an ally. It is estimated that 32,000 innocent people have been killed by the regime. Some probably wondered when the help would come. It takes time to get the forces in place to carry on such a large war. The USS Ford attack group has some practice, having gotten Maduro from a military base in Venezuela. Now that two carrier groups were in position, the firepower dwarfs the power Israel inflicted during the summer of 2025 during the 12-day war. War is never certain, though. Trump follows through on his statements. He warned the Iranians that their window for peace was closing. Then the radical Twelvers never intended for peace as the outcome. Their radicalism precludes it, as they are allowed under Koranic teaching to lie to the infidels. Since 1979, the Islamic Revolution has sought terrorism and surrogates such as Hezballah and Hamas as a method to create a wider Islamic state. These people were never going to negotiate in good faith. The promise by Trump to help the Iranian people was an honest offer. Advertisement In Washington, some politicos will oppose this war, Democrat and Republican. During early days of warfare, the American people show support. If the efforts are successful, this will alter the Middle East for years. The Israelis have shown that terrorist warfare must focus on the leadership rather than the low-level fighters. This is an aim of the first days of this war. In the same week as his State of the Union speech, Trump has determined that his window for his administrations actions is shrinking. The Iranian regime is as weak as it has been in five decades. What we know from Trumps past in fighting ISIS in the first administration, is that he will allow competent generals and admirals do their job without him micromanaging the war. Advertisement Now we will know whether the days of planning were done well. We will also see whether Secretary Pete Hegseth was a good choice for the War Department. Iran possesses missiles that can travel up to 2,000 miles, able to hit Europe. This should unify those countries with us, but dont hold your breath. Several European leaders refused to let us use bases there for logistics. Advertisement Attacking during the daylight was a likely surprise. We used attack drones for the first time. Modern warfare need not be fought at night, though we own it. Further, we will likely avoid hitting the oil assets of Iran to maintain a stable oil price structure. The Iranian people must complete the job of overthrowing the regime. Some point to exiled prince Reza Pahlavi as a leader for the immediate time, but only the Iranian people can decide this. Advertisement It was shocking to see students call for a return to the monarchy. Life under the Shah was not always fair. Women had rights they do not enjoy today. The nation was essentially Western then. It was a friend to Israel at the time. Perhaps it can be that again. This would truly be a blessing to the world. We should pray for a safe return of our troops and peace for the region when this war ends. Perhaps a positive outcome will result in peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would change the region for the good. If this war goes well, then President Trump becomes a leader for the ages. Further, it could help the Republicans maintain their congressional majority. Trump in his second term proves to be the change agent that the opposition feared. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Is there any better evidence that the Europeans are as hidebound, bureaucratic, and ridiculous as we think they are than this statement from European Union Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen in the wake of the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran's mullah regime? Advertisement Following the ongoing situation in Iran, I am convening a special Security College on Monday. For regional security and stability, it is of the utmost importance that there is no further escalation through Irans unjustified attacks on partners in the region. Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2026 Don't let the bombing of Iran, the retaliatory strikes against civilians in the Gulf states, the closure of airports and vital shipping lanes, the decapitation of its mullah leadership, and even the attack on EU-member Cyprus interfere with your weekend, fellas. The talkfest at the Security College can wait till Monday. Because n othing gets between a eurochicken and his days off. Advertisement It's by far the most telling statement about the frivolous priorities of the European Union, and the dead-serious mission to save the world from a nuclear strike of President Trump and his Israeli ally. There is even a new report out that Iran's mullahs had been cooking up new terror attacks against the West, which could directly impact Europe, and this strike was to shut it down. But Le Weekend beckons and that's what's really important: Nothing gets between a eurochicken and his weekend. Advertisement This tells us all we need to know about most of Europe's reliability as a U.S. NATO ally. The vocal opposition to the strikes from Germany, France, the U.K. and Spain add more fuel to this fire, but the EU is the one that does it best. If this isn't reason enough for an immediate meeting of whatever it is they've got to add, what, exactly, is? Advertisement Image by from Conservatives, especially now, are wary of foreign military adventures, no matter what the reason. In the 20th century, America was more willing to confront threats that have either short- or long-term effects on Americas freedom of action, be it navigation, trade, influence, or Americas strategic interests in a free world. Our inclinations have been greatly influenced by poorly executed wars that left Americans fearing forever wars. Advertisement However, this war is not a forever war. It is, instead, a war preventing a forever nightmare of a world forced to bow down before a nuclear Iranan Iran that has already cast the pall of terrorism across the world for 47 years. Beginning with the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran has been hostile to the U.S. During its Revolution, it captured 66 Americans and held them for 444 days until President Reagans inauguration. In 1983, it committed the Beirut Marine barracks bombing, killing 241 Americans. Advertisement After that, Iran was off to the races, supporting our enemies at every turn and killing thousands of Americans in hundreds of attacks, kidnappings, and plots, including the mass manufacturing of IEDs in their factories and then sending them to Iraq and Afghanistan, killing our soldiers. Irans theological leadership has never stopped its quest to export radical Islamic fervor to the ends of the earth, believing in a universal Muslim theocracy led by Iranian Mullahs. Advertisement Storming the U.S. Embassy, Tehran, 1979. Public domain. Advertisement Destroying Israel has always been a central tenet of the Iranian regime, leading to Iran repeatedly attacking Israel since the Revolution and killing many Israelis. Irans leadership has influenced the Middle East to our detriment, leading to constant conflict with many Middle Eastern countries being forced to genuflect to Iran to stay on its good side. They are prevented from fulfilling any desire they may have to be pluralistic and engage in normal relations with Israel, the United States, and the world at large. Advertisement Iran has spent decades pursuing nuclear power. There is little doubt that Iran would use nuclear weapons on Israel, thereby creating the conditions for a world war in both a flash and in an instant. Irans proxies, Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and the Iraqi militias (those are the main ones, but there are others), are Irans attempt to export its goals through thinly veiled independent actors that Iran funds and equips to do its bidding. Through these proxies, Iran can maintain plausible deniability while threatening other legitimate governments to bend to its will. Advertisement Recently, Iran killed over 30,000 of its own people as they attempted to throw off the yoke of tyranny levied on its own people, going so far as to execute people in their hospital beds. This is a time for the world to come together to rid itself of the evil that, left unchecked, will bring the entire world to war. Lets put aside political rivalries and stand together against a clear and present danger that threatens the entire world. Trumps courage should be contagious. Lets finish it and ensure a peaceful Middle East. President Trump challenged the Iranian people by saying, This may be your only chance at freedom for a generation. Certainly, America, the main bastion of freedom in the world, should support this righteous war. This is the moment America will be remembered for generations to come. God Bless America! Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow. The port city of Progreso, in the Mexican state of Yucatan, boasts of the longest pier in the world. Built with reinforced concrete, the pier juts out into the Gulf of Mexico for a distance of 6.5 km, and looks more like a bridge to some distant land. The unusually long length is necessary to allow large ships to dock since the Yucatan coast is very shallow. The limestone shelf that forms the Yucatan Peninsula falls away at such a shallow angle that it is literally kilometers before the water is deep enough to accommodate cargo vessels. Passengers disembark at the end of the long pier, and then take a free shuttle or a taxi cab to the shore and into town. The pier was originally 2,100 meters long and was constructed between 1937 and 1941, replacing a wooden pier that was built in the beginning of the last century. In 1988, an additional 4,000 meters was added to its length increasing the piers cargo and container vessels handling capacity. Photograph of the Progreso Pier taken from the International Space Station in 2014. Photo credit The Progreso Pier is also the first concrete structure in the world built with nickel-containing stainless steel reinforcement. Despite the relatively poor grade of concrete used, the pier has withstood the harsh marine environment and has been in continuous service for over 70 years without any major repair or routine maintenance activities. On the contrary, a neighboring pier located just 200 meters to the west of the Progreso Pier is heavily deteriorated with columns and the superstructure almost entirely gone, despite being twenty years younger. The newer pier was built with carbon steel rebar. Structural engineers often cite the example of Progreso Pier to show the consequences of using different materials during construction, and the importance of the choice of rebar material aside from concrete. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit The Progreso Pier. The remains of the newer pier is seen in the lower part of this image. Photo credit A cruise ship docks on Progreso Pier. Photo credit The port of Progreso. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Sources: NASA / Wikipedia / Arminox / Nickel Institute Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was killed in Narmak, eastern Tehran, according to reports, after it was struck multiple times - Denis Balibouse/Reuters Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former president of Iran, was killed in US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian state media reported. Reports said the 69-year-old was killed in Narmak, eastern Tehran, when it was struck multiple times in the first day of attacks that also led to the death of Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader. However, some Iranian Telegram channels posted a statement attributed to Ahmadinejad after his reported death, in which he hit out at US and Israeli aggression suggesting he was still alive. The conflicting reports could not be independently verified because of Irans near-total internet blackout, but state media did not change its initial report about Ahmadinejads death. Air strikes on Iran continued on Sunday, while Tehran fired missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states in retaliation. Smoke plumes rise following missile strikes in Tehran on Sunday - AFP Hotels and a French naval base were among the targets in Abu Dhabi, and a high-tech radar station in Bahrain was also struck. At least 66 missiles were fired at Qatar, where the US has its largest base, and 16 people were injured by falling shrapnel. Ahmadinejad, the former populist leader, oversaw two turbulent terms between 2005 and 2013, which saw Iran crippled by Western sanctions. He also presided over the brutal suppression of the 2009 Green Movement protests and ushered in a stand-off with the West over Irans nuclear programme, dismissing US sanctions as worthless papers, despite their crippling impact on Iranians. After leaving office, Ahmadinejad increasingly positioned himself as a critic of the system he once championed, questioning corruption, calling for political prisoners release and challenging the legitimacy of Irans power structure. According to Iranian authorities, up to 201 people were killed and 747 injured across 24 Iranian provinces on Saturday. TV personality Amanda Holden, who features in new Disney film Hoppers as Amanda The Spider, has said the role is absolutely extraordinary and a dream come true. The 55-year-old features in the upcoming animated film, which follows the story of Mabel (Piper Curda) who uses secret technology to turn herself into an animal. Holden, who is best known as a judge on ITV talent show Britains Got Talent, has had a series of acting gigs having starred in TV drama Wild At Heart and comedy series The Grimleys. Speaking about her latest role ahead of the UK premiere of Hoppers, the star told the Press Association: I mean, its a dream come true. Obviously, Disney and Pixar are in every family household, and to be part of an iconic movie like this is just absolutely extraordinary, and something that I just never though would happen. Holden described her character as a sharp-witted, sarcastic spider, and she features in the film alongside her friend Alan Carr, who she said is playing a little squirrel. Amanda Holden is best known as a judge on ITV talent show Britains Got Talent (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) Speaking about working with the Celebrity Traitors winner, Holden told PA: Alan and I were allowed to direct each other, so obviously we took the mickey. Alan made me crouch down, jump up. Go large, go small. I made him stand on one leg, spin around. He even dressed up as a squirrel just because hes so method. I wore a spider fascinator. We were totally in character for the whole thing. Alan Carr voices a little squirrel in the film (Ben Whitley/PA) (Ben Whitley) Holden was joined by her co-star Curda, as well as director Daniel Chong and producer Nicole Paradis Grindle at the event in Leicester Square, London. American actress Curda, 28, described the movie as weird and unexpected, and told PA: I think everyone should watch it, theres something for everyone in the movie. If you want to see a movie that makes you laugh, this one will do it. If you want to see a movie that makes you cry a bit, this one will do it. If you want to see a movie that gets a little spooky, this one will do it. There truly is something for everyone. Hoppers will be available to watch in cinemas in the UK from March 6 The Arkansas state police said their trooper, Amber Cass, was unaware of the emergency afflicting Hess son. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP (Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP) An Arkansas father speeding while transporting his sick child to the hospital will not face charges after a state police trooper used a vehicle-ramming technique known as a Pit maneuvre to stop his vehicle, authorities have said. Officials said they have ruled out charges against the father, identified as Dillon Hess, who was speeding as he rushed his son to the hospital for emergency medical treatment after he suffered an allergic reaction, as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported. The Arkansas state police said their trooper Amber Cass was unaware of the emergency afflicting Hesss son. And the agencys director, Col Mike Hagar, said in a news release that the case underscores the importance of communication when its necessary to transport someone having a medical emergency in a private vehicle, which occurs with regularity across Arkansas. Cass encountered Hess as he drove his Jeep Cherokee on interstate 630 near downtown Little Rock the capital of Arkansas on 20 February, state police said. Hesss wife, Kristen, and his sons, ages one and three, were passengers in the vehicle. The sick child was later taken to hospital by ambulance. Video showed how Casss patrol cruiser struck Hesss side fender after reaching a speed of 70mph in a 60mph zone. The contact spun his Jeep out. She then used her cruiser to pin the Jeep which had its hazard lights on against a concrete barrier in the highways median. Hess at that point got out of the Jeep, and Cass can be seen in a window reflection approaching him with her service pistol drawn. You gotta stop you cant keep driving, Cass can be heard saying on the video as she cuffs him. She tells him he could have gotten to the hospital quicker if he had stopped. Now youve got a felony charge, Cass says. State police spokesperson Nick Genty said that drivers taking people to the hospital in an emergency should always call 911, inform the dispatcher and identify their vehicle, destination and route. In Casss report, she explained that her decision to intentionally spin Hesss vehicle out resulted from not knowing his intentions. She also noted that he was approaching an area with heavier traffic. Fleeing in a vehicle is viewed as an inherently dangerous crime (by the courts) regardless of the speeds involved, Cass wrote in the report. The maneuver that Cass used is known as a tactical vehicle intervention. Also called the precision immobilization technique (Pit), it involves nudging the rear of a vehicle in police pursuits to one side, causing it to turn sideways. It is often the high point of police pursuits, filmed by news helicopters, that local TV stations turn to, along with expert commentary on the technique and its advisability in built-up neighborhoods and at what speed. This is the second time so far this year that Arkansas state police have been required to explain a troopers use of the Pit technique. After the previous incident, a trooper was fired for ramming the wrong car, itself a repeat of a 2023 incident. The Democrat-Gazette reported that state troopers were involved in 432 pursuits in 2025, down from 553 in 2024 and 620 in 2023. But, the outlet reported, Pit maneuvres are up, with rammings used 225 times last year or in 52% of chases, up from 29% prior to 2023. The states office of professional standards is now conducting an investigation into Casss actions. Tens of thousands of British holidaymakers were caught up in the Gulf states hell on Sunday as Iran vowsed revenge for the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Around 94,000 have registered their presence with the British Government. Three quarters of them are in the United Arab Emirates, the majority are on holiday or in transit to other destinations. At least 200,000 British citizens were in the region, including residents, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Sunday evening. Foreign Office officials, who have mounted an unprecedented operation, are understood to be working on plans for potential evacuation routes should airspace in the region remain closed. But UK nationals are currently being advised to stay in a secure location, avoid travel where possible and follow local advice. British ambassadors in the Gulf region are speaking every four hours to airlines including Ethiad, Emirates and Qatar on the use of major airport transport hubs. No information has yet emerged of Britons being injured or killed. However, UK authorities are scrambling to draw up a range options to deal with developing scenarios and include evacuation plans if the situation deteriorates rapidly. Many British nationals in the Middle East are in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and UAE. Protestors burn images of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Carlos Jasso/AFP via Getty Images) It comes as three civilians were killed in Dubai as Irans missile and suicide drone blitz across the region intensifies. The remnants of the Iranian regime have widened their assault, targeting US allies, military bases and districts popular with Westerners. Three American troops have also been confirmed dead in the escalating violence. Dubai has once again been hit, with at least two drones striking the citys airport. A plume of smoke caused by an Iranian strike is seen in the background an an Emirates plane is parked up at Dubai International Airport (Altaf Qadri/AP) (AP) The world-famous Burj Al Arab hotel was damaged on Saturday by debris from an intercepted drone. A fire also broke out at Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubais prestige Palm Jumeirah area. Fresh explosions echoed across the Emirates today (Sunday, March 1). In Bahrains capital Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was damaged by a suicide drone. Iranian missiles have also rained down on Tel Aviv, where at least ten people have been confirmed dead. There have been further fatalities reported in Kuwait, the UAE and Abu Dhabi. Efforts to support British nationals, driven by the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and minister Hamish Falconer, come as US and Israeli combat operations against Iran entered their second day on Sunday. The Israeli military said it had continued to hit sites in central Tehran following the death of Khamenei. Defence Secretary John Healey said some 300 UK troops had been within a few hundred yards of an Iranian strike on a base in Bahrain. Two missiles have also been fired in the direction of Cyprus, where thousands of UK personnel are stationed, although the Government does not believe these were deliberately targeted at the British bases there. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to regional leaders to express his solidarity in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation. A Downing Street spokesperson said: The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, earlier today. They discussed the deeply concerning impact of Irans indiscriminate strike action in the region, which has hit airports, ports and infrastructure harming innocent people as a result. The Prime Minister underscored his full support for the security of Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas. Cooper has also been engaged in a major diplomatic push, speaking to her regional counterparts along with US secretary of state Marco Rubio and other G7 foreign ministers. The UK played no role in the strikes on Saturday, but has begun defensive operations, including shooting down Iranian drones over northern Iraq. While Britain, along with France and Germany, has condemned Irans retaliation, ministers have so far declined to say whether they support the joint US-Israeli attack or whether they believe the initial strikes were legal. Asked six times by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg whether the UK backed the strikes or thought they were legal, Healey declined to give a direct answer. He said: Britain played no part in the strikes on Iran. We share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. He later added: It is for the US to set out the legal basis of the action that it took. The Government, along with France and Germany, has condemned Irans retaliation and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. But other allies have gone further, with both Canada and Australia saying they supported the US acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and continuing to threaten international peace and security. The Governments reluctance to say whether it backed the strikes has drawn criticism from parties to both its left and right. Branding the attacks illegal and unprovoked, Green Party leader Zack Polanski told the BBC: Weve got a Defence Secretary saying that diplomacy is the long runway we need but wont condemn Donald Trump when he attacks a country and assassinates its leader. Thats the law of the jungle. Thats an end to international law. But Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said the Government should have been more proactive in supporting the strikes. She said: Why were some of our bases not used? And was the British Government asked about use of our military bases in the defensive strikes that took place? The Government has so far declined to say whether the US asked for permission to use British bases for the strikes, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaking in Tehran in 2007. Photograph: Reuters (Photograph: Reuters) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, has died aged 86 in a large-scale air attack on the country by the US and Israel. He presided over a complex theocratic system that was enforced brutally at home, and sought to influence the exercise of power in other Middle Eastern countries. Though the US and Israel attempted to destroy Irans nuclear enrichment programme with a bombing campaign in June 2025, it was not fully successful. The economy continued to deteriorate, and the following January the countrys people took to the streets against the Islamic Republic. An estimated 30,000 or more protesters were killed the largest death toll in modern Iranian history. US President Donald Trump considered discussions with Khameneis diplomats about the nuclear issue and missile production to be unproductive. In announcing the new attack, he called on Iranians to do what they could to take over the government once it was over. Khamenei had come to ultimate power in 1989, by which point he was already the countrys president. Irans 88-strong assembly of experts senior Shia clerics chose him to succeed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, overthrower of the Shah in 1979 and founder of the Islamic Republic, as supreme leader of Iran. Thereafter Khamenei had absolute power and the final say in Irans future, whether in regard to its controversial nuclear programme or detente with the west. He was not only commander-in-chief of the Iranian armed forces, which includes the regular artesh (army) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but also headed the axis of resistance an anti-western and anti-Israel alliance made up of Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, Shia militias in Iraq, the Houthi rebels eventually occupying western Yemen, and the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. Thus his rule had a direct impact on much of the region, and under his leadership the Islamic Republic of Iran became one of the worlds biggest state sponsors of terrorism. It remained a significant force even despite Hamass loss of strength as a result of Israels reprisals in response to the attack on 7 October 2023, Hezbollahs setbacks after attacks by Israel in Lebanon, and the fall of Assad in 2024. Nonetheless, much of Khameneis role would consist of protecting himself and his office from the dissatisfactions of the Iranian people and mis-steps of successive elected Iranian presidents. Mohammad Khatami (president from 1997 until 2005) led a reformist movement that resulted in a brief thawing of ties with the US, only to be overshadowed by student uprisings in 1999 that were crushed by security forces. Mahmoud Ahmadinejads hardline presidency (2005-13) was marked by Holocaust denial on the international stage, the resumption of highly enriched uranium production as part of Irans nuclear programme and the most punitive multilateral sanctions regime the country had ever faced, and the fraudulent election that gave him a second term in 2009. Millions of dissatisfied Iranians took to the streets that June, held up signs asking Where is my vote?, wore green, and undertook acts of civil disobedience. Khamenei usually stayed out of politics, but he openly sided against this green movement, whose protests he saw as a velvet revolution backed by imperialist powers out to destroy and oust the Islamic Republic. Although they shared ideological views, Ahmadinejad would eventually fall out of favour with Khamenei. It was under Ahmadinejad that the IRGC increased its power and relevance in the Iranian economy. The IRGC, whose main role is to protect the Islamic Republic from internal and external threats, had been barred from politics by Khomeini, but Khamenei encouraged it to play a leading role, including in the Iranian economy and through its foreign arm, the Quds Force, in addition to serving as a security organisation that became integral to the exercise of repression. With Hassan Rouhani as president (2013-21), Iran temporarily came out of isolation. After years of negotiations with world powers, in 2015 it signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The deal would not have been possible without Khameneis signalling of heroic flexibility in 2013, just before Rouhani, on a trip to New York, attended his first UN general assembly and had a phone conversation with US president Barack Obama, the first top-level contact between the two countries since 1979. During Rouhanis second term, Trump came to office and, after repeatedly threatening to withdraw from the JCPOA, he exited the multilateral agreement in May 2018. His administration then imposed a maximum pressure strategy that included the reimposition of unilateral sanctions, the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, and, the following year, an oil embargo that fuelled tensions in the Persian Gulf. However, Rouhanis presidency was rocked by numerous mass protests, including those in 2019 known as Aban Khoonin (Bloody November), in which security forces killed 1,500 protesters under the cover of an internet blackout. In early 2020, the IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by the US while visiting Iraq, and just days later, a Ukrainian passenger airliner was downed by the IRGC, killing all 176 people on board. That year, Iran experienced the highest number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in the Middle East, with Khamenei held partly responsible after he barred the import of western vaccines. That year he also announced the second chapter of the Islamic revolution, called the Second Step initiative, which envisioned an Islamic Republic led by a pious and relatively young cohort carrying out his legacy. In February 2020, Irans Guardian council a 12-member vetting body for which the supreme leader handpicks six members and which can veto candidates for election followed this by disqualifying moderate candidates, and thus giving hardliners a majority in parliament. Similar action was taken in June 2021, in an engineered election that handed Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner, the presidency with a historically low election turnout. Many assumed Raisi would be Khameneis successor, and both of them became extremely unpopular. There was a similar outcome during the March 2024 parliamentary elections, but a surprise turn of events a helicopter crash that May killed Raisi and the foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian brought about a snap presidential election. The mass discontent on the ground is reportedly what prompted Khamenei, via the Guardian council, to allow a reformist candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, to run. Pezeshkian was seen as a safe bet who would not challenge the nezam (ruling system). Many Iranians boycotted the polls, but Pezeshkian still won the presidency, and arguably this gave Khamenei some room to change course. Khamenei had always viewed the west as being bent on regime change in Iran, either through a velvet revolution, economic pressure via sanctions, or military intervention. Every decision that he made was in this context. In 2014, Khamenei had undergone surgery for his prostate. For well over a decade, he was widely thought to have prostate cancer. There were repeated rumours of his demise, notably in September 2022, after he cancelled a series of public appearances. Later that month, the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman, in police custody for allegedly violating hijab rules, gave rise to mass anti-regime protests in all 31 of Irans provinces that were at the time the biggest threat to Khameneis rule in more than three decades. The situation drew international condemnation also caused in part by Tehran arming Russia in its war in Ukraine. What became known as the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising appeared to briefly quieten down after the execution of four protesters, the deaths of more than 500 people, and stories of rape and torture trickling out of prisons holding the more than 60,000 people arrested during the unrest. In 2023 Khamenei granted limited amnesty allegedly to tens of thousands of prisoners a move that human rights organisations suggested was a public relations stunt to clear him of accusations of gross human rights violations. The following year, a UN fact-finding mission found that crimes against humanity had been committed during the uprising. Khamenei amassed control of bonyads (charitable foundations) worth tens of billions of US dollars, and under his rule Iran was marred by systemic corruption, mismanagement and rising repression. At home there was deeply felt anger and resentment towards him and the clerical establishment. His position was strengthened by re-establishing ties with Saudi Arabia, and other Arab neighbours in the Persian Gulf, and joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brics intergovernmental groups. He gained support from China through a 25-year cooperation deal and from Russia through a defence and cooperation treaty that armed Moscow with drones and reportedly ballistic missiles to use in its Ukraine war. Still, Israels normalisation with some Arab states through the Abraham accords appeared threatening to the resistance axis, and it is no surprise that Khamenei backed the 7 October attack on Israel. Irans tit-for-tat strikes with Israel and the assassinations of Hamas leadership in Tehran and the Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah prompted speculation that Khamenei would be next. Khamenei attempted to prove himself defiant and willing to be martyred when he made a rare appearance on the first anniversary of the terrorist attack with a rifle in his hand to deliver a speech in which he called the attack on Israel a logical, just and internationally legal action. That posturing proved to be short-lived when a rebel offensive ousted the Assad regime in Syria, which the IRGC and its proxies had helped prop up for more than a decade, in December 2024. At the start of the following year, the Trump administration returned to office, with a renewed maximum pressure strategy. That April, the US and Iran entered talks over its nuclear programme, but little progress was made. On 12 June, just three days before another round of negotiations in Oman, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, triggering what became known as the 12-day war. The Israeli attack on military top brass and Irans ballistic missile infrastructure was followed by a US bombing of Irans nuclear facilities, causing severe damage. Despite Trump declaring the nuclear program obliterated, he continued to signal openness to renewed negotiations after he forced a ceasefire on 24 June. In late December 2025, protests sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial against the US dollar rapidly evolved into nationwide anti-regime protests, posing yet another threat to Khameneis three-decade rule. It was a call by Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed shah, who offered himself as a transitional leader, that prompted record-breaking numbers in the streets on 8 January. On that date a communications shutdown ensued after Khamenei issued kill orders on protesters, and an unprecedented massacre followed. Born in the holy north-eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, Ali was the second of eight children of Khadijeh Mirdamadi and her husband Javad Khamenei, an Islamic scholar. The family depended on the charity of others, sometimes having nothing to eat but bread with some raisins. When Khamenei was 13, in 1952, the militant cleric Navvab Safavi spoke at his Islamic school and delivered a fiery speech against the monarchy. In Khameneis words, the very first sparks of consciousness concerning Islamic, revolutionary ideas, and the duty to fight the shahs despotism and his British supporters, were kindled in him. From 1958 to 1964, Khamenei did his religious studies at the Hojjatie school at the seminary in Qom, the centre of Islam in Iran, where he came under the tutelage of Khomeini and in 1962 joined the clerical movement against the shah. Khameneis worldview was shaped by the events of his youth, including the MI6-backed CIA coup detat against the prime minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953. His pro-Palestine leanings were largely prompted by Khameneis readings of the Muslim Brotherhood member Sayyid Qutb, which he had translated to Persian. The notion of gharbzadegi (westoxification), espoused by Jalal Al-e-Ahmad, shaped his ideas of the west and its imperialist hold over Iran. Naturally, Khamenei and those likeminded clerics at the time saw Islam as a cultural and ideological weapon against it. Despite this stance, Khamenei was an avid reader of western literature including Uncle Toms Cabin, The Grapes of Wrath, and even the writings of Leo Tolstoy. But the story that spoke to him the most was Victor Hugos Les Miserables, which Khamenei once described as miraculous and a book of wisdom. He enjoyed other literary works, including Persian poetry, having grown up with his mother quoting the poet Hafez. From 1963 onwards, Khameneis views and outspokenness against the shah would get him imprisoned several times by the notorious secret police the Savak which the CIA and the Israeli Mossad had trained. The torture and isolation he reportedly underwent in the Qasr jail, since turned into a museum, had a deep impact on him, as recounted in his memoir, Cell No 14. Khamenei continued to be a close adherent of Khomeini for the next 16 years despite his exile abroad. When Khomeini returned from exile in France in February 1979, after the two years of protests that ousted the shah, Khamenei was part of the revolutionary council. By then he was wearing many turbans, including those of Friday prayer leader in Tehran and deputy defence minister, and he would later play a role in organising the military during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88. The conflict increased his distrust of the west, given its material support of the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and ignoring the use of chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers. In 1981, Khamenei survived an assassination attempt that paralysed his right hand. He said: I wont need the hand. It would suffice if my brain and tongue work. He served as president of the Islamic Republic for two terms (1981-89). In 1987 he made his only trip to the US, to address the UN general assembly. Months before Khomeinis death from a heart attack in 1989, Khamenei reportedly said: Im not qualified to be supreme leader. Its not the proper place for me. When Khomeini died, the former president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani pushed the uncharismatic, underqualified and reluctant Khamenei not at that point having achieved the senior clerical rank of ayatollah forward. Despite his initial diffidence, Khamenei the supreme leader came to resemble Big Brother, in that his visage was seen everywhere complete with wide-rimmed glasses, white beard and the black turban that indicates a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Even though the majority of his support, and that for the Islamic Republic, waned over the years, with anti-regime sentiment commonplace, he still had followers who continued to participate in pro-government rallies and in engineered elections to maintain the clerical establishment. In 1965 Khamenei married Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, and they had six children. Ali Hosseini Khamenei, cleric and political leader, born 19 April 1939; died 28 February 2026 The headline of this article was amended on 1 March 2026. An earlier version misspelled the surname of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian supreme leader, leaves after casting his vote during the presidential election in Tehran, Iran, 28 June 2024. Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP (Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP) Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed, Iranian state media has confirmed, in the opening salvo of a war the US and Israel launched with the aim of regime change. Khamenei had not been heard from since the strikes began, and satellite imagery showed that his secure compound was heavily damaged in the initial barrage on Saturday. The confirmation came early on Sunday, hours after Donald Trump announced the death of the ayatollah, who has ruled Iran as supreme leader since 1989, in a post on Truth Social. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead, Trump wrote. He was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. Trump said that the goal of the military campaign, which began on Saturday morning with a barrage of missiles and airstrikes, was regime change. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he wrote. We are hearing that many of their IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, had earlier said there were many signs Khamenei was no longer alive, and Israeli officials briefed media that his body had been recovered. Iranian media reported on Sunday that the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of Khamenei had also been killed in Saturdays strikes. The semi-official Fars news agency, which has links to the IRGC, reported: After establishing contact with informed sources in the supreme leaders household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of the revolutionary leader has unfortunately been confirmed. Early on Sunday, Israels military said it had launched another wave of strikes against Irans ballistic missile and air defence systems. US Central Command said on Sunday it was now delivering swift and decisive action as directed. In Israel, alerts sounded repeatedly overnight to warn of incoming Iranian attacks. A 50-year-old woman was killed on Saturday night when a missile struck Tel Aviv, the first fatality in Israel since the war began, media reported. Around 120 people have been injured. Iran also launched new strikes targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, while there were reports of explosions in the UAE. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack killed one person in Abu Dhabi, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at Dubais main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The death of Irans supreme leader is a significant early success in the joint US-Israeli operation, which began with waves of air attacks across the country and have plunged the Middle East into a new regional conflict with no certain timeline or outcome. Khamenei has carried a political heft unmatched by any other serving Iranian official, military or religious leader. Irans assembly of experts, a council of religious leaders, should convene to select a new supreme leader when Khamenei has died, although analysts indicated that the ultraconservative IRGC may be better positioned to consolidate power. The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, the judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and another top official will lead Iran in the transitional period following Khameneis death, state media reported. Irans also confirmed on Sunday that the chief of the Revolutionary Guards, Gen Mohammad Pakpour, and another top security adviser were killed in Saturdays attacks. Netanyahu said that Israeli strikes had also killed several leaders involved in the Iranian nuclear programme and that strikes against sites linked to the programme would continue in the coming days. In an earlier video address, Trump claimed Operation Epic Fury would end a security threat to the US and give Iranians a chance to rise up against their rulers. Netanyahu in his evening address called on Iranians to flood the streets and finish the job. Iranian media reported that 201 people had been killed and 747 people injured in the initial US-Israeli attacks, including more than 100 children at a school. Iranian officials said they had not been surprised by the US attacks and that the consequences would be long-lasting and extensive. All scenarios were on the table including ones that were not previously considered. Irans Revolutionary Guards threatened all US bases and interests in the region and said Irans retaliation would continue until the enemy is decisively defeated. Centcom said the military had successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones and that no US casualties had been reported. A senior Trump administration official said the US had chosen to launch strikes against Iran on Saturday because its ballistic missiles programme presented an intolerable threat to US forces and allies in the region and that the US had information that Iran was considering a pre-emptive strike. The threat from Iran is ultimately their ambition to acquire nuclear weapons, but in the short term, it is the conventional weapon, the conventional missile capability, that they have, particularly in the southern belt, that poses a threat to the United States and our allies in the region, the official said, adding that the US had proven quite effective at targeting Iranian launchers. The president decided he was not going to sit back and allow American forces in the region to absorb attacks from conventional missiles, the official added. At an emergency meeting of the UN security council on Saturday the US and Israel clashed with Iran, with the US ambassador, Mike Waltz, insisting the military action was lawful. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, he told the council. That principle is not a matter of politics. Its a matter of global security. Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the UN, told the council that the airstrikes had killed and injured hundreds of Iranian civilians, which he called a war crime and a crime against humanity. The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, urged a halt to their attacks and a return to negotiations. The alternative, he warned, is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died aged 86 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, plunging the region into further instability. Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei was killed in the airstrikes overnight, describing him as one of the most evil people in history and claiming that now is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. Trumps confirmation came after a senior Israeli government source told The Independent that the clerical ruler, who has overseen Irans transformation into one of the Middle Easts dominant powers since 1989, was killed in a strike that flattened his compound. Donald Trump confirmed that the US had carried out major combat operations in Iran. The Israeli military later said that around 200 warplanes were involved in the attack. The death of the Ayatollah will leave a vacuum of power in Iran after three decades of rule, with no clear internal successor. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Iran's Supreme Leader) Khamenei was born on April 19, 1939, in the holy city of Mashhad in northeast Iran and raised in a clerical family. His father was a respected scholar and he undertook religious studies at an early age. He would go on to study under prominent clerics, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who became a close confidant. In the 1960s and 70s, Khamenei entered the arena of politics as a vocal critic of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was arrested several times by government forces, before being exiled in 1964. The Ayatollah played a key role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which led to the replacement of the Imperial State of Iran by the Islamic Republic of Iran. After the revolution, Khamenei returned to Tehran and became President of Iran in 1981. That same year, he survived an assassination attempt when a bomb hidden in a tape recorder exploded beside him during Saturday prayers at the Abuzar Mosque in Tehran. The attack severely injured his right arm. The Ayatollahs regime has ruthlessly cracked down on dissent (UGC) During the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, Khamenei consolidated his power and developed close ties to Irans Revolutionary Guards. The war, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, left deep scars on Iranian society. Estimates of total casualties range from 1,000,000 to twice that number, on both sides. After the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, Irans Assembly of Experts selected Khamenei as Supreme Leader. He went on to rule the country for three times longer than his predecessor and profoundly shaped Iranian society and its foreign policy aims. The Ayatollah entrenched the system of rule by the mullahs," or Shiite Muslim clerics. At the same time, he built the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into the dominant force in Irans military and internal politics. The Supreme Leader ruthlessly crushed dissent during his long rule and resisted any attempts to give more power to Irans parliament. The Ayatollah meets with Vladimir Putin, a close ally (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Huge nationwide protests erupted in 2009 over allegations of vote-rigging following the surprising election victory of conservative candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad was declared the victor with more than 60 percent of the vote, prompting the opposition to reject the result and gather to protest. Although the protests were peaceful, police and paramilitary groups were deployed to suppress demonstrators. A handful of protesters and members of the opposition were killed. Protests continued for the rest of the year, with hundreds killed or thrown in jail, where many were allegedly subject to torture. Over the coming decades, the Ayatollah would attempt to turn Iran into an aggressive power, wielding influence across the Middle East and framing the US and Israel as Irans principal enemies. Under his rule, Tehran built and funded a network of proxies across the region including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Israel and Palestine and the Houthi movement in Yemen. The Ayatollah developed a close relationship with Syrias former president Bashar al-Assad, Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. But it was the rebuilding of Irans nuclear programme that would ultimately put the country on a collision course with the west, despite the Ayatollahs insistence that the regime did not intend to build nuclear weapons. Ahmadinejads successor, centrist cleric Hassan Rouhani, took a less belligerent approach to foreign policy upon his election as President in 2015 and sought to defuse tensions with the west. Donald Trump confirmed a 'major combat operation' in Iran (Truth Social) In 2015, he struck a deal with the US and western allies to limit the Iranian nuclear program in return for sanctions relief and other provisions. But three years later, President Donald Trump would withdraw from the agreement, arguing it did not do enough to restrain Iran. Sanctions on Tehran caused significant economic harm. In 2020, tensions between Iran and the US increased significantly after Washington killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike. Tehran launched retaliatory missile strikes on US bases in Iraq. The Ayatollah faced a domestic crisis in 2022, when nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini while in morality police custody. Widespread demonstrations prompted a ruthless crackdown, with arrests and executions of protesters. The past five years have also seen the dismantling of Irans proxy network. Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel brought a massive Israeli retaliation on the Gaza Strip, but also prompted the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to launch several operations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. An even heavier blow to the Ayatollah came in December 2024 with the fall of Assad in Syria, when Sunni rebels marched on the capital and removed him from power. Suddenly, a government hostile to Iran and Hezbollah was in power in Damascus. In June 2025, the US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. The strike came in support of Israels 12-day war on the Islamic republic in June, although the US reportedly proved unsuccessful in destroying Irans alleged nuclear weapons programme. Britain has given the US permission to use its military bases to strike Iran. Sir Keir Starmer backed the war with Iran after Tehran continued to strike allies across the Middle East with missiles and drones. In a video posted on X, the Prime Minister said: The United States has requested permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept that request, to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved. My update on the situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/DvsOVcTDMy Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2026 In an earlier joint statement with France and Germany, the UK suggested the three countries could support the attacks on Iranian soil, launched by the US and Israel, for the first time. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Irans capability to fire missiles and drones at their source, the statement read. We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter. An F-35 launches from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier on Sunday - US navy via AP Britain had previously refused US permission to use bases such as RAF Fairford and the British-owned base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, citing international law. The decision led Donald Trump to withdraw his support for Sir Keirs deal to hand the islands to Mauritius. The change in its position followed a second day of heavy bombings in Iran and Iranian strikes on Gulf states. US and Israeli missile strikes intensified on Sunday after Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, was killed, prompting more retaliatory barrages of Iranian rockets and drones. Several areas of the capital, Tehran, were struck as the US navy and air force continued efforts to gain total air supremacy. After less than 48 hours of warfare, US and Israeli forces have killed much of Irans top leadership, destroyed dozens of missile launchers and sunk nine of the regimes warships. In addition, a key explosives factory has been dismantled. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Sunday confirmed a suspected drone strike on the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. There were no injuries, the MoD said. British servicemen stationed on the island are said to have received an alert warning of a security threat and urging them to remain indoors. A security alert was declared at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at midnight local time, a MoD spokesperson said in a statement. Our force protection in the region is at the highest level, and the base has responded to defend our people. This is a live situation, and further information will be provided in due course. Some reports suggested the explosions may have been caused by missiles fired from Lebanon. If launched from Lebanon, the potential attack is likely to have been orchestrated by Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy group. Hezbollah fired a barrage of missiles at Israel after midnight, Israeli security officials said. The strikes indicate the group has formally entered the war. Mr Trump said that Irans interim leaders were willing to enter ceasefire talks, and revealed that operations in Iran had been designed to last four weeks, or a shorter time if the regime came to the table to agree a nuclear deal. In a video posted on Sunday night from Mar-a-Lago, the US president said military operations would continue until all objectives had been achieved. He added: I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military and police to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death. It will be certain death. It wont be pretty. Mr Trump said hundreds of targets had been hit - Truth Social The costs of Mr Trumps gamble on regime change began to rise on Sunday as the US confirmed its first casualties of the war, with three soldiers killed and five wounded. Brent crude jumped 13 per cent to around $82 a barrel when oil markets opened on Sunday night, as airstrikes on Iran continued for a second day. The jump took prices to a seven month high. Shipping has already ceased through the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for a fifth of the worlds oil supply. Earlier in the day, the president said the interim leaders of Iran had agreed to ceasefire talks. Mr Trump said that they want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They could have made a deal, the US president told The Atlantic, saying that they played too cute. US sailors prepare weapons on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln - US Navy/US Central Command/AFP via Getty Iranian missiles struck targets across Israel and the Gulf, including Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, raising fears of a wider conflagration. Hundreds of thousands of British citizens are among those stranded in the region and on Sunday ministers were planning one of the largest mass evacuations since the Second World War. On Sunday, an RAF Typhoon scrambled to intercept a Shahed drone heading towards Qatar. In his statement, Sir Keir said: Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them. Theyve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation. We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. That is the situation we face today. Sir Keir stressed that such defensive action was in accordance with international law, and published a summary of the Governments legal advice. The advice states: As well as defending itself and its position in the region, the UK is acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support. The UKs actions and related support to its allies is solely focussed on ending the threat of air and missile attacks against regional allies unlawfully attacked by Iran and who have not been involved in hostilities from the outset. It does not signal the UK having any wider involvement in the broader ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. Credit: @Vahid / X Sir Keir has been facing pressure from the Left to condemn the attacks on Iran as a breach of international law, as well as from senior figures on the Right, who urged him to join other world leaders in expressing support. Lord Wolfson, the shadow attorney general, said he disagreed with the apparent interpretation of international law by Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, and added that the Prime Minister could overrule him. I dont accept that international law requires our Prime Minister to deliver a pusillanimous statement setting out the UKs position whose first point is we did not participate [in the air strikes], he said. If the doctrines of international law prove unable to restrain Iranian terrorism and mass murder, and tie the hands of democracies while forcing them to stand and watch Iranian atrocities, international law will have failed. Dame Emily Thornberry, the Labour chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said on Saturday that the attacks were illegal and ill-advised. Richard Burgon, a Left-wing Labour MP, said they were an illegal act of aggression. On Sunday, Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, condemned the attacks in Iran as illegal and unprovoked, while Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who now heads Your Party in the Commons, said the strikes were clearly illegal and designed to bring about regime change. Iranians outside the Iranian embassy in London celebrate the US strikes - Lab Mo/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Iranians celebrating outside Downing Street said on Sunday night that the Prime Minister must back Mr Trump and Israel. Salome Aziz, 45, an Iranian who grew up in the UK and recently returned from the US, said: Im really surprised with how quickly the Ayatollah was killed. I love the US and Israel for doing what they did. We will always remember those that stood by us... I think Keir Starmer is ridiculous and spineless for his inaction, and I hope he gets removed. Earlier in the day, Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, said he supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security. Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, used similar language, while Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, also backed the action. The 133 cardinal-electors enter the Sistine Chapel at the start of the conclave last May - Vatican Pool A cardinal brought a mobile phone inside the top-secret conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV last year in a massive security breach, according to a new book. The papal conclave, an 800-year-old selection process held at the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, is one of the worlds most mysterious and secretive traditions. Vatican Church officials are cut off from the outside world and forced to surrender phones for the duration of the vote, which can last anywhere from a few days to years. But Mays proceedings were interrupted when an elderly cardinal was found with the device in his pocket, according to the book titled The Election of Pope Leo XIV. Gerard OConnell, veteran Vatican correspondent, who wrote the book alongside Elisabetta Pique, told The Telegraph: He was disoriented and distressed. He was as surprised as everyone else was. Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2025 by the top-secret conclave - Alberto Pizzoli/AFP He said the phone was discovered after Vatican support staff had been ushered out of the Sistine Chapel and the first round of voting was about to begin in front of Michelangelos spectacular altarpiece, The Last Judgment. It had no impact on the final outcome, which saw the election of the first American to head the Catholic Church, a result that caught many pundits by surprise. But it exposed a huge security lapse since the Vatican was supposedly jamming all electronic interference. We all saw the film, Conclave, the reality is better than fiction, said Mr OConnell, referring to the 2024 hit film that presented a fictional account of the internal drama and intrigue that surrounds the election of the pope. In real life, nobody expected this with all the security measures taken by the Vatican. There was massive security to ensure the place was secure from any electronic interference. Cardinals attend a mass at St Peters Basilica prior to the start of last years papal conclave - Vatican Pool Without their mobile phones to use as alarms, some cardinals overslept in Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guest house, where they reside during the conclave, the book claimed. Santa Marta staff had to go and knock on their doors on the first day, said Mr OConnell. Then they gave them alarm clocks. Some cardinals also complained about the lack of bathroom facilities in the chapel which meant they had to be escorted to an external restroom during their lengthy voting sessions. Its like going back to kindergarten, one cardinal told the authors. These are elderly people and they were in there a long time, up until 9pm, said Mr OConnell. In the past there was a toilet on the right side of the chapel. For some reason that was closed. The Vatican declined to comment about the book. Nigel Farage (centre left) with Matt Goodwin, the Reform UK candidate for this weeks Gorton and Denton by-election, who finished second - Danny Lawson/PA Nigel Farage has called for Commonwealth citizens to be banned from voting in British elections. The Reform UK leader said that only naturalised British citizens should be allowed to vote, while residents from Pakistan, India, and other nations should lose the privilege. The current rules allow Commonwealth citizens to register and vote if they meet residency or leave-to-remain conditions. But Mr Farage argued that this undermined national sovereignty and led to elections being fought on international issues rather than domestic ones. His claim followed reports of illegal family voting in the Gorton and Denton by-election, which are being assessed by police. Mr Farage accused Muslim voters of cheating to elect the Green Party in the constituency, which has a large British-Pakistani population, claiming the result was a victory for sectarian politics. Hannah Spencer MP celebrates her by-election victory in Gorton and Denton with Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader - Jon Super/AP Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Farage said there was something fundamentally wrong with the way British elections were conducted, adding that the alleged issues of the Gorton and Denton by-election must not be repeated. He said: Allowing non-Brits people with zero connection to this country to vote on our future is absurd. It is right that only British citizens should be able to vote in British parliamentary elections. Mr Farage also called for mass postal voting to be axed to save British democracy from corruption. He said postal votes were potentially a rich seam for fraudsters to mine and should be scaled back drastically to prevent their abuse. Labelling the reported family voting in Gorton and Denton a monstrous attack on democracy, he called for a bigger and more fundamental debate about our electoral system. Family voting is the phenomenon in which relatives accompany voters into the polling booth, potentially influencing their decision. Mr Farage asked: If that level of pressure was being applied at the polling booths, can you even imagine the levels of coercion that might take place around postal voting at home? He said that ministers should restrict postal voting to those who genuinely cannot vote in person on the day such as the elderly and infirm, or those who were away on holiday, working abroad or serving overseas in the Armed Forces. Corruption of our democracy He said: Arguments about the convenience of postal voting should not matter. This is about the corruption of our democracy. But you should need to have a good reason to request a postal vote, backed up by documentary evidence. Postal voting was first introduced for people serving in the armed forces shortly after the First World War. It was extended to certain categories of civilians in 1948, and expanded in 1985. Under Sir Tony Blairs government, in 2000, postal votes were made available on demand to anyone who requested them. Mr Farage added: Im imploring the Government, a Labour Government that until now might have benefited from mass postal voting, to think again. Parliament needs to do something drastic to clear up the democratic system. For a start, we should scrap the postal voting register as it exists for the May 7 elections. Then allow people if they wish to apply for their own postal vote. Mr Farage added that police forces should play a more prominent role in ensuring that returning officers enforced the law on family voting in polling stations. He said that we need to think very hard about whether Commonwealth citizens should have the right to vote in British parliamentary elections. On Friday, Labour lost the by-election in Gorton and Denton, coming third behind the Greens and Reform in a serious blow to Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister rejected fresh demands from Labour MPs and unions for him to quit, vowing to fight on and, like Reform UK, accusing the Green Party of sectarian politics. On Saturday the fallout continued, with senior Labour figures wading in. Lucy Powell, the partys deputy leader, claimed that Andy Burnham would have won the seat for Labour if he had not been blocked from standing by Sir Keirs allies. She told the BBCs Newscast podcast that the Mayor of Greater Manchester probably would have been successful, adding that if he had been the Labour candidate, I think certainly the Greens wouldnt have gone after the seat in the same way that they did. Ms Powell also said the party needed to make more use of Andy Burnham. Asked whether Sir Keir should be more like him, she said: Lets learn from Andy and also bring Andy more on board with what were doing as well. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, told the Labour North conference on Saturday that Labour must show humility in defeat and must not try to out-Green the Greens or out-Reform Reform. A fresh wave of explosions has been heard in Dubai for a second day as Iran continues its strikes on the Gulf in response to US and Israeli attacks. Witnesses said that blasts had been heard in Dubai and the Qatari capital Doha on Sunday, with authorities saying the sounds were the result of successful interception operations. UAEs Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones had been launched from Iran towards the country so far. Three people had been killed and 58 injured, the authorities said. Thick black plumes of smoke continued to rise from the Jebel Ali port area, where one of the berths caught fire earlier on Sunday because of debris from an aerial interception of a missile. Two people were also injured in Dubai after shrapnel from drones fell on two houses when they were intercepted, a Dubai Media Office statement said. A plume of smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images) Iran has said that it would target US bases in the region, but it has hit a range of other targets across Gulf cities. Dubai's international airport, its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel, and man-made Palm Jumeirah Island have all suffered damage. The Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Sunday morning: Authorities confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, resulting in two injuries. This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on February 28, 2026, shows smoke and flames rising from Dubai's landmark The Palm archipelago, as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the Gulf following US and Israeli attacks. (UGC/ANONYMOUS/AFP via Getty Imag) The injured have received the necessary medical care. Authorities also clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations. Bahrains National Communications Centre also confirmed on Sunday that their defence force had responded to a fresh wave of Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Crown Plaza Hotel in the capital Manama was targeted resulting in damage but no loss of life, Bahrains Ministry of Interior said. Citizens and residents were urged to head to the nearest safe place by authorities, and to refrain from using the main roads. Security and civil defence workers stand outside the damaged Crown Plaza hotel, following an Iranian military strike, in Manama on March 1, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images) In Abu Dhabi, a woman and her child were hurt after debris from a drone hit the facade of one of the buildings at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabis media office said on Sunday morning. In a statement on X, they said the woman and child had suffered minor injuries and there had been minor material damage to the Etihad building. They said that the sounds heard across the emirate were due to the successful interception operations. One Asian national was also killed and at least seven injured after a drone was intercepted targeting Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi airports reported. Debris from a drone ignited a fire at Dubais iconic Burj Al Arab hotel on Saturday. Authorities said the fire had been limited to the hotels outer facade and that no injuries were reported. Four people were injured after an incident at Dubai International Airport and the terminals were cleared of passengers. A yacht sails past a plume of smoke rising from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images) UK ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart, told British nationals to shelter in place on Sunday. In a video posted to social media on Sunday morning, he acknowledged: I know many of you will have had disturbed nights, woken up to noises and alerts. Its been a really difficult 24 hours. Theres been hundred of missile and drone attacks over Abu Dhabi and Dubai which have been intercepted. Mr Hobart added that he was very grateful for the swift actions of the UAE defence forces. Motorists drive past a plume of smoke rising from a reported Iranian strike in the industrial district of Doha on March 1, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images) Israel said that it had launched another wave of attacks on Iran on Sunday, while US president Donald Trump warned of consequences for retaliation. Mr Trump warned in a post on Truth Social that Iran better not attack further on Sunday, saying: If they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before! Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an air strike yesterday, Iranian state media confirmed. Irans top security official, Ali Larijani, said a temporary leadership council would be set up. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Israel early on Sunday, with a series of explosions heard in Tel Aviv as Israels sophisticated air defence system sought to intercept the latest Iranian offensive. Reporting contributed from Reuters. Passengers wait after their flight disruption at Rafik Hariri international airport in Beirut, Lebanon. Photograph: Wael Hamzeh/EPA (Photograph: Wael Hamzeh/EPA) The US and Israeli attack on Iran continued to cause severe disruption to flights throughout the Middle East and beyond on Sunday, creating uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of travellers. Countries across the region closed their airspace, and three of the key airports that connect Europe, Africa and the west to Asia halted operations. In response, the UK government is planning one of the biggest evacuations in its history. More than 76,000 British citizens have registered their presence in affected areas of the Middle East and this number is expected to rise. Travellers were either stranded or diverted to other airports after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain shut their airspace. There were also no flights over the United Arab Emirates, the flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said, after the government announced a temporary and partial closure of its airspace. That led to the closure of airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and the cancellation of thousands of flights by major Middle Eastern and global airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Dubai is the worlds busiest airport for international traffic. Related: Inside Trumps decision to attack Iran: a window of opportunity Major international airports in the region also became targets of Irans retaliatory strikes. Dubais international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage and four people were injured. Abu Dhabi Airports said in a post on X that an incident at Zayed international airport in the UAEs capital resulted in one death and seven injuries. It later deleted the post. The three major airlines that operate at those airports Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad typically have about 90,000 passengers a day passing through those hubs, and even more travellers headed to destinations in the Middle East, according to the aviation analytics firm Cirium. All three suspended flights. More than 3,400 flights were cancelled across the seven main airports in the Middle East on Sunday. . The tracking service Flightradar24 said a new notice to airmen had extended closure of Iranian airspace until at least 8.30am UK time on Tuesday. More than two-thirds of the 76,000 Britons in affected areas are believed to be in the UAE, and most are holidaymakers or other travellers, rather than residents. Dubai is a major tourist and business destination. The UK governments advice is for people to follow local instructions, especially where it is to shelter in their current location. It is also looking at all options for different eventualities, which could include evacuations via different routes at a later date an enormous logistical task. The Foreign Offices advice is against all travel to Iran, Israel and Palestine. It also advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. There are further instructions to avoid travel to some parts of Pakistan, and British nationals in Saudi Arabia are advised to stay at home. Those in Jordan, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq should take precautions, given the heightened regional tensions. Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group, said: For travellers, theres no way to sugarcoat this. You should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end. Its the sheer volume of people and the complexity, said John Strickland, a UK-based aviation analyst. It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over the place. Austrian Airlines sent an evacuation flight to Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Sunday to return staff and crew unable to fly from Dubai. The airspace closures in the Middle East could be exacerbated by the fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, squeezing airlines into even narrower flight corridors. It is unclear how long the disruption to flights could last. The situation is changing quickly and airlines urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Twenty-four out of 56 flights scheduled to depart from Heathrow to destinations in the Middle East were cancelled on Sunday, according to data from Cirium. Some airlines issued waivers to travellers that will allow them to rebook their flight plans without paying extra fees or higher fares. Jonathan Escott and his fiance had arrived at the airport in Newcastle, England, on Saturday only to find out that his direct flight to Dubai on Emirates had been cancelled, leaving everyone on the flight stuck there. Escott left to go back to where he was staying with family, about an hour from the airport, and had no idea when he may be able to travel. No one knows, he said. No one really knows whats going on with the conflict, really. Not Emirates, Emirates dont have a clue. The cancellations Numerous airlines cancelled international flights to Dubai through the weekend, as Indias civil aviation agency designated much of the Middle East including skies above Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon as a high security risk zone at all altitudes. Air India cancelled all flights to Middle East destinations, as well as some other destinations including London, New York and Paris. Turkish Airlines said flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan were suspended until Monday and flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman were suspended. US-based Delta Air Lines and United Airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv at least through the weekend. The Dutch airline KLM had already announced earlier in the week that it was suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv. It has now also cancelled services to Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until Thursday. Lufthansa suspended services to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman until Saturday, and flights in and out of Dubai. Pegasus Airlines has cancelled all services to Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Airlines including Air France and Transavia cancelled all flights to Lebanon, while American Airlines suspended flights from Philadelphia to Doha. Virgin Atlantic said it would avoid flying over Iraq, meaning flights to and from India, the Maldives and Riyadh could take slightly longer. The airline was already not flying over Iran and said all flights would carry appropriate fuel in case they need to reroute on short notice. British Airways said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain would be suspended until next week, and flights to Amman, Jordan, were cancelled on Saturday. It said customers booked up to Wednesday could request a full refund. Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until next Sunday. LOT suspended flights to Tel Aviv until 15 March, and cancelled flights to Dubai and Riyadh until Monday. FlyDubai suspended flights to and from Dubai until 3pm local time on Monday. Air Canada cancelled flights to Dubai until Tuesday, and to Israel until next Sunday. Aegean Airlines , Greeces largest carrier, suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Erbil until Monday. Air Astana has cancelled all flights to the Middle East until the end of Tuesday Airspace closures Iran swiftly closed its airspace as the strikes began until further notice, according to its Civil Aviation Organisation. Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights, the transport minister, Miri Regev, announced. Qatars civil aviation authority said it had temporarily closed the Gulf states airspace. Iraq shut down its airspace, state media said. The United Arab Emirates said it was closing its skies partially and temporarily. Syria closed part of its airspace in the south along the border with Israel for 12 hours, the civil aviation authority said. Jordan s air force was conducting drills to defend the kingdoms skies, its military said. Kuwait closed its airspace. With Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse Two missiles from Iran were fired in the direction of Cyprus, where the UK has military bases, the defence secretary has claimed. John Healey said the government did not believe they were targeting the bases intentionally, but said it shows how indiscriminate the Iranian retaliation to Saturdays US-Israel strikes was. But the presidents of the Republic of Cyprus and the unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have both questioned the claim and criticised Mr Healey for making statements without the full facts. Mr Healey also said that 300 UK military personnel were close to targets that were hit in Bahrain. Defence secretary John Healey speaking on Sky News (Sky News) Mr Healey told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: "This is a really serious and deteriorating situation, (with) rising risks of increasing Iranian indiscriminate retaliatory attacks. "Let me give you a couple of examples. Yesterday, we had 300 personnel on that Bahrain base that was attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, some of them within a few hundred yards of where they landed. "We had two missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus. We don't believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless, it's an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, and that requires us to act." The revelations came a day after Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had ordered planes in the sky over the Middle East on defensive operations to protect our allies. Sir Keir has also spoken to the president of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides about the crisis. However, President Christodoulides cast serious doubt on whether there had been a threat from missiles. He said: In relation to statements and media reports referring to the launch of missiles towards the direction of Cyprus, it is clarified that this is not the case and there is no indication whatsoever that the country was under threat. Meanwhile TRNC president Tufan Erhurman went further in criticising the defence secretary. He posted on Facebook: Making statements without fully confirming any news at a time like this is extremely risky. The information confirmed at the highest level by our military authorities is that reports of two missiles being launched from Iran towards the island are false. We are in constant contact with our military authorities. We will share confirmed, accurate information with our people. Mr Healey also repeated the prime ministers calls for Iran to end its missile strikes and steps back from its increasing uncontrolled indiscriminate attacks in the region and gives up its weapons programs. It came as the US and Israel launched waves of missile strikes on Iran in preemptive actions, taking out military infrastructure and the countrys leadership, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Mr Healey added: Few people will mourn the Ayatollahs death. The defence secretary said he was now more concerned about the repercussions of the attacks on Iran in the wider region. He noted the 20 terror plots on the UKs streets organised by Iran, the death of tens of thousands of its own citizens and the supply of 50,000 drones to Russia to attack Ukraine. Make no mistake that this is a regime which harasses other countries and can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Mr Healey declined to comment on whether the US-Israeli strikes on Iran were legal. Blasts in Bahrain (Reuters) He told Sky News: "No one who has seen the way that Iran has menaced us and sponsored terror around the world, been a source of instability in the region, is developing a nuclear weapons program, can be under any doubt about the character of this regime, and the threat it poses." Asked again whether the US action was legal, he said: "That is for the US to set out and explain. It's not for me, as defence secretary of the UK, I'm here to speak for the UK. "I can speak for the very active participation that we have in coordinated defence across the region." He noted that everything the UK does is within international law. But Mr Healey also declined to say whether the UK may be drawn into joining the US and Israel in direct operations on Iran. Describing UK operations, Mr Healey said: "When our UK planes fly from Qatar, they are protecting against any missiles or drones directed towards Qatar. "When they fly from Cyprus, they're doing the same for Cyprus. "But of course, when our planes are in the air and they see things, missiles or drones directed towards other countries, they'll take them down. "So when I talk about Britain playing a role in reinforcing regional stability as part of co-ordinated regional defensive operations, that's what I mean." Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to raise questions over the governments approach to the crisis. Tory shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel questioned why the prime minister was not more "proactive" in the run-up to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. She also called on the government to expel the Iranian ambassador. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: Iran fires ballistic missiles towards Cyprus, home to a RAF base, yet the Defence Secretary says they were not targeting the island. Really? Does John Healey think Iran just accidentally fired ballistic missiles in that direction? This Labour government is totally rudderless. Following his partys victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election last week, Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he has seen "no evidence" the UK took the process of diplomacy and negotiation with Iran seriously before it was attacked. Mr Polanski said: "I've seen no evidence that the UK was really taking that process seriously, because part of the start of that would be to call out Donald Trump and Israel. There is only one region in that area with a nuclear weapon, and that's Israel." Handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him waving during an address in Tehran on February 17, 2026. Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28 died age 86 in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States. The countrys supreme leader from 1989 2026, Khamenei was a conservative cleric with fervent political beliefs whose tight grip on power led to the consolidation of an authoritarian regime in Iran and direct confrontations with the West and Israel. Khamenei was born in July 1939 in the northeastern city of Mashad. His family was very religious and hailed from Irans Turkish-speaking Azeri minority. As a young man, he began advanced religious studies in the holy city of Qom under the tutelage of Irans future theocrat, the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In the areas of political and revolutionary ideas and Islamic jurisprudence, I am certainly a disciple of Imam Khomeini," read a quote from Khamenei on his official website. A studious disciple with a passion for poetry, Khamenei not only followed his mentors religious teachings, he also followed Khomeini into politics, joining the Islamic opposition during Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavis reign. Launched by Khomeini in 1960, the Islamic opposition aimed to overthrow the shah, who ruled as an absolute monarch. Khamenei was arrested and imprisoned multiple times for participating in anti-regime protests before the fall of the monarchy during the 1979 Iranian Revolution and Khomeinis subsequent triumphant return to Iran from exile. The Islamic revolution also kick-started Khameneis own political rise. When Khomeini became Irans new supreme leader, he appointed Khamenei to the influential position of the imam leading Tehrans Friday Prayers. He also became the supreme leaders representative on the Iranian Supreme Defence Council. Controversial succession In June 1981, Khamenei survived an assassination attempt when a bomb hidden inside a tape recorder exploded next to him in a Tehran mosque. He lost the use of his right arm in the attack. I felt that God was sparing me and saving me for heavier responsibilities, he later said of the incident. Four months after the assassination attempt, Khamenei, aged 41, was elected Irans president with a landslide 95 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 1985, during the Iran-Iraq war. The day after Khomeinis death on June 3, 1989, Khamenei was appointed as Irans new supreme leader following an extraordinary meeting of the Assembly of Experts. Khomeini himself had chosen Khamenei to be his political successor, ousting previous candidate Ayatollah Ali Montazeri for his democratic leanings. But it was a post he was supposed to hold for an interim period until a more religiously qualified candidate was selected. Despite Khameneis black turban marking him as a descendent of the Prophet Mohammed, he held only an intermediate rank in the Shiite clergy. In controversial circumstances that remain unclear, Khamenei was hastily appointed ayatollah without having completed the required theological studies. Once in power, Khamenei took advantage of a power struggle between future Iranian president Hashemi Rafsanjani and Ahmed Khomeini (the son of the former leader) both of whom coveted his post to consolidate his position. As a new leader holding increasingly radical and conservative beliefs, he made constitutional amendments giving him total control over the country and its institutions under the principle of velayat-e-faqih, or rule of religious jurists, enshrining the supremacy of the clergy over the state. Ultimately, Khamenei took complete control of all the levers of power in Iran. He operated as supreme commander of the Iranian armed forces, giving him final say in matters of security, defence and foreign policy. He had the power to dismiss the president and validate presidential elections, and he appointed all of the countrys top security chiefs and the head of the judiciary. Green movement, Mahsa Amini: protests against authority Although Khamenei lacked the religious authority of his predecessor, he was deeply political. On the home front, he took advantage of the balance of power within the regime and began to use Irans security forces, including the Revolutionary Guards, to implement his policies. He formed a close relationship with General Qasem Soleimani, who was considered Khameneis second in command until he was assassinated by a US drone strike in January 2020. Overseas, Khamenei adopted a strategy of tension with the West and with neighbouring Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia. Khamenei managed to maintain his grip on power with bloody suppressions of street protests, including the 1999 student protest, the Green Movement against the controversial 2009 re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and protests against rising prices in 2017 and 2019. In September 2022, a massive protest movement was sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in hospital after being arrested by the morality police for improperly wearing her hijab. Widespread outrage over suspected police brutality gave rise to the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, with protestors calling for death to the dictator. In the year after Aminis death, NGOs reported more than 500 protesters were killed by the regime. An isolated regime Alongside homegrown protest movements that tested Khameneis authority and pushed his regime to its limits, on the international stage he became the central figure in one of the most significant geopolitical conflicts of the 21st century: Irans nuclear programme. Accusations from the West and Israel that Iran was secretly developing its own nuclear weapon were denied by Tehran. The regimes isolation on the international stage increased with tense negotiations with major international powers, who slapped sanctions that brought the Iranian economy to its knees. In 2015, Khamenei who frequently criticised the US for its deviant culture and criminal diplomacy gave his approval for the sweeping nuclear deal between Iran and the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme, accepting surprise UN nuclear inspections, in exchange for sanctions relief. The nuclear deal was viewed with suspicion in Israel and Saudi Arabia, particularly as Iran increased its influence in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, stoking tensions in the region. In 2018, during US President Donald Trumps first term in the White House, the US withdrew from the nuclear deal and slapped crippling sanctions against Tehran, reigniting tensions between Iran, the West and western allies in the Middle East. On Khameneis orders, Iran retaliated by accelerating its nuclear programme. By 2021 as talks aimed at reinstating the treaty resumed, with indirect participation from the US the Islamic Republic had reached nuclear milestones including increasing its uranium enrichment rate to an unprecedented 60 percent. On October 7, 2023, an unprecedented attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas triggered a chain of events that would destabilise Khameneis position on the international stage. Hamas was part of an axis of resistance in the Middle East, created by Khamenei and Soleimani, uniting militant and political organisations such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Retaliatory attacks by Israel on Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in the wake of the October 7 attack largely decimated their leadership, taking out what Khamenei intended to be a first line of defence deterring direct attacks on the Islamic Republic. In the autumn of 2024, Khamenei watched helplessly as Israel eliminated Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader who had pledged allegiance to Irans supreme leader, along with Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In Syria, rebels toppled long-term ally Bashar al-Assad, leaving Khameneis grip on the region dramatically diminished. Hunted by Netanyahu With Irans proxies weakened, the path was cleared for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch direct attacks on Iran that he said would dismantle Khameneis nuclear programme. A 12-day war broke out in June 2025, when Israeli strikes targeted hundreds of military and nuclear sites in Iran, killing high-ranking Iranian officials and nuclear scientists. Tehran launched drones and missile attacks on sites across Israel in response, notably targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. After the US joined the fray, launching strikes on targets in central Iran, all sides accepted a ceasefire deal imposed by Trump. As Khamenei went into hiding while his country was bombarded, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that killing the ayatollah would put an end to the conflict. The Unites States know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. Hes an easy target, but is safe there We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. Read moreAli Khamenei: Backed into a corner, Irans ruthless leader faces fight for survival During the conflict, none of Tehrans allies, such as China and Russia, came to Khameneis aid. Irans supreme leader emerged from the 12-day war having suffered the double humiliation of discovering the extent to which Israeli spies had infiltrated the highest echelons of his regime, and of seemingly owing his survival to the US president. In January, he has ordered the deadliest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, saying those protesting nationwide, initially against soaring prices, "should be put in their place" before security forces opened fire on demonstrators chanting "Death to the dictator!". He blamed US President Donald Trump for the unrest, saying: "We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation." Under pressure to negotiate, Tehran agreed to several rounds of talks, while the US president threatened the Islamic Republic with military intervention if the discussions did not result in an agreement on Iran's nuclear program. On February 28, Israel and the United States launched a campaign of air strikes described as preventive against Iran, stating that it was expected to last several days. Donald Trump directly calls on the Iranian people to seize power. Among the targets in Tehran was Ali Khamenei's coumpound. Khameneis death, after decades of consolidating his grip on power, opens a period of deep uncertainty for Iran, the future of its nuclear programme and the survival of a regime that is increasingly isolated internationally and rejected by much of the countrys youth. Adapted from the original in French by Joanna York Anti-regime protesters in southern Iran tore down a statue of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in celebration of his death on Saturday. In Tehran, loud cheers echoed from rooftops and through the streets. Celebratory music played, car horns honked and fireworks were set off in parts of the capital at around 11pm local time. They were joined by Iranians across the world who celebrated the Supreme Leaders downfall after he was killed in a barrage of US and Israeli missile strikes early on Saturday morning. Khameneis death was initially reported by Israeli media, before being confirmed by Donald Trump and later by Iranian state media. The celebrations rang out shortly after the first reports came out of Israel, despite the near-total internet blackout in Iran. Taking to his Truth Social platform, the US president said the most evil man was dead. The Iranian diaspora around the world marked the moment by dancing in the streets, sharing joyful videos on social media from across the UK, Europe, America and Australia. Some in Tehran said: The devil is dead, thank you US and Israel for standing on the right side of history. In London, human rights activist Lily Moo told The Telegraph it was a moment to savour. She said: Im overjoyed and Im celebrating by eating lots of sweet party food. I sprayed people with champagne outside the embassy when I found out the news. Were so happy its like a numb feeling inside. Footage showed people climbing a street sign to raise the former Shahs flag, while others shouted in celebration in Londons Finchley neighbourhood, which is home to a large Iranian diaspora community. In Golders Green, which has a large Jewish population, Jews and Iranians could be seen cheering and dancing in the streets. Thousands of Iranians marched through central London towards the Iranian embassy where they called for Prince Reza Pahlavi the son of the exiled Shah to take over and institute regime change. Other protesters staged an anti-war protest in Parliament Square, criticising Mr Trumps attack. Nader Fallah, who has previously given written evidence to a UK parliamentary committee regarding human rights breaches, the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and his concerns as a native of Iran, said he felt joy and euphoria. The bloodthirsty dictator and his murderous minions are no longer, he said. In Finchley, north London, hundreds of Iranians waved flags and honked car horns as celebrations spilled onto the streets of the area known as little Tehran - Belinda Jiao for The Telegraph Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad, in an interview with CBS, described it as a day of celebration in Boston. People took to the streets of the city, holding signs thanking Mr Trump for intervening as they clutched flags of the Republic of Iran, the US and Israel during a rally. Dozens of people poured outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid at another rally in support of US and Israeli military intervention, which saw military bases and Tehrans regime targeted on Saturday morning. People filled the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin and staged a Freedom for Iran demonstration in the wake of the strikes. Demonstrators holding Iranian, Israeli and American flags shout "ZDF, shame on you!" in front of the ZDF building on February 28, 2026 in Berlin, Germany.#GettyVideo Daniel Maletzki https://t.co/kAE3uta1nV pic.twitter.com/2IcdqXrQU0 Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) February 28, 2026 A campaigner said: We can smell freedom in the air. We needed a little help. Where was Britain? We will remember who stood with our people. Personally: I still have to pinch myself. Tears of joy when I hug my family and friends. Long live freedom. The celebrations across the world mirrored scenes inside Iran, where citizens also took to the streets despite the Basij militia patrols deployed to prevent anti-regime demonstrations. Footage showed widespread jubilation across multiple cities in Iran. Video from southern Fars province showed people celebrating outside the home of Pouya Jafari, a 15-year-old boy killed by government forces on Jan 7 during protests. Am I dreaming? Hello, new world! people could be heard saying in the footage. Another video showed young people celebrating in Geledar city in Mohr district, Fars province. Elsewhere, Iranians blared music, cheered, clapped and honked their car horns, according to videos on Telegram verified by AFP. Loud cheers reportedly echoed across parts Tehran of following initial reports of Khameneis death and people took to their windows to applaud and play loud music. Loud and sustained whistles and cheers were heard and fireworks could be seen being launched in videos shared on social media. The initial wave of anti-regime protests began in December, prompted by economic woes in the sanction-hit country, but soon grew into nationwide demonstrations that crested on Jan 8 and 9, posing one of the largest challenges to Irans leaders in years. The unrest prompted a violent government crackdown that killed thousands of people. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has recorded more than 7,000 deaths, while warning that the full toll is likely far higher. Iranian officials acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by terrorist acts fuelled by the United States and Israel. During the protests, the government had sought to walk a line between acknowledging protesters legitimate economic grievances while condemning so-called rioters. Images of protesters from Januarys anti-government demonstrations were also shared on social media on Saturday night. An F/A-18F Super Hornet taking off from the USS Gerald R Ford as the US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday - US Navy/Alamy Three American soldiers have been killed and five seriously wounded after Iran vowed to avenge the death of its Supreme Leader on Saturday. After Israel killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an air strike, the remnants of the Islamic Republics leadership unleashed scores of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East on Sunday. Despite the risk of escalation, the US and Israel pressed on with the second day of a high-stakes campaign to force regime change. On Sunday, Donald Trump said he would speak to Irans leadership as his allies called for an end to the military assault, launched a day earlier. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, the US president told The Atlantic magazine. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. A Tomahawk missile is launched from the USS Bulkeley destroyer on Saturday - US Navy/EPA/Shutterstock Ali Larijani, Irans top national security official, announced that an interim committee would run the country until a successor to Khamenei was found. Mr Larijani said he would hit American and Israeli targets with a force they have never experienced before. Dozens of people in Israel and the Gulf countries that play host to American forces were killed in the retaliatory strikes. The Pentagon announced the first American deaths in Mr Trumps war with Iran on Sunday without revealing which base had been struck. It said other troops had sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and were in the process of being returned to duty. Two military officials told the New York Times that a base in Kuwait housing American forces was one of the many targeted by Iran. The deaths will build pressure on Mr Trump from his isolationist Republican backers to come up with a plan to end the war. Gen Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had also warned the US president of the possibility of American casualties in private meetings ahead of the conflict. Washingtons foreign allies also joined the pressure campaign to halt the fighting because of the escalating death toll in the region. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said British personnel had been within several hundred yards of an Iranian strike on Bahrain, which also hosts the US Navys Fifth Fleet headquarters. Damage at the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrains capital Manama on Sunday - AFP via Getty/Planet Labs PBC British troops intercepted an Iranian drone in Iraq that was thought to be heading for a Western base in the country. Another drone heading towards Qatar was shot down by a RAF Typhoon jet, it was reported. In Abu Dhabi, an Iranian drone strike caused a warehouse fire at Al Salam naval base, which hosts French forces, the United Arab Emirates defence ministry said on Sunday. Catherine Vautrin, Frances defence minister, confirmed the strike, adding that no one was injured and saying French forces were on high alert as the situation continues to evolve by the hour. Civilian casualties also started to mount, with at least nine people killed in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, about 18 miles west of Jerusalem. A woman in her 40s was killed when a ballistic missile exploded near an apartment building in Tel Aviv. A further 27 people were wounded. The site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv - Reuters At least four people were killed in attacks across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, officials said. Britain urged its citizens living across the Middle East to take shelter as thousands were trapped, with air traffic frozen by the fighting. The Foreign Office was drawing up plans for the biggest mass evacuation in a generation to rescue thousands of stranded Britons. At least 76,000 Britons in the UAE and other Gulf states registered their location in preparation for the airlift. Meanwhile, Israeli fighter jets continued their bombardment, with strikes in the heart of Tehran, the countrys air force announced, as explosions rang out through the capital and plumes of smoke were seen rising from buildings. Credit: WANA via Reuters Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, claimed his countrys forces had achieved air superiority within 24 hours after the start of the operation, meaning the Jewish states aircraft could drop heavy bombs directly on their targets with impunity. Its armed forces said it had struck Irans missile launchers, air defence systems, command centres and headquarters. Irans state broadcaster, Irib, was targeted in strikes on Sunday, media reported. The US military said it used B-2 stealth bombers flying from a base in Missouri to attack Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000lb bombs. The same bombers were used in the attack on Irans nuclear facilities last June. In a series of social media posts, the US military announced it had sunk an Iranian warship on the first day of fighting and denied Iranian claims the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier had been struck by ballistic missiles. The Lincoln was not hit, US Central Command said, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had struck the vessel with four missiles. The missiles launched didnt even come close. Police in Los Angeles have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 12-year-old girl, who died after a school bully hit her in the head with a metal water bottle (GoFundMe) Police in Los Angeles have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 12-year-old girl, who reportedly died after another student hit her in the head with a metal water bottle. The incident occurred at Reseda High School earlier this month, though precise details of the circumstances that led to her injury have not been released. The girl was named as Khimberly on a GoFundMe page set up by her family, which has raised almost $90,000. As the baby of our family, she brought a special light and joy into our lives. She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future, the pages description read. Her passing has left our family in unimaginable pain. No parents should ever have to endure the loss of their youngest child. The Independent has contacted the LAPD for further information on the incident, though the force confirmed that the death was being investigated as a homicide. Khimberly was reportedly struck by the bottle while at school earlier this month and had afterward complained of headaches. Her family had taken her to see a doctor but they had not found anything to be wrong with her. Police in Los Angeles have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 12-year-old girl, Khimberly, who died after a school bully hit her in the head with a metal water bottle (GoFundMe) Last Saturday the youngster had attended a family gathering and played games before having a seizure later that night, according to her uncle Guy Gazit. Gazit told The Los Angeles Times that his niece had been rushed to hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors found a severe brain bleed. Khimberly was in a coma for several days and died early on Wednesday morning, he said. The family have claimed Khimberly suffered the injury as a result of a bullying episode and have said that the school needs to do more, including holding the student involved and the teachers that failed to intervene to be held accountable. The incident occurred at Reseda High School earlier this month, though precise details of the circumstances that led to her injury have not been released (Google Maps) "I feel very bad, destroyed," her mother, Elma Chuquita, told CBS News in Spanish. "It's not easy to lose a child. It's not easy to see your child dying in a bed. "What is happening, there are many schools, and I am not the only mother fighting for justice for her child," Chuquita said. "I know the principal and teachers are also parents, and no one would want to lose a child in this way." The Independent has reached out to the Los Angeles Unified School District for comment on the matter. The Los Angeles Unified School District is deeply saddened by the death of a Reseda High School student, the district said in a statement, adding that it was cooperating with police. Our thoughts and condolences are with the students family, friends, and the entire school community. February 28, 2026: Last year Ukraine received 49 U.S.-made M1A1 tanks from Australia, which is receiving more effective M1A2 SEPv3 models from the Americans. Ukraine had received 31 M1A1s from the U.S. in 2024. As of 2026, nearly 90 percent of these have been lost in combat. Ukrainians modified the M1A1s to operate and survive in a war dominated by the widespread use of drones. The M1A1s received reactive armor, rooftop cages, and electronic countermeasures. The main problem the Ukrainians had with the M1 was that this tanks was designed to operate in a combined arms environment. That means the M1s would be accompanied by infantry in Bradley IFV/Infantry Fighting Vehicles along with air and artillery support on call. A combat engineer vehicle would be added if anti-tank mines were expected. Conditions are different in the Ukraine War were tanks are considered targets rather than threats. In the first year of the war Russia lost some three thousand tanks. After that tanks were rarely seen in combat. When tanks are used, they are put to work individually, providing artillery support for infantry attacks. Tanks like the M1 and the German Leopard 2 were useful in night combat because their night vision sensors allowed an individual tank to monitor Russian activity several kilometers distant. If a target was spotted, the tank could fire a 120mm shell and destroy it. These tanks, if equipped with reactive armor and overhead nets, could survive multiple drone attacks but would eventually succumb when drones damaged the track laying system tanks travel on. Once immobilized a tank was an easy target for artillery and additional drone attacks. There have been few tank-versus-tank actions in Ukraine because tanks dont last long. The United States sent 31 M1 tanks to Ukraine and were put to work, but not in ways that the mass media was able to understand or report on accurately. In the combat zone the Ukrainians quickly figured out how to best use their impressive new tanks. The Ukrainian crews had been trained before the tanks arrived and praised the efficient internal layout of the tanks and the number of useful capabilities of the M1. The battlefield in Ukraine is unlike any the M1 had ever operated in. Within a year at least five Abrams tanks were lost in combat, with another three damaged. The Ukraine War has seen an unprecedented use of drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attacks from above. All tanks are more vulnerable to attacks from above. Sending dozens of quadcopter type drones against tanks turned out to be a decisive weapon if the tank was not equipped with metal screens and signal jammers to cause some or all of the drones to lose their control signals and fall to the ground, or fly around aimlessly. If a tank was not prepared for drone attack it was soon immobilized as its engine was damaged and disabled. That was because armor is thin or nonexistent over the engine compartment behind the turret. Normally the engine compartment was not vulnerable to attack. The extensive use of drones changed that. To make matters worse there were a lot of anti-vehicle mines used in Ukraine, which could damage or destroy a portion of the tracklaying system that tanks rely on for movement and mobility. Bust a track and the tank is immobilized until the crew or someone else can fix the track. This is a laborious process that can take over an hour and cannot be done while the tank is under attack by drones or just rifle and machine-gun fire. The war in Ukraine has made it easier for the U.S. Army to get all the money wanted for upgrades to the American M1 tank force. The problem was that few of those upgrades protect tanks from drones. The army had already developed and scrutinized a new SEP/ System Enhancement Package update called SEP4 for its M1 tanks. The previous upgrade was Sep3 and entered service in 2020 after years of testing. This upgrade contained lots of incremental improvements of features the SEP3 tanks already have. This included upgrades to the gunners sight and a meteorological sensor that collects data on weather conditions to improve accuracy of the main gun. The U.S. Army has led the world in tank gun accuracy for decades and the SEP4 features offer small improvements. In Ukraine the 120mm gun was rarely used because the Russians had few tanks left after they lost so many in the first year of the war. Since the 1980s there have only been these incremental improvements for use against opponents who largely use T-72 upgrades that have not closed the wide effectiveness gap with the M1 and a few similar tanks like Leopard 2, Challenger, LeClerc and Merkava. A major advantage of the M1 is that it has more combat experience than any other tank, especially its primary opponent: improved T-72/90 models. The most recent combat experience for these tanks has been in Ukraine, when the most modern Russian tank failed in a spectacular fashion against modern Western portable anti-tank weapons. These infantry weapons have a long history of success and to capitalize on that Poland has obtained lots of them and even built its own versions. Noting the similar success of the M1, in 2021 Poland ordered 250 M1A2SEP3 tanks for $6 million each. These will be new tanks, not upgrades of older models and all will not be delivered until 2026. The M1A2SEP3 is also known as the M1A2C and is currently the most advanced version of the M1. The Poles consider this tank the best option to deal with any new Russian tank developments. The 66-ton M1A2C also includes the Israeli Trophy ADS/active defense system which has proved itself in combat and is capable of defeating ATGMs/Anti-tank guided missiles and RPGs/rocket propelled grenades. Deliveries began in late 2022 and were in four years. The 250 Polish M1A2s will complement the 240 used German Leopard 2A4s Poland obtained at bargain prices since 2002, along with a license to upgrade them to the 2A6 standard as the 62-ton Leopard 2PL. Poland is also upgrading over a hundred of its 380 older Russian T-72 tanks, most of them built in Poland during the Cold War, and 225 PT-91s, a much-improved Polish T-72 variant designed and built locally since 1995. Poland plans to retire its remaining T-72s as the M1A2s arrive and the experience of these tanks in the Ukraine fighting will accelerate the retirement process. Poland has also ordered a thousand modern K-2 tanks from South Korea, most of them to be built in Poland. Currently the most advanced Russian tank in service is the T-72B3, which is considered as good as the T-90, a 48-ton T-72 upgrade introduced in 1993 as the T-72BU but had a marketing name change to T-90. Over 3,200 were built and most were exported to India where they were produced under license. The 45-ton T-72B3 is cheaper and considered by Russian commanders and crews as equal to the more expensive T-90. Russia used to have about 2,000 T-72B3s, with most of its 590 T-90s in storage and T-72B3 used for active-duty units. Russia lost most of those T-72B3s in Ukraine since February 2022 along with many of the T-90s brought out of storage. Poland sees its M1 order as a prudent and successful investment. Russia has a new tank design, the T-14, that improves on the T-72 but has not been in combat and is too expensive to purchase in large quantities. The 48-ton T-14 is a radical new design that appears quite impressive but has so far proved too complex and too expensive to mass produce. Mass production was supposed to have started in 2015 but technical problems and shrinking defense budgets halted that until 2020 when covid19 restrictions again delayed production until 2022. The war in Ukraine meant further delays. Russia has fewer than thirty development and pre-production T-14s which have been undergoing field tests with tank units since 2016. The T-14 has a three-man crew and a fully automated turret with the three crew all in an armored capsule under the turret. The T-14 relies on a lot of new techs, some more advanced than any other Western tank has installed. Getting all that tech to work reliably has been a major problem. Getting all these problems fixed has made the T-14 more expensive, at about $4 million each. Thats twice what the reliable T-72B3 costs and Russian combat commanders and crews will have to be convinced that the T-14 works and is not just as reliable as the T-72B3, but also better at surviving in combat. Mass production to build less than two hundred more T-14s was supposed to begin in 2022. At the moment it looks like the Polish M1A2Cs will be the first American tanks to meet the T-14 in combat if Russia ever tries to make a move on Poland and has any new tanks to do it with. The Russians considered sending some T-14s to Ukraine but the list of known and potential defects made it obvious that T-14s in combat would be an embarrassment. There are major problems with the engine and electronics and now Russia cant afford the money needed to deal with those problems. The M1A2C tank is considered the best combat proven tank in the world. But there are many different models of M1s which vary considerably in their combat capability. The earliest model is only about half as capable as the 2013 M1A2SEP2 model. The M1 is an old design with the first of 3,273 M1 tanks produced in 1978. This version had a 105mm gun. The first of 4,796 M1A1s with a 120mm gun and depleted uranium armor were produced in 1985. Another 221 were built for the U.S. Marines, 555 co-produced with Egypt and another 200 M1A1s sent to Egypt. Production of the M1A2 with its improved fire control system began in 1986, with 77 for the US Army, 315 for Saudi Arabia, and 218 for Kuwait. Another 600 M1s were upgraded to M1A2 standards. Deliveries of these upgrades began in 1998. In 2001 the army began to upgrade 240 M1A2 tanks as part of an ongoing SEP program with better thermal imaging and fire control equipment as well as communications and computer equipment that would allow tanks to operate a full color battlefield internet with each other, as well as headquarters and warplanes with similar equipment. By 2013 the army had upgraded 700 tanks to the M1A2SEP2 standard and built another 240 new M1A2SEP2 vehicles. The goal is to get at least 2,000 upgraded to M1A2SEP2 or higher in the 2020s. So far over 10,000 American M1 tanks have been produced and most of them subsequently updated at least once, mainly in the 1990s. The army is planning to maintain and upgrade its M1 tank fleet of 7,000 vehicles into the 2030s. The M1 has already been in service since the 1980s and may become the first MBT/main battle tank design to stay in service for half a century. Technically, some World War II tanks achieved that dubious goal but not in the service of a major power. The SEP3 entered service in 2020 after being introduced for testing in 2017. SEP3 includes more improvements in the previous TUSK (Tank Urban Survival Kit) armor and RWS/remote weapons station machine-gun upgrades, improved electricity generation and distribution for all the electronic gadgets that need recharging, upgraded communications and networking and installation of VHMS/Vehicle Health Management System and the use of LRMs/ Line Replaceable Modules to make it easier to upgrade or repair problems. The new communications features include ADL/Ammunition DataLink to use airburst rounds. There is also an improved counter-IED/ improvised explosive device armor package, an upgraded FLIR/night vision heat sensor and an APU/Auxiliary Power Unit under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of using its fuel-thirsty turbine engine. The final addition was the Trophy ADS. The SEP2/3 upgrades also expanded on MVP/Multifunction Vehicle Protection features which includes external cameras that let the crew see what is going on outside at all times, day, or night and in bad weather. The SEP program is continuous, upgrading existing M1A2 tanks to the new SEP3 standard as well as upgrading more M1A2SEPs to the SEP2 level. These upgrades keep the M1, or at least some of them, competitive with more recently designed and built tanks. The U.S. has over a thousand of the SEP2 upgraded M1A2s and is getting as many of those upgraded to SEP3 as the budget allows. The original M1A2SEP was developed in the late 1990s by upgrading protection and a few other minor fixes. These were followed after 2003s combat experience in Iraq with TUSK and evolved into the SEP2 upgrade. TUSK was installed on hundreds of tanks headed for Iraq as well as several hundred more M1s that had battle damage repaired and TUSK upgrades installed at the same time. TUSK entered service in 2007 with reactive armor panels for the side and rear of the tank, to provide added protection from RPGs. A slat armor panel protects the engine exhaust outlet of the tank from RPGs. A 1.5-ton belly armor kit, which can be installed in two hours, provides additional protection from mines and large bombs. Enhancements also include night vision for all crew members. There is also a telephone added to the side of the tank, so that infantry can more easily communicate with the crew when the tank is buttoned up/all hatches closed. The complete TUSK kit costs about $500,000 per vehicle and requires about twelve hours to install all the components. Later additions to TUSK included a rear-view camera for the driver and RWS so the commanders' 12.7mm machine-gun can be operated from inside the tank. This is particularly useful if the tank is taking a lot of small arms fire. This led to providing all-round vidcam views of what was going on outside the tank. The M1A2SEP2 made most of the TUSK items standard and added more improvements like the RWS for the 12.7mm machine-gun as standard, as well in computer hardware, including color flat screen displays for the crew and software, including a new operating system along with improved TUSK ERA/explosive reactive armor, making the external phone standard and upgrading the transmission to make it more reliable. The electronics on the M1 have undergone several upgrades so far, in addition to new ammo types for the main gun. A major enhancement was depleted uranium armor, which made the M1 virtually invulnerable from the front. The one remaining item in need of major improvement is the 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine. Past improvements here included electronic monitors on many engine components, an electronic logbook to record all pertinent engine activity, and a maintenance program that makes the most of all this data. If the engine is monitored closely and constantly, it's possible to carry out maintenance in a timelier manner before something fails. The army would also like to develop an improved, more efficient and less expensive to maintain engine, but that is also a costly item they can't afford at the moment. MVP can also link to audio sensors that work with video sensors to automatically detect where enemy fire is coming from. The United States tested MVP on their Bradley M2 IFV. New anti-tank weapons are always being developed and the army wants to at least be able to afford new gear to deal with new threats. One threat that is currently ignored is top attack warheads that put a shaped charge type attack against the thin top armor. There are also new types of mines and electronic threats. If the M1 is to survive for half a century it will have to evolve, as well as endure. The M1A2C is an evolutionary design compared to the T-14 which is a revolutionary design with a lot of new techs introduced at once. A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse at the industrial area of Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai on March 1, 2026. ( Altaf Qadri, AP) MAGA rebels Thomas Massie and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have led criticism of Donald Trumps military operations in Iran, describing the policy as America Last and calling for a congressional vote on the strikes. We said No More Foreign Wars, No More Regime Change! We said it on rally stage after rally stage, speech after speech, Greene wrote in a lengthy social media post Saturday. There are 93 million people in Iran, let them liberate themselves. But Iran is on the verge of having nuclear weapons. Yeah sure. We have been spoon fed that line for decades and Trump told us all that his bombing this past summer completely wiped it all out. Its always a lie and its always America Last. Kentucky Rep. Massie, who has become a thorn in Trumps side for his bipartisan efforts in forcing the release of the Epstein files, said he would work to ensure a Congressional vote on further conflict in Iran. I am opposed to this War. This is not America First, he wrote. When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war. Congress is not expected to be back in session before Wednesday. MAGA rebels Thomas Massie and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have led criticism of Donald Trumps military operations in Iran (Getty) Greene and Massie, who were previously the only two Republican lawmakers to speak out publicly over the Trump administrations previous action in Iran, echoed sentiments by prominent Democrats including House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer. Jeffries accused Trump of putting U.S. troops in a dangerous theater of war, writing: The framers of the United States Constitution gave Congress the sole power to declare war as the branch of government closest to the American people. Iran is a bad actor and must be aggressively confronted for its human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, support of terrorism and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan in the region. However, absent exigent circumstances, the Trump administration must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war. Schumer said he had previously implored Secretary of State Marco Rubio to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of operations in Iran. Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home, Schumer said, adding President Trumps fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy. Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. military had undertaken major operations in Iran, alongside Israeli forces, on Saturday (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Passed in 1973, the War Powers Act requires that the White House brief Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and then must withdraw troops within 60 days unless Congress has declared war or given military authorization. The White House may request an additional 30-day extension. But as Republicans control the House and Senate, it has become increasingly unlikely. Earlier this year, five Republicans voted with Democrats on a War Powers Act resolution to prohibit Trump from further military action in Venezuela. But then two of them Senators. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana flipped their votes to kill the resolution after Trump publicly attacked them. Elsewhere Saturday, GOP Senator Rand Paul also lamented the operations, writing: As with all war, my first and purest instinct is wish Americans soldiers safety and success in their mission. But my oath of office is to the Constitution, so with studied care, I must oppose another Presidential war. However, Trump allies backed the president and his message that the strikes against Iran had been necessary. NBC News live feed airs a clip from U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social video announcement in the White House James S. Brady Press Briefing Room (Getty) Today, Iran is facing the severe consequences of its evil actions, House Speaker Mike Johnson said. President Trump and the Administration have made every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions in response to the Iranian regimes sustained nuclear ambitions and development, terrorism, and the murder of Americansand even their own people. Senator John Thune, Senate majority leader, added: For years, Irans relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. service members, citizens in the region, and many of our allies. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats. At least one Democrat also backed Trump Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman tweeted: Operation Epic Fury. President Trump has been willing to do whats right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel. With additional reporting by Eric Garcia New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani denounced President Donald Trumps strikes on Iran as illegal and a catastrophic escalation just two days after a friendly visit to the White House. The democratic socialist mayor wasted little time in voicing his opposition to the attacks, issuing a lengthy statement shortly after the U.S. and Israel began bombarding Tehran and other targets across the Middle Eastern nation. The strikes left hundreds of people dead, including the countrys supreme leader, according to state media, and triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks on U.S. and Israeli assets, sparking fears of a broader conflict. Trump has said the bombardments will continue for weeks, if not longer. Todays military strikes on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression, Mamdani, 34, wrote on X. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. He also said he was bolstering the citys police presence out of an abundance of caution, and specifically addressed the Iranian-Americans living in the five boroughs, assuring them: You are part of the fabric of this cityYou will be safe here. Mamdanis condemnation of Trumps surprise military operation which was more unequivocal than that of many high-ranking Democrats came just 48 hours after the pairs latest White House meeting. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned President Trump's strikes on Iran as "illegal" and a "catastrophic escalation" two days after a friendly White House visit (New York City Mayor's Office) The mayor described the sit-down as productive and posted a photo of himself beside Trump in the Oval Office. In it, Trump was grinning and holding up mock newspapers touting the presidents support for new housing construction. In a statement to Politico, Mamdani addressed the shift from his cordial in-person demeanor to his sharp rebuke online. In my relationship with the president, it has always been one that has also been honest and direct, where both of us make clear our policy disagreements, both in public and in private, and I think its important to be on the record here, given the scale of the consequences that we are speaking about, the mayor told the outlet. Mamdani also defended his latest meeting during a press conference yesterday, telling reporters: As the mayor of our city, I will always look to keep an open line of communication with the president of our country. This picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency shows the site of a strike on a girls' school in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, on February 28, 2026. (ISNA/AFP via Getty Images) Before his November election, Mamdani and Trump frequently exchanged barbs, with the then-state assemblyman labeling the president a fascist and despot, while Trump branded Mamdani a 100% communist lunatic. However, on November 21, the pair stunned observers with their first White House meeting, which turned out to be surprisingly cordial, bordering on a love-fest. I think you're going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor the better he does, the happier I am, Trump said at the time, while seated next to Mamdani. And, during last week's State of the Union address, the 79-year-old president made clear he likes Mamdani personally, despite their policy clashes. I think he's a nice guy. I actually speak to him a lot bad policy, but nice guy, Trump told the crowd assembled in the House chamber. He went on to suggest that the mayor is a hypocrite for not supporting voter ID. Saturdays strikes on Iran werent the only issue to spark pushback from Mamdani. On Thursday, the mayor said he called Trump to share his concerns about the arrest of a Columbia University student by federal agents. He wrote that the president informed him the student, Elmina Aghayeva, would be released imminently. Migrants right to permanent asylum in the UK will be scrapped from Monday in the most significant overhaul of immigration policy in a generation. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, will change the rules so that migrants arriving in the UK after Monday will only be eligible for temporary refugee status as part of sweeping reforms to deter illegal migrants. Ms Mahmood has decided to fast-track her reforms despite a rebellion by at least 30 Labour MPs, largely on the Left of the party, who claim the reforms are unfair, unjust and harsh. Sir Keir Starmer is facing demands to shift the party to the Left following the Greens decisive victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election on Thursday, but Ms Mahmood has insisted that her policies offer a centrist path to crack down on migration. She will warn rebel MPs that Labours future as a political party would be in jeopardy unless it introduced the radical Danish-style reforms to restore public confidence in the broken asylum system. Its a broken system. Its really tearing communities apart, she told The Telegraph. Its cost us a lot of public confidence in just the states ability to do anything at all. So we do need to make these changes for the sake of the country. In a funny way, the party politics is very downstream of the need to do the right thing, to fix this system so that the country can have a migration system that it can have confidence in, believe in and which helps the people that do come in the future to integrate and make a contribution to our society. Shabana Mahmood will warn rebel MPs that Labours future would be in jeopardy unless it introduced the radical Danish-style reforms - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Under the changes, migrants granted asylum and their children will have their right to remain in the UK reviewed every 30 months. If their country is deemed safe enough for them to return, they will be sent back. Only children who arrive in the UK unaccompanied will be exempt. Until now, successful asylum seekers have been granted refugee status for five years and allowed to bring their families to the UK. They then received almost automatic fee-free permanent settlement with continued access to benefits and housing. In further changes to be introduced in the autumn, they will instead be required to earn their right to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settlement by working and contributing to society. They will have to wait up to 20 years before they can apply to settle in the UK and up to 30 years if they arrived illegally via small boats across the Channel or by claiming asylum after overstaying work, student or visitor visas. The right of refugees to bring over their families has been halted until a new system is introduced. This will require them to demonstrate they can financially support anyone who joins them in the UK, in the same way as Britons bringing in foreign spouses and children. Ms Mahmood has modelled the changes on Denmark, which she visited last week. Its Social Democrat government saw asylum claims plummet from 21,000 to a 40-year low of under 2,000 after it introduced temporary refugee status in 2016 and denied the right to settle for up to eight years. Speaking to The Telegraph during her visit to Denmark, Ms Mahmood said: This country will always provide sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing danger. But the generosity of our asylum system is drawing people from across the world, funding human traffickers and encouraging false asylum claims. Genuine refugees will find safety in Britain, but we must also make it less attractive for illegal migrants to come here. So once a refugees home is safe and they are able to return, they will be expected to do so. This is a firm but fair approach, restoring order and control of Britains borders, while protecting those truly fleeing war and repression. Britains new 30-month core protection period will be introduced via immigration rule changes later this week, when Ms Mahmood will set out her vision for reforms in a speech at a progressive think tank. Ms Mahmood will argue that her migration reforms are entirely consistent with Labour values and offer a centrist alternative to the Greens fairytale of open borders and the nightmare of Nigel Farages closed borders under Reform UK, with ICE-style raids dividing communities. The Home Secretary said she was determined to go hell for leather to introduce the changes as quickly as possible, which was why the 30-month core protection will take effect on Monday. The changes do not automatically require votes in the Commons, but MPs could force them to a vote. They will be followed this autumn by further law changes increasing the time all other migrants have to wait for ILR, from the current five years to a baseline of 10 years. It will cover not only new arrivals but also apply retrospectively to over two million migrants who arrived to work or study since 2021 the so-called Boriswave. Migrants will have to wait longer than the 10 years if they are on benefits, do not have a job, have failed to learn English or spurned integration in their communities, but can reduce the time if they earn salaries above 50,000 a year, work in the public sector and volunteer for community work. Ministers are considering introducing overnight curfews on childrens use of social media as part of new measures to keep young people safe online. The government will also look at restricting childrens access to AI chatbots and whether there should be a minimum age for social media. The ideas are part of a consultation with parents, guardians and young people across the UK, which opens on Monday. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is inviting views on whether there should be an Australia-style on children from using social media, and at what age this could begin. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said: "The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one. "We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having. This is why we're asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change. A ten-year-old boy uses an Apple Ipad tablet computer. Ministers are looking at ways to limit childrens social media use (Getty Images) "Together, we will create a digital world that gives young people the childhood they deserve and prepares them for the future." The consultation is also expected to ask whether social media platforms should be made to switch off addictive features which can lead their children to stay up late at night. These include infinite scrolling, and autoplay features on video content. Separate versions of the survey will be launched tailored towards adults, and for children and young people. Ministers plan to close the consultation on May 26, and will then aim to respond in the summer. The technology secretary and prime minister have already vowed to change the law swiftly based on the answers they gather. Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall (PA Archive) Last month, Sir Keir Starmer announced a crackdown on illegal content created by AI and said that makers of AI chatbots that put children at risk will face massive fines or even have their services blocked in the UK. As more children turn to chatbots for support and advice, the government said it would move fast to shut a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law. Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, said the prime minister was "right that the status quo is not working - not for children or for their parents who are desperate to keep them safe". The consultation comes after Mumsnet launched a campaign to introduce a ban on social media for under-16s likening the health impact to cigarettes in provocative advertising. The ads, which will be put on billboards and social media, claim that three hours or more social media a day makes teens more likely to self-harm. They also point to anxiety and risk of eating disorders as harms resulting from social media use. Holidaymakers in Dubai have been forced to shelter inside their hotels as the United Arab Emirates is hit hard by Iranian missiles and drones. A fresh wave of blasts was heard in Dubai and in the Qatari capital of Doha for a second day on Sunday as defence forces intercepted missiles headed their way in response to US and Israeli attacks on Saturday. The UAEs ministry of defence said that 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones had been launched from Iran towards the country so far. Three people have been killed and 58 injured, the authorities said. JS Anand, founder and CEO of Leva Hotels, which has a flagship hotel in Dubai, told The Independent that the attacks had caused panic and uncertainty among residents and guests. He explained: I think everybody was caught unawares in the city, because obviously Iran was targeting the bases and missiles were going over us. Sometimes they were intercepted, so there were really loud sounds, and some places got hit. So obviously that resulted in cancellations and a lot of people being uncertain about their flights. Mr Anand, who was speaking from Leva Hotel Mazaya Centre, which is near the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world, added: It caused a lot of panic, uncertainty, and there was an emergency message that came out in the night. It said there was a barrage of missiles coming in, everyone came to the lobby and basement, worried about what was going to happen, so we had to take care of them. Most of them have extended their stay because there are no flights and no certainty on when the airspace is going to open up. The Fairmont The Palm building in Palm Jumeirah, which was damaged by an Iranian attack (Reuters) He continued: Some guests came to the airport from another hotel, and have decided to come to ours. Some were even staying in the Burj Khalifa, and they didnt want to stay in a higher building. They wanted to come to a low-rise, and we are just three floors. He said that around 140-150 rooms at the hotel were occupied with guests and that the UAEs department for economy and tourism had told hoteliers that the government would cover expenses for guests unable to pay for their extended stays. He added: Its obvious that right now there is no clear indication of what is in store and what is going to happen next. Smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai (AFP via Getty) Mira Thonnessen, 36, a German national who was staying at the hotel, told The Independent she did not feel safe leaving and planned to stay inside. Her flight home to Berlin was scheduled for Monday evening, but it is looking unlikely that it will go ahead. She said: On Saturday morning at breakfast we got the news of the attack. Then my plan was to go straight to the hotel and get my stuff, and go to the airport. By the time we had got to the hotel, they were already closing off the airspace. Passengers stranded by the closure of Dubai International airport wait for assistance (AP) She added: I came here to visit my best friend, who is going through a divorce, and I came to support her. Im thinking about going to Oman with friends of friends to go to the airport there. But I think I will probably end up staying here and hoping that it doesnt escalate further. Im keen to get out as quickly as possible. Ms Thonnessen, who is a midwife, said she has had to cancel the appointments she has due to being stuck in Dubai. I do home births, and a lot of the women I look after are due around now, so Ive had to pass them on to colleagues. For the antenatal and postnatal check-ups, Ive explained to them that Im currently stuck and I dont know when I will be back. Smoke and flames rise from The Palm in Dubai (AFP via Getty) Asked if she felt safe to go outside the hotel to walk around, she replied: No. No, were staying very much in the hotel. The hotel is attached to a mall and has a restaurant. My financial resources are dwindling because I didnt expect to have to stay for so long. But I dont feel like I would want to go outside, no. Are you a British national impacted by the escalations between Iran, the US and Israel? Get in touch at holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk Broadcaster and journalist Isabel Oakeshott, speaking from Dubai Marina, said on Sunday morning: The authorities have clearly done a very good job indeed of intercepting a lot that is coming our way. This is far from a normal morning here. It is extremely quiet on the streets. In a video posted to X, she added that there were periodic quite regular sounds of munitions. She said that there was a very unnerving moment in the early hours of the morning when we all received emergency alerts to take cover. Two people were injured in Dubai after shrapnel from drones fell on two houses when they were intercepted, a Dubai Media Office statement said, and state media has reported that shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person. A man jogs on a beach in Dubai, with the Burj Al Arab hotel in the background (AP) Debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the city's main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Four people were also injured in an incident at Dubai International airport on Saturday. The former Rangers and Liverpool manager Graeme Souness was also among travellers caught up in flight cancellations on Saturday. He posted two videos on Instagram from Zayed International airport in Abu Dhabi as he attempted to return to the UK. "I'm hearing some pretty loud bangs go off and that is anti-missiles taking out missiles that have been fired at some American bases," wrote Souness in the first video. An update followed, with the 72-year-old writing: "Flight's been cancelled, still hearing explosions so we've given up, we're just going to check into a hotel for a couple of nights and see where we are. "Hopefully, things will settle down, and we'll get back on the flight. You get grumpy when you get delays and stuff at airports but I think we should think of people that maybe this time are dying." One person has been killed at Zayed International airport, with others also injured there and at Dubai International airport, while thousands of flights remain grounded. On Sunday, an adviser to the UAE's president said Iran "missed its target" with its attacks on the Arab Gulf states. "Your war is not with your neighbours," Anwar Gargash wrote on X, addressing Tehran. "Return to your senses, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbours with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens." Multiple people were injured after an incident at Dubai International Airport (AP) Claire Gleave, who moved to Dubai with her husband and three sons in August, said the situation on Saturday was quite a strange, surreal feeling and frightening as well. She expected attacks overnight, but was surprised to see them continue on Sunday, she said. We were woken up along with the rest of Dubai at 1am with one of these phone alerts that came out saying to get shelter. Mrs Gleave, who lives 30 minutes from The Palm Hotel, which was struck on Saturday, said: You do tend to overanalyse everything you hear, if a car door slams, or the air conditioning comes on. Her husband and son were due to fly back to the UK on Sunday, but had their flights cancelled after Dubai closed its airspace. They have booked another flight for Monday evening, but she says it is unlikely it wont be cancelled as well. Her children have been told not to attend school for the next three days, she said. There is something especially heartbreaking about a dog who doesn't understand why his or her world has suddenly changed. A sweet Pit Bull Mix with the most adorable perky ears is breaking hearts across the internet after being surrendered to the Humane Society of Broward County when her family moved away. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the shelter shared a video of the 2-year-old pup, whose expression says it all. Coco lies completely still in the front corner of her kennel with her face pressed up against the glass door. She has a true sadness in her eyes as she follows the camera in the short clip shared on TikTok. While we're grateful she has a soft place to rest and a couple of toys surrounding her, it is clear that the only thing this girl really needs is a loving home. According to the caption, Coco came to the shelter when her family moved away and didn't take her with them. Despite being one of the shelter's "most playful and social dogs, the stress of losing her family and living in a shelter is really starting to get to her ." They continued with, "This beautiful girl hasnt lost her loving spirit though, and will look at you longingly while you give her rubs and cuddles ." SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends The video has over 22,000 views, with commenters rallying around Coco in full force. Many are boosting the post to increase visibility, tagging friends, and calling for someone local to step forward as Coco's hero. User @sarahlernerr pleaded, "Someone please come save this beautiful angel!!!! Look at those eyes!! Shes so perfect I hope she finds an incredible, loving family." Several other users echoed the sentiment with comments like, "Please someone adopt her, she seems so sad!" and "I hope and pray someone will save this sweet girl, Coco, and give her a forever loving home!" Other viewers shared messages of encouragement. "Oh no, girl, dont give up. You are loved, and someone will see your spirit and bring you home ," one commenter wrote. Another shared, "Please dont lose hope, Coco, your person is coming ." A Reminder That Sharing Matters While Coco's story feels deeply personal and sad, it's hardly unusual. Situations like hers are quite common, as housing-related surrenders are one of the many reasons pets enter shelters each year. Unfortunately, this leaves a very confused and stressed animal, grieving the only family they've ever known. The good news? Visibility makes a difference. When videos like Coco's get likes, comments, and shares, the chances increase infinitely that the right person will see it at the right time. For those local to the Fort Lauderdale area, the Humane Society of Broward County has adoption information available on their website for anyone interested in meeting this sweet girl in person. If the comments are any indication, Coco already has fans around the world rooting for her. We hope that the right person shows up for her and never lets her go. Related: Senior Cat Left Behind When Her Family Passed Away Finally Gets Her Happy Ending This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Protesters rally against the US and Israeli bombing of Iran outside the White House in Washington DC on 28 February. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA (Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA) As news circulated that Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had been killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, anti-war protesters gathered across the United States, including outside the White House and in New Yorks Times Square to voice opposition to US military involvement in the region. It wasnt sanctioned by Congress, so what Trump is doing is on his own terms, its making him a fascist and its making the country into a fascist state, said Sue Johnson, a protester. Trump, she added, just couldnt wait. Hes such an impatient child. Hes like, Well ICE didnt work, so lets go stir things up in the Middle East. He bombed Iran for no specific reason. Related: War on Iran: how the US-Israeli bid for regime change unfolded No president can attack or kidnap or bomb another country without the permission of the Congress, she said, but conceded that its irrelevant what Congress thinks because this president goes and does whatever he wants to do to any country. That sense of fait accompli that accompanies recent Trump administration foreign policy actions, including the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan president, permeated the New York gathering of several hundred protesters. Scores of protests were sponsored by a coalition of leftwing groups, including: the Answer Coalition, the National Iranian American Council, 50501, American Muslims for Palestine, the Peoples Forum, Palestinian Youth Movement, CodePink, Black Alliance for Peace and the Democratic Socialists of America. The coalition listed other emergency protests on Saturday, including in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and Minneapolis. Others will be held on Sunday in smaller cities, including: Albany, New York; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Decorah, Iowa; Gainesville, Florida; and Springfield, Missouri. Organizers put out a statement saying: Trumps unprovoked, illegal attack on Iran is an act of war that threatens to cause unthinkable death and destruction. But the people of this country reject another endless war and will take to the streets now and make our voices heard. New Yorks DSA-aligned mayor, Zohran Mamdani, said earlier in the day that the US and Israel strikes on Iran mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. The American Civil Liberties Union joined scores of Democratic lawmakers to demand that Congress take immediate action to end Trumps unconstitutional use of military force against Iran. The veteran civil rights group noted it had been steadfast in insisting, from Vietnam through the war in Afghanistan, both wars in Iraq, the military action against Libya, and the ongoing use of force in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Somalia, that the constitution is clear that decisions on whether to use military force require Congresss specific, advance authorization. Related: US lawmakers condemn Trump over Iran strikes: acts of war unauthorized by Congress That sentiment was echoed Willie Cotton, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, who said that he didnt believe it was in the interests of the US for Iran to have a nuclear weapon but I am opposed to US bombing. I support the demonstrations in Iran, he said, and support the thousands that have been killed by the regime there. But the US doesnt go in there to help them, nor to benefit the region, its going in there for its own interests and aims. Cotton acknowledged that Trump told Iranians, as he announced the strikes early Saturday, that the attack on Irans theocratic regime would probably be your only chance for generations to take power . He said that to Venezuela and then said this is our oil two minutes later, Cotton pointed out skeptically. US history is that they go into these conflicts for its own benefit, not for the benefit of the people there. I dont think hes deviating from that course of protecting US business interests, including his own. But thats no different than Biden or Obama or any of the like. I dont give back-handed support to Obama. He had the same course of sanctions that hurt the working people of Iran, Cotton said. As a member of the Socialist Workers party, he added, he was firmly is support of Israel defending itself after Hamass cross-border attack on the country on 7 October 2023. It was Iran that organized the bombing campaigns against Israel and Israel has a right to defend itself. But the US isnt defending itself here its advancing its goals all around the world. Related: Trumps unprovoked attack on Iran has no mandate or legal basis Protesters gathered as the FBIs counterterrorism and counterintelligence teams were placed on elevated alert nationwide. Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, said she is in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland. Jacqueline, a woman who was giving out Stop the War on Iran! placards on behalf of the party for Socialism and Liberation, said even if protests did not have any effect in stopping the bombing at least we can voice that people oppose another endless war in the Middle East. Its not in any our interest to the people here in the face of the cost of living crisis, murder on the streets by ICE, and the US is not an arbiter or beacon of democracy. I think weve all seen that lie pretty clearly now. Healthcare worker Christina Perez, 44, said she joined to protest the Trump regime in general, all of it. Its like constant salt in the wound. You never know what youre going to wake up to. Why is this person allowed to all these legal atrocities and no one stops him. Its like rampant tyranny. Asked how she felt waking up on Saturday to news of the strikes, Perez said: Unfortunately, Im not surprised and why do I have to keep waking up for more terrible shit. Were being distracted from the things that really matter because youre constantly being inundated. Americans have legitimate grievances, but theres never money to solve those things and always money for war. Ali Larijani is the man the supreme leader Ali Khamenei trusted more than anyone else in the Islamic Republic When rescuers pulled Ali Khameneis shrapnel-torn body from the ruins of Tehran after Saturdays air strikes, the Islamic Republic seemed teetering on the brink of collapse. But behind the scenes, amid the smoke and the rubble, one man has been preparing for exactly such a scenario, silently overseeing succession plans to maintain the regimes continuity. Ali Larijani, adviser, diplomat and scholar, whom the ayatollah trusted more than anyone, has long been assigned to safeguard the Iranian regime in the event its leadership was wiped out. The air strikes appear to have decimated much of the countrys leadership, leaving the established line of succession in disarray. According to Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the joint operation eliminated senior officials in the ayatollahs regime, Revolutionary Guards commanders and senior figures in the nuclear programme. 01032026_NEWS_IRAN_TREE Donald Trump told CBS News on Saturday evening that the strikes on Iran could end in diplomacy, and that there are some good candidates to lead Iran. Mr Larijani is an obvious contender to steer the country through diplomatic talks and towards peace, although perhaps not quite what the US president had in mind. For months, he has been painstakingly devising plans for managing the country behind the scenes in the event that the US declared war with Iran. He is one of the very few people who can still meet the leader and has been given the job of rescuing the system, a senior Iranian official told The Telegraph before Khameneis death. He has become the only person who can pressure the leader to talk and tell him that the system would face a big survival challenge if we dont talk with Trump, the official added. Mr Larijani seen arriving in Oman earlier this month for talks between Iran and the US - Iran's Supreme National Security / AFP via Getty Images At 67, Mr Larijini is a security chief with a doctorate in Western philosophy. For much of his time in government, he has acted as the backroom operator, preferring quiet manoeuvring to public prominence. His ability to keep the regime alive comes not only from his proximity to the former leader of the country, but from his understanding of Irans political system and its mechanics. By controlling the flow of information, managing alliances, and steering diplomatic channels, he could stabilise the government to implement a controlled succession, preventing factional infighting and total civil unrest. Recently, his visibility has soared as president Masoud Pezeshkians has diminished. He flew to Moscow on Jan 30, and met with Middle Eastern leaders, sat for hours-long television interviews with Iranian and foreign outlets, and is actively posting on social media. Those who have studied him closely describe a deeply enigmatic figure a man who operates largely in the shadows. He can appear either moderate or hardline, adopting whichever stance best serves the moment. He is officially running everything here and the talks Pezeshkian and Araghchi are just there for the blame, an official told the Telegraph. Ali Larijani is the man the supreme leader Ali Khamenei trusts more than anyone else in the Islamic Republic - ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO/AFP via Getty Images Born in 1958, Mr Larijanis influence is extensive. He is descended from religious Shia gentry and one of the most powerful families in Iran. They come from Amol, a city in a Northern Province of Iran, where his father was a leading cleric. In 1931, his parents moved to Najaf, a city in central Iraq, following pressure from the ruler, Reza Shah. They returned to Iran in 1961, three years after Mr Larijini was born. Growing up, he was the middle child of four brothers; Javad was the eldest, then Fazel, followed by Ali, Bagher and lastly, Sadiq. For years, he and three of his brothers dominated multiple branches of government. Ali as parliamentary speaker, Sadegh as judiciary chief, and Javad heading the judiciarys human rights council. Insiders insist that at his core, he has only his family in mind. He is just a clever politics businessman, a second Iranian official said, who tries to keep his family in power whatever happens next. But the family grip on power has weakened recently as Sadegh was pushed out of the judiciary before his term ended and Javad was removed from his human rights position after 14 years. Another brother, Fazel, faces corruption allegations from former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He is a mysterious man Only Ali remains, and a senior official believes his endgame extends beyond survival to succession specifically, positioning his brother Sadegh, a senior cleric, as a potential successor to Khamenei. He is a mysterious man who tries to make his brother the supreme leader, with personal ambition always cloaked behind quiet manoeuvring rather than public prominence, Iranian officials told the Telegraph. Khameneis trust in Mr Larijani came from decades of loyal service across highly prestigious positions: culture minister in the early 1990s, broadcasting chief for a decade, supreme national security council secretary, and parliamentary speaker for 12 years until 2020. In the early 1990s, Mr Larijanis ideological grounding made him valuable to Khamenei, as the new supreme leader sought to consolidate control over Irans cultural and media apparatus. It also makes him well placed to save the regime as it stands; he understands the regimes ideology, its institutions, and its internal networks. He had studied philosophy at Tehran University under Ahmad Fardid, known as the oral philosopher who championed the fight against Westoxification; the cultural and intellectual domination of Iran by Western ideas, values, and lifestyles, which he argued were eroding the countrys traditional identity. Fardids critique of Western influence helped lay the ideological groundwork for the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which sought to reject Western political and cultural models in favour of a system rooted in a distinctly Iranian conception of society Mr Larijani shaped his ideology further through family ties. In 1977, he married Farideh Motahari, the daughter of a prominent clerical family. Her father, Morteza Motahhari, was a leading cleric and philosopher whose writings and activism helped shape the ideology of the Islamic Republic. As head of state broadcasting from 1994 to 2004, Mr Larijani oversaw one of the most controversial programmes in Iranian television history. Hoviat (Identity), which aired in 1996. The Friday night show systematically destroyed the reputations of Irans most respected writers and intellectuals, branding them Western agents and traitors. The programme coincided with the chain murders of intellectuals by rogue intelligence agents, creating a climate of fear that silenced an entire generation of Iranian writers and critics. Failed bid for president In 2021, Mr Larijani tried to run for president but was barred by the vetting council without reason. He ran again three years later and was again disqualified. In the same year, he also negotiated a 25-year strategic deal with China worth billions that prompted a wave of criticism from all sides in Iran. Last June, during the 12-day war, he urged Khamenei to begin direct talks with Washington. More recently, Mr Larijani had been playing a key external role as Khameneis personal envoy to Vladimir Putin. The supreme leader regularly sent him to Moscow his latest trip was on Jan 30 to coordinate strategy and exchange messages, demonstrating a level of trust he extended to almost no one else. Now, as the Islamic Republic faces its gravest crisis economic collapse, continued protests, international isolation and war Mr Larijani has positioned himself as indispensable. [Khamenei] relies on him for reports on the situation and pragmatic advice, Nasser Imani, a conservative analyst close to the Iranian government told the New York Times, adding that Larijanis role will be very pronounced during war. He is the only person who can manage negotiations with America, coordinate with Russia, suppress domestic unrest, and potentially hold the system together in the face of Khameneis death. The mysterious Mr Larijani has spent 30 years building that trust. Whether this proves enough to save the Islamic Republic or his familys place in whatever replaces it will be decided in the coming days. Super Saturday may have gone ahead against a backdrop of the ongoing military action in the Middle East, but Sunday brought further challenges as British racing personnel, including trainers and jockeys, found themselves stranded in Dubai. Countries in the Gulf region have been targeted in retaliation from Iran since US and Israeli forces combined for what it described as a pre-emptive strike against the Tehran government on Saturday. Iranian attacks were visible to the participants at Meydan on Saturday and have continued through Sunday, resulting in debris from aerial interceptions which have caused fires at the citys main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Jamie Osborne saddled leading dirt performer Heart Of Honor on the Super Saturday card and told the Press Association: Its a pretty unique situation to find yourself in, that is for certain. Last night was pretty surreal. Youre standing in the paddock watching missiles get shot through the sky. This morning it kind of looked like it was escalating as there was lots of banging, then it died down and then this afternoon theres been a little wave of them. I would say the UAE are doing an unbelievably good job of keeping everybody safe and in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed we trust. I dont want anyone to think were bunkered down in a basement here. Were in the Meydan hotel and to be honest if you were just sitting here and you were deaf you wouldnt know anything was happening. Dubai International Airport has been confirmed as one of the locations to have sustained minor damage during an incident that injured four staff, according to authorities. Major Airlines have confirmed flights to and from countries in the Middle East are to remain suspended until at least Monday as the conflict in the region continues, with Osborne amongst many awaiting news of when they may be able to return to the UK. Osborne added: Its annoying as Id like to be back at home dealing with everything I should be dealing with at home, but were stuck here and quite how we get home and when we get home is very much up in the air. Initially they said the airport could be back open this afternoon, now theyre saying tomorrow (Monday) afternoon and I would say theyre putting in these minimums and the reality will depend on the rate of shots that Iran are having. Its very unclear when well be able to fly. Karl Burke decided against attending Super Saturday, but like many is watching the scenes unfold from home Yorkshire while waiting for news from daughter Kelly, who did make the trip to Dubai to oversee the Spigot Lodge operations runners on the night. Karl Burke said: My daughter Kelly and my assistant and son-in-law James (Cowley, husband of Burkes other daughter Lucy) are still out there and stuck at the moment. Theyre fine but look like they will be stuck there for a few days now, certainly the rest of this week I would have thought. They didnt have the best of nights last night. I know Kelly was staying on the 39th floor of her hotel and they were all told to go down to the lobby and ground level, so I dont think they got a lot of sleep. He added: Fingers crossed things die down and they can get home as quick as they can, but with these situations they can change directions very easily. Kelly only went out for the weekend to help look after things for us out there as we had four runners. I decided not to go and its not a nice situation, but shes fine at the moment. Super Saturday may have gone ahead as planned but the Emirates Racing Authority postponed Sundays card at Jebel Ali until March 15, with the course next set to stage racing next Sunday. Meydan is also slated to race a day earlier on March 7. Elsewhere in the region, Bahrain is set to host the two-day Kings Cup fixture on Thursday and Friday. March 1, 2026: While Russia is running out of soldiers, Ukraine isnt. Russian troops are constantly attacking, and the Ukrainians have developed defensive tactics that maximize Russian losses and minimize Ukrainian casualties. Ukrainian soldiers are better trained, equipped and led. Ukrainians receive two or three months of training before going into combat. Their officers and sergeants are skilled veterans. Russian soldiers often go into combat with minimal training, as in a week or two to learn how to use their weapons and operate on a battlefield subjected to constant drone surveillance and attack. Russian officers are told to shoot any soldiers who refuse to attack or try to desert. Most Russians now realize that being sent to Ukraine you are likely to be killed or wounded. When new Russian recruits realize how little preparation they received, they understand why Russian casualties are so high. The situation has deteriorated to the point that this year Russia has not been able to obtain enough new recruits each month to replace those lost in the previous month. Most Russian soldiers are enlisted via a voluntary contract. Large sums are paid for those who sign and up to $2,000 a month is paid to those who go to Ukraine. Death benefits for next of kin are also high. Unfortunately, many of these payments are never made because the body of the dead soldier must be returned to the family before all this money is turned over to the family. A growing number of bodies are either not returned, or the dead soldier is reported as missing in action. The bodies are buried in Ukraine. The graves are not marked, and Russian army officials tell the families that their man went missing or perhaps deserted. Details of this scam have reached Russian families, despite government efforts to censor the internet and social media apps. This means fewer voluntary recruits and a growing manpower crisis for the Russian army, which has had to delay or cancel planned offensive operations. The situation is much different in Ukraine. Last year it became legal for military age men to leave the country. In 2021 there were 2 million Ukrainians living outside Ukraine. Since 2022 that has been increasing each year. Current Ukrainian population is about 39 million and the government has been seeking ways to improve morale while also sustaining the fight against Russian invaders. One proposal which was implemented was establishing universal training for 18-22 year old men. For those still in school, mandatory training for male students is now conducted in universities and other post-high school institutions as a standalone subject. Training consists of 90 hours of theoretical instruction followed by 210 hours of practical training Subjects include basic methods of military service, first aid, and operational tactics before they move to hands-on exercises in specialized training centers. This approach is supposed to make the trainees more confident about military service and less likely to flee the country because they feared what might happen if they went to war. Ukrainians have been fighting the Russians for over four years and are seeking to institutionalize their military lessons learned. The Russians are now short of resources and still operate under economic sanctions. Ukraine believes that with improved training for all their personnel, they will reduce their own casualties while increasing those of the Russians. Vladimir Putin vowed to keep fighting for as long as it took. That will be an empty promise if Putin discovers that a major change in troop quality makes any Russian military efforts futile and very costly in terms of men and resources. Ukraine already has some units that adopted these improved methods before the war but never had time or resources to retrain everyone. Over the last year Ukrainians have been standardizing their troop training and using methods that combine all that has been learned so far. This is done by simply by adopting what did work, discarding what didnt and gradually retraining all units that were not using the most effective methods. All new recruits would be taught to use the new techniques, even if it lengthened the basic training. NATO nations add individual training for sergeants and officers, some of it delivered via videos, including interactive versions. European NATO members play a larger role in this retraining because they are close enough, often adjacent to Ukraine, to receive Ukrainian trainees and send them back quickly after training is complete. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, visits the Sjlsmark deportation centre, on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA (Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA) The UK home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and Danish immigration officials strode through the bleak and chilly Sjlsmark returns centre, a former military barracks used to house men and women who have no right to remain in the country. Followed by photographers, reporters and civil servants, Mahmood was told of the strict conditions in which hundreds of people live after asylum and right to remain appeals are rejected and before many are sent to other countries. Sjlsmark, about 20 miles north of Copenhagen, is at the sharp end of an asylum system set up by Denmarks left-leaning Social Democrat government to deter claimants. As well as those facing swift deportations, refugees are given temporary permission to stay and will later be told to leave if their countries of origin are deemed safe. Mahmoods two-day visit to the country last week was meant to hammer home a message that some Labour MPs have found difficult to stomach: that the UK must replicate the Danish immigration model if Labour is to defeat the rise of a populist right. The home secretary has since defied demands to rethink her hardline immigration policies after Labours crushing defeat to the Green party in Thursdays Gorton and Denton byelection. Related: Shabana Mahmood to limit refugees to 30 months in UK Speaking to the Guardian on the day before the byelection result, Mahmood urged her colleagues to acknowledge that the UK public had legitimate grievances about the unfairness of allowing people to arrive in small boats and the strain on public services from excessive immigration. There are people who are racist, who do just hate everybody thats not white and different to them. Those people are not legitimate in this debate, Mahmood said. There are many more people who are frustrated with the broken system, who feel a tremendous amount of resentment because they can see their communities under pressure. Public services are under pressure. People break the rules and they stay in this country. Were paying for people whove got no right to be in this country. Billions of pounds is spent on a system that is fundamentally broken. That resentment is real, and it does have a real-life impact The job of responsible politicians is to recognise human nature and resentment and to say: I dont really want that to turn into something worse. It could get much worse, Mahmood said, because a Nigel Farage-led government would send people who have been in the UK for decades back to dangerous regimes where they faced torture and genocide. A Reform government will raise the drawbridge entirely. They say they will deport people at a scale so great, they can only be doing so by returning people to places where they face certain death, she said. Danish camps such as Sjlsmark, set up in 2015, in effect function as open prisons, according to refugee campaigners. Housed in one- and two-storey buildings and with 10 people sleeping in some rooms, those sent to Sjlsmark must sign a contract saying they will help clean the facilities and stick to strict curfews or face fines, imprisonment or deportation. On paper, the rejected asylum seekers are allowed to leave the barracks, but the high fences, CCTV cameras and single entrance and exit point mean that few choose to do so, according to staff. Standing 20 yards away from Mahmood in the camp on Wednesday, Anne la Cour Vagen, the head of asylum at the Danish Red Cross, which oversees the welfare of migrants held in Sjlsmark, said her governments decision to only grant temporary rights to refugees was making it harder for refugees to integrate and enter the job market. If you have a temporary stay and you live in this uncertainty of whether you would be allowed to stay here forever, it affects whether you want to learn the language, for instance. Why should you learn this difficult Danish language if youre not allowed to stay here? Youd rather learn English, maybe, La Cour Vagen said. Mahmood acknowledged that integration of refugees in the UK could become harder under the governments new plans for refugee status to be reviewed every 30 months. It will obviously make life much more difficult for people that come illegally that are then in the system, she said. I do care about integration, but I also want to change the calculus of people that are about to pay money to people smugglers, or get on a dangerous boat in the Channel. The veteran Labour peer Alf Dubs has condemned the governments decision to suspend family reunion visas. He says this will lead to a rise in the number of unaccompanied children coming to Britain in small boats in an attempt to join family members. The government said in September that the route would be reopened with different eligibility rules in spring 2026. Related: Drop in overseas workers is car crash for UK hospitals and care homes, say experts Mahmood declined to say when the route would be reopened under new rules but said her officials were working on it. After the introduction of a harsh new regime, Denmark has among the most restrictive immigration systems in Europe. In 2024, just 860 people were granted asylum, though a temporary protection scheme provided permits to 10,000 Ukrainians. In 2025, 2,600 people were deported after having their claims rejected. Critics from the left in Denmark say hardline policies have led to the mainstreaming of hard-right policies and constant shifts to the right. In the mid-2010s, the rightwing populist Danish Peoples party was rising in the polls, cleaving working-class support away from the Social Democrats. Seeking a way back to government from four years in opposition, the party leader of the Social Democrats, Mette Frederiksen, published a pamphlet that made many Danish socialists and activists feel distinctly uncomfortable. Titled Retfaerdig og Realistisk (Just and Realistic), it sought to win back the working-class vote. It said: You are not a bad person because you do not want to see your country fundamentally changed. And you are not naive because you want to help other people live a better life. On Friday, Frederiksen called an early general election after a surge in popularity since Donald Trump threatened to invade Greenland. After holding a meeting with Mahmood, Rasmus Stoklund, the minister for immigration and integration, said his country would push forward with the so-called ghetto law that allows the state to demolish apartment blocks where at least half of residents have a non-western background. We dont want parallel societies. We wont accept them and we wont accept the norms of imams or anyone else trying to dominate areas of Denmark, Stoklund told LBC radio. It is important that kids, when they go to school in the morning that they see that the adults in the neighbourhood go to work, that they dont just hang around in this neighbourhood, and that they also experience what the majority culture is like, that they dont grow up in a part of Denmark which might as well could have been part of the greater Middle East. Responding to his comments, a Home Office spokesperson said: We disagree with the Danes on that idea that is not Mahmoods vision of a pluralistic country. We are interested in integration, not head counts of white faces. Robbie Power looks back with pride on the day he won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Jessica Harringtons Sizing John. Back in 2017 all the hard yards Power had put in through his early days in the saddle paid off when a link up with powerful owner Alan Potts, reaped plentiful rewards. Splitting his time between the UK and Ireland, riding principally for Colin Tizzard and Jessica Harrington respectively, he rode a plethora of big race winners, with three at the Cheltenham Festival. Robbie Power celebrates winning the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup (David Davies/PA) (David Davies) While Coral Cup success on Supasundae and Grand Annual glory on Rock The World boosted his tally, winning the biggest prize of all can never be taken away from him. Out of all the winners I rode it meant the most, not just because it was the Gold Cup, but it was Jessie Harringtons first Gold Cup as well and Jessie had been so loyal to me throughout my career. To repay her with a Gold Cup meant an awful lot, said Boylesports ambassador Power. Any jockey who wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup, it is always going to be the highlight of their career no matter how many winners they have ridden. That year 2017 was fantastic for me with three winners at the Festival and Sizing John being the definite highlight. Hes the best I have ridden I would say. I was lucky to ride some very good two-mile chasers, but Sizing John was very good over two miles and he could stay three-and-a-quarter-miles as well he just ticked all the boxes. He was second in an Arkle, placed in a Supreme and then showed his class when stepped up in trip. Robbie Power celebrates with the Cheltenham Gold Cup (David Davies/PA) (David Davies) He continued: I was actually disappointed with him in the Irish Gold Cup that year as I thought hed win more impressively than he did but the ground was really heavy that day. But then on better ground at Cheltenham he travelled and his big forte was his jumping, he was an unbelievable jumper and a quick jumper. Going Gold Cup pace at Cheltenham he was just doing a half-speed and jumping fence to fence. I was confident from a long way out and turning towards the fourth last Im just thinking I need to get out of here as Im stuck down the inside and I want out to be following the right horses. I went for a gap that Paddy Brennan went for on Cue Card and I had so much horse underneath me I could just nudge Cue Card out of the way. He pinged four out and then going downhill he came alight underneath me and then it was just a case of not playing my hand too soon. I was following Native River and Djakadam and always going well and always felt I had the pace to pick them off when I wanted. Robbie Power and Jessica Harrington with the Gold Cup (David Davies/PA) (David Davies) The way he jumped the last gave me no doubt he would get up the hill and he stood off outside the wings of the last and gave it two-foot and landed running it would have been very surprising and I would have been very disappointed if he was beat after that. This years feature has an open look to it, with several young pretenders coming through including The Jukebox Man and Jango Baie to take on previous old Cup heroes in Galopin Des Champs and Inothewayurthinkin. It will be very interesting and is wide open. You can make a case for a lot of horses and what Willie Mullins will run in the race is the biggest question mark, said Power. Inothewayurthinkin came out on top last year (Mike Egerton/PA) (Mike Egerton) Galopin Des Champs is definitely going to go and it will be interesting to see what Willie does. I would imagine Fact To File will be supplemented because Inothewayurthinkin has been disappointing this year and I think last years Gold Cup has left a mark on him. It would be an amazing training performance from Gavin Cromwell to get him back. However, the one horse we know who is definitely going there and I think will stay is The Jukebox Man. He was very unlucky not to win an Albert Bartlett and has a bit of course form and whenever I watch back the King George I think if he had just jumped the last he would have won a length. They say the King George wasnt run to suit some of the beaten horses, but I dont think it was run to suit The Jukebox Man either. Out of the first four home in that race, I think hes the one guaranteed to stay further and I think if they had gone around the bend at Kempton hed have beaten them two or three lengths. Shabana Mahmood on a visit to the Center Sandholm reception centre in Sandholmgardsvej, Denmark on 25 February. The Danish government has brought in a policy similar to the one the home secretary is introducing. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA (Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA) Shabana Mahmood has ripped up the governments asylum rules so that from Monday every refugee will be told that their status is temporary and will last just 30 months. In a move that has concerned a refugee charity, the home secretary said that claimants whose countries are deemed to be safe by the UK government will from now on be expected to return. The announcement comes despite pleas from some Labour MPs, peers and affiliated unions this weekend for Keir Starmers government to shift towards progressive policies after the party came third in Thursdays Gorton and Denton byelection. The changes include plans to double to 10 years the amount of time some foreign nationals must wait before they can settle in the UK. In an interview with the Guardian, Mahmood called for Labour MPs to get behind immigration reforms or risk a Nigel Farage-led government deporting refugees to certain death. Related: Shabana Mahmoods double down on immigration disappointing, says Alf Dubs She has insisted that far from being unpopular with traditional Labour voters, her policies recognise the concerns of people who feel resentment because public services are under pressure. Under Mondays changes, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum will receive a 30-month period of protection if it is granted. At a 30-month review refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those whose countries are now deemed safe will be expected to return home. The new rules will not apply retrospectively to anyone who has applied before Monday. Under the previous system refugees were granted five years of protection and allowed to bring their families, followed by possible permanent settlement. Just over 100,000 people claimed asylum in 2025, 4% less than the previous year. Half of asylum seekers arrived through unauthorised entry routes, such as small boats. The change follows Mahmoods visit last week to Denmark, which introduced a similar approach in recent years. The Danish government has reduced asylum claims by more than 90% in a decade, but has been accused of breaching the human rights of refugees. The left-leaning Social Democrats, which have been in power in Copenhagen since 2019, have seen off an insurgent populist party after adopting a hardline stance. Mahmood said: We must ensure our asylum system is not creating pull factors that draw people on dangerous journeys across the world. Genuine refugees will find safety in Britain, but we must also reduce the incentives that draw people here at such scale, including those without a legitimate need for protection. So, once a refugees home is safe and they are able to return, they will be expected to do so. She told the Guardian that the Home Office already has the capacity and the resources to conduct the extra checks on refugee claims every year. We have got the resources and the administrative capacity and Im confident they can be done, and will be based upon the safety of the country that they should return to, she said. Imran Hussain, the director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, said the change will stop people who have survived unimaginable danger from putting down roots and finding work. Short-term leave means refugee families who have survived war, persecution and unimaginable danger will face renewed uncertainty every 30 months, damaging integration in the long term, he said. These men, women and children should be able to put down roots: settle into communities, learn English and find work. The council has calculated that the new workload will cost up to 725m and result in 1.1m repeat case reviews, he said. One immigration expert said that the change in policy may have a deterrent effect at the margins but could struggle to result in large-scale returns. Peter Walsh, a senior researcher at Oxford Universitys Migration Observatory, said: Out of 30,000 Syrian refugees in Denmark, only about 1,200 cases were reassessed, a few hundred statuses revoked, and as of early 2024, no one had been reported to have been removed to Syria. Instead, many remain in the country without legal status for long periods because removals are not operationally or diplomatically feasible. Walsh said the effect upon migration numbers will change depending upon whether the checks on refugee status are light touch or substantive. The more intensive and frequent the reviews, the greater the uncertainty for individuals and the greater the administrative burden for the Home Office, he said. The government announced in November that refugee protection would become temporary. Mahmood will argue next week that migration policies including forcing people to wait 20 years before being able to claim leave to remain were entirely consistent with Labour values. Those changes are expected to be implemented in the autumn. In a speech delivered at a thinktank, she will warn Labour MPs that the future of the party will be in jeopardy unless it supports controls on the level of migration to limit pressure on communities. Wider changes, such as the overhaul of the asylum appeals system will come in the form of the border security, asylum and immigration bill in the kings speech in May. It is likely to face a Labour rebellion in both Houses of Parliament. In her Guardian interview, Mahmood said Labour must acknowledge the publics legitimate concerns about immigration and make changes. If not, she said, a Reform-led government will implement its plans to deport hundreds of thousands of people even though they deserved refuge in the UK. A Reform government under Nigel Farage will raise the drawbridge entirely ending centuries of tolerance and generosity in this country, she said. They want to go knocking on doors, rounding up people who have been here for decades, worked in our public services, raised families, made this country their home. They say they will deport people at a scale so great, they can only be doing so by returning people to places where they face certain death. But Lucy Powell, Labours deputy leader, told the Observer that some of Mahmoods policies on migration were a real concern to our ethnic minority communities. She added that the governments rhetoric came up a lot during the recent byelection. A Reform UK spokesperson said: Shabana Mahmoods comments are absurd. Reform UK have consistently said our priority is tackling illegal migration and restoring control of the UKs borders. The British public deserve honesty, not hysteria. Starmer to be accused of crimes against humanity in legal challenge to Chagos deal Keir Starmer will be accused of committing a crime against humanity in a legal challenge against his controversial deal to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The UK prime minister, who made a career out of being a human rights lawyer, is set to have the tables turned on him in court by indigenous Chagossians in an increasingly fraught legal and diplomatic nightmare over his plan to hand over the sovereignty of the Indian Ocean islands. The court action, set to be heard this month, claims that forcing the Chagossian people to leave their indigenous homeland is a crime against humanity based on international case law. It comes as the president of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has also said he intends to legally challenge the treaty dispute over the Mauritius claim to be the real owners of the islands, which are home to the UK-US crucial Diego Garcia airbase. Adam Holloway and Misley Mandarin in their new settlement on the Chagos Islands (Supplied) Previously, Sir Keir had insisted that he had no choice but to hand over the islands to Mauritius because of an International Court of Justice ruling, but critics have noted that the UK has an opt-out on International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings regarding the Commonwealth and its territories. The opt-out also applies to other aspects of international law, including the International Law of the Sea, which the government is relying on to justify the Mauritius deal. And with Donald Trump in effect vetoing the treaty Sir Keir signed with Mauritius, the plan to hand over the islands, along with 35bn of British taxpayer money to lease the airbase back, has been put on hold. The US president is believed to be concerned about the security of the airbase, with intelligence in the US and UK that Mauritius is negotiating with China to allow it to have a presence on the islands, rendering Diego Garcia useless. But in the meantime, Sir Keirs government is facing a day in court on 13 March over its attempts to evict four Chagossians led by the first minister of the government in exile, Misley Mandarin who returned to the island in February, including one who was born there. Currently, an injunction is in place preventing the removal of the four, who arrived with former MP Adam Holloway, who is also an ex-army officer. Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal (CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA) However, the judge will also hear the case for a legal challenge to the Chagos deal with Mauritius, based on the rights of the Chagossians to resettle there instead and run the islands as a British protectorate. James Tumbridge, the lawyer acting on behalf of the four Chagossians, has argued in papers submitted to the judge that removing the islanders for what amounts to a second time from their indigenous home is a crime against humanity. In the submission, he has referred to a communication submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor setting out the background and submitting that the crime against humanity of deportation was being committed by the continued exclusion of the Chagossian people from their homeland. Swiss-based lawyer Elodie Tranchez submitted the claim to the ICC and the UN Committee for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, noting: It is an offence against the law of England and Wales for a person to commit genocide, a crime against humanity or a war crime. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers Chagos deal is in trouble (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA) Mr Tumbridge noted: The Chagos Islanders have been in exile since being forcibly removed from the Chagos Islands by the British authorities from the mid-1960s until 1973. That unlawful act (and crime against humanity) was committed after the islands had been severed from the administrative Colony of Mauritius before Mauritius was granted independence in March 1968. He will argue that the UKs claim that the islanders could not return because of security reasons ended last year when they made the deal with Mauritius. The submission states: In the past that forced removal has been sought to be justified and maintained, on the grounds of national security. This is important to recognise because there has been a fundamental shift to acceptance that settlement of the outer islands is not incompatible with the military base on Diego Garcia (and indeed it has, rightly, not been relied upon in these proceedings as a reason for the decisions taken). It notes that the policy change [comes about] should the islands be ceded to Mauritius, re-settlement [of the islands] is provided for in that arrangement. He will also point out that previous objections the UK government has raised regarding cost of resettlement no longer apply because of the 35bn offered to Mauritius as part of the transfer of sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Maldives is set to issue its own legal challenge and is assessing all lawful avenues available to halt the transfer. A spokesperson for the Maldives foreign ministry told The Telegraph: The Government of the Republic of Maldives remains committed to protecting and advancing the sovereign rights and maritime interests of the Maldivians in accordance with international law. At present, the Maldives has not formally instituted proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against any state concerning sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. We are exploring our options now. We are doing a comprehensive legal review and consultations with international legal experts and relevant domestic authorities are ongoing. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: We do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. As we have stated previously, there is no right for anyone, regardless of their citizenship or heritage, to enter the islands without a valid permit or exemption. That is why the vessel has been asked to remove all those unlawfully on the territory. The UK government recognises the importance of the islands to Chagossians, and we have made clear our regret for the manner in which they were removed from the islands in the past. However, this stunt puts lives at risk and does not help anyone. They will argue that the outer islands are currently not safe for habitation, and that the UK/Mauritius agreement, which protects the base on Diego Garcia, is the only viable and safe route to resettlement for Chagossians. Sir Keir Starmer has dramatically changed his mind over giving the Americans permission to use RAF bases in Cyprus to tackle the growing threat from Iran. In a late statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister insisted he was giving permission for the limited specific defensive purpose of protecting UK and US allies across the Middle East as Iran continues to lash out. But hours after the announcement there were reports of a major explosion at RAF Akrotiri, one of the UK bases in Cyprus where US planes will be allowed to fly from. Sources told the Cyprus Mail that personnel at the base were told of the threat, and instructed to return to your homes and stay inside until further notice. Starmer gives US permission to use RAF bases (UK Gov) The announcement followed defence secretary John Healey claiming that two Iranian missiles were aimed in the direction of Cyprus where the UK has bases on Saturday, although this has been disputed by the Cypriot authorities. Sir Keirs statement also came after severe criticism from Tories and Reform over the UK refusing to allow the US to use RAF bases and standing aside in taking direct action in the conflict. However, it will now fuel concerns that the UK is being steadily dragged into a conflict which could find itself played out in British streets. Yesterday Sir Keir revealed that Iran had planned 20 atrocities in the UK just in the last year. But Downing Street has made it clear that no US attacks on Iran will be launched from UK bases and the RAF will not be taking part in offensive action. In his video message to the nation, Sir Keir said: The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved. Green Party leader Zack Polanski blasted Sir Keir for caving in to Donald Trump. He told The Independent: It took just one phone call from Donald Trump for Starmer to jump into yet another Middle East illegal war, failing to learn the lessons of the tragedies of Iraq, Libya and Syria. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey warned: "No matter how the prime minister tries to redefine offensive as defensive, this is a slippery slope. He must not let Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East. But, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who had condemned Starmer for not allowing the US to use the bases earlier, told The Independent: Better late than never. We have a follower not a leader. Former Tory defence secretary Grant Shapps described the move as a welcome U-turn. He added: Quite why it's taken him two days to make the most obvious decision of his premiership is another matter! But opposition to the move rapidly emerged from within Labour. Labour MP Richard Burgon, chair of the Socialist Campaign Group of left-wing MPs, posted: I am deeply alarmed that British military bases will be used in Trump's bombing of Iran these attacks violate international law. The UK government should be focused on de-escalation, diplomacy and a ceasefire that's the best way of keeping people safe, not following Trump. Sir Keirs announcement follows disputed claims by defence secretary John Healey that Iranian missiles were shot in the direction of Cyprus as well as attacks on regional allies in Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar. Iranian strike in Bahrain (Reuters) The prime minister explained: Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them. They have hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation, we have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. Our Armed Forces who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Irans actions. Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel. The indiscriminate Iranian retaliation has come despite the death of much of the countrys hardline religious leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Sir Keir said: The death of the supreme leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. Their approach is becoming even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians. Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and the world is a negotiated settlement. One in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon. But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. This is the situation we face today. Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and its my duty to protect British lives. We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles. Sir Keir also joined French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz in a joint statement calling on Iran to cease its attacks. They said that they were appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region. They added: Irans reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region. Credit: WANA via Reuters An Israeli and US strike on a primary school in southern Iran has killed 165 people, including children and teachers. The attack on Shajare Tayyebe girls school in Minab, near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base, on Saturday was the deadliest incident since Donald Trump launched military strikes against Tehran. Footage circulating on social media showed young girls trapped under rubble, with loved ones screaming outside the building. Emergency workers dug through debris as they attempted to reach victims. One man, standing helplessly next to the ruins, held up blood-stained schoolbooks. Students were crushed beneath this rubble, he said. They were not military personnel. They came here this morning to study. Look at their books theyre covered in blood. It was a school. The attack on Saturday was the deadliest incident since Donald Trump launched military strikes against Tehran - Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News Agency via AP The school was operating a morning shift with 170 students when it was hit, according to Irans ministry of education. At least 81 of the dead were pupils, according to officials. The US army said it was investigating, while the Israeli military said it was not aware of any operations in the area. According to BBC Persian, the school was next to an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps complex which included a pharmacy and gym. A clinic treating survivors was struck in what appeared to be a second attack on the same location, raising further questions about targeting protocols. Iranian state television broadcast footage of the destroyed school and grieving families, using the civilian casualties as evidence of American and Israeli war crimes. Iranian state television used the attack as evidence of war crimes - Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News Agency via AP International humanitarian law provides special protection for schools and requires parties to armed conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties. Up to 201 people were killed and 747 injured across 24 Iranian provinces on Saturday, meaning the school strike accounted for nearly 75 per cent of the overall death toll. Israeli and American forces also struck areas around the Iranian Red Crescents headquarters building and three hospitals in Tehran, the humanitarian organisation reported, as airstrikes on the capitals residential areas intensified. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) told The Telegraph they targeted an Iranian military facility near one of the hospitals. A spokesman said: It should be emphasised that this was not an attack on the hospital. Unlike the Iranian terrorist regime, the IDF does not target hospitals or civilian infrastructure it directs its operations solely against military targets. Rescue workers and residents search the rubble of the school - Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News Agency via AP Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani, a senior Shia cleric, cited the school deaths when issuing a religious decree Saturday declaring it obligatory for all Muslims to avenge the death of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader. Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes after the US and Israel launched a barrage of attacks on Saturday, including one on Khameneis Tehran compound. Irans attacks targeted both Israel and American interests in the wider Middle East region. The Islamic Republic struck a high-tech radar station in Bahrain. Video footage appeared to show both missiles and drones smashing into the vicinity of the US fifth Fleet headquarters there. Air defences were seen illuminating the skies over Doha, the Qatari capital, where the US has its largest base in the region. The Qatari interior ministry announced that at least 66 missiles were fired in its direction, with at least 16 people injured by falling shrapnel. Video footage also appeared to show at least one missile smashing into the ground after evading surface-to-air defences. Ships have reported hearing a radio broadcast purporting to come from the Iranian navy announcing that transit through the vital strait of Hormuz, was banned, raising expectations of a sharp jump in oil prices. But theres been no formal announcement from Tehran about the status of the strait, one of the worlds most important shipping routes. Tessa Peake-Jones has said beloved sitcom Only Fools And Horses is best left alone as she addressed the possibility of a reboot ahead of the sitcoms 45th anniversary. The comedy, a ratings powerhouse for the BBC since it first aired in 1981, follows the Trotter family led by smooth-talking market trader Derek Del Boy Trotter (Sir David Jason), and his naive younger brother, Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Peake-Jones, now 68, rose to fame when she joined the show in 1988 as Del Boys love interest and eventual wife, Raquel Turner. Sir David Jason starred as Del Boy Trotter (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok) In an interview with The Express, the actress described the comedy as a jewel, adding: You dont want to fiddle about with it. Speaking about the possibility of a revival or a reboot, she said: Its best left alone. Peake-Jones hailed writer John Sullivan, who died in 2011 at the age of 64, as the genius behind the show. I dont think you could ever repeat that, and I hope they dont. Some reboots, or when theyve brought everyone back for a prequel, just havent worked. We get letters from youngsters all the time saying, Oh, my granddad watched this show, or My parents watched this, and they loved it, so it passes down the generations. I think leave it like that because its a bit like a jewel you dont want to fiddle about with it. Peake-Jones is among the cast members who will reunite for a documentary series to air on U&Gold later this year to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the first broadcast. Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will air behind-the-scenes footage as well as new material and previously unseen clips from the series. Peake-Jones told the newspaper it was quite depressing to watch the footage back, adding: Youre looking back at something 30 years ago, and were all a lot older now, so you just look so different. She added: You think, Oh, we were in our prime, which is quite a weird thing to be witnessing decades later. Its a very odd experience. It was a bit like torture to be forced to sit on the sofa and watch this stuff back from 30 years ago, it really was, but its part of the job. Nicholas Lyndhurst also starred in the sitcom (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) The actress said she spent a day with Sir David during the documentary filming, adding: It was harder for David because some of that stuff for him is looking back 40 years, which I know he finds quite odd. He said, Isnt it odd to see yourself looking so much younger?' Only Fools And Horses ran for 22 years and became known for its popular phrases such as This time next year, well be millionaires, Lovely jubbly and Cushty. Set in Peckham, it followed the colourful escapades of market trader Del Boy and his less streetwise younger brother as they tried to become rich. The final episode was broadcast in 2003 and OSullivan went on to write two related shows for the BBC: The Green Green Grass, which followed characters Boycie and Marlene moving to Shropshire and aired from 2005-2009, and a prequel miniseries called Rock & Chips and set in the 1960s that was shown in 2010. A musical adaptation co-written by and starring Paul Whitehouse opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2019and toured across the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025. President Donald Trump says there will likely be more U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict before it ends after officials confirmed three service members were killed in the operation this weekend. Trump called the operation in Iran one of the most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen, in a video message shared Sunday afternoon. Earlier Sunday, the United States Central Command announced that three service members had been killed and five others were seriously wounded by shrapnel in the operation, which U.S. officials have dubbed Operation Epic Fury. Trump noted the deaths in the video and added, Sadly, there will likely be more... before it ends, thats the way it is. Likely be more. The president also said Sunday that the U.S.-Israeli joint operation has hit hundreds of targets in Iran. Three U.S. service members have been killed and five are seriously wounded as part of the operation in Iran. President Donald Trump on Sunday said there will sadly, likely be more before it ends (AP) President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed the news that three U.S. service members were killed in the operation in Iran, adding that there will likely be more (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) Combat operations continue at this time in full-force and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives, Trump added, without sharing any details about what the objectives would be. Trump said that an Iranian regime with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American, and that the Iranian leaders had waged war against civilization itself. Additional information, including the names of the slain U.S. service members, will be released 24 hours after their next of kin are notified. It was not immediately clear where the troops were killed. The joint U.S.-Israel military strikes, which began Saturday morning, carry the potential for a wider war and the fallout could rock the world economy. Since the strikes began, Iran has launched hundreds of retaliatory missiles at Israel and U.S. military installations around the Gulf. Iran vowed revenge after its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, leaving the Islamic Republic grappling to rebuild its leadership. The strikes targeted about 40 top Iranian officials in Tehran, including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was reported to be among those killed. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned the U.S. will hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before, if it retaliates. Trump urged Iranians to seize the moment and take over. He also said Sunday that the Iranians want to talk, and I have agreed to talk. The latest strikes came two days after the most recent U.S.-Iran talks, which saw Trump pressure Tehran to limit its nuclear program. More than 200 people have died in Iran following the strikes, according to Iranian authorities. Ten people have been killed in Israel and two in the UAE. Tehran continued to launch retaliation strikes Sunday, with an oil tanker hit off the coast of Oman and a person killed in Abu Dhabi after a drone was intercepted over its airport. Iranians show their support for the U.S. and Israeli strikes (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was also struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury and the ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier, U.S. Central Command wrote on X. As the President said, members of Irans armed forces, IRGC and police must lay down your weapons. Abandon ship, the post added. Israel also launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran Sunday, with the countrys military saying its planes had conducted strikes to open the path to Tehran. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets remained, including sites of military-industrial production. "We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary," he said. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed Saturday in the strikes (Getty Images) Irans provisional governing council started its work Sunday, and is expected to name a new supreme leader. The country has struggled amidst nationwide protests that began over the economy, but turned into anti-government demonstrations. The U.S. and Israel also struck Iran last June during earlier nuclear talks, and weakened Irans air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program as a result. The Trump administration has asserted that Iran has been rebuilding its nuclear program and has pressured Tehran to limit its actions. Meanwhile, Iran has insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. With reporting by the Associated Press Three American troops have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the attacks on Iran, the US military said on Sunday, as Iran ramped up its retaliation campaign across the Middle East. US Central Command did not say when and where the deaths occurred. Tehran launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel and across the Persian Gulf on Sunday, striking US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, as well as targeting a US aircraft carrier. Israel and the US also unleashed fresh strikes, with blasts heard across the capital city, and former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad among those killed. Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks, according to the Daily Mail. "It's always been a four-week process, he said. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less. Trump warned the US would hit Iran with a force that has never been seen before if it tried to avenge the assassination of their supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during Saturdays strikes. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify strikes on Iran, saying its forces were striking in the heart of Tehran and warning this will only increase in the coming days. Rescue workers survey the scene of a hit from an Iranian missile in Tel Aviv (AP) But later, the US president said Iran's interim leadership had called for talks, and said he had agreed. He told Atlantic magazine from his Mar-a-lago mansion in Florida: So I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. The offer of talks came shortly after US Central Command confirmed that three service members had been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury the codename for the offensive against Iran while five others were seriously wounded and several others sustained minor injuries and concussions. The deaths are the first combat-related fatalities of US military personnel in major operations ordered by Mr Trump since he returned to the White House last year. Meanwhile, in a late statement on Sunday evening, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he has accepted a US request to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles in storage depots or launchers. "The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region," he said in a video message on X. In another dramatic day: Trump said 48 leaders of Irans regime have been killed in Israeli strikes The Iranian Red Crescent Society and official state-linked media said on Saturday 201 people had been killed and at least 747 injured. The death toll is reported to have since grown. At least 165 were killed in a strike on a girls primary school in southern Iran, authorities said Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the leaders of several Middle Eastern countries in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation It was revealed that Iranian missiles and drones had landed within a few hundred yards of British troops at a base in Bahrain Three people have been killed in the UAE, including one at the Zayed International airport in Abu Dhabi, after it was targeted with an Iranian projectile Holidaymakers in Dubai and Doha have been forced to shelter inside their hotels as the barrage of Iranian missiles continued Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had carried out further airstrikes in the Iranian capital to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to Tehran, as well as dismantling the majority of defence systems in western and central Iran. Smoke and flames rising from Dubai's landmark The Palm archipelago (UGC) Concern is also mounting about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for the global economy off Irans southern coast. Iran has said it has closed navigation through the critical waterway. At least three tankers were damaged off the Gulf coast and one seafarer was killed, according to shipping sources and officials on Sunday. Major container shipping lines have rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. where two vessels are reported to have been struck by unknown projectiles on Sunday. The UK has played no part in the US-Israeli strikes, but defence secretary John Healey warned on Sunday that Iranian retaliation could put UK personnel and allies at risk. British aircraft have been deployed on defensive operations, flying from Cyprus and Qatar and taking down drones and missiles menacing UK bases and allies, Mr Healey added. He also confirmed to Times Radio that a British counter-drone team in northern Iraq had shot down Iranian drones. He said few people would mourn the Ayatollah, but repeatedly declined to say whether the UK backed the US-Israeli strikes that killed him, or if the UK believed they were legal, when asked six times by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg. John Healey said missiles landed within a few hundred yards on UK troops in Bahrain (PA) He said: Britain played no part in the strikes on Iran. We share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. In Dubai, home to more than 240,000 British expats, the blasts from Iranian missiles continued to cause uncertainty and fear after two hotels were hit overnight. JS Anand, founder and CEO LEVA hotels, which has a flagship hotel in Dubai, told The Independent: It caused a lot of panic, uncertainty, and there was an emergency message that came out in the night. It said there was a barrage of missiles coming in, everyone came to the lobby and basement, worried about what was going to happen, so we had to take care of them. Most of them have extended their stay because there are no flights and no certainty on when the airspace is going to open up. Flights across the region continue to be disrupted, causing travel chaos for thousands of travellers unable to leave. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remained virtually empty, maps by Flightradar24 showed on Sunday, and three major airlines Etihad, Qatar and Emirates have grounded all flights to the region until at least Monday. Emirates planes have been grounded at Dubais airport, a major transit hub in the Middle East (AP) In attacks elsewhere in the region, Kuwait's Ministry of Health said one person had been killed, and 20 people wounded in retaliatory attacks by Iran, while American citizens in Oman have been warned to take shelter after missiles were launched there. Mr Trump announced on Sunday that the US military was sinking Iran's Navy, having destroyed nine Iranian warships so far and "going after the rest". While Iran's Revolutionary Guards said it had launched an attack on the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, state media reported. US Central Command said the ship was not hit and that Iran's missiles didn't come close. In Israel, nine people were killed by a missile strike in the town of Beit Shemesh, its ambulance service said, after sirens sounded overnight on Saturday. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets within Iran remained, including sites of military-industrial production. We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary, he said. March 1, 2026: Last month another Chinese biolab was discovered in Las Vegas. The police had received an anonymous tip that a biolab was operating inside a home. Police then raided the home and found over a thousand items that were stored in the adjacent garage along with chemical laboratory equipment including centrifuges and other equipment as well commercial refrigerators. The owner of the home was a Jia Bei Zhu, who was already in custody since 2023 because of another illegal biolab in a California town. The owners of both labs had ties to the Chinese government. Six years ago an American and two Chinese were indicted for secretly providing China with U.S. technology. The American was Charles Lieber, head of the Harvard Chemistry and Chemical Biology department. He was accused of secretly establishing a working relationship with a Chinese university at Wuhan. Lieber established research efforts at Harvard, recruiting top scientists to work on projects of interest to China and secretly passing research results to China. He also received millions of dollars from China to further this research. During the FBI investigation Lieber repeatedly lied about these activities, which did not prevent the FBI from eventually gathering all they needed to arrest Lieber and indict him. It is rare for China to convince a senior American academic, like Harvard department head Charles Lieber, to get involved in illegal research projects. Why Lieber got involved in such blatantly illegal activities was not disclosed and details probably wont emerge until his trial. Also indicted for Harvard-related espionage was a Chinese citizen, Zheng Zaosong, who was studying at Harvard on a student visa and was accused of trying to smuggle 21 vials of biological material and research data back to China. The third defendant was Yanqing Yeh, a Chinese student at nearby Boston University. She was also an active duty lieutenant in the Chinese Army who was supervised by a colonel at a Chinese military academy that was working on new technology for the Chinese military. This school was on an American list of Chinese educational institutions that were banned from working with anyone in the United States. Yeh was also caught trying to smuggle research data back to China. Yeh had lied about her military status when she applied for a student visa, asserting that she had been discharged from the army, and left out her connections with the banned in the United States Chinese military academy she was working for as an army officer. She was also accused of being an unregistered foreign agent. Among the items uncovered by the FBI was that Yeh had been assigned to investigate one American academic at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School who was researching computer security. Given how active China has been using hackers to steal valuable data from the United States, that particular assignment was ominous. Yeah had presented herself as a student but further investigation showed she was a very active Chinese spy. It is illegal for American academics and researchers to secretly work for Chinese government or commercial firms. These restrictions wont trigger similar measures for Americans in China because China has long assigned police and intel specialists to closely observe who visiting Americans visit. This surveillance often involves MSS secret police agents advising Chinese to refuse such meetings or only do it with an MSS agent present, usually pretending to be an employee of the firm. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham denied on Sunday that the Trump administration needed a plan to ensure that Iran would not continue to be a state sponsor of terrorism following the death of the Ayatollah Khamenei on Saturday in a U.S.-Israeli strike. One of D.C.s longest and most vocal proponents of using military force to confront the Iranian government for years, Graham appeared on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday to cheer the joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran this weekend which began in the early hours of Saturday morning. The strikes are confirmed to have killed Irans supreme leader and dozens of others. Three U.S. service members have been killed since the hostilities erupted and Iran launched a wave of missile attacks across the region in retaliation. The U.S. president confirmed on Saturday that severely disrupting or deposing the Iranian regime was the intention of the latest round of attacks as he urged Iranian citizens and members of the Revolutionary Guard corps (IRGC) to join with protesters and topple the government. But on Sunday, the South Carolina senator rejected entirely the notion that the U.S. or Donald Trump would be held responsible for whatever emerged from the ashes of the current theocratic Iranian government should the Ayatollahs death indeed cause it to collapse. Our goal is to make sure [Iran] cannot become again the largest state sponsor of terrorism, Graham said on Meet the Press, explaining that Irans people would be in charge of charting the countrys new course. Thats a win for us. Thats a win for the region. Sen. Lindsey Graham disputed the idea that the U.S. needed a plan for guiding Iran's future after the death of the Ayatollah (NBC - Meet the Press) But is there a plan to make sure that happens? asked NBCs Kristen Welker. Does the the president have a plan to guarantee that that happens? No! Graham responded. Its not his job or my job to do this. How many times do I have to tell you? Our job is to make sure Iran is no longer the largest state sponsor of terrorism. To help the people reconstruct a new government. No boots on the ground. We dont own you know this idea, you break it, you own it? I dont buy that one bit. Its in Americas interest to make sure the Ayatollahs dead. Hes dead. A second Republican who backed Donald Trumps strikes on Iran that caused the death of the Ayatollah Hosseini Khamenei seemed to waver on one of Grahams points on Sunday during his own interview. Sen. Tom Cotton told CBS Face the Nation that the president had no plans for a large American force on the ground, but didnt rule the idea out entirely. The president has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside of Iran, said Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and one of the so-called Gang of Eight notified by the White House ahead of strikes on Iran. Cotton suggested that search-and-rescue operations could be initiated for downed pilots in Iranian territory if the need arose, but said that the U.S. military campaign against Iran would be a largely air- and sea-based assault in the days to come. Sen. Tom Cotton said on Sunday that the U.S. would not have a 'large-scale' presence within Iran (CBS - Face the Nation) Iranian state television confirmed the death of the supreme leader on Saturday. Other figures, such as President Masoud Pezeshkian, remain in power and the countrys military continues carrying out missile attacks around the region as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue. A strike that hit a girls school in southern Iran has now killed 148 people and wounded dozens more in the largest mass casualty event since the conflict began, according to Iranian media, and others have been reported killed in Iran, Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East including the United Arab Emirates. The countrys former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is among those reported dead by some Iranian news outlets, but his death has not been confirmed by prominent officials. Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, was reported killed in the airstrikes (Getty Images) Saturdays airstrikes and missile attacks closely followed negotiations Thursday in Geneva aimed at resolving U.S. demands for Iran to rein in its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs. Axios reporting indicates that planning for the strikes, including the assassination of Khamenei, began weeks ago with a visit to Mar-a-Lago by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Talks Thursday in Geneva were a last-ditch effort to avert the strikes, but U.S. officials say that negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff came out of the evening session and reported to the president that Iran was still far away from the U.S.s list of demands which were reportedly steep, and only offered the prospect of limited sanctions relief for sustained future compliance. Trump ordered the attacks a day later. "If the Iranians had come to Geneva and given Trump what he wanted, he would have pulled the brakes on the military track. But they were arrogant and thought he wouldn't take action," an Israeli official told the outlet. Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei (left) was killed in strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, Donald Trump (right) says. Photograph: Handout,brendan Smialowski/KHAMENEI.IR/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Handout,brendan Smialowski/KHAMENEI.IR/AFP/Getty Images) The US launched attacks against Iran on Saturday as part of a joint operation with Israel. Hours after the bombs started falling across Iran, Trump claimed the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, calling it the greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. State media in Iran later confirmed his death. The announcement came after a joint US and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump said the heavy and pinpoint bombing was to continue through the week or as long as necessary. There was no immediate comment from Iran on Khameneis status. The strikes opened a new chapter in US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program. At home, there has been fierce domestic criticism of the military action. Here are the main stories from a momentous day for America, and the world: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed by missile strike on Iran Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei has been killed, Iranian state media confirmed early on Sunday, in the opening salvo of a war aimed at regime change that was launched on Saturday by the US and Israel. Khamenei had not been heard from since the strikes began, and satellite imagery showed that his secure compound was heavily damaged in the initial barrage on Saturday. The confirmation came hours after Donald Trump announced the death of the ayatollah, who has ruled Iran as supreme leader since 1989, in a post on Truth Social. Read the full story US lawmakers condemn Trump over Iran strikes: acts of war unauthorized by Congress Donald Trumps failure to build a case with the US public for striking Iran and then going ahead apparently after a last-minute alert to Congresss key national security experts the so-called gang of eight has fuelled fierce domestic criticism of the military action against the Islamic Republic on Saturday. Belying the gravity of Saturdays attacks, the president spent just three minutes of Tuesdays record-length one hour and 48 minute State of the Union address trying to explain why the need to act against a regime that had been a strategic foe for decades had suddenly become so urgent and whose nuclear facilities he claimed to have obliterated in previous strikes last June. Read the full story Protesters rally across US after Iran strikes and reports of Khamenei killing As news reports circulated that Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had been killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, anti-war protesters gathered across the United States, including outside the White House and in New Yorks Times Square to voice opposition to US military involvement in the region. It wasnt sanctioned by Congress, so what Trump is doing is on his own terms, its making him a fascist and its making the country into a fascist state, said Sue Johnson, a protester. Trump, she added, just couldnt wait. Hes such an impatient child. Hes like, Well ICE didnt work, so lets go stir things up in the Middle East. He bombed Iran for no specific reason. Read the full story The rise and fall of Irans ruthless and pragmatic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei When he appeared in public for the first time in five years in October 2024, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had an uncompromising message: Israel wont last long, he told tens of thousands of supporters at a mosque in Tehran in a Friday sermon. We must stand up against the enemy while strengthening our unwavering faith, the then-84-year-old told the gathering. Seventeen months later, Khamenei might well have faced his final climactic confrontation after decades of bitter struggle against multiple enemies. Read the full story Iran vows no leniency as it launches reprisal attacks on Israel and US air bases Iran has launched a barrage of retaliatory missiles aimed at Israel and US bases across the region, denouncing the two countries airstrikes as a breach of the UN charter and an act of flagrant aggression designed to end any possibility of a diplomatic resolution. Irans Red Crescent reported 201 deaths and 747 injuries in daylong attacks across 24 provinces, mainly directed at Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps headquarters and missile launch sites. Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, admitted Iran had lost one or two senior commanders in the opening raids, and the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said he was not in a position to confirm or deny whether the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was alive. Satellite images showed his compound in Tehran as a charred ruin incinerated by bombs, but Iranian officials said the 86-year-old leader had not been in the building. Read the full story A visual guide to US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehrans response Israeli jets and US missiles struck hundreds of targets across Iran, sending residents fleeing in panic from major urban centres. Among the targets were Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, and Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as weapons facilities across the country. Israel announced the beginning of what it called Operation Lions Roar in tandem with Trump, which an Israeli military official said was aimed at degrading the regimes capabilities. The Israeli official added that operations would continue for as long as necessary. Read the full story Explosions rock Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait as war spreads across Middle East The war launched by the US and Israel on Iran has quickly escalated, prompting anxiety and concern in the whole region. Iran struck the world-famous Fairmont Hotel in Dubai, setting the hotel alight. Residents watched in shock as an Iranian missile hit the five-star hotel in Dubais luxurious Palm Jumeirah area. Social media videos showed fires breaking out near the entrance of the hotel, which led to four people being injured. Later Dubai authorities said debris from an intercepted drone caused a fire at the citys famous luxury hotel the Burj Al Arab. The media office also said that part of Dubais international airport sustained minor damage in an incident, without giving further details. Read the full story War on Iran: how the US-Israeli bid for regime change unfolded The bombs and missiles started falling on Tehran in full daylight, at about 9.15am, after the working day had started and the streets and offices were full. Bombing campaigns in the modern era usually start at night, to heighten the targets sense of disorientation and minimise the effectiveness of air defence. This time was different, however. The plumes of smoke that rose from the streets of the Iranian capital came from the buildings in the government zone and villas in the well-to-do districts. As Israeli officials were to confirm later, this initial salvo from Israel and the US was a decapitation strike, aimed at killing Irans leadership and eliminating as much as possible of the government apparatus at the same time. For such a consequential goal, it made sense to wait until officials had arrived at their desks. Read the full story Inside Trumps decision to attack Iran: a window of opportunity Donald Trump launched attacks against Iran on Saturday in a joint operation with Israel after they developed intelligence that they could simultaneously target the countrys leaders and mullahs, according to two people familiar with deliberations. The Israelis had been tracking the movements of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and determined there was a window of opportunity to launch attacks as they convened, the people said. The thinking behind decapitating the Iranian regime was a belief that while Irans Revolutionary Guards might be deeply loyal to Khamenei, in the event of his death they would not back any of his successors to the same extent, the people said. Read the full story What else happened today: The US president upended half a century of US foreign policy in an eight-minute video with another attempt at Middle Eastern regime change, writes David Smith. Analysis: With few good strategic options, Irans best prospect may be to retaliate while it can. In Israel, there is broad political and popular support for the countrys second regional war in less than a year. Catching up? Heres what happened on 27 February. Trump says Iran wants talks after assassination of supreme leader: They shouldve done it sooner. They played too cute Donald Trump told The Atlantic on Sunday that Iran wants to negotiate after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out a wave of strikes across the country that resulted in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The U.S. presidents remarks come just a day after the bombing campaign began and as much of Irans government reportedly remains intact, including the presidency of Mahmoud Pezeshkian. Trump confirmed to The Atlantics Michael Sherer that hed agreed to resume negotiations with Iranian officials, telling the news outlet: They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner, the president added. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. He said some Iranian officials involved in the previous talks were no longer alive. Donald Trump told a reporter on Sunday that Iranian officials had agreed to resume negotiations (Getty) Most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big that was a big hit. They should have done it sooner, Michael. They could have made a deal. They shouldve done it sooner. They played too cute. Irans foreign ministry hasnt confirmed that negotiations with the U.S. will resume, and Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of blowing up those talks with the launch of attacks on Saturday. Speaking on ABCs This Week, Araghchi told host George Stephanopoulos that the process to select a new supreme leader was already underway, while defending his countrys legitimate right to defend itself and retaliate against U.S. forces in the region. Since the conflict began early Saturday morning dozens have been killed across Iran, including at a girls school where 148 are reported dead in what Iranian officials have denounced as a massacre. Top Iranian commanders have been targeted in the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign, which according to Aragchi has left some Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) units isolated and outside of the direct command structure. U.S. officials met in Geneva with Iranian diplomats led by Araghchi on Thursday. After two exhaustive sessions, Axios reports that the two sides were still far away on key details. The Trump team, led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, presented the Iranians with a steep list of demands including the end of Iranian uranium enrichment capacity and the surrender of all enriched uranium to U.S. hands, in exchange for limited future sanctions relief. Iranian diplomats led by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met with a U.S. team in Geneva on Thursday (Iranian Foreign Ministry) Among the U.S. demands in the list presented last week was the permanent destruction of three Iranian nuclear sites struck by the Trump administration last summer: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The sites are thought to be key facilities involved in the creation of weapons-grade nuclear materials and the development of those materials into weapons. The White House claimed they were utterly destroyed by U.S. bombs last year, raising questions about the necessity of their re-destruction as well as a statement from Witkoff last month claiming that Iran was only days away from development of a nuclear weapon. The president accused Iran of attempting to reinvigorate its nuclear program during his State of the Union address to Congress last Tuesday night. In the wake of U.S. strikes, Trump has urged Iranian citizens and the IRGC to topple the countrys government in social media posts, but theres no indication yet that the Iranian government in Tehran is at risk of imminent collapse. President Trumps Maga base is largely isolationist and hates the idea of becoming entangled in foreign wars - Daniel Torok/AP Donald Trump has said the war with Iran may last as long as four or five weeks. Iran has vowed to match the US, spreading conflict around the region, but both sides have military limits, despite the obvious mismatch in firepower. On Saturday morning, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei joined an underground meeting of his regimes senior leadership in the heart of Tehran. At the same time, two other gatherings of top Iranian security and intelligence officials were taking place above ground. At about 10am Iran time, all three locations were struck in a coordinated attack. It was the start of Americas Operation Epic Fury and Israels Operation Lions Roar. At least 10 other senior officials are thought to have been killed. In an eight-minute address shared on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump vowed to obliterate Irans nuclear capacity and called for regime change. 01032026_NEWS_IRAN_TREE Trumps tactics The US president has suggested that the active phase could last two or three days with several off-ramps for the Iranians to take to end US aggression. He also offered immunity to Iranian servicemen and members of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps should they lay down their arms. Despite the Iranian regime losing its head, neck and shoulders in one fell swoop, Mr Trumps claims offer it a small chance of survival. Israels 12-day war in June last year left both defensive and offensive capabilities in Iran in a questionable state. Russia has refused to rebuild the air defences taken out by the strikes, which included covert intelligence operations involving boots on the ground. There are also questions over how much of Irans missile-launching capability survived the assaults last year. Further video published on Saturday of the latest strikes shows missile and drone infrastructure being targeted by both US and Israeli forces. 1701 How Iran's short-range ballistic missiles compare Irans revenge Still, Iran was able to launch roughly 300 counter-strikes, according to US officials cited in a report by The Atlantic. Should the Islamic Republic wish to sustain the war beyond the initial active phase, its capacity to do so depends on its ability to fire ballistic missiles and drones at US and Israeli targets. So far, US officials have claimed there has been no meaningful damage or casualties from the retaliation. Iran appears to have changed its tactics from last year, when it bombarded Israel with dozens of missiles in single salvos. Instead, it has opted for more sporadic attacks over a longer period. This could be because, following the 12-day war, that is all its missile capabilities allow for. Anything that was fired back was probably pre-arranged, given that Americas military build-up over recent weeks has hardly been a state secret. On the other hand, a regime hell-bent on survival might want to take a proportionate response because going too hard, too fast would expose missile stockpiles and launchers most of which are stored in secret underground bunkers to incoming US and Israeli attacks. Without its missiles, whatever is left of Irans weapons would have no deterrent to make attackers think twice before moving. Credit: @IDF / X A truly large-scale response from Iran would probably only come in desperation, with the regime knowing it is about to fall and wishing to go out swinging. However, Iran isnt the only side with limitations that could dictate the length of the latest conflict. US limitations Tehrans retaliation raised questions over the fragility of US and allied air defence in the wider region. The US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was an obvious and momentous target for the Iranians. In the past, there has been little in the way of air defence equipment stationed at the base. Telegram / Supernova_plus Over the past weeks, the US has moved dozens of additional air defence systems into the region, including top-of-the-range THAAD [Terminal High Altitude Area Defense] and Patriot batteries, both capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Still, user error appears to have allowed incoming missiles to slip through the defences. And then there are questions about whether there are enough interceptor missiles stockpiled to sustain a long-term war. Reports suggest there are not enough batteries or interceptors to cover all of Americas and its allies interests. If estimates are accurate, Iran has an arsenal of around 2,000 short-range ballistic missiles, as well as many more one-way attack drones that could help drain American stockpiles. If the Iranians unleash everything go hard and fast if the regime feels threatened, then eventually the US will run out of THAAD and Patriot interceptors, Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy commander, told the BBC. 1412 THAAD defence system Regime change Mr Trumps end goal of regime change could also be a limiting factor, unless he is willing to commit ground troops. History suggests that aerial campaigns alone rarely achieve successes like this. The pre-war air assault in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 in Iraq lasted six weeks before ground forces were deployed. The Nato bombing of Yugoslavia lasted 78 days in 1999, and the alliances aerial campaign against Libya in 2011 lasted 222 days. While the Americans have assembled the largest fighting force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, there will be questions about whether the deployment can be sustained for the long term. But perhaps the biggest limiting factor on Mr Trumps ambitions is the political backlash he faces back home. His Maga base is largely isolationist and hates the idea of becoming entangled in foreign wars. Trumps dilemma Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has reportedly voiced concerns about US casualties and dwindling munition supplies, especially air defence, should the war continue. While the US has not taken any meaningful damage, the odds this happens increase every hour the fight continues. Republicans close to Mr Trump had wanted a diplomatic deal to avert any fighting. Will complaints ring louder, especially from JD Vance, the vice-president, who has been one of the most vocal critics of American overseas interventions, should Mr Trump drop his pledge to stop dragging the country into forever wars in the Middle East? These will resonate should American forces start suffering casualties. But for Mr Trumps own vanity, he must also deliver a moment he can sell as a win back home. Two women have been convicted of stalking an ICE agent in Los Angeles following last summers protests in the city. Cynthia Raygoza, 38, and Ashleigh Brown, 38, were found guilty Friday following the incident that took place amid anti-immigration enforcement protests in August. On August 28, Raygoza and Brown followed the agent from a federal building in downtown Los Angeles to his home, live-streaming the incident on social media and providing directions to the address, their trial was told. They also encouraged viewers to share the stream with others, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, with clips of the stream being played at the trial. The agent, identified during the trial as Rogelio Reyes Huitzilin, told jurors that he had been headed home to meet up with his wife and two young children for a surprise when he noticed the women wearing masks, according to The Los Angeles Times. Cynthia Raygoza, 38, and Ashleigh Brown, 38, were found guilty Friday following the incident that took place amid anti-immigration enforcement protests last summer (First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli/ X) Upon arriving at the victims residence, shouted to bystanders while livestreaming that their neighbor is ICE, la migra lives here, and ICE lives on your street and you should know. According to Essayli they also shouted racial slurs at the agents wife and his children had witnessed the incident. Huitzilin said during the trial that his family had lived in fear since the incident and that they had moved out of their neighborhood, though he admitted he had not sold the property. He also said one of his sons had requested to be homeschooled and that his wife had needed therapy as a result. However, he later admitted that no other protesters had come to his house after that day and that he had never heard from Brown and Raygoza again. Its understood that no other similar incidents occurred at the home. Brown and Raygoza were both found guilty of one count of stalking but acquitted of one count of conspiring to publish personal information about a federal employee. They were charged alongside a third woman, Sandra Samane, who was acquitted of both counts. Following ICE and Border Patrol agents to enforcement sites has become a common tactic used by protesters in cities including LA, though this appears to be the first instance of a federal agent being followed and confronted at their home, according to The Times (AFP/Getty) During their trial, which lasted a week, Raygoza and Brown claimed that they had believed they were following the agent to an ICE raid, rather than his home, The Times reported. Following ICE and Border Patrol agents to enforcement sites has become a common tactic used by protesters in cities including LA, though this appears to be the first instance of a federal agent being followed and confronted at their home, according to The Times. We thank the jury for bringing justice to these agitators who violated the law and endangered the safety of this federal officer and his family, Essayli said in a statement. Peaceful protests are protected by the Constitution, political violence and unlawful intimidation are not. Essayli and federal prosecutors in LA have filed more than 100 cases against protesters over the assault and hindrance of immigration agents. Despite securing 23 guilty pleas, until Friday, they had so far lost every case taken to trial. Brown and Raygoza face up to five years in prison for their crimes and are due to be sentenced on June 8. A Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet has shot down an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar, the UKs Defence Ministry has said. It is believed to be the first drone shot down by a UK fighter jet since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting Iranian retaliation. A squadron of Typhoons was deployed to Qatar earlier this year. On 1 March 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Defence Secretary John Healey previously described the Typhoon as the backbone of UK and Nato air defence (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive) The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air-to-air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar's airspace and British interests in the region. Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies, it added. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Saturday that RAF jets were in the sky today to help defend allies in the Middle East against Irans response. More follows on this breaking news story... The UK has launched a huge operation to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Middle East as Iranian missile strikes rock the region. Officials at the Foreign Office are understood to be working on plans for potential evacuation routes should airspace in the Gulf remain closed. Iran has launched strikes at countries across the Middle East in retaliation to US-Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds of people in major cities, including Tehran. Three US service members have been killed and five seriously wounded as part of US president Donald Trumps military action against Iran, while several people have been killed in Israel. British nationals are currently being advised to stay where they are and follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Offices travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly. Thousands of British nationals, mainly in the UAE, have already registered their presence with the Foreign Office (AP) Those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office online. More than 76,000 people, mostly in the UAE, have already registered their presence, a scheme the government has used before to provide urgent updates to people affected by international crises. Ambassadors in the UAE and Qatar also remain in frequent contact with major airlines. Airline passengers are facing travel chaos for days as all UK flights to and from the Middle East have been grounded until at least Monday, stranding thousands of travellers. The scale of the consular operation is unprecedented, with the register your presence scheme never previously handling so many people in so many different countries. Efforts to support British nationals, driven by foreign secretary Yvette Cooper and minister Hamish Falconer, come as US and Israeli combat operations against Iran entered their second day on Sunday. Iran, the US and Israel have traded strikes since Saturday (AP) The Israeli military said it had continued to hit sites in central Tehran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, in an airstrike on Saturday morning. Iran has vowed to retaliate with devastating blows and has fired missiles at many of its neighbouring countries as well as US military targets. Fresh waves of blasts were heard in Dubai and in the Qatari capital of Doha for a second day on Sunday as defence forces intercepted missiles headed their way in response to US and Israeli attacks on Saturday. The UAEs ministry of defence said that 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones had been launched from Iran towards the country so far. Three people have been killed and 58 injured, the authorities said. JS Anand, founder and CEO of Leva Hotels, which has a flagship hotel in Dubai, told The Independent that the attacks had caused panic and uncertainty among residents and guests. Yvette Cooper is driving the efforts to evacuate British nationals (PA Wire) Israeli authorities reported Iranian missiles had killed nine civilians in Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, while the US militarys Central Command said three American service members had been killed and five others severely wounded on Sunday. Central Command gave no further details about those killed or wounded, but has rejected Iranian claims that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been hit by ballistic missiles. It is understood that no British nationals have been killed or injured so far in the conflict. However, defence secretary John Healey said some 300 UK troops had been within a few hundred yards of an Iranian strike on a base in Bahrain. Two missiles have also been fired in the direction of Cyprus, where thousands of UK personnel are stationed, although the government does not believe these were deliberately targeted at the British bases there. The terror threat level in the UK is under review amid concerns about Iranian retaliation to a volley of US and Israeli strikes, the defence secretary has said. John Healey accused Iran on Sunday of lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate and widespread way after it fired retaliatory missiles and drones at targets across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The current threat level is set at substantial, which means an attack is likely. This is the third of five levels set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC): severe would mean an attack is highly likely, and critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future. Mr Healey was asked by Sky News on Sunday morning whether the threat level was being reviewed, to which he responded: Absolutely. Defence secretary John Healey speaking on Sky News (Sky News) When you get a regime like this lashing out in the Middle East indiscriminately and widely, hitting civilians and military targets, when you have some of its proxies capable of other actions on their behalf, then of course our force protection in the region is at its highest. Our alert and vigilance in the UK is also high, he said. Mr Healey added that Iran had sponsored 20 attempted terror attacks in the UK in recent years all of which were thwarted by security services and pointed to its supplying of 50,000 drones to Russia to support its four-year war in Ukraine. "Iran and the regime he's led for so long, it's a source of evil. Murdering its own citizens and sponsoring and exporting terror, including to countries like Britain. And the concern now, of course, is that this regime is lashing out, Mr Healey said. People will be really concerned that it's not just military targets, but civilian airports like Kuwait, and hotels in Dubai and Bahrain are being hit." Iran, the US and Israel have traded attacks since Saturday (AP) Several non-military targets were hit in Irans retaliatory strikes, after US and Israeli attacks killed at least 201 people across the country, according to Irans Red Crescent. At least 153 people were killed after a reported strike hit a girls primary school in southern Iran, Iranian officials said. Irans retaliation has killed several people, including three US service members. The defence secretary earlier on Sunday said British troops and civilians have been put at risk by Irans "indiscriminate attacks". Since the strikes began, British military personnel in Bahrain were within several hundred yards of a retaliatory missile and drone strike on Saturday. Another two missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus. Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the time and place of the next round of peace talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine would depend on the security situation in the Middle East and the level of real diplomatic possibilities. The Ukrainian president on Saturday said he would issue new directives to Ukraines negotiating team at the talks, without detailing what they were. He had said the next round of talks would probably take place in Abu Dhabi in early March. But the United Arab Emirates has since been caught up in hostilities after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Allied leaders have walked a tightrope between condemning and condoning Donald Trumps actions. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters (Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters) A joint US-Israeli operation that appeared to use nuclear negotiations as cover. Gulf leaders courting Donald Trump as he decided to launch a major Middle Eastern intervention. Europe boxed out and a G7 defence minister caught so off-guard that he was grounded in Dubai as the bombs fell. And from Moscow, a strongly worded condemnation of the missile strikes against a fellow member of the anti-US axis of upheaval and little else. The war unleashed by the US and Israel on Saturday has exposed the new rules of geopolitics in Trumps second presidency, with strained alliances, unfettered militaries and a Washington that has regained its appetite for regime change. Despite an administration that claimed it would pull back from the Middle East and Europe in order to focus instead on the growing threat from China, the White House has toppled one leader in Latin America and has launched another war that could easily become a regional conflict with no clear plan for a transfer of power in Iran. The USs closest European allies have been effectively pushed out of the decision-making unable to influence Trump or even understand his future designs for Iran, allied leaders have walked a tightrope between condemning and condoning the attacks. Keir Starmer, who had said that the US would not be permitted to use a base at Diego Garcia for the strikes, has been criticised both by the left and right in the UK for his lukewarm support for Trumps intervention. Emmanuel Macron claimed France was neither informed nor involved in the strikes. The EUs first emergency security meeting will be held on Monday more than 48 hours after the bombing began. Italys defence minister, Guido Crosetto, was on holiday with his family in Dubai when the US and Israel struck Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior political and military officials in an unprecedented attack. He had taken a day off to join his family there when the missiles struck. He claimed he had not taken by surprise, but that the attack on Dubai wasnt considered among the hypotheses of Iranian response, in the timings and ways in which it occurred and materialised because in the last crisis, more violent than this one, the emirates were excluded from the reaction and Dubais airport remained open. The US had previously said it was engaged in negotiations with Tehran, but the strikes appear to have been a foregone conclusion. Senior US officials claimed they were prompted by the threat of Iran firing its ballistic missiles first. An Israeli defence spokesperson said the military campaign had taken advantage of an operational opportunity people briefed on the operation said Khamenei had been at one of several meetings that were all targeted but had been months in the planning. Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had lobbied for months for the strikes, and as he called Trump on Saturday shortly after the bombs began falling, he had a hardcover title on his desk helpfully turned toward the camera: Allies at War. The Gulf countries had publicly warned against a strike, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had told the US that they would not allow their airspace to be used for the attacks. But the Washington Post reported that Riyadh had been playing a double game: publicly opposing military action while privately Mohammed bin Salman called Trump several times in the last month to advocate for the strikes. The US has developed new allies now if they are allies at all which is the Gulf, said Fiona Hill, a former member of Trumps national security council and now a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a US thinktank. The US was saying its no longer really interested in the Middle East and thats what the national security strategy was making clear as well. [But] its actually rooting itself in the Middle East even more. Iranian missiles or drones have hit airports, luxury hotels and other civilian targets across the Gulf, with strikes reported in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The attacks have sparked outrage among Gulf governments, which are convening a meeting of foreign ministers on Sunday to discuss the crisis. Saudi Arabia has said it reserves the right to defend itself, raising the spectre of the conflict engulfing the region. We are responsible and accountable for [the attacks], and so if weve done all we can in our defence and minimise the risk of damage from that, then I think were positioned for much stronger relationship and much stronger stability, said Robert Harward, a retired vice-admiral who was at one point Trumps choice for national security adviser, from Abu Dhabi. Its a gamble, but I think its a calculated gamble with the numbers in our favour. After Khamenei was apparently killed in the opening salvoes of the war, Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, hoping to find support in restraining the US-Israeli attack. In response, Lavrov issued a strongly worded statement condemning the attacks and calling for a peaceful solution based in international law, mutual respect and balance of interests. But Moscow could do little else to influence the Trump administration. Khameneis death is the latest setback for Russian allies across the world. Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro was allied with Moscow before the US captured him, and Bashar al-Assad, a Russian client, was forced to flee Syria after his military collapsed last year. Trump has also signalled that the US may seek to carry out a friendly takeover of Cuba, another Russian ally. The war in Ukraine has taxed Russias resources, but the Kremlin has also found that the Trump administrations rejection of the old rules of geopolitics have not necessarily played into its favour. A Trump administration and the United States that is, in terms of military power, so much more powerful than Russia, and can do much more to go rogue and just act as it pleases is not good for Russia, said Hanna Notte, a foreign policy analyst and the author of the upcoming We Shall Outlast Them: Putins Global Campaign to Defeat the West. In the Middle East, Trump had rebuffed Putins offers to mediate and said you settle your own war because youre engaged elsewhere, she said. And that has been kind of the theme of this administration vis a vis Russia. The hope that Russia might have had a year ago that it could work together with the United States in the Middle East hasnt really panned out. by Eric Feigenbaum On Christmas Eve 1965 roughly five-and-a-half months after the nascent Singapores independence The Mexicans arrived. Their job: to help build and train a Singaporean military. At the time, the British remained nominally committed to protecting Singapore as part of a planned military phase-out, but Singapore needed its own defensive capabilities. Today its easy to look at Singapore and wonder what enemies it could possibly have. But in 1965, Singapore was surrounded by hostile powers most specifically Indonesia and Malaysia, which for slightly different reasons were resentful, if not opposed to Singapore becoming its own country. Malaysia was a scorned lover who at the last minute prior to independence from Britain tossed Singapore out of the Malaysian Federation largely for refusing to subscribe to the Bumiputera First movement a set of legal principles that among Malaysias multi-ethnic population, gives additional rights and privileges to the indigenous Malays, or Sons of The Soil. Indonesias founding leader and dictator, Sukarno who styled himself with a mononym like Socrates, Charlemagne, Cher and Madonna believed the Malaysian Federation (later Malaysia and Singapore) was a neocolonialist plot by the British to encircle and disempower Indonesia. He particularly resented formerly British Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo going to Malaysia. As a result, roughly 1.9 million people, 75 percent of whom were Chinese ethnic living on a 500 square kilometer island, relying on water from their hostile northern neighbor, having insufficient agriculture to self-sufficiently feed themselves and being surrounded by enemies found themselves vulnerable. From far away, Israel looked at Singapore and recognized a country in a very similar situation to itself. Understandably, Israel had spent its earlies years building relationships with the wealthy Western powers. However, as it matured, Israels diplomatic strategy began to incorporate seeking recognition and alliances from other parts of the world and as it happened in 1965, Southeast Asia was an area of focus. As Israel saw it, who in Southeast Asia could be a better fit for a friend than Singapore? Lee Kuan Yew, founding and longtime Prime Minister of Singapore tells it like this: A few days after separation on 9 August, [Mordechai] Kidron flew in from Bangkok to offer assistance in military training, and [Goh] Keng Swee brought him to see me. Kidron had approached me several times in 19623 to ask for an Israeli consulate in Singapore. He had assured me the Tunku had agreed and that we need not wait until Malaysia was established. I replied that if the Tunku had agreed, there should be no trouble in setting it up after Malaysia was formed, but if I did so before that, I would create an issue that would excite the Malay Muslim grassroots and upset my plans for merger. He was disappointed. As I had expected, when Malaysia came about, the Tunku could not and did not allow an Israeli consulate. In 1965, without Malaysian leadership thwarting him any further, Lee was free to accept the Israeli offer of help but he did so only after India and Egypt rejected his entreaties. Once settled on proceeding with Israel, Lee offered a deal not unlike others Israel would face in the coming decades: Singapore could not recognize Israel immediately it would have to wait until it felt its own Malay Muslim minority would not pushback. That turned out to be four years later in 1969. Nonetheless, Israel trusted Lees intentions and proceeded. I told Keng Swee to proceed with the Israelis, but to keep it from becoming public knowledge for as long as possible so as not to provoke grassroots antipathy from Malay Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore. A small group of Israelis led by Colonel Jak Ellazari arrived in November 1965, followed by a team of six in December. To disguise their presence, we called them Mexicans. They looked swarthy enough. Israel transmitted many of the foundations of its successful military to Singapore including universal compulsory military service, a strong airforce, a system by which to quickly mobilize reserves and nimble fighting capabilities. Like Israel, Singapore needed to create a feast from crumbs. Only there were a few unique challenges even the Israelis had not previously faced. First, for more than a century, the British had recruited mostly Malays for the police forces and military garrisons of Singapore. The Indian minority and Chinese majority had little interest or proclivity for soldiering. To further complicate matters, despite the separation of Singapore from both Malaysia and Britain, Malaysia remained in control of the two military regiments remaining on Singapore. While they would theoretically would respond to Singaporean instruction, Singapores leaders could not trust them. This could not endure. Ours was no easy task. We had to reorientate peoples minds to accept the need for a peoples army and overcome their traditional dislike for soldiering. Every Chinese parent knew the saying hao han bu dang bing, hao tie bu da ding (a good lad does not become a soldier, good steel does not become nails). We set up national cadet corps and national police cadet corps in all secondary schools so that parents would identify the army and police with their sons and daughters. We wanted the people to regard our soldiers as their protectors a reversal from the days when army and police uniforms aroused fear and resentment as symbols of colonial coercion. So, what began with a small battalion of heavily-recruited volunteers and two tanks left behind by the British, within a decade became 12 battalions, advanced equipment and the ability to quickly mobilize roughly 250,000 soldiers. Israeli commanders helped Singapore identify tactics and defenses that would allow them to defend their small island against a simultaneous attack from two sides (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos were never considered threats). Over time, Singapore developed eight times the firepower and combat strength of its two hostile neighbors. So enthusiastic did Lee Kuan Yew become with the direction of the Singapore Defence Forces (later Singapore Armed Forces) that he sought to add women to the compulsory service model, just as in Israel though that never took. In part, this came from a newfound belief that universal service helped to bind Singaporeans from a collection of multi-ethnic immigrants who arrived to a loosely regulated British open-port, into citizens of a republic who saw themselves as all belonging which in Singapores early years was another major concern. Lee Hsien Loong the son of Lee Kuan Yew served as Prime minister from 2004 to 2024. Having been the first Prime Minister to have been raised under National Service requirements, his assessment was that as expected, military service created the social and identity bonds his father and other early leaders like Defense Minister Goh Keng Swee had hoped: Over the years, Singaporeans have accepted National Service. It has become a national institution, a rite of passage. Singaporean males, regardless of race, religion or social background, serve two years of National Service and these two years are a defining experience. NS is where boys grow up to become men. Forging bonds that last for life, through blood, sweat and tears. That is why, years after ORD, many of us still make time to meet up with our NS buddies, and feel joyful when we bump into old comrades. Even now, it happens to me every so often, when I am attending an event, or just taking a walk somewhere. Someone will come up to greet me, and remind me that we did BMT or OCS together, or served in the same unit. He would name the unit, a camp, or an officer we had served with, and the years would melt away, and vivid memories would come flooding back. Tonight, I am happy that we will be meeting some of my old artillery comrades. As we say, Once a gunner, always a gunner! Fortunately for Singapore, creating a strong military early paid off. Indonesia formally recognized Malaysia and Singapore in 1966 and in 1967, Suharto succeeded Sukarno, only he did not share the neocolonialist delusion. And while Singapores relationship with Malaysia has had many tenuous moments, their trade relations are strong, both are ASEAN members and military conflict is not a part of their discourse. The strong posture paid off. As Lee Kuan Yew predicted in 1968: Whether we are shirkers or quitters, or stayers and fighters, will determine whether we live in peace or not. If people believe that we are stayers and fighters, we are more likely to live peacefully. Next year, I hope to see my own son in uniform present on such an occasion. Nobody who is fit and able-bodied can shirk what is a responsibility and an honor, to see that Singapore thrives and prosper, and is left undisturbed and at peace. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Pope Leo XIV says he is profoundly concerned about the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and urged both sides to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss. In the Holy Sees first reaction to the attacks, the American pope called for the resumption of diplomacy and a reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue based on justice. Weapons only sow destruction, pain and death," he said from his studio window overlooking St. Peters Square at his traditional noontime blessing. I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue, he said. Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace. In the Holy Sees first reaction to the attacks, the American pope called for the resumption of diplomacy and a reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue based on justice (AFP via Getty Images) In these days, troubling news has also arrived of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I urgently appeal for a return to dialogue. Let us pray together that harmony may prevail in all conflicts throughout the world. Only peace, a gift of God, can heal the wounds between peoples, the pope concluded. He joined world leaders in urging peace and a return to talks as the military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran raised concerns about whether the violence could spread across the region and tensions rose with Iran vowing devastating blows after the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A massive explosion rocked the Iranian capital on Sunday morning as the Israeli military said it was targeting the heart of the city after stating it cleared the path to Tehran the day before. Meanwhile, Iran pressed on with its retaliation campaign: Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain said they intercepted a barrage of missiles. Oman, which served as an interlocutor between Tehran and Washington in recent nuclear talks, said an oil tanker in the strategic Strait of Hormuz came under attack and its port at Duqm, used by the U.S. Navy as a logistical hub and capable of hosting aircraft carriers, was targeted in a drone attack. The demise of Khamenei, who had no designated successor, will likely throw Iran's future into uncertainty and exacerbate already growing concerns of a broader conflict. The United States and Israel launched a major attack against Iran on Saturday, and U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to seize control of your destiny by rising against the Islamic theocracy that has ruled the nation since 1979. World leaders urge resumption of talks Top diplomats from the 27 European Union nations are holding an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the situation around Iran and the next steps for the bloc. The Iranian regimes indiscriminate attacks against its neighbours carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as she announced the blocs meeting on Sunday. It is essential that the war does not spread any further. The Iranian regime has choices to make. During a U.N. Security Council on Saturday, the U.N. chief and many countries urged a halt to attacks and a return to negotiations to prevent the conflict from expanding further into the region and beyond. Three US service members have died in the military operation, and hundreds of people were said to have been killed in Iran (AP) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the council that everything must be done to prevent an escalation. The alternative, he warned, is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Perhaps cautious about upsetting already strained relations with Trump, many nations, including several in the Middle East, refrained from commenting directly or pointedly on the joint strikes but condemned Tehrans retaliation. Return to your senses ... and deal with your neighbors with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, told the Iranian theocracy on Sunday. The 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability. That coalition of nations has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has privately urged Iran not to attack the kingdom, a Saudi diplomat said. Saudi Arabia reported what appeared to be attacks in Riyadh and the eastern region on Saturday, although no casualties were reported. On Sunday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin blasted Khameneis killing, which he called a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law." The blatant killing of the leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are unacceptable, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. These actions violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations. He said attacking a sovereign state without U.N. Security Council authorization undermines the foundation for peace established after World War II. A demonstration and vigil outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, on 28 January 28. Photograph: Moises Avila/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Moises Avila/AFP/Getty Images) All unaccompanied immigrant children who are pregnant, many by rape, are being moved to a single facility in Texas in order to avoid providing abortion services in a significant human rights violation, critics say. As detainees are frequently moved across state lines quickly, often to red states like Texas, pregnant people are facing challenges accessing reproductive health care in detention centers. Unaccompanied minors who lack immigration documentation are at high risk for trafficking and other forms of harm, so they fall under the care of the office of refugee resettlement (ORR), which previously had facilities across the country capable of caring for children under the age of 18 who are pregnant. Since July, more than a dozen pregnant children have been moved to a single facility in the small town of San Benito, along the south Texas border. The children kept in Texas are as young as 13, and about half are pregnant because of rape, according to a joint investigation by the Texas Newsroom and the California Newsroom. In Texas, abortion is banned in nearly all circumstances, including rape and incest. Its a choice to ensure zero abortions, said Jonathan White, a former top official working with childrens programs in the ORR under the Obama and Trump administrations. When a pregnant child is moved to Texas, as long as she is in Texas, she cant access an abortion without a federal official needing to deny her an abortion, he said. The move amplifies existing concerns about reproductive healthcare in immigration detention centers, including allegations over the lack of appropriate healthcare for pregnant people, separation of nursing parents and infants, and forced sterilization in immigration facilities. The total disregard for the rights of pregnant and nursing detainees is a dramatic violation of international law and public health practices ensuring consensual medical treatment, said Diana Romero, professor and director of the Center on Immigrant, Refugee and Global Health at the CUNY graduate school of public health. Forcing any individual to carry a pregnancy to term is an egregious violation of rights, and relocation from other locations around the country to states with more restrictive abortion laws adds a whole other layer of concern, Romero said. White added that making the decision for these girls whether they will give birth to their rapists baby is an extraordinary human rights problem. Everyone attempts to write their politics on the bodies of these children, he said. The typical age of pregnant unaccompanied minors is 15 or 16, though they can be even younger, White said. Theyre not grown women. Theyre little girls, he said. Because of their young age, many of them will be comparatively high-risk pregnancies who need specialized care yet its not clear whether the south Texas facility, which is hours away from major cities, is equipped to offer that care. The government does not track the prevalence of sexual assault experienced by unaccompanied girls under the age of 18, but other organizations estimate the rate to be between 80% and 90%, White said. When I was in the program, about half of the pregnant girls related that their pregnancy was a result of sexual abuse or sexual assault, either in home country or in transit, White said. Many girls dont learn they are pregnant until they undergo an exam under ORRs care. The office of refugee resettlement is housed within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but it is now directed by a career immigration official. When asked whether the pregnant girls were receiving appropriate care, whether other pregnant detainees were also being moved to states with restrictive abortion laws, and the extent to which ORR is now controlled by immigration officials, HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said: These claims are completely inaccurate, adding that ORR remains committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and appropriate care for the children in its custody. The Flores settlement agreement, reached in 1997, dictates how children must be treated in US detention, including the right to access comprehensive reproductive health services. Under the first Trump administration in 2018, the American Civil Liberties Union won a case against HHS, compelling officials to connect pregnant unaccompanied children to reproductive health services if they wished to get an abortion. At the time in the United States, there was a constitutional right to access abortion services, White said. But now, after the Dobbs decision reversed that precedent, patients abilities to access abortion care depends on where they live and in this case, where they are kept in detention. Youre placing a child in the most difficult place to get that abortion, White said. Accessing abortion in these states is already difficult for citizens, and presumed immigrants people who are being targeted under the sweeping federal crackdown on immigrants because of their race or ethnicity face additional challenges, creating a greater risk of human rights violations, Romero said. Theres a long history of people of color, particularly Black, Latina and Native American women, having their reproductive rights violated by the US government, she said. Reproductive justice ensures not just the right to terminate a pregnancy but also to remain pregnant if a patient so chooses and to do so under safe conditions for the pregnant person, as well as for the fetus and subsequently the child, Romero said. Several of the girls have given birth and are being detained in the Texas facility with their infants, though unnamed sources told the Texas and California newsrooms that the facility has a history of inadequate care. The detained children are high school sophomores and juniors, alone in a foreign country and pregnant, frequently, from sexual assault. That has to inform how protective we are of them, White said. Surely, a 16-year-old who has been abused and wants to terminate that pregnancy should not be prevented by the federal government from doing so. Because she cant get to it. Theyre literally holding her prisoner. A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran on Sunday. Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP (Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP) The US-Israeli war against Iran entered its second day on Sunday, as news of the assassination of the countrys supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, shook the Islamic Republic and the wider region. Donald Trump announced Khameneis death while Israel claimed to have killed at least 40 senior Iranian commanders in the first day of attacks. Both countries continued to pound Iran, conducting hundreds of airstrikes across the country overnight and on Sunday. Despite the apparent loss of a significant portion of its senior military and political leadership, Iran did not slow its retaliation on Sunday, bombing targets in the Gulf and unleashing waves of ballistic missiles towards Israel. On Saturday, Israel announced the beginning of what it called Operation Lions Roar in tandem with Trump, which an Israeli military official said was intended to degrade the regimes capabilities. They said operations would continue for as long as necessary. Trump went further, saying in a video posted on his Truth Social platform as the assault began that the aim was regime change. Strikes hit across the country on Saturday and were followed up on Sunday with further rounds, including in central Tehran. The strikes hit key security and political targets in Tehran, including Khameneis residence, and ballistic missile caches elsewhere in the country. Satellite footage showed black smoke coming from the supreme leaders badly damaged compound, and Iranian state media later confirmed he had been killed. Hundreds of strikes hit at least 14 cities across Iran in what an Israeli military official said was a much more wide-ranging campaign than the previous US-Israeli attack on Iran in the 12-day war last summer. Strikes were aimed at intelligence and security headquarters, homes of Iranian officials, as well as ballistic missile launchers and caches a tactic intended to limit Irans ability to respond to the US and Israeli attacks. Israel also said it had targeted Irans air defence systems in the west of the country to help establish air supremacy. Almost 150 people were killed and at least 95 wounded in a strike on a girls school in Minab, in the southern Hormozgan province, according to state media. The attack was verified by Reuters. There is an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps base in the same city. Reuters said it had verified the footage as being from the school. Irans retaliation pushed past previous red lines that had excluded the Gulf from conflict. Much of the Middle East had been affected by Sunday. Iran struck targets including luxury hotels in Dubai and Bahrain and airports in Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain. It also struck a port facility in Oman and a ship north-west of Muscat, as the Iranian military broadcast radio warnings to ships intending to cross the strait of Hormuz. People in Damascus, south Lebanon and Amman were shaken by explosions as Israel intercepted incoming Iranian missiles in the sky. Strikes on Gulf countries and the wider region left travellers stranded as major hubs in Dubai and Qatar were closed. Flights around and through the region were cancelled or delayed and it was unclear when the airspace above Gulf countries would reopen. The speed at which the conflict turned regional was dizzying. The geographical scope of the conflict exceeded that of the 12-day war within just a few hours. Satellite imagery from Vantor showed Iranian vessels burning at the Konarak naval base on Saturday. Thousands of people gathered in Tehrans Enghalab Square to mourn the supreme leader on Sunday afternoon, waving flags and chanting slogans. Women wailed and beat their chests in grief and men holding aloft images of Khamenei called for retaliation against the US and Israel for the assassination. Protests broke out across the Middle East and the wider region as Shia Muslims gathered to express their shock and anger over Khameneis killing. As an ayatollah, he was a major religious figure for members of the Shia faith. In Pakistan, hundreds of pro-Iran protesters attempted to storm the US consulate in Karachi, prompting security forces to disperse the crowd. At least nine people were killed and several others injured. Protests also broke out in Baghdads green zone, as the Iraqi Shia leaders Ali Sistani and Moqtada al-Sadr expressed their condolences for Khameneis death. Hezbollah called for a rally in Beirut on Sunday afternoon. Panic consumed the streets of Tehran as explosions rocked the densely populated city. Israeli military spokespeople told Iranians to distance themselves from military and industrial facilities. Iranian authorities instructed citizens to flee big cities for safety in scenes reminiscent of the mass exodus from Tehran this summer when Israel last attacked the city. Many security institutions and officials are located in residential areas, making civilian casualties likely. Israelis spent much of Sunday in air raid shelters as sirens sounded almost constantly. One person was killed and dozens were injured when an Iranian missile hit Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Another eight people were killed and 20 injured when a missile hit the town of Bet Shemesh on Sunday afternoon. Israels home command instructed its citizens to take shelter as Iran launched wave after wave of ballistic missiles at the country. Most of them were intercepted by Israels Iron Dome missile defence system, which hits projectiles heading towards populated areas in mid-air. Retrospective: a week of turning points that shaped the world War runs like a faultline through this weeks headlines. Ukraine is on the brink of disaster as Russian troops mass in Crimea. Ceasefire in the Gulf brings a swift military campaign to a close. Years later, Hans Blix brands the Iraq war illegal in a political bombshell. Meanwhile, a new theatre of conflict emerges in the late nineties as cyberterror cripples networks across the US. Yet, there are flickers of detente too, as Soviet proposals to scrap intermediate nuclear missiles in Europe revive hopes of a Cold War breakthrough. All and more are charted across these front pages of The Independent. 3 March 1987 US and Soviets in nuclear missile talks US and Soviet negotiators agree to prolong talks on intermediate-range nuclear weapons, raising hopes of a breakthrough in efforts to eliminate an entire class of nuclear missiles in Europe. Moscows willingness to decouple the negotiations from President Ronald Reagans controversial Star Wars defence programme signals a shift in the arms-control deadlock. The discussions led later that year to the landmark INF Treaty, the first agreement to abolish a category of nuclear weapons. 6 March 1989 Buddhist monks lead deadly protest in Lhasa Buddhist monks lead pro-independence demonstrations in Lhasa that end in violent confrontation, with Chinese security forces opening fire on protesters. At least 11 people are reported killed and around 100 injured, in what officials describe as the most serious unrest in Tibet for decades. The clashes mark a renewed flashpoint in tensions between Beijing and Tibetan separatists, evoking memories of the 1959 uprising and its suppression. 4 March 1991 Gulf ceasefire agreed in desert ceremony Iraqi military officials accept allied ceasefire terms at a brief desert meeting, formally ending combat operations in the Gulf War after the liberation of Kuwait. The agreement provides for the release of prisoners of war and the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraqi territory. As the ceasefire takes hold, Shia uprisings erupt in southern Iraq, including in Basra, but without direct coalition intervention, Saddam Husseins regime moves swiftly to suppress the rebellion, remaining in power for another decade. 5 March 1998 Cyberterror attack hits US Thousands of computers across the United States grind to a halt after a targeted internet attack crashes machines running Microsofts Windows NT system. The disruption, described as an early brush with cyberterror, strikes just hours before Bill Gates appears before a Senate committee over Microsofts growing dominance. As the internet era accelerates, the episode exposes how vulnerable the new digital frontier may already be. 2 March 2003 9/11 mastermind captured Pakistani authorities announce the capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged architect of the 11 September 2001 attacks and a senior figure in al-Qaedas military strategy. Arrested in a raid near Islamabad, Mohammed had long been one of the FBIs most wanted men and was accused of playing a central role in plotting the hijackings that brought down the World Trade Center towers, as well as involvement in earlier extremist attacks. Following his arrest, he was transferred into US custody and held at secret CIA black sites before being moved to Guantanamo Bay. 5 March 2004 Blix declares Iraq war illegal Hans Blix, who had retired from the UN and was chair of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, tells The Independent that the invasion of Iraq lacked lawful justification, insisting only a second UN resolution authorising force could have made it legal. His comments cut to the core of the controversy over Tony Blairs legal case for war, as doubts deepen over intelligence and the missing weapons of mass destruction. 2 March 2007 Markets reel as recession fears mount After three days of banking and market turmoil, The Independent asks: Are we heading for crash? Investors across Asia, Europe and the United States retreat sharply following an unexpected global equity sell-off, fuelling fresh anxiety about the health of the world economy. Within 18 months, the global financial crisis would erupt in full, bringing the collapse of major banks, deep recession across much of the world and the most severe economic downturn since the 1930s. 3 March 2014 Ukraine on the brink Ukraines acting prime minister warns the country is on the brink of a disaster as Russian troops mass and seize strategic positions in Crimea. Across the peninsula, civilians link arms outside military bases in fragile acts of defiance, while world leaders caution President Vladimir Putin against further escalation. The standoff marks the beginning of a profound rupture between Moscow and Kyiv and, within weeks, Crimea is formally annexed by Russia. 3 March 2016 Trump is Republican hair apparent After a string of commanding victories on Super Tuesday, Donald Trump emerges as the Republican Partys hair apparent. The Independent notes that while Hillary Clinton remains the favourite in national polls, the deep polarisation of the electorate points to a volatile and tightly contested race. Trump would go on to secure the Republican nomination and win the presidency later that year. 8 March 2023 Tracey Emins Marriage to Myself For International Womens Day, Tracey Emin unveils Marriage to Myself, an exclusive artwork for The Independent. In an accompanying reflection, the artist writes about womanhood, ageing and the hard-won contentment she has found in later life. Drawing on an old idea suggested by her friend Vivienne Westwood of walking down the aisle alone Emin reframes marriage as an act of self-commitment, celebrating autonomy and survival. Catherine OSullivan, Jack OSullivans mother, said she had no confidence or trust in Avon and Somerset Police - Rowan Griffiths The mother of a student who disappeared after a night out two years ago has hit out at police failures in the search for her son. Jack OSullivan, aged 22 at the time, disappeared in Bristol in the early hours of March 2, 2024 following a birthday a party at a friends house in the Hotwells area of the city. Despite an extensive search, his whereabouts remain a mystery. Now Mr OSullivans family has brought in a team of private detectives to find answers following what they regard as a failure to properly follow up on all leads and check for CCTV footage. Returning to the location where her sons phone was last active a few streets away from where the party had taken place Mr OSullivans mother Catherine said she had no confidence or trust in Avon and Somerset Police. Not enough has been done, and whats been done has been so poor in our opinion, said the 54-year-old. We dont feel that this has been thoroughly investigated. We feel that from the beginning the police formed a narrative on what they thought happened, and they have stuck with that. Theyve been very obstinate She added: In the early stages, we went along with what we were being told because weve obviously never found ourselves in such an extraordinary, awful position before. We were looking to people for trust and for help. But as time has gone on, its become more and more apparent that theyve been very obstinate with what they will do. Searching hasnt been done. CCTV opportunities were missed. In the footage they had viewed, they missed Jack on two separate occasions. Alarm bells started ringing as to how capable they were of doing this. I genuinely believe it was because they were so set in their narrative that it just didnt seem worth it to them. Jack OSullivan was 22 when he went missing in Bristol in 2024 - Avon and Somerset Police/SWNS Mr OSullivan, a history graduate at Exeter University, was last seen on CCTV at approximately 3.40am on the morning he disappeared. Sixteen minutes earlier, he had tried to phone a friend who was still at the party. He had told his mother that he would take an Uber home. At 5.40am, his phone was tracked to an address on Granby Hill, a narrow street running down to the Cumberland Basin area alongside the River Avon. The phone continued to be live on the network until 6.44am. After that, there was no further signal. Despite the offer of a 100,000 reward for information from an anonymous benefactor, the police investigation has seemingly come to a standstill. I do think resources have come into it, which is a sad state of affairs, said Ms OSullivan. But I also think there has been pushback against looking at other possibilities. Its given us untold extra damage. We are very fragile and were desperate. Were a family that desperately needs support. To find ourselves in a position where we have no confidence or trust in the current force really has compounded things for us. IOPC review Last year, Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following an official complaint made on behalf of Mr OSullivans family, which was examined by the forces professional standards department. After the professional standards department report was completed finding an acceptable level of service in nearly all the areas of complaint the family asked for the IOPC to conduct a review. Although the watchdog agreed with the majority of the findings, it did uphold one complaint relating to the initial viewings of one CCTV clip by officers. Avon and Somerset Police has, however, concluded that although this was unacceptable it had not had any damaging effect on the overall investigation. A failure to refer the case to the Missing People charity was also deemed to be below expected standards. Mr OSullivans family his parents Catherine and Alan and brother Ben have since commissioned Periculum Security Group, led by Oliver Laurence, a former Met Police officer, to conduct a review of the case. Two years on, the pain of not knowing where Jack is or what happened to him has not eased for his parents and his brother, said Mr Laurence. In many ways it has grown heavier with time. That pain has been further compounded by the experience the family has had in seeking answers. Over many months, concerns have grown regarding the handling of this investigation by Avon and Somerset Police. Despite the passage of time, they remain without the reassurance that any family in these circumstances rightly deserves. We have been led by the evidence Joanne Hall, the Avon and Somerset Police Assistant Chief Constable, said: As we reach the second anniversary of Jack OSullivan going missing, I wholeheartedly recognise the devastating impact his disappearance continues to have on his loved ones. We know how difficult it is for Jacks family that, despite extensive enquiries, we have not yet been able to find him or provide the conclusive answers they so desperately need. From the outset weve always had a shared aim of finding Jack, and this intention has been at the heart of every action weve taken and decisions weve made. Alongside our ongoing investigation, we have also drawn on specialist expertise and independent agencies to review, test and assure our work, ensuring that any further opportunities for enquiry are fully explored. At every stage, we have been led by the evidence and pursued the relevant lines of enquiry. Iranian missiles on display in front of a portrait of the countrys supreme leader in 2007 - Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty The Ayatollah wore a simple brown cloak and shunned ostentation or luxury. He would spend hours preaching Islamic virtues to deferential crowds. He was sometimes photographed alongside his infant grandson. Yet for all his displays of modesty, Ali Khamenei, the late supreme leader of Iran, was one of the most bloodsoaked tyrants ever to have tormented his country and stained the annals of the Middle East. Under his sway, Iran inflamed wars and sponsored terrorists the length and breadth of the region and sometimes on the far side of the world. Wherever you saw conflict and unrest from Gaza to Syria and from Yemen to Lebanon you could trace a link back to Irans revolutionary regime. It was precisely because Khamenei was, from 1989 onwards, the revolutionary leader of an Islamic Republic that he was willing to go to such lengths against his enemies at home or abroad. Khamenei and his commanders inspect members of the Basij militia in Tehran in 2007 - ISNA/AFP/Getty Khamenei believed that he ruled with divine authority and opposing him was not just a crime but a sin. Hence he would charge domestic opponents with the capital offence of moharabeh or waging war against God. To preserve his regime against those he saw as implacable foreign enemies America, Israel and the West Khamenei adopted a ruthlessly ambitious strategy. He would forge an axis of resistance of allied terrorist groups across the Middle East, ready to strike Irans foes at his command. So the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ran tens of thousands of missiles to Hezbollah, the Shia terrorists of Lebanon. On his command, Iran became paymaster and arms dealer of Hamas in the occupied Palestinian territories. And that made Khamenei the not-so-hidden hand behind terrorist atrocities from Israel to Argentina. In 1992, Hezbollah detonated a truck bomb outside the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, also wrecking a nearby primary school and Catholic church, killing four Israelis and 25 Argentinians, including children. Two years later, Hezbollah used another truck bomb against a Jewish community centre in a tower block in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people. Iran was deeply involved in both acts of terrorism the deadliest in Argentinas history and General Ahmad Vahidi, the new commander of the IRGC, has an Interpol arrest warrant for his part in the biggest of them. Not content with murdering Jews in South America, Khamenei also did his best to scupper any chance of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. After the two enemies signed the Oslo accords in 1993, Iran backed a Hamas bombing campaign designed to wreck this agreement. Over the next two years, Hamas carried out 14 suicide attacks in Israeli cities, killing 86 people. Everyone who died in this onslaught was, indirectly, a victim of Khamenei. The consequence was that millions of Israelis became convinced that signing peace accords brought nothing but death and destruction. After the Anglo-American invasion of Iraq in 2003, Khamenei extended the axis of resistance to his neighbour, where the IRGC helped to create an array of Shia militias and supply them with the high explosives that killed hundreds of American and British soldiers. When Bashar al-Assads regime faced an uprising in Syria, Khamenei intervened in the civil war from 2012 onwards to rescue his ally and preserve a vital supply route for Hezbollah. Keeping Assad in power meant backing one of the bloodiest campaigns in modern history, claiming 500,000 Syrian lives and driving 11 million from their homes. Aided every step of the way by Iran, Assad killed or displaced more than half of his countrys then-20 million people. As if that was not enough, Iran also did its best to cover up Assads use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians. While backing tyrants and terrorists abroad, Khamenei imprisoned, tortured and murdered his people at home, tolerating no criticism or questioning of his own conduct. The former supreme leader addresses a group of eulogists in Tehran in 2020 - AFP/Getty In reality he is notoriously thin-skinned, wrote Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran specialist and author of a study of Khamenei. Criticism of the Leader is one of the few remaining red lines in Iranian politics, almost a guarantee of a prison sentence. In 1999, Khamenei even allowed a regime militia to assault his younger brother, Hadi, and fracture his skull with iron bars. His sibling, a cleric, had dared deliver a sermon mildly critical of the power of the supreme leader. So no one was surprised when Khamenei responded with iron repression to any stirrings of discontent among Irans youthful population, crushing student protests in 1999 and mass demonstrations in 2009. The latter began when Khamenei allowed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, then president, to claim a fraudulent victory in a rigged election. Millions marched against this blatant theft of their votes, only for the Ayatollah to accuse them of sedition and allow the IRGC to jail and torture them by the thousand. And, all the while, Khamenei burdened Iran with crippling sanctions by expanding the countrys nuclear programme and striving for the option of building the ultimate weapon. At a ceremony in 2024 to mark the 35th anniversary of the death of the Islamic Republics founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini - AFP/Getty His perverse achievement was that he placed himself on a simultaneous collision course with his own people through violence and repression; with his Middle Eastern neighbours through sponsoring terrorism; and with the Western world through pursuing a nuclear weapons capability. Khameneis strategy reached a terrible crescendo when Hamas carried out the atrocity against Israel on October 7, 2023, butchering 1,200 people, and when the IRGC crushed Irans domestic protests in January this year, killing tens of thousands of their countrys citizens. Yet Khamenei always combined brutality with ham-fisted ineptitude. Israel reacted to the Oct 7 atrocity in predictable fashion by ruthlessly breaking every link in the axis of resistance, pulverising Hamas and Hezbollah and triggering the downfall of Assad. Last year, America and Israel jointly destroyed Irans nuclear programme. Meanwhile Khameneis suppression of the most recent unrest made him the focus of American threats. Long before his death, Khameneis grand schemes had turned to dust: his vaulting ambitions lay in ruins. Incompetent to the last, he sealed his own fate by calling a meeting of senior figures in his Tehran compound even after America had dispatched two carrier battle groups within striking range of Iran. Like countless of his victims from Damascus to Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires Khamenei ended up being dragged dead from a pile of rubble. The difference is, they were innocent. He was not. Children could face mandatory curfews on their social media use under plans being considered by Labour. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, will examine ways to tighten restrictions on childrens social media use as part of a consultation starting on Monday. It will include banning them from accessing social media at night to stop addictive apps and platforms from disrupting their sleep. The consultation was announced by Sir Keir Starmer after the Lords backed an amendment to his childrens bill forcing the Government to introduce an Australian-style social media ban on under-16s. An outright ban is one of the options being considered. Ministers will seek to reverse the Lords vote next week in the Commons before sending the legislation back to the upper chamber. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, will examine ways to tighten restrictions on childrens social media use - Leon Neal/Getty Ms Kendall said: We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all this is having. This is why were asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change. Together, we will create a digital world that gives young people the childhood they deserve and prepares them for the future. The consultation will also consider whether platforms should be required to switch off addictive features that keep children hooked late into the night, such as infinite scrolling and autoplay. It will also consider restricting childrens access to AI chatbots, ways of strengthening age verification and how to help children and parents navigate the digital world and thrive online. It will cover not only social media but also gaming sites. The Government will run real-world pilots with families and teenagers to examine how potential future social media restrictions could work in practice. Parents, teachers, charities and industry will be asked whether any age ban on access to social media should be 16, 15, 14 or maintain the status quo of many sites at 13. Labour ministers face another Lords rebellion this week when peers put forward proposals requiring all smartphones and tablets to be installed with software designed to block child sexual abuse material. The same Lords Lord Nash, a former education minister, and Baroness Cass successfully introduced the amendment to ban under-16s from accessing social media. On Monday, the House of Lords will vote on Lord Nashs latest amendment, which requires the government, within 12 months, to mandate that smartphones and tablets sold in the UK are pre-loaded with tamper-proof, system-level software preventing the filming, viewing and sharing of child sexual abuse material. Lord Nash said: We are in the midst of a global child protection crisis. Child abuse imagery is increasing rapidly year on year, and AI is deepening this beyond our worst nightmares leading to unimaginable horrors available at the click of a button. It is truly sickening that the UK is among the biggest consumers of commercialised child sexual abuse material, with young girls being trafficked around the world for the gratification of predators on our streets. Mainstream tech platforms hosting this content already have the power to prevent the majority of it from circulating but most are not using it effectively. My amendment requires them to use a method which is highly effective; I urge peers to support it. After a joint U.S.-Israel attack that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, retaliatory attacks on sites across the Middle East have been continuing into the second day. Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE as well as Kuwait and Bahrain have all been targeted by Iranian drone attacks. At Zayed International Airport (ABU) in Abu Dhabi, debris from an intercepted drone has caused one death and seven injuries in what airport authorities classified as an "incident" that is now under control. Amid widespread risk of further attacks, foreign affairs ministries in different countries have put out travel advisories urging their citizens to avoid traveling to the region. The U.S. State Department has elevated its travel advisories for Israel and Bahrain to level three's "reconsider travel" amid the ongoing risk of drone attacks. "An ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks": State Department "Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights," the U.S. travel advisory for Bahrain now reads. The State Department has also ordered all non-critical U.S. government workers in the two countries to leave along with their families, in Israel's case a day before the strike on Feb. 27. Related: Fairmont hotel in Dubai set aflame after Iranian strike In the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai have issued a shelter-in-place notice urging Americans in the cities to "find a secure location within your residence or another safe building [...with] a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items" until "further notice." Advertisement Bahrain International was one of the airports targeted by Iranian drone attacks.Shutterstock (Shutterstock) Travel advisories warn of "onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran" Bahrain and Qatar are also under similar advisories are under similar advisories "following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran." Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and Cyprus, among many others, have all issued similar travel advisories warning their citizens against travel to the UAE, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. More Travel News: "If you are already there, if it is safe to leave, leave," Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a March 1 statement. "Get out. Dont delay. As long as there are commercial flights available, you should be getting on them." Airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM, Delta, United Airlines and Qantas have all suspended their services into and out of Dubai. King Khalid International (RUH) in Saudi Arabia is one of the few airports in the entire Middle Eastern region that remains operational and rerouting passengers through a very limited number of flights as large swaths of the airspace over Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Israel remains closed. But with Dubai International closed since Feb. 28, hundreds of thousands of travelers remain stranded in countries around the world. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto was one of those stranded in Dubai over the weekend while on holiday with his family and is being brought back on a military plane on Sunday. Related: Which flights are canceled over U.S. strike on Iran This story was originally published by TheStreet on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24, 2026. President Donald Trump unveiled a proposal that would broaden retirement-saving options for Americans who currently lack access to workplace plans. Announced during his State of the Union address on Feb. 24, the plan aims to extend retirement investment opportunities to workers without employer-sponsored programs, such as 401(k)s, a gap that often affects employees at smaller companies and lower-wage earners. Must Read Half of all of working Americans still do not have access to a retirement plan with matching contributions from an employer, Trump said during the address (1). To remedy this gross disparity, Im announcing that next year my administration will give these often-forgotten American workers access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year as we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market. Many Americans arent where they want to be in their retirement saving journey. Data from the Federal Reserves Economic Well-Being of the U.S. Households report shows that only 35% of non-retired adults believe their retirement savings are on track. Even if the proposal doesnt move ahead, millions of Americans are already saving for retirement without employer-sponsored plans. Heres where the average worker falls and what you can do if your job doesnt offer a match. Why this proposal matters According to the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), a bipartisan public policy research firm, 42% of full-time working Americans excluding government workers and the self-employed dont have access to a workplace retirement plan, while 44.1% in total do not participate in one and 50.5% of all workers dont benefit from an employer match (2). Workplace programs like 401(k)s can make saving easier by automatically deducting contributions from paychecks and offering employer-matched features that help workers build savings over time with less effort. Those without access to workplace plans also tend to earn less. The EIG reports only a quarter of the top half of American workers by income don't have access to one compared to 65.2% of the bottom half. Trumps proposal builds on changes already expected to roll out in the coming years, including a federal Savers Match that would deposit government contributions directly into eligible retirement accounts. This will replace the nonrefundable Savers Credit starting in 2027. Under the match program, someone who saves $2,000 annually, for example, could receive up to $1,000 in matching funds. The benefit would primarily apply to lower- and middle-income households. Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10 Read More: Warren Buffetts 8 simple and repeatable rules to get rich (and stay rich) in America Although its unclear at this stage exactly how the new savings accounts will work, its noteworthy that federal government workers are able to save through the Thrift Savings Plan, which provides low-cost investment options and matching contributions. The savings gap the proposal aims to address is substantial. Workers who had savings in their employer-sponsored accounts had a median balance of $40,000 as of late 2022, according to an analysis by the National Institute on Retirement Security (3). But across all workers, including those with no savings, the balance dropped to $955. Advertisement Build your savings without an employer plan Teresa Ghilarducci, an economics professor at The New School who studies retirement security, told CNBC that expanding access to match-based retirement accounts could help low-income Americans start building savings for the future (4). Many, many people who are left out of the system will start accumulating for retirement, Ghilarducci said. They will also be able to reap the benefits of compounding. For many households juggling housing costs, child care, debt and other financial pressures, saving for the future may seem out of reach, but there are still ways to begin saving for the future even before these new accounts materialize. One common option is opening an individual retirement account, or IRA, which allows workers to save on a tax-advantaged basis outside of an employer plan. For 2026, individuals can contribute up to $7,500 annually, with additional catch-up contributions available for those age 50 and older. Some savers also set up automatic transfers from their bank accounts to create the same consistency typically built into workplace retirement plans. Gradually increasing contributions over time, such as directing raises, bonuses or tax refunds toward savings, can also help make progress feel more manageable. It can also be helpful to review monthly expenses for small adjustments that may create additional room to save without requiring major lifestyle changes. For those who are self-employed and dont have access to an employer retirement plan, there are also options. Business owners and freelancers can open a self-employed 401(k), sometimes called a solo 401(k), which allows them to contribute both as an employee and as the employer. For example, in 2026 individuals could defer up to $24,500 of compensation, or more with catch-up contributions for those age 50 and older, while making additional employer contributions. Another option is a Simplified Employee Pension or SEP IRA, which allows self-employed workers to contribute up to the lesser of 25% of their annual compensation or a yearly limit, which is $72,000 in 2026. What To Read Next Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. NBC News (1); Economic Innovation Group (2); National Institute on Retirement Security (3); CNBC (4) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Iran Asalem-Khalkhal Tourist Road Image not from story(Photo by AMIR/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) Iranian state media claims a joint U.S.-Israeli military strike hit a girls elementary school in southern Iran Saturday, killing dozens of young students as the two allies launched a massive bombardment across the country. The governor of Minab County told Iranian state media that 51 students died and 60 suffered injuries when a missile struck a girls elementary school in Hormozgan province, NBC News reported. Roughly 170 girls between the ages of seven and 12 were inside the building at the time, Middle East Eye reported, citing Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars. Advertisement Irans state-run IRNA news agency reported the death toll at the school had climbed to at least 57 with 45 additional wounded, as reported by The Associated Press. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard operates a base in Minab, a detail that AP noted that could explain why the southern coastal city fell within the strike zone. The AP wire report was bylined from Dubai by Jon Gambrell and Konstantin Toropin. (RELATED: Iran Unleashes Waves Of Strikes On US Military, Israel To Make Aggressors Regret Their Criminal Act) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the strike a cowardly attack on the school and said it caused deep pain to the hearts of the Iranian nation and all free people of the world, NBC News reported. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a photo on X showing the leveled building and warned the deaths of the children will not go unanswered. The Israeli militarys situation room told NBC it was looking into the reports but had no update to provide. The school attack took place during Operation Epic Fury, a sweeping joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that launched Saturday after President Donald Trumps 10-day deadline to Iran expired. Trump said the operation targeted Tehrans missile infrastructure and nuclear ambitions. He acknowledged the possibility of American casualties, saying that often happens in war, according to AP. The strikes began while Oman was actively mediating nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Omans foreign minister said on X he was dismayed that active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined, according to AP. Irans Revolutionary Guard responded by launching what it called a first wave of drones and missiles at Israeli and American targets across the region. by Marie Snyder How can we possibly approach the world today without being in a constant stage of rage? Philosopher and psychoanalyst Josh Cohens All the Rage suggests how to make this feeling more useful to us. He writes from a range of perspectives, everything from political uprisings to the patients in his office, and from how rage plays out in the world to how it manifests in our own minds, all with a thread of climate change activism throughout. Ideas are illustrated with examples from fictional characters, historical figures, and his own family. It hardly seems possible to do all that in just 195 pages, yet the book is a thought-provoking and entertaining read, comfortably shifting from micro to macro issues to explore four kinds of rage. SOME DEFINITIONS In day-to-day conversations, we use rage, anger, and aggression almost interchangeably. We do the same for emotion and feeling and for drive and instinct. The book uses these terms more precisely, so a bit of a glossary might be useful. The order of events that occurs when were outraged becomes important. Cohen explains that aggression is often the way we respond directly to a stimulus, and anger is what happens after that first spark of action, when we choose to hold it back. He explains it succinctly in an interview with The Philosopher: Aggression is a kind of stimulus response. Its what we do with a provocation, which might be an injury; it might be a humiliation, an insult of some kind, something that arouses us to retaliation. Aggression is the way that we get rid of that load of stimulus in action. Anger is a way of holding on. Feelings are ways of holding on to stuff. When we cant bear to feel something we instead discharge it in action. Anger is something that youre left with when action is unavailable to you or perhaps when you try to take the experience to a higher level, i.e. to maintain it in the consciousness as something to experience and process psychically rather than discharge in an action. Thats why psychoanalysis tends to think of anger as a human achievement. Its not the case that were insulted, then feel anger, and then rationally decide to act or not act, even if it sometimes feels like that. Instead, the impetus to act is immediate following an enraging stimulus, and the restraint is what leads to the feeling of anger. I think thats the idea. Its counterintuitive to me, so its useful that it was repeated a few times in the book. Instinct is biological knowledge that ensures attainment of vital needs, e.g. a newborns hunger is satisfied by rooting. Drives are more complex. Freud defined them as a source of stimulus from within the organism (xxi). Because its internal, the source is constant and inescapable: It is in the nature of the drive, Freud says, never to achieve full satisfaction (xxxv). Drives provoke us to want to do something beyond whats necessary for basic survival and animate humans and only humans, but they fail to satisfy. For example, aggression and libido. Emotions are how we instinctively, unconsciously seek to ensure our preservation. Theyre reflexive (e.g. disgust at maggoty meat provokes us to turn away), and are outwardly directed and public in nature. All animals have emotions. Feelings map our reactions by producing images and ideas about them. They enable us to create novel responses to stimuli (e.g. disgust at maggoty meat, but then use it in an art project), and are inwardly directed and private. We have to be conscious in order to have feelings. Feeling comes after drives, not before (xv), and action never exhausts feelings (xxxv). Aggression is the action of a drive, an automatic response to a stimulus in an attempt to meet our needs for survival through an effort to exert dominance (xi). It includes self-assertiveness and acquisitive actions and competitive efforts. Its a goal-oriented drive to overcome an obstacle or achieve control, directed at a narrow aim, often urgent: We have to win this race, make dinner, get this raise, right now. Frustrated or blocked aggression can turn inward to become anger. Aggression is necessarily unsatisfiable: the drive gets recharged over and over. Anger is a feeling thats self-reflective. Its internal nature means it can be concealed from the world, and even from oneself (xi). Its the aggression that returns back inside either because it couldnt be used effectively, or because we intentionally stopped it. Our persistent failures to remedy the insistent dissatisfactions of daily life give rise to that state of agitated enervation we call anger (xx). Rage is an emotion thats made visible at the threshold of action. Its at the mid-point between anger and aggression, but theres not always a neat division between rage and anger. Cohen says, Rage is for me the kernel of anger. When you get to rage, youve realize something truthful about anger, which is that its given to excess, to feed off itself like a rolling stone, gathering more momentum as it goes. How we deal with our feelings of anger makes a difference in our demonstrations of aggression, and it appears they dont get resolved through mere discharge. The four types of rage Cohen explores illustrate why we have problems personally and politically, and he offers strategies to change course. Ill focus primarily on how were personally affected by our own anger to try to ground the ideas. This is just the gist of each; the book has many more examples to illustrate each layer. RIGHTEOUS RAGE Righteous rage comes from the unshakable conviction that were right! Thats likely a familiar feeling to most of us, and yet, How reasonable is it to think of other peoples rage as rabid delusionality and ones own as entirely consistent and justified? (17). Aggression is narrow focusing, urgent, and energizing, so it can provoke us to double down on our position and become blind and deaf to alternative perspectives. It makes us feel certain, which can feel really good, like weve stumbled on a Truth that must be fought for. This certainty insulates us from the vulnerabilities of doubt, but its often short-lived. I think we can likely all think of times weve experienced times of obstinance and later had to acknowledge our error. He uses examples of the Hulk and Othello, but also Trevelyan, the husband in Anthony Trollopes 1869 novel He Knew He Was Right, whose jealousy destroyed his marriage. Trevelyan punished his wife with acts of aggression for his own unfounded suspicions, but it just makes him more angry: The problem with knowing one is right is that it requires precisely what does not happen: that the parties in the wrong realize this and say so. In the absence of such real-world satisfaction, Trevelyan has to fall back on increasingly vivid fantasies of an act that will finally consummate his anger (25). In real life we have incels who believe their crimes are justified because of what theyve suffered from being rejected by women. Cohen quotes Hannah Arendt on this: Suffering whose strength and virtue lie in endurance, explodes into rage when it can no longer endure (34). However, this category also includes people who are trying valiantly to solve a problem against all odds, unable to see why so many people oppose them, such as revolutionaries singularly focused on the wrong path. Another interesting thread throughout is the Freudian idea that psychic illness is the repudiation of femininity (39), of any openness or receptivity. Rightness coats a place in a masculine armoursealing it off from encounter or change. The integrity of armour, however illusory, is a matter of literal survival (40). We need to get better at recognizing that this righteousness, which gives us such intense focus and energy, might be sending us down a wayward path. From Lao Tzu: When they think that they know the answers, people are difficult to guide (ch. 65). FAILED RAGE Failed rage is the most common form of rage, which we can see in positive thinkers and people who actively try to manage their anger. Most of us are liable to swallow anger more often than we act on it (45), but suppression can become cruel: Anger is never so ugly as when its denied an outlet (46). Undischarged rage can present in another guise, like exaggerated politeness or moroseness, or induce a state of repression where we become unaware of the anger (52). More than just annoying to deal with in others, this pent-up anger can also become vulnerable to emotional and political manipulation. When our drives fail to be satisfied, they turn into feelings, and its painful to carry feelings without release. Anger only exists in animals with reason and temporal awareness because its from being required to live at a distance from our aggression. To be civilized, we try to refrain from having fights or humping in the street the way other animals might do. Shoved underground in attempts to manage feelings instead of feeling them, they show up as shame. He uses an example from non-fiction books, The Managed Heart (1983) by Arlie Russell Hochschild, which explores the effect of flight attendants being forced into false pleasantness, and Barbara Ehrenreichs book Smile or Die (2009), on the problem with positivity in self-help movements and the injunction to get rid of any negative people. We can also see this frustrated rage through the rise of misunderstood versions of Stoicism and Buddhism. Failed rage is the result of forced calm in our culture. An interesting side effect of this is seen online where eruptions of public rage are a new kind of pornography (65). But any vicarious satisfaction we might get from watching a random fight in a grocery store is ineffective. He draws on Peter Sloterdijks Rage and Time, and quotes him in part here: Revolutionary action is that optimal moment when affect and drive, or feeling and action, unfold in perfect harmony . For this to occur, dispersed local currents of anger must be banked, deposited in a single bank of rage that draws its force from an excess of energy that longs for release (85). For rage to be useful, we need to be able to hold and bank it instead of dispersing it in actions as impotent rage without harmony. Instead we calm it, rationalizing it away: If Im not as angry as I should be about the climate emergency, its because somewhere Ive intuited how insupportable my anger and grief might be if I gave myself over to it fully, if I really let myself know about the precariousness of our own and our childrens future (94). I think Sartres classic intellectual might fit here: the petition-signers who dont want to get their hands dirty. Were bothered by the world and denounce atrocities, while part of us knows we benefit from maintaining them. Were conscious of this contradiction, but not yet ready to truly revolt. CYNICAL RAGE Rage thats cynical in nature comes from charlatans, emotional predators, and demagogues. It can also happen in transference in therapy when patients redirect old feelings of anger onto the therapist, or in relationships when we project older relationship dynamics onto a current situation and get unreasonably enraged. Anger can be wildly promiscuous (97), always looking for a landing spot. We play hot potato with it, giving to others as fast as we can, but we can also hold it: The capacity to stay with anger as a purely internal state is what prevents the rush into blind action. We lash out in hot verbal or physical aggression when we can no longer represent our anger to ourselves, when we can no longer bear the pressure it is exerting on our minds. (97). If we can get enough mental distance from anger to be curious, then it can promote self-reflection, when our behaviours can collaborate with the mind instead of overriding it. Corrupt politicians know many injustices against us are impossible for us to get redressed, leaving us in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction, which can morph into aggression, like on January 6th. Its there in the MRA slogan f*ck your feelings, a demonstration of their rejection of any feminine tendency towards care. The mirth has a paradoxical effect of at once amplifying the rage and calling it into doubt (128). We see it in passive aggression and jokes that license aggression thats not typically permitted. Its seen in the obsession with reversing any equity gained by the womens movements. A great example might be Nick Fuentes comment earlier this month: Our number political enemy is women because women constrain everything, every conversation, every man, everything. They have to be imprisoned. They are the ones that are hurting the fertility rate. Theyre the ones making us sympathetic to poor people, which are also brown people. Cynical rage is a political resource thats used by providing disgruntled people with an illusion of certainty. He uses the example of Steve Bannon drawing in incel and MRA groups. Cohen writes: The incel shooter excitedly imagines hell terrorize women into submission to male authority, but his actions produce only grief and horror. The utopia of straight white male supremacy he and his online cheerleaders hope for is never achieved. The cynics promises are revealed in all their craven emptiness (132). With his clients, removing the certainty of a guaranteed outcome can prevent cynicism, and avoiding setting goals for someone more fully helps them find their own internal compass. Acknowledging and not demonizing anger allows it to be present without causing harm. To tell someone in the grip of a tormenting fury that youre willing to receive and listen to [their anger] and think with him about it for as long as necessary creates a world for him which didnt previously exist, in which someone else recognizes and is curious about his inner life and wants to help reflect it back to him, to give it shape and meaning (135). Just being willing to listen to someones rage creates a new world for people as anger can slowly turn to grief for the relationship or past they couldnt have. If we can listen to the rage, then we can speak truth to power. In a world in which the EPA repealed the scientific finding that GHGs threaten human life, its Greta Thunberg who has a proper reaction to the political process around climate, and is able to speak the truth that others have calmed or distorted their rage. USABLE RAGE We can use the energy that rage brings us by creatively fostering love and justice. If anger could be a means of fostering love and justice rather than closing it down, it would need to start from an embrace rather than a denial of ones own vulnerability and self-doubt, along with a real curiosity about the other, not excluding what might be making them angry. Only at this point, I suggest, will rage become usable (xli). The story associated with this category is an ancient tale, One Thousand and One Nights in which a clever bride, Scheherazade, uses the power of a good cliffhanger to avoid being killed by her jealous husband, who previously slaughtered a succession of virginal wives after their wedding night. The storytelling provides a space that pulls her husband out of his claustrophobic certainty and into new regions of strangeness and curiosity. If anger is to serve as more than the emotional prelude to aggressive action then it must be disarmed of the self-certainty that propels it (141). Confronted with their own vulnerability, the angry characters in the stories from previous chapters chose destructive consequences of false certainty rather than bear the inevitable pain of not knowing (151). Theyd rather believe an enraging lie than sit in that uncomfortable limbo of precarious control. Transitioning to feeling means that the emotion finds a footing in ideas and words, not reactions. Elena Ferrantes The Lost Daughter (2006) is also explored here to show an honest expression of buried feeling. Once you make that blind passage from feeling to action, youve given up on the use of the anger because youve given up on bearing the load. Ferrantes protagonist can bear the load. They do this by recognizing the relationship between the rage that they lean into and the neighbouring emotions around it. The positivity movement tries to distract or soothe anger, and corrupt politicians try to tap into the aggression, but instead we can delay the anger, to let it exhaust itself, in order to listen to what it wants and find other emotions tagging along. Anger becomes less rigidly defensive at the point it makes contact with neighbouring emotions like sadness and anxiety. Simply put, it is the difference between insulting the other person and telling them honestly why you feel hurt and angered by them (168). Anger is a felt sense of care or love; we dont get mad at things we dont care about. James Baldwin points the way to anger that breaks out of the sterile rage of the unhearing monologue or rant, placing anger instead on the plane of love (173). Cohens discussion of the burden of shame inherent to the role of a colonial police officer evokes an image of an ICE agent: blind action dissociated from desire or intent or from any feeling at all beyond a compulsive pressure to kill the other (175). Baldwin explains the dissociated rage is dissociated from the force and anguish and terror of love (176). Its a fleeing from reality, not just from the reality of the situation and the history behind it, and our cultural dependence on our history of violence and exclusion, but also how it feels to partake in atrocities. Its an action thats divorced from personal responsibility from a rationalization that they are compelled by people in command or by the victim or by the aggression itself. Cohen brings it home by illustrating with an example of yelling at a fellow motorist from the safety of his own moving vehicle: If I didnt default so quickly to yelling, I might be forced to feel something more than a reflexive anger. Lurking beneath that reflex would be, perhaps, feelings of impotence and anxiety, some resentment, and even envy. There is a rich but disavowed personal history of feeling that is concealed even beneath the trivial, unseen event of my yelling at a person who cant hear me (179-80). We have to be willing to give up the deafness of the dictator that might say: I, alone, have developed a certainty from my necessarily limited knowledge and experience. Knowing we can have anger and express it in harmless ways can prevent it from being used to manipulate us. With more acceptance of receptive femininity to embrace vulnerability and acknowledge our interdependence, we can disarm the certainty that is creating blinders that keep us disconnected to ourselves and others. With enough distance from rage to be curious about what lies beneath, we can hold and bank our anger to put it to good use. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Shabana Mahmood visited a removals centre in Denmark this week to examine how its policies work Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is to press ahead with reforms to the asylum and immigration system, despite the loss of a once-safe Labour seat to the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The Green Party has criticised Labour's stance on immigration with its leader Zack Polanski recently accusing the party of echoing "the racist rhetoric of the far right". The Greens have also called for asylum seekers to be given the right to work. Following their victory on Thursday, some Labour MPs have warned ministers not to try to "out-Reform Reform [UK]". But a source close to Mahmood told the BBC that the government should not learn the wrong lessons from the result - and that it was "wrong" to assume Muslim voters were deserting Labour over immigration. Left-wing Labour MPs are now calling for a change of approach. Richard Burgon of the Socialist Campaign Group told the BBC it was time to "ditch the approach of aping Reform and kicking the left which has alienated so many people who have voted Labour previously". Apsana Begum said a number of factors including immigration had played into the "catastrophic result" for Labour, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Someone has to take responsibility." If some in Labour are now queasy about the home secretary's approach, sources are suggesting that the alternative was the "far right raising up the drawbridge" and putting in jeopardy the future of the asylum system - and even of the Labour Party itself. Mahmood herself has said that illegal immigration was putting immense strain on the country and undermining the contract between the government and its citizens. Sources close to the home secretary are keen to point to polling last November assessing the support for Danish-style immigration reforms, which suggested net support for some measures amongst all voters including Green supporters. Mahmood visited reception and removal centres for asylum seekers near Copenhagen, the Danish capital, this week, to examine how a tougher set of policies was working in practice. Advertisement She has previously praised the policies of Denmark's government - led by Labour's sister party, the Social Democrats which has driven asylum claims down to a forty-year low. Danish government policies influenced Labour's proposals for asylum reform aimed at reducing incentives for people to enter the UK illegally, and the home secretary is expected to begin implementing some of them from next week. These include making most migrants wait for up to 10 years - rather than the current five before being able to apply for permanent residence, with refugees waiting for up to 20 years. The proposals also included offering only temporary protection to those whose asylum claims have been accepted - and reducing the number of appeals that unsuccessful applicants can lodge. This is not as far as Reform UK has said it is willing to go. Its home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said Mahmood was "all talk and no action", and that the government could not fix the immigration system while it was "chained" to the European Convention on Human Rights (EHCR). He said a Reform government would leave the ECHR immediately and "completely abolish indefinite leave to remain", as well as imposing visa bans on countries refusing returns and "criminalise aiding illegal entry, regardless of intent". Mahmood is expected to double down on her approach in a speech next week. She will seek to make a "Labour case" for "firm and fair" Danish-style immigration policies. Imran Hussain, from the Refugee Council, a charity, was sceptical about proceeding with new asylum and immigration rules. He said that "the big lesson of recent years was that tough talking" did not lead to "smart action" and the government should instead focus on the "basics" - swifter asylum decisions, swifter appeals and help for refugees to integrate. Thin, red banner promoting the Politics Essential newsletter with text saying, Top political analysis in your inbox every day. There is also an image of the Houses of Parliament. Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond. 1 March 2026 22:35 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Data released by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) reveals a notable contraction in activity within the Interbank Card Center (ICC) during the first month of 2026. By the end of January, the center processed 21.4 thousand payment transactions, representing a total financial value of $5.6 million, AzerNEWS reports. This performance marks a significant downturn when compared to the same period in 2025. According to the regulator, the number of transactions fell by approximately 7.2 thousand, a 25.2 percent decrease from the previous year. Similarly, the total volume of processed payments saw a reduction of $1.4 million, reflecting a 20 percent year-on-year decline. For historical context, the ICC handled 28.6 thousand transactions totaling $7 million in January 2025. As a core component of the nation's financial landscape, the ICC serves as the essential technological and financial infrastructure that ensures the secure and efficient processing of bank card payments. Its primary role involves facilitating the accurate transfer and final execution of payment obligations between domestic banking institutions. 1 March 2026 12:27 (UTC+04:00) Amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East, an increasing flow of information across media platforms and social networks is raising concerns about potential confusion within society, AzerNEWS reports. AzerNEWS reports that the warning was issued in a statement by the Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan (MEDIA). In a situation where the risks of disinformation are high, we call on all media entities to rely only on information from official sources and not to allow information manipulation. We call on journalists and public activists to disseminate only official information and to refrain from sharing information that causes concern in society, the statement said. The agency emphasized the importance of responsible journalism during periods of heightened regional tension, underlining that the spread of unverified information could contribute to unnecessary anxiety and destabilization. MEDIA urged media representatives and social media users alike to exercise caution and professionalism while covering developments related to the situation in the Middle East. 1 March 2026 12:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijans diplomatic missions in the region are continuing their work in an enhanced mode in response to the ongoing military escalation, AzerNEWS reports. This was stated by Aykhan Hajizadeh, Head of the Press Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, commenting on the situation of Azerbaijani citizens in the affected areas. In accordance with the crisis situation, our Embassies and Consulates General in the region continue their activities in an enhanced mode, Hajizadeh said. In accordance with the appeals from our citizens, our diplomatic missions are providing appropriate support. So far, only one of our citizens has been injured. The citizen is being provided with appropriate support by our diplomatic mission and his condition is good. Addressing the issue of evacuation, the MFA spokesperson noted that Azerbaijani citizens are currently leaving Iran through land borders. Regarding the evacuation of our citizens, at present, in accordance with the travel warning shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Azerbaijani and Turkish land borders are being used for the exit from Iran of Azerbaijani citizens in Iran, depending on the region of their location. So far, 30 of our citizens have crossed the Azerbaijani border, he stated. He also clarified that broader evacuation measures are not planned at this stage. In general, taking into account the closure of airspace in the region, no evacuation of citizens is planned at this time. Our citizens currently in the region are asked to carefully monitor the security situation, follow the instructions and recommendations of local authorities, stay away from mass gatherings and strengthen personal security measures, the statement said. 1 March 2026 13:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Five citizens of Tajikistan have been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara border crossing point, AzerNEWS reports. The Azerbaijani side created all necessary conditions to ensure the safe and smooth passage of the individuals. The evacuees had reportedly traveled to the Islamic Republic of Iran for medical treatment but were forced to return due to the current situation in the region. At present, an 18-member diplomatic delegation of Saudi Arabia is also being evacuated via the Astara border crossing. Earlier, 30 Azerbaijani citizens and one Italian citizen were evacuated to Azerbaijan amid the escalating developments. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and facilitate crossings through designated land routes as regional airspace restrictions remain in place. 1 March 2026 14:37 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On March 1, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, AzerNEWS reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the sides discussed the military operations in Iran and the broader situation resulting from the escalation in the region. During the call, the Iranian foreign minister provided detailed information about the current situation and the steps being taken by Tehran. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed serious concern over the tragic escalation and conveyed condolences over the death of innocent civilians, including remarks related to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Khamenei. The Azerbaijani side expressed hope that military operations would cease as soon as possible and emphasized that the situation should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomatic means in line with the norms and principles of international law. At the same time, it was underlined that under no circumstances would Azerbaijans territory be used against neighboring and friendly Iran. The ministers also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest during the conversation. 1 March 2026 23:40 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The evacuation of citizens from both Azerbaijan and other countries in Iran is ongoing. According to AzerNEWS, between 08:00 on February 28 and 22:00 on March 1, a total of 192 individuals were evacuated from Iran. Among those evacuated were 82 Azerbaijanis, 28 Pakistanis, 18 citizens of Saudi Arabia, and 18 Chinese citizens. Additionally, 6 citizens from the UAE, 17 Tajiks, 4 Jordanians, and 3 individuals each from Qatar and Bangladesh were included in the evacuation. The list also featured 2 Filipinos and 2 Nepalese citizens. Furthermore, one person each was evacuated from Turkey, Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Tunisia, Lebanon, India, France, and Brazil. xxx A large-scale humanitarian operation is currently in motion to extract foreign nationals from Iran as regional conflict reaches a critical flashpoint. AzerNEWS reports that comprehensive measures have been established to facilitate these departures, with the evacuation process remaining active and ongoing. In the period spanning from 08:00 on February 28 to 16:00 on March 1, a total of 123 individuals were successfully evacuated across the border. This multinational group included 54 citizens of Azerbaijan, 18 from Saudi Arabia, and 18 from China. The evacuation manifest also recorded 6 citizens from the UAE, 5 from Tajikistan, 4 from Jordan, and 3 each from Qatar and Bangladesh. Additionally, the group included 2 Filipinos, 2 Nepalese citizens, and one national each from Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Tunisia, Lebanon, India, France, and Brazil. This urgent exodus follows the total collapse of diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program. After a second round of failed talks in mid-February led to a massive U.S. military buildup in Europe and the Middle East, a final "last chance" summit was held in Geneva on February 26 under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Those talks ended without an agreement as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment or dismantle its nuclear infrastructure. The geopolitical landscape shifted violently on the morning of February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military airstrikes across Iran. Reports confirm that the strikes resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and several members of his family. The Iranian military command structure has also suffered catastrophic losses. Confirmed fatalities from the strikes include the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Army, Major General Abdulrahim Mousavi, and the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Mohammad Pakpour. Furthermore, Ali Shamkhani, Advisor to the Supreme Leader and Secretary of the Defense Council, along with Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, were killed during the targeted aerial campaign. xxx Evacuations from Iran to Azerbaijan are ongoing. According to AzerNEWS, foreign citizens, employees of foreign embassies in Iran, and diplomats are also being evacuated alongside Azerbaijani citizens. Relevant state agencies in Azerbaijan are actively implementing the necessary measures for this operation. Special buses have been designated for the safe transport of citizens, and emergency medical teams have been deployed to the area. Additionally, other operational services are on standby to assist as needed. xxx Evacuation efforts from Iran through the Astara border crossing are continuing amid the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, AzerNEWS reports. According to official and media reports, between 08:00 on February 28 and 14:00 on March 1, a total of 53 Azerbaijani citizens were evacuated from Iran into Azerbaijan. In addition to Azerbaijani nationals, safe passage into Azerbaijan has been ensured for several foreign citizens and diplomatic delegations. Among those evacuated are 18 members of a Saudi Arabian diplomatic delegation, five citizens of Tajikistan, four citizens of Jordan, three citizens of Qatar, and one Italian citizen. Earlier, Azerbaijan also facilitated the crossings of citizens from other countries, including citizens from Bangladesh, Qatar and Pakistan, who were escorted into Azerbaijan through the same border point. 1 March 2026 16:16 (UTC+04:00) On March 1, 2026, a telephone conversation was held between Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, AzerNEWS reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the sides discussed the tense security situation in the region and the ongoing military escalation. During the conversation, deep concern was expressed over developments that seriously affect peace and security in the broader region. The ministers underscored the importance of restraint by the parties involved in the conflict, preventing further expansion of military confrontation, and taking steps aimed at reducing tensions. The importance of resolving disputes through political dialogue and diplomatic means, in line with the norms and principles of international law, was particularly emphasized. The discussion also covered issues arising from the AzerbaijanUzbekistan allied relations, the continuation of high-level contacts, and prospects for expanding cooperation across various fields. Motorists across Australia are being urged to consider filling up their petrol tanks amid fears global oil prices could jump following escalating tensions in the Middle East. Social media videos circulating online show long queues forming at petrol stations, as some stock up ahead of any potential price spike. One Melbourne woman wrote that the line at her local petrol station was "over one kilometre long" on Sunday evening. People responding believed that "panic buying" was to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning comes after US and Israeli strikes on Iran heightened concerns that retaliation could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial waterway that carries about one-fifth of the worlds daily oil supply. The US-Israeli air strikes killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian leaders. Why are oil prices under pressure? Iran controls the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The channel is just 33.7 kilometres wide at its narrowest point and is considered a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Satellite imagery from tanker-tracking services showed ships lining up near major ports, including Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, rather than passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the ABC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has not formally announced any plan to shut the waterway. Have your travel plans been disrupted? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com Iran controls the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Source: Reuters (REUTERS / Reuters) AMP chief economist Shane Oliver told the ABC oil prices could jump significantly if supply disruptions continue. "Oil prices will spike sharply, possibly above $US100 a barrel, from $US67 on Friday for West Texas, given the disruption to oil supplies, including via the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "This is particularly so given the broad nature of the US and Israeli attack including talk of regime change and Iran's broad-based retaliation so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The key issue is how long it lasts." Oliver said a drawn-out conflict would "cause more damage economically". Oil prices surged past $US120 a barrel in 2022 after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Still, economists say the current tensions could have an even greater impact because of the number of major oil producers involved. Marcus Today senior market analyst Henry Jennings said he shared Olivers view. "If the straits are blocked, we could see $US90 oil on a spike, so it may be wise to fill up your car with some cheap petrol in the next few days," Jennings said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Much depends on the Iranian reaction." According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait each day. The agency has described it as a "critical oil chokepoint". Oliver said a common guide for Australian fuel prices was that every $US10 increase in global oil prices typically translated to about a 10-cent rise per litre locally, a shift that could keep petrol prices above $2 a litre for an extended period. It is bad news for Australian households. It is a tax on consumer spending, he said. Tens of thousands of Australians caught up in Middle East chaos Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the unfolding crisis was already affecting tens of thousands of Australians in the region, as airlines suspended services and airspace closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have about 11,000 Australians coming in and out of Australia on Etihad, Emirates and Qatar, so that gives you some indication of the scale of the travel," she told ABC News Breakfast on Monday. "On estimates, we have about 115,000 Australians in the region. "Obviously, it's very difficult at the moment for the government to provide a great deal of assistance in circumstances where flights are being cancelled, disrupted, and airspace is closed." Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said that tens of thousands of Australians are caught up in the crisis. Source: ABC Wong said the government had set up a registration portal for Australians in Iran and Israel, or those with family in the region, so they can receive updates and advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether Australia would organise repatriation flights, she said authorities first needed to see whether commercial services would resume. "At the moment, the issue is not who is flying; it's that people are not flying," she said. "Given the number of people in the region, people will get home most quickly if we can facilitate people getting onto commercial flights." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 1 March 2026 18:39 (UTC+04:00) On March 1, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, AzerNEWS reports. During their discussion, the main focus was on the military clashes and heightened tensions in the security environment observed recently in the Middle East. Both officials expressed their deep concern regarding the situation. They highlighted the risks that the current military escalation poses to regional stability and emphasized the importance of adhering to international law while resolving conflicts through dialogue and political means. The ministers agreed that ensuring the safety of the civilian population and infrastructure is a top priority. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov extended his condolences for the civilian casualties resulting from the conflict. In addition, the ministers exchanged views on other matters of mutual interest. 1 March 2026 20:23 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify air strikes on Tehran in the coming days, declaring that Israels military was not at full strength in their campaign against Iran, AzerNEWS reports. I have issued instructions for the continuation of the campaign Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with intense power, and this will only escalate in the days ahead, Netanyahu said in a video statement. He also offered his condolences to the families of those killed in Iranian strikes on Israel, saying his country was living through painful days. A missile attack on Sunday killed at least nine people in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, the deadliest strike in the country since the war began. Yesterday here in Tel Aviv, and now in Beit Shemesh, we lost dear people. My heart goes out to the families, and on behalf of all of you, the citizens of Israel, I send my wishes for a full recovery to the injured, said Netanyahu. 1 March 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00) As Germany prepares to implement the planned Building Modernization law, discussions over the countrys gas supply and alternative energy sources have intensified. AzerNEWS reports that German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche has raised the possibility of expanding domestic gas production. In an interview with a local media outlet, Reiche stated that Germany possesses gas reserves, and the key question is whether they can be extracted under economically viable conditions. She stressed that, particularly in a complex geopolitical environment, energy security must be carefully assessed. Reiche underscored the need to maintain a delicate balance between environmental protection and securing raw material supplies. She noted that the federal government has granted permission to the Netherlands to explore a gas field in the North Sea, suggesting that a similar approach could be considered for Germany. At the same time, the minister highlighted the importance of expanding green energy sources. According to Reiche, Ukraine is capable of supplying substantial volumes of biogas, and future import opportunities in this area could be explored. However, she emphasized that existing regulatory issues at both the Ukrainian and European Union levels must first be resolved. If these obstacles are removed, significant volumes of biomethane could potentially be delivered to Germany. 1 March 2026 10:31 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Escalating processes in the Middle East have significantly disrupted global air travel, affecting hundreds of flights from various regions around the world. AzerNEWS reports, citing aviation analytics firm Cirium, that 966 out of 4,218 flights scheduled to operate to the Middle East on Saturday were canceled. Including outbound flights from the region, the total number of cancellations exceeded 1,800. On Sunday, of the 4,329 flights scheduled for the Middle East, 716 had already been canceled by early reporting, with expectations that the number would continue to rise throughout the day. Major Gulf carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are reported to be among the most affected. More than 90,000 passengers use these airlines daily for transit connections alone, amplifying the impact of the disruptions. Europes largest airline group, Lufthansa Group, has suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil and Tehran until March 7. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has halted all flights to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia until March 7. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to 10 countries in the Middle East, while services to other destinations continue to operate as scheduled. Airlines are closely monitoring the situation, with further schedule adjustments possible depending on developments in the region. 1 March 2026 10:53 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, has accused Israel of seeking to partition the country following its joint attack with the US, AzerNEWS reports. In a statement published by the Fars state news agency, Larijani said that the Israeli regime has no choice but to resort to partitioning large countries in order to ensure its own survival. Larijani also described Trump as the perfect symbol of plunder and accused him of seeking to grab resources from Iran. America and the Zionist regime burned the hearts of the Iranian nation, and we will burn their hearts too, he added. Israel Katz has congratulated Netanyahu and the countrys military for the strikes that killed Irans supreme leader. He who acted to destroy Israel has been destroyed, Katz said in a post on X. Justice has been served, and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow. He added that Israel will continue to act with full force. 1 March 2026 11:29 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more A protest has broken out in front of the United States Embassy in Pakistan, with demonstrators reportedly throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the diplomatic compound, AzerNEWS reports. According to initial reports, tensions escalated as protesters gathered outside the United States Embassy Islamabad, leading to clashes with security forces deployed in the area. Law enforcement units were seen attempting to disperse the crowd and secure the perimeter of the embassy. No immediate information has been released regarding casualties or damage. Authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident. The situation remains tense as security forces continue efforts to restore order. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 1 March 2026 15:26 (UTC+04:00) Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences to Iran over the assassination of the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing his killing as a "cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law", AzerNEWS reports. "In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations, elevating them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership," Putin said in a statement shared by the Kremlin. Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, triggering threats of unprecedented retaliatory attacks coming from Iran's top officials. 1 March 2026 18:18 (UTC+04:00) Pope Leo XIV expressed his "deep concern" over the situation in Iran and the escalation of tensions across the Middle East region after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Tehran, provoking a fierce response by the Iranian forces, AzerNEWS reports. The pope called for an end to "the spiral of violence" and urged world leaders to pursue diplomacy and restraint. "Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility: to stop the tragedy of war, before it becomes an irreparable abyss," he added. Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with top security officials, have reportedly been killed due to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to seek revenge and claims to have launched attacks on 27 bases housing US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions have been reported in Qatar and the UAE. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that if it retaliates very hard today, it will face a response with a force that has never been seen before. In response to the turmoil, Irans government announced that an interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media reports indicate that at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces. Iran's retaliatory strikes have targeted US and Israeli assets in various Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman. Due to the ongoing exchange of attacks, several countries in the region have closed their airspace. 1 March 2026 17:17 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Serbian embassy in Tehran was not directly targeted in recent strikes, but the building sustained minor damage from falling shrapnel, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. As reported by AzerNEWS, Vucic said one of the strikes hit a Basij base, and fragments from the explosion caused damage to the embassy premises. As for our diplomats in Iran, today our employees will be evacuated to Azerbaijan, Vucic stated. He added that Serbias ambassador will be temporarily relocated to Azerbaijan before later returning to Tehran. Evacuations via Astara continue Evacuation operations from Iran through the Astara border crossing are ongoing amid continued military escalation in the Middle East. According to official and media reports, between 08:00 on February 28 and 14:00 on March 1, a total of 53 Azerbaijani citizens were evacuated from Iran into Azerbaijan. In addition to Azerbaijani nationals, safe passage into the country has been ensured for several foreign citizens and diplomatic representatives, including: 18 members of a Saudi Arabian diplomatic delegation 5 citizens of Tajikistan 4 citizens of Jordan 3 citizens of Qatar 1 Italian citizen 1 March 2026 23:08 (UTC+04:00) Parts of Iran's national radio and television broadcaster headquarters were hit in the latest Israeli attack on Tehran, AzerNEWS reports via the state media. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) confirmed that its headquarters were targeted by Israeli forces, but said that broadcasting continues as usual. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they struck Iranian air defense systems in Tehran moments ago. "In recent hours, Israeli Air Force aircraft have been operating with air superiority in the skies over Tehran, striking and eliminating numerous targets," the military said. Only one in four Americans approves of the US strikes that killed Irans leader while about half including one in four Republicans believe President Donald Trump is too willing to use military force. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, about 27 percent of respondents said they approved of the strikes, while 43 percent disapproved, and 29 percent were not sure. Some 56 percent of Americans surveyed said they think Trump, who also ordered strikes on Venezuela, Syria, and Nigeria in recent months, is too willing to use military force to advance US interests. The vast majority of Democrats 87 percent held this view as did 23 percent of Republicans and 60 percent of people who dont identify with either political party. The poll, which began on Saturday after the strikes got underway, gathered responses online from 1,282 US adults nationwide. It had a margin of error of three percentage points. Airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Flights in and out of airports in Tel Aviv, Dubai, Doha and other international hubs in the region have been suspended. The UK Foreign Office is warning British citizens against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Those already there have been advised to shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has launched attacks on the Gulf states as part its retaliation to US and Israeli strikes which began early on Saturday. Long-haul travel is being affected more widely, with Heathrow urging travellers to check with their airlines. British government officials are understood to be formulating plans to potentially evacuate UK nationals from the Middle East. But the timings of such a move remain unclear, as much of the airspace in the region remains closed. Emirates has suspended its operations in and out of Dubai until 15:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Monday due to airspace closures, while Etihad has suspended flights out of Abu Dhabi until 02:00 local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person has been killed and 11 others injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi since the strikes began. Four of those injuries were among members of staff at Dubai International, the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic. British Airways has cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday. It said services between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv could be affected for several days. Richard and Hannah from London had been en route to Oman but are now stuck in Bahrain. "In the early hours of this morning a drone attacked the airport so we can't reach Oman this evening as planned," Hannah said on Sunday, describing an "uneasy 24 hours". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the situation in the region could escalate, they are now looking to return home, Richard said. Virgin Atlantic suspended services between London and Riyadh and Dubai over the weekend. It has warned that flights to India, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives may take longer due to them being rerouted around the affected region. It is among a number of airlines across the world that have had to cancel or reroute flights to avoid the closed or restricted airspace. Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria remained closed on Sunday, with partial closures in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordanian and Lebanese airspace remains open but there is limited flight activity. Tracking shows flights between Europe and Asia travelling via Saudi Arabia or the Caucasus. Emma Belcher and her husband Vic were on their way back to Heathrow from a holiday in the Maldives via Dubai when their connecting flight was cancelled. "There is absolutely no information about when they might open airspace so we don't know how long we'll be here," she said. "We were really looking forward to getting home to see the children as we haven't been away without them before." Steve Rudderham and his wife had been on their way to the Maldives to celebrate their wedding anniversary but were stuck in Doha where they had been due to have a stopover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the days go on and the vacation is eroded, we're looking at plans to just to get back home," he said. Flights that would have gone over the affected region have been diverted, causing delays [Reuters] Qatar Airways said its operations remained temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with a further update to be provided at 09:00 local time on Monday (06:00 GMT). Qatar's defence ministry said it had intercepted Iranian missiles after explosions were heard in Doha. The UAE also said it had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while footage appears to show the moment a US facility in Bahrain was hit. Kuwait said it had been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. Explosions were heard at Erbil airport in Iraq early on Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Foreign Office is warning "against all travel to Israel and Palestine", and against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. British people in those areas have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office, with more than 76,000 people having already done so, mostly in the UAE. For British nationals in Oman, the Foreign Office advises those in Duqm to shelter in place, and those in Salalah to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow and follow advice from local authorities. UK nationals in Saudi Arabia have been told to "remain indoors in a secure location", while those in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Turkey have been instructed to "remain vigilant" and take shelter if advised to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Office has urged people in Pakistan to be careful around protests, demonstrations, rallies and religious gatherings, after deadly pro-Iran protests broke out in several cities. It also instructed staff in the country to restrict their movements. US President Donald Trump cited a failure to reach an agreement to limit Iran's nuclear programme and regime change as among the reasons for launching the attack. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Trump on Saturday, having earlier said that British planes were "in the sky" over the Middle East as part of a defensive operation "to protect our people, our interests and our allies". Along with the leaders of France and Germany, he urged Iran to refrain from "indiscriminate" strikes. Additional reporting by Mary Litchfield RINO political action committees affiliated with RINO state senate boss Phil Berger are spending lots of money across North Carolina to defeat conservatives in both the House and Senate. The word around filing time was that Berger was going to be doing this, but he is using vehicles different that his usual ones. Berger was the godfather of trying to spread casinos across our state, so it is not surprising that much of this money is coming in through two dark money PACs funded by the gambling industry. One calls itself Win for America and the other calls itself the American Conservative Fund. If they were honest, they would call the latter American Casino Fund. In past elections, casino money appeared as direct contributions to pro-casino legislators. This time, it is directed at independent PAC advertising against conservatives or promoting establishment moderates. Another Berger-affiliated PAC is the NC Ag Action PAC, which shares offices and leaders with an NGO that was active in trying to put eastern NC shrimpers out of business,, a Berger backed scheme. Every dollar they received in the last two campaign reports came from the NC Ag Partnership, which is a "dark money" group that does not file reports on where its money came from for political contributions. In the Senate, these Berger-affiliated PACs are in at least three races. They are pumping money heavily into trying to prop up Berger himself, who is trailing in the polls to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. They are also active in trying to block conservative retired Superior Court Judge Jerry Tillet in the open 1st Senate District north and east of Beaufort County. Jimmy Dixon recruited a big farmer with no political background to run against Tillet. Berger apparently fears, and probably correctly, that Judge Tillet would not be his yes-man. In Cabarrus County, they are attacking Senator Chris Measmer, who was chosen by local Republicans to fill a vacancy, and who, again, is apparently not a Berger approved yes-man. The Berger affiliated PACs are backing former State Rep. Kevin Crutchfield, who was previously voted out of office by Cabarrus Republicans in a primary for being a liberal RINO. Berger is also trying to shoot down a group of conservative leaders in the NC House who have blocked some of his liberal legislation such as his casino bill and his bill to ban shrimping. Local conservative legislator Keith Kidwell is one of Berger's targets in the House. It is not just incumbent conservatives that the Berger aligned PACs are attacking. There is at least one open seat House race in Lee and Moore counties where the Berger PACs are pushing an establishment moderate against conservative Lee County School Board member Sherry Lynn Womack. Knowing Mrs. Womack, a retired army colonel, is a strong conservative who would not bow down to Berger is apparently enough for them to go after her even in an open seat race. Berger is known for his Tammany Hall style corrupt politics in the Senate, where he has made everything "pay for play". He is now trying to also extend his sway over the NC House, which is much more honest and operates more on principle. https://dailyhaymaker.com/dark-gambling-money-attacking-incumbent-gop-state-senator-in-cabarrus-county/ https://dailyhaymaker.com/details-on-the-possible-motive-behind-the-dark-gambling-money/ https://dailyhaymaker.com/dark-covert-gambling-money-in-johnston-county-too/ https://dailyhaymaker.com/gambling-industry-meddling-in-nc-primaries/ In an age of noise, anxiety, and moral confusion, clarity is a precious commodity. This weeks edition of Truth for Our Times brings together three timely pieces that speak to the heart, the conscience, and the public square. From a consequential pro-life development that received far too little attention, to serious questions about transparency in government, to a tender midnight lesson in trust, each article reminds us that faith and discernment are needed now more than ever. Puerto Ricos Quiet but Consequential Step for Unborn Human Life By Rev. Mark Creech While media attention fixated elsewhere, Puerto Rico enacted a significant change to its criminal code, formally recognizing unborn children as human beings at every stage of gestation. This development highlights how definitional shifts in law often signal larger cultural and legal movements ahead. Thoughtful and sobering, this piece explores the national implications of a policy change many Americans may have missedbut should not ignore. Questions that Warrant Clear Answers By Dr. Mark Creech An SBI investigation into a Kentucky distillery tour involving North Carolina lawmakers has raised serious concerns about transparency, privately sponsored travel, and public confidence in the legislative process. Without rushing to judgment, this analysis examines why situations involving alcohol, lobbying interests, and elected officials demand heightened scrutiny. The conclusion is straightforward: in matters of public integrity, sunlight strengthens trust. Lessons from a Sleeping Dog By Michelle Lonaberger When a sudden 3:40 a.m. crash shattered the quiet of her historic farmhouse, Michelle Lonaberger expected the worst. What she discovered instead became a gentle but powerful reminder about anxiety, trust, and the quiet faith we often forget to practice. With warmth and disarming honesty, she reflects on how her small Papillon named Joy demonstrated a spiritual truth many believers struggle to live: the need to rest confidently in the care of a faithful God. This touching devotional will steady your heart. In uncertain times, believers are called not to drift with the cultural current but to think clearly, live faithfully, and remain anchored in the truth of Gods Word, the Bible. Thank you for reading this edition of Truth for Our Times. This ministry addresses the pressing moral and public issues of our day from a distinctly biblical worldview. Did You Miss These? Irreversible Decisions, Unavoidable Questions: The Prisha Mosley Story Righteousness, Not Redistribution American Girls Quest to Squelch the History That Birthed It Even the New York Times Now Admits It: America Has a Marijuana Problem Outlawing Slavery, Licensing Bondage A Powerful Voice at the Intersection of Faith and Freedom Churches, ministries, civic groups, and organizations are invited to prayerfully consider Rev. Mark Creech as a speaker for worship services, revival meetings, conferences, and special events. Rev. Creech is available to preach in Sunday services, lead revival gatherings, serve as an interim pastor, address missions groups and mens or womens ministries, speak at conferences on cultural and social issues, engage small groups on focused biblical topics, and rally believers at patriotic events or public policy gatherings. He also speaks effectively to pastors fellowships, Christian schools, campus ministries, prayer breakfasts, banquets, and legislative or civic assemblies. Rev. Creech delivers compelling messages rooted in a strong Christian worldview, with an unwavering commitment to the Gospel and its transformative power in the lives of individuals, churches, and nations. Endorsed by pastors, legislators, and respected Christian leaders, his preaching is known to be faithful, thought-provoking, profoundly relevant, and courageously challenging. To inquire about scheduling Rev. Creech for your next event, please visit: https://revmarkcreech.org/booking/ You can also phone at 919.915.3033 or send an email to mark@revmarkcreech.org Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter NORTH ADAMS Dams are a major barrier to brook trout, a fish native to New England that populates the Hoosic River. Why? Theyre not good jumpers, said Zach Adams, a Sheffield-based project manager for Trout Unlimited who spoke to a group of 30 people Feb. 26 at the Tourists Lodge for an information session on the planned removal of the deteriorating Broad Brook dam at the VermontMassachusetts border, a project he will oversee. The removal is scheduled for this summer and will be funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Services National Fish Passage Program. Work is expected to begin July 1 and last roughly four to six weeks, said Erin Rodgers, Trout Unlimited's program manager for Massachusetts and Vermont. In addition to the dam, crews will dismantle concrete stillways and several small structures formerly used for the facility. Although the dam is located in Pownal, Vt., within the Green Mountain National Forest, it and the surrounding infrastructure is owned by the city of North Adams. The access point to the dam is via White Oaks Road in Williamstown. The event was sponsored by Trout Unlimiteds Taconic Chapter, the projects lead partner, which aims to remove the 10-foot dam to restore habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. It hopes to improve water quality particularly for brook trout and allow fish to move freely upstream. It is now time for the dam to come down and restore the many miles of trout habitat, said Justin Adkins, president of the Taconic Chapter. Unused, the dam fragments habitat, Rodgers said. As a cold-water species, trout seek cooler upstream refuge during hotter summers until they encounter a barrier like the Broad Brook dam. As Trout Unlimited, we are 100 percent doing this for trout and the resilience of our native trout species, but it's got a lot of co-benefits as well, she said. Once removed, the project will reconnect 22 miles of stream, creating conditions favorable for conservation and fishing. Because trout will be able to move freely, the population will become more diverse, Rodgers said. One of the challenges of dam removal is working to restore that even gradient and so Trout Unlimited will take time to adjust and help give it shape and direction as we go through [construction]. As materials and concrete degrade, they collapse, sending concrete, rebar and other debris into the river. Multiple wing walls on the dam have already collapsed, posing safety risks to both wildlife and people in the area. Trout Unlimited will oversee the removal, with work carried out by a contractor. The site will be continuously monitored, and signage will alert residents and trail users to active work areas. While the dam is being brought down, the trail along the brook will be closed, said Rodgers, though its main branch will remain open. Trees will be removed for construction access to the dam that are "absolutely necessary," said Adams, with the most significant changes occurring near the berm and spoils pile upstream of the dam. All impacted areas will be replanted during multiple planting days using community volunteers when possible and monitored to ensure growth and survival. The dam was constructed in 1889 to supply water to North Adams. In 2006 and 2007, North Adams sold 3,400 acres of watershed land in Pownal to the Green Mountain National Forest but retained ownership of 218 acres containing dams and buildings, since the forest does not accept property with structures. Dozens of homes near the Broad Brook dams and White Oak Road in Williamstown still receive water from North Adams. When the federal Clean Water Act required that surface drinking water be treated, the city connected its Notch and Mount Williams reservoirs to treatment facilities and closed the Broad Brook intake. The city and some of those Williamstown homes then received reservoir water. The land, which contains other inactive dams, is unused, and the forest group is seeking to sell it, Rodgers said. Concern about dog walkers Some residents raised concerns about increased foot traffic in an area they say is already crowded with dog walkers. Rodgers said that another round of public outreach would occur once a land transaction is closer. I'm a little concerned about how many dog walkers and people wanting picnic tables and stuff like that, because I don't want that to happen, said David Schaller, an abutter of the dam who still relies on North Adams water. There are a lot of people who are in favor of restoring it to the natural thing, and making it actually less accessible. And I would be in that group. Schaller said he did not oppose fishermen or hikers, but objected to dog walkers from outside the neighborhood, whom he said use the area as a sewer for their dogs. Schaller also said he wanted assurances the removal would not affect his water supply. Adams and Rodgers said they are working closely with the city and Schaller otherwise supported the project. Adams said they want the stream to be able to "do its thing." "Because Broad Brook is a great stream." Multiple flights have been cancelled in the Middle East as an urgent travel warning is issued to Australians travelling to the region amid the US and Israels attacks on Iran. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, sparking fears of regional war with explosions reported across the Middle East as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles. Flights cancelled amid Iran conflict A Virgin Australia spokesman confirmed several flights operated by Qatar Airways had been cancelled or turned back to Australia. On Saturday, four Virgin Australia flights were turned around and flew back to Australia after the Qatari airspace was closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven flights were cancelled on Sunday, and several other flights have been cancelled for Monday. Passengers have been offered free booking changes or refunds if they do not wish to travel. The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority, they told NewsWire. Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, a number of Virgin Australia services operated by Qatar Airways have been cancelled. Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information and visit the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Qantas spokesman said the airline did not operate flights to Middle Eastern airports, but said they were continuing to monitor the situation. The airline said a number of alternative flight paths for routes to Europe would be used as the situation develops. Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, and are offering travellers who are flying within the next 72 hours a refund or the chance to re-book their flights up to 10 days from the original travel date. We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities, a spokesman said. We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at a press conference about Iran. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw Get out: Home Affairs ministers warning to travellers Australians in Lebanon, Israel or Qatar have been urged to get out of the region immediately by Home Affairs minister Tony Burke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are already there, if it is safe to leave, leave. Get out. Dont delay, he warned on Sunday. As long as there are commercial flights available, you should be getting on them. Weve got a lot of people in Lebanon and Israel some in Qatar. But people should take that travel advice seriously, we dont make these recommendations lightly, he said on Sevens Weekend Sunrise. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called on Iran to stop the attacks. Picture: Brenton Edwards / NewsWire Foreign Affairs minister Penny Wong feared things could be difficult. She said: We call on Iran to cease its indiscriminate countries in the region, many which not party to this conflict. We have seen attacks in the region including on the UAE, and also Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We call on Iran to cease these attacks. The Department of Foreign Affairs is urgently seeking to confirm whether any Australians have been affected. We have activated our crisis to provide consular support to Australians in the region. I would say to Australians: this is a difficult period. This will be difficult. We will do our best to give you the information we are able to get to you. Australians have been issued an urgent warning over travel to the Middle East region during conflict. Picture: FlightRadar24 Smartraveller, the travel advisory website run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), warned Australian travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism and missile and drone attacks in certain areas of the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region, Smartraveller wrote in updates in the early hours of Sunday. The Australian government has raised travel warning levels in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, all of Palestine including Jerusalem, Lebanon, Bahrain and Iraq to do not travel due to the current volatile security situation. Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes weve raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel, Smartraveller said. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was targeted in the attack, the US and Israel said. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Dubbed Operation Epic Fury, the United States and Israel kicked off a high stakes military attack on Iran on Saturday night, targeting more than 500 key military bases across the region after months of planning between the allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis compound was also targeted in the joint strikes. Iran responded by launching retaliatory air strikes on US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait which intercepted missile fire. Closures in airspaces and disruptions to flights have already occurred across the region, which could impact flights and cause delays and cancellations to and from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine, Armenia, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and Oman. If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates. Smartraveller said in an alert. Three American soldiers have been killed and five seriously wounded after Iran vowed to avenge the death of its Supreme Leader on Saturday. After Israel killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an air strike, the remnants of the Islamic Republics leadership unleashed scores of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East on Sunday. Despite the risk of escalation, the US and Israel pressed on with the second day of a high-stakes campaign to force regime change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Donald Trump said he would speak to Irans leadership as his allies called for an end to the military assault, launched a day earlier. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, the US president told The Atlantic magazine. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long. A Tomahawk missile is launched from the USS Bulkeley destroyer on Saturday - US Navy/EPA/Shutterstock Ali Larijani, Irans top national security official, announced that an interim committee would run the country until a successor to Khamenei was found. Mr Larijani said he would hit American and Israeli targets with a force they have never experienced before. Dozens of people in Israel and the Gulf countries that play host to American forces were killed in the retaliatory strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon announced the first American deaths in Mr Trumps war with Iran on Sunday without revealing which base had been struck. It said other troops had sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and were in the process of being returned to duty. Two military officials told the New York Times that a base in Kuwait housing American forces was one of the many targeted by Iran. The deaths will build pressure on Mr Trump from his isolationist Republican backers to come up with a plan to end the war. Gen Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had also warned the US president of the possibility of American casualties in private meetings ahead of the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washingtons foreign allies also joined the pressure campaign to halt the fighting because of the escalating death toll in the region. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said British personnel had been within several hundred yards of an Iranian strike on Bahrain, which also hosts the US Navys Fifth Fleet headquarters. Damage at the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrains capital Manama on Sunday - AFP via Getty/Planet Labs PBC British troops intercepted an Iranian drone in Iraq that was thought to be heading for a Western base in the country. Another drone heading towards Qatar was shot down by a RAF Typhoon jet, it was reported. In Abu Dhabi, an Iranian drone strike caused a warehouse fire at Al Salam naval base, which hosts French forces, the United Arab Emirates defence ministry said on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catherine Vautrin, Frances defence minister, confirmed the strike, adding that no one was injured and saying French forces were on high alert as the situation continues to evolve by the hour. Civilian casualties also started to mount, with at least nine people killed in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, about 18 miles west of Jerusalem. A woman in her 40s was killed when a ballistic missile exploded near an apartment building in Tel Aviv. A further 27 people were wounded. The site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv - Reuters At least four people were killed in attacks across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, officials said. Britain urged its citizens living across the Middle East to take shelter as thousands were trapped, with air traffic frozen by the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Office was drawing up plans for the biggest mass evacuation in a generation to rescue thousands of stranded Britons. At least 76,000 Britons in the UAE and other Gulf states registered their location in preparation for the airlift. Meanwhile, Israeli fighter jets continued their bombardment, with strikes in the heart of Tehran, the countrys air force announced, as explosions rang out through the capital and plumes of smoke were seen rising from buildings. Credit: WANA via Reuters Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, claimed his countrys forces had achieved air superiority within 24 hours after the start of the operation, meaning the Jewish states aircraft could drop heavy bombs directly on their targets with impunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its armed forces said it had struck Irans missile launchers, air defence systems, command centres and headquarters. Irans state broadcaster, Irib, was targeted in strikes on Sunday, media reported. The US military said it used B-2 stealth bombers flying from a base in Missouri to attack Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000lb bombs. The same bombers were used in the attack on Irans nuclear facilities last June. In a series of social media posts, the US military announced it had sunk an Iranian warship on the first day of fighting and denied Iranian claims the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier had been struck by ballistic missiles. The Lincoln was not hit, US Central Command said, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had struck the vessel with four missiles. The missiles launched didnt even come close. While the world watched in horror as Iran fired missiles at Dubai, Limerick man John Hayes was watching the warheads zip over his head. According to Hayes (38), what followed was a cacophony of booming explosions in the sky as the citys air-defence missile system began taking out missile after missile, drone after drone. We thought we would be safe, but then we started spotting projectiles above us, and they were being intercepted by the air defence system in place here, said Hayes, a journalist with the MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) owned Al Arabiya (English) television news channel. So, in the middle of the day we are watching missiles and drones being taken out in the sky, and then, it just seemed to escalate more and more, said Hayes. Advertisement In the escalation, Hayes described how a barrage of missiles hit the citys coastline, just as Iftar - the evening meal Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan - was beginning. That sparked the initial phase of panic among the public, where there was panic buying, people rushing to the stores, the petrol stations were full, and so then we felt something is going horribly wrong here, said Hayes, a native of Hospital, Co Limerick. Every single time one of the strikes happened, we thought that it might be done, but it just continued through the evening, every two hours, missile strike after missile strike. Just after midnight into Sunday morning, Dubai time, warning notifications were sent to mobile phones to say wherever you are right now, seek shelter, stay away from windows, get inside and stay safe. At that point, everybody just disappeared into shelters, but everyone had to evacuate high-rise buildings, and we heard another barrage of missiles being intercepted above our heads, said Hayes. Dubai hotels, its airport and port were all hit in the Iranian air strike. Hayes said: Previously, all thought this was an Iran - US war that would never hit our shorelines so, nobody envisaged this. And, now that our airspace is closed, and nobody can get in or get out, it does feel like everyone is on edge, there is a lot of panic, and to be honest with you, its a scary place right now. Advertisement 'Terrifying' On Saturday, Hayes was stationed in the city as the first wave of Iranian ballistic missiles and so-called suicide drones entered Dubai airspace. If a missile hits a (ground target) and impacts, you hear a loud eruption that also reverberates through the ground; windows vibrate, everything with it reverberates if it makes an impact. The ones that are being hit (by the defence system) also reverberate but they dont appear as intense. This was happening right above our heads, said Hayes, who lives further out towards the coastline. What is worse is that we can see those missiles since sunset, and seeing the missiles is terrifying, because we are actually witnessing in real time the missiles being taken out of the sky. Youre watching the trajectory of the missile to see where it lands and hoping that it burns up before it reaches impact - its a terrifying thing to see. Despite the terror, Hayes remained confident the UAE could cancel out the Iranian military hardware being fired at it. The air defence system that is in place here is impressive, its second to none, you could compare it to Israels Iron Dome mobile air-defence system, and hopefully it holds up. For us right now, there is a lot of panic and a lot of people are scared, but there is obviously not a lot one can do because you cant go anywhere, the airspace is completely closed. Hayes, who is primarily based between Dubai and Riyadh, another city rocked by explosions, said that, while he is used to talking about the news thats happening in another country, it has been sobering to see it on my doorstep. Advertisement Hayes remarks that it was only last Tuesday he waved goodbye to his parents, Ger and Julia, who had visited on holiday. The timing of his parents exiting the emirate city is not lost on Hayes: Tensions were kind of high last week, and my parents had been here for four months, so I thought, lets get you on a flight back to Ireland, it seems like things might go south, and when things go south in this region - very quickly everything closes down, so they are luckily back in Limerick. I have been in contact with them, theyve been immensely worried but I have put their mind at ease. Hayes lives in a house, but said friends of his have had to evacuate from apartment blocks because they are glass and we have seen from the Fairmount Hotel explosion that windows were blown in. Theres a lot of people who are spending the night in a carpark, or sitting in their car with their pets or with their family, because they cant go into their apartment because it has been evacuated. I certainly dont think that any of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries will stand by and watch this continue and I imagine the retaliation by tomorrow morning will be fierce and swift, offered Hayes. Fighter jets passing over Hayes lives between the coastline, where Irans missiles have been entering from, and a military airbase, so sleep is not on his priority list. The fighter jets have been passing over us all night; it's been hot and heavy for the last few hours, and because they are low flying, their (engines) are also vibrating the house, said Hayes. Advertisement He tells of meeting up with friends after the first wave of attacks Saturday night, and how people are now panicked when they hear any kind of sound: Everyone thinks its another explosion going off and everyone panics, so there is a real sense of heightened awareness about this now, nobody is sleeping, everyone is on edge. Watching Irans aerial firepower zoom through the skies near his home and workplace has been crazy to see, but Hayes remains confident in the air-defence systems protecting the UAE, it could have been a lot worse if we didnt have those (air defence) missiles in the sky. Despite it all, Hayes remains upbeat that normal life will soon resurface in Dubai, and his initial thought is not to try and jump on a plane and get out of here. I personally feel that, although we are all on edge, and I have a sense of unease, I have faith in the air -defence system, and because this has been home for 16 years, my thinking is to wait it out, said Hayes. World Huge blast rocks Tehran as Israel targets Iranian capital after Khamenei killed Read more Im sure that in the next couple of days, we are going to see the retaliation of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, which I think will be separate from the US retaliation. As the battle in the skies played out, Hayes was fighting a battle in his own thoughts about what to do and when to do it: Okay, of course when you are hearing bombs going off - in your head you are going to panic, but I still feel the authorities will deal with it. We will prepare for the next 72 hours and we will see what happens. Im hopeful that it wanes off, but every 25 minutes my phone receives a warning that more missiles are incoming. Hunkering down at his home with his two pet dogs, Hayes concludes: Its getting tense, its a bit stressful to be honest. A 63-year-old woman charged with the murder of a man following a stabbing at a house party in Dublin has been remanded in custody with a request for psychiatric attention. Tatjana Talockina, a Russian-speaking Latvian national with an address at Foster Terrace, Ballybough, Dublin 1, appeared before Judge Conor Fottrell on Saturday evening. Dublin District Court heard she is charged with the murder of Nazim Amir Sultanov at her address in the early hours of January 31st last. The victim, who was in his 50s and from Eastern Europe, was pronounced dead at the scene. Talockina was further charged with assault causing harm to a named woman, also at her home, on the same date. The accused was arrested at the property on Friday and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Advertisement She was brought before the late court sitting, where Detective Garda Kevin Bambrick gave evidence of the arrest and charge procedure. He told Judge Fottrell that the accused twice replied "no comment" when the two charges were put to her shortly after 4pm on Saturday at Fitzgibbon Street Garda station. Talockina could not apply for bail on Saturday, given the nature of the charge, which requires an application to be brought before the High Court. Her solicitor, Michael Hennessy, asked that she appear via video link for her next scheduled hearing on Thursday. The solicitor asked that the remand warrant request she receive psychiatric treatment in custody, as well as physical and medical assessments, because she had sustained an injury. Judge Fottrell acceded to those requests and also granted legal aid after noting Talockina was unemployed. Dressed in a black tracksuit, the accused, whose left hand was bandaged, sat silently throughout the brief hearing and was provided with an interpreter. Prosecutors must complete a book of evidence and serve it on her before a return-for-trial order is granted. Eight people have been killed in a strike in central Israel after Iran vowed to step-up its retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader in the surprise US and Israeli attack that launched the widening war. Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said 28 people were injured in the explosion in Beit Shemesh on Sunday and searches are ongoing for additional victims. Elsewhere, loud explosions caused by missile impacts or interceptions could be heard in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, a massive explosion rocked Irans capital as Israel said it would carry out non-stop strikes against its leaders and military. The blasts in Tehran whose target was not immediately clear sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky. It happened in the area of the national police headquarters and Iranian state television, as well as Tehrans Revolutionary Court and a defence ministry building. Also on Sunday, the Israeli military said it is not aware of any Israeli or American strikes in the area of a school in southern Iran where more than 100 people died. Advertisement State-run IRNA news agency said a strike hit an all-girls school in the town of Minab on Saturday. The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and US President Donald Trumps calls for the overthrow of the decades-old Islamic Republic, marked the start of a stunning new US intervention in the Middle East and potentially a prolonged war. It is also a startling show of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. It is the second time in eight months the Trump administration has joined Israel in using military force against Iran. A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP) In a 12-day war in June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Irans air defences, military leadership and nuclear programme. But the killing of Mr Khamenei and several top security officials creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability. You have crossed our red line and must pay the price, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address on Sunday. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Mr Trump warned any retaliation would only lead to further escalation. As Iran targeted the wider Gulf area, the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday three people had been killed so far in Iranian attacks on the country. Advertisement The defence ministry said Iran had launched 165 ballistic missiles targeting the country, of which 152 were destroyed. Thirteen fell into the sea, it added. Iran launched 541 bomb-carrying drones at the UAE, of which 506 were destroyed. Another 35 struck the country, killing three people from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, while 58 others were wounded. Rescue workers and military personnel survey the scene of a direct hit by Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP) In a sign that the attack could spread instability throughout the region, at least nine people were killed in clashes with police as hundreds of people stormed the US Consulate in Pakistans port city of Karachi on Sunday, smashing windows. Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, said Mohammad Jawad, a police official. Another eight protesters were injured. After the initial strikes on Saturday, Iran immediately launched missiles and drones towards Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and air defence fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital, with explosions continuing into Sunday. Shrapnel from Iranian attacks on the Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi killed two people, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the citys main port and on the facade of Dubais iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Attacks also extended into Oman Irans long-time interlocutor with the West that had not been drawn into the fray previously. Saudi Arabia condemned Irans attacks on its capital, Riyadh, and eastern region, saying it had successfully intercepted them. The kingdom noted that it had not allowed its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran. Jordan said it dealt with 49 drones and ballistic missiles. Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also said they had intercepted projectiles on Sunday morning. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt. The killing of Mr Khamenei after decades in power has sparked angry scenes in other parts of the Middle East and elsewhere, raising the risk of potential regional instability. In Pakistan, at least nine people were killed in violent clashes with police and paramilitary forces after hundreds of protesters stormed the US Consulate in the port city of Karachi. Police and officials at a hospital in Karachi said at least 25 people were also wounded in the clashes and some of them are in a critical condition. Police said the protesters were later dispersed and the situation was under control. Supporters of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have taken to the streets in several countries to mourn his death (KM Chaudary/AP) The US Embassy in Pakistan wrote on X that it is monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional protests at the American Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar. It advised US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and keep their travel registration with the US government up to date. Advertisement Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, conveyed his condolences to Tehran following the killing of Mr Khamenei. He said his country is gravely concerned about the violation of international law, as heads of state should not be targeted. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, the president of Egypt, has warned the Middle East could slide into chaos amid the conflict. He called for dialogue and peaceful means to settle the regions crises, saying the escalation could have serious consequences Mr El-Sissis comments came in a phone call on Sunday with Omans leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, according to the Egyptian leaders office. Tens of thousands of people in Indian-controlled Kashmir have staged a massive demonstrations to denounce the killing. Since early on Sunday, mostly Shiite Muslims hit the streets across the region as they chanted Death to America and Death to Israel. Some wailed in mourning while carrying Mr Khameneis portrait. The Iranian leader enjoyed a significant following in Kashmir among Shiite Muslims, and his portrait adorned several streets prominently across the region. Advertisement Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent Kashmiri religious leader, voiced deep sorrow and outrage over what he termed the brutal killing of the Iranian leader. He said in a statement the killing has shaken the Muslim world and called for a protest strike in Kashmir on Monday. Officials in Oman said an oil tanker in the strategic Strait of Hormuz has come under attack, injuring four mariners on board. A huge protest against the killing has taken place in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir (Mukhtar Khan/AP) The attack targeted a Palau-flagged vessel called Skylight, the state-run Oman News Agency said. It described the crew as Indian and Iranian. It was not clear who attacked the vessel, but it came as authorities have said Iran has been threatening ships travelling the strait via radio since the United States and Israel launched its attack on Iran. Also in Oman, Iran struck the port of Duqm, which has been used by the US Navy as a logistical hub and is capable of hosting aircraft carriers. In Iraq, a militant group claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting American bases in Irbil, according to the Rudaw media outlet. Smoke could be seen from an area where the US has an air base there, but it was not immediately clear whether it had been hit. Elsewhere, a protest took place in Baghdad against the military operation in Iran. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse a protest in Baghdad, Iraq, against US and Israeli attacks on Iran (Hadi Mizban/AP) Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi sharply criticised the killing of Mr Khamenei in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The blatant killing of the leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are unacceptable, he was quoted as saying by Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. These actions violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations. Advertisement He said attacking a sovereign state without UN Security Council authorisation undermines the foundation for peace established after the Second World War. The international community should speak in a clear and unequivocal voice, opposing the world regressing to the law of the jungle, he added. Hundreds of protesters gathered at multiple locations in Istanbul in Turkey to denounce the Israeli-US attacks on Iran. A demonstration in front of Israels consulate ended with protesters burning the US and Israeli flags as well as posters of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Demonstrators burnt Israeli and American flags during a protest outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul (Khalil Hamra/AP) A protest was also held near city hall, where people chanted and held up signs against Israel and the US. We reject and denounce American oppression and Americas actions, one of the protesters, Ahmet Agirakca, told The Associated Press. We have gathered here not only to condemn but also to show that we will fight against them for the rest of our lives. Another protester, Ali Emre, said he was there to show solidarity with Muslims and to protest Trump, the USA, and global imperialism. Advertisement Meanwhile, Iranians in Germany took to the streets to celebrate the death of Mr Khamenei. Hundreds gathered in front of the US embassy in Berlin. They held pre-1979 Iranian flags as well as Israeli and American flags, as they danced and sang near the Brandenburg Gate. Iranian people attended a demonstration in support of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, in front of the Brandenburg Gate (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) Demonstrators included supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. More than 1,000 people also celebrated in the Austrian capital Vienna, according to the city police quoted by the Austrian press agency. Elsewhere, hundreds of supporters of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group gathered south of Beirut, in Lebanon, to mourn the death of Mr Khamenei. They chanted anthems and slogans paying tribute to Mr Khamenei and Iran. They waved the flags of Iran and Hezbollah, some beating their chests. Hezbollah is Irans most powerful proxy in the region, but it suffered heavy losses in a months-long war with Israel in 2024. It has not taken military action in solidarity with Tehran, as Lebanons political leadership tries to keep the nation out of the conflict for fears of a spillover. A massive explosion has struck Irans capital as the Israeli military said it is targeting the heart of the city. The blast sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky and shook the ground on Sunday. It was not immediately clear what the target was, but the blast appeared to have occurred in an area of Tehran which is home to the countrys police headquarters and state television. The Israeli military said it is striking targets in central Tehran. It said on the first day of the war the military cleared the path to the Iranian capital, and on the second day it is striking central Tehran. Forty top Iranian military officials have been killed in the ongoing action so far, according to the Israeli military, including the chief of staff for the Iranian armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi. Advertisement Meanwhile, Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel. The aftermath of an Israeli-US strike in Tehran on Saturday (Amir Kholousi/ISNA/AP) Irans rhetoric prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten Tehran against further escalation. Iran acknowledged Mr Khameneis death in the joint Israeli-American air strike on Saturday at his Tehran office, which has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into question and raised the risk of regional instability. The 86-year-olds death showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance, Iranian state TV said. Mr Trump said the killing of Mr Khamenei gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. President Donald Trump described Khameni as one of the most evil people in history (Michael Gonzalez/AP) Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Mr Trump wrote in a social media post. Irans Cabinet vowed that this great crime will never go unanswered and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation ever, targeting Israeli and American bases. You have crossed our red line and must pay the price, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said in a televised address on Sunday. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, Mr Trump fired back in a social media post. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Advertisement As Israel and the US targeted other top officials, an air strike on a meeting of the countrys defence council killed Irans army chief of staff, Gen Mousavi, and defence minister, alongside the head of Irans Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser to Mr Khamenei. Gen Mousavi and defence minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed at the meeting, along with Major General Mohammad Pakpour, who took over as the Guards top commander after Israel killed its past commander in the 12-day war last June. The adviser, Ali Shamkhani, had long been a figurehead within Irans security establishment. Rescue workers and military personnel survey the scene of a direct hit by an an Iranian in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP) In a sign that the attack could spread instability throughout the region, at least nine people were killed in clashes with police as hundreds of people stormed the US Consulate in Pakistans port city of Karachi on Sunday, smashing windows. Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, said Mohammad Jawad, a police official. Another eight protesters were injured. After the initial strikes on Saturday, Iran immediately launched missiles and drones towards Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Israeli military said Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted. The Magen David Adom rescue service said on Saturday night that a woman in the Tel Aviv area died after being wounded in an Iranian missile attack. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and air defence fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital, with explosions continuing into Sunday morning. Advertisement Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the citys main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled and Jordan said it dealt with 49 drones and ballistic missiles. The United Arab Emirates was hit hard by Iranian missiles and drones, particularly Dubai, the Emirates commercial hub. UAE sought in recent years to deescalate tensions with Iran despite its longtime suspicions of its northern neighbour. On Sunday, an adviser to the UAEs president said Iran missed its target with its attacks on the Arab Gulf states. Your war is not with your neighbours, Anwar Gargash wrote on X, addressing Tehran. Return to your senses, to your surroundings, and deal with your neighbours with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens. The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran makes the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A third of worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the strait in 2025. The attack on Iran opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention, and carried the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war, representing a startling flex of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. An explosion is seen as an Iranian missile directly hits a building in Tel Aviv (Tomer Neuberg/AP) The killing of Mr Khamenei is the second Trump administration assault on Iran in eight months and appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum, given the absence of a known successor and because the supreme leader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power. He led Irans clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. Advertisement This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, Mr Trump said. Iran quickly formed a council to govern the country until a new supreme leader is chosen. As reports trickled out about Mr Khameneis death, eyewitnesses in Tehran told The Associated Press that some residents were rejoicing, cheering from rooftops, blowing whistles and letting out ululations. More than 1,000 Rwandans in a single settlement are waiting to be relocated from their condemned homes after a devastating shock flood almost three years ago. The incident is just one example of the threat posed by climate change in the tropical East African country which has seen extreme weather cause loss of life, critical infrastructure damage and mass displacement. Residents of a cell of around 9,500 people in the east Rwandan district of Rubavu went to sleep on May 2nd, 2023 amid a downpour that did not seem out of the ordinary towards the end of the wet season. Therese Mujawamariya at the site of her former home destroyed by a flood in the Rubavu district of Rwanda (Brian Lawless/PA) Therese Mujawamariya told the Press Association: It was just like any other day when it rained. Hours later, however, people awoke to flood water rising through their home in an event that would decimate their community as they knew it. Advertisement Mujawamariya said: Neither me nor my family nor anyone in this neighbourhood for that matter knew that such a thing could happen. She added: All we took is our children and the very moment we stepped out of the house, it collapsed. A shoe sits in rainwater on a roadside in the Rubavu district of Rwanda (Brian Lawless/PA) The heavy rain caused the River Sebeya to burst its banks and combine with runoff from surrounding hills to rush into the community, leading to destruction and condemning hundreds of homes. Irish charity Trocaire worked with local partners in the emergency response to provide essential items, assistance in rental payments, and livelihood recovery programmes. Rwanda is the focus country of its 2026 Lenten fundraising campaign. A house marked with a red X, meaning it must be demolished as it is unsafe to live in (Brian Lawless/PA) Wider flooding in the countrys western and northern provinces killed more than 130 people, destroyed thousands of homes, swept away crops and damaged bridges, health centres, and power stations. In the surrounding area, hundreds of homes have been marked with a red X on the front wall meaning the government has ordered them vacated and demolished as they are unsafe to live in. Theodeta Mukahategekas home collapsed in the flooding and she said people in the area remain in fear over a repeat of the disaster. She said: It took away my cows, pigs, and chicken. Nothing I had remained. A child plays near damaged houses in Rubavu district (Brian Lawless/PA) Both women said Trocaire and regional partner Caritas helped them in the aftermath of the flooding but challenges remain as they cannot afford to send their children to secondary school and their old businesses are gone. Nearby, Claudine Uwamahirwe and her husband carried their children out of their home as floodwater rapidly rose. Advertisement She has had to use sheet metal from the roof of her collapsed home as walls in her current living space. They are still repaying the bank loan which they used to construct the original home. Claudine Uwamahirwe at the site of her former home destroyed by a flood in Rubavu district (Brian Lawless/PA) Father John Paul Rutakisha, the director of Caritas Nyundo/Gisenyi, said 1,290 of the poorest people in the cell are due to be relocated to a model village being constructed by the government. They have lost everything so it is somehow to restart their life after that flooding, he said. But the place where the government is building a village for them will be only for their residence, not for their crops. There is also concern that some of the residences in the government village will not be adequate for larger families. Father John Paul Rutakisha, director of Caritas Nyundo/Gisenyi, on a bridge over the River Sebeya (Brian Lawless/PA) Marie Claire Mukanoheri, who owned a home and store in the area, said all she took from her flooded house was the Bible, before racing to find her pregnant daughter-in-law. They braced together in flowing floodwater for hours waiting to be rescued. Standing beside banana trees planted at the site of her destroyed home, Mukanoheri said she is very hopeful her sons can return to operating a family business but they cannot afford to do so as they are renting after the floods. Fr John Paul said the people being relocated to the government village will continue to need support and the international community should work hand-in-hand with those affected. We need to focus much more on climate change here, more than other places because we are always facing these calamities, he said. It is a big task we have, but we need also to be assisted so that we can do what we can try to help these people. A senior White House official has said Irans new potential leadership has suggested it is open to talks with the US after American and Israeli forces launched a major attack against Tehran, killing the countrys supreme leader and other high-ranking officials. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said US President Donald Trump said he was eventually willing to talk, but that for now the military operation continues unabated. The official did not say who the potential new Iranian leaders were or how they had made their alleged willingness to talk known. Mr Trump told The Atlantic, in an interview on Sunday, that he planned to speak with Irans new leadership. The White House official said the military operation would continue unabated for now (Jose Luis Magana/AP) They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he said, declining to comment on the timing. The potential future diplomatic opening comes as new details are emerging about the detailed planning that went into the US-Israeli strikes and some of the targets that were hit in Iran. Advertisement US central command said that B-2 stealth bombers struck Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. This mirrors the approach that the military took in June, when Mr Trump agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to attack three key Iranian nuclear sites. Mr Trump claimed in his State Of The Union speech last week that Iran had been building ballistic missiles that could reach the US homeland a justification he repeated again on Saturday as he announced that the bombardment of Iran was under way. Iran has not acknowledged that it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. People watch from a rooftop as a plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP) But the US defence intelligence agency said in an unclassified report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 should Tehran decide to pursue the capability. Before the attacks, the CIA had for months tracked the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a person familiar with the operation. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information about the Iranian leaders location, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Advertisement The intelligence sharing between the US and Israel reflects the preparation that went into the strikes, which continued for a second day on Sunday after Mr Khameneis killing threw the future of the Islamic Republic into uncertainty and raised the risk of escalating regional conflict. Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, declined to discuss details on Sunday when asked on CBS Face The Nation programme about intelligence sharing with Israel. A woman mourns the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Beirut, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP) But he said tracking the movements of the supreme leader and the heads of other adversarial nations is obviously one of the highest priorities of our intelligence community. Clearly, this operation is driven by intelligence collected by Israel and the United States that has once again proven that our nations have capabilities that no other nation on Earth has, Mr Cotton said. The US regularly shares intelligence with allies including Israel. These partnerships, and the accuracy of the intelligence they yield, is often critical not only to the success of a military operation but also to the publics support for it. Virginia senator Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the committee, told The Associated Press that historically, our working relationship with the Mossad and Israel is really strong. An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to land on the USS Abraham Lincoln after a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury (US Navy via AP) Mossad is the Israeli spy agency. Mr Warner said he had serious concerns about the justification for the strikes, Mr Trumps long-term plans for the conflict and the risks that US service members would face. The military announced on Sunday that three American troops had been killed and five were seriously wounded in the Iran operation. No tears will be shed over their leadership being eliminated but always the question is: OK, what next? Mr Warner said. Iranian state media have confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major attack by Israel and the United States. The reports early on Sunday threw the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raised the risk of regional instability. President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their greatest chance to take back their country. State media reported that the 86-year-old was killed in an airstrike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. Satellite photos from Airbus showed that the site was heavily bombed. Rescue workers and residents search through the rubble in the aftermath of what Iranian officials said was an Israeli-US strike on a girls elementary school in Minab, Iran (Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News Agency via AP) His death at his office showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance, state TV said. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Mr Trump wrote in a social media post. Advertisement He warned of heavy and pinpoint bombing that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of a lethal assault the US has justified as necessary to disable the countrys nuclear capabilities. Iran, which responded to the strikes with its own counterassault, warned of retribution, with the cabinet saying that this great crime will never go unanswered. The paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its most intense offensive operation ever. The attack opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention in Iran, carried the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war, and represented a startling flex of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. The killing of Khamenei in the second Trump administration assault on Iran in eight months appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum given the absence of a known successor and because the 86-year-old supreme leader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power. He led Irans clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. President Donald Trump described Khameni as one of the most evil people in history (Michael Gonzalez/AP) As reports trickled out about the death, eyewitnesses in Tehran told the Associated Press that some residents were rejoicing, cheering from rooftops, blowing whistles and letting out ululations. Citing unidentified sources, the semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guard, reported that several relatives of Khamenei were also killed, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchild. Advertisement The joint US-Israel operation, which officials say was planned for months, took place on Saturday during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan and at the start of the Iranian workweek. It followed stilted negotiations and warnings from Mr Trump, who last year trumpeted his administrations success in incapacitating the countrys nuclear programme but nonetheless cast the latest round as necessary to head off its potential resurgence. About 12 hours after the attacks began, the US military reported no US casualties and minimal damage at US bases despite hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. It said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Israel, for its part, said it had killed the commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the countrys defence minister, as well as the secretary of the Iranian Security Council, a close adviser to Khamenei. Khamenei was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, Mr Trump said. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. An explosion is seen as an Iranian missile directly hits a building in Tel Aviv (Tomer Neuberg/AP) An Iranian diplomat told the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians were killed and wounded in the strikes. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and at US military bases in the region, and exchanges of fire continued into the night. Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit near the offices of Khamenei, the second leader of the Islamic Republic who succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli officials confirmed the death, followed by Mr Trump. Advertisement Democrats decried that Mr Trump had taken action without congressional authorisation. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the administration had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance. Tensions have soared in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The president insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Irans nuclear program while the country struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests. In southern Iran, at least 115 people were reported killed when a girls school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the local governor told Iranian state TV. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said he was aware of reports that a girls school was struck and that officials were looking into them. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and air defence fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person, state media said. Three American service members have been killed and five have been seriously injured in military operations targeting Iran, the US military has said. They are the first reported American casualties since the US and Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran on Saturday. US Central Command said on X on Sunday that several other service personnel sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. The post said major combat operations will continue. It did not provide further information about the casualties and described the situation as fluid. It came after Iran vowed revenge for the killing of its supreme leader and traded strikes with Israel as part of a widening war prompted by the surprise attack launched on Saturday. Blasts in Tehran sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky on Sunday in an area where there are government buildings. Iranian authorities say more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the US and Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders. Advertisement Iran fired missiles at an ever-widening list of targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states in retaliation, while Israel pledged non-stop strikes against Irans leaders and military. In Tehran, there was little sign that Iranians had heeded US President Donald Trumps call to overthrow their government. The streets were largely deserted as people sheltered during heavy airstrikes, witnesses told The Associated Press. The paramilitary Basij, which has played a central role in crushing protests, has set up checkpoints across the city, they said. In southern Iran, at least 165 people were killed when a girls school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. The Israeli military said it was not aware of strikes in the area. The US military said it was looking into the reports. The US military said three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded, without providing further details. It said several others suffered minor injuries and concussions. In Israel, loud explosions caused by missile impacts or interceptions could be heard in Tel Aviv. Israels rescue services said nine people were killed and 28 wounded in a strike that hit a synagogue in the central town of Beit Shemesh, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11. Eleven people were still missing after the strike, police said, as rescue crews combed the rubble. Advertisement Meanwhile, the US military said B-2 stealth bombers had struck Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Ballistic missiles have been one of the concerns Mr Trump had raised in the lead-up to the attacks. The US president also said on social media that nine Iranian warships had been destroyed and sunk, some of them relatively large and important, and that the Iranian navys headquarters had been largely destroyed. Meanwhile, Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a pre-recorded message aired on state television that a leadership council had begun its work, and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said a new supreme leader would be chosen in one or two days. A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP) Mr Trump told The Atlantic in an interview on Sunday that he planned to speak with Irans new leadership. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he said, declining comment on the timing. The strikes and counter-attacks underscore how the killing of Mr Khamenei, and Mr Trumps calls for the overthrow of the decades-old Islamic Republic, carry the potential for a prolonged conflict that could envelop the Middle East. It is the second time in eight months the Trump administration has joined Israel in using military force against Iran, and is a startling show of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. Advertisement In a 12-day war in June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Irans air defences, military leadership and nuclear programme. But the killing of Mr Khamenei and several top security officials creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability. The CIA had been tracking the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Mr Khamenei, for months, according to a person familiar with the operation. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information, the source said. Israeli air defence systems intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over central Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) As word spread of Mr Khameneis death, some people in Tehran could be seen cheering from rooftops, witnesses said. Others mourned, as a black flag was raised over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. After confirming the death of Mr Khamenei early on Sunday, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address: You have crossed our red line and must pay the price. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. Meanwhile, Mr Araghchi said that despite the attacks on Iran, nothing has changed in our military capability. He told ABCs This Week in the US that in only a few hours after his country was struck, Tehran had retaliated against Israeli targets and American bases and we have continued to do so. So, our military is in place. They are capable enough to defend our country. Advertisement Asked whether a diplomatic deal with the Trump administration was still possible, he said: We negotiated with the United States twice in the past 12 months. And in both cases, they attacked us in the middle of negotiation. And that has become a very bitter experience for us. Rescue workers and military personnel survey the scene of a direct hit by Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP) He said a deal was at our reach, and we left Geneva happily with the understanding that we can reach a deal next time we meet. Mr Trump warned any retaliation to these recent attacks would only lead to further escalation. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claims he is taking charge of the transition to a new government. Speaking to Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures in the US, he said: This is time now for a very strong, stable transition. I am leading this transition. I have the support of millions of Iranian people. I have the people inside the country that are joining the military will side with us. We have a plan of action and a transition plan. He said that the process would lead ultimately to a democratic outcome so the Iranian people get to choose their future government and system. As Iran targeted the wider Gulf area, the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday three people had been killed so far in Iranian attacks on the country. The defence ministry said Iran had launched 165 ballistic missiles targeting the country, of which 152 were destroyed. Thirteen fell into the sea, it added. Government supporters gather in mourning in Tehran on Sunday after state TV officially announced Mr Khameneis death (Vahid Salemi/AP) Iran launched 541 bomb-carrying drones at the UAE, of which 506 were destroyed. Another 35 struck the country, killing three people from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, while 58 others were wounded. In a sign that the attack could spread instability throughout the region, at least 10 people were killed in clashes with police as hundreds of people stormed the US consulate in Pakistans port city of Karachi on Sunday, smashing windows. After the initial strikes on Saturday, Iran immediately launched missiles and drones towards Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Flights across the Middle East were disrupted, and air defence fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital, with explosions continuing on Sunday.Shrapnel from Iranian attacks on the Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi killed two people, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the citys main port and on the facade of Dubais iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Attacks also extended into Oman Irans long-time interlocutor with the West that had not been drawn into the fray previously. Saudi Arabia condemned Irans attacks on its capital, Riyadh, and eastern region, saying it had successfully intercepted them. The kingdom noted that it had not allowed its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran. Jordan said it dealt with 49 drones and ballistic missiles. Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also said they had intercepted projectiles on Sunday morning. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned Australian mosques who are planning to mourn the death of Irans Supreme Leader, saying the government should not be mincing words. Ms Wong was asked to condemn mosques in Melbourne and Sydney that planned to host events mourning the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Over the weekend, the murderous dictator of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed as a result of military strikes from Australias Israeli American allies, senator Michaelia Cash said during question time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disappointingly, a number of mosques in Australia have held services to mourn the Ayatollahs death. Does the Prime Minister believe that holding services to commemorate the so-called martyrdom of the murderous Ayatollah is good for social cohesion in Australia? In response, Senator Wong said we do not mourn the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accusing him of overseeing a regime which sponsored terrorism, backed international proxies, and also organised attacks on Australian soil against Jewish Australians. Senator Michaelia Cash grilled the government over mourning for Ayatollah Khamenei. Picture: NewsWire /Martin Ollman In this place, this government always seeks to strengthen, not diminish, social cohesion, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Khamenei served as supreme leader of Iran, the worlds largest Shia Muslim country, since 1989. While not the religions highest authority, Irans prominence among the minority Shia faith leant him additional importance. NSW Premier Chris Minns said any mourning of this tyrant is atrocious. I mean, by any objective measure, the Ayatollah was evil, he said. I dont think that we should be mincing words about this. 7 to 10 days: Warning to Aussie drivers Australian motorists could face petrol price hikes in as little as a week amid deadly conflict in the Middle East, the NRMA has warned. Fears of skyrocketing petrol prices have grown in the days since the US and Israel launched a joint strike operation on Iran, sparking retaliatory attacks and plunging the Middle East into chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urging Australians not to panic, NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said he was expecting a jump of about 10 per cent, with the coming days and weeks to prove critical. In the first instance, whatever happens overseas takes about seven to 10 days to flow on here at home, he said. We should not see an impact at the bowser immediately. Mr Khoury said Aussies would not feel any impact immediately. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard Mr Khoury said the NRMA was not even going close to reported predictions of a 30 per cent increase. Thats the sort of panic that were encouraging people not to do, he said. The last time Israel bombed Iran, we saw the same predictions, and the price of oil has gone up and down before that even had time to flow into the Australian market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other advice we have is for oil companies do not use this as an excuse to jack up the prices and charge Australians more than they should be paying. We will be watching very closely. What we dont want is local oil companies putting up a price based on speculation of what may happen overseas. The NRMA is predicting an increase of about 10 per cent. Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone Mr Khoury said all eyes were on the Strait of Hormuz, a body of water through which tankers carried about a fifth of the oil consumed each day. If Iran has the ability and chooses to close that strait traffic, then we could see higher prices and more sustained conditions, he said. Our hope is that prices stabilise, but if things dont de-escalate, then we could see those prices flow into the Australian market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia has no control zero control over the factors that determine prices at the bowser. The potential chaos looms after what Mr Khoury described as an almost unheard of 14-month period of price stability. He warned households already battling cost-of-living pressures would be hit hard if price increases were sustained and passed on to Australian drivers. Its going to put upward pressure on inflation, its going to hurt the family budgets across Australia, and thats obviously the last thing we need, Mr Khoury said. Dont back law of the jungle Support of the US and Israels bombing of Iran is at risk of destroying the global rules-based order, a Chinese academic has warned, as Western allies support the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, the two countries launched military strikes on Iran after negotiations centring on Irans nuclear program, ballistic missile capability, and support for proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Gaza fell through. Tehran is being pummelled with US and Israeli strikes. Picture: Israeli Army/AFP But should the US and Israels actions be accepted by the international community, the basic machinery of the international order would begin to erode, Renmin University academic Tian Wenlin told the Global Times a subsidiary of the Chinese Communist Partys official newspaper on Monday. China and Russia discussed the events during a phone call where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urging the international community to oppose a regression of the world to the law of the jungle. On Saturday, Australia was one of the first countries to back the US actions in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a joint statement with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Anthony Albanese said: We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security. US President Donald Trump has signalled a willingness to negotiate with Iran after the attacks. Picture: Jim WATSON/AFP Joyce voices fuel fears Earlier, Barnaby Joyce claimed Australia needed to focus on building up its fuel stockpile ahead of severe disruptions to global oil supplies. The International Energy Agency recommends countries stockpile up to 90 days worth of fuel imports, though recent reports have suggested Australia only has 28 days worth, as fears grow of skyrocketing petrol prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a shame in a crisis like this that weve got ourselves down to two oil refineries, so that if theres a crisis in the production of fuel, were in a bad spot, Mr Joyce told Sevens Sunrise on Monday. Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the worlds leading exporter of petroleum, are involved in the conflict. Picture: AFP Weve got the old policies here cross fingers, everything should be right as long as President Trump is able to bring this to a conclusion. People have got to start looking at what the effects are for Australia, not just not just the Middle East, and you can start looking for those effects at a petrol pump near you. When grilled on the One Nation MPs comments, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the government would very closely assess Australias exposure to supply shortages. Look, we take crude oil from around the world, but that would include from the Middle East, but its not the only place where we take crude oil from, he told Sky News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I guess what that highlights is that, I mean, this is an important region. It has an impact on the global economy. Well all be watching that very closely, exactly what impact it has as a function of how long this continues. Barnaby Joyce has warned the conflict could have a major impact on petrol prices. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson shared similar concerns. Speaking to reporters later, he said US President Donald Trump has been clear that one of the primary targets of the US operation is the Iranian Navy to stop it closing the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a major transit point for oil tankers departing the Middle East. US, Israel to justify attacks: Wong Earlier, Foreign Minister Penny Wong claimed the US and Israel should be left to explain the legality of their strikes on Iran despite Australia being one the first countries to back the attack that ultimately killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Monday, Senator Wong was asked about the justification of US-Israeli actions under international law. The question came as critics have compared Saturdays military strikes on Iran to the illegal US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Well, the one of the distinctions with Iraq, between Iraq and now, is that we are not participating in these strikes. Thats the first point Id make, she told the ABC. The second is, what Ive said, is that the legal basis of this is for the United States and Israel to explain. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says no one will mourn the death of Irans supreme leader. Picture: Brenton Edwards / NewsWire Grilled on whether Australia would take a position on the legality of the Iran attacks, Senator Wong said: Well, were obviously not party to the intelligence that both that the United States and the Israelis are referencing in their decisions. That is why it is for them to explain the legal basis of this. We do support action taken to ensure Iran does not have a nuclear weapon. She later reiterated Australias support for international law. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli military attack. Picture: Atta Kenare/AFP Wong, Marles not drawn on regime change Before the US-Israel attack, Iran had previously been plunged into chaos when protests erupted in December over mounting inflation and the collapse of the Iranian currency before snowballing into a larger challenge to the clerical political establishment. But whether Mr Khameneis death results in a regime change remains to be seen despite Mr Trump hailing the leaders demise as the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. On Monday, Senator Wong said any regime change would have be up to the Iranian people, saying: The future of Iran is in the hands of the Iranian people. And what we do know from history is that regime change is not something that can sustainably be externally imposed. Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the worlds leading exporter of petroleum, are involved in the conflict. Picture: U.S. Navy via AP This was echoed by Mr Marles, who later told the ABC he wouldnt speculate about how long the conflict could go on for or whether a democratic government could replace the Islamic regime. Last year, Australia cut diplomatic ties with Iran over claims the nation was behind the anti-Semitic arson attacks on Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. The world is a safer place: Hume Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume described the situation as unfolding but claimed the world was a safer place after Mr Khameneis death. The current regime in Iran is no friend to Australia. They have exported terrorism right across the world, including to our own shores, she said on Monday. Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume says Australia will have to wait and see how the conflict plays out. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman Well wait and see how the situation unfolds, but it really has been the might and the military power of the US and Israel that have combined to make sure that the Iranian people now have a chance to set their own destiny and secure the freedom that they deserve. Australia should consider support Senator Paterson said Australia should consider any requests from Washington to support US military action in Iran. He said he had not yet been briefed by the government, but he was not aware of any formal requests from the United States or Israel to assist directly in these operations. If those requests come, we should consider them carefully consistent with our relationship, particularly with the United States and our alliance, as to whether we are required to assist or whether were able to assist. New leader may strike Trump deal While Mr Khameneis death has been celebrated by millions across the world, the question of what comes next remains unanswered. Much of the regimes political structure assembled under Mr Khameneis decades-long rule is intact. An 88-member body called the Assembly of Experts will choose a candidate to replace Irans slain leader. Kylie Moore-Gilbert was imprisoned in Iran for more than 800 days. Picture: NewsWire / Aaron Francis Australian Middle East expert Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who spent two years imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges she denied, told 2GB there was a succession process. We dont actually know who his successor is going to be, Ms Moore-Gilbert said, noting that Mr Khamenei had reportedly put succession plans in motion and left a list. The Iranian constitution outlines the process for a body called the Assembly of Experts to nominate the successor to the supreme leader. And weve seen that happen once before when Khamenei himself took power following the founder of the revolution, Ruhollah Khomeini. So there is a succession process and Ive heard that in a matter of days, the regime has announced that it will nominate his successor. Mr Khamenei came to power in 1989 and succeeded the founder of the Islamic Republic. Picture: Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images She went on to say it was unlikely that whoever succeeded Mr Khamenei would have kinder views toward the West, but they may be more pragmatic than their predecessor. (Mr Khamenei) was an 86-year-old man very set in his ways, would not compromise with the great Satan in the United States no matter what, Ms Moore-Gilbert said. She said the new leader must be a religious cleric but might be someone a bit younger not in that first generation of revolutionaries who is willing to make an accommodation with Trump in order to save the last vestiges of this regime. The US and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday, dropping massive bombs on the countrys ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships as part of an intensifying military campaign that followed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes that killed Mr Khamenei and other senior leaders, Iranian leaders have said, as blasts across the country rattled windows and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above the capital city of Tehran. Iran vowed revenge, firing missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states in a counteroffensive that the US military said resulted in the deaths of three service members the first known American casualties from the conflict. Israels rescue services said nine people were killed and 28 wounded in a strike that hit a synagogue in the central town of Beit Shemesh, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11. Eleven people were still missing after the strike, police said. But the attacks on Iran showed no signs of relenting as the US and Israel took aim at key military, political and intelligence targets in what appeared to be a widening war that carried the potential for a prolonged conflict that could envelop the Middle East and destabilise it. The strikes, the second time in eight months that the US and Israel had combined against Iran, represented a startling show of military might for an American president who swept into office on an America First platform and vowed to keep out of forever wars. Advertisement Speaking in a video message, US President Donald Trump said America would avenge the deaths of the service members and that there will likely be more killed before the conflict ends. The president made the comments in a roughly six-minute video he posted on social media on Sunday afternoon. He called the three service members true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives. He added: Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. Thats the way it is. Likely be more. Israel, which had pledged non-stop strikes, said it was increasing its attacks, with 100 fighter jets simultaneously striking targets in Tehran, Brigadier General Effie Defrin told reporters at a briefing. The targets included buildings belonging to Irans air force, its missile command and its internal security force, which violently quashed anti-government protests in January. Meanwhile, the US military said B-2 stealth bombers struck Irans ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Advertisement Mr Trump said on social media that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navys headquarters had been largely destroyed. In an indication that the conflict could draw in other nations, Britain, France and Germany said on Sunday that they were ready to work with the US to help stop Irans attacks. Leaders of the countries said in a joint statement that they were appalled by Irans reckless strikes on their allies. In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Irans air defences, military leadership and nuclear programme. But the killing of Mr Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for more than three decades, creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability. Mr Trump, who a day earlier had encouraged Iranians to take over their government, signalled on Sunday that he was open to dialogue with Irans new leadership. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he told The Atlantic. In Tehran, there was little sign that Iranians had heeded Mr Trumps call for an uprising against the government. A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran on Sunday (Vahid Salemi/AP) The streets were largely deserted as people sheltered during heavy airstrikes, witnesses told The Associated Press (AP), speaking anonymously for fear of retribution. The paramilitary Basij, which has played a central role in crushing protests, had set up checkpoints across the city, they said. Two powerful explosions were heard in Tehrans Niavaran neighbourhood late on Sunday. Advertisement A witness in the city told AP that the windows of their apartment shook violently, and residents came out onto the streets fearing it was too dangerous to stay inside. Video footage from Tehran showed plumes of smoke filling the skyline, and the official IRNA news agency reported that parts of the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) were struck on Sunday. In southern Iran, at least 165 people were killed on Saturday when a girls school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the IRNA reported. Rescue workers and military personnel survey the scene of a direct hit a day after an Iranian missile struck in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP) The Israeli military said it was not aware of strikes in the area. The US military said it was looking into the reports. The US military also said on Sunday that three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded, without providing further details. It said several others suffered minor injuries and concussions. As supreme leader, Mr Khamenei had final say on all major policies since 1989. He led Irans clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. A woman mourns the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a gathering in Beirut, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP) The CIA had been tracking the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Mr Khamenei, for months, according to a person familiar with the operation. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information, the person said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a pre-recorded message that a new leadership council had begun its work. The countrys foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said a new supreme leader would be chosen in one or two days. Advertisement A senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mr Trump was eventually willing to talk but that the operation would continue unabated for now. As word spread of Mr Khameneis death, some in Tehran could be seen cheering from rooftops, witnesses said. Government supporters gather in Tehran in mourning after state TV officially announced the death of Mr Khamenei (Vahid Salemi/AP) Others mourned as a black flag was raised over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. An Iranian medical professional in northern Iran said he and colleagues spent the early hours of Sunday celebrating Mr Khameneis death indoors because armed security forces were still heavily deployed in his city. There were forces stopping and interrogating people celebrating in their cars, but there was no gunfire, the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said. It was one of the best nights, if not the best night of our lives, the doctor said in a voice message from the city of Rasht. Mr Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, blamed the US and Israel for starting the war. He said he had spoken to his counterparts in the Gulf countries and urged them to pressure the US and Israel to end it. US President Donald Trump has encouraged Iranians to take over their government (Michael Gonzalez/AP) You have crossed our red line and must pay the price, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, Mr Trump said in a social media post. IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The US president insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Irans nuclear programme while the country struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests. An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to land on the USS Abraham Lincoln after a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury (US Navy via AP) An Israeli military official described Saturdays mission as the result of months of extremely high co-ordination with the US. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a variety of factors created a golden opportunity to take out much of Irans leadership. These factors included weeks of training and monitoring the movements of senior figures, along with real-time intelligence that the targets were gathered together. The results, the official said, were near-simultaneous strikes, within 60 seconds of one another, in three locations 1,000 miles (1,609km) from Israel that killed Mr Khamenei and some 40 senior figures, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and the countrys defence minister. World leaders urged peace and a return to talks as the military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran raised concerns about whether the violence could spread across the region. The calls came as tensions rose with Iran vowing devastating blows after the killing of the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A massive explosion rocked the Iranian capital on Sunday morning as the Israeli military said it was targeting the heart of the city after stating it cleared the path to the capital Tehran the day before. Meanwhile, Iran pressed on with its retaliation campaign targeting US military bases in Gulf states. The demise of Mr Khamenei, who had no designated successor, will likely throw Irans future into uncertainty and exacerbate already growing concerns of a broader conflict. But it has also been giving hope to Iranians who have suffered from political repression. Advertisement Speaking on Sunday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recognised the complexities of the situation. In recognition of the legal ambiguity of the US attack, Mr Merz said that, globally, international law was being respected less and less and there was little point in lecturing allies. He said the Iranian regime was a terrorist one, endangering its citizens and the region and therefore Germany essentially agreed with the goals of the US action. Iranian people attend a demonstration in support of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, in Berlin, Germany (Markus Schreiber/AP) The federal government shares the relief of many Iranians that this mullah regime is now coming to an end, Mr Merz said. Together with the United States and Israel, we share the interest in ending this regimes terror and stopping its dangerous nuclear and ballistic armament. The evolution of the situation was hard to predict, the German chancellor said. He said not only was it unclear how far Iran was willing to go with its counterattack, but also we do not know whether the plan to bring about political change from within through external military strikes will succeed. To reduce risks, Mr Merz set out four principles his country would pursue in its further actions in the region: creating a new order in the Middle East in which all neighbours recognise Israels right to exist; pursuing a treaty that commits Iran to ending its nuclear and ballistic missile programme; supporting the future economic development of Iran and helping Iranians to freely determine their future. A massive explosion rocked the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday morning (Vahid Salemi/AP) Fears about the conflict spreading were amplified on Sunday, when UK defence minister John Healey said Iranian missile and drone strikes had come within a few hundred yards of a group of 300 British military personnel in Bahrain, and that two missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, where the UK has bases. We dont believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless, its an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, and that requires us to act, Mr Healey told Sky News. Advertisement He said British planes would intercept any Iranian drones and missiles they saw. Cyprus government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis posted on X that reports suggesting missiles had been fired toward Cyprus were not valid and that there is no indication whatsoever that any threat to the country has occurred. Top diplomats from the 27 European Union nations were holding an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the situation around Iran and the next steps for the bloc. The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Irans history. What comes next is uncertain, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape. Pope Leo said on Sunday that he was profoundly concerned about the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and urged both sides to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss. Advertisement During a UN security council meeting on Saturday, the UN chief and many countries urged a halt to attacks and a return to negotiations to prevent the conflict from expanding further into the region and beyond. Secretary-general Antonio Guterres told the council that everything must be done to prevent an escalation. Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. I call on all sides to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the @UN Charter, protect civilians & ensure nuclear safety. Lets act responsibly & together to pull the pic.twitter.com/FGkAZ2rt6j Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 28, 2026 The alternative, he warned, is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Perhaps cautious about upsetting already strained relations with US President Donald Trump, many nations, including several in the Middle East, refrained from commenting directly or pointedly on the joint strikes but condemned Tehrans retaliation. The 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability. This coalition of nations has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilising the region. Return to your senses and deal with your neighbours with reason and responsibility before the circle of isolation and escalation widens, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, told the Iranian theocracy. Pope Leo said he was profoundly concerned about the US and Israeli strikes on Iran (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Speaking on Sunday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin blasted Mr Khameneis killing, which he called a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law. The blatant killing of the leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are unacceptable, Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency. These actions violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations. He said attacking a sovereign state without UN security council authorisation undermined the foundation for peace established after the Second World War. The sunset on the night of the Story Bridge climb, courtesy of my Etsy witch or the weather forecast. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A I would identify as a bit woo-woo. I know my zodiac signs (yes, theres more than one), never skip my weekly horoscope, journal when its a full moon, and find a way to blame most shortcomings on the alignment of the planets. Recently, Ive started dabbling in tarot cards and this has led me down the internet rabbit hole of Etsy witches. Ive never personally thought of using a witch before, but for the unbelievably low price of $2.93, someone online could change my life, or so they claim. Surely, it was worth a shot, right? A search of witches and spells on popular crafting website Etsy brings up more than 1000 results. From extreme obsession love spells to revenge karma spells and good weather spells, you can find almost anything on the platform. I was booked in to do the Story Bridge sunset climb and paid $11.58 to an Etsy witch to cast a good weather spell for the evening. Evidence of the spell invoking clear weather for my Story Bridge climb. Etsy The process was simple the witch only needed a few small details (passport number, credit card details, mothers maiden name...). Im kidding, obviously. Advertisement But they did need my name, date of birth and a description of the weather I wanted. Within a few hours, Id received photographic proof of my spell being cast, and a long description about the candles and herbs chosen. Serena, my Etsy witch, started her message to the beautiful Neesha Sinnya. Flattery is always welcome, so naturally I instantly warmed to the beautiful Serena. Rose petals were used to soften the atmosphere and invite beauty into the experience. They draw in pleasant, aesthetically pleasing outcomes, which in your case, translates to a stunning sunset, she wrote. Next, she described the two candles she lit as part of the ritual. As they burnt, she visualised the sky clearing and calming winds. Related Article Obituaries Historian studied witchcraft and how violence changed over centuries The wax melted smoothly without chaotic dripping. That tells me the process will unfold naturally, without dramatic interference. The energy did not feel resistant. It felt receptive, she wrote. The morning of my climb it was overcast, patches of dark clouds threatening to dampen my climbing experience but I had faith. Advertisement By 6pm, I was kitted up and ready to climb, and the weather was looking ideal for a picture-perfect sunset. On top of the bridge, Brisbanes skyline looked magnificent. The guide even remarked that we could see the Glasshouse Mountains, which he said was rare. I couldnt help but wonder maybe my Etsy witch was onto something? Hoping for good weather and getting it is hardly groundbreaking, but the process of paying a witch, seeing the spell and watching it come true? That felt like magic to me. The rabbit-hole of Etsy spells I spoke with Emeritus Professor Philip Almond, who is well-versed on witchcraft, demonology, New Age movements and mystical experience. According to him, nothing cant be turned into a commercial opportunity. Advertisement People are either doing this stuff because they genuinely believe in it or people are just exploiting a sort of quasi-religious movement to make a buck, Almond said. While many basic Etsy spells wont cost more than $10, there are some advertised for far more. The powerful and unbreakable immortality blessing usually retails for $2976 on Etsy. Etsy A make them suffer spell, which promises to deliver karmic justice and a powerful hex, costs $209.75. For another $332.34, users can add a powerful and unbreakable amplification spell that promises to speed up and boost the initial spell. On an even more ludicrous scale, users can pay a whopping $2976 for an immortality blessing unless they can get it on special for $1041. This spell only has one review, from February 2025, with the user claiming it made her body very youthful and glowing. Jake Blatchly, a member of the Ipswich Spiritual Community Facebook group, said the scepticism around witchcraft was well and truly warranted. There are a lot of charlatans, scam artists and con artists out there willing to take advantage of peoples hopes and fears to line their own pockets, he said. Advertisement Related Article Review Ditch the witch? This documentary says its time to embrace our inner crone So, where does he stand on Etsy witches? He thinks paying for magic is overrated when the tools can be used yourself. Paying a witch on Etsy to cast a spell for you is equivalent to paying a televangelist like Joel Osteen to ask God to do something for you, when you could ask God yourself, Blatchly said. Despite having researched witchcraft for decades, Almond doesnt think the Etsy witches, or any witches, hold any real merit. I think 99 times out of 100 [using an Etsy witch] is not going to do any harm, Almond said. I say that because its not going to do any good either. Because I happen to be in a position where I dont believe it works. Why are people drawn to witchcraft? Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWInheritance She cared for her ailing husband for years. There was a sting waiting in his will Michaela Whitbourn March 1, 2026 12:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A woman who cared for her ailing husband for years before his death, including periods where she stopped work, has lost a court bid to secure a share of his $1.9 million estate. The Victorian Supreme Court decision, the latest in a series of cases across the country in inheritance disputes, has highlighted the importance of establishing financial need to make a successful claim. The wife cared for her husband for years before his death. She was not included in his will. Artwork: Stephen Kiprillis The man died in May 2024. He had made a will in 2006 that did not name his wife, a doctor in Melbourne, as a beneficiary. He was survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, who was the primary beneficiary under the will. Advertisement His wife applied to the Victorian Supreme Court for a family provision order, which is a way for current or former dependants of a deceased, among others, to seek a larger slice of the inheritance pie if inadequate provision was made for them in a will. The courts will make such an order only on a needs basis. The plaintiff said she was hurt when she found out the deceased had excluded her from his will because she regarded their relationship as great and she had sacrificed a lot to look after the deceased for most of their married life, Associate Justice Ian Irving said in his decision last month. The daughter applied for the step-mothers claim to be summarily dismissed meaning rejected without a full trial on the basis that it had no prospect of success. The deceaseds rehabilitation took almost one year during which time the plaintiff stopped working to care for him. Associate Justice Ian Irving The doctor told the court her financial position was stable. She owned an unencumbered house valued at $2.65 million as at March 31 last year, as well as owning two investment properties valued at a combined $3.1 million. Advertisement She also had superannuation in the form of a further property which pays $25,000 per annum in rent and a term deposit of $300,000, Irving said. The doctor and her late husband married and started living together in 2006, but his health declined substantially in the following years. She made considerable sacrifices to care for him until his death. In 2009 the deceased had a stroke which left him, among other things, unable to speak, with double vision and poor balance, Irving said. The deceaseds rehabilitation took almost one year during which time the plaintiff stopped working to care for him. The deceased recovered to the extent that he could travel with the plaintiff again but not sufficiently to recommence working. The wife returned to work but reduced her working hours to continue caring for him. His health deteriorated further from 2011, and she cut her hours of work again. Advertisement From 2020 until his death in May 2024, she was his full-time carer. She told the court she was also responsible for caring for her mother who was 101 as of March 31 last year. Unfortunately, the existence of a moral duty alone is not sufficient to found a claim. Associate Justice Ian Irving The plaintiff said that while she is far from destitute, she sacrificed [her] career and [her] considerable earning capacity to care for the deceased when he was unwell, the judge said. The daughter conceded her step-mother was an eligible person to bring the claim but argued she had no real prospect of success because she has failed to demonstrate any financial or other need. Advertisement The judge agreed. [Notwithstanding] the plaintiffs strong moral claim, she has not demonstrated that she is unable to adequately provide for her own proper maintenance and support, he concluded. Related Article Exclusive Divorce Divorce season: The surge in couples separating after the holidays Unfortunately, the existence of a moral duty alone is not sufficient to found a claim. [While] the plaintiff made continued and considerable sacrifices to look after the deceased and ensure his life was comfortable and enjoyable, her claim for provision has no real prospect of success. The plaintiffs absence of need and her comfortable financial position are clear on the face of the evidence and are unlikely to change at trial. The relatively modest size of the estate also means that to allow the matter to proceed further would unnecessarily deplete the estate and delay its administration. Advertisement James Penman, principal of Melbourne law firm Vita Legal, said the case confirmed that proving financial need is essential in a family provision case. While the court can take into account a wide range of factors, if you cant prove actual financial need, your claim is going to fail, Penman said. He said that in family provision cases the size of the estate is very important its one of the first things you look at when advising a client about this type of claim. In this case, however, it wouldnt have mattered. The outcome would be the same if the estates assets were $5 million or $50 million. The claim failed because the plaintiff had no identifiable financial need. Once that fact was determined by the court, the claim had no chance of success. Advertisement When financial need is demonstrated, the size of the estate is relevant. There was a recent case in NSW where a plaintiff sued his brothers estate and got over $1.4m, despite him having a poor relationship with his brother, Penman said. The plaintiffs claim was helped by the fact the estate had $50 million in assets. The judge said that having a large estate allowed the court to make a more liberal assessment of what the plaintiff should receive. If the estate was smaller, the plaintiff may have got nothing. But because there was plenty in the estate, he got over a million. Penman said that one mistake plaintiffs often make is bringing a family provision claim thinking its purpose is to make things fair. The court is not concerned with fairness in these claims, and it will not, and cannot, rewrite someones will simply to make things equal between family members. Advertisement Instead, the focus is on whether the plaintiff has been left with adequate provision for their proper maintenance and support. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalVictoriaWeather Flood warnings downgraded in states north after drenching Cassandra Morgan and Gemma Grant Updated March 2, 2026 5:54pm ,first published March 2, 2026 7:43am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Residents in Victorias north were warned to stay inside on Monday morning as life-threatening flash flooding and intense rainfall threatened their communities. A severe weather warning was issued for parts of Victorias north after Mildura recorded almost half its usual annual rainfall between Saturday and Sunday. Aerial footage of flash flooding along the Calder Highway in Mildura. John Hua/Sunraysia Daily However, the rain eased significantly on Monday only 0.6 millimetres fell in Mildura between 9am and 6pm. Instead, the north central and north-east regions of the state were the hardest hit. The small town of Highlands received 44 millimetres between 9am until 6pm on Monday, while 38 millimetres fell on Wangaratta. Advertisement The State Emergency Service fielded more than 320 calls for help between 7am and 6pm on Monday, with the majority of calls in the Mildura, Kyabram and Echuca areas. Ninety-three calls were for fallen trees, while 138 were for flooding. Mildura endured heavy rains over the weekend, leading to flash flooding and homes being inundated. Sixty-six millimetres of rain fell on Saturday and another 83 millimetres after 9am on Sunday. Flooding at Cardross near Mildura on Monday. Ben Gross/Sunraysia Daily Up to 80 millimetres of rain fell over other parts of northern and western Victoria between 9am Sunday and 7am Monday. Tutye, west of the Mallee town of Walpeup, recorded 91 millimetres of rain between Sunday morning and Monday morning, while Kerang recorded 80 millimetres. Advertisement Rainfall was just starting to clear the Mallee region on Monday morning, meteorologist Dean Narramore told The Age but the danger was far from over. That rainfall is going to continue through central Victoria, then twist to northern Victoria for the coming hours, and then move to north-eastern Victoria this afternoon, before clearing much of the state by tonight, Narramore said. View post on X Melbournes humidity would also clear out from late Monday into Tuesday, the meteorologist said. A severe weather warning was in effect across parts of the central, north central, north-east and Wimmera districts, along with the Northern Country and Mallee. Advertisement People in Mildura, Swan Hill, Bendigo, and Hopetoun and surrounds were warned to prepare to take shelter on Monday morning, ahead of thunderstorms and possible six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 100 millimetres. Lingering showers and storms were predicted to persist over far-eastern Victoria on Tuesday, before sunshine returned to much of the state on Wednesday and into the long weekend, Narramore said. A number of advice-level warnings for minor to moderate flooding remained in effect across Victorias north on Monday. The states south was spared from heavy rain from Sunday into Monday, recording falls of between five and 10 millimetres, including in metropolitan Melbourne. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Iran conflict to continue for weeks as scope of attacks widens David Crowe Updated March 2, 2026 7:08pm ,first published March 2, 2026 4:58am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: The attacks on Iran are set to continue for four to five weeks in a bid to blast the countrys leaders into surrender as the Islamic Republic retaliates with missile and drone strikes that widen the conflict across the Middle East. US President Donald Trump aired his plan to sustain the bombing campaign for weeks to come in the hope that Iranians would overthrow the regime, declaring its leaders faced certain death if they did not sue for peace. But the Iranian leadership intensified its attacks after confirming the death of their Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killing nine in a strike on Israel and launching missiles and drones against Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other targets. The US embassy compound in Kuwait has also been targeted by Iran. Loading Trump claimed the joint offensive with Israel had killed 48 leaders, including Khamenei, and sunk nine Iranian naval vessels, while US military commanders said their forces had struck more than 1000 targets in Iran over two days. Advertisement The US president said the campaign would take four weeks or less in an interview with The Daily Mail, but put a longer estimate on the operation in remarks to The New York Times. Related Article Middle East at war As it happened: Israeli strikes kill 31 in Lebanon after renewed attacks on Iran following death of Khamenei; Three US troops killed as death toll rises among Iranian civilians Well, we intended four to five weeks, he told the newspaper, adding: It wont be difficult. Australians stranded overseas have been warned it will be difficult to organise emergency repatriation flights as the federal opposition accuses the Albanese government of failing to provide enough notice to leave the region before the strikes began. Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday said there were around 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, with about 11,000 people transiting through the regions airports every day when flights were operating. Advertisement Flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel and Bahrain have been cancelled, causing chaos at major air travel hubs. Iranian retaliation left nine people dead at a synagogue in Beit Shemesh in Israel, while an Iranian missile also wounded three people on a highway near Jerusalem. Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran. AP In a wild series of attacks on targets ranging from military airfields to hotel resorts, the Iranian military also launched missiles and drones against nations across the region, including Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain, an Asian worker was killed by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile. Three workers from Asian countries were killed in the United Arab Emirates, its government said on Sunday, and another 58 people were wounded. Advertisement Iranian forces also launched attacks on three ships in the Persian Gulf, with video showing a tanker on fire near Oman. None of the ships was sunk. The strikes drew a combined response from French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the threat to citizens from their countries and their willingness to destroy Irans ability to launch missiles and drones. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Irans capability to fire missiles and drones at their source, the three leaders said in a joint statement. While the European leaders did not voice support for Trumps decision when the attacks were launched on Saturday, they have criticised Iran and now appear ready to order military strikes if needed to disable the Iranian regime. Advertisement The UK reported an Iranian drone attack on the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri in Cyprus late on Sunday (Monday AEDT) but said there were no casualties. Separately, an RAF fighter jet based in Qatar shot down an Iranian drone. In a dramatic shift, Starmer said US forces would be able to use UK military bases for their defensive actions, days after he ruled out the use of the bases because of concerns over international law. Israeli security forces inspect a damaged road after a missile launched from Iran struck Jerusalem. AP The move broadens the options for US forces to use the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and the Fairford airfield in England. Oil prices surged after Iran attacked oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and shipping companies responded by halting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, sending the price of Brent Crude up 13 per cent to more than $US82 a barrel. Advertisement Australia had 36 days supply of petrol and 34 days supply of diesel, said Energy Minister Chris Bowen, adding that these were the highest levels in 15 years. Related Article Analysis Middle East at war Trump says 48 Iranian leaders are dead. Those left are scrambling to prevent regime collapse The Israeli Defence Forces have continued their assault on Iran, launching another wave of missiles on Monday morning (Monday afternoon AEDT) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the strikes. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, and this will only continue to escalate further over the coming days, Netanyahu said in a televised address. The scope of Israels operations has also widened, with strikes on Lebanon that have killed at least 31 people and injured 149 others, according to Lebanons Health Ministry. Most of the dead were in the countrys south. Advertisement The Israel Defence Forces said it was targeting Hezbollah after the Iranian proxy attacked Israel following the joint US-Israeli operation against Iran. Israel said it would continue to launch attacks into Lebanon. Iranian state media said the death toll from a missile strike on a girls school in southern Iran had risen to 165, while the countrys Health Ministry said the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran had been evacuated and three other hospitals in the country had been struck. Security forces fire tear gas to disperse a protest against the attacks on Iran in Baghdad. AP Internet and mobile services have been cut or disrupted across Iran, and the government claims could not be verified. While some social media footage showed Iranians cheering the death of Khamenei, other footage showed large crowds in mourning. Trump has urged Iranians to rise up against the regime, although his latest video address was likely to be blocked by the internet outage inside the country. Advertisement I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country. America is with you, Trump said. I made a promise to you and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, and well be there to help. Related Article Analysis US politics JD Vances silence on the Iran strikes is starting to get very loud In the first US casualties, the Pentagon said three defence personnel were killed and five were seriously wounded in an Iranian attack, but it did not name the location. Meanwhile in Texas, three people were shot dead and 14 were wounded in a shooting that fuelled concerns it was provoked by Iran. While authorities did not confirm the details, Trump posted on social media that the shooter wore clothing with an Iranian regime flag. Trump is yet to outline a long-term plan for Iran and sent varying signals to the media in a series of interviews on Sunday night (US time) in which he spoke about military attacks lasting for four to five weeks. Advertisement The US president told The New York Times that the Iranian leadership might surrender to the Iranian people as the attacks took their toll on the government and military. What we did in Venezuela, I think, is the perfect, the perfect scenario, he told the newspaper. An explosion in Tehran on Sunday night. AP The remarks hinted at the option of negotiating with one of the remaining Iranian leaders and leaving the government in place, as Trump did when US forces seized Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The US later accepted Maduros deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, as the nations leader. An Ipsos survey conducted for Reuters found that only 27 per cent of US voters approved of the strikes on Iran, while 43 per cent disapproved and 29 per cent were not sure. Advertisement On a related question, it found that 56 per cent believed Trump was too willing to use military force, a challenge for the president given his past rhetoric about peace and his sharp criticism of Republican and Democrat presidents for taking America into foreign wars. Related Article Visual Story Middle East at war Within 12 hours of the first strikes, Khamenei was dead. Heres how the attack on Iran unfolded In Iran, facing its biggest existential challenge since the 1980-88 war with Iraq, President Masoud Pezeshkian said a leadership council composed of himself, the judiciary head and a member of the powerful Guardians Council had temporarily assumed the duties of supreme leader. It remained unclear what the longer-term prospects were for Iran to rebuild its leadership and replace the 86-year-old Khamenei, who had held power since the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced Khameneis death as a cynical murder, and Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi described it as blatant killing. Advertisement Israel claimed responsibility for killing Khamenei, while he was in his central leadership compound in Tehran. Inside Iran, some grieved for Khamenei while others celebrated his death, exposing a deep faultline in a country stunned by the sudden demise of the man who ruled for decades. People gather in mourning after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on Sunday. AP Thousands of Iranians were killed in a crackdown authorised by Khamenei against anti-government protests in January, the deadliest wave of unrest since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Khamenei, who built Iran into a powerful anti-US force and spread its sway across the Middle East during his 36-year iron-fisted rule, was working in his office at the time of Saturdays attack, state media said. The raid also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law. Advertisement Wild scenes have unfolded across parts of Australia as once in a generation levels of rain, thunderstorms and flash flooding threaten much of the countrys southeast. A slow moving system hovering over the outback is bringing a widespread band of moisture across South Australia, western Victoria and western and southern New South Wales that will create significant rainfall, flooding and intense downpours for some regions. Overnight, South Australia and parts of western Victoria were smashed with intense rainfall, with 149mm recorded in Braemar, 129mm in Yunta and 125mm in McCoys Well. Severe thunderstorms led to flash flooding in William Creek. Picture: Facebook South Australia was hit the hardest over the weekend. Picture: Facebook In the past 24 hours until 8pm, the Victorian SES responded to 176 requests for assistance across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman told NewsWire 76 call-outs were for trees down, 42 for building damage and 40 for flood assistance. They said the busiest region was Mildura, which reported 50 call-outs, followed by Bendigo and Horsham, which both received seven call-outs. Wild images of the intense rainfall flooded social media, showing the severity of the weather event. The rain was so intense a truck became stuck in the floodwaters on the Barrier Highway between Broken Hill and Peterborough. A truck became stuck in the floodwaters on the Barrier Highway. Picture: ABC Facebook The skies were angry over Cohuna in Victoria. Picture: Facebook Sky News senior meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the rainfall was some of the most intense in more than a decade. Essentially this is a once-in-a-generation style rain event. The heaviest rain since 2011 is on the cards for multiple regions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather has also turned deadly, with a 47-year-old motorcyclist washed away after attempting to cross the flooded Fodgens creek in Eurelia in the Southern Flinders Ranges on Sunday. Heavy rainfall has smashed the countrys southeast. Source: Weatherzone The deluge follows long term dry conditions in the inland regions which, for some districts in South Australia, could lead to dangerous and life threatening flash flooding. Many areas have seen totals pushing above 50 millimetres even closing in on 100 in some locations as well and its causing significant flash flooding, Mr Sharpe said. The southward and southeast moving low pressure system has led to a severe weather warning by the Bureau of Meteorology for heavy, locally intense rainfall possible in parts of the Riverina and southwestern parts of the Upper and Lower Western districts. Australians should brace for a once in a generation style rain event peaking on Sunday. Picture: Supplied From Sunday night, dangerous flash flooding is most likely in the far southern parts of the Lower Western and southwestern Riverina regions of NSW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Areas that could be most vulnerable to intense rainfall and flash flooding include Deniliquin, Broken Hill, Hay, Wentworth, Menindee and Balranald. The SA SES urged people to stay out of the rising waters, after responding to calls of cars becoming isolated and trapped in floodwaters. Be aware that floodwaters may rise rapidly and are likely to be fast moving, they said. A flood watch has been issued for mid-north South Australia. Picture: SA SES Far Western New South Wales has also been issued a flood warning by the BOM, and in Lower Murrumbidgee River catchments, as heavy rainfall continues. The peak of the event is indicated to be on Sunday. Storms and prolonged rain are expected to intensify in Adelaides east, and just outside the metropolitan area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant rainfalls could sweep through Victoria, particularly its northwest, beginning late Sunday. The regional city of Horsham in Victorias west has received 126 millimetres of rain between Friday morning and Sunday morning. After the rain band gains strength over Victoria, it will move eastwards only to weaken over central New South Wales with scattered showers early next week. Carlow College hosted the first TEDx event on Wednesday 25 February at the GB Shaw Theatre in Visual from 9.30am to 1pm. Under the theme Rewriting the narrative, TEDxCarlow College brought together 14 dynamic speakers offering fresh perspectives across topics including psychology, cultural heritage, poetry and literature, biodiversity in agriculture, the science of consciousness, career development and the rising profitability of Irish identity within influencer culture. The milestone event showcased both local talent and national voices committed to reshaping conversations and challenging assumptions. Among the speakers were Ailbhe Gerrard from Brookfield Farm, who holds a master of science degree in organic farming; Dr Dylan Colbert, lecturer in psychology at Carlow College, who explored how revered Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton applied principles later validated by a century of psychological research; Dr Judy Bolger, historian and educational technologist in Carlow College, who delved into social constraints to infant feeding over time; and Killian McGrath, doctor of philosophy, who challenged the long-shaped scientific study of consciousness. Other notable speakers included Donnchadh OMahony, guidance counsellor; Adam Clarke, campaign manager for Game If You Are; and Alison Stephens, Fullbright USA scholar. The diverse line-up delivered powerful, concise talks designed to spark curiosity, inspire dialogue and encourage audiences to rethink the stories that shape their lives and communities. Co-organiser Dr Regina Donlon, lecturer at Carlow College, said she was excited to bring TEDx to the college. She added: We are thrilled to offer Carlow its first TEDx platform an opportunity to share ideas that challenge, inspire and reimagine what is possible. Rewriting the narrative reflects both the spirit of our speakers and the broader ambition to rethink how we understand, identify, community and change. This event represents an important step in amplifying new voices and fostering meaningful conversations within our region. A POLISH native pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a stolen bicycle and one count of possessing drugs for sale or supply before Judge Mary Morrissey in Carlow Circuit Court on 19 February. Michael Plecha (49) with an address at 25 Shraughaun Close, Tullow was found by gardai to be in possession of cannabis and amphetamine on 22 November 2024 in Carlow for the purpose of selling or supplying to another, contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977. Additionally, on 27 November 2024, Mr Plecha was found in unlawful possession of a stolen bicycle and chainsaw and was reckless as to whether it was stolen. This offence is contrary to section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. Another count for possession of drugs was struck out under the plea deal. The court heard that the defendant is currently engaging with the probation services in respect of district court matters. Judge Morrissey directed the preparation of a probation report before his sentencing hearing and requested a victim impact statement in respect of the stolen property. She remanded Mr Plecha on continuing bail until the next circuit court sitting on 12 May. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Virgin Atlantic became the latest airline to resume operations out of the UAE with its first flight to London Heathrow since Middle East airspace closures began due to the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. The British airline's scheduled 11:20 am flight took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 11:50 am local time (8:50 am CET) on Wednesday. Virgin also resumed flights from Riyadh, with its first departure from King Khalid International Airport at 4:22 am local time (2:22 am CET). Emirates, which also operates out of DXB, has said that its scheduled flights remain suspended until 11:59 pm local time (9:59 pm CET) on 7 March, while Etihad, which operates out of Abu Dhabi, has extended its suspension until 6 am local time (3 am CET) on 6 March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both airlines are operating a limited number of repatriation flights, with the priority being stranded passengers. Etihad and Emirates will be contacting passengers directly about these flights, and those who have not been notified should not travel to the airport. Budget carrier flydubai has also resumed a limited number of flights. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement on Tuesday evening that 60 flights transporting 17,498 passengers have departed the country so far. The authority aims to increase the number of scheduled flights up to 80 per day, with a capacity of 27,000 passengers. British Airways, which does not usually operate out of Oman, has organised a flight between Muscat and London that is set to depart at 2:30 am local time on 5 March. Seats are being assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis, and passengers who were booked on flights from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv can call the airline to book their seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the resumption of some flights has brought relief to stranded travellers, the vast majority remain cancelled. Posting on X on Tuesday, Flightradar24 said cancellations across seven major Middle East airports Dubai International, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International have now exceeded 12,300 flights from 28 February until 3 March. Related Around 20,200 passengers have been affected by the cancelling or rescheduling of flights in the UAE, while a further 8,000 transit passengers are currently stuck in Doha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With air travel severely limited throughout the Middle East, the conflict that started on Saturday stranded hundreds of thousands of travellers in multiple countries. Tourists, business travellers and religious pilgrims found themselves stuck unexpectedly in hotels, airports and on cruise ships. Dubai International, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, are important hubs for travel between Europe, Africa and Asia. The airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were both directly hit by Iranian strikes over the weekend. Along with people planning to head to or from the region, travellers who were passing through on multi-leg flights also found themselves stuck. All aircraft movements at Hamad International Airport remain suspended due to the temporary closure of the Qatari airspace. The countrys flag carrier, Qatar Airways, will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. The airline said a further update will be provided on Friday 6 March by 9 am local time (7 am CET). Airspace closures also remain in place in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and Israel. Early prenatal care, considered best for moms and babies, is on the decline in the US Home News 3 Christians hacked to death in India; police downplay religious motive More than a month after three Christian converts were hacked to death in Odisha state in eastern India, police continue to attribute the triple murder to a land dispute, even as relatives and rights groups point to tensions linked to the familys recent conversion. The victims, Jitendra Soren, his wife Malati Soren and their 15-year-old daughter, were attacked inside their home in Nialijharan village in Keonjhar district on Jan. 25, according to the United Kingdom-based advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which tracks religious freedom cases globally. Giving an account of what happened, CSW said the family had attended a Pentecostal prayer service earlier that day and returned home. Relatives arrived at the house and accused the couple of practicing black magic, claiming their church attendance had caused illness in a niece. Jitendra Soren denied the allegation and was pushed to the ground. As the confrontation escalated, the couples daughter intervened to protect her father and was struck with an axe and killed. Malati Soren was then killed while attempting to save her daughter, and Jitendra Soren was attacked and killed while trying to flee. Police have reportedly arrested three suspects in connection with the killings and alleged that a long-standing land dispute within the extended family may have contributed to the violence, according to Morning Star News. The arrested suspects were identified as Laxman Soren, Baidyanath Soren and Sudam Soren. Officers reached the site the following morning, recovered the bodies and sent them to Anandapur sub-divisional hospital for post-mortem examination before handing them over to relatives, reports Catholic Connect. The couples younger daughter witnessed the attack and escaped, while an elder married daughter and a son who was studying away from home also survived. Surviving family members later sought shelter with a family friend and reported feeling unsafe in the village. Suguda Soren, the couples surviving son, told CSW tensions had been building since his parents converted to Christianity about a year earlier. He said relatives and neighbors accused the family of bringing misfortune and illness to the community. The family had become the third household in the village to convert to Christianity in the past year, according to the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern. Suguda Soren said relatives had warned the family for weeks to stop attending church or "face death." The familys eldest daughter, who follows the Hindu faith, filed the First Information Report, or FIR, a formal police complaint that triggers a criminal investigation in India. The document did not include any reference to anti-Christian aggression and treated the case as a land dispute between relatives. In an op-ed published in UCA News, Christian rights activist John Dayal wrote that the Soren family killings fit a recurring pattern of violence against Christians in Odisha and across India, particularly in tribal regions. Dayal also wrote that sections of the states media have aligned with police and political actors in downplaying or removing possible religious motives in such cases, and said the larger political climate in Odisha, alongside rising anti-Christian violence in states ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, complicates efforts to fully understand the killings. Advocacy groups say Odisha, particularly tribal, or indigenous, districts such as Keonjhar, has seen increased violence and hostility toward Christians in recent years. The village lies near areas associated with earlier attacks on Christians, including the killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his sons in the same district decades ago. Home News Reform UK Party vows to protect Christian heritage, save churches from being turned into mosques Reform UK said it would grant listed status to churches across Britain to prevent their conversion into mosques if the party enters government, setting out a proposal it says would protect the countrys Christian heritage. Zia Yusuf, the partys home affairs spokesman plans to present the policy as part of an effort to preserve Christianity as central to Britains national identity, The Telegraph reported. The plan would give immediate listed status to about 40,000 churches, restricting changes that affect their historic character and limiting their ability to be repurposed. Yusuf, a practicing Muslim, said the move aimed to ensure Christianity remains core to Britains history and the DNA of the country. He linked the proposal to larger concerns about social cohesion and immigration, arguing that rapid demographic change had affected a high-trust society. He was quoted as telling The Times that large numbers of arrivals from low-trust societies had contributed to that erosion, adding that the trend was obviously true. Under the proposal, Reform would also create a new planning category for churches that would block their conversion into places of worship for other religions. At present, many places of worship in England fall under the F1 use class, where changes can occur without full planning permission. The party has said the policy is a response to fears that churches are increasingly being turned into mosques. Yusuf said he had received emails from anxious residents raising concerns about the issue, The Times noted. Yusuf said the party would end the incendiary practice of converting churches into mosques or any other places of worship by granting listed status automatically to all churches and prohibiting that. There is no official national list of such cases, though around 40 confirmed conversions have been identified in recent years, according to the Telegraph. Since the late 1960s, only two Church of England churches have been sold directly to another religion for worship, both becoming Sikh gurdwaras, according to The Times, which said most disused churches are instead converted into housing, offices, cafes or taken over by other Christian denominations. Ben Sims of the National Churches Trust told the newspaper that the idea of granting blanket listed status to churches would make a mockery of the heritage system," where church authorities already retain significant control over former sites. The CofE has used restrictive covenants in some sales to prevent conversion to non-Christian worship. In one recent case, the Georgian church of St. Johns in Hanley, Staffordshire, became the focus of a dispute after local planners approved its conversion into a mosque. Church authorities later intervened using a covenant attached when the property was sold in 2009. Reform UKs proposal comes against a backdrop of long-term decline in church attendance and building closures. More than 3,500 churches have shut across the United Kingdom over the past decade, driven by falling congregations and rising repair costs. The National Churches Trust estimates that between 3,000 and 5,000 churches are either closed or used intermittently without a permanent vicar. Latest figures show Sunday attendance fell from 788,000 in 2013 to 557,000 after the COVID pandemic, with many parishes struggling to rebuild congregations, reports The Telegraph. Census data shows that religious affiliation in Britain has been shifting. About 46% of the population, or roughly 27.5 million people, identified as Christian in the 2021 census. The number of people identifying as Muslim rose by 44% to 3.9 million, while the Hindu population grew by 22% to about one million. Young Australians have been put on notice as police cracked down on a group of e-bike riders planning yet another weekend ride-out through busy Sydney streets. Vision of large groups of youths riding dangerously across the city, including along the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has shocked the country in recent months, with some critical of the lack of action taken against those involved, with Australians arguing there needs to be tougher consequences as a deterrent. But police on the Northern Beaches were quick to act on Saturday after learning of plans of a ride-out across several suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Highway Patrol vehicles were among the deployment by police in a high-visibility operation to target reckless riding and illegal behaviour feared as a result of the proposed meetup. As part of the operation, police spoke with 68 people on either e-bikes or e-scooters, with 12 infringement notices issued. Eighteen verbal warnings were also given for not wearing a helmet. "Police are reminding e-bike riders that anti-social or dangerous behaviour including reckless riding, blocking roads, and putting other road users and pedestrians at risk wont be tolerated," a NSW Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia on Sunday. "All riders need to wear a helmet, ride a compliant bike, comply with the road rules and follow the directions of police." The operation prompted locals, who have long called for more action to get to grips with illegal e-bike usage in the area, to praise the police's proactive response to the ride-out online, with one saying it was "about time something was done". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police acknowledged the community support and warned riders that similar operations to the one seen on Saturday would be launched when needed. It comes months after dozens of youths were observed by Yahoo News riding together along one of the area's main arterial roads, however on that occasion police opted to "monitor" the ride-out instead of breaking it up and identifying any potential law breaches. An organised ride-out at the start of February in Brookvale was snuffed out by police, with Manly Observer sharing vision of police waiting for the group which never showed after a warning was put out by authorities. Four school kids loaded onto an e-bike shows how the use of these devices is concerning Australians. Source: Supplied NSW confirms extra powers and new age limit The rapid rise in e-bike use among young people has led to the NSW Government stepping in, with concerns many of the bikes being used are not roadworthy and are fuelling anti-social behaviour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the state government confirmed police will now get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes in a similar move rolled out in WA. NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes including so-called "fat bikes" and other throttle-only devices. In addition to being no more than 500 watts, e-bike batteries can only operate as a pedal-assist and cut out when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25km/h. Anything that exceeds those power or speed limits must be registered as a moped or motorcycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've heard loud and clear the concern in the community about souped-up e-bikes and the anti-social behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them," Transport Minister John Graham said. That extra power was followed by the confirmation the state would seek a minimum age for e-bike usage on roads, with the age set to be between 12 and 16, pending an expert review. The review will also examine whether younger riders have the necessary skills and maturity to safely carry passengers. Currently, NSW has around 760,000 e-bikes, and under existing laws, there is no minimum age; children of any age can legally ride them. With AAP Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Home News World leaders react to death of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, US-Israeli strikes in Iran World leaders issued cautious and divided responses after the United States and Israeli strikes in Iran that reportedly killed the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other regime leaders on Saturday, raising fears of broader regional conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that Khamenei was dead and described the moment as the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. Iranian state media also reported early Sunday that the 86-year-old leader had died without providing a cause. After the U.S. and Israel launched the attack on Saturday, Trump urged Iranians to seize control of your destiny and rise up against the Islamic theocracy that has ruled since 1979. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases across the Middle East, sharply escalating tensions. The death of Khamenei, who had no designated successor, threatened to inject fresh uncertainty into Irans political future as the United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on the strikes and the retaliation. Many governments reacted cautiously, avoiding direct comment on the joint U.S. and Israeli operation while condemning Irans response. Governments across the Middle East followed a similar pattern, criticizing Iranian strikes on Arab neighbors while remaining largely silent about the initial military action. Some countries took clearer positions. Australia and Canada expressed support for the U.S. strikes, while Russia and China issued direct criticism of the attacks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, and reaffirmed Israels right to defend itself, saying Ottawa supports Washingtons efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. "Despite diplomatic efforts, Iran has neither fully dismantled its nuclear program, halted all enrichment activities, nor ended its support for regional terrorist proxy groups," Carney said. "Canada stands with the Iranian people in their long and courageous struggle against Irans oppressive regime. Canada has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity, and has sanctioned 256 Iranian entities and 222 individuals in response to the regimes repression and its violence both against its own people, and persistently, beyond its borders. Canada reaffirms Israels right to defend itself and to ensure the security of its people." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement, calling for Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations, saying their countries didn't participate in the strikes but remain in close contact with the U.S., Israel and regional partners. We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes, the three leaders said. Separately, Starmer said the United Kingdom played no role in the strikes and warned that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, citing more than 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots on U.K. soil over the past year. He also condemned Irans attacks on regional partners. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a joint statement that the legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people and added that Irans leadership had long since lost that backing. Across the Arab world, the 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks a violation of the sovereignty of countries seeking stability, while Morocco, Jordan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates denounced Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the Emirates. Saudi Arabia also condemned Iranian aggression, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned that the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran could lead to a new, extensive war in the Middle East. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, a global civil society coalition that advocates for the elimination of nuclear weapons and promotes international treaties banning them, said the strikes risked further escalation and increased nuclear danger. Jordans King Abdullah II and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed the crisis in a phone call and called for intensified diplomatic efforts to calm the situation, according to a statement. Oman, which has mediated talks between Washington and Tehran, said the U.S. action violated international law and the principle of settling disputes peacefully. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said the U.S.-Israeli attacks have undermined "serious negotiations." "Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this," he wrote on X. "And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war." Russias Foreign Ministry described the strikes as a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of pursuing regime change under the cover of nuclear concerns. Chinas government said it was highly concerned about the strikes and called for an immediate halt to military action and a return to negotiations, stressing that Irans sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. The Palestinian Authority also condemned Iranian attacks on Arab nations without referring to the U.S. or Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV addressed the escalating tensions. In his weekly address to pilgrims in St. Peters Square on Sunday, the pope said, I address a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss." Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons ... but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialogue," Leo added. News / National by Staff reporter Zanu-PF secretary-general Jacob Mudenda has reminded party members that no leadership position is permanent, including the presidency, and should never be treated as personal property.Addressing a Mashonaland West provincial coordinating committee meeting in Chinhoyi, Mudenda warned against personalising positions of authority, saying offices outlive individuals and must be respected as party institutions.He told members that leadership transitions are natural and inevitable, urging humility and merit-based leadership within party ranks."Members must know that today you are a central committee member; tomorrow you may be gone," he said. "Even if you are a politburo member, tomorrow you may not be there. But the positions will remain to be filled by other members. So do not be fooled by these positions because they belong to the party."Mudenda said the presidency itself is not eternal, citing past leaders to illustrate his point."Even the presidency first it was Canaan (Banana), then (President Robert) Mugabe," he said. "They are all gone. Today we have President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and tomorrow he will be gone. That is God's law."His remarks come amid debate over Constitutional Amendment Number 3, which has been gazetted and proposes changes that include extending the terms of the president and Parliament by two years. The Bill also proposes ending direct presidential elections and shifting the vote for president to Parliament.Critics have argued that the proposed amendments should be subjected to a referendum, while Government maintains that the changes do not seek to extend President Mnangagwa's tenure beyond its constitutional limit in 2028, but rather to adjust the electoral cycle. Government has indicated that the Bill will be decided in Parliament.Mudenda also called on senior party members to respect grassroots structures, saying the party's foundation lies at village level."You must have respect for all party structures right down to the village level because the party exists because of them, notwithstanding your current position," he said.He cautioned against clinging to positions of authority, describing them as stewardship roles meant to serve the people."Let us not possess these positions. They are meant to facilitate us as stewards to work for the people," Mudenda said.He urged members to select leaders on merit to ensure the party's continued strength and unity, amid reports of internal contestation ahead of next year's elective congress. News / National by Staff reporter The Government of Zimbabwe has unveiled plans to safeguard portions of the newly rehabilitated Victoria FallsBulawayo Road from damage caused by overloaded trucks, with measures including the construction of weighbridges and a shift of bulk cargo transport from road to rail.Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told the National Assembly that weighbridge infrastructure is being prioritised along this key tourism and freight corridor to preserve the road and ensure its long-term sustainability."The contractor responsible for Lot 7 of the Victoria Falls - Bulawayo Road project has been tasked with rehabilitating the weighbridge at the Hwange Vehicle Inspection Department depot, which serves as a major checkpoint for heavy vehicles," Mhona said.He added that toll gates along the corridor are being upgraded into modern toll plazas with integrated weighbridge facilities between Hwange and Victoria Falls, as well as between Lupane and Gwayi, to strengthen enforcement against overloading."We are in the process of upgrading existing toll gates into modern toll plazas each designed to incorporate heavy vehicle weighbridge facilities," Mhona explained.The intervention follows warnings from Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda, who noted that sections of the newly rehabilitated road were already being damaged by heavy trucks, particularly along detours used during ongoing construction.In response, Mhona said government was pursuing a broader strategy that includes resuscitating and capacitating road maintenance units and recapitalising the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to shift bulk cargo transport from road to rail."The government's broader plan to recapitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe is aimed at enhancing the movement of bulk goods by rail rather than by road, a key long-term measure in reducing excessive wear on our highways," he said.The minister also confirmed that contractors are expediting construction works while officials are being deployed to monitor vulnerable sections of the road around the clock.Gwanda North legislator Desire Nkala sought clarification on detour regulations, with Mhona explaining that while there is no fixed legal length, detours typically range between five and 10 kilometres depending on construction requirements.The Victoria FallsBulawayo Road serves as a critical economic corridor linking Zimbabwe's prime tourism destination to the rest of the country, while also facilitating regional trade and mineral transportation.The Government's move aims to protect national infrastructure investments and ensure the road remains durable under increasing traffic demands. In this article LMT NOC GD UAMY Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A woman holds an illustration depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as others wave Iranian national flags during a demonstration in support of the government and against US and Israeli strikes outside a mosque in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Atta Kenare | Afp | Getty Images The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sets in motion a formal succession process that could have significant implications for the country's political stability, sanctions outlook and already strained economy. Khamenei was killed in a joint military strike by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed. At the time of his death, Khamenei, 86, was at his office within his residence, Iran's Fars News Agency said on Telegram. He assumed power following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, inheriting a revolutionary state still consolidating itself after the Iran-Iraq war. Khamenei was not seen as the obvious successor. He lacked the religious credentials required by the constitution at the time, Karim Sadjadpour, a policy analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted in his study on Khamenei. Just months before Khomeini's death, the constitution was revised to state that the Leader needed only to be an expert in Islamic jurisprudence with political and managerial ability a change that enabled Khamenei's elevation. Over time, the office of the supreme leader consolidated authority over Iran's key institutions. While presidents changed through elections, Khamenei retained control over the military, judiciary, state broadcasting and major strategic decisions (Article 110). Khamenei championed a "resistance economy" to promote self-sufficiency amid Western sanctions, remained wary of engagement with the West, and cracked down on critics who argued his security-first approach stifled reform. His rule faced repeated tests. In 2009, mass protests over alleged election fraud were met with a harsh crackdown. In 2022, demonstrations erupted over women's rights. A serious challenge emerged in late December 2025, when economic grievances spiraled into nationwide unrest, with some protesters openly demanding the Islamic Republic's overthrow. What's next for Iran? "Khamenei is dead. This is the best day of my life. This is a glorious day for Iran," said Masoud Ghodrat Abadi, an Iranian engineer now based in the United States who left Iran at age 27. "I believe his death could mark the beginning of a new chapter in our nation's history ... In the long run, I hope this moment will prove transformative," he told CNBC. Similar sentiment surfaced across social media platforms following his death, where Iranians were shown to take to the streets, celebrating, according to the New York Times. However, analysts warned that jubilation does not equal transformation. "Taking out Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not the same as regime change. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is the regime," the Council on Foreign Relations noted following his passing, limiting the prospects for immediate political or economic transformation. The death of Khamenei ushers in only the second leadership transition since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, a moment that the CFR described as historically significant but deeply uncertain in its outcome. While some Iranians have expressed hope that a leadership change could ease repression and economic isolation, the CFR said the most likely succession outcomes do not suggest meaningful political or economic liberalization in the immediate aftermath of a transition. "Leadership change in Iran could take three primary trajectoriesregime continuity, military takeover, or regime collapse," the CFR reported. However, the think tank warned that none of these near-term scenarios envisage a positive transformation in the year or so after transition. In a continuity outcome, essentially "Khamenei-ism without Khamenei," investors and households may still face uncertainty because a new leader would need to "learn on the job" while trying to shape economic policy with limited resources and intensifying strains. watch now Crude oil prices jumped more than 8% on Monday, as market participants feared war between the U.S. and Iran will spiral out of control and lead to major supply disruptions. U.S. crude oil rose 8.4%, or $5.72, to $72.74 per barrel, extending gains after the official market close on a new report that Iran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Global benchmark Brent jumped 9%, or $6.65, to $79.45. Prices closed at their highest levels since the U.S. and Israel bombed Iran's nuclear facilities in June 2025. Oil had jumped more than 12% earlier in the session before easing off session highs. Prices then extended their gains again after the close as Reuters reported comments from the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, who said the Strait of Hormuz was closed and that it would set any ship on fire that tried to pass. The massive wave of airstrikes launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran over the weekend killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials in the Islamic Republic. See the latest developments here. It is unclear who will ultimately govern the fourth-largest oil producer in OPEC. How the oil market ultimately reacts will depend on whether the war leads to a prolonged disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the most important chokepoint in the world for the global oil trade. "We view the pace of the rebound in traffic through Hormuz and the extent of Iranian retaliation as key for the oil price in the next few days," UBS analysts led by Henri Patricot told clients in report on Sunday. In this article @LCO.1 USO Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Tankers are seen at the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the Sharjah Emirate, along the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes on June 23, 2025. Giuseppe Cacace | AFP | Getty Images Oil markets are bracing for a possible supply shock after U.S. strikes on Iran over the weekend reignited fears that flows through the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted. Follow CNBC's live coverage of the U.S.-Israel strikes in Iran While analysts expect an immediate "knee-jerk" reaction to oil prices when trading resumes in New York on Sunday evening, the bigger question is whether tensions could escalate into a sustained interruption of Gulf exports. "At this point, it seems we are looking at a full-scale military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which would be unprecedented and the trajectory impossible to assess," said Vandana Hari, CEO of energy research firm Vanda Insights. "If it carries on for days with Iran and its proxies retaliating to the fullest extent, we are looking at the worst-case scenarios for oil, including a major disruption of oil flows through the Middle East," Hari told CNBC. This is unless the U.S. is able to pre-emptively disarm the Iranian navy and military, as well as ensure tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to flow normally. With tensions escalating, attention has shifted back to the Strait of Hormuz, where any disruption would have immediate and outsized consequences for global oil and LNG flows. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Oil prices year-on-year Positioned between Oman and Iran, the strait serves as a critical transit route - and potential chokepoint - for global crude, with about 13 million barrels per day moving through it in 2025, equal to approximately 31% of all seaborne oil flows, Kpler data showed. It links major Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Reuters reported on Saturday that an official with the European Union's naval mission, Aspides, said commercial vessels had received VHF radio messages from Iran's Revolutionary Guards warning that "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz." The official was quoted as saying that Tehran had not formally confirmed any directive to close the waterway. Early indications are of a broader scale attack on Iran, with counterattacks which could escalate to draw in multiple Gulf countries. Saul Kavonic MST Marquee Reuters noted that Iran has repeatedly threatened over the years to block the narrow passage in response to attacks against the Islamic Republic. Iran has in the past repeatedly threatened to block the narrow passage in response to attacks against the Islamic Republic. Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, who had advised clients for weeks that conflict was a 75% probability, called it "a very serious development" for the world's oil and gas markets given their dependence on Hormuz production and flows. The larger question is duration, industry veterans emphasized. The extent of any oil and LNG price spike will depend on the duration and scope of any disruptions to Gulf production and flows, McNally said. The worst-case scenario?: Triple digit oil Analysts say the potential scenarios range from limited disruptions to Iranian exports to a full blockade of Hormuz. The nightmare for global markets is not just lost Iranian barrels, but a broader disruption to shipping through the strait. "Early indications are of a broader scale attack on Iran, with counterattacks which could escalate to draw in multiple Gulf countries," said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Marquee. Kavonic said markets will initially price in a spectrum of risks from the loss of up to 2 million barrels per day of Iranian exports to attacks on regional infrastructure or, in the extreme, a disruption of passage through Hormuz. "If the Iranian regime feels they face an existential threat, attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz cannot be ruled out," he said, though he added that the U.S. and its allies would likely deploy military escorts to protect shipping lanes. An infographic titled "Strait of Hormuz" created in Ankara, Turkiye on June 17, 2025. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images The Honor Robot Phone features a camera that pops out of the main body of the device. Honor on Sunday showed off the capabilities of its Robot Phone as the Chinese electronics firm looks to stand out from some of its bigger rivals like Samsung and Apple . The company, which spun off from Huawei in 2020, also launched the Magic V6, its latest foldable smartphone, as part of its event at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Sunday. In addition, Honor teased a humanoid robot, but with very few details. The releases come against the backdrop of the ongoing shortage and unprecedented price surge of memory chips, which is expected to see device makers increase prices and strain demand for smartphones in 2026. Honor first teased the Robot Phone in October. It features a camera on a robotic arm that pops out of the main body of the device. For those into video work, it looks like it's inspired by the Osmo product line from Chinese dronemaker DJI. The camera, which is powered by a small motor, can lock onto an object or person and track it as it moves. A user can talk to Honor's AI assistant, and the camera can then respond with a yes or no answer by nodding. Honor said it aims to make the phone commercially available in China in the second half of the year. Runners pass the U.S. Capitol a day after day the United States and Israel-led attacks on Iran, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 1, 2026. With Congress set to begin voting on a war powers resolution to halt Trump's assault on Iran this week, lawmakers on Sunday grappled over whether to buck the president after Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed. "This is an illegal war," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the lead sponsor of the Senate's version of the war powers resolution, in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday." "The Constitution says no declaration of war without Congress. The president has called this war against Iran." A war powers resolution allows Congress to disapprove of a president's military action and force the pullback of troops. Should it pass, however, it would be mostly symbolic as Trump is almost certain to veto it. The Constitution vests the power to declare war in Congress. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said he is "going to have to take a close look at" the war powers resolution, but said he would be inclined to oppose Trump's war effort. "I want to hear from the White House what their strategy is going forward," Kelly said. "You know, they went into this without any discussion with us ahead of time." Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., is leading the war powers resolution in the House with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. Some House Republicans have indicated they will support the measure in the House. Khanna said on NBC's "Meet the Press" he believes his resolution has the votes to pass in the House, but it is "going to be very close." "I believe this is a disastrous vote for any Democrat to vote for Donald Trump's war in the Middle East," Khanna said. "The point of this resolution is to say we do not want another war in the Middle East, or at least Congress should opine on that." Even with strong Democratic support for the resolution and opposition to Trump's attack, however, not all Democrats are likely to come on board. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" that he will "vote it down." "It's not necessary, honestly," Fetterman said. "It's really an empty gesture." Republicans have largely supported Trump's attack, despite some dissent. Garrett Downs News / National by Staff reporter The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confiscated illicit cigarettes and vehicles valued at more than R4 million during intelligence-driven operations near Beitbridge, Limpopo.Captain Moses Semono confirmed that soldiers, acting on intelligence, raided a farm along the R572 road and recovered two Ford Rangers and a Toyota Hilux D4D valued at R1,100,000. The vehicles were loaded with illicit cigarettes worth R2,551,000. One suspect was arrested on the spot, while another managed to flee.In a related operation near the southern side of the Beitbridge border post, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R250,000 carrying illicit cigarettes worth R450,151.20 was also confiscated. South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were called to both scenes and have taken over the cases for further investigation.Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, commended Lieutenant Colonel Lungile Frans, officer commanding 1 South African Tank Regiment, for the proactive operations.Last week, SANDF reported continued vigilance along the Limpopo border. On February 8, 2026, members of 1 South African Tank Regiment spotted a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at R1,513,300 attempting to cross the flooded Limpopo River. The occupants fled upon noticing soldiers. The vehicle, confirmed stolen in Boksburg, Gauteng, on February 6, 2026, was retrieved on February 17, 2026, after coordination with SAPS.In another incident, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R539,900 was seized at Gumbu along the South AfricaZimbabwe border and handed over to SAPS.The Beitbridge corridor remains a major route for smuggling illicit cigarettes, which deprives the fiscus of billions in excise duties and undermines legitimate traders. The SANDF's operations aim to dismantle these networks, disrupting illegal activities "one vehicle, one load at a time." Rescue forces operate at a building hit by an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The escalating conflict in the Middle East is fueling fears that Washington's pursuit of regime change in Iran, and Tehran's retaliation, could destabilize regions from the Gulf to Europe, leaving global leaders scrambling to assess the fallout. The U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran over the weekend, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting waves of attacks by Tehran across the region. President Donald Trump made it clear in a video message Saturday following the initial wave of U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran that his objective was "eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people." Geopolitical analysts warned that Saturday's strikes could be the opening salvo of a sustained military campaign aimed at dismantling the Iranian regime, with the U.S. seeking to assert dominance over the world's most critical oil-producing region. "The scale of the strikes by the U.S. and Israel, along with the apparent goal of regime change in Iran, suggest the military conflict could escalate rapidly and unpredictably," said Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group, a business consultancy firm. "There is substantial immediate risk for regional and potentially global escalation, as Iran may now use any available option to respond." "The previous strikes were targeted at the nuclear weapons program," said David Silbey, a professor of military history at Cornell University, referring to the 12-day war in June last year when the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes that damaged three key Iranian nuclear sites. But "this one will be much broader, aimed at command and control, headquarters and leadership, and the military and secret police generally," said Silbey. "Since there doesn't seem to be a U.S. ground campaign in the offing, the goal is to get the regime overthrown domestically, either by a popular uprising or a palace coup." Silbey warned that Iran could respond with retaliatory attacks, including missile strikes on Israeli and U.S. military bases and vessels in the Persian Gulf, as well as potential terrorist operations across the Middle East, Europe and the United States. "If the regime feels threatened, it'll lash out harder than it would if it thought it could ride out the attacks," Silbey said. The latest conflagration has already spread to other parts of the Gulf region. Iranian missiles targeted Israel and multiple Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, all countries with air bases containing U.S. assets. "Years of Iranian detente-building with the Gulf may be over," said Aysha Chowdhry, principal at The Asia Group. News / National by Staff reporter Concerns are mounting among political activists and civic leaders over what they describe as an intensifying crackdown on dissent surrounding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term and postpone national elections from 2028 to 2030.Authorities have reportedly banned public meetings to discuss the proposed changes, while alleged abductions and intimidation tactics target politicians and civic leaders opposed to the Bill.Last week, unknown individuals painted "X" graffiti on the residences and offices of prominent critics, including Jameson Timba, convener of the Defend the Constitution Platform, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) offices in Harare, and Ibbo Mandaza, director of the Sapes Trust.Two NCA members were allegedly abducted, assaulted, and dumped in Harare's Highlands after attending a meeting focused on strategies to challenge the Bill, according to NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku. In a separate incident, a member of the Constitution Defenders Forum was reportedly abducted and tortured for participating in gatherings opposing the amendment.Public discussions on the Bill have also faced restrictions. A planned dialogue in Harare with Madhuku, Fadzayi Mahere, and Douglas Mwonzora was banned, while a similar meeting in Bulawayo involving David Coltart and Jabulani Sibanda was also prohibited.Timba condemned the graffiti and intimidation, stating, "Engaging in constitutional debate is not subversion. It is a democratic right and duty. Zimbabwe cannot claim constitutionalism while tolerating anonymous tactics meant to silence lawful discussion."NCA spokesperson Madock Chivasa echoed the sentiment, saying: "No amount of fear or threats will deter us from campaigning against the 2030 agenda. There will not be enough jails if the government decides to put those who are against the 2030 agenda in jail. It is not a crime to challenge the push to extend the presidential term."Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said authorities are yet to verify whether formal reports of the alleged abductions have been lodged.Critics argue that the crackdown highlights shrinking civic space at a time when Parliament has invited citizens to submit views on the proposed amendments, primarily through emaila method they say may exclude those without reliable internet access.The Bill proposes repealing Section 92 of the Constitution and replacing it with a parliamentary process for electing the president. Political commentator Tendai Ruben Mbofana warned that blocking public debates undermines the credibility of the consultation process:"You cannot invite citizens to express views while simultaneously preventing them from gathering to formulate those views. Public consultation requires an environment where people are free to assemble, debate, and interrogate the implications of the bill without fear."Mandaza described the situation as a "constitutional coup," saying, "Every attempt at a public meeting is blocked, and civic leaders and citizens are being harassed and intimidated by state agents specially employed for the purpose."Analyst Rashweat Mukundu added that the alleged intimidation reflects a lack of confidence among those pushing the amendments: "If Zanu-PF has confidence that the people support them, they should allow open debate."The government has maintained that no referendum is necessary to pass the proposed amendments in Parliament, where Zanu-PF holds a two-thirds majority.The unfolding situation has raised alarm among civil society, opposition figures, and political commentators, who warn that the combination of intimidation, bans on public meetings, and restricted civic space threatens democratic principles and the integrity of public consultation. Cloverdale is full of lush greenery with bright citrus trees lining the streets in the heart of California's wine country. Forty years ago the upper-middle-class town, that now has 9,000 residents, was the last place you would expect a violent rape and murder to take place on the street. Neighbors looked after each other, and children played freely outside at night. But in 1982, 13-year-old Sarah Geer was raped and strangled to death. Her attacker hid in plain sight for nearly 45 years. 'This forever changed our little town,' mayor Todd Lands told the Daily Mail. Now 64-year-old James Oliver Unick has finally been convicted of Sarah's brutal murder and will pay the price for his crimes, all because of a discarded cigarette. Sarah had been having a sleepover at her friend Dana's home. Sarah, Dana, and her friend's mother had gone shopping and had dinner in Santa Rosa before dropping Sarah off at her home around 8pm on May 23, 1982. But instead of turning in for the night, Sarah ventured out again around 11pm, this time to her friend Cheryl's house. She went to ask her friend if she wanted to go for a walk downtown, but Cheryl declined. Sarah Geer, 13, was raped and murdered in Cloverdale, California, on May 23, 1982 James Oliver Unick escaped prosecution for nearly 45 years. He was arrested in 2024 (pictured) and has now been convicted Your browser does not support iframes. The two hung out for roughly 45 minutes before Sarah left and headed downtown that put her in the path of Unick's home, District Attorney Carla Rodriguez told the Daily Mail. At some point, Unick, then 20, forcibly dragged her down an alley and behind a fence near an apartment building, where he removed her shoes, partially undressed her, discarded her tampon and violently raped her. After assaulting her, he used Sarah's shorts to strangled her to death before fleeing the scene. The little girl's body was found the next morning by an off-duty fireman, who was coming home from his long shift, Rodriguez said. Sarah's uncle, who also testified at Unick's trial last month, identified the girl's body. Lands, who is a Cloverdale native, told the Daily Mail that in the 1980s it was normal for children to walk home alone late at night. For nearly 45 years, Sarah's murder went unsolved, stumping investigators who had no leads and leaving the tight-knit community to wonder what happened to her. Her killing left 'parents and families nervous and suspicious, and made the neighbors more vigilant,' he said. During her late-night walk to downtown, Sarah had to pass Unick's residence (pictured). At some point, he forcibly dragged her down an alley and behind a fence near an apartment building and raped her 'I remember as a kid, Cloverdale started a "block parent" program, that put signs in their windows, to show kids where they could go for safety, if they were ever in trouble,' the 48-year-old said. For years her case went cold but when the budget allowed the police department to reopen the case, they did, Lands added. There was a brief resurgence in 2003 after a criminalist at the state Department of Justice developed a DNA profile based on the sperm sample found in Sarah's underwear, but the lead went nowhere as no one was a match in California's system. It led to nearly another decade of no leads, but the case began to pick up speed again in 2021, when the Cloverdale Police Department hired private investigator Kevin Cline to help solve the murder. In June 2023, Cline reached out to the FBI, hoping its much larger genealogy database could help generate any investigative leads, as technology far exceeded that used during the initial investigation in the 1980s. Eight months later, the FBI's database linked the sperm to four brothers, including James Oliver Unick. Federal agents started building profiles on all the brothers, finding that two of them resided out of state, while the two others - including James Oliver Unick - lived in California. Agents also found that he had originally been interviewed by police during the initial investigation. Your browser does not support iframes. 'So, investigators focused on getting a surreptitious DNA sample from him first,' Rodriguez told the Daily Mail. After surveilling him for months, investigators swooped in and picked up a cigarette he discarded in late May 2024. A week later, a Department of Justice lab report linked the cigarette butt to the sperm fraction DNA profile found in Sarah's underwear, as well as to other DNA found on the clothing she was wearing at the time of her death. 'It turned out to be a match to our evidence,' Rodriguez said. A month and a half later, in July 2024, the Cloverdale Police Department pounced, dragging him into handcuffs and stuffing him into a cop car after arresting him at his home in Willows, which is roughly 140 miles away from Sarah's hometown. Unick had moved from Cloverdale to Willows around 1990, Rodriguez told the Daily Mail. And days later, the cheek swab they took at the time of his arrest came back as a direct match for the sperm sample in a DOJ lab, Rodriguez added. Agents also collected DNA samples from the other three brothers, all of which were 'confirmed to be excluded as contributors to the sperm profile from our evidence,' the district attorney added. Cloverdale was considered a safe neighborhood where neighbors watched out for each other The tree-lined town never forgot about Sarah and continued to demand justice for her Unick was charged with murder, rape, kidnapping, and forcible lewd acts with a minor under 14. He told investigators he didn't know Sarah and had no recollection of what happened decades ago when he was pushed for answers following his arrest. However, the rapist would switch his story during his month-long trial, stating that he and the 13-year-old had consensual sex after she propositioned him while he was playing a video game at a downtown arcade. He claimed they had sexual intercourse on a hillside near the Russian River and told jurors the girl had to have been murdered and assaulted by a different man who 'failed to leave behind any DNA evidence,' the DA's office said. Jurors rejected his version of events after two hours of deliberations and found him guilty. Unick will be sentenced in April. He is expected to get life without parole. 'The entire prosecution team is thankful to the dedicated investigators who worked so hard to solve Sarahs murder,' Rodriguez told the Daily Mail about the conclusion of the case. 'The residents of Cloverdale never forgot about Sarah and their police chief listened. This case shows that when a community works together, results happen.' Mayor Todd Lands (pictured left), a native of the town, remembered Cloverdale doing a 'block parent' program, where homes had signs to signal a safe place for children to go to when in trouble. DA Carla Rodriguez (pictured right) said the community's continued support of the case helped bring it to a close Lands told the Daily Mail: 'With the proper preservation of evidence from the night of the crime, coupled with new technology and trained investigators, they were able to get justice for Sarah Geer. 'I cannot imagine the pain this family went through. Losing a child to a horrific crime like this is my worst nightmare,' the father-of-two said. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Cloverdale Police Department and Unick's attorney, Gabriel Quinnan, for comment. Over 30 years ago, I remember watching TV footage of the first bombing raids over Iraq as the US-led Operation Desert Storm the response to Saddam Husseins annexation of Kuwait swung into action. I was 22, the same age as my own daughter now, and politically very naive. I had never seen scenes like it and had no real understanding of the region or the forces at play. I just knew that it looked damn scary, and it frightened me. Yesterday, I woke to a similar feeling of foreboding as footage of Israeli-American strikes on Iran flooded the internet. Only now, 35 years on, I have a clearer grasp of the context, and the layers of complexity that underpin the decision to strike at the heart of Irans ruling regime. The prospect of armed conflict still terrifies me, as it does every sane person, but sometimes extreme evil leaves no choice. There is no definitive figure on the number of Iranian civilians who have been slaughtered in the latest uprising. The Iranian governments official tally is just over 3,000, but most human rights organisations agree that this is just a fraction of the true death toll, which is more likely around 40,000, very possibly more. That does not, of course, include those who have been tortured, injured, maimed or raped. That number is in the region of 330,000. Estimates of those detained are around 50,000. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose regime has suppressed dissent Saddam Hussein, who was the leader of Iraq when Britain and the US invaded Remember, all these figures refer simply to the recent uprisings. God only knows how many have been massacred since the regime took over in 1979. Back then, Iran was a sophisticated, prosperous secular society, with a thriving middle class. True, it was far from perfect: the Shah was an authoritarian figure, and there was widespread inequality, especially between the urban elites and rural areas. Still, the country was doing relatively well. Iranians are an exceptional people. They excel in medicine, music, art and philosophy. Their culinary skills are famous throughout the world. Where there is a Persian diaspora you will find people of great dignity and integrity. And great food. For almost 50 years that spirit has been crushed. This is a regime that hangs teenagers from cranes, deliberately shoots protesters in the eyes and throws women in jail for not wearing the right clothes. It is a hardline Islamist government that believes in total suppression of personal freedom, and practises a form of intractable Sharia law that, among other things, discriminates viciously against women and girls. True, it is more sophisticated than other Islamist regimes, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, where women have been stripped of all their rights and are now reduced to the status of slaves and brood mares. But the fundamentals are the same. The Iranian people have shown immense courage and determination in resisting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his army of thugs. But the truth is, they face a Goliath they can never defeat alone. And that is why, hard as it is, it is right to intervene. Not just because their bravery deserves our support, but because we share a common enemy. The regime doesnt just terrorise its own people, it also exports its brand of Islamist oppression, poverty, sectarian division and misogyny throughout the Arab world and beyond. Former prime minister Tony Blair and former US president George W Bush in 2009 Image show smoke rising from Tehran after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran Tehran armed and cheered on the October 7 attacks; it has direct links to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to Hezbollah in Lebanon, to the Houthis in Yemen, to militias in Iraq and Syria. If you believe, as I do, that Islamism is a threat to civilised society, to a way of life that allows freedom of speech and religious expression and rejects the mistreatment of women and minorities, then the Islamic Republic has shown itself to be a very big part of that threat. No one lightly chooses military action. I truly cannot think of anything worse. Except, perhaps, allowing such an evil to grow unchecked in the world. Sometimes in life you have to take a stand. Sometimes you have to fight for what is right, no matter how frightening it may seem or how many people hate you for it. Historys great leaders have always known that. Churchill, for example, understood that, not that it does him any favours in this modern world, as we saw last week with the desecration of his statue in Parliament Square. Nevertheless, he led our country in a fight against a great tyranny. The cost in human lives was incalculable but the alternative, as those who bore witness to the horrors of the Nazi regime saw, would have been worse. There are no good decisions in politics, only less bad ones. The choice the West faces now is simple: tolerate the mass murder, torture and enslavement of hundreds of thousands of defenceless people across the Middle East, turn a blind eye to the credo that despises and seeks to destroy our way of life, watch as brave young men and women sacrifice their lives in vain or try to put a stop to it. There are only two ways to deal with a bully: stand up to them or join them. The former is far harder than the latter. In Britain today and across America there are far more people who would rather join the bullies than stand up to them, as we see endlessly in the hate-fuelled faces of pro-Palestinian protesters tearing down pictures of Jewish hostages, in the hero-worship of Hamas, in the number of useful idiots parroting Islamist propaganda on our airwaves. These voices dont really care about the people of Gaza. The dead are just cannon-fodder for their ideological fervour. To them human suffering is all just fuel for their political propaganda. If they were truly motivated by humanitarian concerns, they would march against all atrocities, including the slaughter of Iranians by their own regime, the enslavement of women and girls in Afghanistan, the genocide in Sudan and Putins atrocious war crimes in Ukraine. But no, they care about suffering only when it suits their political narrative. That is why they will be vehemently opposed to this move by Israel and America. If this intervention succeeds, it will undermine their whole world view, not to mention make life very hard for their heroes Hamas and Hezbollah and the whole from the river to the sea brigade. Its important to remember that there are many Muslims who loathe extremist Islam even more so than non-Muslims do. One of the biggest threats to the spread of radical Islam across the globe is a functioning, democratic Iran. So helping the people of Iran reclaim their country could begin that transformation. But in many ways military intervention is the easy part: far harder is the recovery, making sure that one evil is not replaced by another, as is the case in Afghanistan. Iran, though, is not Afghanistan, nor Syria. The people of Iran are united in their fervent desire to depose the regime. All over the world, there are displaced Iranians who want nothing more than to return to their homeland and help rebuild their once great nation. On Friday, I had lunch with one of them, an old school friend. I asked her how her family was faring back home. Theyre OK for the time being, she said. Watching the warships getting closer and closer, waiting and hoping. Let us pray that hope becomes a reality. News / National by Staff reporter The legal troubles of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe have intensified this week as new allegations emerge over his residency status in South Africa.Bellarmine, 28, is already facing charges of attempted murder after allegedly shooting a man in the back in Hyde Park on 19 February 2026. He appeared alongside his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, 33, at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on 23 February.According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole, both men face a series of serious charges including attempted murder, obstructing the administration of justice, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, theft, and contraventions of the Immigration Act due to suspected illegal residence in South Africa.The alleged theft adds a troubling element to the case. Mohlatlole explained that after the victim was shot, he tried to flee but fell outside the gate. One of the accused allegedly took the gate remote from him during the incident. The victim remains under police guard in hospital. The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered, and investigations are ongoing.Bellarmine's legal team, led by lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, has confirmed that bail applications for both accused are expected on Tuesday, 3 March. However, the alleged immigration violation complicates the process. During a previous court appearance, Bellarmine reportedly collapsed twice while in custody due to a chronic medical condition.The case casts a shadow over Bellarmine's previously high-profile online persona, where he was known for flaunting an extravagant lifestyle alongside his older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., echoing the lavish spending of his mother, Grace Mugabe.Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the shooting and the alleged illegal residency, making bail for Bellarmine and his co-accused uncertain. Democracy has to be fought for in every generation. People get used to having such freedoms and take them for granted. But they are always under threat. The winner of an election attains so much authority for so long that unscrupulous power-seekers must often be tempted to try dirty tricks. And the supervision of the voting process in this country is remarkably relaxed. Maybe it is too relaxed for these cynical times. Not long ago there were major incidences of misuse of postal ballots. Now there are serious, sustained allegations of new malpractices in last Thursdays Gorton and Denton by-election, as Reform leader Nigel Farage complains in our pages today. Some observers claim that the alleged malpractices could even have altered the result. In some cases, voters are said to have photographed their ballots, presumably so that they could show them to someone who might have offered them favours in return for their votes behaviour not seen here for 150 years. The main method involved, so-called family voting, does not sound anything like as bad as it is. Put simply, it involves a man violating the secrecy of the polling booth to tell a woman how to vote. Left-wingers should surely be especially outraged at such a denial of womens rights. But, perhaps because it may have benefited a Left-wing party over a Right-wing one, reactions from that quarter have been muted. Such complacency is a grave mistake. All democrats must rally to defend democracy, or it will disappear. Reform leader Nigel Farage, pictured at a press conference last month, speaks in today's pages about serious, sustained allegations of new malpractices in last Thursdays Gorton and Denton by-election Will the people of Iran now rise up? The free world has long been exasperated by Irans mullahs, their support for terror by proxy, their perpetual raising of tensions in the Middle East and their hatred of Israel. In recent weeks, the whole civilised community has been disgusted by the Iranian regimes murderous brutality towards democratic protesters. Tehrans incessant attempts to create nuclear weapons, and its development of ever more menacing missiles, threaten the entire region. The Revolutionary Guard is one of the most sinister state-sponsored forces anywhere. Irans treatment of women is oppressive and stupid. Its elite is corrupt and economically incompetent. From any viewpoint, Iran is a problem badly in need of a solution. So many will look at Donald Trumps attack on Iran, in alliance with Israel, and give it their support. But is the Presidents method, of heavy attacks from the air coupled with encouraging the Iranian people to rise up, the right one? Previous Western attempts to overthrow vicious Middle Eastern regimes have gone badly wrong. Much will now depend on Irans reaction. On previous occasions it has not seemed keen to hit back, fearing a full-scale war. Let us hope this attack does not widen into a general conflict. It has started. After weeks of formal talks, warnings and military positioning, including the deployment of roughly a third of the US Navys deployable fleet, the pre-emptive strike against Iran has begun. As its codename suggests, Operation Epic Fury has unleashed air strikes against military, political and infrastructure targets. The scale is game-changing. The military execution, by all accounts, formidable. But what happens next? Generals like to ask one question before committing force: what does victory look like? Bombing is the easy part. What follows is far less predictable. Perhaps that explains reports that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine, pressed for clarity before the operation began. To approve kinetic force without understanding the end state is not bold leadership, it is negligence. Overwhelming force is not a substitute for a political plan. This uncertainty explains why some Western allies did not line up unquestioningly behind Washington. That hesitation should not be misinterpreted as sympathy for Tehran. Tobias Ellwood, former minister for the Middle East, says President Trump has 'opened a Pandora's box' in Iran The regimes toxic influence across the Middle East, sponsoring Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, suppressing its own people and destabilising neighbours for decades, is well understood. Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has tested every American president. The fall of the Shah, the 444-day hostage crisis, the export of revolutionary ideology, the steady expansion of proxy networks, and the long dispute over nuclear enrichment have defined four decades of confrontation. For years, Iran operated just below the threshold of decisive response. When intelligence suggested Tehran was approaching nuclear breakout capability, the US and Israel acted last June, striking Fordow and other sites in a 12-day campaign. Yet the regime endured. Enrichment resumed. The ambition remained. This time its different. Donald Trumps message to the Iranian people When we are finished, take over your government signals that this is not simply another limited series of air strikes. It hints at regime change. Irans air defences may be degraded, but it retains formidable missile and drone capabilities. US Central Command released this image as part of Operation 'Epic Fury' on Saturday, when it attacked Iran in partnership with Israel Retaliation has already begun. Expect its proxies in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen to widen the theatre. Disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and cyber operations are likely. The Middle East is not a closed system; energy markets and global security will feel the effects. Then comes the harder question: what happens inside Iran? It is tempting to assume that recent civilian uprisings suggest the country is ready to cast off this despotic regime. But two uncomfortable truths intervene. First, there is no unified opposition waiting in the wings. Iran is a mosaic of peoples, Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, Baluch and others, with deep ethnic, linguistic and regional identities. Shared anger does not equal shared vision. There is no leadership structure prepared to assume control. Second, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is not simply a military force. It is an embedded power structure. President Trump claimed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in Saturday's attack Israeli air defences worked to intercept Iranian missiles headed for the country after Operation 'Epic Fury' on Saturday Beyond its elite units and missile programmes, it holds economic clout across construction, energy, telecommunications and banking. In any vacuum, it is the most organised and well-armed actor in Iran. Trump will hope that in the event of the regimes collapse, the IRGC will be open to a bargain, immunity from war crimes prosecution in return for a quiet disarmament, perhaps. Without that, no international stabilisation force similar to that proposed for Gaza will dare tread on Iranian soil. Decapitating the government without structured transition planning could just as easily yield a military-dominated despotism. Is that the outcome we want? Trump has opened a Pandoras box. Calls for de-escalation are understandable, but the threshold has been crossed. In 50 years there has never been a greater opportunity to shape a different chapter for Iran. He's dead. Finally. Iran's Supreme Leader, the sinister octogenarian Ali Khamenei, has met a well-deserved end at the hands of a joint US-Israel strike. He died, as he lived, by the most extreme violence. His end was as fitting as it was squalid: buried beneath a pile of rubble as his world crashed in around him. I've been waiting for this all my life ever since my family fled Iran in the 1970s as religious fanaticism gripped what was once the most cosmopolitan state in the Middle East. From my earliest childhood in north-west London, I remember hearing grown-ups discuss the bearded men in flowing robes and turbans (amamahs in Persian) and the damage they had done to Iran. Finally, after almost half a century, their sordid reign might be coming to an end. However, while I welcome the death of a man responsible for so much suffering, I'm also cautious. Cautious because I understand that Khamenei's death is not decisive. He was already nearing the end of his life, and the regime had long been preparing for succession. The death of his 56-year-old son and possible heir Mojtaba alongside him which has been reported but not yet confirmed would be perhaps more significant. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) died in joint US and Israeli strikes in Tehran in the early hours of Saturday But the surgical strikes against Tehran which have so far killed a series of top officials including Iran's Minister of Defence, the Head of the Military Staff of the Supreme Leader of Iran and the Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been the easy part. What comes next will be crucial. Khamenei's death is only the beginning of a process that by no means guarantees a better future for Iran. Ending this malignant regime is one thing, but ensuring that what replaces it is better is another entirely. And that is what really matters. The key point is that without a coherent and organised opposition, and without a credible leader to rally around, any successor is almost certain to come from within the regime itself. Who might that be? During the 12-day conflict with Israel last June, Khamenei reportedly identified three possible successors: the head of the judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei; his chief of staff, Ali Asghar Hejazi; and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder. All are regime insiders. All are senior clerics. This matters, because under the constitution the Supreme Leader must be a cleric appointed by the Assembly of Experts. To my mind, however, a more plausible figure has always been Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and one of the most experienced operators in the system. During recent internal unrest, Khamenei increasingly entrusted Larijani with the day-to-day running of the state, sidelining President Masoud Pezeshkian in the process. True, Larijani is not a cleric. But Iran has long functioned less as a pure theocracy than as a praetorian state, heavily shaped by the IRGC. In recent months, Larijani's influence has only grown. He has overseen the suppression of protests, managed relations with key partners such as Russia and Qatar, handled sensitive nuclear diplomacy, and helped prepare Iran for confrontation with Israel and the United States. He will undoubtedly be high on any Israeli or American target list. Donald Trump appears to understand this dynamic that true regime change will require consent from at least some of the forces that sustain the mullahs in power. As Israeli and US forces pounded Iran, Trump addressed members of the IRGC directly. Ali Larijani (pictured), chair of the Supreme National Security Commission who, in recent weeks, Khamenei had given increasing power to 'Lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death,' he urged. He also claimed Iranian military and police were 'seeking immunity and potentially turning against the regime'. Now Trump says the regime has reached out: it wants to talk and he's happy to oblige. 'They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner... They waited too long,' he said. It is typical Trump. The solution is always a deal. And why not? A similar play worked in Venezuela, after all. Trump removed president Nicolas Maduro after several people in his administration opened communication channels with the Venezuelan government. They included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reached out to vice-president Delcy Rodriguez (now interim president) to ensure a smooth succession after Maduro was captured and taken to the US. But Iran isn't Venezuela. That's not to say Trump's ploy won't work or can't. Right now, each and every senior figure in Iran will be thinking of their next move. With their leader gone and their military capabilities degraded by the hour, some might indeed calculate that Trump's offer is the best deal they're going to get. But I can't help thinking back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that drove my family from the country and brought the mullahs to power. In the aftermath, members of the Shah's secret police, the hated SAVAK, were hanged in the street. Years of anger against their brutality came pouring out, and the people took their revenge. No 'deals' would have saved them. Given the regime's brutality particularly that of the IRGC and its street enforcers, the Basij which has far surpassed anything seen under the Shah, I cannot see Iranians being content to live under, let alone be governed by, some of their worst oppressors. Senior figures might be offered some form of 'witness protection' arrangement abroad. But it's difficult to imagine many trading their mansions in North Tehran a lovely place where my own family once lived and their looted millions for anonymous middle-class obscurity in South Dakota. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (pictured), the son of the Shah overthrown in 1979, is a potential successor to lead Iran The best hope for Iranians is that an opposition force emerges that, even if not democratic, is at least sane. Here again, I turn to the lessons of 1979. That revolution had many strengths, not least that it was built around the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the first Supreme Leader and founder of the Islamic Republic. As soon as the Shah fled the country, Khomeini was there to step into his shoes. But when, amid the Arab Spring of 2011, Egyptian protesters forced Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to resign, there was no one to take his place and the void was quickly filled by the Muslim Brotherhood a far more sinister outfit than Mubarak's regime. This is the problem Iran's protesters face today. There are millions of them, but they have no leader. If the hated mullahs fell tomorrow, what would replace them? Many look to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah overthrown in 1979. But he has lived in the US for nearly five decades. I am also doubtful he possesses the political skill required. There is no doubt Pahlavi has become a powerful symbol for many. During recent protests, demonstrators across the country chanted his name. He might serve as a symbol around which a transition of power to a more Western-facing regime might occur. But this is far from certain. I repeat: we can only welcome the death of Khamenei. But this is just the beginning. My dream of sipping tea and eating chelow kabab in North Tehran might be a little closer, but it's not yet time to book my flight. With the world edging closer to a conflict of potentially seismic proportions, would it have been too much to expect Keir Starmer to nail his colours unambiguously to the mast? Short answer: it would appear so. The Prime Ministers stilted address from No10 on Saturday left nobody any the wiser as to where he and his government stand on the US-led strikes against Iran. Worse was to come when Defence Secretary John Healey declined on six occasions to give a straight answer yesterday when asked if the Government backed the strikes. Bemused onlookers could be forgiven for wondering whether No 10 even had an opinion on the subject. Late last night, word finally came that the UK has now agreed to a US request to use British airbases to target Iranian missile sites. But what was the delay all about? Nobody is suggesting this is straightforward. Bitter experience shows bids by the West to overthrow despotic Middle Eastern regimes can go disastrously wrong. But Iran has been at the centre of global terrorism for decades and has the blood of thousands of victims on its hands. Prime Minister Keir Starmer issues a statement at 10 Downing Street, London, on the latest developments in the Middle East Scenes in Tehran following strikes on the city from Israel and the United States Join the debate Should Britain take a bolder stand on global crises or is caution the better path for our leaders? With the real prospect of regime change in Tehran, it was always crucial Western powers sent out a coherent message. Yet even though it was clear these strikes were imminent, Sir Keir still seemed unable to spell out his position on Saturday. Reading from an autocue as he delivered his statement, he sounded less like the leader of an influential nation and more like a commentator on events that had no bearing on him or our place in the world. Except hes so wooden and dull, not even The Guardian would hire him in that role. Until the developments of late last night, it appeared that Sir Keir had forgotten that Britain is the second biggest player in Nato. With both Canada and Australia already voicing support for the US strikes, there was no excuse for him not speaking up earlier. Criticism was already rumbling across the Atlantic about the PMs inertia before last night. Reports that he had only a brief conversation with Donald Trump after the attacks strongly suggest a lack of respect from Washington. Nor will his apparent initial refusal to allow US forces to use the Chagos Islands base have done much to nurture the fabled special relationship between Britain and America. While leaders of other countries clearly see the bigger picture, Sir Keir true to his legal background initially seemed more intent on observing the small print. No doubt he was also trying to keep restless backbenchers in check while, of course, appeasing Labours Muslim vote. Until he finally decided to stand up and be counted in this crisis last night, Starmer had the look of a man who was desperately trying to be everyones friend. Even a hopeless political leader like him ought to know thats the surest way of ending up neither trusted nor respected by anyone. He was the great survivor of Iranian politics. But in the end his death was as violent as the terror and destruction he meted out to his own citizens and exported abroad. It is thought that Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader whose despotic rule stretched over four decades, met his martyrdom, as state media have it, in the rubble of his Tehran compound. His reign featured arbitrary executions and imprisonments, terrorism and routine corruption which impoverished tens of millions in an oil-rich country, but Khameneis guiding star was always his hatred of Israel. And it was their bombs that levelled his now-smoking compound yesterday morning. Khameneis death will come as cold comfort to the families of an estimated 40,000 Iranians who have been murdered by his feared Revolutionary Guard forces since protests erupted across the country in December. International condemnation followed and an American armada of warships steamed to the region. US President Donald Trump hoped a show of force would cow the Iranian regime into halting its nuclear enrichment and missiles programs but stalled negotiations in Oman and Geneva left him in no doubt as to the identity of the obstacle. While US missiles rained down upon military targets, the Israeli Defence Forces were given the task of taking out the key figures of Khameneis regime, with their ace of spades the Ayatollah himself. It was unfinished business for Tel Aviv from last June, when Israel and the US launched airstrikes against Irans nuclear facilities until Trump finally called a halt to the 12-day campaign. It left Khameneis regime bruised and bloodied, but he had still been able to reappear from his hiding place to declare victory over the American Great Satan and its Israeli ally. It is thought that Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader whose despotic rule stretched over four decades, met his martyrdom, as state media have it No longer. Few would have predicted the turbulent career of the future Ayatollah, when Ali Hosseini Khamenei was born in the north-eastern Iranian holy city of Mashad in April, 1939. His father, a minor Muslim cleric, was an ethnic Azeri and his mother Persian, but his parents, like millions of Iranians, were united by the Shiite Muslim faith. Their country was then ruled by the secular military dictator, Reza Pahlavi I, who seized power in 1926 and tried to Westernise Iran, not least by banning the black chador, a head-to-toe veil for women that made only the face visible. As a teenager at school, young Khamenei was conscious that his traditional clothes and hand-me-down cloak marked him out as poor compared to the other boys who wore Western shirts and trousers. He read Western literature, too. He devoured translations John Steinbecks Grapes Of Wrath and Victor Hugos Les Miserables (though the Lloyd Weber musical version was banned), captivated by their message about how the poor live under the heel of the rich. But it was his religiosity rather than his class that made Ali Khamenei into a revolutionary. At 19, he went to the religious centre of Iran at Qom to study with a firebrand critic of the Shah called Ruhollah Khomeini. Like many radicals, Khamenei would undergo brutal treatment at the hands of the Shahs secret police, and suffering torture does not make men tolerant. Khameneis generation came out of prison convinced that their pain entitled them to inflict it on those who really deserved it which became an ever-growing number over the long years Khamenei would be in power. Like his teacher Khomeini, the young Khamenei spent time in exile in Iraq at the key sites associated with the founding martyrs of Shiite Islam including the figure of Imam Hossein (who gave Khamenei his second name, Hosseini). The Israeli Defence Forces were given the task of taking out the key figures of Khameneis regime (Pictured, black smoke rises from the Supreme Leader's compound yesterday) After the overthrow of the Shah in 1979, Khamenei navigated the early years of the revolution, buffeted by power struggles, by remaining loyal to the new Ayatollah Khomeini and turning him against potential rivals. In 1981, Khamenei became second president of the new Islamic Republic by joining the witch-hunt against his predecessor Bani Sadr who fled abroad where he was eventually assassinated. No doubt Khamenei regarded his escape from death in 1981 when a bomb attack by rival radicals paralysed his right arm as evidence of divine grace, though it was a nagging painful disability for the rest of his life. During the 1980s, the issue that would haunt Iran until today became acute: should the country develop nuclear weapons? Then, the enemy was Iraq whose leader Saddam Hussein rained death on Iranians through missiles and chemical weapons in a brutal war that would last most of the decade. Khameini, like his boss the Ayatollah, opposed spending billions on a long-term weapons project, which would take years to come to fruition when the Iraqi threat was so immediate. He fell out with his prime minister, Mir Hussein Mousavi, who advocated for an Iranian bomb before his dismissal in 1989. That year Khamenei became the Supreme Leader of both state and religion as Grand Ayatollah following the death Khomeini. Mousavi would reappear in 2009 as leader of the so-called Green opposition to Khameneis favoured presidential candidate. Mousavi galvanised the first large-scale street protests, which were mercilessly broken up by the Basij religious police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, of which Khamenei had been a founder member in 1979. The rigid gender rules imposed by the Islamic Republic became increasingly resented in the 21st century as Iranian women chafed at the contradiction between being allowed to study at universities actually a higher percentage than men by the 2020s but denied equality in other spheres of society. The murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Irans religious morality policy, who had arrested her for not wearing a hijab, led to nationwide protests in 2022 under the banner of Women, Life, Freedom. But this too was put down. A wave of Muslim piety had swept the Ayatollahs to power in 1979, but under Khameneis long reign as Supreme Leader after 1989, religious practice among Iranians waned. State TV could show large crowds chanting the regimes slogans but attendance at Friday prayers slumped to around 35 per cent at best by the 2020s and many mosques closed for lack of congregations. Ali Khameneis, pictured last year in Tehran, dead hand could remain on the tiller for a while yet Worse still was the widespread view that the clerical regime was deeply hypocritical. Just as corruption had gnawed away at the Shahs regime, so years of absolute power and censorship had encouraged cynicism and self-serving in the hierarchy under Khamenei. He tolerated it because it rewarded his friends and bought off troublemakers. But the culture encouraged everyone to have a price, even when approached by Israels Mossad spies. Tel Avivs extraordinary ability to know Tehrans deepest secrets and track its most important political, military and scientific personnel showed that the Ayatollah had ignored warnings. The first non-mullah to be Irans president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, shared Khameneis ravings against Israel and the West but he was regarded as too pushy by the Ayatollah, who ignored his warnings about Israeli penetration of the Islamic Republic. Mossad is nearer to us than our own ears, Ahmadinejad had warned. But Khamenei wouldnt hear of it, so much so that he failed to realise that his head of the anti-Mossad department of Iranian security was, in fact, an Israel agent along with 20 of his staff. Western foreign policy analysts sniggered at such paranoid conspiracy thinking as much as Khamenei, but Israels waves of targeted killings on leading Iranian figures in their supposedly secret bolt-holes or in anonymous cars travelling between them shows how naively self-confident the Ayatollah had been. During the war with Israel last June, Khamenei was sequestered from public view, hidden in a bunker as he was when Covid struck in 2020 such was his fear of catching the disease that had ripped through the country. But this left him vulnerable to a possible putsch. Many radical Revolutionary Guards had long criticised Khameneis decision to develop the components of nuclear bomb atomic warheads, detonators and missiles without bringing them together into a workable weapon. Saddams Iraq was no longer a mortal threat. Instead Israel and Saudi Arabia were jostling Iran for regional supremacy and the spectre of American invasion loomed larger since its war in Iraq. Regional power and security could only be achieved by being a nuclear-armed country, but Khamenei insisted that Allah forbade the use of weapons of mass destruction a foolish caveat that was never going to deter Israel and the West from stopping Iran developing a bomb. From his bunker last June, Khamenei had to surrender his authority as Supreme Commander to a team of new Revolutionary Guard commanders. Belatedly, he recognised his lack of foresight in not naming a successor much earlier (perhaps fearing his chosen crown prince would become a rival). In the immediate aftermath of US-Israeli ceasefire last June, Khamenei instituted a savage purge of those he suspected were Israeli spies and saboteurs. But it was as much about silencing those who criticised him for leading Iran into such a vulnerable position. Eight months on, those of his enemies still alive will not mourn his death. But they will be deeply wary as to what comes next. A power struggle among would-be successors to replace Khamenei will shatter the Islamic Republics cohesion, which many fear will lead to civil war. Yet his powerful allies will lean on his propaganda image as a divinely inspired leader to justify keeping the regime he created intact under new management. Ali Khameneis dead hand could remain on the tiller for a while yet. Sometimes the smallest details reveal the greatest truth. At the Kirya in Tel Aviv the massive, fenced Israeli military headquarters in the center of the city top officers meeting on Saturday morning were told not to order takeout. Too many delivery drivers arriving at once might tip off Iranian intelligence that something unusual was underway. For even as Israel planned to launch one of the most ambitious military operations in their history, in close coordination with American allies, there was deep caution and even respect for the enemy. For good reason. Not far from my home in Tel Aviv, a residential building took a direct hit from an Iranian missile strike on Saturday in one of the first rounds of Iranian retaliation. The Iron Dome, Arrow-3 defensive missile shield and various other systems are effective but not infallible. One woman, a Filipino guest worker, was confirmed dead. As of Sunday afternoon, at least nine people were killed by a direct missile strike on a house in the central town of Beit Shemesh. Two dozen others were pulled from the rubble injured but alive. An explosion in Tel Aviv caused by a retaliatory strike on Israel Search and rescue teams are dispatched to Beit Shemesh near West Jerusalem after a missile launched by Iran hit a building And by late morning eastern time, the world learned at least three US servicemembers were killed and five seriously wounded. Despite the stunning early successes of Israel's Operation Roaring Lion and America's Operation Epic Fury, retaliation and the specter of terrible unintended consequences loom, but the potential upside has never seemed so great. Throughout the years that I was the Associated Press' Middle East editor, I recall attending many briefings about the Israel military's contingencies for eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat. In the early 2010s in Israel, it was believed that an attack on Iran's command and control elements was imminent, but it was always the political echelon, including the then-cautious Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held back. So, why now? In short, Tehran's recent massacre of an estimated 40,000 of its own people during January protests created a grassroots Iranian desire for a coup that didn't even exist nearly seven months ago, during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June. Then, Israel was joined by American B-2 bombers, which struck and destroyed Iran's three main nuclear sites. But after the dust settled, the Iranian regime was left to nurse its wounds. No longer. This time the US and Israel are working together to see the Islamic Republic tumble. Indeed, regime change rarely works well. But in this case, the success of joint strikes has created a decisive juncture. It is difficult to see the White House agreeing to anything less than a full Iranian surrender on US terms and it is difficult to imagine Tehran, even after confirmation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, accepting them. The US is demanding the verifiable end of significant Iranian uranium enrichment or missile capability and the full cessation of support for proxy militias that have spread havoc around the region. To date, there is no sign that Iran will concede. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike In Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, civilians protested against the US and Israeli strikes on the country Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu gives an address from his office on February 28 President Donald Trump with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, left, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, right, on Saturday, February 28 The next days and weeks could go several different ways. The regime might well choose to double down, wait for Trump's impatience to kick in and for domestic criticism in the US to mount over the lack of Congressional approval of the war. One possibility, not to be discounted, is that Trump decides that the killing of so many top enemy leaders already constitutes a version of regime change and opts to walk away, claiming Iran's offensive capabilities have again been 'obliterated.' A similar scenario occurred in Venezuela, where the United States captured dictator Nicolas Maduro, then claimed victory and permitted the Chavista regime to remain in place. Meanwhile, Iran seems to be attempting to shock Europe into pressuring the US and Israel to stop the attack. Iran has been firing scores of missiles and launching armed drones at Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, causing damage at Dubai's international airport. For Tehran, this is a waiting game, but time is running out for them as well. Trump has publicly urged Iranian Revolutionary Guard leaders and foot soldiers to stand down, wisely offering them amnesty. If even a fraction of these officers begins to wobble, especially as the masses of Iranians take to the streets, chances rise for a combined revolution and palace coup. At the same time, Iran has other threats from within. Their population of 90 million includes more ethnic Azeris (a Turkic ethnic group) up to 20 million than neighboring homeland, Azerbaijan, itself. There are substantial numbers of Baluchi (indigenous Sunni Muslims) and Arab minorities who could align against the regime with their fellow regional clansmen. And the Kurds, a distinct ethnic group, living inside Iran has long signaled their ambitions for autonomy from the majority Shi'a, ethnically Persian state. Already a coalition of five major Kurdish groups have formed a joint bloc in protest of the Islamic regime. Finally, there is an unpredictable and substantial geopolitical element to all of this. Iran has been an asset for Beijing. The chaos the regime stokes ensures that the West remains distracted from China's rising ambitions. If the Islamic Republic fractures or reorients, the implications are vast: for example, if war erupts over Taiwan, China will need Iran more than ever. China buys more than 80 percent of Iran's oil exports at deep discounts. Even though these revenues have kept the Islamic Republic afloat, Beijing has benefited from this flow of subsidized energy. The fall of the Iranian regime would likely spark a global realignment, stretching far beyond the Middle East. This war and its consequences are far from over. For months, colleagues kept asking university lecturer Alison Cavanagh whether she had a cold because her nose was constantly blocked. The grandmother of five paid little attention to the congestion, until one day while at a meal with friends everyone was commenting on the aromas in the restaurant and she realised she could not smell a thing. Looking back, my sense of smell probably went away gradually over a year or two, says 62-year-old Alison, from Manchester. I did eventually go to the GP and they prescribed a nasal spray, but it didnt make any difference. By then she had completely lost her sense of smell known medically as anosmia. Along with it her sense of taste was dramatically dulled, as much of what we perceive as flavour is governed by smell receptors. Not being able to smell or taste at all was life-limiting, says Alison. I completely lost interest in cooking and going out for meals with friends and family. People used to joke that at least I couldnt notice bad smells, but even not being able to smell my youngest grandchilds nappies made looking after them more difficult. Alison also found that the left side of her nose was permanently blocked. She rarely slept through the night and was left constantly exhausted. Eventually, after repeated trips to the GP, she was referred to a specialist and diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis severe, long-term swelling of the nasal lining. Chronic rhinosinusitis can be debilitating, causing headaches, yellow or green nasal discharge, tooth pain and persistent congestion Tests also revealed she had nasal polyps fleshy, non-cancerous growths that can form inside the nose. After a six-month wait she underwent surgery to remove the polyps but her sense of smell did not return. I remember cooking dinner one evening when my husband, Andrew, came into the kitchen, says Alison. He rushed over to the oven and told me not to move. The hob hadnt lit properly and Id filled the room with gas without realising. Fed up with living without a sense of smell for 15 years, Alison forked out thousands to undergo polyp removal surgery a second time. She was also prescribed a steroid spray and advised to use a twice-daily nasal wash. After years of suffering with the condition, she finally turned a corner. I was in the kitchen chopping onions when I realised I could smell them, says Alison. I ran into the living room to tell my husband. I was so emotional I was crying and not because of the onions. Experts warn if those with rhinosinusitis do not get early treatment they risk the symptoms becoming severe and long-term, like Alisons. It often creeps up on patients over time before they take note, says Professor Carl Philpott, an expert in disorders linked to smell and taste at the University of East Anglia. It will start with low-grade symptoms, then one day they wake up without the ability to smell. Sinusitis is incredibly common, the second most prevalent infectious disease seen by GPs Alison Cavanagh lost her smell for 15 years after being diagnosed with rhinosinusitis However, Professor Philpott says early intervention could, for many, prevent deterioration. We now know that, for some patients, dealing with symptoms early can slow progression, so it is important for patients to seek help when they notice a change, he says. Sinusitis is incredibly common, the second most prevalent infectious disease seen by GPs, and can be caused by bacteria, viruses or allergies. It usually leads to congestion, a runny nose, facial pain and a loss of smell. Most cases last no longer than a week. But for between 5 and 10 per cent of Britons, sinus infections become chronic continuing for more than 12 weeks. Chronic rhinosinusitis can be debilitating, causing headaches, yellow or green nasal discharge, tooth pain and persistent congestion. An even longer-term immune system reaction causes extreme inflammation in the nose, leading not only to constant dripping but to nasal polyps. These swellings can block the olfactory nerves, which carry scent signals to the brain, causing partial or total loss of smell and taste. And there may be a genetic reason why some people are more likely to develop it. Research has linked chronic rhinosinusitis to other inflammatory airway conditions such as hay fever and cystic fibrosis, says Mr Vikas Acharya, consultant rhinologist at University College London Hospital. Nearly a quarter of people with chronic rhinosinusitis also have asthma five times the rate in the general population. For those with the polyp form, it is even higher, at 70 per cent. This doesnt mean that everyone with one of these conditions will develop chronic rhinosinusitis, but there is a genetic predisposition we dont quite understand yet, says Mr Acharya. And, like many inflammatory conditions, sinus disease is on the rise. It is now the commonest condition that I, as an ear, nose and throat surgeon, see day to day. Last week, GP and Mail on Sunday columnist Dr Ellie Cannon wrote that she is seeing dozens of patients in her clinic who are bunged up and it is not cold or flu, but sinusitis. In response, we were flooded with letters and emails from readers who said they had tried everything to treat the condition, with repeated trips to doctors but no solution. Research has linked chronic rhinosinusitis to other inflammatory airway conditions such as hay fever and cystic fibrosis One 84-year-old woman said she has suffered with a blocked and drippy nose for four years, yet at an appointment the doctors attitude was very off-hand and he said, What do you expect at your age? Meanwhile, a 74-year-old man told The Mail on Sunday he has been waiting nearly a year to see a specialist, while the condition has left him with a constant bad chest and multiple infections. For many, the first port of call is nasal decongestant sprays. But these can do more harm than good if used for more than four days. Studies show that prolonged use can damage the delicate lining of the nose and trigger a rebound effect known as rhinitis medicamentosa, where blood vessels swell as soon as the spray is stopped. This can leave patients feeling even more congested than before, and drives a cycle of repeated use and dependence that is difficult to break without medical help. Research published last month by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society found that 60 per cent of pharmacists believe patients are unaware these sprays should not be used long-term, putting them at serious risk of severe and chronic congestion. Instead, experts say the best treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis is simple: saline nasal rinsing. Also known as nasal douching, it is part of standard advice for patients with the condition. But poor technique and lack of adherence mean it is often ineffective. Patients are often aged between 40 and 70, living busy lives and they just dont do it properly or often enough to benefit, says Professor Philpott. You need to do it twice a day, every day, and importantly should not stop as soon as symptoms improve, as it often returns. It's a fact Each person sneezes or blows their nose more than 1,000 times a year, on average, according to a 2002 study. Advertisement A 2016 Cochrane review found nasal rinsing improves symptoms and quality of life within three to six months. To do it properly, experts recommend using a saline packet or mixing half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a pint of tepid, previously boiled water. The liquid is then put into a large syringe, or sinus rinse bottle, such as those made by NeilMed and sold in pharmacies. Patients are advised to block one nostril and sniff the solution into the other, allowing it to run out. Rinsing should continue until no debris appears, before repeating on the other side. If nose drops have been prescribed, they should be used after rinsing. However, for some people the condition will deteriorate anyway, says Professor Philpott. Alongside rinsing, patients are typically given nasal sprays containing steroids, antihistamines and steroid tablets. If these fail, surgery may be offered. Around 50 per cent of patients do not respond to steroids, which work by reducing inflammation, and require an operation known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Join the debate Should doctors be taking long-term sinus problems more seriously instead of just blaming age or offering quick fixes? The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and involves widening the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses and carefully remove any polyps or inflamed tissue, including their roots. The aim is not only to clear blockages but to restore airflow and allow medicines such as steroid sprays to reach the affected areas more effectively afterwards. The operation is performed entirely through the nostrils, leaving no external scars. Most patients go home the same day, but recovery can take several weeks and often involves discomfort and the need for regular nasal rinsing and follow-up care. As with any surgery, there are risks, including bleeding, infection and, rarely, damage to surrounding structures such as the eye or skull base. Research shows that about 10 per cent of patients will need repeated operations because the underlying inflammation continues even after polyps are removed. In these cases, the tissue can regrow over time, gradually blocking the sinuses again. Now these patients may be offered a lifeline an innovative new treatment called dupilumab. Last month, the NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), approved the drug, clearing the way for rollout. The therapy targets parts of the immune system driving inflammation, calming the response. As a twice-weekly injection, this will be transformative for patients with severe disease where surgery and steroids have failed, says Professor Philpott. But charities warn access to care remains a problem. There has long been an issue with patients with chronic rhinosinusitis being referred appropriately or accessing effective long-term treatment, says Duncan Boak, of the charity SmellTaste. There is still an attitude of youre a bit bunged up, just have a nasal spray, which for many offers only temporary relief. He urges patients to advocate for themselves, adding: We encourage people to make the case for the impact on their life particularly loss of smell, quality of life, and the potential dangers it can cause. Could a 'snot transplant' be the answer? Scientists are developing a radical treatment for people suffering from debilitating congestion more snot. A Swedish research team is trialling a mucus transfusion for patients with treatment-resistant chronic rhinosinusitis. In a 2022 study, 22 people with polyp-free chronic rhinosinusitis were recruited along with healthy donors mostly spouses or friends of the recruits. They first treated the recipients with antibiotics to create a clean slate for the new micro-organisms, then rinsed the donors sinuses with saline solution and collected it. On five consecutive days, they rinsed the recipients noses with the donor snot. Three months later, 16 of the 22 recipients reported improvements to their health and quality of life, according to the results published in the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology journal. A snot transplant works by lining the inflamed area of the sinus and allowing it to heal, says consultant rhinologist Mr Vikas Acharya. The jurys out because we have so little data, but in principle it has merit as evidenced by the fantastic results of poo transplants for patients with severe gut conditions. Do you think of Picasso as a lecherous old goat whose behaviour towards women was shameful? Or as the greatest artist of the 20th century? Id say both the fascinating question being just why he became all those things. The psychotherapist Andrew Jamieson has come up with an answer, or rather a perceptive, nuanced, highly intelligent analysis of Picassos life and work using Sigmund Freuds theory of the unconscious as a touchstone. This is his approach, applied to big names, throughout this book. Picasso's personality was formed by a failure of a father and a strong, unconditionally adoring mother The combination of a failure of a father and a strong, unconditionally adoring mother was the starting point: As the only son of an extended family of women [Picasso] had enjoyed a lavish degree of attention and adoration that he viewed always as his right, a sense of entitlement amplified by the power of his ego, which was suffused by a great girdle of ever-expanding grandiosity and hyperbolic ambition. Jamiesons analysis of the great artist combines biographical detail, references to various theories of Jung and Freud, and his own final insight, which succeeds in evoking compassion for the aged, isolated man, a prisoner of his terrified, blazing, gargantuan unconscious. Of course, it may well send you back to the paintings wishing you didnt know so much. Some people dont want their heroes dissected on the shrinks couch. Some might actually prefer awestruck ignorance. Yet Jamiesons method satisfies the avid curiosity about personalities that is the spirit of the age. In the last few years a new dialect has swept through Britain. I call it therapy-speak, but the less neutral term is psychobabble. You will certainly recognise the stock phases trotted out everywhere with confidence in social situations. So-called celebrities talk of triggering and trauma, users of social media will spout about boundaries, and feeling comfortable or threatened or gaslit, and identify narcissism or co-dependency or toxicity in people they know. Thats when theyre not claiming themselves to be on the spectrum or suffering from ADHD because they cant get off their phones, or OCD because they like their clothes arranged a certain way. Every human weakness, it seems, is pathologised by giving it a label. And personally (here I must speak my truth in order to feel validated) I suspect that many of the (roughly) 289,000 therapy professionals in the UK have helped spread the acceptance of therapy-speak as well as the notion that everybody needs counselling, even if they dont know it. Nelson Mandela's is one of the 20 minds that Jamieson delves into Where does all this stuff come from and is it doing this anxious society any good? The astonishing work pioneered by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries provided radical insights into the human mind and soul and, very gradually, changed the way people looked at each others problems. Their followers and practitioners (people such as Melanie Klein, John Bowlby, Viktor Frankl and Donald Winnicott) helped make the complexity of the human psyche comprehensible, even when they disagreed with each other, even when they had serious hang-ups themselves, and even when they fell inappropriately in love with their patients to the point of having affairs which happened disconcertingly often. Jamieson believes Putin's invasion of Ukraine is down to his narcissism and grandiosity' Jamieson explains that therapists are prone to depression, low self esteem and relationship collapse, a mindset that makes the admiration of a client seductive. Maybe you should be wary of encouraging your partner to try counselling The author of this absorbing book doesnt shirk some of the issues. In On The Couch, Jamieson offers concise biographies of those pioneers and explains some of their key concepts such as the unconscious, individuation, attachment theory and so on. For that reason alone the book will be invaluable to anybody who wants to know more about our Civilisation and its Discontents (to quote the title of Freuds influential work) all the more so if they are concerned (as I am) about the uninformed adoption of half-baked theories to the point of cliche. Jamiesons summaries of psychoanalytic ideas are invaluable. But the books excitement lies in the authoritative way the author illuminates key theories by applying them to the lives of 20 truly remarkable individuals whose names are famous even if the detail of their lives is not so well known. For example, its absolutely heartbreaking to read of the luminous Marilyn Monroes fragmented girlhood, beginning with abandonment by her mother, followed by a process of being shunted from foster parent to foster parent, before her climb to tempestuous stardom and then a lonely, suspicious death. Jamieson sums up: The lack of both a mother and a father compelled her to pursue her longing for a relationship that could provide her with Eros-driven elation. Marilyn on the couch: After a heartbreaking childhood it makes sense that the actress would 'pursue her longing for a relationship that could provide her with Eros-driven elation' On his metaphorical couch, as well as Picasso and Monroe, we find the great Nelson Mandela, the exotic dancer Josephine Baker, film star Cary Grant, Charles Darwin, and writers Virginia Woolf, Franz Kafka, W. B. Yeats and Ernest Hemingway, as well as international politicians Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. There are many others too, including the inspiring Viktor Frankl, who survived a number of concentration camps, and Carl Jungs wife, Emma. Each case study is discussed in the light of one or two specific theories, for example John Bowlbys attachment theory, Freuds Eros and Thanatos (love and death) theory, and (ominously) the Shadow, espoused by Jung which seems appropriate for Putin. Jamiesons personal musings are rooted in his own psychotherapeutic practice over many years. He admits his judgments are coloured by my own particular preferences and prejudices and viewed through the skewed prism of my own psychobiography with all its woundings and distortions, clouding any hope of objective perception. On The Couch is available now That helps explain why, discussing Mandela and Merkel, he makes statements of astonishing naivety about their respective political legacies. In spite of all his experiences in life, work and reading the author, now in his 70s, clearly wants outcomes to be better than they usually are. Discussing the narcissism and grandiosity behind Putins invasion of Ukraine, he comments, such monstrous behaviour will hopefully be one of the last experiences of this re-emergence of the wounded inner child in global politics. Given all hes explained in this fascinating book all the vulnerability, culpability, love, longing and sins of wounded humanity you can only scoff (sadly), Really? The Scots originally came over from Ireland, displacing the native Picts, The Picts themselves spoke a language closest to Cornish and Welsh. In the 17th century some Scots went back to Ireland, to the Ulster plantations. The Irish often invaded and settled in both Wales and Cornwall, the English settled in all three other countries, Irelands patron saint Patrick is probably Welsh, or possibly from Cumbria, while Scotlands Saint Columba came from Donegal... Luck of the Welsh...: Evidence suggests that St Patrick was actually from Wales Given all these comings and goings, a combined history of these four fascinating and turbulent nations makes sense, and thats just what Mancunian author Brian Groom has so entertainingly provided, starting around 900,000BC when the oldest surviving human footprints outside of Africa were made at Happisburgh in Norfolk. Today, the descendants of these isles number around 200 million worldwide, including Barack Obama and Muhammad Ali, both of whom have Irish blood. And yet what to call them? British Isles displeases the Irish, not surprisingly given what they have experienced at British hands over the centuries. One suggestion is the Anglo-Celtic Isles, which certainly sounds romantic as well as pretty accurate. The book offers an exhilarating birds eye view of these four nations, shifting our attention away from London, from kings and parliaments, and moving us further west and north, with an imaginary centre perhaps somewhere around Anglesey, or the Isle of Man. The language of one small tribe, the Anglo-Saxons, is now spoken by an incredible 1.5 billion around the world, thanks to the British Empire among whose ebullient builders we find just as many Irish and Welsh as English, and a positive embarrassment of Scots. The American Declaration of Independence was signed by men of all four nations, including several Irishmen. And one of the Empires worst misdeeds, the Amritsar massacre, was ordered by an Irish officer. The Empire was firmly based on the foundations of our Industrial Revolution, the worlds first, almost entirely fuelled by Welsh coal says Groom, and with ingenious Scotsmen playing an outsize role, from James Watt (steam engine) to Thomas Telford (roads). These Isles is available now from the Mail Bookshop A salient characteristic of these islanders seems to be a kind of heroic restlessness, even a certain bolshiness. One still feels rather proud of the fact that it took a tenth of Romes colossal legionary armies to control us, an area less than a 30th of its Empire. The overwhelming impression you are left with is that whether we retain political union, or decide to separate, it hardly matters very much, given the millennia of shared history and kinship, cultural endeavour and world exploration. Its a wonderful tribute to the Anglo-Celtic isles. And perhaps we are now reverting to our ancient roots more than we know for Britain, after all, derives from Pretani, the name the original pre-Roman islanders gave themselves, meaning the painted or tattooed people. An Iranian news anchor broke down in tears as he announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following the deadly airstrikes in Iran. As the death of Khamenei, 86, was officially announced on an Iranian state news broadcast, the news anchor sobbed while reading a statement from the National Supreme Council. Khamenei was killed on Saturday in the airstrike attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. 'God is great. God is great. With deep sorrow, it is announced to the nation of Iran that Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred today in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime,' the anchor said in a clip posted on X. The anchor read aloud the statement that described Khamenei as a revered religious Islamic figure whose 'long dream of martyrdom became true'. It was also noted that Khamenei was killed during the holy month of Ramadan. As he read from the paper in front of him, he began to get choked up before sobbing into his hand and holding his head as he composed himself on air. From behind the camera, others were heard to be seemingly crying along with the anchor, the clip showed. An Iranian news anchor broke down in tears as he announced the official passing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Khamenei, 86, was confirmed to have died on Saturday after an airstrike on his compound in Tehran The anchor read aloud the statement that described Khamenei as a revered religious Islamic figure whose 'long dream of martyrdom became true' According to the statement, Iranians were said to be mourning the leader's death but enemies of the country should note that 'martyrdom will spark a massive uprising in the fight against oppressors,' the outlet reported. The anchor tearfully made his way through the broadcast before breaking down in tears a second time. The broadcast announced the official 40-day mourning period, as well as a seven-day national holiday in the wake of Khamenei's death. Khamenei's compound in Tehran was seen on satellite footage billowing with smoke after it was targeted in the attacks. His body was found under the rubble of his compound. Four of his family members, and two of his senior military commanders, were also killed in the strikes. Iranian state media officially announced the leader's death early on Sunday. 'To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,' the news agency said, according to the New York Times. Join the debate What do you think will happen next in Iran following Khameneis dramatic death? The broadcast announced the official 40-day mourning period, as well as a seven-day national holiday in the wake of Khamenei's death His wife, Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, children and many grandchildren were believed to have been living with him at the compound, the BBC reported. The couple had six children: four sons, Massoud, Mojtaba, Mostafa and Meysam, and two daughters, Bushra and Hoda, according to the Times. The president had earlier confirmed the Supreme Leader's death in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, adding that 'one of the most evil people in History, is dead.' 'This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,' Trump wrote. 'He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.' News / National by Staff reporter National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore Madhuku was allegedly assaulted by police at the organisation's offices along Herbert Chitepo Avenue in Harare on Sunday morning.Madhuku and several party members are currently receiving medical attention at a local clinic following the incident.NCA spokesperson Madock Chivasa confirmed the development, saying police disrupted a meeting that was underway."We were holding a meeting this morning when police rounded up and attacked our members, including our leader Professor Madhuku. He has been injured," Chivasa said.Further details surrounding the circumstances of the incident are yet to be made public. Saturday Night Live has suggested President Donald Trump launched strikes on Iran to distract from fallout over newly released Jeffrey Epstein files in their latest skit. The NBC comedy show returned on February 28 after a one-month hiatus for the Winter Olympics, quickly pivoting to the breaking news that the US and Israel had launched overnight strikes on Iran. The sketch opened with a mock public service announcement reading: 'Last evening at the very normal time of two in the morning, President Trump informed the nation that we were at war with Iran.' It then introduced Trump, played by cast member James Austin Johnson, who made an announcement while wearing a white cap emblazoned with 'USA.' 'Good evening, and happy World War III to all who celebrate,' the actor said. 'It's me, Donald Trump, FIFA Peace Prize winner and Nobel Peace Prize taker.' He continued: 'I launched this attack after me and my Board of Peace decided that we were bored of peace As we all know, Iran has been two weeks away from developing a nuclear weapon for, like, the last 15 years or something. 'So we had to act now. And we're doing war.' The Trump character then broke into a parody performance of Edwin Starr's song War, singing: 'War, what is it good for? Distracting from the Epstein files.' Actor James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump during Saturday Night Lives February 28 cold open, which mocked the US and Israels strikes on Iran and referenced the Epstein files The sketch took a sharper turn when the Trump character broke into a parody performance of Edwin Starr's song War, singing: 'War, what is it good for? Distracting from the Epstein files' Republican Congressman Thomas Massie made a similar observation on X, writing: 'PSA: Bombing a country on the other side of the globe won't make the Epstein files go away, any more than the Dow going above 50,000 will.' Trump is facing renewed scrutiny over the newly released government records tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that include several mentions of his name. The US president has denied any wrongdoing and has long insisted he was not close to Epstein. Trump has said the financier was banned from his Mar-a-Lago club in 2007 for being a 'creep' and that they did not associate afterward. Documents released by the Justice Department include images and records linking Epstein to prominent public figures, including Trump and former President Bill Clinton. Trump's name also appears in Epstein's contact book, though officials have stressed that inclusion in the files does not indicate criminal wrongdoing. The Department of Justice has announced it is reviewing whether it wrongfully withheld documents in the Epstein files containing allegations against Trump. The SNL sketch also mocked Trump's past pledge to avoid new foreign wars. Although he promised no new conflicts during his presidency, the Trump character joked: 'We do one foreign war and possibly one civil.' Later in the segment, Trump joked about the timing of the strikes Trump shares his thoughts on the U.S. strikes on Iran pic.twitter.com/JO6Iu2DDSp Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) March 1, 2026 Justice Department Epstein files dropped on December 19, 2025 revealed an image of Jeffrey Epstein with a redacted woman holding a giant check from Donald Trump for $22,500 President Donald Trump announced US military action against Iran early Saturday as tensions escalated across the Middle East Protesters gesture at a toy rat made to resemble Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during celebrations following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran in Copley Square, Boston, on February 28, 2026 'One, it's after the stock market closes for the weekend. And two, it's to cause immeasurable fear, rage, and chaos in the SNL writers' room. 'Those guys were going crazy. They probably had a big State of the Union address thing they were gonna do. Not anymore!' Weekend Update host Colin Jost also appeared in the sketch reprising his role as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, delivering a mock update about the operation. 'We took out a horrendous, horrible leader who was oppressing his own people,' he said, referring to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials have claimed was killed in the strikes. Johnson's Trump then reappeared and added: 'But don't get any ideas!' There are now as many as 739,000 people aged 16 to 24 who cant find employment up 100,000 in just the past year. Even the household of the Bank of Englands chief economist Huw Pill is not immune to the difficulties. Last week he told the Treasury Select Committee: I very much share your concern about unemployment, particularly for the younger people. 'I have a daughter looking for a job, so this is a very immediate experience for me personally as well. But while the unemployment rate is rising, and the number of graduate jobs has fallen to a ten-year low, according to recruitment website Adzuna, there are still sectors with a huge shortage of applicants. Here are some directions you could steer your loved ones towards to help them find their next role. According to trade body UK Hospitality, there are as many as 132,000 vacancies in this sector Surveyors The number of new surveyors is not keeping up with demand, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Surveyors manage the costs and contractual requirements for construction projects, dealing with contractors and specialists. Quantity surveying typically requires a RICS-accredited degree, or one in a relevant course such as construction or engineering followed by a postgraduate conversion course. Trainees typically earn up to 24,000 per year, rising to up to 32,000 for graduates. Chartered surveyors can earn up to 56,000, while salaries for senior and management roles extend above 70,000. Forestry The Royal Forestry Society says at least 600 new recruits are needed each year to prevent a skills crisis. Forestry England offers a two-year graduate programme that pays 33,854 per year, and requires a 2:1 degree or higher in any subject. Candidates will work across multiple departments in a district office, covering forest planning, land management and recreation in their first year, before joining the operations team in Bristol. The Ministry of Justice last month launched a drive to recruit 1,000 more probation officers Probation and prison officers The Ministry of Justice last month launched a drive to recruit 1,000 more probation officers. Salaries for probation and prison officers start at 26,475 and 33,746 respectively. Prison officer job postings say no specific qualifications are required instead they focus on communication skills, decision-making and care. Duties include supervising inmates, supporting rehabilitation and helping them learn new skills. Probation officers supervise offenders, visit them in prison or in hostels, and attend court hearings with them. Chefs and bar staff According to trade body UK Hospitality, there are as many as 132,000 vacancies in the sector. Chefs are among the most sought after, with a 21 per cent shortfall. Salaries for commis chef the most junior chef position in a professional kitchen vary, but many are advertised at about 30,000. Many require no prior experience, with roles offered across restaurants, hotels and commercial kitchens. The British Army is currently offering a trainee chef role paying 26,334 per year and requiring no experience. While many bars and pubs advertise online, handing in a copy of your CV in person may be enough to land a job, often paying about 15 per hour with no experience. Skilled tradespeople There is an enormous shortfall of 166,000 tradespeople in the UK, according to B&Q owner Kingfisher, because more are retiring than joining the industry. Checkatrade says newly qualified tradespeople can expect to earn around 32,000 per year. This rises substantially with experience and for specialised trades. Logic4Training says electricians and plumbers earn an average salary of around 49,000, but business owners and specialists can earn in excess of 80,000 per year. Linkedin says roles such as heating engineers, building inspectors and preconstruction managers are well in demand, particularly in light of the Governments pledge to build 1.5 million more homes. Linkedin lists AI roles at the top of its jobs on the rise list for 2026 AI-based jobs Linkedin lists AI roles at the top of its jobs on the rise list for 2026. Entry level roles often dont require specific qualifications, but youll need experience and knowledge of AI and computer science. One role at Ageas offers up to 72,000 per year, but requires knowledge of technical software. The missile strikes on Dubai come as a profound shock for the tiny emirates ruling elite and the hundreds of thousands of British expats and tourists who have flocked to the desert statelet. The mood among the shaken UK expats based there today was one of incredulity. None expected, when they fled the grey, rainy, tax-sodden Britain for what seemed a sunny and vibrant haven, to be lying awake at night listening for the sound of bombs. The full consequences for Dubai, and the 240,000 or so Britons living there, are not yet clear. But this is an enormous blow to a small state with big ambitions and for the UK business community that must now consider its future. In the past 50 years, the emirate has transformed from a small fishing village where the main industry was pearl diving, into the gleaming city that has risen from the sand. One must not be starry-eyed about Dubai, but to have conjured this by sheer force of will and imagination in such a short time, is an undeniable achievement. Expats, including the Brits, are an indispensable ingredient. Whether they be well-paid accountants, lawyers or influencers, building workers or domestic staff, foreign workers power the economy. Ruth with Hamed Ali, chief executive of the Dubai Financial Market Of the 3.4 million inhabitants, around nine out of ten are from elsewhere. If large numbers of them head home (because of safety concerns as conflict in the Middle East looms), businesses, and society, would struggle to function. The property market there has already become much shakier in the past 24 hours, which is worrying for Brits who, according to Sothebys, are the second largest group of buyers in Dubai after Indian purchasers. Part of Dubais magnetism is freedom from personal income tax. In recent months, many high net worth individuals from the UK have gone there to escape Labours punitive tax grabs but the rich like to roost in safety. Tourism, a staple of the economy, will obviously suffer too. So will its attraction as a location for British businesses. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce previously predicted numbers of UK firms could increase threefold to 15,000 by 2035. Those forecasts may now be wildly optimistic. The attacks will be a blow to the Dubai Financial Market, whose boss, Hamed Ali, has launched a programme of Thatcher-style privatisations. Join the debate Should British expats and investors reconsider their future in Dubai after the missile attacks? The aftermath of Iran's strikes on Dubai. Pictured is the Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel A map showing the location of the hotel and where Dubai is in the wider region So it is impossible to over-state the impact the attacks by Iran have been for the ambitious statelet. At the vast Expo hosted by Dubai just three years ago, aimed at showcasing its merits to the world, the glorious glitz of it all was overpowering. The exhibition was sending out a message that Dubai had triumphed over a string of disasters. These included the property market collapse during the financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic, which flattened its key industries of airlines, hospitality and high-end retail. At that time, the director general of Expo, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, told me that Dubai has done so much against all the odds and there is a spirit of defiance'. She added: 'As hard as it gets, we will find a way through... There is something very positive about the spirit here. Brits who are building their lives and businesses in the emirate will hope that resilience prevails. Whatever happens longer term, this is a violent awakening from the Dubai dream. The number of traders betting against Greggs has surged on doubts that it can fatten sales while uptake of weight-loss drugs booms. Short positions taken out on the FTSE 250 bakery chain, which make holders money if the stock falls, topped 13.2 per cent of its shares on Wednesday, according to Castellain Capital making it the most-shorted stock in London. The biggest bet at nearly 2.5 per cent of its shares is from US bank JP Morgan, while Citadel Advisors, run by hedge fund titan Ken Griffin, is second with 1.2 per cent. Indulgent: Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson fronts one of the baker's adverts The bets have soared on fears that the popularity of hunger-suppressing jabs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic could hit sales at the sausage roll seller, which has been promoted by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson in past adverts. On Tuesday it is expected to report a 170 million profit for 2025, down from 204 million the year before. Greggs boss Roisin Currie has admitted that customers were gravitating to smaller portions and looking for more information on protein and fibre content. I've lost count of the number of times I've been asked, often in all seriousness, whether London is still safe. Senior business leaders from the US and the Middle East have called ahead of visits to ask if they can wear expensive jewellery, or whether their teams will be safe walking between meetings. I was flabbergasted. The picture they were painting simply doesn't match reality. You won't step out of your office and be swept away in a tsunami of crime. Some of this is being fuelled by videos circulating on TikTok, X and goodness knows where else in some cases misleading, in others using AI but all of it shaping perception. Thankfully, international investors aren't yet pulling back because of this. But these conversations are becoming more frequent, creeping into boardrooms and growing too loud to ignore. We need to push back and take ownership of our narrative before it starts to stick. I would never claim there's no crime in London, but perceptions of a 'Lawless London' are way wide of the mark. London remains one of the safest major cities in the world. Homicide rates are at their lowest levels on record and lower than those across US states and in cities such as New York, Toronto, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Madrid. Personal theft is down 15 per cent in London compared to last year and just like other European capitals. The UK is also an incredibly stable place to do business: we have deep respect for the rule of law, an independent judiciary and world-leading regulatory systems. In the driving seat: Dame Susan Langley says perceptions of a 'Lawless London' are way wide of the mark The situation isn't helped by our natural British reticence. While others are spreading false narratives about the UK, rather than sticking up for ourselves, we're remaining tight-lipped and overly modest about our strengths. We are home to the most fintech unicorns in Europe, and the London Stock Exchange attracts over twice as much capital than any other European exchange. Our specialty insurance market, worth more than $187billion, underpins global trade and innovation. Without London's brokers and underwriters managing complex risks, planes wouldn't take off, ships wouldn't sail and major infrastructure projects simply wouldn't happen. But you wouldn't think it when you hear people talk about the UK. I fear we've become too hesitant to speak up and stand up for London and the UK when the heat is on. We're operating in a new world order where competition is fiercer than ever. Rival financial centres would happily eat our lunch if we're not at the table. My mayoralty has, in many ways, become a positivity campaign for the City and the UK's financial services sector. And for good reason. The UK's financial services sector contributes 12 per cent of total tax receipts roughly half the NHS budget. When the City is healthy, the country benefits. When the City is unfairly undermined, the whole UK feels it. That's why I'm asking the City's trade associations to come together to champion a more confident, positive narrative one they can share with their members and take with them on overseas delegations to help set the record straight about the UK's strengths and successes in financial services. This isn't about saving face. It's about protecting our position on the world stage, reinforcing trust in our institutions and ensuring that one of the UK's greatest assets continues to support our country and its companies. It's time to push back on the naysayers and the doom-mongers. London is safe, stable, and remains one of the world's great global cities. It is a fantastic place to live, work and invest, and that's the London people know and believe in. Hours before she mysteriously vanished in the Outback, a missing mum of six made a desperate phone call to her partner, the Daily Mail can reveal. Trisha Graf, 41, disappeared on December 12 from the remote outback opal-mining town of Andamooka, 600km north of Adelaide, which has a population of just 250. No trace of her has been found since her 4WD was found abandoned in the desert. Now new details have emerged of Ms Graf's final urgent call to her partner Tony Gregory in the hours before she vanished and her son's last touching message to her. The latest revelations come as South Australia Police raided the last home where she was known to have been seen alive, amid a renewed search of nearby mineshafts. Ms Graf's son Max, 12, revealed details of his mother's disturbing last call when he phoned in to a live YouTube true crime podcast, Nights with Ping. Speaking with the permission of his father, he told the host how his mum had called Mr Gregory in a panic from a pub in Roxby Downs, 30km away, just minutes before it closed. Max said Ms Graf asked his father to transfer money to her bank account so she could buy him a pack of VB beer to enjoy at their Andamooka home 20 minutes away. Police have resumed searching for Trisha Graf in Andamooka, South Australia Trisha made an urgent phone call to her partner Tony Gregory before she vanished On Monday, police attended a residential address within the tiny opal-mining town 'Dad had earlier forgotten to transfer money to the card that mum had, and it was declined when she went to the pub,' he said. 'Mum called Dad and was like, "There's no money on the card, hurry up, quick, before (the pub) closes". 'And then Dad did the money [but] when he transferred the money, it was too late.' It was the last-known contact between the family and Ms Graf who was seen on CCTV footage at the Roxby Downs Tavern at 12.19am. A mystery man is reported to have stepped in and paid for Ms Graf's beer. She left a short time later in a white 2012 Ford Territory accompanied by her friend Kymberley Conniff, who also lived in Andamooka. On the drive back towards Andamooka, Ms Graf hit a kangaroo just outside the town, police said. Despite the accident, Ms Graf and her friend continued into town and visited a house in the north-western area. Trisha's partner Tony Gregory wants to 'spread the word' about her disappearance The mum of six's white Ford Territory was discovered just out of town The vehicle was near Blue Dam which Trisha had not visited before Shortly before 2am, Ms Graf left that address to make what should have been a five-minute trip home. She was last seen driving along Dunstan Drive in Andamooka. Mr Gregory woke up to find her missing, and said he went to her friend's place looking for her. Just after midday on December 12, Mr Gregory and a friend found her Ford Territory perched on a dirt mound near the Blue Dam, east of the township. The vehicle was damaged from the collision with the kangaroo and could not be driven. The pack of VB was still in the back seat, with one bottle missing. Police and SES initially conducted ground and aerial searches as divers checked the nearby dam, and detectives went door-to-door in the dusty mining outpost. Max told the podcast he had been sleeping at a friend's house in Andamooka on the night his mother disappeared. And he revealed his heartbreaking final text to her before falling asleep: 'Goodnight Mum, I love you.' When he woke the next morning, he told the show his friend's mother told him: 'Dad wants you home.' Police converge on Andamooka, six hours north of Adelaide, on Monday Police have declared Trisha's December disappearance a major crime Mr Gregory, who appeared alongside his son, said he was fine with his son speaking publicly because he wants to 'spread the word' about his partner's disappearance. Mr Gregory has previously refused to comment to media and requested privacy. 'She's done runners before, but she's always kept in contact,' Mr Gregory said. The family fear Ms Graf may have met with foul play and police have classified her disappearance as a major crime. Ms Graf's mother, Anne, who lives 600km south of Andamooka in the Barossa Valley, said Trisha would never leave her children 'in a million years'. 'Trisha was a big girl. You'd have to have someone else involved,' she said in December. 'The bad thing is there's that many mines out there, I don't know if police will be able to find her. 'They're going to have to be smart about it. I think she's been left in one of those.' CCTV footage showed the missing mum at Roxby Downs Tavern around 12.20am on December 12 Max revealed he still has many questions over the timeline before his mum vanished, and said his mother wasn't particularly close with Ms Conniff. 'She met Kym maybe two times. They weren't best friends, just knew each other to have a few drinks,' Max said. He also revealed that his dad was filmed on the family home's CCTV sitting on his front porch at the time of Ms Graf's disappearance. But he added that the video had 'overwritten itself' and when police went to view it 'Dad didn't show up,' he said. Daily Mail does not suggest Mr Gregory nor Ms Conniff are involved with Ms Graf's disappearance. On February 14, Daily Mail revealed a potentially crucial detail in the weeks leading up to Ms Graf's disappearance. Ms Graf had been advertising valuable uncut opals worth thousands of dollars, listing them for sale on a Facebook trading group for gemstone collectors. Photographs show two large stones laid out on a plate, yet with almost no description provided. Trish Graf had listed $2700 worth of opals for sale on Facebook Trish's daughter Montanah told Daily Mail she didn't know her mum was selling opals One opal, described as a 'Squid Fossil opal', was listed for $2000, while a second 'Cockle shell opal' was priced at $700. It remains unclear whether either of the gemstones were sold before Ms Graf disappeared, but both listings remain visible online and apparently still for sale. Daily Mail has since spoken to Ms Graf's daughter Montanah, who said she had no knowledge that her mother owned the opals or had listed them for sale, describing the revelation as 'strange' amid the growing mystery surrounding her disappearance. Daily Mail forwarded the information to SAPOL. 'All lines of enquiry are being followed up,' a spokesperson said. In January, SAPOL Major Crime detective superintendent Darren Fielke described Ms Graf as a very good mother 'for all intents and purposes'. 'Clearly, we've looked through the house at Andamooka, the house is clean, it's in pristine condition, she's obviously a very house-proud person,' he added. 'So it is out of character for her not to be in contact with her children, to not be in contact with her partner, her bank accounts not having been touched. She just doesn't disappear from Andamooka; she's lived there for some time.' SAPOL Major Crime boss Darren Fielke described Ms Graf as a good mother Andamooka, population 250, is a desert opal-mining outpost in South Australia A community page stated Ms Graf was wearing black pants and a black top at the time of her disappearance, with her hair in a plait, pulled away from her face. Ms Graf also has a nose piercing, lip piercing and ear piercings as well as a skull tattoo on her upper right arm and a mermaid tattoo on her lower forearm. Anyone with information about Ms Graf's whereabouts or her movements leading up to her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The pro-Palestinian activist who aggressively pestered comedian Matt Lucas on the London Underground is an attention seeker who had to flee his hometown in 'disgrace', former friends have claimed. Thomas Abdullah Bourne, 39, an Islamic convert who uses the social media handle 'White British Muslim', followed the Jewish comedian, 51, as he rode the elevator on the Tube last week. The clip showed the 6'11", fundraising consultant from East London shouting, 'Free Palestine' at the Little Britain star before appearing to goad Mr Lucas, asking, 'You don't like what I'm wearing, do you?' - referring to his keffiyeh. He then goes on to ask the comic, 'You've got a problem with Palestinians, Matt?' to which ambushed Mr Lucas responds a simple, 'No'. The Daily Mail can now reveal that Mr Bourne was born Thomas Edward Oliver Heather and chose his new surname as a tribute to the fictional spy and assassin Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon in the film franchise. The wannabe action hero, according to those who know him, is described as a 'clown' who 'leaves a trail of destruction and chaos'. The activist, who has been recorded having several aggressive run-ins with other members of the public online, is also said to have had a bitter break up with his former partner. An estranged family member told the Daily Mail: 'It does not surprise me that he has done something stupid. If I ever see him again, it will be too soon.' Thomas Abdullah Bourne (centre), 39, an Islamic convert who uses the social media handle 'White British Muslim', followed the Jewish comedian, 51, as he rode the elevator on the Tube last week The clip (pictured) showed the 6'11", fundraising consultant from East London shouting, 'Free Palestine' at the Little Britain star before appearing to goad Mr Lucas, asking, 'You don't like what I'm wearing, do you?' - referring to his keffiyeh The relative said Mr Bourne, who has become a well-known face amongst various protest groups and is often pictured at rallies, including one time with Jeremy Corbyn, left his hometown more than a decade ago. The family member, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: 'He got off the train in London about 13 years ago and basically converted to Islam in the back of a taxi... 'He leaves a trail of destruction and chaos wherever he goes.' After the clip of Mr Bourne accosting Mr Lucas went viral, he quickly deleted his Instagram account. However, dozens of images of Mr Bourne at various rallies remain online. Mr Bourne said he set up his Instagram account - White British Muslim - to raise awareness for Palestine but also to highlight the Islamophobia he has received as a white convert. He told the Women of Resistance: 'So on the subject of the White British Muslim, originally when I set up my social media, the whole point of it was to speak and talk about obviously what was happening in Palestine and stuff like that with the knowledge I had of it. 'I wanted to break down barriers, I've experienced a lot of Islamophobia in my life since I took my Shadah back in 2015, and I wanted to try and be positive and have a platform to break down these misconceptions about Muslims and Islam and these negative stereotypes.' In the photograph with former Labour leader Mr Corbyn, Mr Bourne is seen wearing a keffiyeh - the traditional, black-and-white chequered cotton scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity for many Western activists. He is also wearing a fake press hat in the photograph. Last month, he was seen outside the Royal Courts of Justice with a sign that read: 'UK Government kneecapping justice with fabricated charges.' The unimpressed family member added: 'He is a complete fantasist. His name is not Bourne, it is Heather. 'He used to call himself "Abdullah Bourne" because he wanted people to think he was like the film character Jason Bourne, who was played by Matt Damon. 'He's a Walter Mitty character and is best described as the "class clown". He is an attention seeker, and I bet he did this stunt so he could say "look at me".' Another estranged relative added: 'He is freakishly tall he's 6-foot-11 [inches] - that is what you first notice about him. He was known around town as "the tall man". 'But he has a lot of issues as well. A very chaotic lifestyle. He is a complete train wreck.' Join the debate Should social media accounts be deleted after incidents like this? The Daily Mail can now reveal that Mr Bourne was born Thomas Edward Oliver Heather and chose his new surname as a tribute to the fictional spy and assassin Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon in the film franchise. Pictured: Mr Bourne, right, wearing a fake press hat, at a rally with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, left An estranged family member said Mr Bourne (pictured, wearing a hat bearing the Palestinian flag), who has become a well-known face amongst various protest groups, left his hometown more than a decade ago The relative, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: 'He got off the train in London about 13 years ago and basically converted to Islam in the back of a taxi'. Pictured: Mr Bourne, right, with punk rap duo Bob Vylan's frontman, Bob Vylan, who became infamous for his 'death to the IDF' chants at Glastonbury last year In the footage of him ambushing Mr Lucas, Mr Bourne asks the comic (pictured, in the clip), 'You've got a problem with Palestinians, Matt?' to which ambushed Mr Lucas responds a simple, 'No' After the clip of Mr Bourne accosting Mr Lucas went viral, he quickly deleted his Instagram account. Pictured: The caption of Mr Bourne's original post Mr Bourne's alleged 'destructive behaviour' was sparked after a tough childhood growing up in Chippenham, where his father abandoned him and his younger brother at a young age. In the video showing his exchange with the comedian, Mr Lucas is seen wearing a black jacket, red jumper and white cap, riding an escalator in a Tube station. As he realises he is being filmed, the Little Britain star attempts to block his face with his right hand. Mr Bourne then shouts, 'Free Palestine. Free Palestine, Matt Lucas,' to the celebrity comic. It is not clear from video footage why Mr Lucas was targeted by the activist, but many online have said it was due to his Jewish heritage. Mr Lucas was a signatory to the 'No Hostage Left Behind' open letter in October 2023, celebrating the release of two American and two Israeli hostages, but has not been a particularly vocal presence on the conflict. The actor has also thanked then US President Joe Biden for his 'unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people' in Israel's fight against Hamas. Mr Lucas has not commented about the incident, but he has been praised on social media for his calmness in the face of Mr Bourne's aggression. The comic was raised in a Reform Jewish household, although his parents came from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds. However, he has described himself as an 'atheist' and 'fairly secular Jew' in the past. Several members of the comedian's mother's family fled Nazi Germany just before the Second World War. When Mr Lucas appeared on the BBC's genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? he stunned to learn a relative of his featured in Anne Frank's diary. The comic, who made his name as George Dawes on the surreal Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer vehicle Shooting Stars, travelled to Amsterdam to learn more about his German-born Jewish family. A bereaved father has called for criminal trials to be allowed into alleged armed forces negligence after the countrys top prosecutor said nobody is above the law. Phillip Hoole is awaiting decisions by the police and Crown Prosecution Service after an investigation into the death of his soldier son Corporal Joshua Hoole. He has spent almost a decade battling for justice after his 26-year-old son collapsed and died during a fitness test wrongly held in hot weather. Cpl Hoole, of The Rifles regiment, who had served in Afghanistan, died after a fitness test in the Brecon Beacons, Powys, on 19 July 2016. Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions for England and Wales, made his comments over the investigations into the former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors links with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The head of the Crown Prosecution Service said: Its my job to enforce the law and I do so without fear or favour, and that is unaffected by the status of the individual concerned. While Mr Parkinson was commenting on the arrest of an individual Andrew - Mr Hoole believes the same approach should be extended to cover failings by public institutions. He wants the investigation into his sons death to be a test case - making the Army or Ministry of Defence subject of a corporate manslaughter prosecution for the first time. Phillip Hoole, wearing his and his late son's medals, believes there should be a corporate manslaughter prosecution over son's death In previous cases of deaths involving negligence within the armed forces, a Crown Censure has been given a formal reprimand rather than a criminal conviction. Mr Hoole has written to the Prime Minister, Justice Secretary David Lammy, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Crown Prosecution Service and Health and Safety Executive. He previously presented a petition to Downing Street in 2024 calling for a new independent regulatory body to monitor government organisations with the power to prosecute those falling short. He said: At present, the only body that is above the law is the Government, regarding Crown Immunity and the Health and Safety at Work Act, something that a Labour Government back in 2000 stated they were going to remove. But Mr Hoole added that over 25 years later, successive governments have brushed (the question) to the side even though official websites state that they and the HSE are committed to removing that immunity. Mr Hoole, himself a retired soldier, of Carlisle, said: The PM has made a name for himself, by applying the Rule of Law and being a strong advocate for Human Rights, I intend to find out if this extends to HSWA and its Crown Immunity. If not, at least everyone will see the hypocrisy of the justice system, and that the phrase Nobody is above the Law, if crown bodies continue to hide behind an outdate application of Crown Immunity which does not respect the Human Rights Act. This Crown Immunity is nothing but self-serving, it stops government departments from being held to account, it places them in a position above the law, why? Cpl Joshua Hoole, of The Rifles regiment, was described as 'very fit, capable and determined' While the governments commitment to a Hillsborough Law, imposing a duty of candour on public bodies and officials, Mr Hoole added: You can have all the candour in the world but if the path to justice is blocked it is a waste of time, we will continue to have families who receive no justice. Mr Hoole, who also wrote to all MPs who are military veterans, said he is disappointed with the response - with the Prime Ministers office referring him to the Ministry of Justice and only one MP replying. He highlighted how 44 Crown Censures have been issued since 1999, when the Human Rights Act was introduced which is potentially 44 times that justice has been blocked. Mr Hoole said: The Crown Exemptions provide crown bodies with protection from prosecution in times of conflict. But they do not cover normal training or normal daily duties. Crown individuals soldiers - do not have any immunity from prosecution under the HSWA. Mr Hoole a retired Sergeant Major with First Battalion Devonshire and Dorset Regiment who served in Northern Ireland and Iraq - said the current situation fails to provide justice and safeguards in law, for individuals like soldiers, who deploy on operations knowing they may end-up paying the ultimate price. At an inquest into Cpl Hooles death, held in 2019, Birmingham coroner Louise Hunt outlined very serious failings. Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, has said enforcement of the law will take place 'unaffected by the status of the individual concerned'. She said the fit, capable and determined soldiers death was caused by a combination of factors and recorded a conclusion of sudden arrhythmogenic cardiac death. The inquest heard Cpl Hoole, of Dumfries and Galloway, collapsed 400 metres (1,300ft) from the end of the eight-mile march during which, as an infantry soldier, he had to carry 25kg (55lbs) of kit. The activity took place on what was the hottest day of the year with temperatures of 20C (68F) before it even started. Of 41 soldiers taking part, 18 dropped out, collapsed or were withdrawn. The tragedy happened three years after three Army reservists died during an SAS selection test, also held in the Brecon Beacons. There is concern about fitness tests held in warm conditions on UK training areas because of soldiers' desire to push themselves to the limit - without acclimatising as they do when serving in very hot countries. In an earlier statement, the Ministry of Defence has said: Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Corporal Joshua Hooles family and friends. The coroners inquest identified an underlying cardiac susceptibility as being the causal factor in Joshuas death. However, we recognise that heat combined with strenuous exercise were significant contributory factors. The MoD said the tragic event was rigorously investigated by a Service Inquiry, adding that a number of changes and improvements have since been made to minimise risks to personnel. A spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Corporal Josh Hooles family and friends. 'Lessons have been learnt from this tragic event, and since then weve made a number of changes and improvements to minimise risks to personnel. 'We comply with health and safety legislation and are held to the same standard as any other employer when health and safety failings are investigated. 'A Crown Censure carries the same weight and scrutiny as a criminal prosecution would for a non-Crown body, meaning that we are just as accountable for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act as any other employer.' The Crown Prosecution Service declined to comment, while the Ministry of Justice has been approached for further comment. Phillip Hoole hands in his petition to 10 Downing Street as part of campaign after son's death "Some simple changes could prevent deaths", writes Phillip Hoole. "My issue is that the MoD heat policy was outdated, they knew this in the mid '90s, and there were recommendations to change it but they were not followed up on, they specifically knew the dangers regarding the activity that Josh died on, there had been a number of deaths attributed to this activity. "Role on to 2013, the three deaths due to heat in Brecon, the heat policy did not improve. In fact, the MoD removed key heat policy specifically designed to protect soldiers in training. "This is not only about preventing deaths - soldiers have been exposed to exertional heat, have been left with life threatening damage to major organs, often they end up being medically discharged, or are restricted due to health conditions. "The Army is finding it difficult to recruit and retain soldiers as it is; losing soldiers who are trained and physically fit to injuries that can be avoided should be a no brainer. "The truth is the only reason that the MoD did update its heat policy is because I worked against the system to get it improved, and brought up to date, getting them to follow recommendations that were made in the mid 90s. "For a time, they sent me draft copies of the new policy; I made suggestions on areas they had missed. I have even been told by the MoD that soldiers are safer due to my efforts, but it was not easy, because they did not want to know at first. "This is about ensuring that the base line of safety policy is good, so that individuals in command have the knowledge and training to safeguard their soldiers. "Some individuals commented on the fact that soldiers should be fit? "I do not disagree, my son was fit, his peers all commented on this, he was known to be fitter than most of their physical training instructors, he had never had a problem and was always helping the weakest, those that knew him will confirm this. "He had served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Mali carried his job out without any issues in what are hot, unforgiving climates, so it is not about been unprepared, or being weak. "For those soldiers that are unfit today, the problem is often far deeper than the individual's lifestyle, a story for another day. "Oh yes, someone wrote are those medals his? Answer yes, I was proud of my service, as was my son, my medals are on the right as you look on the other side are my sons. "My actions have been to help safeguard soldiers, and ensure that Commanders get the knowledge that they deserve. "It is not about preventing realistic training where soldiers are tested to ensure that they are fit to fight. Just ensuring that the base line of the safety policy is fit for purpose. "As a former Commander, I am only to well aware that at times you need to train outside of the constraints that some policies place on you. "That is not a problem as long as you make the case, explain the extra control measures that are being put in place and get it signed off by the Chain of Command. "This protects you as an individual and your soldiers, ensuring that the training is carried out in as safe as reasonably practicable. "Military Training is dangerous by its nature, but it can be carried out safely. This is what the MoD wants and expects, but at times it needs to acknowledge that it has got its policy wrong and that policy has led to preventable deaths. Its about having the corporate moral courage to admit they were wrong. "And if they are wrong, then they should be accountable just like everyone else. "Nobody should be above the law, justice is a right. At present, the HSWA restricts this.. everyone is entitled to justice apart from those who work for the system. "The problem is deeper than just the MoD, its about an overall lack of accountability of Government departments, they all do it, its always someone else's fault. "And then decades later, we get the truth through Public Inquires. "As a nation, are we not entitled to honesty and justice up front?" The truth behind the mysterious photo of Professor Stephen Hawking with two bikini-clad women found in the Epstein files can be revealed for the first time. The shocking image of the brilliant physicist on a sun lounger with two unidentified women sipping cocktails was given no context in the US Department of Justice files about paedophile financier Epstein, sparking online speculation about its circumstances. But the Daily Mail has found the original, unredacted copy of the photo, which shows it was taken at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Orlando, Florida in 2008, and the two women were Prof Hawking's full-time carers, Monica Guy and Nicola O'Brien. Exactly how it ended up in the Epstein Files remains unexplained. Ms Guy used the photo to illustrate an article she wrote praising the provision of wheelchair-access in US hotels, based on her experience of travelling with Prof Hawking, who was virtually paralysed with motor neurone disease (ALS) until his death in 2018, aged 76. Previously, it was believed the photo was taken at the Ritz-Carlton on the Caribbean island of St Thomas in 2006, when Prof Hawking was giving a speech on Quantum Cosmology while attending a science symposium funded by Epstein. A representative of the Hawking family estate confirmed that the women were his full-time carers. Ms Guy, now a PR executive, wrote of her travels alongside the renowned astrophysicist: 'The USA leads the way in terms of accessible hotels. That's the conclusion I've come to after several years spent travelling around with Stephen Hawking, the well-known disabled scientist. The bikini-clad women who posed with Professor Hawking in this photograph included in the Epstein files were his long-term caretakers, the Hawking family had previously said The two women were Professor Stephen Hawking's full-time carers, Monica Guy and Nicola O'Brien 'We've stayed in top and not-so-top hotels in cities all over the world. In the US it is considered absolutely normal to be disabled, and the right of a disabled person to access the same hotel facilities as everyone else is uncontested.' She conceded that because of his celebrity status, Prof Hawking was often offered the best hotels by his hosts, and his name 'opens doors.' She added: 'And because, importantly, Stephen Hawking is confident enough to stand up for his rights if he had a bad experience, he has no qualms about letting the management know. 'After a night(mare) of electricity problems and needless hassle at the Randolph in Oxford, he complained publicly and refused to pay for that night.' A spokesperson for the Hawking Family told the Daily Mail: 'Professor Hawking made some of the greatest contributions to physics in the 20th century while at the same time being the longest-known survivor of motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition which left him reliant on a ventilator, voice synthesiser, wheelchair and round-the-clock medical care. 'Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct on his part is wrong and far-fetched in the extreme.' Hawking was among 21 internationally renowned scientists who attended a conference hosted by Epstein in March 2006, five months before the financier was charged for the first time with soliciting prostitution. The conference was held at the five-star, $1,600-per-night Ritz-Carlton hotel on the island of St Thomas, nearby to Epstein's private island Little Saint James. A post on the blog of the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation included details about the conference, called The Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero. It stated that guests 'could meet, discuss, relax on the beach, and take a trip to the nearby private island retreat of the science philanthropist Jeffrey Epstein, who funded the event'. Hawking during the 2006 Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero conference, hosted by Epstein in the US Virgin Islands During the 2006 trip, Hawking was given a submarine tour of the seabed around Epstein's island. The paedophile modified the submarine especially for Hawking Guests appeared to have split their time between St Thomas and Little Saint James, where Epstein personally hosted them. Pictures that emerged in 2015 showed Hawking in his wheelchair attending a barbecue. He was later given a submarine tour of the seabed around Epstein's island. The paedophile had modified the vessel especially for Hawking, who had never been underwater before. Hawking was also previously accused of having 'participated in an underage orgy' on the island by late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, according to emails sent by the financier. Epstein furiously denied the allegation and appears to have instructed his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to offer money to Giuffre's friends if they could help disprove the claims against Hawking, according to court documents made public two years ago. FBI officials also received another unsubstantiated tip-off alleging that Epstein visited an 'all male gay club' with Hawking in 2011, according to files released by the DOJ. The tipster described the venue as a 'bath house' and told officials in 2019 that 'he was watching the news lately and saw prominent men [who] were at the club in 2011'. 'He said at the time he had no idea who they were. Stated there is lots of behavior that goes on there,' the report outlined. 'He said Epstein and Steven Hawking [sic] were there, as well as some Russian liaisons. He has recognized them from the news.' The report described how the caller 'was near tears' when he said 'it wasn't just girls that were affected by Epstein'. Hawking is referenced at least 250 times in the Epstein files, a search of the trove of documents released by the DOJ revealed. There is no suggestion that Hawking's appearance in the documents implies any wrongdoing. Epstein was said to surround himself with prominent scientists and called himself a 'science philanthropist'. He made large donations to scientific causes and, at one stage, was allegedly giving as much as $20million a year to fund scientists. Many of the scientists and researchers distanced themselves after his arrest. Astrophysicist Hawking is assisted off the tarmac at the Kennedy Space Center by his carer, Monica Guy, as he is applauded by members of the flight crew after completing a zero-gravity flight in Cape Canaveral, Florida The New York Times reported that Epstein was fixated on 'transhumanism' - a belief that the human species can be deliberately advanced through technological breakthroughs such as genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. It was reported that Epstein would sometimes steer conversations to be about how to improve the human race genetically. He reportedly told people that he wanted to impregnate as many women as he could to distribute his genes. The DOJ has released more than 3.5 million documents under the Epstein files Transparency Act. Officials have identified more than six million documents related to the paedophile, but will not be releasing the complete cache. When Gisele Pelicot was first shown a selection of images of herself lying unconscious in her bed, dressed in underwear she didn't own and being raped by strangers, she didn't recognise herself. The photographs were just a handful out of thousands captured over a decade, showing the 73-year-old being violated by at least 70 men who her husband, Dominique, had invited into their home. It wasn't until hours later that Gisele could finally utter the words to a friend, about the father of her children who had spent years lacing her food and drink with sedatives and muscle relaxants to make her comatose. 'Dominique raped me and had me raped.' It was a crime too unbelievable for the life partner she otherwise described as 'great guy', who was always kind and thoughtful, and who she fell in love with at first sight when they were 18. For Dr Paul Bensussan, the French psychiatrist and forensic expert who was instructed to evaluate Dominique in 2022, it is the disjunction between the 73-year-old's ordinary facade and his horrific actions that is so chilling. 'Dominique Pelicot's profile is striking first and foremost for its apparent normality, which offers a stark contrast to the extraordinary nature of the acts that led to his conviction to my knowledge, unprecedented in the history of contemporary sexual crimes,' he told the Daily Mail. But the singular thing Dr Bensussan found most staggering about the retired electrician and real-estate agent was his 'astonishing' number of paraphilias a more contemporary, but less well-understood, term for what was once called 'sexual deviance'. 'He is, in effect, a kind of "polymorphous pervert", embodying a significant number of paraphilias,' Dr Bensussan said. Dominique Pelicot received the maximum sentence of 20 years in jail for committing and orchestrating the mass rapes of his now former wife Gisele Dominique spent a decade lacing Gisele's food and drink with sedatives and muscle relaxants before allowing at least 70 men to rape her According to Dr Bensussan, who has been a psychiatric expert for the Versailles Court of Appeal since 1996, Dominique's extensive list of fetishes includes voyeurism, exhibitionism, somnophilia (arousal derived from sexual intercourse with a sleeping woman, also known as 'Sleeping Beauty syndrome'), candaulism, sexual sadism, as well as paedophilic fantasies. 'He is free of any other mental pathology, illustrating the classic adage in forensic psychiatry,' the renowned psychiatrist, author and lecturer said, referring to the maxim: 'The madness of an act does not make the perpetrator mad.' One of the facets of Dominique's personality that first attracted Gisele leading to 49 years of happy marriage were his family values, the same as hers. 'We get along well, which is why were still together,' she told police officer Laurent Perret in November 2020, who first showed her the photos of her being raped. 'Do you think this is plausible?' he asked, to which Gisele, crying, responded: 'Its not possible.' It is precisely the contrast between Dominique's facade of normality and his inner urges that now gives those around him Gisele and their three children, David, Caroline and Florian the feeling that they never truly knew him, despite decades of living together, Dr Bensussan said. 'This contrast is the most striking manifestation of a defence mechanism known as "splitting". Two completely incompatible personalities can coexist thanks to this splitting mechanism, without anyone, including those closest to him, suspecting such a duality. 'Dominique Pelicot embodied a complex mix of personalities: a husband deeply in love with his wife (50 years of marriage), an exemplary family man, the quintessential patriarch, a man cherished by his friends but also a cold, utterly unempathetic man, consumed by unspeakable fantasies, and intensely egocentric.' Following a three month trial that concluded in December 2024, 46 men were found guilty of rape, two of attempted rape and two of sexual assault, and Dominique was handed the maximum jail sentence of 20 years. The guilty serving jail terms ranging from between three and 15 years were firefighters, security guards and lorry drivers, and most of them hailed from a 30-mile radius of the Pelicots' home in Mazan, the tiny, picturesque little Provencal town. We now know that even when Dominique was already being investigated for upskirting women in September 2020, he continued his hideous ritual of violating Gisele until October 22, before his re-arrest on November 2. 'After the first search, Mr Pelicot likely didn't fully grasp the danger he faced, even though he tried to destroy some evidence. Before the second search, he may have cultivated an illusion of invulnerability,' Dr Bensussan said. 'This is a crucial aspect of his personality: this imposing, self-assured, domineering man, who liked to control events and those around him, meticulous even in organising videos that would later constitute damning evidence, may have felt all-powerful, even invulnerable.' He added that the 'addictive' nature of his 'multiple paraphilias' may have contributed to his reckless risk-taking. Dominique Pelicot portrayed an image of the perfect family man but hid the darkest of secrets Dr Paul Bensussan is an expert witness accredited by the French Court of Cassation and the International Criminal Court in The Hague Police found a file labelled 'abuses' on a USB drive connected to Dominique's computer, that contained 20,000 images and videos of Gisele being raped almost 100 times. He ritualistically solicited dozens of men to violate his wife on an anonymous online chatroom called Coco, specifically on its rape-fantasy forum called 'without her knowledge'. But the messages weren't just about Gisele, and another woman was also pictured in the images meticulously labelled on his computer: his 47-year-old daughter, Caroline Darian. Photos of her sleeping dressed in unfamiliar lingerie that could have belonged to her mother were found in Dominique's possession. 'These photos were accompanied by comments from Pelicot about his daughter's anus, in terms of crudity all the more shocking given that the subject was his daughter,' Dr Bensussan said, clarifying that the 'obscene' comments were sent to other men. Since the trial, the relationship between mother and daughter has been strained, with Caroline accusing Gisele of not believing her steadfast viewpoint that Dominique drugged and raped her too. The pair have since reconnected, however, and Gisele is committed to supporting her daughter as the 47-year-old seeks the truth. About whether Caroline's instinct is correct, Dr Bensussan said we, and she, may never find out the truth from a man 'who lies constantly', but 'the incestuous nature of the photos is at least symbolic'. 'For his daughter, Caroline, this is a poison instilled in her mind for life: the poison of doubt, since she will never know if, as she fears, her father also abused her. 'I haven't had direct contact with her, but I think this doubt is now bordering on conviction, making Caroline a victim of her father, at least psychologically.' He continued: 'I certainly wouldn't speak of "proof", but rather of elements, or a body of evidence: and it is precisely this lack of proof that makes the situation so difficult and cruel for Caroline. 'She cannot, in fact, give any credence to her father's denials, and it is only within herself that she will find, or choose, the answer to this question that torments her.' Dominique Pelicot is a 'polymorphous pervert', according to Dr Paul Bensussan Following everything that has come to light about Dominique, 'some now believe him capable of anything,' said the psychiatrist, 'including the murder of Sophie Narme, for which he is currently under investigation in a cold case dating back to 1991, or the attempted rape committed a few years later.' More than 20 years before the rapes for which he has now been jailed in 1999 Dominique is accused of attempting to rape a 23-year-old estate agent, known by the pseudonym Marion, on the outskirts of Paris. The case had never been solved, but Marion accused a man of tying her hands behind her back and covering her mouth with a cloth soaked in a sedative substance while she was giving him a tour of an apartment. As he removed her clothes, she fought back and ran into a closet, remaining locked inside until the attacker finally left. While Dominique initially denied any knowledge of the crime, when police told him they found his DNA on Marion's shoe in 2022, he admitted: 'It is indeed me.' He insisted that it was his decision not to rape Marion because he and Caroline were the same age at the time. 'I had a block thinking that it could be my daughter,' he said. Now, he is being investigated for an older but similar unsolved case, the 1991 rape and murder of another young estate agent, Sophie Narme, who was strangled to death after showing a man a property in Paris. There was no DNA and police mishandled the case, losing evidence, but the smell of ether lingered in the apartment. Dominique denied being involved but has been indicted for both crimes. 'It is true that the similarities between these two unsolved cases are disturbing, with identical circumstances: a young real estate agent murdered, another victim of attempted rape, a man in a hurry to view a property, using an assumed name, an ether gag, restraint with ropes, and an impressive brutality in the attack,' Dr Bensussan said. 'Two subtypes are distinguished among sex offenders: the "angry", characterised by impulsiveness and a needless relentlessness towards the victim, and the "sadistic", colder and more meticulous, exhibiting behaviour based on power and control over the victim. 'In cases of repeated offenses, these sadistic offenders often display consistent patterns or similarities from one crime to another.' Dr Bensussan is an expert witness accredited by the French Court of Cassation and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Because he has been appointed again by the investigating magistrate for the 1991 case, he couldn't comment further. Caroline Darian and David, the children of Gisele Pelicot, pictured at the verdict of the mass rape trial on December 19, 2024 Gisele has said she is determined to confront Dominique in prison to get answers to the remaining unknowns. As part of her psychological recovery, she's committed to finding out the truth about whether he ever raped their daughter Caroline, or was responsible for what happened to Sophie Narme. But Gisele's unorthodox desire to speak with her former husband in prison has raised eyebrows. 'Some do not understand Gisele Pelicot's wish, even going so far as to question the existence of "coercive control" a term so often misused that I remain very cautious about its application in a psycho-legal context,' Dr Bensussan said. 'Others including professionals, whom I will not name explicitly raise the question of unconscious complicity between the spouses, unable to understand how, after what she has endured, Gisele Pelicot still manages to humanise her husband, or at least not completely disengage from him.' He said it was highly improbable that Dominique, who is facing another trial and who remains steadfast in his denials, would confess to his wife an act of incest he has always rejected. 'The consequences of such a confession would undoubtedly be disastrous, both in the eyes of the public and in the eyes of his wife. 'He might fear losing what little support or empathy he still receives. On the other hand, I believe him perfectly capable, should his wife visit him in prison, of expressing shame, remorse, and even undiminished love. 'She is and will remain, he says, the love of his life: I cannot imagine for a moment that he would deviate from this position, even though he will be hard-pressed to explain to his wife how he could have been so utterly devoid of empathy.' Both Gisele and Caroline have translated their unimaginable traumas into writing, with the women each penning respective books delving into the events that tore their family apart. A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides was the title of Gisele's January 2026 memoir a tale of survival over years of blackouts, exhaustion and fears about a brain tumour, due to Dominique's habit of drugging her. 'I am the enemy of death,' she proudly declares in its haunting pages. 'Mum and I are becoming distant,' Caroline wrote in December, 2020, in a journal that would later be published as her own 2025 memoir, Ill Never Call Him Dad Again. 'Its inconceivable for her that I, too, might have been one of my fathers victims,' she wrote, insisting she is her father's 'forgotten victim'. Three months after Dominique was sentenced, she filed a new police complaint and on the same day, released her account of the mass rape trial, entitled So That We Remember. In an autobiography written nine years before his arrest, Dominique also recounted his own disturbing childhood memories of trauma and abuse, titling the work With My Own Troubles. Referring to his father as an 'authoritarian', a 'wolf,' and a 'predator lurking in the shadows', he said he witnessed him not only attack his mother, but abuse a daughter adopted into the family Nicole to satisfy his sexual needs. But Dr Bensussan warned that caution is warranted regarding Dominique's claims, suggesting he may have dramatised, or even fabricated, certain events. 'He told me about a night nurse who allegedly raped him for several days during his childhood, "in every way imaginable", even saying he had "lived through hell", while his brother Joel claims he only spent one night in the hospital and spoke only of a fleeting sexual encounter, described as "groping", about which their father had gone to the clinic to protest,' he said. With the patriarch of the Pelicot family behind bars, Dr Bensussan is sceptical about whether the remaining members will ever be able to truly psychologically recover, but he's decidedly not despairing about their individual futures. 'The painful confusion in which Caroline finds herself, David and Florian's doubts about their father's potentially abusive behaviour toward their children, and the persistence of doubts about the possible incestuous nature of Dominique Pelicot's father, illustrate, among many other points, the formidable and lasting consequences of abusive or incestuous behaviour,' he said. 'It is very difficult, even with well-conducted therapy, to be completely free of it. 'However, I believe in the concept of resilience, and the members of this family seem strong to me, capable of overcoming trauma for the sake of their own children. 'From this perspective, the revelation will undoubtedly have played a salutary role, despite an unprecedented media echo: nothing is more pernicious than hidden abuse or incest, in the complicit silence of an incestuous family.' News / National by Staff reporter Two officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Harare Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Division were fatally shot by an armed robbery suspect in Zaka on Sunday morning.CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachael Muteveri confirmed the incident and referred further inquiries to Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. Efforts to obtain comment from Nyathi were unsuccessful as his mobile phone went unanswered.Sources indicated that the detectives, Bernard Chindeke (38) and McKenzie Chitowe (42), had tracked two armed robbery suspects to Ndume Village in the Chimedza area under Chief Ndanga in Masvingo Province. One suspect was apprehended in the early hours of the morning and is currently detained at Zaka Police Station.The second suspect allegedly opened fire on the detectives during the operation. Chindeke died at the scene, while Chitowe was initially taken to Ndanga Referral Hospital before being transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital. He later succumbed to gunshot injuries while en route to the provincial facility.Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspect as investigations continue. The wounds once deeply etched across the body of Dr Sayragul Sauytbay by the Chinese state may have healed, but the emotional scars of her year-long detention will haunt her until her dying breath. The former teacher witnessed unimaginable horrors after she was dragged away by Communist guards and forced to work as a language instructor within the brutal confines of an internment camp in Xinjiang. Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh-Chinese national now in her late 40s, repeatedly broke down in tears as she recounted the brutality she was subjected to during her eight-month ordeal. She described a hell-on-Earth existence where inmates resembled zombies from the 'Living Dead', women were mercilessly gang-raped, and 'raw cries like a dying animal' rang out from a torture chamber dubbed the Black Room. In this room, tools were laid out ready to inflict agonising pain. Inmates had finger nails pulled out and were forced to sit on chairs with nails sticking out of the seat. The mother-of-two did not escape punishment herself. She was shocked in an electric chair and beaten unconscious for the 'crime' of showing sympathy to a terrified elderly inmate. Sauytbay said the camp was located in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture north west China, and operated as part of China's network of so-called 're-education' or 'vocational training' centres. Dr Sayragul Sauytbay spent eight months in an internment camp in Xinjiang, China, where she witnessed unimaginable horrors. Pictured: Chinese guards at a detention centre in Xinjiang take part in an anti-escape drill in 2018 Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh-Chinese national now in her late 40s, repeatedly broke down in tears as she recounted the brutality she was subjected to during her eight-month ordeal: Pictured: Watchtowers on a high-security re-education camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained, on the outskirts of Hotan, in China's northwestern Xinjiang region Detainees are pictured listening to speeches in a camp in Lop County, Xinjiang, China, in April 2017 Its primary purpose, she believes, was political indoctrination and forced assimilation of ethnic minorities - mainly Kazakhs and Uyghurs - through compulsory Mandarin instruction, Communist Party ideology classes, and strict discipline aimed at suppressing religious and cultural practices, rather than genuine vocational education. In the run-up to her detention, she recalls 'profound' fear coursing through her body after seeing her friends and neighbours being taken by Chinese state agents. Soon after, she began receiving visits herself. 'In January of 2017, they [began] detaining me in the middle of the night for interrogation. This happened several times, so I would have a hard time sleeping,' she said. By that time, her husband and two children had already fled to Kazakhstan, leaving her to fend for herself. She found work as the headteacher of several kindergartens. Following several months of this, she was finally taken to a camp in November 2017. After being told to report to an address, an order she said she could not refuse, armed officers dragged her into a van and took her away. She said: 'A police van filled with an entire squad, all armed with assault rifles, came. They put a black bag over my head, took me into the van and then drove off. 'We kept driving for a while and stopped several times, [presumably] to go through the checkpoints. [After a while] we entered a facility. Once I was inside, they said: "You're going to work here as a Chinese language instructor for the detainees." They forced me to sign an agreement that stated I will never talk about what happened once I got out.' Though she may not have technically been a prisoner, she was held against her will and treated as if she were one. She said: 'Although I was a Chinese language instructor, it was not any different from the detainees. I would eat the same food as them, I would have to obey the same orders as them. The only difference is that while there were dozens of people crammed into one cell, I had a smaller, separate area where I would sleep. 'The Chinese guards didn't view any of the detainees as humans. And they also didn't view me as a human either.' Established in 2017, the camps in Xinjiang have been used to subjugate an estimated one million people many of whom have been held with no charges against them. China's camps are believed to be the largest-scale arbitrary detention of ethnic and religious minorities since WW2, when the Nazi party systematically detained Jews and other groups in concentration camps. Understandings of why the Chinese government has engaged in this long-term suppression of ethnic minorities vary. China claims that its motivation is to stamp out terrorism in the country. So well-held is this claim that the camps are key to the country's anti-terror crackdown that the government euphemistically calls them 'counter extremism training centres' and 'education and transformation training centres'. But Sauytbay told the Daily Mail she believes the reason is far more calculated. The former teacher (pictured during a court hearing in 2018) described a hell-on-Earth existence where inmates resembled zombies from the 'Living Dead', women were mercilessly gang-raped and 'raw cries like a dying animal' rang out from a torture chamber dubbed the Black Room She said the region is 'strategically vital to China because it has a lot of natural and mineral resources'. She added: 'It's a very large piece of territory. Since China occupied East Turkestan, they've sought to remove the native populations and to gradually make it dominated only by the Chinese.' Sauytbay said she remembered seeing zombified inmates - the 'Living Dead', as she put it - shuffling through the bleak prison in her first days there. But it was only until she had been there for a few days that she began hearing screeches of terror and pain ring through the halls of the 'concrete coffin' she lived in. The escapee wrote in her 2021 book The Chief Witness: Escape from China's Modern-Day Concentration Camps: 'I'd never heard anything like it in all my life. Screams like that aren't something you forget. The second you hear them, you know what kind of agony that person is experiencing. 'They sounded like the raw cries of a dying animal.' Later, she would learn that these screams came from so-called 'Black Rooms', chambers filled with torture equipment that had no cameras inside. It was here that prisoners were dragged by guards for any number of indiscretions committed against the Chinese state or the prison itself. Sauytbay said that many of those who emerge from the Black Room come back covered in their own blood. Others were simply never seen again. She herself was tortured in a Black Room for daring to show sympathy to an elderly detainee who had been brought into the camp for no discernible reason, she told the Daily Mail. 'One night, a large group of new detainees [arrived]. Among them was an elderly, Kazakh lady from a shepherd family,' she recounted. '[The guards] didn't even give her the time to put on her shoes or clothes properly, [even though] it was the winter. 'She was very scared. She saw me and she came running to me, hugging me and crying, telling me: "I have done nothing wrong. I'm innocent. I don't know why they brought me here. Please help me." 'And because of that, they took me into the Black Room.' 'After they took me, the first thing I noticed was a lot of different tools that I had never seen before. 'They shocked me in an electric chair. Then they began to beat me to the point that I fainted. While I was being tortured, I thought I was going to die because of them. The only thing I could think of was my two children. 'When I woke up, I was in the room where I usually sleep. Even after receiving that torture, I was forced to go back to teaching [the other detainees].' 'I was a very healthy person before I went into the camp. After I came out of the camp, I felt as if I had aged over ten years. My health quickly deteriorated.' She saw others taken into Black Rooms for little to no reason as well. She said: 'The camps are run like military regiments. If [detainees] lay down, they can only sleep on their right side so they face the security cameras that are monitoring them constantly. 'If they move or try to talk to one another, they're immediately punished for breaking the rules.' She said: 'For anything, whether it was not laying on the right side or if they talked to one another or if they didn't obey instructions, they were immediately taken to the Black Room. 'There, they would be subject to various types of torture. [Guards would] shock them, they would pull out their fingernails, force them to sit down on chairs that have nails sticking up or just beat them.' It wasn't just here that abuse of prisoners would happen. Sauytbay told the Daily Mail that she and around 100 other prisoners were made to watch a young woman being gang-raped by prison guards. The woman, who she said was 20 or 21 years old, was made to confess to texting a friend on a religious holiday. She was thrown to the ground and abused by three guards. As she begged for help, other officers watched the assembled prisoners for any dissent. Those who protested were immediately taken away. Sauytbay said she believes the incident was a test designed to see how compliant the prison's population was. The former prisoner said that she somehow managed to stop herself from reacting to what she saw, but that she would never come to terms with it: 'I've never witnessed anything more vile or inhumane in my life. Some people were crying, some tried to look away, some clenched their fists to show their anger. All of them were taken by the guards. 'I couldn't do anything but feel helpless. As a woman, as a mother, I was horrified that I was being forced to watch this, but I couldn't express anything there because I knew I would be tortured as well. I've never forgotten this incident. 'It caused me a lot of health problems. I can't sleep properly at night. Even my heart problems are connected to this. This is why I'm still in the hospital right now.' 'This is not just the issue of the honour of one woman being abused, but this is an issue of our entire nation's honour.' Other survivors have spoken out about the horrific sexual abuse at the camps. Ruqiye Perhat, who was held in various prisons in Xinjiang over the course of four years, told the Washington Post in 2019 that she was repeatedly raped by Chinese guards. As a result, she twice fell pregnant. Chinese guards then forced her to have abortions in both cases. She told the newspaper: 'Any woman or man under age 35 was raped and sexually abused.' Several other women said they were forced to shower and use toilets in rooms with cameras in them. One woman said female guards used chewing gum to pull on her pubic hair. Others said that they were forced to smear ground chilli paste on their genitals before they showered, with one woman recalling: 'It burned like fire.' Sauytbay said these reports were consistent with what she witnessed at the camps. She said: 'The Chinese guards received unfettered freedom to do whatever they wanted to the detainees in the camps from Beijing directly. That's why they didn't view the detainees as human. 'They would do whatever they felt like doing without any fear that they would ever be held accountable because that was what was guaranteed to them from their higher ups. There's no restriction on what they want to do. They're totally free to do that.' The problem of sexual abuse was so systemic that in 2019, a former guard at a Xinjiang camp wrote an open letter that backed the claims of countless women who blew the whistle on their experiences. The man, named only as 'Berik', said Chinese officers at the camps would select their victims before taking them to a room. He wrote, apparently referring to sexual abuse: 'There are two tables in the kitchen, one for snacks and liquor, and the other for "doing things".' Sauytbay said: 'I constantly think back to those people in the camps. I constantly remember the things that happened there. The most painful part was the fact that the rape of women became a routine thing inside the camp.' Following her detention, she was eventually allowed to leave in 2018. But she was quickly threatened with permanent imprisonment by Chinese authorities, even though she had committed no crime. This was when she decided to flee to Kazakhstan under false documents. After spending a year there, she was then granted political asylum in Sweden, where she now lives with her family. Sauytbay now works as the vice-president for the East Turkistan Government-in-Exile, an organisation that aims to get the Xinjiang province to secede from China and to hold the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) accountable for their unimaginable crimes. She said that she was shocked at the difference in how people are treated in the West: 'After I came to the West, I began to see how people treated not only one another, but animals. 'I realised that we did not see even an ounce of the compassion and humanity that dogs and cats get in the West.' The quaint hamlet of Hammoon, near Shaftesbury in Dorset, is remarkable only for a 12th century Norman church and its scenic bridge over the River Stour. And it's that river which has provoked an extraordinary row between infuriated locals, visiting motorists - and the health and safety conscious county council. The dispute has seen a raft of motorists come unstuck in the floodwater that backs up from the Stour during spells of heavy rain - with repair bills and recovery bills running to tens of thousands of pounds. And so fraught has the situation become that the local authority has been labelled 'pathetic' and 'idiotic' with some even muttering about potential legal action. The source of the problem is a small dip in the single unclassified road that runs through Hammoon between the slightly larger nearby villages of Manston and Fiddleford. Although the 20 odd houses in Hammoon are built high enough to stay dry when the Stour overflows its banks, that dip fills with water that's particularly deep while the whole road surface is submerged so drivers can't see it coming. For some years unwitting motorists had been prevented from driving into the de facto sink hole thanks to a simple preventative method: two iron-barred floodgates on either side of the bridge over the Stour on the north side of the village. As soon as the river started rising local volunteers would keep an eye on water levels - and keep in touch with each other via a Whatsapp group - swinging into action when the river reached critical levels and swinging the gates shut. A river in Hammoon in Dorset has provoked an extraordinary row between infuriated locals, visiting motorists - and the health and safety conscious county council. The source of the problem is a small dip in the single unclassified road (pictured) that runs through the hamlet The dispute has seen a raft of motorists come unstuck in the floodwater that backs up from the Stour during spells of heavy rain - with repair bills and recovery bills running to tens of thousands of pounds One villager said they had counted 10 stranded vehicles over one three-week period alone after unsuspecting drivers were caught out by the gates not being shut in time. Pictured: a flooded road in Hammoon Parish councillors say it costs the tax payer at least 3,000 each time the emergency services are called to a stranded vehicle and they only rescue people, not the cars Villagers have described the council's response when called out to take urgent action as 'useless' and 'pathetic' Last autumn officials from Dorset Council waded into the flood question, informing Hammoon residents that they could no longer operate the gates (pictured) themselves because this did not meet health and safety standards That was the system - simple but effective - that was in place until four months ago. And it worked well, preventing anyone not familiar with the finer details of the road through the village submerging their car. But then last autumn officials from Dorset Council waded into the flood question, informing Hammoon residents that they could no longer operate the gates themselves because this did not meet health and safety standards. They told Hammoon that the risks associated with volunteers on the highway - even a tiny back country road - could not be 'satisfactorily mitigated'. So the old volunteer flood watch system was suspended and the council took over the management of the flood gates instead. Hammoon Parish Council was given a hotline number to call when they felt the gates needed to be closed and assured a team would rush out to do this inside a maximum time window of two hours. The new system was immediately put to the test as the winter of 2025/6 was a particularly rainy one as Dorset was successively battered by storms Amy, Bram and Chandra. What happened next? The gates were repeatedly not closed in time and cars were repeatedly stuck. This has meant the hamlet has been clogged up with stranded cars, emergency service vehicles and recovery units. One villager said they had counted 10 stranded vehicles over one three-week period alone after unsuspecting drivers were caught out by the gates not being shut in time. They say they have repeatedly been unable to get hold of officials in the highways' department and when they have managed to get through they have then taken too long to come out. Villagers have described the council's response when called out to take urgent action as 'useless' and 'pathetic'. Parish councillors say it costs the taxpayer at least 3,000 each time the emergency services are called to a stranded vehicle and they only rescue people, not the cars. In one episode, a van driver who was not local to the area had to be rescued on an inflatable raft by the fire service after getting stuck. One victim was building project manager George Bingham whose Mercedes estate car was written off three weeks ago after he drove into the Stour floodwater without realising its depth. He says he only made his expensive mistake because he had been unaware the council was now running the system - and less responsively. Mr Bingham, 67, who is also a sculptor, said: 'I knew the people in Hammoon have been very efficient at running these gates for the last few years. 'So when I came around the corner and I saw the gates were open - because they weren't shut I thought the village was probably passable. 'You would think I am old enough to know better, but I wasn't. 'Water got into the air intake and I came to a stop in the middle of it. Had I reversed it would have gone into my exhaust pipe. 'A woman came out and brought me a pair of Wellington boots so I could get out. I called for a pick up truck and the car was taken to a garage who said it was a write off. 'There were two other cars stranded there when I joined them and there had been a van floating around for about a week.' One victim was building project manager George Bingham (pictured) whose Mercedes estate car was written off three weeks ago after he drove into the Stour floodwater without realising its depth Mr Bingham (pictured), 67, says he only made his expensive mistake because he had been unaware the council was now running the system - and less responsively Now that Mr Bingham knows the back story to why the gates remained open even when the road was dangerously flooded he's furious. 'I think it is pathetic of the council,' he said. 'People in Hammoon used to have the common sense to be able to open and shut these gates totally efficiently - but it is totally inefficient now that the council is doing it.' The trigger for the gates being shut was traditionally when the river level went above 2.3 metres (7ft 6in) - and they would stay shut until the waters had dropped back below that level. Local resident Vanda Goddard said: 'When the residents were operating the gates, we had no problems. Everything went smoothly and not a single car got stuck. 'But it's been a disaster since the Council took over. They said they had to do it because of health and safety and that residents were being put in danger, but nobody seems to have any common sense anymore.' She added: 'There was nothing wrong with the old system, it worked fine but these meddling council officials have ruined things.' Local resident Vanda Goddard (pictured) said: 'When the residents were operating the gates, we had no problems. Everything went smoothly and not a single car got stuck. But it's been a disaster since the Council took over' Ken, a local farm worker said: 'The council are doing a bad job. Sometimes they don't close the road when it's flooded and at other times, they close it when it's not. It was much better and safer when the residents were in charge. 'We've had a really bad winter and a lot of cars have got stuck on the flooded road. I don't understand why the council decided to interfere when the old system has been working perfectly fine for the past four years, when the gates were installed.' He added: 'It's not a problem for me because I'm always in my tractor. But the council are morons, you've got it in one - they can't even do a simple job of opening and closing two gates. It's ridiculous.' Ken, a local farm worker said: 'I don't understand why the council decided to interfere when the old system has been working perfectly fine for the past four years, when the gates were installed' A former member of the village's Parish Council who did not want to be named said: 'Sadly, the health and safety mob decided to stick their noses into our business because we had a really good system. 'I have lived here all my life and the flooding has got worse and worse over the years. But the community pulled together and always made sure that no cars got affected. All that got ruined when Dorset Council got involved and they've done a terrible job.' Mary-Jane Wright, who keeps livestock at Hammoon, said: 'There's a dip in the road and if people are not local they have no idea how deep it is there. 'It catches people out. And the problem is satnav brings people down that way thinking it's a shortcut. 'Hammoon has always flooded and there was never any defence before. 'A local farmer used to end up pulling the cars out with his tractor. 'But when the gates were put in they made a difference, people didn't get stuck as much and fire engines weren't being called out to rescue people. 'But this last winter it was decided by the council they would take back control of the gates and it has caused issues.' She added: 'I met the farmer's son a couple of weeks ago and he had just towed three people out. 'The gates being shut is a good deterrent but now the council are not shutting the gates quick enough. 'There are people who like to chance it and then fire engines get called out to rescue them. It's such a waste of resources and money. 'The council have said it's a safeguarding issue and it's not safe for the volunteers to put out the signs but why should it make any difference? 'It's not hard, it involves them standing on a bank not in the road and they've done it successfully for years.' Another villager, Sue Read, said: 'This has only become a problem since the council has taken over responsibility for the closure of the gates and the signage. 'It all seemed to work fine when the residents were dealing with it.' A Dorset Council spokesperson said the gate control policy change came about after the parish council 'reviewed their ongoing involvement' and Dorset Council took on responsibility following 'mutual discussion'. She said: 'We would like to thank the volunteers who have supported the community over many years by helping to operate the flood gates. 'Following discussions with the parish council, and the legal requirements involved in formally closing a highway, it has now been agreed that Dorset Council staff will carry out this function going forward. 'To support safer decisionmaking, we are working with the parish council to explore additional ways of warning motorists about flooding, including the potential installation of new or enhanced depth markers to give clearer, realtime information. 'We are aware that recent flooding has resulted in some vehicles becoming stranded and while we continue to refine our procedures we are advising motorists to take extra care when approaching the area. Although the 20 odd houses in Hammoon (pictured) are built high enough to stay dry when the Stour overflows its banks, that dip fills with water that's particularly deep while the whole road surface is submerged so drivers can't see it coming One villager said they had counted 10 stranded vehicles over one three-week period alone after unsuspecting drivers were caught out by the gates not being shut in time 'Floodwater can be unpredictable, even when it appears shallow, and conditions can change quickly. 'For this reason, it is always safest to avoid driving through standing or moving floodwater whenever possible.' Hammoon has a history almost 1000 years old - it's mentioned in the Doomsday book - but has a population of just 40, a number sometimes augmented by stranded motorists. 'They're here.' Those two words, uttered by six-year-old Heather O'Rourke in the 1982 blockbuster Poltergeist, have sent chills down the spines of horror fans for decades. Heather played the clairvoyant child Carol Anne Freeling in the film, a role she reprised for two more Poltergeist movies, cementing her as one of the genre's most memorable characters. However, it was Heather's untimely passing at the age of 12 from septic shock the result of an intestinal blockage, just months before the 1988 release of Poltergeist III that has defined her legacy. 'She's really the face of Poltergeist, one of the best horror films of all time,' Brian Pocrass, who produced the new documentary, Heather O'Rourke: She Was Here told the Daily Mail. 'Her performance is so strong and she looked like an angel. The combination of that with the tragic story of her dying so young is why people gravitate towards her, especially online.' Indeed, the fixation on Heather has grown in the years following her death, as rumors of a 'Poltergeist curse' became an urban legend, following the deaths of three other Poltergeist actors Dominique Dunne, at age 22, Julian Beck, at 60, and Will Sampson, at 53 who passed away during or after the filming of the trilogy. But for Heather's mother Kathleen O'Rourke, the wild speculation about her daughter's passing overshadows the truth she knows about the precocious and grounded girl she loved. 'She was just a happy child,' Kathleen, now in her 70s and living in Las Vegas, exclusively told the Daily Mail. 'Very smart and very caring she had to go to school, she had responsibility, she had chores that's how I raised her.' 'They're here.' Those two words, uttered by a then six-year-old Heather O'Rourke (above) in the 1982 blockbuster Poltergeist Kathleen (left) said Heather (right) was a 'happy child' According to Kathleen, Heather's childhood in Southern California was like most other girls her age. She loved eating pizza and snacking on sour cream and onion potato chips. She played with Cabbage Patch dolls, doodled in coloring books, and was an avid reader of Nancy Drew and Baby-sitters Club books. She loved spending time with her grandparents and squabbled with her older sister, Tammy. She helped Kathleen, a seamstress, in her shop by running the register and assisting with the sewing. The only difference between her and the children she attended school with was that Heather was discovered at five years old by Poltergeist's writer and producer, Steven Spielberg, who happened across Heather in the MGM Studios commissary. Heather's sister Tammy was acting in Pennies From Heaven at the time. As a single parent with limited childcare options, Kathleen had to bring Heather with her when she took Tammy to set. Then, after Poltergeist, life changed. 'We had to be more aware. We'd go shopping, and people would stop her and they'd watch her eat at a restaurant, which kind of bothered her. She would always face the wall, she'd say 'I don't want people seeing me chewing.' She'd fight with her sister, she had friends, she went to school. We just had to be more observant when we did outside activities.' For Kathleen, it was clear that Heather was bright from a young age, but she hadn't anticipated a future for her in showbiz. The starring cast of Poltergeist: Craig T Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Dominique Dunne, Oliver Robins and Heather O'Rourke The young actress was discovered by Steven Spielberg in the MGM commissary Kathleen (left) said Heather (right) loved eating pizza and playing with dolls 'I was kind of surprised myself, because she was always very, very quiet,' Kathleen shared. 'I never expected anything to come out of it. But she had something that drew Steven's attention and [Poltergeist director] Brian Gibson's attention and she could follow directions really well. 'She was uncanny how she could just memorize everything, just by looking at it. How can you do this when you're five years old?' Though Heather was a gifted child actor and the star of one of the '80s' biggest hits, she too, could get star-struck, as evidenced by the time that she was filming at a set next to Sylvester Stallone, who was working on a Rocky movie. Kathleen recalled: 'He [Sylvester] asked her, 'You want to trade pictures and autographs and come see me?' So the teacher took her over there. Heather came back and she said, 'I got his autograph. Oh my god, I forgot my name! He kissed my hand!' And then she said, 'Don't touch my hand, because you're wiping it off!' Nearly four decades later, Heather's figure continues to loom large in the horror space, something that Pocrass believes is because of the outsized impact of her performance. And unfortunately, rumors about the so-called curse have been hurtful to the O'Rourke family. Overzealous horror fans have attributed Heather's premature death from intestinal stenosis, which was originally misdiagnosed as Crohn's disease, to bizarre claims of haunting or even a 'Poltergeist' curse. Heather played the clairvoyant child Carol Anne Freeling in the film, a role she reprised for two more Poltergeist movies Heather delivered one of horror's most infamous lines in Poltergeist: 'They're here' Nick Bailey, director of the Heather O'Rourke: She Was Here, told the Daily Mail that this misinformation has only added to the pain that the family faces over their loss. 'They not only endured the loss of Heather, but now they've dealt with decades of public speculation, rumors of a 'Poltergeist curse,' and other rumors that came up,' Bailey said. For Kathleen, it's especially torturous to face the unfounded judgment of people who never knew Heather, especially when it came to decisions around Heather's medical treatment. 'You want to protect your child,' she said. 'I didn't know how sick she was. I had trusted the doctor, I trusted the hospital. 'You think, 'Okay, they're professional. They know what they're talking about. So we go with the flow and this is what you have. You live with it, you deal with it, you don't fight it. That's the hardest thing when I think back on it. Why didn't I question this more?' Kathleen also shared how one incident following Heather's death highlighted how judgmental people could be about her daughter, without knowing the circumstances of her death. For Kathleen, it's especially torturous to face the unfounded judgment of people who never knew Heather, especially when it came to decisions around Heather's medical treatment. During the filming of Poltergeist III, Heather's cheeks were swollen because of steroids she had been prescribed during a misdiagnosis. 'When she passed away, I went to the movie theater to see Poltergeist III with my family, and there was someone a couple of rows ahead, a young person. 'Oh, look how fat she looks, with those fat cheeks and everything else!' You know, my heart broke. I almost went down and told the person, 'Hey, she's sick.' But I thought, 'Control yourself, it's okay.' But, you know, we want to protect our children. That's all we ever want to do. We want the best for them.' As for how Kathleen hopes Heather will be remembered, it has less to do with her character in Poltergeist and more to do with the daughter she knew off-screen: 'I hope that people remember her for the talent that she had and also remember what kind of person she was. 'She was a good person, she cared about other people, and I hope that somewhere down the line, they'll remember her for the work that she accomplished in her short life.' An illegal migrant accused of stalking a woman off a bus and stabbing her to death has a shocking criminal history, with 30 arrests over the past two years alone. Abdul Jalloh, 32, was arrested and charged with the killing of 41-year-old Stephanie Minter, who was found dead from stab wounds to her upper body at a bus stop shelter in Fairfax County, Virginia, on Monday night. Court documents revealed that the suspect has a long rap sheet with more than two dozen arrests, including several for malicious wounding. Some of those serious charges, however, were repeatedly dropped by judges before he allegedly escalated to cold-blooded murder in rural Hybla Valley this week. In a statement shared to X, Virginia's former republican Attorney General Jason Miyares wrote: '30 prior arrests and 5 prior felony malicious wounding charges since 2023 alone.' 'Once again the innocent suffer when 'catch and release' policies by leftwing prosecutors get in charge,' Miyares added. 'This is 100% on Steve Descano, and why he's so despised by the Fairfax County Police Department.' The case has ignited a political firestorm in Northern Virginia, with critics demanding to know why a man with such a lengthy and violent record was back on the streets. Stephanie Minter, 41, was found with multiple stab wounds at a Fairfax County bus stop shelter along Richmond Highway on Monday evening Abdul Jalloh, 32, was arrested and charged in Minters killing after police said he exited the bus with her before the attack in Hybla Valley The Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, led by Descano, acknowledged that Jalloh was well known to law enforcement prior to Monday's attack. In a statement, the office said Jalloh had previously been convicted and served jail time for a 2023 malicious wounding charge. 'Unfortunately, the defendant in this case also had a history of selecting victims with no fixed address some of the most vulnerable members of our community. In multiple cases, we were unable to move forward with prosecution because victims could not be located or contacted,' the office said in part. Former Virginia prosecutor John Fishwick told DC News Now the situation underscores the difficulty of prosecuting violent offenders when victims cannot be found or decline to cooperate. 'It's very frustrating for law enforcement and to the prosecutors. They've probably got a very strong case but they need the victim to say what happened. 'I'm sure law enforcement tried a lot of different things, but it's a legitimate question of what efforts were made to bring these people to court. Clearly, This person should not have been on the streets,' Fishwick said. Police say officers responded on Monday evening to a bus stop along Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley, where they found Minter suffering from multiple stab wounds. Investigators allege Jalloh got off the bus with her before launching the fatal attack. Court records show Jalloh had been arrested around 30 times in recent years, including multiple prior charges for malicious wounding Police are seen investigating the scene at a Fairfax County, Virginia, bus stop The brutality of the killing, allegedly carried out in public, at a transit stop, has intensified scrutiny of how repeat offenders are handled in the criminal justice system. The tragedy echoes other high-profile cases that have fueled national debate about violent crime and immigration enforcement. Last August, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed aboard a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Zarutska, who had fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was attacked from behind and stabbed three times in what authorities described as an unprovoked assault. The 34-year-old suspect in that case had a documented history of schizophrenia and had been arrested and released at least 14 times. He faced state and federal homicide charges. Family members said he suffered from severe mental health issues and had previously served five years in prison for armed robbery before living with his mother, who told reporters she had tried to have him committed to a psychiatric institution. He had most recently been free on a written promise to return to court after an arrest for making a false 911 call. Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was randomly attacked on a commuter train in Charlotte last August Zarutska had fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 before being killed in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack from behind The 34-year-old suspect, who according to his family suffers from mental health issues, has previously been arrested and released at least 14 times The killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley in 2024 also reverberated nationally. Riley, 22, was jogging on the University of Georgia campus on February 22, 2024, when she was attacked. According to trial testimony and investigators, Riley was beaten in the head with a rock and strangled during a struggle. Her body was found near a campus lake less than an hour after she was reported missing. Jose Antonio Ibarra was later found guilty on all counts in Rileys death and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors presented evidence that Ibarras DNA was found under Rileys fingernails and that both their DNA profiles were located on a jacket recovered from a trash bin near his apartment complex. Laken Riley, 22, was attacked while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February 2024 Rileys body was discovered near a campus lake less than an hour after she was reported missing by concerned roommates Prosecutors said Venezuelan migrant Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, encountered Riley during her run and killed her during a struggle Federal immigration authorities said after his arrest that Ibarra had entered the United States illegally in 2022 and was allowed to remain while pursuing his immigration case. Rileys killing became a flashpoint in President Trump's 2024 election campaign. When Trump began his second term, the first bill he signed was the Laken Riley Act, requiring federal officials to detain migrants arrested or charged with certain crimes, including those that injure or kill someone. A man in Florida, who had been missing for ten days, was miraculously found and rescued after he became stuck in mud up to his shoulders. Andrew Giddens, 36, was discovered by the Palatka Fire Department after he was last heard from on Valentine's Day. Giddens was rescued on February 23 at the Vulcan Materials Company, a sand plant east of Melrose, but was found in mud up to his shoulders near a borrow pit. 'He had been stuck in mud for several days without food or water, while the area faced freezing temperatures,' the fire department said in a post on Facebook. His abandoned car was spotted near where he was eventually found by Putnam County Sheriff's Office Deputy Derrick Holmes, who requested a welfare check on Giddens. That was when his friends told Holmes that Giddens had been 'depressed due to a recent break-up,' according to the sheriff's office. Giddens was able to verbally communicate and flag down the rescue team. It took emergency responders nearly three hours to free Giddens from the mud before he was rushed to hospital. Andrew Giddens, 36, was discovered by the Palatka Fire Department after he was last heard from on Valentine's Day earlier this month Giddens was rescued on Monday at the Vulcan Materials Company, a sand plant east of Melrose, but was found in mud up to his shoulders near a borrow pit It took emergency responders nearly three hours to free Giddens from the mud before he was rushed to hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery 'The rescue took about two to three hours, with specialized crews working carefully to bring him to safety,' the fire department said. 'Thanks to the skill and teamwork of these first responders, Andrew is expected to recover.' 'This rescue shows the power of mutual aid, training, and dedication. We are grateful for the bravery and professionalism of everyone involved,' the department's post concluded. The PFD was also aided in the rescue by Clay County Fire Rescues Technical Rescue Teams, Putnam County Fire Rescue and Melrose Fire Department-Florida. The PCSO said: 'Due to his mental health, no charges are being considered at this time. We hope that he is able to recover from his ordeal both physically and mentally.' Vulcan Sand Plant officials told WCJB: 'Our Vulcan team at the Grandin Sand Plant handled a trespassing situation with care and compassion shepherding first responders to a man who was in distress.' 'We are grateful for his safe rescue and thankful for the first responders who aided him.' Giddens aunt, Jeannie Smith Carson, wrote on Facebook: 'Andrew was found alive. All we know is that he was stuck somewhere since Saturday. He is in bad shape' Giddens friends told Putnam County Sheriff's Office Deputy Derrick Holmes that Giddens had been 'depressed due to a recent break-up' Giddens aunt, Jeannie Smith Carson, wrote on Facebook: 'Andrew was found alive. All we know is that he was stuck somewhere since Saturday. He is in bad shape.' 'The EMS is on their way. But he is alive.' After her nephew was rescued she said in a separate post: 'Thank you all for your prayers. Here is an update. Thank God he was found when he was. One more day and we would not have been as fortunate.' 'This world is crazy. I am blessed to have my people who have shared and reshared this and have prayed. I cant thank all of you enough. God is good.' How much damage can you do to your body, your career, your life when you step on to a faulty piece of exercise equipment? The plaster cast on Maya Merons arm tells the tiniest part of the story. A violinist who played with some of the worlds top orchestras, her left elbow was shattered when the adjustable bar on a Pilates reformer machine slipped out of its setting while she was in the downward dog yoga position, sending her arms in one direction and her legs in another. Mother-of-three Maya, 45, knew on hearing the sickening crunch that her international career was probably over. But she could not possibly have foreseen the physical ordeal that lay ahead. Her most recent operation, to repair nerve damage, has been the third on her arm. There have been two major operations on her abdomen because some of the core muscles ironically the ones that are supposed to benefit most from Pilates were effectively shredded with the force of the fall nearly seven years ago. She still uses a wheelchair intermittently because of the risk of tumbling. I was effectively crippled, she says. Ive seen 100 doctors and been treated in London, Zurich and California. My twin sons were one when it happened. I wasnt even able to lift them. Worse still, however, was the extent to which the accident destroyed her perfect life. I had a wonderful marriage, a great social life, lots of travel. I was able to be very present with my children, she tells me from her New York home. Maya Meron, a violinist who played with some of the worlds top orchestras, shattered her left elbow when the adjustable bar on a Pilates reformer machine slipped out of its setting while she was in the downward dog yoga position Mother-of-three Maya, 45, knew upon hearing the sickening crunch that her international violinist career was probably over Her most recent operation, to repair nerve damage, has been the third on her arm Suddenly, I couldnt go out with my family for a walk in the forest. My husband took on the role of breadwinner, as well as doing all the cooking and the childcare. He was a wonderful husband. He is a brilliant father. He loved me but our marriage couldnt survive. It tore us apart, too. This ripped my family apart. If only it was just about an elbow. Maya made headlines last week when it was revealed she had won her protracted dispute with Heartcore, an upmarket fitness chain in whose Hampstead, north London, studio she suffered her injuries. On the eve of a High Court decision, the company whose clients have included Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham agreed to pay undisclosed damages in a confidential settlement. It emerged Maya had to turn detective to compile evidence that one of Heartcores fitness machines was to blame, going undercover to take photographs of the mechanisms that, she was convinced, had failed. She tells me she also spent tens of thousands of pounds on private investigators and even paid her own health and safety experts, outraged that Heartcore was not only denying liability but refusing to engage with her questions about how this could have happened. I couldnt believe the world I ended up in, she says, meeting a private investigator, putting on glasses with cameras in them. It was James Bond stuff. Im a musician but, suddenly, I was creeping about with a flashlight trying to take a picture of some stupid flawed machine. While Maya was single-handedly fighting a seven-year legal battle she was also going to war with the medical profession. She says her abdominal injuries were so complex it took years to pinpoint the damage that had been done but, at one point, it was dismissed as psychosomatic. I laughed, she says, recalling the moment a Swiss doctor told her the physical symptoms she described must be in her head. I thought, this is Kafka-esque. I was told they recommended me being admitted to a psychiatric unit. This diagnosis proved incorrect when Maya was finally operated on in the US, revealing massive internal injuries behind the outer layer of abdominal muscle had a devastating impact. But the more I cried, the more I was painted as a hysterical woman who could not cope with the loss of her career and her life, she says. Amid the trauma, the detective work, the pain and the debt she got into funding her investigation, her marriage crumbled. She says that her husband Stefan-Peter Greiner, one of the worlds leading violin-makers, was at a loss over how to cope with her and with the strain of shouldering all responsibilities. What was my husband to do, faced with doctors saying psychosomatic? Of course, he believed the doctors and I dont blame him for that. The pressure on both of us was overwhelming. She shows me images of a family portrait commissioned from an artist friend several years ago. It took a year to complete and by the time he was finished my husband and I had separated, she says. If I had been believed about the accident in the first place, and supported, the stresses would not have been so vast. Pictured: The type of machine Maya was using when it slipped out of its setting sending her arms in one direction and her legs in another Why is Maya speaking out today? She reveals that in negotiations with Heartcore, she was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. She refused, agreeing only to keep financial specifics secret. They wanted to gag me. No way. I want to speak about the impact it can have on a persons life when something goes wrong with these machines, she says. This is a multi-billion pound industry but so much about it isnt regulated. There are still so many questions. Who is responsible for ensuring these machines are safe? Is it the council? Is it health and safety? I came up against all this. Born in Israel, Maya started playing violin at seven and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She met Stefan-Peter, a German, when he designed a violin for her. He had a studio in London, where they moved in 2013 with their toddler daughter. Their twin boys were born in 2018. Like most professional musicians, Maya treated her body like an athlete. She ran regularly and did Pilates classes because it strengthened the core. Since 2015, she had been to about 150 classes run by a variety of instructors. Around 40 of them were after her twins were born. They specifically advertise about being suitable for women postpartum, she says. Then disaster struck on March 11, 2019. Reformer machines incorporate a sliding carriage on which you perform a series of exercises, which can be done lying down, kneeling or standing. Resistance is provided with springs that can be added, and there are pulleys and straps to perform leg or arm movements. There is also a bar that can be adjusted to different heights. Sometimes called the foot bar, it can support the hands for leaning positions, as in Mayas case. Midway through a class with a stand-in instructor it was this adjustable bar that gave way, sending Maya crashing down. Ill never forget the sound of bone breaking, she says. I knew then my career was probably over. I was also aware of enormous force, almost like a punch, to my abdomen, but I couldnt understand it because nothing made contact with my body. She lost consciousness. When she came to, she was being helped to her feet. Then she recalls being ushered from the room. The class continued without her. I believe they tried to cover it up from that moment, she says. There were only two other people in the class and I didnt know them. I only knew the first name of the instructor. I remember asking for an accident report refusing to leave before I had one. With a bad break confirmed to her elbow, Maya had no option but to cancel all orchestral bookings. Then, two days after the accident and before shed considered legal action, she had a call from Heartcores owner Jessica Schuring (also known as Jessie Blum) telling me they were not accepting liability. This was without any investigation. She was aggressive. There was no How can we help?. I was treated like a nuisance. She tried to contact potential witnesses. It took me months to find 15 teachers Id had classes with, she says. One agreed to talk. He told me that this had happened before with those machines and explained what it was the bar not clicking into place correctly. Maya took her findings to a legal adviser but as she hadnt recorded the conversation with the instructor was told she didnt have a case. It would be their word against mine, she says. This was a machine that was potentially dangerous and no one wanted to know. So began her one-woman fight. She started to research reformer machines, discovering that while Heartcore had originally used machines made by industry giant Sebastien Lagree, the firm was now using a version that Ms Schuring had designed. There are no internationally- agreed safety standards. Like most professional musicians, Maya treated her body like an athlete. She ran regularly and did Pilates classes because it strengthened the core A key difference was that this version had the bar locking mechanism encased in a plastic cover, rather than fully visible to the user. Confusingly, Lagrees machines were showing on the Heartcore publicity material. Maya had no images of the machine she had been on hence engaging a private investigator, who with his James Bond gadgets accompanied her to clandestine classes at Heartcore. I was limping but no one seemed to care, she says. Still she was unable to pinpoint the machine shed used. Later, she was allowed authorised access with a health and safety inspector (again, paid for by me) and a lawyer. She claims representatives from Heartcores insurers were also present. It was on this visit that she noticed that a machine in a side room was exactly the same design as she had used. I adjusted the bar as the instructor had told me [in the class], and it seemed to be in place, but when I put my weight on it, I flew across the room and they had to catch me. It was hugely embarrassing for them. Later, it turned out that had been the actual machine [I had been on], she says. Amid all this, she was seeing a string of doctors about her arm and suffering severe abdominal pain and balance issues. She was aware of weird bulging in her abdomen, which she initially put down to simply not training. For a period they had decamped to Tel Aviv, to have the support of her family. Then they moved to Zurich, where her husband also had a studio. It was in Zurich that things became very dark. Unable to function as the mother she wanted to be, Maya did lose it, for a period. I became very depressed. It was at this point four years ago that she consulted the doctor who delivered the psychosomatic diagnosis. Yet still she fought on. It was only when I got in touch with a specialist in Santa Monica in California and again, I had to pay for that, and it was hundreds of thousands of pounds that he agreed to operate, she says. The medical report, which The Mail on Sunday has seen, documents extensive damage to her abdomen and tearing to muscles deep in her core. The accident had shattered the main peripheral sensory nerve, but also damaged the motor nerve [in her abdomen]. That had been missed in an earlier operation, she explains. This would be followed by that legal win, too after a barrister neighbour agreed to support her (although it is important to note that Heartcore has never admitted liability). Jonathan Goldberg, the KC who helped her for free, says she was a brilliant young musician of international standing who turned herself overnight into a competent private detective. He adds: Her resilience and courage over the last seven years have been an inspiration for me to watch. But it was too late to save her marriage. A legal spokesman for Jessica Schuring, whose eight studios still use the machines, said: The claim was resolved by Heartcores insurers on a commercial basis. Heartcore remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all its members and continues to review its equipment in accordance with industry standards. Maya and her husband have been separated for two years. Their children now 15 and eight split their time between them. She has secured a visiting research scholarship at a university in Indiana, focusing on music and cognitive neuroscience. She is due to have her latest arm cast removed the day after our interview and is determined that she will play the violin again. And her family? My greatest wish is we find a way to heal from this horrendous ordeal we have been through. Now the stress of this case is over, there is hope. They say its a jungle out there but now you can have a jungle in your living room delivered by courier. While many people rely on websites to acquire a family cat or dog, others are turning to the web for more dangerous creatures like cheetahs and lions. But if youre worried about snuggling up on with a cheetah on the sofa, the seller claims they are great with children and have even started potty training! The Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal that these exotic animals are being offered for sale on Irish websites at prices well below the usual going rate. And the sellers will even organise delivery to Ireland with pet couriers pulling up at your front door but beware as not every seller is legitimate, warn the experts. MoS research has found that cheetahs can be legally bought here for 800, marmoset monkeys for 650 and Siberian chipmunks at 150 through Petsireland.ie. MoS research has found that cheetahs can be legally bought here for 800, marmoset monkeys like this one go for 650, and Siberian chipmunks at 150 through Petsireland.ie A little marmoset monkeys will set you back 650, accordiing to the website For those looking for something with a bit more bite, lions are also reported to have been purchased for just 600. Sellers on the website this week claimed they will send the animals to Ireland once some payment has been made. Speaking to our reporter, the seller of 13weekold cheetah cubs asked for the price of the flight ticket for the animal as well as 800. This is well short of the current going rate for cheetahs which is usually above 8,000, according to an exotic animal expert. The seller said Kiki and Kike, the two cheetah cubs listed, are great with kids and love to snuggle and play. They will have no problem living in a family home with young children and have started potty training and are doing great. In a phone call the seller, who claimed he works in Denmark with his wife and that the cubs are in Iceland, said the cheetahs are very, very safe and will grow no bigger than a dog. The cheetahs arrive by flight cargo. You just need to send me your email and my wife will send you more information on how you are going to take care of her, he said. Asked about the legality of bringing a cheetah to Ireland the seller said the cubs have all their papers. Kiki and Kike, the two cheetah cubs listed, are great with kids and love to snuggle and play, according to the seller 'You just have to pay for the flight ticket to get the cheetah over to you and there will be no problem because they already have their vaccines and their papers, said the seller. Hmmm You just have to pay for the flight ticket to get the cheetah over to you and there will be no problem because they already have their vaccines and their papers, said the seller. Last week another one was sent to London. Once we have your information my wife will tell you how it works. One again, he said it is safe to have a cheetah in a home with three children and a family dog once you treat them like a human. Its very safe, very safe, because they are still growing up. They are not adults, they are still little and there will be no problem keeping them. 'They are very good, so obedient. They live for a very long time, a very long time depending on how you feed them and how you treat them. You have to treat them like a human. If you treat them like a human everything will be okay. They will behave like a cat, like a cat at home. They just grow like a dog, not that big. A seller of marmoset monkeys told us he is based in Scotland and can have the small animal in Ireland in just eight hours. He said: They are friendly pets with kids and other household animals and also it will come with a licence, nappies, some clothes and a cage. 'A booklet will tell you how to feed them and you can take them on a walk. They grow to about 10 inches and they can live till they are 20 years old. They are very, very intelligent monkeys. The supplier said he would use a pet courier service to fly the baby primate to Ireland. He requested half of the 650 payment, with the remainder to be paid once the animal has arrived. James Hennessy from the National Reptile Zoo told the MoS that, unlike in the rest of Europe, a massive loophole in legislation means you do not need to apply for any permission to own it, or prove your ability to keep it or have the proper conditions for it. Reptile Village Zoo director and creator James Hennessy holding a boa constrictor snake at The National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny James Hennessy with a juvenile saltwater crocodile in Kilkenny.Reptile Village Zoo He said: We have no exotic animal legislation in Ireland. You can [legally sell a cheetah] and in the past it has been a thing. Cheetahs are expensive, but I have seen lions go for 600. The Kilkennybased zookeeper added there are quite a few marmoset monkeys living in Irish homes. But he warned that along with the problem of being able to safely care for exotic animals, potential buyers should also be wise to scams. The going rate for cheetahs is 8,000 to 9,000. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And secondly it should be tightly controlled. I have seen dangerous exotic animals in peoples homes. A serval cat escaped within the last month in the midlands. Servals are not uncommon at all. But theyre a wild animal and theyre not a small cat either. Theyll take down your dog, he said. Mr Hennessy said that for some animals a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit is also required to prove it hasnt been taken from the wild. If its listed you just apply to the CITES authority and they give you an Article 10 cert and then you can do what you like. But this has nothing to do with your ability to keep it or its danger level. For a dog you have to have them microchipped and a dog licence, but if you want to buy a cheetah or a crocodile its not required, Mr Hennessy added. Sandwiches being served in chapels and loud engagement are both part of the reason the Catholic Church has moved to ban wakes in churches. Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Paul Connell issued a statement this week prohibiting wakes in the diocese's churches and more dioceses are expected to follow suit. It comes as open-coffin wakes in churches have become more common in recent years, mainly in parts of rural Ireland where no funeral home is available to accommodate families. Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Paul Connell issued a statement this week prohibiting wakes in the dioceses churches A parish priest in the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise which contains most of the counties of Longford and Leitrim, with parts of counties Cavan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath said the issue had arisen around the pandemic after health watchdog Hiqa indicated that they werent comfortable with undertakers using nursing homes to wake people. At that point, the reposing defaulted to churches, so its a new question for the Church, said the priest, who spoke anonymously to the Irish Mail on Sunday. He said that while he had seen no misbehaviour of any kind at wakes that have happened in his church, he has heard of refreshments being served at other church wakes and people standing around during the wake socialising. He said it is up to the priest to not allow that to happen. He said funeral directors who dont have funeral homes are making noise about the ban from Bishop Paul Connell. Meanwhile, those directors who do have funeral homes werent comfortable because we were seen to be offering a service that they were offering. Bishop Connells statement this week described church wakes as an inappropriate use of the church premises, given the sacred nature of the building and in particular the presence of the blessed sacrament. A church is designed for public worship and quiet prayer and reflection, the Bishop said. Reposing, by its nature, may involve loud engagement and even the provision of hospitality. Fr Paddy Byrne, a parish priest in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, told the MoS he welcomed the Bishops statement and said it may be time for society to provide secular spaces for wakes. Fr Byrne said he is aware of church wakes having crept in in other parts of the country since the pandemic. We need clear guidelines for our sacred places, that they dont become community halls, he said. Maybe one answer to this would be, is it time for civic society to step up and provide secular spaces for wakes? Fr Byrne continued that there has already been a seismic shift in Irish culture and with it, funeral practices in the decades of his priesthood, and expects a lot more change in the decades to come, with the average priest now well over 70. In a secular what I would call almost post-Christian country the reality and sensitivity that we once held [around funerals] is no longer there, the 51-year-old priest said. In many cases wakes are minimised to an hour, while the reception of the remains to the church on the night before a funeral, absolutely the norm in the early days of Fr Byrnes priesthood, has almost vanished. There was a sense that the mortal remains were in a sacred place, he said. In the secular world, we almost try to humanise, or desensitise death and say, Oh, I wouldnt like them there theyd be on their own. The Carlow native said even the language of death has changed. He explained: We dont like to use the word death. We call it passing. There is that Americanism that has crept in. Years ago, our most raw moment was putting the corpse into the ground, looking at the clay. Now, apart from in some places in rural Ireland, the clay is covered up with false grass, and its almost just Oh no, we dont want to see or feel this reality. Fr Paddy Byrne, the parish priest in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, told the MoS he welcomed the Bishops statement and said it may be time for society to provide secular spaces for wakes Fr Byrne said that the role of the priest has also changed with the shift in culture and privatisation of the secular society. I mean, is it OK now for me just to ramble around and knock on someones door and say How are ya? he asked. You almost need to have an appointment, an invitation. Speaking on the issue, Mayo funeral director David McGowan told the MoS: The funeral director that doesnt have a funeral home is pushing, I think, the churches to open them up as somewhere you can have a wake, because its convenient car parking, lighting, and usually the parishioners will form a group and control the traffic. Theres a motive there. If you can use the churches or persuade the priests or the parishioners to open up the church for wakes, hes on to a winner. You can drop the coffin there and you dont have to come back till the mass is over the next day. The Ballina-based undertaker, who has three funeral homes, said he totally agrees with Bishop Connells new directive. The church is a place of worship and what people dont realise is that churches are actually busy places, Mr McGowan said. You have months mind masses and anniversary masses, you have weddings, you have funeral masses, you have novenas, you have baptisms. Sarah Ferguson visited paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in Florida when he was still serving his jail sentence for a child sex offence, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Extraordinary emails buried in the vast Epstein Files expose how Ms Ferguson travelled to Palm Beach in April 2009 to meet with the financier at his office when he was on day release from jail following his conviction for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl. The former Duchess of York appears to have discussed how she could make money at the meeting, which took place while a local police officer monitored Epstein from his front desk as part of his prison release conditions. Last night Gloria Allred, the lawyer who has represented dozens of the paedophile's victims, told the MoS that Ms Ferguson is a 'disgrace' for visiting Epstein while he was in prison. She said: 'The then Duchess of York could not have ignored the local police officer sitting at the front desk of Epstein's office when she visited him. 'Why did she appear to go out of her way to visit Epstein as he was serving a sentence for a crime against a child? Did she think that her own personal financial situation was more important than a crime against a child?' US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who sits on the House Oversight Committee which has been investigating Jeffrey Epstein, said: 'Sarah Ferguson clearly had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, just like her former husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. 'She should tell our committee everything she knows. If she's done nothing wrong, it will help her to clear her name, and help us get justice for the victims.' Sarah Ferguson (pictured) visited the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in Florida while he was still serving his jail sentence for a child sex offence Epstein still had more than three months left of his prison sentence in April 2009 but was allowed to leave the Palm Beach County Jail for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week Epstein still had more than three months left of his prison sentence in April 2009 but was controversially allowed to leave the Palm Beach County Jail for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week, to work from his office. He was supervised by off-duty Sheriff's deputies. Despite the fact he had been convicted of two sex offences including one child sex offence, Ms Ferguson still asked the paedophile whether she could see him during a stopover in Palm Beach. On April 4, she sent him an email saying: 'Hello Jeffrey. I am landing in Palm Beach in a couple of hours. Is there any chance on my quick layover that I can get to have a quick cup of tea...' Epstein told her she could visit him and gave her the address of his office in West Palm Beach which he said was 'ten minutes from the airport'. Following the meeting, which appears to have mainly been about her business Mothers Army, Epstein emailed her saying 'you look great' and telling her 'I read everything you gave me, too many pictures... not enough substance i.e. numbers'. He gave her advice on how to get a 10million sponsorship deal and instructed her to get women like Michele Obama involved in the business. She replied to thank him for his advice, saying: My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey. You are a legend, and I am so proud of you... for being such a great friend.' This was just one week after the visit when he was still in prison. More emails from that period also suggest she tried to visit him again later in April, which ultimately did not happen. Then, in May, when he was still in prison, she emailed him: 'I am coming into Palm Beach to see you on Wednesday I land at 9.30am. Can your brilliant [driver] pick me up, bring me to you, The Great one!! And then take me to Miami!??? Please with roses on top!' Epstein told his staff to 'please coordinate' her request, but it is not clear whether the meeting went ahead. Later emails also suggest that Ms Ferguson walked past a Sheriff's deputy to get into Epstein's office in the April visit as the paedophile needed to be monitored when on day release from prison. In early 2011, amid heightening press interest in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's dealings with Epstein, the paedophile told an unidentified contact in an email: 'If [the Daily Telegraph] call you, feel free to tell them that not Andrew but Fergie was both at the [Palm Beach] house and at the office with the police officer sitting at the front desk.' In another email, obtained by the MoS, Epstein told his lawyer that Ms Ferguson was in regular contact with him, adding: 'She visited me with a policeman sitting at my front desk.' A spokesman for Ms Ferguson declined to comment. A taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police officer accompanied Sarah Ferguson to Jeffrey Epsteins Florida mansion when he was under house arrest for a child sex offence Met officer joined Yorks on house arrest visit By Daisy Graham-Brown and Lydia Veljanovski A taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police officer accompanied Sarah Ferguson to Jeffrey Epsteins Florida mansion when he was under house arrest for a child sex offence. Emails unearthed by The Mail on Sunday reveal that a personal protection officer flew from London to Miami at the taxpayers expense so that the former Duchess of York could go for lunch with Epstein, just five days after he was released from prison in July 2009. Details of the trip, including that Ms Ferguson brought her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, then aged 20 and 19, were previously reported. But newly uncovered emails show a taxpayer-funded officer was also present for the five-day round trip from London to Miami, Miami to New York and New York back to London. His flights were not covered by Epstein, according to emails obtained from the Epstein Files. The astonishing findings are likely to ramp up pressure on Scotland Yard and Buckingham Palace to explain why the former Duchess of York was allowed to use taxpayers money to visit a convicted sex offender. Last night the Met declined to comment but the MoS understands that the force is not generally able to comment on security arrangements for protected individuals. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a fierce backlash after critics accused him of 'talking out of both sides of his mouth' in a blistering response to President Donald Trump's unprecedented strike on Iran. Newsom's statement both called for the end of Tehran's regime while condemning the military operation targeting it as 'illegal' and 'dangerous.' Newsom posted a sharply worded message on X in the hours following the coordinated US-Israeli assault on Iranian targets. 'The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go,' Newsom wrote. 'But that does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people. 'President Trump is putting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home.' Within minutes, critics pounced - arguing the governor's position was contradictory. 'Which one is it Gavin? They can't have nuclear weapons and need to be removed? Or the operation is not justified?' one X user shot back. 'Pick one stance please. If you want to run for President, you should get comfortable making bold statements on where you stand.' California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of 'putting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home' in his response to the joint US-Israeli strikes Newsom wrote on X that 'The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go,' while also calling President Trump's military action an 'illegal, dangerous war.' One X user replied directly to Newsom: 'Which one is it Gavin? They can't have nuclear weapons and need to be removed? Or the operation is not justified?' Another user defended Trump's authority to authorize the strikes, writing: 'Not illegal - but you'd have to be able to read the Constitution to know that.' A third commenter urged the governor to back the country during a time of conflict: 'I know this is hard for you Gavin, so let's try saying it together: 'I support America.' Others mocked him more bluntly. 'Iran is going to be free before California,' one user quipped. Another added: 'What's the better course of action? Asking the leader of Iran to please resign? Maybe sending a fruit basket?' The exchange unfolded against the backdrop of a stunning escalation in the Middle East. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region. Explosions rocked cities from Tel Aviv to the Gulf. Israeli emergency services reported that an Iranian missile strike killed a woman in the Tel Aviv area and wounded about 20 others. Authorities in Abu Dhabi said a Pakistani civilian was killed by falling debris. Iran's Red Crescent reported at least 201 people killed and more than 700 wounded in the strikes. A group of demonstrators gather in the southern Iraqi city of Basra to protest US and Israeli strikes against Iran Trump said in a statement: 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,' though Iranian officials did not immediately confirm the claim A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on Saturday morning. Israel's defense ministry announced it had launched a 'preemptive strike' on Iran The Iranian judiciary said one strike that hit a school in the south killed 108 people, though independent verification was not immediately possible. It was, by the Israeli military's own account, the largest air raid in its history - and the first US military action of this scale apparently aimed at toppling a foreign government since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Israel's army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the operation was 'taking place at a completely different scale' than the 12-day war it fought against Iran in June, which the US briefly joined. An Israeli military statement said it was the largest military air raid in the history of its air force. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, the UAE and Israel all closed their airspaces to civilian traffic, at least in part, and multiple airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East. 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,' Trump said in a statement. Trump vowed no let-up in the strikes until the fall of the Islamic republic as he urged security forces to stand down. 'This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,' Trump said. In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency, rescuers search through the rubble of a collapsed building at the site of a strike in Tehran Israeli security forces inspect the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford was part of the huge build-up of forces in the region ahead of the strikes Speaking before Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of Khamenei that there were 'many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive' and said to Iranians, 'This is your time to join forces, to overthrow the regime and to secure your future.' The Israeli army said that Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Khamenei, and the head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Pakpour, were both also killed. One apparent survivor, Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, vowed defiance. 'The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will teach an unforgettable lesson to the international oppressors,' he said. News / National by Staff reporter Mati Hlatshwayo Davis has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at the Missouri Foundation for Health, marking a significant leadership milestone for the Zimbabwean-born physician. She officially assumed the role on February 23, 2026.In her new position, Dr Hlatshwayo Davis joins CEO Dwayne Proctor on the executive team, where she will help guide the Foundation's mission to advance health equity across Missouri. Her responsibilities include aligning organisational strategy with policy reform to dismantle systemic barriers to care, strengthening cross-sector partnerships to address the root causes of health disparities, and elevating community-driven solutions aimed at ensuring all Missourians have equitable opportunities to thrive.Dr Hlatshwayo Davis brings a strong public health background to the role. As Director of Health for the City of St. Louis Department of Health, she led efforts to modernise the city's health infrastructure. Her tenure included launching the department's first Behavioral Health Bureau, expanding mobile health programmes that reached more than 13,000 residents annually in underserved communities, and securing national reaccreditation.A graduate and former faculty member of the Washington University School of Medicine, she also serves on the board of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and is widely recognised as a global health expert.Her appointment places her at the forefront of efforts to shape more equitable health systems at both state and national levels in the United States. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was slammed on social media after he posted a condemnation of President Trump's lethal strikes on Iran. Mamdani bashed the Iranian airstrikes carried out by the US and Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning, which saw retaliatory attacks from Iran. The attacks eventually led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump confirmed earlier today. Mamdani called it 'a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression,' and ironically reminded Iranians that 'they will be safe here' in New York City. The mayor was berated for being tone deaf - considering many Iranians living in the United States moved here in the aftermath of the cataclysmic Iranian Revolution of 1979, which put the oppressive Islamic Republic in charge of the country. The Islamic Republic turned the Middle Eastern country from a secular monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi into an Islamist theocracy - enforcing strict religious laws on the nation, where thousands of civilians have been massacred. As many as four million Iranians fled following the regime change. The US is now home to the biggest population of Iranians outside of Iran itself. Many took to the streets of major American cities this afternoon to celebrate the Ayatollah's death. Despite the historical context, Mamdani wrote: 'Todays military strikes on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was slammed online for speaking out against President Trump's strike on Iran in the early hours of Saturday morning The NYC Mayor's comments come hours after the US and Israel began hitting Iranian targets around 1.15am on Saturday to 'dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus' Iran launched retaliatory attacks, causing US forces and surrounding Middle Eastern countries to 'defend against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks,' CENTCOM said 'Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace. 'I am focused on making sure that every New Yorker is safe. I have been in contact with our Police Commissioner and emergency management officials. 'We are taking proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution. 'Additionally, I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders. You will be safe here,' he concluded. His talk of peace was poorly received online as many slammed the New York City mayor for his comments - especially considering the Iranian Regime has slaughtered hundreds of innocent civilians protesting in recent months. The Iranian death toll at the hands of the Ayatollah's regime in the last year alone is estimated to be more than 30,000, according to The Guardian. 'Mamdani, you're being a hypocrite. Where were you when the cruel Iranian regime slaughtered thousands of innocent civilians,' one user asked. 'NYC elected you, not America,' a comment read. 'Yeahpretty sure 90% of your Iranian New Yorkers are thrilled about this. Unlike you,' said another. A third comment quipped: 'If it werent for social media we wouldnt have to listen to what a mayor of a city thinks about foreign affairs.' 'Do you not see the Iranians celebrating the Iranians freedom? They are celebrating President Trump thanking him. Im watching it right now in Los Angeles. President Trump always win. Love Love Love our President!' 'Stay focus on NYC. International stage is not for you,' another said. 'Iranian New Yorkers are thrilled today and see right through you.' Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also spoke out against the strikes, and accused the president of having 'dragged' the American people 'into a war they did not want.' 'This war is unlawful. It is unnecessary. And it will be catastrophic,' she said in a statement posted on X. The US military used unmanned drones after President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran on Saturday 'Mr President: this was not an inevitability. This is a deliberate choice of aggression when diplomacy and security were within reach. Stop lying to the American people,' she continued. The NYC Mayor's comments come hours after the US and Israel began hitting Iranian targets around 1.15am on Saturday to 'dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus.' The areas that were hit first 'posed an imminent threat,' CENTCOM said in a statement. 'Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields,' it said. After the initial strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks, causing US forces and surrounding Middle Eastern countries to 'defend against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks,' CENTCOM said. The US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain was hit by an Iranian missile, but the command post said damage was minimal to US installations. There were no US casualties or combat-related injuries, CENTCOM said. Admiral Brad Cooper called President Donald Trump's strikes a 'bold action' and thanked 'our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, guardians, and Coast Guardsmen' for answering the call. 'Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,' the president said in a post on social media. The $35,000 drones used the drones starting around 1.15am to hit Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, among other places The strikes resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, confirmed by the president on Saturday. In a post on Truth Social, he said: 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. 'He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.' Earlier reports said his body was found under rubble in his compound in Iran after US and Israeli airstrikes. In a televised address on Saturday evening, the Israeli Prime Minister said that airstrikes in Iran had destroyed the Supreme Leader's compound, and added that 'all indications show this tyrant is no longer with us.' However, Iranian state media has denied the claims. A street in North London was brought to a standstill on Saturday night as scores of Iranians celebrated following news from Donald Trump that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed. A major attack launched by Israel and the US killed Iran's Supreme Leader, the US President announced on Saturday. Members of the Persian community in Ballards Lane, North Finchley, waved the Iranian flag of the pre-Islamic regime, while others waved the US flag. Footage showed residents of the London borough blaring music from their cars and cheering, while some were seen handing out roses. Local resident Jessica came out of her house to find a scene of literally thousands descending on Ballards Lane. She told The Daily Mail: 'It's absolute mayhem, it's pandemonium. It's a scene of absolute jubilation. 'People are chanting and singing. They are handing out roses to one another and Persian biscuits. It's just joy. People are holding up pictures of the Shah, and cars are tooting in the road. 'A bus has been stuck in the middle of the road now for over an hour. There are families with young children just full of happiness, and they are dancing in the street.' Iranians celebrated the news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in North London Members of the Persian community in Ballards Lane, North Finchley, waved the Iranian flag of the pre-Islamic regime, while others waved the US flag Roses have become a symbol of peaceful protests against Iran's repressive government. Iranians were also heard shouting 'long live Israel', while Jewish residents of North Finchley joined the crowds in chanting 'long live the Shah'. The celebrations come amid the assassination of the Ayatollah, which Trump tonight said gave Iranians their 'greatest chance' to 'take back the country'. The strikes opened a stunning new chapter in US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration had attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program. The reported killing of Khamenei after decades in power appeared certain to create a significant leadership vacuum, given the absence of a known successor and because the Supreme Leader had final say on all major policies. He led Iran's clerical establishment and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. In a nationally televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were 'growing signs' that the 86-year-old had been killed when Israel struck his compound early Saturday. Shortly after the address, two Israeli officials said Israel had confirmed his death. The officials both spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement and gave no further details. Footage showed residents of the London borough blaring music from their cars and cheering Iranians were also heard shouting 'long live Israel' A major attack launched by Israel and the US killed Iran's Supreme Leader, President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday Trump later announced on his Truth Social that the Supreme Leader was dead. 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,' the president wrote on the social media platform. As reports trickled out about the death, reports say some residents of Tehran were rejoicing, blowing whistles and letting out ululations. Khamenei's rule saw the increased Islamification of Iran and the growth of its proxy forces in Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza and beyond. His strong religious views long unsettled the Middle East and placed Iran opposite its more western-embracing neighbours like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain. 'This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,' Trump's Truth Social statement continued. 'He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,' the post went on. The president also used his announcement to call on Iranian citizens to stand up to the Islamic regime, saying it is 'the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.' Angela Rayner is set to earn a five-figure sum as the keynote speaker at an estate agents' conference this summer - just months after she was forced to quit the Cabinet over her property dealings. The former Deputy Prime Minister is booked to speak at the 200-a-head 'propertymark one' event in June. It emerged with Ms Rayner still awaiting the result of an HMRC inquiry into the tax row that led to her resignation last year over claims she failed to pay a 40,000 stamp duty bill on her new 800,000 flat in Hove. She quit as Deputy PM and Housing Secretary last September over the row although allies have since claimed that she will be cleared by the inquiry for making an 'inadvertent error'. The sum for her speaking gig could help to pay that bill. Last night, Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake took aim at Ms Rayner's speaking engagement. He told the Mail on Sunday: 'Only in the world of the champagne socialism could someone resign in disgrace as Housing Secretary over not paying their property taxes and then pop-up weeks later earning thousands for a star turn at a property conference.' According to advance publicity for Ms Rayner's speech, she will tell estate agents about the 'challenges of leadership and decision-making in complex environments'. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner pictured leaving 10 Downing Street after attending the weekly Cabinet meeting while still in the role last year Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake told the Mail: 'Only in the world of the champagne socialism could someone resign in disgrace as Housing Secretary over not paying their property taxes and then pop-up weeks later earning thousands for a star turn at a property conference' The conference, in London's Excel Centre, is billed as 'not just an event - it's an experience'. There will also be an 'after party', ticketed at 75-a-head. One Labour insider joked that if Ms Rayner attends that party, she can demonstrate how to make her famous 'venom' cocktail comprised of a bottle of vodka, a bottle of Southern Comfort whiskey, ten bottles of blue WKD and a litre of pure orange juice. Ms Rayner was contacted for comment. The Greens have done it again, marching straight to the most predictable position in global politics and then congratulating themselves for being brave. This time it was over the Prime Minister's decision to back the US airstrikes on Iran. Another Greens example of pretending to be anti-conflict when they are really just anti-western. Labor's statement in support of the strikes was hardly bloodthirsty. It framed the action as an attempt to stop Tehran acquiring a nuclear weapon, condemned the regime's oppression, and warned about escalation. In other words, all Albo did was support an ally's deterrence efforts, while hoping the bombings don't spiral into something more. The Greens responded as though Australia had joined an invading army. They denounced the strikes as illegal and abhorrent, demanded that the government rule out any Australian assistance whatsoever, and reached for the familiar grab bag of criticisms about the alliance: Pine Gap, AUKUS, you name it. It's the kind of misplaced moral exhibitionism that ends up, time after time, giving comfort to the worst actors on the world stage. And who also condemned the actions against Iran? The authoritarian regimes of Russia and China of course. The uncomfortable reality the Greens prefer not to mention is that Iran isn't a fragile democracy being bullied by a bigger power. It's a totalitarian theocracy that crushes dissent at home and projects violence abroad. It arms and funds militant proxies. The Greens have done it again, marching straight to the most predictable position in global politics and then congratulating themselves for being brave Labor's statement in support of the strikes was hardly bloodthirsty It destabilises neighbours. It uses intimidation, imprisonment and brutality to maintain control. Its rulers do not fear elections, they fear their own people. And guess what? Most Greens would likely be jailed or murdered if they lived in Iran, it's not exactly tolerant of woke social values the Greens project when not weighing in on foreign policy. When the Greens' first instinct is a furious attack on the US rather than a clear eyed assessment of the regime being targeted, they are not standing for peace. They're defending a status quo in which dictators keep their leverage and democracies keep wringing their hands. The Greens' line that 'we cannot bomb our way to peace' is a slogan dressed up as strategy. Nobody seriously thinks airstrikes create harmony in and of themselves. The question is whether credible force can prevent something worse happening, such as a nuclear armed Iran that would entrench regional coercion and raise the stakes of every future confrontation. Or whether a show of western force cab finally destabilise the murderous Iranian regime such that dissenters can finally over throw it. And then there is the Australian context to think about. A Labor PM, of all people, quickly backing the US on a hard security call should tell you something about how mainstream doing so is. Albo is not John Howard. Penny Wong isn't Alexander Downer. Yet even this Labor government is saying, clearly and plainly, that Iran cannot be allowed to reach the nuclear threshold. The uncomfortable reality the Greens prefer not to mention is that Iran isn't a fragile democracy being bullied by a bigger power (pictured, people watching smoke rise in Tehran) The Greens' response isn't to argue the nuances, it's to treat the alliance itself as the problem. If One Nation is a fringe right wing party considered radical, the Greens are an even worse fringe left wing collective. Not because they care about peace, but because their worldview is so rigidly anti-US that it routinely lands them on the side of regimes that despise everything Greens claim to stand for at their domestic touchy feely best. Australia deserves a serious debate about war and restraint, and the balance between the two. What it doesn't need is a protest movement cosplaying as a serious political party while it runs interference, yet again, for a brutal dictatorship. A makeshift Islamic prayer centre located above a florist is just one of several operating across Sydney without council approval. The AlTawhid Centre in Leppington has been running for almost two years, hosting visiting clerics, conferences and daily prayer sessions, The Daily Telegraph reported. Separately, Bayside Council is investigating the Rosebery Mosque, located in a residential building above a fruit shop, amid allegations it lacks the required approvals to operate as a prayer hall. Security sources said informal worship venues need closer scrutiny from local authorities, warning they can enable unregulated preaching and present risks due to a lack of oversight. The Al Madina Dawah Centre was closed by Canterbury-Bankstown Council in January after operating as a prayer hall without approval. Alleged shooter Naveed Akram, 24, is understood to have attended the centre, where preacher Wissam Haddad previously lectured, before Akram allegedly carried out the Bondi Beach attack with his father, Sajid, killing 15 people on December 14. There is no suggestion Haddad had any knowledge of, or involvement in, the incident. Liverpool Council is preparing to issue a ceaseuse notice that would formally prohibit the AlTawhid Centre from operating as a prayer hall. The AlTawhid Centre in Leppington (pictured) has been running above a florist for almost two years without a council permit, hosting visiting clerics, conferences and daily prayer sessions The centre, which promotes Salafism, an ultraconservative strand of Sunni Islam, has been running since April 2024 despite not having the required council approval. Jewish security groups allegedly warned police last November that attacks on Jewish communities worldwide had been perpetrated by followers of fundamentalist Islamic movements, such as 'Salafi-Jihadism'. In January, Premier Chris Minns announced new measures targeting those using venues as places of worship without planning approval, aiming to stop hate preachers running 'factories of hate'. Federal Opposition Home Affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam said authorities cannot allow illegal prayer halls to operate as 'factories of hate' in our suburbs. 'There must be no backward step taken in shutting them down and there must be zero tolerance of any potential radicalisation occurring in our suburbs,' he said. 'Authorities need to be as vigilant as they have ever been in stamping out hate.' NSW Opposition Local Government spokesman Tim James said after Bondi, strong and enduring action is needed to stamp out unlawful prayer halls and to ensure local councils can do their job of checking and acting on such facilities. Associate Professor Josh Roose, an expert on religion and violent extremism at Deakin University, said small 'hardline' groups linked to strict Salafi movements often keep a low profile. Bayside Council is investigating the Rosebery Mosque (pictured), located above a fruit shop, amid allegations it lacks the required approvals to operate as a prayer hall Dr Roose said these groups are usually not part of mainstream mosques and that they have often been asked to leave or have separated themselves because their views are seen as 'too extreme' by the broader Muslim community. 'They prefer to stay under the radar, and sometimes this means they ignore local council rules about how buildings can be used,' he said. A Liverpool Council spokesman said the council had investigated concerns raised by community members about Al-Tawhid Centre in Leppington and had started compliance and enforcement action. 'Council's priority is to ensure buildings and land are used legally and appropriately.' A Bayside Council spokeswoman said the council was also investigating the use of Rosebery Mosque and would take appropriate action as required. Former Israeli military intelligence chief Yossi Kuperwasser has warned the conflict with Iran would continue 'for as long as it takes to topple the regime', as he revealed what could unfold in the coming days. US President Donald Trump announced Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death on Saturday evening, saying he had been killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday morning alongside other senior figures. 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,' Trump said, adding: 'This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.' Speaking to the Daily Mail from a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv, Kuperwasser described the reported killing as a turning point. 'This is a major development,' he said. 'Khamenei was the most important decision maker in Iran for many years.' 'He represented the stubbornness and the commitment of Iran to pursue its policy of supporting terror and spreading extreme radical Islam.' The Ayatollah's removal, he suggested, could be seen by some Iranians as 'a step toward freedom', adding: 'It is no wonder that people in Iran are celebrating today.' Discussing the current power vacuum at the top of the regime, Kuperwasser said: 'There is no clear heir. Speaking to the Daily Mail from a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv, former Israeli military intelligence chief Yossi Kuperwasser described the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured in 2024) as a turning point 'This is a major development,' he said. 'Khamenei was the most important decision maker in Iran for many years.' Pictured: A satellite image showing black smoke rising and heavy damage at the Supreme Leader's compound on Saturday Following the joint US-Israeli strikes, explosions were heard across Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi after Iran vowed a 'crushing' response. Pictured: Smoke rises from a burning building hit by an Iranian drone strike in Manama, Bahrain, on Saturday 'They will have to decide who is going to lead, especially since other top figures were also killed.' Following the joint US-Israeli strikes, explosions were heard across Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi after Iran vowed a 'crushing' response. Several US bases were targeted, including Al Dhafra air base in the UAE, Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Muwaffaq al Salti in Jordan and Al Udeid air base in Doha. The Israeli military said around 200 fighter jets had taken part in what it described as the largest ever flyover in its history, striking Iranian missile and defence systems in western and central Iran. The operation, planned for months with Washington, took place near Khamenei's offices. Kuperwasser cautioned against expectations of a swift resolution, saying: 'This is only the first day. The Iranian regime is not going to fall in one day. 'There is a feeling this could be over in maybe three days, but there is no guarantee. I believe it will take more time. 'We need to be patient and understand it will go on as long as it takes to create the conditions for the people of Iran to remove this regime from power.' He said the US and Israel had come together to dismantle threats posed by Iran, such as terrorism, ballistic missiles and the nuclear programme. 'The goal is a more stable Middle East without terrorism and without Iran interfering across the region,' he said, adding that the hope is for Iran to ultimately play a positive role. The military expert pointed to a range of groups that could compete for influence in coming days, including regime insiders, students, opposition movements, supporters of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and ethnic minorities like the Kurds and Balochs, warning that any transition could be complex. 'We all hope for a revolution,' he said. 'But nobody knows how it will unfold.' Kuperwasser cautioned against expectations of a swift resolution, saying: 'This is only the first day. The Iranian regime is not going to fall in one day'. Pictured: A fireball lights the sky after a missile strike on Tel Aviv on Saturday The escalation follows the collapse of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran last week. Pictured: Smoke rises after Iran launched a missile on a US navy base in Manama, Bahrain, on Saturday The risk of further escalation now hinges on whether Iran's proxies in the region join the fight. Pictured: Firefighters work to put out a fire after an Iranian projectile hit Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The risk of further escalation now hinges on whether Iran's proxies in the region join the fight. 'The key question is whether Hezbollah and the Houthis will intervene,' he said, suggesting the threat is particularly high from Yemen. 'The chances of the Houthis joining are quite high,' he said, 'But with Hezbollah, it's more complicated, because they have to see how this affects their Lebanese identity. They don't want to bring disaster to Lebanon.' At the same time, Kuperwasser dismissed the likelihood of direct military intervention by global powers such as Russia or China. 'They will try to promote a diplomatic solution that allows the regime to stay in power,' he said, 'They may provide weapons, but not troops.' As the conflict escalates, the West is on high alert, with FBI Director Kash Patel revealing that the bureau's joint terrorism task forces are working round the clock to disrupt potential plots. Kuperwasser said: 'There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in the West by Iran or Hezbollah. This is something the West must prepare to prevent.' He warned that 'Iranian dissidents abroad may be particularly at risk'. The escalation follows the collapse of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran last week, with Kuperwasser saying that 'Iran's maximum flexibility was still far from meeting the minimum American demands'. He added that there was no way to 'bridge the gap.' Inside Israel, he said public support for the operation remains strong, despite the ongoing threat of missile attacks. 'The atmosphere is completely positive,' he said. 'People are in shelters, but they understand this is the price they have to pay.' Iran's representative told an emergency United Nations meeting that they have 'one word only' for the United States following the deadly airstrikes on Iran earlier today. Irans Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told America to be 'polite' at the emergency meeting following Operation Epic Fury, which saw airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear and missile programs. 'I have one word only,' Iravani said, at the meeting in New York City on Saturday. 'I advise to the representative of the United States to be polite.' 'It will be better for yourself and the country you represented, thank you.' US Ambassador Mike Waltz hit back at Iravani and said: 'Frankly, I'm not going to dignify this with another response.' 'Especially, as this representative sits here, in this body, representing a regime that has killed tens of thousands of its own people and imprisoned many more simply for wanting freedom from your tyranny,' he concluded. The tense meeting saw Iravani describe the war against Iran as one against international law and international legal order under the United Nations Charter. 'This morning, the United States regime - jointly and in coordination with the Israeli regime - initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in recent months,' Iran's ambassador said. Irans Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told America to be 'polite' at the emergency meeting following 'Operation Epic Fury,' which saw airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear and missile programs US Ambassador Mike Waltz hit back at Iravani and said, 'Frankly, I'm not going to dignify this with another response,' after he defended the move by President Trump Israel's Ambassador Dany Danon said the attacks were an 'act of necessity' to put an end to an 'existential threat' 'This is not only an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity,' Iravani continued. 'The invocation to "preemptive attack", claims of imminent threat, or other unsubstantiated political claims, are unfounded legally, morally and politically.' The UN Security Council, charged with ensuring international peace and security is maintained, is comprised of 15 members, including five permanent members; China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. Other current members include Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia. At around 1.15am on Saturday, the US and Israel began hitting Iranian targets to 'dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus.' According to the United Nations News, the strikes do not meet the criteria of lawful self-defense and 'constitute a violation of Article Two'. In response, Iran said it will invoke, 'without hesitation,' the Charter's Article 51 for its 'inherent and lawful' right to self-defense. But, Israel's Ambassador Dany Danon said the attacks were an 'act of necessity' to put an end to an 'existential threat,' UN News reported. 'This is not the anger of a radical fringe,' Danon said. 'It is State-sanctioned hatred.' Waltz equally defended the operation, and said: 'This is a moment in history that requires moral clarity.' Waltz claimed that the operation had 'specific and strategic' objectives in efforts to reduce missile capabilities that threaten allies, target naval assets used in international waters and disrupt machinery that provides militant weaponry. Waltz claimed that the operation had 'specific and strategic' objectives in efforts to reduce missile capabilities that threaten allies, target naval assets used in international waters and disrupt machinery that provides militant weaponry UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres slammed Israel and the US for the strikes, as well as Iran's counter attacks, and said the conflict is a 'grave threat' to international peace and security The efforts, according to Waltz, were to make sure that 'the Iranian regime can never, ever threaten the world with a nuclear weapon'. 'No responsible nation can ignore persistent aggression and violence,' he said, referring to violent organizations in the Middle East, such as Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas, that Iran has supported, according to Waltz. He continued that the country presented a 'grave and mounting danger' as it continued to seek out missile capability advancements and nuclear goals. Waltz added that the Council has attempted to thwart this threat, including in resolution 1696 in 2006 that ordered Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing. However, Iran did not and the Council enacted resolutions 1737 in 2006, 1747 in 2007, 1803 and 1835 in 2008 and 1927 in 2010, which represented 'the world's collective judgement' that the country posed a threat, UN News reported. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres slammed Israel and the US for the strikes, as well as Iran's counter attacks. 'We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security,' he said. 'Let me be clear: There is no viable alternative to the peace settlement of international disputes.' Many top UN officials also condemned the attacks, including the High Commissioner of Human Rights Volker Turk, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock and Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Ghebreyesus. 'The UN Charter is clear: all Member States must settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered,' Baerbock said, UN News reported. 'I am deeply concerned about the current situation in the Middle East. My heart is with the civilians caught in the crossfire,' Ghebreyesus added. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia played no role in the IsraeliUS strike in Iran that allegedly killed key Iranian leaders, but would not confirm whether Australian-based intelligence assets contributed to the operation. Senator Wong also confirmed Australia was not told in advance of Operation Epic Fury. 'We weren't told advance. You wouldn't expect us to be but you would see there's obviously been a lot of discussion,' she said. 'We are not at the centre of the issues in the Middle East but we obviously play a role international community.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader for almost 37 years, died during the American and Israeli strikes. In a post on Truth Social, the US President called Khamenei 'one of the most evil people in history' as he announced he died during the joint airstrikes on Tehran. Meanwhile Wong refused to comment on whether Australian intelligence contributed to the operation. 'These are strikes which are determined by the parties concerned, which is the United States and Israel,' she said. Senator Wong (pictured) confirmed Australia was not told in advance of Operation Epic Fury A view of fire that broke out in a building targeted by Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles as Iran attacked several buildings in Manama, the capital of Bahrain In a post on Truth Social, the US President Donald Trump (pictured right) called Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured left) 'one of the most evil people in history' Wong said Australia stood with the people of Iran in opposing an oppressive regime. 'Ultimately Iran's future must be determined by the people of Iran,' she said. 'Australian involvement, obviously, we did not participate in the strikes and you would not expect us to participate.' Senator Wong also urged the resumption of dialogue and diplomacy, which had been underway until the surprise attack. Following a meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet on Sunday morning, the government is urgently seeking to confirm whether any Australians have been affected. Official travel advice has been upgraded with Australians warned not to travel to Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. US President Donald Trump says Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack, as well as other Iranian defence leaders. Australians in the region should follow travel advice and seek safety. Information on flights are displayed on a screen at Tribhuvan International Airport after all evening flights to Sharjah, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam were cancelled International flights between Australia and major hubs in the Middle East have been cancelled, leaving travellers in limbo. Virgin Australia said numerous Qatar Airways flights headed from Australia to Doha have been turned around. Emirates and Etihad flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Dubai and Abu Dhabi were cancelled on Sunday morning. Emirates says it has 'temporarily suspended' all flights in and out of Dubai, until at least 10pm on Sunday. 'We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements,' the airline said in a message to passengers. 'The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.' Britons living and travelling in the Middle East were fearing for their lives on Saturday after Iran rained terror on the streets of Dubai, Bahrain and Israel with a devastating blitz of suicide drones. Plumes of black smoke billowed from the five-star Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel after it was set ablaze, as drones battered the Gulf city where more than 240,000 Britons live. At least four people were injured in the attack on the luxury hotel, and UK tourists took shelter in the basement as countries across the Middle East suffered sustained bombardment. Missiles continued to streak across the sky above the UAE's economic capital late into last night. The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and a feared target, was evacuated and panic set in among those trapped in the city. Video footage showed Shahed drones flying over Dubai and the world-famous Fairmont hotel in flames. Tourists were earlier seen running for shelter and elsewhere staring up from their sunloungers as air defence fire thudded overhead. British tourist Will Bailey, 26, from Manchester, last night said he was just yards away when a bomb struck the Fairmont. Fire and smoke were seen in the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel on Dubai's Palm archipelago In an image posted on Saturday thick smoke could be seen rising from The Palm as fire raged on lower levels He said in a video online: 'I'm watching missiles fly across the Palm being intercepted. One fell on the Fairmont hotel just behind us as we were leaving. Thirty seconds earlier... I dread to think.' And Londoner Shireen Quli Kahn, who has been living in Dubai for 11 years, told The Mail on Sunday: 'I heard a loud explosion-like sound while I was out on my balcony in my villa. I knew right away it had to do with the Iran-Israel conflict.' She added: 'I have been hearing of people already going into grocery stores to stock up or drive to Oman for safety.' News was limited in Dubai, where authorities were threatening people with a 40,000 fine or prison to stop them from sharing videos of the attacks, it was reported last night. Tourists trying to flee were left stranded last night as flights around the world were thrown into chaos, with dozens cancelled and Dubai International Airport shutting its doors. Stacey Gibson, 32, and her partner Charles Wright, 34, from Surrey, were in a taxi heading to the airport after a week-long holiday when a loud blast ripped through the air. Ms Gibson said: 'It was an almighty bang. We both looked at each other, then at the cab driver, like, 'What was that?' She added: 'As we got into the airport, it was rammed. Then you could see the departure boards in front of you, saying: cancelled, cancelled, delayed.' Smoke seen from a rocket in the sky over Dubai on Saturday which was reportedly intercepted by UAE defences Iranian missiles struck Dubai's The Palm, an artificial archipelago filled with luxury resorts Outbound aircraft from Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin were turned around in mid-air. Mike Boreham, booked on a British Airways flight to London from Dubai, told The Independent: 'We were all boarded. The flight was completely full. About ten minutes after the 'boarding complete' announcement, we were told the airspace is closed.' Just down the coast in Abu Dhabi, where shrapnel from a missile attack killed one person, plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Al Dhafra air base, which hosts US troops. Olesia Tyne, from Yorkshire, who has been living in Abu Dhabi for just six months, last night told the MoS of the shock for her and her young family. She said: 'Today's missile attacks came as a complete shock. We were at the pool at the ERTH Hotel when we heard the first explosions at exactly 12.50pm. 'At that moment, everyone at the pool received emergency alerts on their phones, and we were instructed to evacuate quickly into the hotel. Thankfully, everyone remained calm, but my children [aged five and nine] were understandably very worried and upset.' In Bahrain, British mother-of-three Emma Clarke said that, while she lived 12 miles from the strike area, she could still hear the distant booms. She added: 'We were told to go home, and have just been following the guidance to stay indoors while this plays out. It's unnerving but so far, we are sitting tight.' In the Qatari capital of Doha, one British woman told the MoS she was trapped there, having seen missiles being shot down and 'debris falling from the sky'. The 56-year-old, from Bath, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'It was pretty scary and the windows started shaking. Even if you've never heard a bomb before you know what it is immediately.' I've lost count of the attacks...you get used to it By Natalie Lisboa in central Israel The unrelenting, piercing shriek sounded from our phones at 8.13am, telling us to seek shelter, as it has done so many times before. It has become grimly familiar over the past two years, and, as we always do, we raced to take cover. The grinding sense of inevitability has been building in Israel over the past three weeks. The question was no longer if a regional war would erupt, but when. The signs were there: schoolchildren had been sent home with their books in anticipation of closures; hospitals activated contingency plans; the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, issued an unusually stark warning on Friday urging American staff to leave TODAY. The British Embassy moved its personnel out of Iran. But many had clung to the hope that US naval and air power amassing in the region was a calculated show of force, leverage to corner Tehran into a nuclear agreement. As a source told me: Its in the DNA of Irans regime to wreck deals. Though it was clear the Trump administrations patience had worn thin, officials maintained that further talks were scheduled for Friday. Israel, of course, has long prized the element of surprise. So we still couldnt quite believe Operation Epic Fury was under way. And we soon realised that this time, it really was different. Even through our bomb shelters thick concrete walls, you could hear explosions raining down as Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles. Some blasts were in the distance, others close by. People take shelter in an underground parking garage as air raid sirens warn of incoming missiles strike by Iran, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday February 28, 2026 When you have been sitting here since 8am, you no longer jump at the noise. We have become used to it. I have lost count how many times a new siren has sounded I would estimate roughly every 10 minutes. We try to keep track, but it quickly becomes pointless. Irans retaliation is relentless. It is angry. It feels like psychological terror, as though they want to exhaust us and erode Israels morale. Perhaps they feel they have nothing to lose: they know they are in their last chance saloon. We are so disconnected from the outside world that it is almost impossible for anyone to understand what this feels like. The attacks from Iran and its proxies have been going on for years, and they underestimate how robust Israeli people are. No one here relishes Israeli soldiers facing yet another conflict, but the moment is framed in stark terms. Ask almost any Israeli and they will say they would rather endure weeks in shelters and take significant blows than allow an existential threat from Tehran to go unanswered. No one wants Iran to get the nuclear bomb. The US medical drama House was famous for its irascible and ill-tempered central character. But grumpy doctors such as the fictional Dr Gregory House, played by Night Manager star Hugh Laurie, may be more persuasive when it comes to addressing patients, according to research. The researchers found that the 'unexpected rudeness' of experts may encourage people to pay closer attention to what is being said. Scientists have dubbed it the 'Dr House effect'. They designed a set of experiments based around the bedside manner of Dr House, below, who they described as 'an expert who can convincingly persuade despite his impoliteness'. In the hit television drama, which ran for eight series until 2012, he is usually proved right in his diagnoses despite an abrasive approach to his patients. When asked in one episode by a short woman if he is high, he retorts: 'Higher than you!' When a patient asks him: 'Are you this rude to all of your patients?' he replies: 'Yes. Don't think you are special!' Night Manager star Hugh Laurie played the abrasive Dr Gregory House in the hit US series To test whether this approach would work in a real hospital, the Portuguese researchers carried out experiments involving nearly 200 people. One part involved them being given health information by either a dermatologist or a mother. The advice was delivered either in a warm tone, or in a cold and arrogant voice. People who were told the voice was a dermatologist found them more persuasive if they gave the information rudely than if they were warm and polite. The mother was deemed to be more persuasive if she was polite. Writing about their research in the PsyCh Journal, the researchers, from Ispa Instituto Universitario in Lisbon, said: 'This pattern supports the Dr House effect, indicating a detrimental effect of politeness when combined with expertise, in contrast to impoliteness.' One theory is that people pay closer attention to someone if their behaviour is unexpected. News / National by Staff reporter Government has gazetted new parking rates capped at US$0,50 per hour, set clamping fees at US$20 and abolished the cattle levy as part of measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business and reducing costs for motorists and farmers.The changes are contained in Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026, which revises fees and charges under various local authority by-laws. The new rates took immediate effect upon publication.Under the updated regulations, parking fees under traffic and clamping by-laws are now capped at US$0,50 per hour, while vehicle clamping fees have been standardised at US$20. The move is intended to bring uniformity and affordability to urban parking charges, which previously varied across municipalities, with some motorists paying up to US$1 per hour.In Bulawayo, parking operations are managed by Tendy Three Investments under contract with the City of Bulawayo. The company is expected to adjust its tariffs to comply with the new Government-approved rate.Authorities say the rationalisation of local authority fees is part of broader reforms designed to streamline charges, enhance transparency and foster a more conducive environment for economic activity.The abolition of the cattle levy is also expected to ease financial pressure on farmers, particularly in rural areas where livestock remains central to livelihoods and household income. Government said the revised framework seeks to balance revenue collection by local authorities with the need to support citizens and businesses. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei will 'not be mourned' after he was killed in US airstrikes. Albanese accused the hardline cleric of overseeing brutal repression at home and destabilising aggression abroad. 'Ayatollah Khamenei was responsible for the regime's nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal violence against its own people,' he said on Sunday. 'This claimed countless lives in Iran, but also internationally. He was responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil. 'His passing will not be mourned.' The pointed remarks mark one of the toughest foreign policy statements of Albanese's prime ministership, cutting through the usually cautious language leaders adopt upon the death of a foreign head of state. Khamenei, who ruled with an iron grip for decades, oversaw Iran's contested nuclear ambitions, backed powerful regional proxy groups and presided over sweeping crackdowns on anti-government protests. Human rights organisations have long accused Tehran of violent repression, mass arrests and executions during periods of civil unrest. Speaking on Sunday after the news emerged from Iran, Albanese (pictured) accused the hardline cleric of overseeing brutal repression at home and destabilising aggression abroad His comments come amid heightened global uncertainty over what Khamenei's death could mean for the Middle East power balance and who will ultimately succeed him. When asked about whether Australia should offer more support for the change of regime in Iran after the US-Israel offensive, Albanese said it was a 'matter for the Iranian people'. 'I understand there are thousands of Australians with loved ones in the Middle East,' he said. 'The days ahead are going to be difficult,' he said. 'My government's priority remains the safety of Australians in the region. The government will do all we can to keep Australians safe and our personnel who are there in the region, as well.' Albanese said he was concerned about escalation. 'We support the states acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing threaten international peace security,' he said. 'We are concerned (about) regional escalation and urge the protection of civilians for those on the ground. People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran on Saturday 'Australian officials are closely monitoring what is an evolving situation, unfolding rapidly. 'It is critical that anyone in the region takes note of the Smartraveller website for the most up to date information that we can provide, we continue to urge Australians not to travel (there) and to leave Iran as soon as possible.' When asked earlier if Australia was prepared to send troops, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia 'did not participate in the strikes and you would not expect us to participate'. Asked to clarify if she was ruling it out, she added 'you would not expect us to participate'. Speaking on Sky News WA Liberal MP and former SAS veteran Andrew Hastie said US President Donald Trump's decision to strike was unsurprising as he labelled him 'an apex opportunist' but added he held concerns on the change of regime by force. 'I'm not surprised that President Trump has taken this action along with Prime Minister Netanyahu,' he said. 'There's a lot of risk and as a veteran of the so-called Forever Wars, I'm very suspicious about regime change by force. 'But Iran has a terrible regime they're a proxy, they're underwritten by Chinese and Russian tech. Khamenei, who ruled with an iron grip for decades, oversaw Iran's contested nuclear ambitions 'So, this is also a demonstration by President Trump that he is re-establishing deterrence and he's also going to send a message to some of his other geopolitical competitors that US military technology is superior. 'He made that point after Venezuela, defeating Russian and Chinese tech in their air defences. I assume the same point will be made post this operation as well.' Iranian state media confirmed the death of its supreme leader, hours after Trump did so on social media. 'The supreme leader of Iran has reached martyrdom,' state broadcaster IRIB reported. Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were also killed in US and Israeli strikes. 'After establishing contact with informed sources in the Supreme Leader's household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of the Revolutionary Leader has unfortunately been confirmed,' Fars news agency reported. During an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, warning it could destabilise the region. The session was divided with US and Israeli representatives insisting the attack was in the world's best interest while Iranian counterpart Amir Saeid Iravani denounced it as a 'war crime'. 'It is regrettable that some members of this body, in a blatant double standard, disregard the flagrant act of aggression committed by the US and Israel on Iran, and condemn Iran for using its inherent right to self-defence in the UN Charter,' he said. Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families who are in Israel and Iran have been urged to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Flights to Doha and Dubai have been cancelled out of Sydney Airport after conflict erupted in Iran overnight, triggering global aviation chaos. A Virgin Australia service to Doha was among the first forced to turn back, as carriers scramble to reroute around a rapidly expanding Middle East nofly zone. Snap cancellations and diversions are now rippling through Australian airports after Iranian missiles were fired at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha which are all key east-west aviation gateways. Four people were injured after a missile hit a concourse at Dubai International Airport on Sunday morning. Sydney Airport said three arrivals and nine departing flights had been cancelled since Saturday. 'Sydney Airport continues to monitor the situation impacting airspace in parts of the Middle East,' a spokesperson told the Daily Mail. 'Passengers travelling on services to or from the Middle East are encouraged to check with their airline for the latest information regarding the status of their flight.' A Virgin Australia spokesperson said four of its flights operated by Qatar Airways returned to Australia on Saturday evening. A Virgin Australia spokesperson said numerous flights operated by Qatar Airways returned to Australia on Saturday evening after strike action in the Middle East A check-in desk shows information on a cancelled flightas thousands of passengers remain stranded following the air strikes in Iran Perth resident Juvy Bee is due to fly to his former home town of Dubai in just over a week, he said his friends were reporting there was panic buying following the air strikes 'Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, a number of Virgin Australia services operated by Qatar Airways have been cancelled,' the spokesperson said. 'Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information and visit the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice.' Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until at least 10pm AEDT. Qatar Airways Group confirmed the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Australians have been told not to travel to Middle East countries including Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as Iran retaliates against US-Israel strikes that killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The aviation fallout is expected to last for weeks, leaving countless travellers stranded overseas. Flight maps showed airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain virtually empty after the strikes began. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has indicated that airspace closures caused by Iranian retaliatory strikes are likely to limit the federal government's ability to organise repatriation flights for Australians stranded in the Middle East. Massive explosions and air raid sirens have erupted over Tel Aviv as Iran launches surgical missile strike in retaliation to a joint Israeli-US strike on Iranian territory early Saturday morning One passenger posted to X what he dubbed possibly the longest flight ever from Sydney to Melbourne after the flightto Doha was forced to turn back amid escalating tensions 'The government's very aware this is extremely distressing and concerning for the region, and particularly Australians in the region,' she told reporters in Adelaide on Sunday. 'Our focus is on the security and safety of Australians in the region. What I would also say is we do anticipate there being this being a difficult, difficult days ahead. 'Whatever information we have and that we are able to confirm, we will provide to Australians in the region as quickly as we can.' Eric Schouten, head of aviation security advisory Dyami, told Reuters passengers and airlines should expect the airspace to remain closed for an extended period. Perth resident Juvy Blanco, who lived in Dubai for more than a decade, said he was concerned about travelling to his former hometown next week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential for flight disruptions. 'My friends in Dubai are feeling very anxious and uncertain. Some people are panic buying because they're worried about how things might develop,' he said. 'At the moment I'm monitoring updates from my airline and official announcements before making any decisions.' A Qantas customer has slammed the airline after discovering her scheduled flight home had been quietly replaced with a bus service after forking out $453 for a ticket. Mother-of-three Elena Di Fiore had already dropped off her hire car and arrived at Melbourne Airport for her flight to Albury when she learned about the change. 'I paid for air travel, not a long bus ride,' she told Daily Mail. 'I was shocked to find that both alternative "flights" offered to me were not flights but buses. 'This was only revealed after I had already dropped off my hire car and arrived at the airport. There was no clear warning that my only options to get home were by road.' With no genuine flight alternative available, Ms Di Fiore was forced to find last-minute accommodation in Melbourne, at her own expense, after claiming Qantas staff told her 'there is no accommodation available in Melbourne'. She was given two $15 cash cards as she left customer service, encouraged to buy something to eat or drink, and then had to take a cab, again, at her own expense, to the accommodation she booked under immense pressure. Ms Di Fiore said as a business owner, it was incredibly difficult to run an international business from Albury-Wodonga if there are no direct flights to Melbourne. Elena Di Fiore (pictured) is an international PR consultant who was 'shocked' to learn the only alternatives offered for her cancelled Melbourne-to-Albury flight was a bus 'I need to be able to travel for both domestic and international opportunities,' she said. 'I've been nominated for the Women Who Changed the World Awards, and if I'm a finalist, I can't even get a direct flight from Albury to Melbourne to fly to Paris, I have to pay more and go via Sydney. 'The lack of direct connections is a real barrier for regional businesses.' A Qantas spokesman said flight QF2046 was cancelled after an engineering issue was identified before departure. With no spare aircraft available, the airline arranged a replacement bus, a fourhour-plus trip instead of the scheduled 45minute flight, to ensure passengers could still reach Albury that evening. 'We sincerely apologise to Ms Di Fiore for what would've been a frustrating travel experience,' the spokesman said. Qantas said a message was sent to passengers apologising for the cancellation of the MelbourneAlbury service. 'We understand that disruptions are frustrating. To help get everyone to Albury as planned, the original flight will now operate as a bus service from Melbourne,' the message read. Elena Di Fiore received the following texts from Qantas saying her flight to Albury had been cancelled and later that she had been rebooked onto a new flight, QF7996 but it wasnt a flight at all, it was a bus 'Please proceed to the arrivals hall. The bus will depart from Melbourne at 12pm. We are doing everything we can to get you on your way. Please see email for details.' Ms Di Fiore said travellers heading to Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of southwestern New South Wales were also affected. They were advised they could take a bus to Albury but would then need to arrange their own transport back to Wagga Wagga. Ms Di Fiore urged Qantas to provide clearer communication and fair compensation for affected passengers. 'I had to put myself up for the night for $253 plus pay $35 to get a cab to the accommodation I paid for,' she said. She said she caught a flight on Monday from Melbourne to Sydney to Albury which takes 4.5 hours. She called on airlines and policymakers to recognise how limited regional connectivity undermines the ability of local business owners to compete internationally. Qantas said it had scrapped all its flights from Albury to Melbourne and Wagga Wagga to Melbourne effective from Monday due to declining demand. Ms Di Fiore paid $453 for a 45 minute flight that was replaced with a bus (stock image) All Qantas flights from the Riverina to Melbourne will be via Sydney from March and cost at least $400. In a joint statement Federal MPs for Farrer and Riverina, Sussan Ley and Michael McCormack condemned Qantas' decision. 'This announcement is a clear reflection of the worsening economic conditions being felt by industries and households across the nation and particularly in the Riverina and Farrer electorates, with many people conducting their business virtually due to ever-tightening margins,' the statement read. Last week Qantas reported a flat first-half statutory net profit of $925million, up $2million on the same period last year. Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the airline is still investing in the largest fleet renewal in its history, which has helped to drive the group's recent financial performance. A photograph showing Bill Clinton reclining in a luxury hot tub that was released as part of the Epstein files was taken during a 2002 trip to Asia with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, according to the New York Post. The image, made public for the first time in December as part of the Department of Justice release of documents tied to Epstein, resurfaced this week as Clinton spent more than six hours under oath before the House Oversight Committee answering questions about his ties to the convicted sex offender. 'I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong,' Clinton said in an opening statement shared publicly before the closed-door deposition. He added that by the time of Epstein's 2008 guilty plea, 'I had long stopped associating with him.' The hot tub photo, which shows Clinton leaning back with his arms behind his head while a woman's face is redacted by a black rectangle, has become one of the most scrutinized images in the Epstein files. Lawmakers pressed him about it during the deposition in Chappaqua, New York, where dozens of journalists gathered outside as Secret Service officers secured the area. Flight logs entered into court proceedings show that Clinton traveled aboard Epstein's private plane in May 2002. The records indicate the aircraft picked him up at a US naval air base in Japan on May 22, 2002, along with his longtime aide Doug Band and others, before stops in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. The group then landed in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on May 25. A photograph released in December by the Department of Justice shows Bill Clinton reclining in a hot tub beside a woman whose face was redacted The photograph in which Ghislaine Maxwell can be seen, left, and Bill Clinton, center, was taken at the Empire Hotel in Brunei, where Clinton stayed in the Emperor Suite The Emperor Suite includes a private pool and jacuzzi, as reflected in the photo set released in the Justice Department files The hot tub photograph was taken at the Empire Hotel in Brunei, where Clinton stayed in the opulent Emperor Suite - a sprawling, ultra-luxury accommodation featuring its own elevator, pool, jacuzzi, steam room and theater, according to the Post. The newly surfaced photographs include not only the hot tub image but also several other shots of Clinton swimming in a pool alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021. Being mentioned in the Justice Department files does not imply wrongdoing, and neither Bill nor Hillary Clinton has been accused of a crime or formally investigated in connection with Epstein. Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane multiple times in the early 2000s for work connected to the Clinton Foundation, but he has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct. 'Not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing - I would have turned him in,' Clinton said. During his deposition on Friday, Clinton also appeared to criticize the process that compelled him and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to testify. 'I hope that by being here today, we can bring ourselves just a little further from the brink, and back to being a country where we can disagree civilly and we can search for truth and justice, and it outweighs the partisan urge to score points and create spectacle,' he said in a video statement posted afterward. The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. James Comer, said, 'we believe this was a very productive deposition that President Clinton answered every question - or attempted to answer every question.' Additional images from the same release show Clinton in a pool alongside Ghislaine Maxwell and another redacted individual The hot tub and pool appear to be part of the same luxury suite area based on the full set of images made public Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are seen at the White House as guests of then-President Bill Clinton in 1993 Clinton told Friday's hearing stated that he had long stopped associating with Epstein by the time of Epstein's 2008 guilty plea Clinton is seen onboard Jeffrey Epstein's plane in the 1990s He has previously said the committee gathered evidence that Epstein visited the White House 17 times during Clinton's presidency and that Clinton flew on Epstein's plane 27 times. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican member of the committee, alleged there were 'inconsistencies' in Clinton's testimony but did not provide specific examples. Other GOP members described him as candid. 'Clinton was quite candid, perhaps more candid than his attorneys were comfortable,' said Rep. Nick Langworthy. Democrats have countered that the probe should extend further. In his opening statement on Friday, Clinton said, 'I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong' Hillary Clinton testified a day earlier and said lawmakers should ask Trump 'directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files' 'Let's be real, we are talking to the wrong president,' said Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, arguing that President Donald Trump should also testify. Hillary Clinton echoed that sentiment a day earlier, saying lawmakers should ask Trump 'directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files.' Trump, speaking to reporters, said he liked Clinton and 'don't like seeing him deposed,' while continuing to question the broader investigation. The Clintons have been contacted for comment. Donald Trump has promised to strike Iran 'with a force that has never been seen before,' after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced they had attacked nearly 30 US military bases across the Middle East on Sunday morning. The targeted attacks on American assets in the destabilized region are part of Iran's self-proclaimed 'most intense offensive operation in history,' in retaliation for the killing of Islamic State Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Black smoke was seen rising from a US airbase at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq at sunrise, after the IRGC promised its most ferocious counterattack. Khamenei, Iran's leader of 37 years, and members of his close family were decimated by bombardment from the US and Israeli's Operation Epic Fury in Tehran. Trump, however, hit back in a midnight Truth Social post that read: 'Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!' Israel announced in the early hours of Sunday that it had begun a new 'strike wave' targeting Iran's ballistic missiles and aerial defense systems, after Iran launched drones and missiles at Tel Aviv, which were intercepted and shot down. In response, the IRGC said it was carrying out a 'sixth wave' of 'extensive missile and drone' attacks on 27 US military bases. The extent of the damage is not yet clear. It comes as Iran formally confirmed that Khamenei was killed in his home office. 'To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,' an Iranian news agency said. Trump is pictured in the situation room at Mar-a-Lago, on the night that the US obliterated Iran's Supreme Leader's home, killing him Black smoke was seen rising from a US airbase at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq at sunrise, after the IRGC promised their most ferocious counterattack Two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour - and four of Khamenei's close family were also obliterated in the Tehran strikes on Saturday morning. State-news agency IRNA reported early Sunday morning that Iranian army chief of staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were among the dead. Jubilant protesters inside Iran were seen toppling a statue of the Ayatollah in the early hours of Sunday in celebration after he was killed by the bombardment. Similar scenes unfolded across America - notably in Washington DC and Los Angeles, as Iranian-Americans heralded the toppling of the Islamic regime. By contrast, hundreds of wailing male and female mourners gathered in Tehran's Enqelab Square on Sunday morning waving flags and marking Khamenei's death. While it was not immediately clear how much damage was caused by Iran's early-morning attack on American bases, the unfolding violence in the Middle East has wreaked havoc for both civilians and tourists. Sites like tourist-filled hotels in Dubai and Bahrain have been hit with collateral damage after Trump's decisive mission to take out the Ayatollah on Saturday morning. Iranian State news agency IRNA said on Sunday that Iran's president, judiciary chief and a Guardian Council jurist will temporarily be in power to oversee transition following the Supreme Leader's death. Israels Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly congratulated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the countrys military following the killing of Irans Supreme Leader in the airstrikes. 'He who acted to destroy Israel - has been destroyed,' Katz wrote in a statement to X. 'Justice has been served, and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow,' he added. On the other hand, Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared on state television that Tehran would get even in response, vowing severe retaliation. Khamenei, Iran's leader of 37 years, and members of his close family were decimated by joint US and Israeli bombardment on his home in Tehran on Saturday morning An Iranian projectile leaves a trail in the sky as seen from the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Hebron early on March 1, 2026 Your browser does not support iframes. He said Iran will 'get even with the Americans and Israelis,' adding that their leaders had crossed a line. 'Trump and Netanyahu have crossed a red line and will the pay the price for it,' he said. 'We will strike you with such painful blows that you will beg for mercy, you will see.' Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the killing of Ali Khamenei a great crime and promised that Iran would respond. A statement from his office read: 'This great crime will never remain unanswered and will turn a new page in the history of the Islamic world and Shiism.' 'The pure blood of this high-ranking leader will flow like a roaring spring and will eradicate American-Zionist oppression and crime,' it added. 'This time too, with all our strength and determination, with the support of the Islamic nation and the free people of the world, we will make the perpetrators and commanders of this great crime regret it.' Mourners react following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran Your browser does not support iframes. Iran's representative told the United Nations that they have 'one word only' for the United States following the deadly airstrikes on Iran early Saturday morning. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the US to be 'polite,' during the discussions in New York City. 'I have one word only,' he said. 'I advise to the representative of the United States to be polite. It will be better for yourself and the country you represented, thank you.' On Saturday morning, at least 108 were killed in the US-Israeli airstrike on a girls school in the southern Iranian city of Minab. The majority of the dead are schoolgirls aged between seven and 12, according to the regime-controlled news outlets Tasnim and Fars. A teacher at the school told the London-based outlet Middle East Eye that she saw bodies on classroom benches. She had stepped out when she heard the blast and returned to find carnage. 'I felt like I had gone mute. I couldn't speak,' she said. 'You could hear the sound of children crying and screaming.' READ MORE: Trump provides first glimpse inside his visions for Iran Protesters have gathered at Sydney's Town Hall to denounce the United States' historic military attack on Iran, which many hope has ended its tyrannical regime. The rally, at which professional protester Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group spoke, called on the Australian government to condemn the attack on Iran jointly executed by the US and Israel. As the small group gathered outside Town Hall, not far away in Hyde Park more than 20,000 gathered to celebrate to downfall of Iran's murderous ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in his compound by an airstrike. They joined other Iranian-Australians in joyous scenes across the country, with thousands also gathering on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne and Brisbane. Minoo Ghamari, who fled Iran 19 years ago told the ABC this was Iran's 'Berlin Wall moment', referring to the collapse of the Iron Curtin in Europe in 1989. American President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both cited an existential 'threat' to their nations posed by the Iranian regime after news of the bombings broke on Saturday morning, local time. It followed weeks of speculation about an American military operation against Iran as the US began a build-up of naval assets in the Middle East. The size of the US presence in the region had not seen for decades and was paired with warnings from Trump that Iran must 'make a deal' to end its nuclear program. A protest against the military action on Iran we held outside Sydney Town Hall on Sunday The group, organised by the Socialist Alliance, called for an end to the bombings in Iran A second demonstration in Hyde park (above) celebrating the military strikes was attended by an estimated 20,000 people Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fronted a snap press conference on Sunday in which he shared support for 'the brave people' of Iran and addressed the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. 'Ayatollah (Ali) Khamenei was responsible for the regime's nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal violence and intimidation against its own people,' he said. 'This claimed many lives in Iran but also internationally. He was responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil. His passing will not be mourned.' However, Australian left-wing party Socialist Alliance strongly condemned the attacks and claimed the bombings were 'illegal and break international human rights rules'. 'We support the Iranian people's struggles for democratic reforms against the regime. But the US and Israel's bombing will not assist that struggle in any way,' Socialist Alliance said in a statement. Dozens of its supporters gathered outside Town Hall to call for an immediate end to the conflict. Early investigations from the Red Crescent, the counterpart of the Red Cross, indicate at least 200 people have died from American and Israeli airstrikes in Iran and another 700 estimated as injured. Some deaths have been attributed to explosions at two Iranian schools - a girls' elementary school in Minab which killed 108 people and a school east of the capital, Tehran, in which at least two students were killed. Professional protester Josh Lees (above) spoke at the Socialist Alliance rally The protesters labelled a joint attack by the US and Israel 'illegal' Dozens of anti-war protesters gathered in Sydney CBD on Sunday Protesters called for an end to the conflict Not far away in Hyde Park there were joyous scenes at a much larger gathering While the tragic bombing of the schools has been condemned across the board, the fall of Iran's vicious regime represents a renewed chance for peace across the Middle East. The thousands of protesters who gathered in Hyde Park, less than a kilometre from Town Hall dance, cheered and waved Iranian flags. Similar celebrations were seen around Australia. One Iranian-Australian family in Brisbane on Sunday marked the upheaval with a traditional celebration: the sharing of cakes and sweets. Amin, who declined to give his last name, put out a morning tea complete with signs reading 'free Iran' and 'Ayatollah is no more' and messaged a few friends to come down, before being pleasantly surprised when neighbours also joined. 'It's the start of a new day for Iran,' he said. While he hailed the death of the Ayatollah, he acknowledged the what was ahead in the next months and years would be filled with uncertainty about who would lead the country. But he was hopeful he would be able to return to Iran to visit family for the first time in years after being unable to travel there due to safety concerns. They were celebrating the downfall of a tyrannical regime Thousands of people gathered for a separate celebration in nearby Hyde Park Demonstrators celebrated the death of Israeli Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The protest celebrating the potential fall of the Iranian regime was better attended than the anti-war protest Perth-based Hamid Yeganeh has been speaking with family abroad since the strikes and he said many in Iran had been taking to the streets to dance, chant and celebrate. It's something that has been forbidden for nearly 50 years, he said. 'The majority of our family and friends live in Iran and they are happy, so we have had that communication and everyone is just hoping the end is here,' Mr Yeganeh said. Internet and phone lines have been down in Iran, making contact with people living in Tehran and elsewhere difficult. Mr Yeganeh said he wanted those in Iran to enjoy the freedom possible in Australia, adding he hoped the strikes would end the Islamic regime's rule. In Canberra, a few hundred people celebrated outside the now-closed Iranian embassy to cheer the death of the Ayatollah and praise US and Israeli leaders. Champagne was sprayed over the dancing crowd, as people prayed for a liberated Iran and the safety of their families there. Most spoke of being unable to travel back to their homeland to see relatives due to their involvement in protests. Hyde park was filled with cheering crowds on Sunday evening Similar celebrations were seen in city's across Australia Hyde Park was filled with Iranian flags as people celebrated the downfall of the Ayatollah Fab, who only wanted his first name used, fled to Australia 30 years ago after fighting the authoritarian regime for more than a decade following the Iranian revolution. He would have been killed if he had gone back but now he has a chance to again see his 'tribe' in Iran, he said. Many Iranian-Australians saw the events as a turning point in Iran's history. Elmira Bahraminejad, from the Free Iran community group, said there was hope for a better future after decades of oppression. 'There's been 47 years of suppression and dictatorship ... (people) want to thank the US and Israel for helping people inside of Iran,' she said. Australia has upgraded its travel warnings for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to do not travel. A do-not-travel warning for Iran had already been in place, with Mr Albanese warning consular assistance was limited after Australia withdrew its ambassador from Tehran in 2025, when it expelled the Iranian ambassador. He urged Australians in the region seeking assistance to register with the Foreign Affairs Department, saying officials would contact those registered. Flights across the region have been cancelled or turned around, creating travel chaos for many visiting or being routed through major Middle East aviation hubs. Airspace around the Middle East remains closed, straining any repatriation efforts from Australia. Cyprus, the closest European nation, is preparing for mass evacuations, including nationals from other nations, as it has when the region was thrown into conflict previously. Australians have previously been evacuated to Cyprus from Lebanon during Israeli strikes, before being repatriated to Australia from the island nation. Sir Keir Starmer's popularity has slumped to a new low in the wake of Labour's humiliating defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The latest Opinium survey found the Prime Minister's net approval rating has dropped five points to -49, which is the lowest level since he took office. It is also lower than any rating achieved by his Tory predecessors Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson or Theresa May. Nearly two-thirds of voters (64 per cent) said the disapproved of Sir Keir's performance, compared to just 15 per cent who approved of the PM. No major party leader enjoyed a positive rating, but Liberal Democrat leader was the most popular (-5), followed by Green Party leader Zack Polanski (-7), Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (-8) and Reform UK's Nigel Farage (-13). There has been fresh speculation about Sir Keir's future as PM after Labour came third in Gorton and Denton behind the victorious Greens and second-placed Reform. Labour failed to hang on to the Greater Manchester seat, a former stronghold, despite having won the constituency with more than 50 per cent of the vote at the 2024 general election. Sir Keir was dealt a fresh blow this weekend when Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons was forced to quit following claims of a 'smear campaign' targeting journalists. Sir Keir Starmer's popularity has slumped to a new low in the wake of Labour's humiliating defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election In a sign that a significant proportion of the electorate are open to voting tactically in their local constituencies, the Opinium survey found nearly half (47 per cent) of Labour voters would consider voting for the Greens at the next general election. Meanwhile, one in five (21 per cent) of Labour voters said they would consider supporting Reform in the future, and two in five (42 per cent) of Tory voters also said they could back Mr Farage's party. By contrast, just under one in ten (9 per cent) of Reform voters said they would consider voting Labour. If Labour were highly unlikely to win in their local constituency, one in five (21 per cent) of Labour voters said they would switch to the Greens. A similar proportion (20 per cent) of Green voters said they would switch to Labour if the Greens were unlikely to win in their seat. James Crouch, head of policy and public affairs at Opinium, said: 'The Gorton and Denton defeat, alongside Keir Starmer's worst-ever ratings, shows just how shaky Labour's ground has become. 'With large swathes of its remaining voters eyeing the Greens, and the Conservatives equally exposed to Reform, the traditional bases of both major parties look more fragile than ever.' Opinium surveyed 2,050 British adults between 25 to 27 February. Mr Simons resigned following an investigation into allegations a prominent think tank he ran before entering government paid for a probe into journalists. Although the probe by Sir Keir's ethics adviser found Mr Simons had not breached the ministerial code, the Makerfield MP said he had 'become a distraction from this Government's important work'. Mr Simons faced calls to resign after his think tank, Labour Together, was accused of paying PR firm Apco Worldwide 36,000 to investigate the background of journalists who had written stories about it. In previous statements, Mr Simons said Apco had been hired to investigate an illegal hack. But in a letter to the PM, ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus said the former minister now accepted the terms he agreed with Apco were 'wider than he had understood' and he had acted 'too hastily in confirming their appointment'. While Sir Laurie said Mr Simons had acted 'in good faith', he said the MP acknowledged the 'perceived gap between his public statements and what he now accepts appears to be a more extensive scope has been damaging'. An Australian influencer who shared a video about being scared in Dubai amid ongoing airstrikes has been labelled 'selfish' after suggesting the fighting was supposed to be confined to less fortunate countries. Louise Starkey shared a clip on Instagram from her hotel balcony showing Iranian missiles headed to a target in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday. Iran's ongoing retaliatory airstrikes on the UAE, in response to the attacks from the US and Israel on its soil, have damaged an international airport terminal and landmark hotels the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. In the video, viewed by more than a million people, Starkey filmed herself standing on a balcony while wearing a white robe and clutching her face. 'I'm scared. I'm actually so scared,' she said while looking at the drones. 'It's not meant to be happening here. 'Can't everyone just chill out?' Starkey clarified that she was in the Jumeirah Village Circle, about 15km from the bomb sites, and had been hearing explosions for several hours but hadn't seen one of the drones until she started filming. Louise Starkey (above) shared a video on Saturday She showed drones headed for Dubai landmarks on the same day the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah were struck 'I don't want anyone getting hurt, you know what I mean?' she said. 'I've been hearing loud explosions in the background all day. The sound - it shakes the windows. I don't know how to explain it. It's the weirdest sound ever and now I'm seeing them. 'This is not fun guys. We're supposed to be in the safest place. 'I love the UAE, I love being here, I feel so safe all the time - and now I can see it. 'Please just stop.' Commenters were divided over seven words Starkey said, 'It's not meant to be happening here'. 'Not meant to be happening here has to be one of the most selfish statements I have ever heard. As if it's meant to happen anywhere,' one wrote. 'The entitlement. It happens in Gaza, it's fine. But if it happens to your luxury lifestyle, 'it's not meant to happen,' another said. 'We trust our leadership, and this phase will pass. Let's avoid sharing videos that spread fear or panic,' another wrote. Iran bombed the Burj Al Arab (above) and Palm Jumeirah in retaliation to US and Israeli strikes on its soil However, other commenters sympathised with the Aussie. 'Crazy scenes today that we would've never imagined,' one wrote. 'It will be over soon. I'm in [Dubai], and I've been seeing them all day, but I have a very strong belief that this land is a land of peace and won't be harmed. It's just a temporary disturbance that will end soon. Stay strong,' another said. 'Hang in there, girly. It's not nice for anyone. But worry about what you can control! And that's your mindset,' another wrote. The Daily Mail has contacted Starkey for comment. The Australian Government has raised its travel warning for much of the Middle East to 'do not travel' due to the 'volatile security situation'. 'Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region,' Smartraveller states. 'Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes we've raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel.' Missiles have been fired at Cyprus and British troops saw a near miss in Bahrain as Iran 'lashes out' in the wake of Donald Trump's strikes, John Healey revealed today. The Defence Secretary warned Iranian missile commanders are 'increasingly allowed to choose their own targets' as Tehran loses its 'command and control'. He also said UK officials are reviewing the terror threat level amid fears Iran could stage an attack on British soil as part of the blowback. Iran has launched retaliatory action across the Middle East in the wake of the US and Israeli attacks, which have killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It has fired missiles at Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, all of which have a US military presence, with civilian airports and hotels being hit. Mr Healey said RAF jets flying from bases in Cyrus and Qatar were protecting UK allies in the region and would 'take down' missiles or drones. He confirmed that a UK counter-drone team in northern Iraq had shot down Iranian drones in the last 24 hours. The Defence Secretary revealed that two missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, while Iranian strikes landed within 'a few hundred yards' of British troops in Bahrain. He also said UK officials are on alert for new terror plots on British soil, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves is watching oil prices 'very closely' amid the regional chaos. Missiles have been fired at Cyprus and British troops saw a near miss in Bahrain as Iran lashes out in the wake of Donald Trump's strikes, Defence Secretary John Healey has revealed Some of the missiles launched from Iran are spotted in the skies over Hebron, south of Jerusalem, last night Smoke rises in Tehran after the Iranian capital was targeted in US and Israeli attacks Britain did not play a role in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, but Mr Healey said 'few people will mourn' the Ayatollah's death. The Defence Secretary branded the Iranian regime 'a source of evil' that had been 'sponsoring and exporting terror, including to countries like Britain'. Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Mr Healey said there had been 20 terror plots directed at Britain and sponsored by Iran. The terror threat level in the UK is currently at 'substantial', which means an attack is judged to be 'likely', but there are two higher levels - 'severe' and 'critical'. Asked if the terror threat level was being reviewed as Iran retaliates to the US and Israeli strikes, the Defence Secretary said: 'Absolutely. 'When you get a regime like this lashing out in the Middle East indiscriminately and widely, hitting civilians and military targets. 'When you have some of its proxies capable of other actions on their behalf then of course our force protection in the region is at its highest. 'Our alert and vigilance in the UK is also high.' He added: 'This is a really serious and deteriorating situation, (with) rising risks of increasing Iranian indiscriminate retaliatory attacks. 'Yesterday, we had 300 personnel on that Bahrain base that was attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, some of them within a few hundred yards of where they landed. 'We had two missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus. 'We don't believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless, it's an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, and that requires us to act.' Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the Cyprus government spokesperson, said there was 'no indication' of a threat to the country. He posted on X: 'In relation to statements and media reports referring to the launch of missiles towards the direction of Cyprus, it is clarified that this is not the case and there is no indication whatsoever that any threat to the country has occurred. 'The competent authorities are closely monitoring the situation on a continuous basis.' British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE are being urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office in order to receive direct updates on the situation in the Middle East. The Foreign Office is now also advising against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Sir Keir Starmer spoke with the King of Bahrain, Crown Prince of Kuwait and King of Jordan on Sunday morning. A Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister 'expressed the UK's solidarity in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation, which has seen indiscriminate missile and drone attacks launched at their countries in the last 24 hours'. 'They discussed the safety of civilians in the region, including British nationals and armed forces personnel, and expressed deep concern that strikes have hit civilian and commercial infrastructure - harming innocent people,' No10 added. The PM also 'reiterated that the UK has had planes in the sky since yesterday as part of the coordinated defensive response to protect our partners in the region, and would continue to offer our support'. Demonstrations have been held in various parts of Iran following the announcement of the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Join the debate Should Britain take a tougher stance against Iran after these attacks, or focus on protecting its own interests? In the first Government response to the Khamenei's death, which was confirmed by Iranian state TV early on Sunday, Mr Healey said: 'I think few people will mourn the Ayatollah's death. 'Not least the family and friends of those thousands of young protesters murdered on the streets of Iranian cities. 'Iran and the regime he's led for so long, it's a source of evil, murdering its own citizens and sponsoring and exporting terror, including to countries like Britain. 'The concern now, of course, is this regime is lashing out. 'It's lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate and widespread way, and people will be really concerned that it's not just military targets. 'But civilian airports like Kuwait, hotels in Dubai and Bahrain are being hit, and so that's why we've strengthened the UK defences in the region.' The Defence Secretary refused to say whether the UK had refused the US permission to use British bases such as Diego Garcia to strike Iran. He also declined to comment on the legality of America and Israel's actions, saying: 'That is for the US to set out and explain. 'It's not for me, as Defence Secretary of the UK, I'm here to speak for the UK. 'I can speak for the very active participation that we have in coordinated defence across the region.' In a later interview with the BBC, Mr Healey said the UK shared the 'primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon'. Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, questioned why the Prime Minister was not more 'proactive' in the run-up to the US and Israeli strikes. 'A lot of this has been about why has Keir Starmer not actually worked with our American allies to be much more proactive?,' she said. 'On the basis that a lot of intelligence is shared between our two countries, the Americans would easily have shared and rightly so details of their plans. 'Why were some of our bases not used? And was the British Government asked about use of our military bases in the defensive strikes that took place?' Dame Priti added the killing of Khamenei should not be mourned 'one bit at all'. She said the US and Israel were 'absolutely' right to strike Iran, adding it is a position the Conservatives support. 'We have to remember that the Iranian regime has been a murderous, barbaric regime sponsoring terror around the world and also threatening our own country,' she told Sky News. 'That's been long-established in terms of threats to the UK. With many of their proxies, they've also been funding and fuelling many of the hate marches that we've seen across our own country. 'We should not mourn the loss of the Ayatollah one bit at all, he has been heading up and leading a murderous regime that has murdered tens of thousands of their own civilians and citizens, just for speaking up for their freedom.' This is the moment dozens of Israeli bombs obliterated the 'headquarters of the Iranian terror regime' with a devastating airstrike in Tehran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed yesterday by Israeli airstrikes. It is not yet known whether this was the bombardment that took out the Iranian Supreme Leader. The video shows multiple explosions in two buildings in Iran's capital, Tehran. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) posted on X: 'Watch the first footage from the Air Force's extensive raid in the heart of Tehran. 'Attached is footage from the final moments of the destruction of the headquarters of the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.' Iran formally confirmed that Khamenei was killed in his home office yesterday. 'To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,' an Iranian news agency said. Two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour - and four of Khamenei's close family were also killed by airstrikes on Saturday morning. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were reportedly shown an image of Khamenei's body after it was recovered from his compound. The IDF posted the moment Israeli bombs destroyed 'headquarters of the Iranian terror regime' Smoke billows in the aftermath of dozens of Israeli bombs on two buildings in Tehran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in joint US and Israeli strikes Iran has branded the killing of their leader as a 'declaration of war against Muslims'. Bombs continue to rain down on Iran this morning after Israeli and US forces begun an attack on Iran on Saturday. Donald Trump has today promised to strike Iran 'with a force that has never been seen before,' after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced they had attacked nearly 30 US military bases across the Middle East on Sunday morning. The targeted attacks on American assets in the destabilized region are part of Iran's self-proclaimed 'most intense offensive operation in history,' in retaliation for the killing of Islamic State Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel announced in the early hours of Sunday that it had begun a new 'strike wave' targeting Iran's ballistic missiles and aerial defence systems, after Iran launched drones and missiles at Tel Aviv, which were intercepted and shot down. In response, the IRGC said it was carrying out a 'sixth wave' of 'extensive missile and drone' attacks on 27 US military bases. The extent of the damage is not yet clear. In the last few hours residents of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, reported hearing several loud explosions and saw smoke rising from the city. A group of missiles sailing over Dubai overnight - some of the more than 100 launched by Iran at the state Dubai's iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab was ablaze following Iranian attacks The Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai was also engulfed in flames Explosions have been heard for a second day in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, and in Oman for the first time, though most missiles and drones have been downed by air defences. Iran also launched two missiles towards Cyprus, which hosts British military bases, UK Defence Secretary John Healey revealed this morning. Smoke was seen rising from Dubai International Airport this morning and blasts were heard in a number of regional states. Yesterday, Iranian suicide drones hit landmark hotels the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, sparking panic among tourists. A fire broke out at the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel after debris smashed into it. The UAE's Ministry of Defence said that, as of late last night, 137 ballistic missiles had been launched by Iran towards the Emirates, of which 132 had been destroyed by air defences and five fell into the Persian Gulf. It said it had also been targeted by 209 suicide drones of which 195 were intercepted and 14 got through - with some hitting the territory. News / National by Staff reporter Police have declined to comment on allegations that Uebert Angel, founder of Spirit Embassy, is facing a complaint of indecent sexual assault.When contacted over the weekend, Paul Nyathi said he was not in the office and could not provide a comment. It has since emerged that a case was reportedly filed at Borrowdale Police Station on Monday under reference number RRB 6756222.According to sources, a 40-year-old woman from Bulawayo alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Angel in his office at his Hippodrome church in March last year. The complainant claims she had attended a church service where Angel spoke to her privately and asked her to meet him in his office after the service. After exchanging contact details, she was allegedly instructed to return the following day dressed modestly.She is said to have complied. In her report, she alleges that during the meeting Angel inquired about her personal challenges and offered her US$1,000 from church tithes as assistance. As she prepared to leave, she claims he pushed her against a wall, lifted her dress and sexually assaulted her. She further alleges that he attempted to have intercourse with her but stopped after she protested.Following the incident, the woman reportedly confided in her cousin, who confronted Angel telephonically. Sources claim he apologised. The matter was later reported with the assistance of Jay Israel, a former associate of the preacher.Sources further allege that after the report was made, threats were directed at both the complainant and Israel. It is claimed that messages containing violent imagery were sent to Israel, while intermediaries allegedly contacted the woman with threats of arrest and harm. These claims have not been independently verified.Insiders also allege that Angel sought a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a bid to demonstrate continued standing with authorities, though details of any such meeting remain unclear. Additional claims that attempts were being made to influence or bribe police investigations have also surfaced, but there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement.The allegations come amid previous public controversy involving Angel. Last year, rapper Holy Ten made accusations against him during an appearance on the DJ Ollah 7 Podcast. Those claims were also widely circulated on social media at the time.Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the current complaint, and no arrests or court proceedings have been announced. An Australian travel industry expert has urged passengers to not cancel flights despite 'significant disruptions' to global aviation following US-led airstrikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed Iran's leader had been killed in the strikes and urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow the regime. Retaliatory attacks by Iran have been persistent across the Middle East since, with missiles and drones striking Israel and the United Arab Emirates where hotels and airports were hit. At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, one person was killed and 11 injured from falling debris, while Dubai International Airport - the world busiest - also suffered minor structural damage. Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait also said they had intercepted missiles fired towards them. Hundreds of flights have been grounded and all airlines are avoiding flying over the region, formerly one of the busiest air corridors in the world. Sydney airport on Saturday night was filled with stranded travellers whose flights were cancelled. Virgin Australia said on Sunday seven of its flights which were jointly operated by Qatar Airways had been cancelled along with five on Monday. Dean Long, Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive, said 11 per cent of international travel out of Australia goes through the Middle East as it's the top connection point for Europe. But he warned travellers to not cancel their flights and rather let the airlines do it for them, because that way refunds are guaranteed and the airlines will also be more helpful with arranging alternative bookings. 'It's the number one learning from Covid, if you cancel your flights you do lose a number of consumer rights and protections that you have... So it's really important that even if you're nervous, do not cancel your flight,' he told The Australian. Australian travellers have been warned not to cancel their flight amid travel disruptions in the Middle East The usually busy airspace over the UAE and Qatar has been cleared since Saturday Passengers are guaranteed full refunds if the airlines cancel rather than if they choose to cancel Travel insurance companies will also not pick up the tab if a customer cancels their flights on their own. Cover for conflict zones is not standard in the industry as it would encourage travellers to take unnecessary risks. A recent Finder analysis of 22 major Australian travel insurance providers found none that offered standard cover for events linked to warzones. The Australian government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for Qatar and the UAE but major airlines are continuing to fly to Europe using flight paths that avoid the region. Virgin Australia has been offering refunds, travel credits and alternative bookings for customers whose Qatar Airways operated flights have been cancelled, while Etihad was offering booking changes on flights it had suspended on Sunday. Qantas has said there are no impacts to its flights to London. Australian Airports CEO Simon Westaway said airports across the country were holding 30 aircraft that had been grounded following Middle East flight cancellations. He said there would be 'significant disruptions' to international travel over the next week. Emirates planes parked on Dubai International airport on March 1 In Dubai the Burj Al Arab (above) and Palm Jumeirah hotels were struck by drones Jeremy Corbyn last night accused Donald Trump of launching a 'clearly illegal' attack on Iran 'to bring about regime change', joining a chorus of far-Left condemnation in the wake of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. He said the joint US-Israeli operation in Iran on Saturday was a 'catastrophic act of aggression, brutality and escalation' which has resulted in 'more lives lost, more pain, more horror and a great deal of money being made by arms manufacturers all around the world'. In a Sky News interview yesterday the former Labour leader said he felt 'horror, shock and fear for the future' after he woke up to the news the US President, alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had launched missile strikes which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated by launching suicide drones across the Middle East, attacking 27 US bases in the region, including in Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Corbyn told Sky News: 'President Trump has launched this attack, clearly illegal, clearly illegal that he's now calling for regime change. 'Whatever one thinks of the governments of various places, there is no basis in law for an attack to bring about regime change - as the legacy of George Bush and Tony Blair shows.' He added that he was dismayed by Trump's decision to leave the negotiation table and 'launched this bombardment with the awful consequences we're now witnessing, the deaths of primary school children from the bombardment and clearly the deaths of other people in all the other targets all across the region'. Corbyn, 76, also warned that 'if there isn't a very early ceasefire, and a very early backpedalling on it, then the danger is that it will spread way out of control'. Jeremy Corbyn (centre left) was seen with his brother Piers (centre right) alongside supporters of the regime at a rally in Parliament Square on Saturday The crowds of activists (pictured) gathered to condemn the US and Israel's missile strikes on the capital of Tehran and other targets across the nation. Many bore placards (pictured) reading 'Stop Trump's Wars' It came a few hours after hundreds of Iranian democracy activists gathered in Whitehall for a separate protest (pictured) calling for the end of the Iranian government Doubling down on his accusations that Trump has started an 'illegal' war, the former Labour leader told Sky News: 'Surely international law matters, illegality matters, human rights matter, human lives matter.' Last night Corbyn joined hundreds of pro-Iran protesters who gathered in London carrying banners of the Ayatollah to demand an end to 'Trump's wars'. He was seen with his brother Piers Corbyn, 78, alongside supporters of the regime at a rally in Parliament Square on Saturday. The crowds of activists gathered to condemn the US and Israel's missile strikes on the capital of Tehran and other targets across the nation, The Telegraph reported. They brandished signs bearing portraits of the Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, and the slogan, 'Choose the Right Side of History'. Other placards read 'Stop Trump's Wars' and 'No War on Iran', while some flew the country's tricolour flag, bearing the regime's Islamic emblem. Demonstrators chanted, 'Long live the resistance! Long live Iran!', and, 'Resistance is justified when people are colonised!', as well as, 'USA are war criminals! USA are baby killers!' Other chants included, 'Zionism is a crime, get your hands off Palestine', and 'Zionism is terrorism', while some activists waved the Palestinian flag. They also brandished signs (pictured) bearing portraits of the Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, and the slogan, 'Choose the Right Side of History' A rally was organised by the Stage of Freedom group, which opposes the Ayatollah's regime and supports the American strikes (pictured) Demonstrators, who were joined by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (pictured, at the rally), also known as Tommy Robinson, gathered outside the Ministry of Defence in central London ahead of a march down to the Iranian embassy It is not known whether there were any arrests. The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment. David Polden, 85, from Highgate, north London, said: 'It's just very dangerous to have a war in the Middle East, which the United States is determined to have. 'Killing Iranians is hardly supporting them, I would have thought.' He said it was 'terrible' tens of thousands of Iranians had been killed by the regime in its recent crackdown on protests: 'It's a terrible regime - but so is America.' Mr Polden said he thought the US and Iranian governments were 'equally' bad - but because America is more powerful, it can do greater damage. The rally was organised by the Stop The War In Iran Coalition, which had urged people to gather under the slogan 'Hands Off Iran'. The organisation said the Iranian people would be the real victims of American and Israeli strikes. It said in a statement: 'They will lead to death and destruction in Iran and they threaten wider war across the region with unimaginable consequences. One pro-democracy protester against the hardline Iranian government carried a puppet of the Ayatollah hanging from a noose (pictured) Explosions from Israeli projectile interceptions over Tel Aviv on Saturday 'We must protest this madness and demand that our Government takes no part and condemns Israel's and US's catastrophic actions.' The event was also supported by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, Jewish Network for Palestine and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. It came a few hours after hundreds of Iranian democracy activists gathered in Whitehall for a separate protest calling for the end of the Iranian government. The rally was organised by the Stage of Freedom group, which opposes the Ayatollah's regime and supports the American strikes. Demonstrators gathered outside the Ministry of Defence in central London ahead of a march down to the Iranian embassy. They waved the Iranian flag from before the Islamic regime, which features a green, white and red horizontal tricolour, with a central gold lion and sun. One pro-democracy protester against the hardline Iranian government carried a puppet of the Ayatollah hanging from a noose. Other attendees, who were joined by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, waved the Israeli flag. Photographs were displayed outside the Iranian embassy of people killed by the country's authorities in recent protests against the regime. Many anti-regime activists are in support of the return of the Shah, or the former monarch of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, who was ousted in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Join the debate Should British politicians openly support regimes accused of human rights abuses if they oppose Western military actions? Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. They also call for the British government to ban Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of the army set up when the Ayatollahs came to power. Ehsan Fathi, 45, a British-Iranian national highways project manager, said he had long called for an end to the Iranian regime. But he said events in January, which saw around 36,500 Iranians killed in the protest crackdown, had added greater urgency to his fight. Mr Fathi said he was appreciative of American and Israeli intervention, which he said could weaken the Iranian government enough for the people to take back control. Kima Mohajeran, 63, who was protesting with her husband Davood, 71, said she had seen videos of Iranians celebrating in the streets about the US and Israeli strikes. She said the Stop The War protesters do not understand this is how the Iranian people feel. Her husband said he is anti-war but that this war is not against the Iranian people but what he saw as a deadly regime, which will allow the people to take over. The Metropolitan Police imposed conditions on both protests. The Stop The War event was limited to a particular section of Parliament Square, while Stage for Freedom protesters had to disperse by 5.30pm. Both rallies came as the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday morning. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran just after 9.30am local time (6am GMT), with pictures showing smoke over the capital. Explosions were also reportedly heard in other cities across the country, including Karaj, Isfahan, Qom and Kermanshah. President Donald Trump said America had begun 'major combat operations' and urged the Iranian people to use the opportunity to overthrow the regime. Iran responded to the attack by launching missiles at Israel and four Gulf states which host US military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Countries across the Middle East have since locked their airspaces, amid safety concerns. And multiple Israeli officials have since claimed Iran's Supreme Leader is dead. Trump and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu have allegedly been shown a photograph of his body. 'A photo of the body was shown to Netanyahu and Trump,' reported Channel 12. 'Senior Israeli officials were informed of Khamenei's elimination. His body was recovered from the rubble of his compound,' reported public broadcaster Kan. There has been no confirmation of Khamenei's death from Tehran. Netanyahu said on Saturday, in a televised address to his nation, 'there are signs' Iran's Supreme Leader is dead. He said airstrikes have destroyed Ayatollah Khamenei's compound, adding: 'All indications show this tyrant is no longer with us.' It followed the Iranian foreign ministry's claim earlier this evening that the Supreme Leader and the country's president were both alive and well. 'They are all safe and sound,' a spokesperson told Sky News. Israeli media outlet Channel 12 said earlier today unnamed Israeli sources revealed there were 'growing indications' the leader had been killed during this morning's air strikes or he was 'hurt at the very least'. Officials earlier reported the strikes had caused 'very significant harm' to the leadership of the Iranian regime and its military commanders. Khamenei had not been heard from since the US and Israel launched their dual attack. Israeli sources said on Saturday Trump specifically targeted Iran's Supreme Leader in its first wave of joint missile strikes with Israel. But Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the Ayatollah is alive 'as far as I know' - and denounced the strikes as 'wholly unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate'. Sir Keir Starmer has been attacked by a top US politician over Britain's 'pathetic' refusal to explicitly support Donald Trump's strikes on Iran. Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican and staunch ally of the US President, lashed out at the leaders of France, Germany and the UK after they failed to offer fulsome backing for the American action. In a statement, the so-called 'E3' leaders condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes against Gulf states following the US and Israeli attacks. But the Prime Minister, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz pointedly noted how they 'did not participate' in the US-led 'Operation Epic Fury'. They also called for the Iranian regime 'to seek a negotiated solution'. It came as Labour's John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Mr Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran. The Defence Secretary refused six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action - or if the Government considered the action to be legal. Mr Graham, a long-serving senator, said it was 'so sad to see Western democracies lose their passion for justice and a sense of right and wrong the further away from their shores the event occurs'. Sir Keir Starmer has been attacked by a top US politician over Britain's 'pathetic' refusal to explicitly support Donald Trump's strikes on Iran Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican, lashed out at the leaders of France, Germany and the UK after they failed to offer fulsome backing for the US action 'Everyone in Europe is rightly impassioned about Russia invading Ukraine. But when it comes to the long suffering people of Iran, Europe has been pathetic,' Mr Graham added in a fiery social media post on X. He branded Britain, France and Germany as 'wrong' for 'refusing to come to the Iranian peoples aid and adding insult to injury, youre suggesting we should continue to negotiate with religious Nazis'. 'It is pathetic. How far Western Europe has fallen,' the US politician continued. 'To the Iranian people: President Trump heard your cries. Help has arrived in large measure. 'To our European allies: you have gone pathetically soft and lost your zeal for confronting evil apparently unless its on your front porch. So sad.' On Sunday morning, Mr Healey declined to give a direct answer on whether Britain backed the US and Israeli action. This is despite Mr Trump's assault on Tehran having being endorsed by other 'Five Eyes' allies, such as Australia and Canada. The Defence Secretary instead only pointed to how Britain 'played no part' in the strikes on Iran and said it was up to America to 'set out the legal basis of the action that it took'. Mr Healey also dodged on whether the UK had refused the US permission to use British military bases, such as Diego Garcia, to strike Iran. But he said 'few people would mourn' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in the US-Israeli strikes. He also said Britain shared the 'primary aim' that Iran 'should never have a nuclear weapon'. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who backs the US and Israeli action, lashed out at Mr Healey's failure to answer questions on Britain's position. She posted on X: 'Britain's Defence Secretary can't tell us if our Government supports the strikes on Iran. 'The Labour Government has already lost all support and all credibility. It now can't answer simple questions. We are not being governed.' Dame Priti Patel, the Tory shadow foreign secretary, also criticised the Government's 'really feeble' position on the US and Israeli strikes. And Sir James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary and an ex-foreign secretary, said Mr Healey had been left 'humiliated'. 'There are legitimate arguments to support the military action against Iran, and legitimate arguments to oppose it (which I don't agree with),' he said. 'It's not legitimate to have no position.' Defence Secretary John Healey refused six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action - or if the Government considered the action to be legal Mr Healey instead only pointed to how Britain 'played no part' in the strikes on Iran and said it was up to America to 'set out the legal basis of the action that it took' Smoke rises in Tehran after the Iranian capital was targeted in US and Israeli attacks Mr Trump last month revealed he was considering using the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Islands, or RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to launch strikes on Iran. But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is said to have warned Mr Trump that the UK would not allow the use of British facilities for any pre-emptive military action. It has been reported that Britain's refusal to allow the US to use its military bases came after a legal opinion, drafted for Sir Keir by Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, emphasised the primacy of international law. Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, claimed the UK's response to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran showed Britain has 'a real problem of government by international laywers'. Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Mr Healey repeatedly declined to say whether the Government backed the US strikes on Iran or thought they were legal. 'Britain played no part in the strikes on Iran,' he said. 'We share, however, the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon.' The Defence Secretary later added: 'It is for the US to set out the legal basis of the action that it took.' Canadian PM Mark Carney has said his country supports the US in action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to stop Tehran's regime from 'further threatening international peace and security'. The same view has been echoed by Australia's PM Anthony Albanese. In a later interview with Times Radio, Mr Healey denied the Government's positionhad been shaped by Labour's defeat to the Green Party at last week's Gorton and Denton by-election. 'The decisions the Prime Minister and I are taking - the British Government are taking - has absolutely no connection with the by-election result,' he said. Dame Priti drew a dividing line with the Government when she said the US and Israel were 'absolutely' right to strike Iran. 'We have to remember that the Iranian regime has been a murderous, barbaric regime sponsoring terror around the world and also threatening our own country,' she told Sky News. 'That's been long-established in terms of threats to the UK. With many of their proxies, they've also been funding and fuelling many of the hate marches that we've seen across our own country. 'We should not mourn the loss of the Ayatollah one bit at all, he has been heading up and leading a murderous regime that has murdered tens of thousands of their own civilians and citizens, just for speaking up for their freedom.' Dame Priti also questioned why the Prime Minister was not more 'proactive' in the run-up to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. She said: 'A lot of this has been about why has Keir Starmer not actually worked with our American allies to be much more proactive? 'On the basis that a lot of intelligence is shared between our two countries, the Americans would easily have shared and rightly so details of their plans. 'Why were some of our bases not used? And was the British Government asked about use of our military bases in the defensive strikes that took place?' In a later interview with GB News, Dame Priti said the Government was adopting a 'really feeble position' on the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. 'Yet again, we've seen the British government sit on the fence at such a significant time, not just for our country, but for the world and for the Middle East. 'Let's not forget, we have British nationals in the Middle East, the Gulf states, in particular we have British bases. 'And of course, we have service personnel, our men and women there, and it is right that we do everything possible to protect them and defend them.' Also speaking to GB News on Sunday, Sir Richard said: 'I think we have a real problem of government by international lawyers who are not prepared to take a clear stand on a moral issue, and I'm very disappointed in the stance that the Government has taken. 'The trouble is that there's been a tradition in British foreign policy over a long period of time of appeasing Iran, and I think you see that reflected in this hesitancy to come out and make a clear statement of support for the American and Israeli positions.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'We have seen before the disastrous consequences of attempting regime change in the Middle East without a proper plan for what comes next. 'Chaos and suffering abroad, and greater threats to our security at home. I fear that Trump has no interest in the freedom of the Iranian people, just like he had no interest in democracy in Venezuela. 'Bombs and missiles alone will not bring about the change the Iranian people are crying out for. 'Keir Starmer should get on the phone to Donald Trump and ask him to set out a serious plan to protect civilians and support a transition to democracy in Iran. 'And Britain should work with our allies to support the brave people of Iran who want to rebuild their country and bring an end to this appalling regime.' Starmer's Chagos surrender is facing further uncertainty after the Maldives threatened to mount a legal challenge to the deal. The move could collapse the divisive agreement under which Britain will hand over 35billion and UK sovereignty to Mauritius to secure the use of the military base there for 99 years. A Maldivian foreign office spokesman said that the country was 'exploring options' for a legal challenge against the deal. The South Asian nation asserted a territorial claim over the archipelago, saying its claims superseded those made by its Mauritian neighbours. A government spokesman for the Maldives said that Britain's plans were not 'adequately grounded in international legal principles'. The Maldivian government said that it would be seeking 'all lawful avenues available' to halt the transfer. It is the latest setback for Keir Starmer's Chagos giveaway. The agreement descended into farce this week after a minister admitted it was on hold before he was slapped down by his own department. The renewed uncertainty came after Donald Trump's dizzying changes in position. Most recently, he urged Sir Keir to scrap the agreement. Chagossians, pictured, protesting against the proposed plan by the British government to hand over the islands to Mauritius in January Donald Trump warned the hand-over would be a 'big mistake' and that it would be a 'blight on our great ally', prompting officials to scramble for crisis talks with their counterparts in Washington. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer twice assured the Commons that the government was 'pausing' Parliament's consideration of its controversial giveaway before the Foreign Office itself confirmed 'there is no pause'. A spokesman said: 'We have never set a deadline. Timings will be announced in the usual way. 'We are continuing discussions with the US and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support.' The Maldivian government said it would not rule out any legal or diplomatic avenues to challenge the Chagos agreement. A spokesman for the Maldives foreign ministry told The Telegraph: 'The Government of the Republic of Maldives remains committed to protecting and advancing the sovereign rights and maritime interests of the Maldivians in accordance with international law. 'At present, the Maldives has not formally instituted proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against any state concerning sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. 'We are exploring our options now. We are doing a comprehensive legal review and consultations with international legal experts and relevant domestic authorities are ongoing. An aerial view of the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos archipelago 'Acknowledging the complexity of historical, legal, and geopolitical issues surrounding the Chagos dispute, the government continues to assess all lawful avenues available to uphold Maldives national interests.' The spokesman added that it had written to the British government directly in November 2024 and January 2026 to make clear its diplomatic objections to the deal. 'Maldives has not ruled out pursuing additional legal or diplomatic avenues consistent with international law should negotiations remain unresolved and its concerns unaddressed,' the spokesman added. Azima Shakoor, a former attorney general of the Maldives involved in Chagos advocacy, said: 'Chagos is our land and it should be returned to us. The Maldives has better claims to the Chagos Islands and we have a legal right to this land. 'The British government should respect this right of the Maldivians and completely stop the process of handing over Chagos to Mauritius so as to give time for the Maldives to use the international legal framework to establish its legal rights.' It is understood that any legal challenge will be made at the ICJ. The PM is now being urged to end the uncertainty and axe the deal completely after President Trump withdrew his support for it a second time. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'Labour's Chagos surrender has descended into a farce. The unprofessional conduct of ministers shows they don't even know what's going on with their own legislation. 'This is a total embarrassment not just for the government but for our country on the international stage. Not only are Labour pursuing a terrible deal - handing over our sovereign territory and taxpayers' cash to China - they are doing it in the most incompetent manner imaginable.' Earlier this month, Keir Starmer threatened to arrest a resettlement party who arrived in their Chagos homeland to reclaim their territory. Mr Mandarin, who was forcibly removed from the island by Britain when he was 14, along with his father Michael, 74, faces three years in jail and a fine of 3,000 if they stay on the archipelago. However, Misley Mandarin, the Chagossian first minister and three other islanders currently based there will be able to stay on Ile du Coin until at least March 13. Nigel Farage, who attempted to reach Chagos last week, raised the case of the exiled islanders in this week's Prime Minister's questions, asking Sir Keir: 'This government are full of human rights lawyers, within and without; why do the opinions and human rights of indigenous Chagossians not matter to him at all?' Stephen Doughty, a foreign office minister said this week: 'We continue to speak to our counterparts in the Maldives on a regular basis about a range of issues. 'However, I would reiterate...that the question of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is a matter for the UK and Mauritius, which is why the previous government launched negotiations with Mauritius on the issue in 2022, rather than with the Maldives.' Green Party leader Zack Polanski today accused Donald Trump of operating in 'the law of the jungle' as he hit out at America's 'illegal and unprovoked' strikes on Iran. The self-described 'eco-populist' led Left-wing fury at the US and Israeli attacks, which have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mr Polanski claimed 'international law is eroding before our very eyes' and said there was 'no example in history where you've bombed people to democracy'. In retaliatory action against the US and Israeli attacks, Iran has fired missiles across the Middle East with civilian airports and hotels being hit. Mr Polanski said it was 'absolutely outrageous' that Sir Keir Starmer had condemned Iran for its action, but not 'Israel and America that started the bombing in the first place'. The Green leader, who has branded the US and Israel as 'rogue states', urged the Prime Minister to 'get out on TV and condemn these illegal and unprovoked strikes'. Mr Polanski, who saw his party win Thursday's Gorton and Denton by-election, also claimed the UK should 'disentangle' itself from decades of military co-operation with the US. Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said Mr Polanski's 'whacky posturing' was 'reckless and a threat to our national security'. Meanwhile, questions were asked about Green deputy leader Mothin Ali's attendance at a 'Stop The War' protest in London on Saturday. The demonstration in Parliament Square saw activists brandish placards showing a portrait of Khamenei, while others flew the tricolour flag of the Iranian regime featuring the emblem of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Green Party leader Zack Polanski today accused Donald Trump of operating in 'the law of the jungle' as he hit out at America's 'illegal and unprovoked' strikes on Iran The self-described 'eco-populist' led Left-wing fury at the US and Israeli attacks, which have killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Mr Polanski criticised Defence Secretary John Healey - who had appeared earlier on the programme - for failing to condemn the US attacks. 'We've seen what I would say is an illegal and unprovoked attack,' the Green leader said. 'We've got a Defence Secretary saying that diplomacy is the long runway we need but won't condemn Donald Trump when he attacks a country and assassinates its leader. 'That's the law of the jungle. That's an end to international law. 'It's quite astounding that we have a Prime Minister that seems singularly incapable of standing up to Donald Trump and letting the UK stand on its own two feet, and I'm worried the UK is going to be pulled into another illegal war.' Mr Polanski admitted he didn't have 'an easy answer' on bringing peace and democracy to Iran and the region, but added: 'I do know there's no example in history where you've bombed people to democracy. 'Air strikes for regime change has never led to an example where a country is better off afterwards.' He insisted he was 'here in no way to defend the Iranian regime', but was 'here to defend and speak up for the Iranian people'. Join the debate Should the Prime Minister condemn the US strikes on Iran? Mr Trump has said the objective of his strikes on Iran were to eliminate 'imminent threats' from the Iranian regime and to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions. A demonstration in Parliament Square saw activists brandish placards showing a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the wake of the US and Israeli strikes, Mr Polanski claimed 'international law is eroding before our very eyes and that is making us all less safe'. 'My principle priority as a leader of a political party in the UK and, indeed, hopefully the prime minister, is to protect people in this country,' he added. 'And our national security is being worsened by increasing tensions in that region. I think the number one priority has to be cool heads and calling for de-escalation and to stick to international law.' He urged Sir Keir to 'get out on TV and condemn these illegal and unprovoked strikes', adding: 'I need to see the PM talk about de-escalation and I need to see a disentanglement of this country with the military with the US, which I think is pulling us into a more dangerous position.' Challenged on whether he was also calling on Iran to stop its strikes, Mr Polanski said 'he was calling on everyone to de-escalate'. Mr Trump has said the objective of his strikes on Iran were to eliminate 'imminent threats' from the Iranian regime and to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions. The US President said he 'sought repeatedly' to strike a deal with Tehran but claimed Iran 'rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions'. But Mr Polanski said: 'It's absolutely outrageous they (Iran) can be at the negotiating table and then our PM puts out a statement that actually condemns Iran for a retaliatory attack, as opposed to Israel and America that started the bombing in the first place.' Responding to the Green leader's comments, Dame Priti said: 'The Greens are once again proving they are not a responsible or serious political party. 'After courting sectarian votes in Gorton and Denton, Polanski is now sowing further division by echoing rhetoric that undermines Britain's national interest and pits communities against each other. 'At a time when our national security and that of our allies is at stake, this kind of whacky posturing is reckless and a threat to our national security. 'The Conservatives make no apology for supporting decisive action against Iran where it is necessary to protect our national security and uphold stability in the region.' Labour MP David Taylor said: 'How dare this absolute charlatan claim to be listening to and speaking up for the Iranian people, whilst doing anything but. 'It was a shame he wasn't asked why his deputy leader (Mr Ali) was present at a march where pro-regime chants, placards and flags were seen.' Explaining why he attended Saturday's protest, Mr Ali said: 'I'm proudly anti-war. And to be anti-war that means looking to explore all possible diplomatic solutions. 'The US and Israel took a unilateral decision in the midst of negotiations to kill the Iranian leader, and opted for war. This is deplorable. 'I have always stood with ordinary people all over the world and that extends to the Iranian people and their quest for freedom. 'But you can't bomb a democracy into existence, the US and its proxies should have learned that lesson by now.' Vladimir Putin has shamelessly condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a 'cynical violation' of 'international law', as the 'axis of evil' comes together in a chorus of condemnation. The Russian dictator said the joint US-Israeli strikes on the Supreme Leader's home in Tehran on Saturday - which also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law - lacked 'human morality'. In a note to Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin said: 'Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.' His comments on Sunday came just days after the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin was joined by other leaders of the so-called axis of evil in condemning Khamenei's killing - as China and North Korea linked arms with Russia. China 'strongly condemns' the US-Israeli joint operation and called again for a halt to military actions. Beijing's foreign ministry said the killing was 'a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, a trampling on the aims and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations'. 'China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this', it added, calling for an 'immediate halting of military operations'. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has said the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a 'cynical violation' of 'international law' Satellite imagery of Khamenei's home in Tehran after US-Israeli bombardments on Saturday The condemnation came just after Chinese state media reported a phone call between Beijing's foreign minister Wang Yi and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. During the conversation, which state news agency Xinhua said was initiated by Lavrov, Wang said the 'blatant killing of a sovereign leader and the incitement of regime change' by the US and Israel was 'unacceptable'. China is 'highly concerned' the 'situation in the Middle East could be pushed into a dangerous abyss', Wang told Lavrov, according to Xinhua. 'The international community must send a definite and clear message opposing the world's regression to the law of the jungle,' Wang said. Beijing has urged its citizens in Iran to evacuate the country 'as soon as possible'. Reiterating those calls Sunday, the foreign ministry said Chinese passport holders could leave Iran on visa-free land routes into Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. North Korea has also joined the chorus of condemnation, with Pyongyang declaring the US-Israeli operation as an 'illegal act of aggression' which revealed Washington's 'gangster-like' nature. The strikes 'constitute a thoroughly illegal act of aggression and the most vile form of violation of sovereignty in their nature', a spokesperson for the North's foreign ministry said. Join the debate Is Putin in any position to lecture on international law? China's foreign minister Wang Yi said the Supreme Leader's death was the 'blatant killing of a sovereign leader and the incitement of regime change' Meanwhile North Korea compared the operation to 'gangster-like conduct'. Pictured is dictator Kim Jong Un The operation has shown the 'shameless and gangster-like conduct' of the two allies, Pyongyang said, adding that it demonstrated an 'abuse [of] military force to fulfil their selfish and hegemonic ambitions'. North Korea and the US are longtime adversaries but Washington has mounted a push to revive high-level talks with Pyongyang in recent months, eyeing a potential summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un this year. After largely ignoring those overtures for months, the North Korean despot said this week the two nations could 'get along' if Washington accepted Pyongyang's nuclear status. However UK Defence Secretary John Healey has said 'no-one will mourn' Khamenei after he was killed by aerial an bombardment on his home in Tehran on Saturday. Asked by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg whether it was a 'good thing the Ayatollah is dead', Healey said: 'No-one will mourn his death, not least those friends and families of the tens and thousands of young protesters that were murdered on the streets of Iran in recent months. 'But make no mistake, this is a regime that he has run for decades as a source of evil, it has murdered its own citizens, it has exported terror - including to Britain. 'My concern now is the increasingly indiscriminate attacks from Iran widely across the Middle East, putting British personnel and British people at risk. 'My first job as Defence Secretary is to protect those British people, civilians and military, and British bases, reinforce security and do all we can to prevent further regional escalation.' British Defence Secretary John Healey said Khamenei's regime was a 'source of evil' Your browser does not support iframes. Healey added that the military base in Bahrain attacked by Iranian drones and missiles yesterday had 300 British troops stationed there, some of whom were within 'several hundred years of the strikes'. The EU has joined Britain in criticising Iran, with Ursula von der Leyen saying 'Europe stands' in solidarity with its partners in the Middle East. In a statement on X this morning, she said: 'With Khamenei gone, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran. 'We must ensure that the future is theirs to claim and shape. At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence. 'We are engaging closely with all key actors, as well as with our regional partners, to safeguard stability and security and to protect civilian lives.' On Saturday, von der Leyen called for 'the Iranian peoples right to determine their own future', saying the regime's attacks on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait were 'unjustifiable' breaches of international law. A third wave of Iranian suicide drones has hit Dubai this afternoon and destroyed a hotel in Bahrain, as Tehran's onslaught against the region continues following the death of Khamenei. Iran has launched widespread airstrikes across the Middle East, targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats, as airspace and airport closures in the region leave British tourists stranded. Smoke rises from Dubai International Airport this morning as planes remain grounded The Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai was engulfed in flames yesterday after being hit, with four people injured A fireball explosion erupts from a building in Manama, Bahrain, after an Iranian drone attack At least two drones have hit Dubai International Airport, with the world-famous Burj al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels hit yesterday, and further explosions echoing across the Emirates today. Meanwhile in Manama, Bahrain, the Crowne Plaza hotel was destroyed by a suicide drone. Tuesday marked four years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine - which Putin thought he would win in a matter of days. The UN has verified that more than 15,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022 - but this number is expected to be higher as it doesn't account for those who have died under Russian occupation. Thousands are reported to have died in the Russian siege of Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. Around 20,000 children have also been forcibly displaced or kidnapped from Russian-occupied Ukraine, according to Kyiv. And while 5.9 million refugees were forced to flee from Ukraine at the outbreak of war four years ago, another 3.7 million are displaced internally, the UN Refugee Agency has said. It is estimated that between 100,000 and 140,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since February 2022 Ukrainian soldiers prepare to launch a reconnaissance drone in Kharkiv on February 27 The real number of military deaths and causalities is hard to know, as neither Russia or Ukraine release reliable data. Volodymyr Zelensky claimed last month that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed over the past four years. However this figure is believed to be a significant underestimation with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reporting that between 100,000 and 140,000 have been killed since February 2022. Russia has not provided updates on its military losses since September 2022 - but the CSIS estimates Putin has lost as many as 325,000 soldiers. Australian drivers have been urged to fill up their cars as soon as possible as the conflict in the Middle East threatens a surge in fuel prices. The United States and Israel unleashed airstrikes on Iran on Saturday in which its tyrannical Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. US President Donald Trump claimed at least 40 of Khamenei's senior officials were also killed. Iran has fired back with retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf Nations with US bases. Hundreds were killed and injured in the first 24 hours of the conflict. Iran has since amplified its presence in the Strait of Hormuz, a major international shipping route for crude oil from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Analysts now expect Iran will cut off access completely, choking the main access point for the region which produces a massive 27 per cent of the world's crude oil. It's estimated up to 20 per cent of global crude oil typically travels through the Strait of Hormuz. Aussies have been urged to fill up their cars as soon as possible The conflict in the Middle East is expected to impact oil shipments (pictured is a vessel off the coast of Dubai on Sunday) Smoke billows from Zayed Port in the UAE after Iranian retaliatory strikes on Sunday Other shipments tend to move through the Red Sea and the narrow Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. As of Sunday night, Australian time, reports had surfaced of the Strait of Hormuz already being 'practically closed' with traffic dropping by around 70 per cent. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver warned fuel prices are likely to jump significantly, very soon. 'Oil prices will spike sharply, possibly above US$100 a barrel, from US$67 on Friday for West Texas, given the disruption to oil supplies, including via the Strait of Hormuz,' he told the ABC. 'This is particularly so given the broad nature of the US and Israeli attack - including talk of regime change - and Iran's broad-based retaliation so far. 'The key issue is how long it lasts.' A price rise from US$67 to US$100 means Aussies are likely to pay around 33c more per litre. Mr Oliver warned the implications spread much wider than fuel - with slower business from China also a possibility. 'If there are sustained interruptions to the flow of oil from the Middle East to China, that could have a negative impact on China's economy and, presumably, on China's imports from Australia,' Mr Oliver said. One-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas also passed through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning gas prices could also go up. A gunman wearing a 'Property of Allah' shirt who opened fire on a Texas bar may have been an Islamic terrorist motivated by the US strikes on Iran, police have said. Two people were shot dead and 14 more were wounded at a packed-out bar in Austin during the early hours of Sunday, before officers killed the attacker in return fire. A law enforcement source identified the shooter to the Daily Mail as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, an ex-New York City resident and US citizen originally from Senegal. FBI officials told a press conference the gunman had materials that 'were indications of a potential nexus to terrorism'. He was found to have a Quran in his car, wore 'Islamic' clothing when he opened fire on the bar, and may have been motivated by US strikes in Iran. Diagne was wearing a shirt reading 'Property of Allah', and according to Fox News he was possibly wearing an undershirt or t-shirt that had an Iranian flag or Iranian representations on it. The suspect also has a history of arrests in Texas, and is believed to have lived in New York City from 2000 to 2008. The horror unfolded at Buford's bar on West Sixth Street in Austin's Entertainment District just before 2am on Sunday, according to officials. A gunman wearing a 'Property of Allah' shirt who opened fire on a Texas bar may have been an Islamic terrorist motivated by the US strikes on Iran, police sources say Patrons were seen in videos tending to the wounded with police officers, as victims screamed in pain Footage shared to social media showed a heavy police presence at the scene, as a shirtless individual lay dead in the street. It is unclear if the deceased person was the shooter or a victim Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the gunman never entered the bar, but fired at patrons from the street with a handgun and a rifle. A total of 17 people were shot in the spree - 14 were injured and taken to hospital, while three were pronounced dead at the scene. Three of those hospitalized remain in critical condition. Davis described the shooting as a 'tragic, tragic incident', and praised the bravery of responding officers who were 'faced with an individual with a gun.' The potential terror link comes as the shooting took place just hours after the US led strikes against Iran, which officials warned heightened the threat that a terror cell could retaliate. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting, and said in the same statement that he has spoken with several Middle Eastern leaders on Sunday. 'Today, President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE. The President has also been briefed on the shooting in Austin, Texas,' Leavitt wrote on X. 'Following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the strikes on Saturday, Iranian officials vowed to seek revenge against the US.' The suspect has been identified by the New York Post as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, an ex-New York City resident originally from Senegal. FBI officials are investigating possible terrorism links White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting, and said in the same statement that he has spoken with several world leaders At least three people have been killed and 14 more wounded in a mass shooting in Austin, Texas on Sunday morning Austin Mayor Kirk Watson also said he was 'very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this... I dont think theres any question that it saved lives.' Footage shared to social media showed a heavy police presence at the scene, as a shirtless individual lay dead in the street. Separate footage showed party-goers crouching in fear inside the bar as police arrived on the scene, before several more gunshots rang out - indicating the gunman opened fire again as law enforcement arrived before they were shot dead. Patrons were seen in videos tending to the wounded with police officers, as victims screamed in pain. The identities of the victims have not been released. Videos posted online show Buford's bar was packed moments before the shooting, as a large crowd of partiers were on the bar's dancefloor when the gunman opened fire. FBI agents seen arriving at the scene on Sunday FBI officials said at a press conference Sunday that the suspect in the shooting, who was killed by police and has not been identified, had materials that 'were indications of a potential nexus to terrorism Your browser does not support iframes. Officials said at a press conference that police and paramedics were stationed near to the Buford's bar as routine for a weekend in Austin's entertainment district. Paramedics arrived on the scene just 57 seconds after the shooting began, officials said. Authorities have not offered any indication as to the gunman's motive or what led up to the shooting. Accusations of insider trading are swirling around a mystery online gambler who made huge winning bets on the timing of US and Israeli military action against Iran. A Polymarket account under the name @Magamyman has made more than $637,000 in the past 30 days on a string of bets on political and military matters, the vast majority tied directly to strikes on Iran. The single biggest play came from correctly betting that the US would strike Iran by Saturday, February 28. When the joint US-Israeli attacks unfolded, the account landed $195,198.47 in profit. Another $165,177.74 came from a similar bet predicting a US strike by March 31, while a series of smaller Iran-linked contracts added tens of thousands more. The scale and timing of the wins quickly triggered claims on social media that the trader may have had access to information from within the military or political circles. There is no evidence that this is the case. Users on X called for more transparency and urged Polymarket, which resumed operations in the US earlier this year, to ban 'any betting that would affect national security.' Some argued that there 'needs to be oversight' on online betting sites, with others highlighting how @Magamyman's success 'raises serious concerns about insider trading and the need for transparency in prediction markets.' Others, however, rushed to the Polymarket user's defense, claiming it was clear the US would soon attack Iran, with one user admitting they too gambled on the attack on Friday after the US ambassador in Israel ordered evacuations. Skeptics have expressed fury at an online gambler who got lucky and earned nearly half a million dollars betting on when the US would strike Iran People watch from a rooftop as a plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran on Sunday A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound following strikes in Tehran on Saturday Although there is no publicly available information to support the allegations of insider trading, social media users have branded @Magamyman's win as 'utterly unconscionable.' 'So basically they either have insider info of the luckiest timing in betting history,' one X user wrote of @Magamyman's bet. 'Either way, that's the kind of trade that makes you wonder what they knew and when they knew it.' 'This is equivalent to insider trading and should be illegal,' wrote another. One added: 'There absolutely needs to be more transparency, especially when the average person is losing a ton of money on these platforms and even going into debt.' But others noted that betting websites are filled with speculation about political events and plenty of people have lost money on the exact same topic. 'There were the same number of bets against. That's how these platforms work,' one tweeted. 'That's the whole point,' added another. 'By betting on the outcome insiders change the odds and this informs everyone what's more likely to happen. It's a platform for turning insider knowledge into public knowledge.' Others urged betting websites to be more transparent with account data and questioned whether platforms like Polymarket have safeguards in place to prevent insider trading. The Daily Mail has approached Polymarket for comment. It remains unclear whether Polymarket, the world's largest online prediction market, will pay out the winnings earned from bets on the US striking Iran. Furious X users have called for more transparency and urged Polymarket, which just resumed operations in the US earlier this year, to ban political betting In January, Polymarket refused to pay out bets that the United States would 'invade' Venezuela after the US military captured President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. Polymarket ruled the operation in Venezuela did not meet its definition of an invasion, triggering outrage from users who had wagered that Washington would deploy troops into the oil-rich nation. The disputed market asked whether the US would 'invade Venezuela' by specific dates. When US special forces captured the Venezuelan ruling couple, many users believed the bet had been resolved. But Polymarket determined that the mission which resulted in the seizure of Maduro and his wife was a 'snatch-and-extract' operation and did not on its own qualify as an invasion. The platform defined an invasion as 'US military operations intended to establish control.' Polymarket added that President Donald Trump's statement that the United States would 'run' Venezuela during negotiations also did not meet the threshold for an invasion. This time, however, bets specifically said the US would 'strike' Iran, which matches the reality of what happened on Saturday. Others, however, rushed to the Polymarket user's defense, claiming it was clear the US would soon attack Iran, with one user admitting they too bet on the attack on Friday after the US ambassador in Israel ordered evacuations The joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran starting Saturday carried the potential for a wider war, and the fallout could have major repercussions for the world economy. In announcing Saturday's attack, President Donald Trump urged Iranians to seize the moment and 'take over.' The massive US and Israeli attack killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggered retaliatory strikes on multiple countries in the region and is reverberating around the world. Related violence expanded Sunday to a growing number of places. An enormous Israeli strike targeted Tehran. Iran fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf, and also at the global business hub of Dubai. At least nine people were killed in clashes after angry protesters stormed the US consulate in Pakistan. Iran has formed a council to govern the country until a new supreme leader is chosen. An Iranian diplomat told an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians were killed and wounded in the strikes. The strikes came two days after the latest US-Iran talks as Trump pressured Tehran for a deal to constrain its nuclear program. Iran's theocracy has also struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests that began over the economy but turned into anti-government ones. Rescue forces work among debris following an Iranian rocket attack that hit Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem, Israel on Sunday A protester sets fire near a gate leading to the U.S. Consulate during a violent protest against the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran, in Lahore, Pakistan on Sunday People take cover in an underground train station in Haifa, Israel on Sunday as Iran continued launching retaliation attacks against Israel and across the Gulf Israel said it had worked with the US for months to plan the attacks. The US military said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. One of the first strikes hit near the offices of the 86-year-old Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989 and held ultimate power. Iranian state television and state-run IRNA news agency reported Khamenei's death without details. Israel said it also killed 40 top Iranian military officials, including the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and the defense minister. The US and Israel also struck Iran last June during earlier nuclear talks, greatly weakening Iran's air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program. The Trump administration has asserted that Iran had been rebuilding its nuclear program, which Tehran has insisted is for peaceful purposes. Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and strikes targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. 'You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,' Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address Sunday. The US military reported no American casualties and minimal damage at US bases despite 'hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.' Israel's military said Iran fired 'dozens' of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted. Emergency responder Magen David Adom said a woman in the Tel Aviv area died after being wounded in an Iranian missile attack. Smoke billows from an oil tanker under U.S. sanctions, that was hit off Oman's Musandam peninsula on Sunday, March 1, 2026 Emergency personnel work at the site of an Iranian strike, after Iran launched missile barrages following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday, in Beit Shemesh, Israel on Sunday Air defense fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates' commercial capital, which has long drawn business and expatriates by billing itself as a safe haven in a volatile region. Shrapnel from Iranian attacks on the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi killed two people, state media said. Attacks also extended into Oman - Iran's longtime interlocutor with the West. Saudi Arabia said Iran had targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters, and three buildings were damaged in the capital, Manama, and Muharraq city. Kuwait's civil aviation authority said a drone targeted the main international airport, injuring several employees. Explosions could be heard in Qatar. Jordan said it 'dealt with' 49 drones and ballistic missiles. Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from leadership. The strikes elicited mixed global reactions and could rattle markets, particularly if Iran makes the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. Demonstrators step on posters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump during a protest against Israel and the U.S. strikes on Iran, following the killing of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, outside the U.S. embassy in Ankara, Turkey, March 1, 2026 A demonstrator carries a picture of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against Israel and the U.S. strikes on Iran, following the killing of Khamenei, outside the U.S. embassy in Ankara, Turkey A man burns the U.S. and Israeli flags during a protest against Israel and the U.S. strikes on Iran, following the killing of Ali Khamenei, in Sanaa, Yemen on March 1, 2026 A third of worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the strait in 2025. The fighting has also disrupted air travel in the region, with global repercussions. Hundreds of thousands of travelers were left stranded or diverted to other airports after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain closed their airspace. There was no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said. Three civilians have been killed as Iran continued to bombard Dubai with missiles and suicide drones following the death of its Supreme Leader, with numerous other targets hit around the Middle East. The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats - and three American troops have been confirmed dead. At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit yesterday, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates today. In the Bahrain city of Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was damaged by a suicide drone, and Iranian missiles have also been hitting Tel Aviv - with at least ten people confirmed to have been killed in Israel. There has also been a death in Kuwait. The Iranian regime has vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history', with 'force' its enemies 'have never experienced before', but Donald Trump revealed this afternoon he had agreed to talks with the new leadership. Senior regime figure Ali Larijani, who is expected to take over from the assassinated Ayatollah, led the calls to intensify revenge attacks on Israel and the West today. The revenge strikes follow confirmation from Iran that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by the joint US-Israeli strikes, along with four of his family members and at least two high-level military leaders. It comes as: Iran launched fresh airstrikes today on targets around the Middle East, expanding the scope of its attacks to even more states The regime confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after hours of denying he had been killed Trump and Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow the government, saying it would be their only chance in a generation Israel hit the 'heart of Tehran' with more massive airstrikes today Defence Secretary John Healey said that missiles were fired towards Cyprus, where there are British military bases The 'Red Flag of Revenge' was raised in Iran following the death of the Supreme Leader Iran targeted an American aircraft carrier, and three US troops were separately confirmed to have died so far in Operation Epic Fury Trump says he has agreed to talks with the new leadership of Iran, and that they should have asked 'sooner' Smoke rises from Dubai International Airport this morning as Emirates planes remain grounded Dramatic footage showed an interception near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building The Crowne Plaza Manama in Bahrain smolders after coming under Iranian attack Multiple further rounds of blasts echoed around Dubai this morning, and residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, also reported hearing several loud bangs. Explosions have been heard for a second day in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, and in Oman for the first time, though most missiles and drones have been downed by air defences. Iran also launched two missiles towards British military bases in Cyprus, Defence Secretary John Healey said this morning. However, the Cypriot government later denied that any missies had been heading towards it. Mr Healey warned that Iranian missile commanders are 'increasingly allowed to choose their own targets' as Tehran loses its 'command and control'. Iran claimed to have struck 27 US bases in the region, but has also hit a range of other sites including residential tower blocks and luxury hotels. Yesterday in Dubai, Iranian suicide drones hit landmark hotel the Palm Jumeirah, injuring four people, as well as the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, sparking panic among tourists. The government of the UAE - which runs Dubai and the six other Emirate states - confirmed that three people have been killed by Iran's strikes and 58 more injured. Dramatic footage showed a fireball in the sky near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as a weapon was intercepted. The state confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences had fallen onto two homes in the city, injuring two people, and also caused a fire at the major Jebel Ali port. Dubai's iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab was ablaze following Iranian attacks The Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai was engulfed in flames yesterday after being hit, with four people injured A cluster of missiles sailing over Dubai overnight - some of the more than 100 launched by Iran at the state Your browser does not support iframes. Further videos overnight showed panic in a smoke-filled, debris-strewn terminal at Dubai Airport, which has been evacuated after four members of staff were injured. A post on X read: 'Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained.' The UAE's Ministry of Defence said that, as of this afternoon, it had shot down 152 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 506 drones. A handful of attacks have successfully breached defences and hit their mark This afternoon, Iran targeted one of America's two aircraft carriers that have been dispatched to the region, the USS Abraham Lincoln. State media declared it had been 'struck by four ballistic missiles'. USS Central Command denied this, however, insisting the missiles 'didn't even come close'. It also claimed to have hit three British and American oil tankers with missiles in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. The Crowne Plaza hotel in Bahrain was engulfed in thick smoke this morning, with its owners reporting it had suffered an 'incident' but that all guests and staff were safe. Bahrains air defenses responded overnight to 'hostile Iranian missile attacks', intercepting at least 45 missiles and nine drones, state media reported this morning. Separately, the US military said that three service people have been killed in action, and a further five seriously injured, as part of Operation Epic Fury - as it has coined the campaign. An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Musandam in Oman, according to the country's maritime security center, injuring four people and forcing the entire 20-strong crew to evacuate. Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most vital oil shipping lanes that connects the major Gulf producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the UAE, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At least 150 tankers are waiting to travel through it. At least ten people have been killed in Israel by the Iranian strikes. Nine people were killed in a missile strike on the northern town of Beit Shemesh, the Israeli ambulance service said today. A woman was also killed and scores injured in Tel Aviv, where a missile struck a residential block last night and attacks have continued this morning. Air raid sirens have rung out in Israel more than 20 times in the past 24 hours. One person was killed and seven injured in an attack on Abu Dhabi's Zayed airport, while thick black smoke has been seen rising from the Erbil Airport in Iraq. One person was also killed in Kuwait. Reports from Doha, Qatar's capital, say that several loud explosions were heard at 7:30am local time, while the government said 16 people had been injured. The airspace over the Middle East remains almost completely empty, with most of the airports closed to all traffic. Around 20,000 flights have so far been delayed or cancelled. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned Britons in several Middle East countries to 'immediately shelter in place' and to avoid travel to Israel and Palestine. Smoke rises following an enormous blast in Tehran, after Israel announced it had struck the 'heart' of the city A fireball explosion erupts from a building in Manama, Bahrain, after an Iranian drone attack Smoke billows from the Abu Dhabi port, where there is a French naval base 'Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,' it advised, adding it was 'working around the clock' to support British nationals affected. Today's continued bombardment around the Middle East comes as Iran confirmed the death of the Ayatollah after hours of denial. Khamenei, 86, was killed in the airstrike after Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs on the Supreme Leader's compound. Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump were reportedly shown an image of Khamenei's body after it was recovered from his compound. More information emerged today about his death, with confirmation the decisive blow was dealt by the Israeli Air Force, working on intelligence from the IDF. The IDF said today it had killed 40 'key' Iranian military commanders within a minute of blitzing Khamenei's compound, and Trump said this afternoon 48 Iranian leaders had been killed in all. His death comes after nearly 37 years as the Islamic Republic's leader - sending the regime into meltdown and destabilizing the Gulf. As well as Khamenei's four family members, two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour - were also obliterated in the strikes on Saturday morning. This morning, Iran's deputy foreign minister said that Trump has crossed a 'very dangerous red line'. Saeed Khatibzadeh told CNN: 'Of course, from a religious aspect, he was a great religious leader, so many of Shiite followers across the region and around the world are going to react to that, and this is very obvious because President Trump passed a very dangerous red line.' Ali Larijani, currently the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council but touted as Khamenei's successor, wrote on X: 'Yesterday Iran fired missiles at the United States and Israel, and they did hurt. 'Today, we will hit them with a force that they have never experience before.' Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, appeared on state TV this afternoon to declare that the 'country is 'crushing enemy's bases'. And the so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge' was raised over the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, the world's third-largest mosque. Iranian media reported that at least 153 girls had been killed when a primary school was struck yesterday, and that 57 people have been killed in Tehran. It said the capital has been hit by 60 attacks in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Israel announced it had carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iran and struck the 'heart' of the capital. A statement from the IDF said: 'For the first time since the start of Operation "Roaring Lion", the IAF [Israeli Air Force] is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. 'Over the past day, the Israeli Air force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran.' The army said it would mobilise 100,000 reservists and increase its readiness for action, while Netanyahu vowed the strikes on Tehran would escalate. Israeli also claimed today that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had been killed. Trump, meanwhile, promised to strike Iran with 'a force that has never been seen before', after it boasted of the number of US bases hit. The president posed on Truth Social: 'Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!' The Starlight oil tanker burns off the coast of Oman after a reported drone attack by Iran amid reprisals for Khamenei's death Thick black smoke billows from the Jebel Ali port in Dubai after it was struck by falling debris A before and after view of Jebel Ali port, after strikes sparked a major fire that scorched the earth There has been no official update about the resumption of American strikes in Iran today - but it was revealed that an Iranian naval ship was sunk by US military strikes yesterday. A number of celebrities and influencers have been caught up in the violence, including Luisa Zissman, Petra Ecclestone and Love Island star Arabella Chi. Branding it the 'scariest, worst nights of our lives', many spoke of how terrified they were at hearing the constant bangs overhead, while sheltering in their homes or hotels. Israeli socialite Hofit Golan posted footage from her hotel balcony of rockets and explosions hitting the famous Palm Jumeirah hotel after she arrived in Dubai just hours earlier. She wrote on Instagram: 'After being debriefed from my flights as the skies closed above us. I came home to see the Palm filling up with smoke! 'I can see rockets and explosions from my balcony! reports of other explosions being heard all over the city. Please stay safe, everyone,' she urged. Vicky Pattison shared that her and husband Ercan Ramadan are 'safe and trying to stay calm' amid the airstrikes'. The pair touched down in Dubai this week after flying on a lavish first class Emirates flight and just hours after sunbathing at the beach, the pair were forced to safety. Iranian state media announced there would be a 40-day mourning period after Khamenei's death, as the regime scrambles to kickstart the process of finding a new leader. In the meantime, a three-member transitional council has been set up to handle state duties. Flames and a black plume of smoke rise from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah City in the UAE, following reports of Iranian strikes The aftermath of an Iranian rocket hitting Beit Shemesh in Israel, where nine people were killed During the official announcement of Khamenei's death on Iranian state news, the anchor wore black and stifled tears as he read a statement from the National Supreme Council. 'God is great. God is great. With deep sorrow, it is announced to the nation of Iran that Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred today in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime,' the anchor said in a clip posted on social media. The Council described Khamenei as a revered religious Islamic figure, and said his 'long dream of martyrdom became true.' It was noted that Khamenei was killed during the month of Ramadan. According to the statement, Iranians were mourning the leader's death, and enemies of the country should note that 'martyrdom will spark a massive uprising in the fight against oppressors'. However, there have also been Iranians taking to the streets in large numbers to rejoice the decapitation of the regime that has for decades ruled over them with an iron fist. It has been deeply unpopular among many for the way it has enforced strict religious law, clamped down violently on dissent, and made Iran a pariah on the world stage. Prime minister Keir Starmer said yesterday that the UK was not involved in the strikes against Iran, but that RAF planes were in the sky in a 'defensive' capacity. He condemned Iran's lashing out at the region, and urged both sides to avoid 'further escalation'. Elsewhere, Vladimir Putin made his first comments about the killing of the Supreme Leader, which he called a 'cynical murder'. The Russian president said: 'Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.' In Pakistan, at least nine people have died during protests over Khamenei's death. Demonstrators clashed with the authorities in Karachi, where tear gas shells and baton charges were deployed. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a statement distancing itself from an alleged attack on Professor Lovemore Madhuku and members of his team.In a press release signed by Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police clarified that they were not involved in the reported incident."The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted reports of an alleged attack on Professor Lovemore Madhuku and members of his team. For the record, the police were not involved in the alleged incident," the statement reads.According to the ZRP, Professor Madhuku and his team had previously notified the relevant regulating authority of their intention to hold a meeting. However, upon reviewing the notification, the authority reportedly identified certain irregularities and engaged the convener of the National Constitutional Assembly. The convener was subsequently advised that the meeting had not been sanctioned.The police further stated that, as a result, no officers were deployed to oversee or monitor the meeting in question."The Zimbabwe Republic Police is keen to know what actually transpired on the alleged attack on Professor Lovemore Madhuku and his team," Commissioner Nyathi said.The development comes amid growing public interest surrounding the circumstances of the alleged attack, with authorities indicating they are seeking clarity on the matter. The government is planning to evacuate at least 94,000 Brits currently stuck in the Middle East as air spaces remain closed amid Iran's suicide drone blitz. In an unprecedented operation, the UK means to support at least 200,000 British nationals estimated to be in the Gulf as Iranian strikes rain down in the region, killing at least three civilians in Dubai. The evacuation plan follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday morning in what the two countries described as a 'pre-emptive' attack aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran retaliated with missile attacks across the region, with Israel and Gulf states among the reported targets. British expats are now being urged to register their presence in the region with the Foreign Office online, with a record 94,000 signing on to the service already - mostly in the UAE. Those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE are all encouraged to notify the Foreign Office online, which in the meantime has advised all British nationals to stay where they are, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Office's travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly. Nearly 6,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide and almost 30,000 delayed as the Middle Eastern conflict enters its second day. Iranian strikes have hit Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, and air spaces are expected to remain locked down until at least Monday. The UK Government is now advising against all but essential travel to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and warning against all travel to Iran. The scale of the evacuation operation is unprecedented, with the 'register your presence' scheme never seeing so much use after previously being employed to provide urgent updates to people affected by international crises. Smoke rises from Dubai International Airport this morning as Emirates planes remain grounded A departure board at London Heathrow today showing the cancelled flights to the Middle East The US and Israel plan to continue bombing sites in central Tehran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike on Saturday morning. Iran in turn has vowed to retaliate with 'devastating blows' and has fired missiles at many of its neighbouring countries as well as US military targets. Nearly half of the flights scheduled to depart from London Heathrow to destinations in the Middle East were cancelled today in the fallout. All three flights to Israel and two to Bahrain were cancelled whereas nine out of 17 flights to the UAE were called off. Key transit hubs including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi and Doha were shut or severely restricted after Iranian air attacks, with loud blasts reported near Dubai and over Doha for a second consecutive day. Dubai International Airport sustained damage, while airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait were also hit. It comes ahead of a busy Easter weekend in just over a month's time, when millions are expected to need to travel around the world. Nine civilians were killed by Iranian strikes in Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, Israeli authorities said, while three American service members had been killed and five others severely wounded on Sunday, US military's Central Command said. However, the US rejects claims that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been hit by ballistic missiles. No British nationals have been killed or injured so far in the conflict, it is understood. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar was virtually empty early Sunday, according to flight-tracking data, after a new Notice to Airmen extended the closure of Iranian airspace until at least 8.30am GMT on March 3. Despite the shutdown, aviation analytics firm Cirium said 83 flights were still scheduled to operate between the UK and the Middle East on Sunday. Eight out of nine flights to Qatar from Heathrow and one of eight to Saudi Arabia were cancelled today. However, five scheduled flights to Egypt, two to Oman and eight bound for Turkey seem to have remained unaffected so far. Ambassadors in the UAE and Qatar are in frequent contact with major airlines. In a statement published on X on Sunday morning, UAE airline Emirates said: 'Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time on Monday March 2.' The airline advised passengers travelling before or on March 5 to rebook or request a refund, adding: 'We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities. All the flights travelling across the Middle East on Sunday, data from FlightRadar24 A passenger takes pictures of a flight information board at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on March 1, 2026, after IndiGo and Air India suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East 'We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.' Etihad Airways said disruption was unavoidable while airspace closures continue, warning: 'Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad's operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2am UAE time on Monday March 2.' Passengers were urged to check flight status before travelling to the airport, while those booked up to March 3 can request a full refund. The airline added: 'We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered. 'The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice. Etihad continues to work in close co-ordination with the relevant authorities and will resume normal operations as soon as conditions permit.' Qatar Airways said flights remain suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace, posting: 'Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided by 9am Doha time (6am UTC).' The airline later warned passengers about online scams, saying: 'We are aware of fraudulent accounts impersonating Qatar Airways and requesting personal information. 'Qatar Airways will never ask for passwords, OTPs, banking details, or other sensitive information via social media or direct messages.' The UK Foreign Office has urged British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE to register their presence to receive updates. In a statement, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: 'British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO on the situation in the Middle East. 'You should continue to follow travel advice and the advice of the local authorities.' The UK was not involved in the strikes on Iran on Saturday, but has begun supportive defences operations, shooting down Iranian drones over northern Iraq. Keir Starmer has spoken to regional leaders to express his 'solidarity' in the face of 'dangerous Iranian escalation'. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has been part of the major diplomatic push, speaking to her US and regional counterparts, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other G7 foreign ministers. Alongside France and Germany, the government condemned Tehran's retaliatory bombings and urged them to come to the negotiating table. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said, 'the primary aim of all allies in the region and the US that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon', but could not give a straight answer to BBC's Laura Kuenssberg when asked if the UK backed the strikes or if they were legal. Meanwhile, Canada and Australia were happy to back the strikes saying the US was 'acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon' and continuing to threaten 'international peace and security'. The closure of the Middle East's major transport hubs crucial crossroads for east-west travel has sent shockwaves far beyond the region. Long queues were reported at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, passengers sat on luggage in Dhaka awaiting news of cancelled flights, while Kathmandu departure boards filled with red cancellation notices. Aircraft and crews have been left stranded out of position, tearing holes through tightly scheduled global networks and forcing airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East to cancel or reroute flights, driving up fuel costs and journey times. UK-based aviation analyst John Strickland said: 'It's the sheer volume of people and the complexity. It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over place.' Flightradar24 warned that the loss of Iranian and Iraqi overflight routes already vital since the Russia-Ukraine war was squeezing airlines into narrow corridors, with additional instability from fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Air India cancelled multiple long-haul flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar, while Virgin Atlantic said it was avoiding Iraqi airspace and cancelling services between London Heathrow and Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday. A spokesperson said: 'Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel services between London Heathrow and Dubai as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh on Sunday 1 March and Monday 2 March. 'The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.' Speaking on Radio 5 Live, travel expert Simon Calder warned stranded passengers face a prolonged struggle to get home. 'At the moment, the best advice I have for anyone who is stuck in various parts of the world is: just be patient,' he said. 'The situation will be resolved I hope, very much sooner rather than later.' He added: 'What we have seen is the extraordinary sight of the big three of Middle Eastern hubs Dubai International, Doha, and Abu Dhabi all closing because of the retaliatory strikes from Iran. 'We have never seen that. The last thing of this scale we saw in this area like that here was the Covid pandemic. 'Consider this. More than a quarter of a million passengers were due (on Saturday) to fly to and through Dubai International Airport alone. It is bigger than Heathrow Airport, handles more passengers, and everyone is desperate to get where they need to be.' Calder described passengers being boarded only to be told airspace had closed, remaining trapped onboard for hours before being forced back through immigration. He warned: 'The other problem for people whose flights have been cancelled, when flights resume, they go to the back of the queue. 'If flights resume on Monday, anybody who has a flight booked on Monday will fly on Monday, and people whose flights were cancelled over the weekend and we are talking hundreds of thousands now they are going to be finding that they are at the back of the queue, scrabbling for whatever available seats there are.' The UK's lukewarm response on its support for the attacks has drawn criticism from both political wings. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said the Government should have been 'more proactive' in supporting the strikes. She said: 'Why were some of our bases not used? And was the British Government asked about use of our military bases in the defensive strikes that took place?' The Government has declined to say whether the US asked permission for British bases to be used for the strikes, including Diego Garcia on the contentious Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. Green Party leader Zack Polanski was also not happy with the government position, branding the attacks as 'illegal and unprovoked', telling the BBC: 'We've got a Defence Secretary saying that diplomacy is the long runway we need but won't condemn Donald Trump when he attacks a country and assassinates its leader. 'That's the law of the jungle. That's an end to international law.' Columbia University's pro-Palestine student group shared a shocking, anti-American X post the same day the US launched a joint attack with Israel against Iran. On Saturday, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) wrote: 'Marg bar Amrika.' The statement means 'Death to America' in Persian. The post was deleted before long, but the student group posted a follow-up that said: 'X forced us to delete our marg bar amrika tweet in order to gain back access to our account but the sentiment still stands.' CUAD's venomous comments came after the US and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran in the early hours of Saturday. The US has dubbed its campaign 'Operation Epic Fury,' and Israel has called it 'Lion's Roar.' The attacks targeted Iran's military infrastructure and air defenses, as well as its leadership. Saturday afternoon, Israel announced that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in a targeted strike on his compound. The US announced the same a few hours later, and on Saturday evening, Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death. CUAD was largely responsible for organizing the pro-Palestine, anti-Israel demonstrations and encampments on Columbia's campus that began in 2023 before spreading to other universities across the US. Columbia University vehemently denies any connection to CUAD, and it has condemned the statement made by the organization on Saturday, calling it 'violent, abhorrent language.' In the early hours of Saturday, the US and Israel conducted a joint strike against Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) The same day as the attacks, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) posted a shocking, anti-American tweet. The student organization is largely responsible for organizing the pictured pro-Palestine protests on the university's campus The CUAD-led demonstrations and encampments on Columbia's campus began in 2023 and spread to universities across the country CUAD posted this tweet in Persian, which translates to 'Death to America' The organization said it was forced to delete the tweet, but it still stands by what it said CUAD staunchly believes that the Israel-Gaza war amounted to a genocide against the Palestinian people and accuses Columbia University of supporting genocide through investments in Israeli companies. The Trump administration admonished Columbia University for the CUAD-led protests and accused the university of fostering anti-Semitism. Trump stripped $400million of federal grants from Columbia, and the university agreed to pay $200million to the federal government to settle the lawsuit brought forward by the administration and regain access to federal funds. Tensions between the university and the administration have continued as several Columbia students have been targeted by ICE for arrest and deportation. The most high-profile of those cases is that of Mahmoud Khalil, who has been accused of leading CUAD - something his lawyers have denied, saying he was instead a 'negotiator' between the group and the university. Khalil was arrested by ICE on March 8, but he was released on bail in June after the ACLU challenged his detention on the grounds that he was practicing his First Amendment rights. Another, more recent high-profile ICE arrest of a Columbia student was that of Elaina Aghayeva, who was detained in a student residential building around 6.30am on Thursday. According to Columbia's Acting President, Claire Shipman, the ICE agents misrepresented themselves to gain access to the building by claiming they were searching for a 'missing person.' Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student, has been accused of leading CUAD. He was arrested by ICE in March before being released on bond in June Elaina Aghayeva was the most recent Columbia student to be arrested by ICE as tensions between Columbia and the Trump administration continue to simmer New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani requested that Aghayeva be released during a pictured meeting with Trump on Thursday. The president agreed to Mamdani's request New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani happened to be meeting with Trump on Thursday, and he asked the president for Aghayeva to be released. Later that day, Mamdani said the president told him 'she will be released imminently.' CUAD's X bio says that the organization is 'Proudly unrecognized by C*lumbia University.' After making the 'Death to America' tweet, the organization made another post that said: 'Friendly reminder that CUAD has no affiliation to or ties with the fascist state functionary known as Columbia University. 'We operate completely outside of the purview of a registered student organization and are proud to not receive any recognition from that institution.' A spokesperson for Columbia University shared a statement with the Daily Mail that said: 'Its deeply troubling to see an anonymous X account, asserting a connection to Columbia, using such unequivocally reprehensible language. 'We condemn the use of such violent, abhorrent language, and its use in conjunction with our institution. In July 2025, the University stated clearly its zero tolerance for the group that calls itself CUAD. 'To be clear, CUAD is not a recognized student group and is not affiliated, in any fashion, with the University. We do not know who comprises or leads this anonymous group. 'The matter has been referred to law enforcement for further investigation. There is no evidence, at this point, that anyone currently in control of this social media account is a Columbia student, staff, or faculty member.' Iran's supreme leader was killed in an attack on his compound that also left 40 top officials of the regime dead. A satellite image shows smoke rising from the compound following the attack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that strikes in Iran would continue 'as long as necessary.' One of those strikes in Tehran is pictured from a video released by the Israeli Army on Sunday Israeli emergency response teams are pictured responding to an Iranian strike near Jerusalem, where the death toll rose to at least eight as of Sunday morning On Saturday, Iranian state media reported that the country had been struck in the holy city of Qom, in Karaj, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Tabriz and Isfahan, where there is a major nuclear facility. In a video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was targeting military sites and that the attacks would continue 'as long as necessary.' On Sunday morning, the US military confirmed that three American servicemembers have been killed and five more wounded. About 40 other members of Khamenei's regime were killed alongside the Supreme leader. The strike, which was carried out by Israel, took advantage of months of intelligence gathering by the CIA, which learned that a meeting of top Iranian officials would be taking place in Tehran, the country's capital. After the initial salvo of missiles, Iran swiftly retaliated and fired back at US bases in the Middle East, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE and Jordan. The country also fired missiles at Israel, where the death toll near Jerusalem rose to at least eight as of Sunday morning. Iranian state media reported that an all-girls elementary school in the southern part of the country was destroyed and that 148 students between the ages of seven and 12 were killed, and another 95 were wounded. A school in southern Iran was struck in the bombings. State media reported that 148 young girls were killed, and another 95 were injured. The school in pictured with people gathered around after the attack Sources in Iran told the Daily Mail that state media casualty figures should be viewed with skepticism, but verified videos and images, such as the one pictured, show people digging through rubble for victims The school appears to have been next to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps barracks. The initial death toll was reported to be at least 85 students, and sources inside Iran told the Daily Mail that reports from the regime should be viewed with skepticism as a propaganda offensive is being waged under the fog of war. Still, videos and photographs from the aftermath of the strike, which the Guardian and the BBC verified as authentic, show the decimated school building with people gathered around digging through the rubble to find victims as screams echo in the background. Captain Tim Hawkins, the spokesperson for US Central Command, said in a statement to the media: 'We take these reports seriously. 'The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm.' Anthony Albanese's personal popularity has taken a dive in a new poll amid economic and security frustrations, while the Coalition appears to have stopped its slide. The Newspoll, published on Sunday night in The Australian, showed Opposition Leader Angus Taylor faring much better than previous leader Sussan Ley, who he rolled in a spill motion on February 13. One Nation is still going strong with 27 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of the Coalition's 20 per cent and Labor's 32 per cent, but Albanese's personal performance is in its lowest position since last year's election. The Greens' primary vote fell from 12 per cent to 11 per cent and support for Independents and minor parties was steady at 10 per cent. Albanese's net approval rating has plunged down to -15 with 55 per cent of respondents dissatisfied with his performance and 40 per cent satisfied. But what will likely worry Albanese is that his lead against Taylor as preferred prime minister has dramatically shortened since he took over. The Newspoll showed 45 per cent of voters said Albanese would make the better prime minister compared to Taylor at 37 per cent. Just last month the same question had Albanese at 54 per cent ahead of Ley at only 27 per cent. A Newspoll released on Sunday night showed Anthony Albanese's personal approval rating has dipped and his gap ahead of the Coalition has shortened since it replaced its leader Pauline Hanson's One Nation is steady with 27 per cent of the primary vote Angus Taylor has made ground on the PM in just two weeks The poll surveyed 1,237 people between February 23 and February 26. Ley, the Opposition's first female leader, took a swipe at her successor Taylor as she resigned on Friday, triggering a by-election in her seat. The regional NSW electorate of Farrer is expected to be a hotly contested four-way battle. Ley outlined a list of her proudest achievements and delivered a parting shot at Taylor who became the Liberal leader in an emphatic party room victory earlier in February. 'It will be for commentators and historians to measure the period of my leadership,' she said in a statement on Friday. 'I welcome the Coalition's immediate re-adoption of many of these directions and policies in recent days and weeks.' Ley, who held her seat for 25 years, said it was crucial the Liberals maintained Farrer as the Coalition has held it since its creation in 1949. 'I know that Angus Taylor can and will ensure the party continues to enjoy the support, trust and confidence of the people of Farrer,' she said. Among Coalition ranks, the vote is viewed as the first major test of Taylor's leadership. Join the debate Has Albanese lost touch with everyday Australians, or are voters expecting too much from their leaders? Sussan Ley resigned on Friday triggering a by-election in the seat of Farrar Fellow independents David Pocock and Helen Haines publicly endorsed Michelle Milthorpe on Friday, kicking off the campaign for Farrer, even though a by-election date is yet to be set. Milthorpe ran against Ley in the 2025 federal election, losing 56.2 to 43.8 per cent after preferences, narrowing Ley's margin to 6.2 per cent. 'We are not a safe seat anymore and this is our time to make change,' Milthorpe told reporters in Albury. Advocating for a fit-for-purpose hospital, farmers and calling for a Royal Commission into water after years of mismanagement are some of the first items on her agenda, she said. Taylor said Ley made a massive contribution to the Liberals and the nation, admitting the by-election would be hard to win. 'The Farrer by-election is going to be very, very tough,' he said. The Liberals, Nationals and One Nation are all expected to run candidates, but are yet to announce them for the upcoming vote. The New York Times has been slammed for its soft-touch headline announcing the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The liberal outlet published an article Saturday after President Donald Trump revealed Khamenei, 'one of the most evil people in history,' had been killed in a US airstrike. Despite celebrations breaking out across the world over the brutal dictator's death, the Times appeared to take a softer approach with an article titled: 'Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hard-Line Cleric Who Made Iran a Regional Power, Is Dead at 86.' Social media users swiftly criticized the publication for 'failing to call out a terrorist' with their headline. 'They are sick,' one person posted on X as far-right social media account, Libs of TikTok, while another person said the headline left them so speechless, they had to check if it was AI-generated or not. 'Omfg. This makes my blood boil,' a third user said. Someone else chimed in: 'You can't despise them enough.' Khamenei's 36-year rule intensified the radical governance in Iran and fueled extremism across the Middle East. He was described as a dictator by many after his policies killed thousands of Iranians and forced others into exile. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US airstrike on Saturday The New York Times has been slammed over its headline announcing his death, which appeared to take a soft approach when describing someone that many referred to as a dictator Khamenei's compound is seen completely destroyed after the airstrike that left him, his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild dead on Saturday in Iran The outlet's piece also led many to compare its headline to the one the NYT pushed out in January about the death of Dilbert comic strip writer Scott Adams. Adams died on January 13 from prostate cancer, and while many hailed the famed cartoonist, The Times pointed out the 'racist comments' he made on his podcast prior to his death in their headline about his death. 'A cartoonist was the true threat to peace, obviously,' a user sarcastically wrote. 'NYT called Scott racist but failed to call out [a] terrorist,' another shared. The NYT wrote in their piece about Khamenei: 'As the second leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei cemented and expanded its hard-line Islamist and anti-Western policies, shaping the nations Islamic revolution far more than its founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who held power for just a decade, most of it during a devastating war with Iraq.' The piece took a deep dive into Khamenei's history as a ruler and how he came to be the leader of Iran, who led 'with an iron fist,' the NYT wrote. When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, The New York Times referred to a post they made on X, stating that the piece on the former leader was an obituary. 'The Timess obituaries report and reflect lives in full, illuminating why, in our judgment, they were significant,' the outlet said on Sunday morning. 'We fairly and accurately include the newsworthy details of each life and death, and don't treat them dishonestly to score points like youre trying to do here.' The outlet's piece also led many to compare its headline to the one the NYT pushed out in January about the death of Dilbert comic strip writer Scott Adams On Saturday night, Trump confirmed Khamenei died in the airstrike. Multiple members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, also perished. 'Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,' the president wrote on Truth Social. 'This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. 'He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,' his statement continued. The president also used his announcement to call on Iranian citizens to stand up to the Islamic regime, saying it is 'the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.' Iranian state media claimed the leader was killed at his compound, which was seen completely destroyed and surrounded by thick black smoke following the deadly airstrike. Two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC, were also killed in the attack, according to Israeli state TV. Airstrikes have continued to rain down on Sunday as the country's President Masoud Pezeshkian branded the Supreme Leader's killing a 'declaration of war against Muslims.' In response, the country has raised its so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge' and has vowed to hit the US and Israel with a 'force never experienced before.' On Saturday night, Trump confirmed Khamenei died in the airstrike. The president also called on Iranian citizens to stand up to the Islamic regime, saying it is 'the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country' Iran has retaliated with a series of strikes across its neighboring Gulf states, with explosions heard in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Donald Trump promised to strike Iran 'with a force that has never been seen before,' after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced they had attacked nearly 30 US military bases across the Middle East on Sunday morning. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also said that they had attacked the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf following Khamenei's death. In a statement from local media outlets, they declared: 'The powerful strikes by the armed forces on the weary body of the enemy military have entered a new phase, and land and sea will increasingly become the graveyard of the terrorist aggressors.' While speaking at the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV sent a strong message to Trump regarding the recent military actions in the Middle East. 'I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time,' the Pope said. 'Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue,' he added. The pontiff, who is the first-ever American-born Pope, also warned of further large-scale violence if escalations continue. Rescue teams are seen among masses of debris after an Iranian rocket hit Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem, Israel, on Sunday. At least nine people were killed, Israeli police said 'Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions,' he added, 'I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss!' Pope Leo also prayed for nations to revisit diplomatic solutions to securing peace. 'May diplomacy recover its role and may the good of peoples be promoted, peoples who long for peaceful coexistence founded on justice,' he noted, 'And let us continue to pray for peace.' War has spread into Dubai as well after waves of suicide drones hit the city Sunday afternoon, destroying a hotel in Bahrain. The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes across the Middle East, targeting US allies, military bases, and areas popular with Western expats. At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels yesterday. Further explosions continue to echo across the Emirates. A Soho House bartender has accused her supervisor at the ritzy membership club in Los Angeles of drugging and raping her in a new lawsuit. The woman, referred to only as Jane Doe, claimed Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya began assaulting her in September 2025 after she started working at the club's restaurant Berenjak, according to the complaint obtained by the Los Angeles Times. Doe alleged in the suit that she was 'subjected to repeated sexual advances and unwelcomed physical touching' by Vichique Maya. Vichique Maya propositioned her to be his 'hook-up buddy,' made 'numerous comments' about her physical appearance and said that had they met earlier, she 'would be pregnant by now,' Doe claimed in the complaint. All of the inappropriate remarks were allegedly made in the presence of other supervisors and colleagues. Doe further accused Soho House of failing to take 'corrective or investigatory action,' despite her having reported Vichique Maya's alleged misconduct to two male supervisors. The club launched an investigation into Doe's allegations but ultimately determined the report of rape 'was uncorroborated' and therefore Vichique Maya 'would not be disciplined,' the complaint stated. Doe claimed she was forced to quit her job in February and has now sued Vichique Maya, Soho House, Soho House Los Angeles and Soho Warehouse for sexual harassment, retaliation and other claims. A bartender has filed lawsuit against Soho House and Soho Warehouse in Los Angeles after she was allegedly raped by her supervisor Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya Doe claims that Vichique Maya demonstrated a 'pattern of harassing behavior and complaints,' that began upon her hiring in September last year. The alleged behavior escalated after a 'team-bonding' event that was held on September 13. She claimed she became disoriented after drinking alcohol, lost consciousness and woke up naked at Vichique Maya's apartment. She was 'paralyzed and speechless' as she was 'condemned to simply watch in horror as [sic] MARCELO repeatedly raped her inanimate body,' the lawsuit alleged. Doe reported the alleged assault to her manager the following day. She claimed the manager 'confirmed' that Vichique Maya 'appeared to be preying' on her at the event but said 'these things happen between coworkers,' according to the complaint. Doe claimed that she told the manager she could not work with Vichique Maya, but her concerns were dismissed. She alleged, in her lawsuit, that the manager told her: 'I have a restaurant to run; I can't have it blow up on me.' Doe and Vichique Maya continued to work alongside each other despite her having informed three managers of the alleged rape, the court filing said. She claimed her alleged attacker continued to sexually harass her during these shifts. She filed a complaint with Soho House human resources in December and was assured that an investigation would be opened and 'immediate corrective action' taken, the suit stated. Doe was placed on indefinite leave during the investigation while Vichique Maya was permitted to continue working. The investigation concluded in January and determined that her allegations were not corroborated, her lawsuit alleged. She quit her job the following month. A Soho House spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We take all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously. While this alleged incident did not occur on Soho House premises or during work hours, we initiated a formal internal investigation and followed our strict company policies. 'Based on our findings, decisive and appropriate actions were taken. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all our team members.' The Daily Mail has also approached Doe's attorney Nick Yasman for comment. Information about Vichique Maya's lawyer was not immediately available. Soho House has 48 houses across 19 countries. This is the interior of the club's West Hollywood, California location Soho House opened in 1995 in London as a networking destination for 'creatives,' but quickly became a favorite hangout for celebrities. The club has since expanded globally and has 48 houses across 19 countries. Membership at Soho House, priced at around $6,000 annually for global access, is thought to be a must-have for many of the world's elite - yet the chain is known to be 'highly selective' about who it accepts as members. The company last year announced it is going private in a $2.7 billion deal led by New York-based MCR Hotels. A raft of existing shareholders, including Ron Burkle, Ivy Collection boss Richard Caring and founder Nick Jones, will retain their stakes in the company. A-list actor-turned-tech investor Ashton Kutcher also invested in the club as part of the deal and has since joined the firm's board of directors. Senator Tom Cotton slapped down the idea that President Donald Trump wants to send American soldiers to Iran during a Sunday morning appearance on CBS. The Arkansas Republican, who chairs the US Senate Intelligence Committee, told Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan that 'the president has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside of Iran.' Brennan had asked Cotton if Trump's warning that there could be 'American casualties' in the war meant that 'the U.S. is putting boots on the ground.' Cotton responded, 'No, Margaret, the president has been clear that what we should expect to see is an extended air and naval campaign that's designed not only to continue to set back Iran's nuclear ambitions, but most importantly, to destroy its vast missile arsenal.' 'Many more missiles than the United States and Israel have air defenses combined, as well as the missile launchers and its missile manufacturing capability,' the Arkansas Republican continued. A US official confirmed Sunday that the Pentagon flew four B-2 stealth bombers to unleash dozens of 2000 lb bombs taking out Iran's underground ballistic missiles. However, Cotton did note one scenario that could see US troops involved. 'Now obviously one risk of that kind of campaign is that an aircraft could be shot down, and the president would never leave a pilot behind. So no doubt we have combat search and rescue assets in the region that are prepared to go in and extract any downed pilot,' he noted' 'But barring that kind of unusual circumstance, Margaret, the president has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside of Iran,' he concluded. Brennan had asked Cotton if Trump's warning that there could be 'American casualties' in the war meant that 'the U.S. is putting boots on the ground' Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas, on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on March 1, 2026 This handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him during a religious gathering in Tehran on February 19, 2026. He was killed in Operation Epic Fury on Saturday A screen grab from a video released on U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social account shows Donald Trump making statements regarding combat operations on Iran on February 28, 2026 NEWS: Although President Trump has said to expect an extended air and naval campaign in Iran, Senate Intel Chair Tom Cotton tells @margbrennan the president has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside of Iran. pic.twitter.com/1lVSXUEKGw Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) March 1, 2026 Cotton also told CNN's State of the Union host Dana Bash that Iran has crossed red lines. 'There's no doubt, though, that Iran is going to continue to target our bases in the region, our Arab friends, and Israel,' Cotton noted. That's why it was so vitally necessary that we put an end to Iran's 47-year campaign of terror and revolutionary violence once and for all,' he continued. Reacting to Trump's attack on Iran on Saturday, Cotton argued that 'Iran has waged war against the U.S. for 47 years,' before providing a slew of examples to back up his argument. 'The hostage crisis, the Beirut Marine barracks, Khobar Towers, roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan that killed or maimed thousands of American soldiers, the attempted assassination of President Trump,' Cotton wrote in an X post. A US official confirmed Sunday that the Pentagon flew four B-2 stealth bombers to unleash dozens of 2000 lb bombs taking out Iran's underground ballistic missiles This image provided by US Central Command shows a F-35C Lightning preparing to launch from the USS Abraham Lincoln US Navy sailors transferring ordnance on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln An explosion is seen off the coast of Haifa in northern Israel Saturday as Iran retaliated against a joint US-Israel operation that took place Saturday morning This map charts US and Israel's strikes on Iranian targets in red and Iran's retaliatory strikes in Israel, Qatar the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in orange 'The butcher's bill has finally come due for the ayatollahs. May God bless and protect our troops on this vital mission of vengeance, and justice, and safety,' he concluded. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, called the strikes, 'a pivotal and necessary operation to protect Americans and American interests.' Pro-Iranian protesters have swarmed American embassies across the Middle East in response to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US Embassies in Baghdad, Iraq and in Karachi, Pakistan were surrounded by angry protesters on Sunday morning, video showed. Demonstrators were seen chanting and waving the Iranian flag and posters of the Ayatollah as fellow protesters tried to break into the official buildings, striking the doors and windows with battering rams. Violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in Karachi, Pakistan, when protesters attempted to storm the US Consulate. At least 10 people have been killed and more than 50 others injured. In the north of the country, thousands of Shiite protesters angered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran attacked the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group and the UN Development Program (UNDP). The US Embassies in Iraq and Pakistan are actively monitoring the demonstrations and have advised American citizens in the countries to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and keep their travel registration with the US government up to date. Embassy officials in Iraq said authorities are monitoring active threats to American interests in the country, including restaurants, businesses, and individuals. Pro-Iranian protesters have swarmed American embassies across the Middle East in response to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The US military has released footage showing the equipment that was being used in US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran in Operation Epic Fury A vehicle is engulfed in flames as protesters clash with security forces near the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday Anti-American demonstrations are currently taking place on the southern bank of the July 14 Bridge in Baghdad, the Embassy warned in a post on X. There are also additional calls to protest across various parts of the country. 'US citizens should exercise caution, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid large gatherings, as demonstrations may turn violent,' the US Embassy in Iraq warned. 'The security situation remains complex and can change quickly.' Consular services for American citizens in Iraq have been temporarily suspended and the US Department of State has issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory. The US Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil will remain open, with movement restricted to 'mission-essential operations only,' officials added. Shiite Muslims set a fire at the entrance gate to the US Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan during a Sunday rally to condemn the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Pakistani security forces fire tear gas shells to disperse protesters during a demonstration near the US consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan on Sunday Demonstrators were seen chanting and waving the Iranian flag and posters of Ayatollah outside the embassies in Iraq and Pakistan on Sunday Some protesters tried to break into the embassies using battering rams, footage showed The US Embassy in Pakistan is also monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional protests at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar. Protesters repeatedly clashed with police at various places in the region, damaged the offices of a local charity, and set fire to police offices. Authorities have deployed troops and brought the situation under control, a government official said. In Karachi, which is the capital of southern Sindh province and Pakistan's largest city, senior police official Irfan Baloch said that protesters briefly attacked the perimeter of the US Consulate, but were later dispersed. He dismissed as baseless reports that any part of the consulate building was set on fire. However, he said that protesters torched a nearby police post and smashed windows of the consulate before security forces arrived and regained control. Witnesses said that dozens of Shiite protesters remained gathered about a half-mile from the consulate, urging others to join them. They said one of the protesters had tried to burn a window of the consulate, before security forces arrived there and dispersed the demonstrators. The violence came after the US and Israel attacked Iran, killing Ayatollah. The clashes have prompted Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to issue an appeal for calm. A police officer fires a teargas shell to disperse a protest in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday People march in the streets of Baghdad's Sadr City on Sunday after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes Shiite mourners carry portraits of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a symbolic funeral procession in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday Tearful woman march through Sadr City with the Iranian flag and portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after he was killed on Sunday 'Following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, every citizen of Pakistan shares in the grief of the people of Iran,' Naqvi said in a statement. He described it as 'a day of mourning for the Muslim Ummah and for the people of both Iran and Pakistan,' but urged people not to take the law into their own hands and to express their protests peacefully. The provincial government of Sindh in a statement also urged citizens to express their views peacefully and warned against engaging in violence. Protests in the area surrounding the US Consulate in Karachi went on for hours, with dozens of Shiite youth, some covering their faces, throwing stones at law enforcement officials and vowing to reach the consulate, where hundreds of police and paramilitary Rangers have been deployed. In Islamabad, police fired tear gas and swung batons as hundreds of Shiite protesters, angered by the killing of Khamenei, tried to march toward the US Embassy. The clashes took place outside the Diplomatic Enclave, where the embassy is located and additional police had been deployed. Meanwhile, in the northwestern city of Peshawar, authorities also used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of demonstrators attempting to approach the US Consulate to hold a rally to denounce the killing of the Iranian leader, police said. US Central Command and its partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields, officials said Shiites also held a peaceful rally in Multan, a city in Punjab province, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Shiites also held a rally and clashes with police repeatedly near the US Consulate in Lahore, the capital of eastern Punjab province, police said. Rallies against Israel and the US were also planned in northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. Authorities said that the government has stepped up security around the Embassy in the capital, and consulates across the country to avoid any further violence. Ali Larijani has taken charge in Iran following deadly air strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei, who had led the Islamic Republic since 1989, died on Saturday in a joint United States and Israeli airstrike targeting his fortified compound in Tehran. He was 86. Mr Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a trusted member of Khamenei's inner circle, has now emerged as the central power broker, stepping into the vacuum created by the Ayatollah's death. The 67-year-old confirmed on Sunday that a three-member interim council would be formed to govern Iran until a new supreme leader is appointed - a constitutional mechanism triggered when the office falls vacant. In comments carried by Iranian state media, Mr Larijani said the president, the head of the judiciary and a member of the Council of Guardians would temporarily govern. The body is expected to convene in the coming days to deliberate on succession. During Iran's 12-day war with Israel last year, Khamenei reportedly identified three potential successors, although their names have never been made public. As Mr Larijani is not a cleric, he cannot be considered as a candidate for supreme leader. However, he is now widely regarded as Iran's 'de facto' leader. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) died in joint US and Israeli strikes in Tehran in the early hours of Saturday. He is pictured here with Ali Larijani (right) - who has largely taken control of Iran Mr Larijani (pictured) is the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a trusted member of Khamenei's inner circle. He has now emerged as Iran's central power broker Before his death, Khamenei had already delegated much of Iran's day-to-day governance to Mr Larijani, a veteran politician and former commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Mr Larijani has overseen an expansive portfolio, effectively sidelining Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian. This includes directing the use of force to suppress recent protests demanding an end to Islamic rule, liaising with key allies such as Russia, overseeing nuclear negotiations with Washington and preparing contingency plans in the event of war with the United States. He is also known as a most trusted ally to the former Ayatollah. In response to Khamenei's death, who ruled for 36 years, Mr Larijani declared: 'The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will teach an unforgettable lesson to the international oppressors.' And in a social media post on Monday, he appeared to adopt Donald Trump's style and rhetoric, further warning of Iran's retaliation: 'YESTERDAY IRAN FIRED MISSILES AT THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL, AND THEY DID HURT. TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE.' Iran has since raised its so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge,' and fired ballistic missiles and drones at US allies and assets in the region. A series of strikes have taken place across neighbouring Gulf states, with explosions heard in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The US Defense Department has confirmed three US servicemen have been killed in action and another five injured. Donald Trump's top loyalist Susie Wiles is facing blowback after she was spotted wearing an electronic fitness device next to the President during the bombing of Iran. The White House posted photos from Trumps makeshift Mar-a-Lago Situation Room on Saturday morning as he oversaw the launch of Operation Epic Fury, which resulted in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. One image shows Wiles speaking with Trump, clearly wearing a personal electronic wrist device. Some online users initially believed it was an Apple Watch, but it was later identified as a WHOOP fitness tracker. Critics called it a potential security breach, questioning how an electronic fitness tracker with Bluetooth capabilities could end up in such a sensitive setting. Others claimed the device could be hacked remotely and used to spy on the president during the top-secret military operation. 'I love my @WHOOP (and immediately recognized it in the photo of Susie Wiles),' posted CNN's Brian Stelter. The CEO of WHOOP Will Ahmed responded in a statement that the device 'does not include a microphone, GPS, or cellular capability of any kind'. He added that it has long been on the National Security Agency's (NSA) approved personal electronic devices list. The White House also defended Susie Wiles in a statement to the Daily Mail, saying WHOOP devices are 'secure by design' and cleared by the NSA to be worn during classified briefings. Trump speaks to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles while Marco Rubio stands in the background The first images of Trump's reaction to the military operation are released Vice President JD Vance speaks with top Trump officials, including National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard at the Situation Room in Washington DC Another user noted that while some devices are approved by the NSA for limited secure uses, most intel agencies strictly ban personal Bluetooth-enabled wearables including smartwatches and fitness trackers in the Situation Room. Others bashed the White House for launching the attack on Iran from Trump's Palm Beach club and not a secure room inside the White House. 'The president just started a war,' wrote Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols. 'He should be in DC, as should his [national security] team, and he should have been on TV last night in the Oval - and without a dopey grandpa hat.' Vice President JD Vance was not present at Mar-a-Lago with Trump when bombs fell over Iran. Vance, along with National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, were inside the White House Situation Room. 'The "situation room [at Mar-a-Lago] doesnt even have walls,' another X user wrote. 'You can literally see people listening in. These are just drapes tossed over some ceiling beams. Completely open for people to see and overhear whats going on.' Iran has now carried out retaliatory strikes across the Middle East following the joint US-Israel attack on Tehran on Saturday. Tehran has struck the Fifth Fleet service center in Manama, Bahrain, and claims to have hit bases across the region including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Join the debate Is the criticism justified? The Ayatollah's palace was destroyed by missiles as part of the US-Israeli military operation It is unclear how many civilians have been killed by Iran's revenge strikes The Iranians are also using kamikaze drones to strike residential buildings and airports in the Middle East. The number of casualties resulting from the operation remains unclear at the moment. But CENTOM announced Sunday morning that three US troops have been killed in the operation thus far. A college freshman who was mistakenly deported to Honduras has refused to board a flight back to the US after authorities said she may be detained once again. Babson College student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, 20, was arrested in November by two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at a Boston airport while she was traveling home to Texas for Thanksgiving. She was deported to Honduras, the country she had immigrated from with her parents when she was just eight years old. Assistant US Attorney Mark Sauter said the administration had made a 'mistake' when they ordered ICE officials to deport the Babson College freshman. 'On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize,' Sauter said. US District Judge Richard Stearns issued an order on November 21 barring Belloza from being deported or transferred out of the state for 72 hours. But by that time, she had already been flown to Texas, potentially stripping Stearns' court of jurisdiction. She landed in Honduras on November 22. Sauter acknowledged the court's order was violated, a development he blamed on a 'mistake' by an ICE officer who thought the order no longer applied and failed to properly flag it. On February 13, Stearns ordered the Trump administration to fix its mistake by facilitating Belloza's return to the US. On Thursday, the college student told reporters she was excited to learn that a flight had been arranged to take her home. Babson College student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, 20, was mistakenly deported to Honduras Belloza was arrested by two ICE agents at a Boston airport in November while traveling home to Texas for Thanksgiving. Different ICE agents are pictured standing next to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem A judge ordered that Belloza be returned to the US, but she refused to board a flight arranged for that purpose after discovering she would be arrested and deported yet again upon arrival. Belloza is pictured crying during an interview after her initial deportation However, she later said 'that excitement turned into a nightmare' after discovering that in court filings, the Trump administration said it planned to deport her upon her return to the US. Belloza said that an ICE officer had misled her prior to finding out that information by saying that if she boarded the plane, she would be released after landing in the US. 'I believed him for a second,' Belloza told reporters. 'I pictured stepping off of the plane and finally being free... I won't mince words. I am angry. I am sad.' In court filings on Friday, the Trump administration said that Belloza did not appear at a pre-arranged meeting and that she did not board the flight at an airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, that had been organized for her return to the US. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told the Daily Mail: 'Complying with a court order, ICE attempted to facilitate Any Lopez-Bellozas return back to the United States. 'But she failed to appear for her pre-arranged flight. ICE made multiple attempts to reach out to her with no response.' Belloza's lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, accused the Trump administration of 'gamesmanship' and said: 'I'm not stopping until she's back here, but she's not coming back in handcuffs.' Belloza said that an ICE officer had misled her before she found out she would be deported again upon reentry to the US, as he had told her she would be free. Belloza launched legal action against her deportation a day after she was detained at Logan International Airport in Boston (pictured) Pomerleau also represented Bruna Ferreira, the mother of US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, when she was arrested by ICE in November. A spokesperson for US Attorney Leah Foley, whose office has been working on Belloza's deportation, told Reuters: 'The status quo that existed prior to her removal was that she was subject to a final order of removal. 'And as the government argued throughout this case, ICE has statutory authority to detain an individual to effectuate such removal.' The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson also told the Daily Mail: 'This illegal alien entered the country in 2014 and an immigration judge issued her a final order removal in 2015, over a decade ago. 'She was removed to Honduras. The court order to stop her removal was issued AFTER she was already removed. She received full due process including a final order of removal from a judge.' Belloza's arrest and deportation were based on a removal order that was issued when she was 11. Belloza said she was unaware that the removal order existed. Although Sauter, the assistant US attorney, issued a rare apology for Belloza's mistaken deportation, he also said there were no grounds to hold anyone in contempt. He called it a rare instance of the government not following an order in the over 700 cases filed in Massachusetts by migrants challenging their detention since President Donald Trump took office last year with a hardline immigration agenda. Belloza's attorney, Todd Pomerleau, also represented the mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew when she was arrested by ICE in November. Pomerleau has vowed to bring Belloza back to the US as a free woman US District Judge Richard Stearns issued the order for Belloza to be returned to the US, and he said it is important to remember that she is a 'real person' Stearns, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, commended Sauter for acknowledging the mistake. The judge suggested that the State Department issue Belloza a student visa allowing her to finish her studies, but the Trump administration seems not to have heeded his recommendation. 'We don't want to lose sight that we have a real human being here,' Stearns said in January. 'She's a very sympathetic person, and there should be some means to addressing this.' News / National by Staff Reporter AUXILIA MNANGAGWA, the wife of Justice minister Emmerson, has told the Bulawayo High Court that her reputation is worth $10 million because, among other things, she is wife to a career minister.Auxilia made the disclosures in a $50 million defamation suit in which she and four others are suing Zanu PF Midlands chairperson and Provincial Affairs minister Jasion Machaya, former spy Douglas Kanengoni and Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti for defamation."She is a member of the Zanu PF central committee. She is also a businesswoman married to the current Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry Emmerson Mnangagwa who has been a minister of different ministries since 1980," part of a discovery affidavit filed in case HC2871/13 reads. Auxilia claimed in her affidavit her marriage to Mnangagwa and business empire suffered following the allegations raised in a document authored by Machaya's chief election agent Kanengoni fingering her in electoral fraud."As a result of the defamation by the defendants, she has suffered damages in her reputation, political circles in Zanu PF as well as in society in general in the sum of $10 million." her lawyer Valentine Mutatu submitted in court.Other litigants in the suit, who include July Moyo, Owen Ncube, Douglas Tapfuma and Daniel Ncube, who are also claiming damages of $10 million each, also justified their claims.Moyo submitted that he was a former minister and also former Midlands governor and as such, his social standing was injured by the Kanengoni document which was leaked to the media and party structures causing him international ridicule.Ncube and Ncube both submitted that they were MPs and very successful and prominent businesspeople in Kwekwe.The two said because of the allegations raised by Machaya through Kanengoni's report, they were now viewed as liars and people who are on cooking election results and therefore they deserved $10 million apiece to make up for that damage.Tapfuma told the court that apart from being a central committee member, he was also a prominent businessman and therefore the allegations tainted his image. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike during Saturday's attack in Iran. The hardline former leader, 69, was killed in his home in Tehran, where he was being held on house arrest, according to Israeli media outlet Maariv. Ahmadinejad served as Irans sixth president from 2005 to 2013, and in 2024 he attempted to run for the presidency again following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. A supporter-turned-critic of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ahmadinejad's bid was blocked at the time by Khamenei - who was also killed by airstrikes in Iran on Saturday. Ahmadinejad gained a hardline reputation in the West for his Holocaust denial and anti-Israel rhetoric, after calling for the nation to be 'wiped off the map'. The death of the former president adds to more than 40 top Iranian officials who were killed in US and Israeli strikes, according to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Other notable Iranian officials to have been eliminated include Irans chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Aziz Nasirzadeh, and Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces. On Sunday, US Central Command announced that three US servicemembers had also been killed in action in Iran as part of President Donald Trumps strikes. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike during Saturday's strikes inside Iran A supporter-turned-critic of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former president saw his bid to return to Iran's presidency blocked in 2024 by Khamenei US Central Command announced the deaths of the US troops on Sunday morning, just one day after Trump ordered the series of deadly strikes targeting Iranian leadership. 'Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty,' US Central Command wrote on X. 'Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.' 'The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.' Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has responded by launching a barrage of attacks against US military bases across the Middle East. This morning Iran raised its so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge' and vowed to hit the US and Israel with a 'force never experienced before'. A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse in Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai Iranian military officials claimed on Sunday that they had successfully struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, but US officials quickly said this was false. Iranian state media had carried a statement claiming the USS Abraham Lincoln had been attacked with 'four ballistic missiles', but had provided no evidence. US Central Command said reports that four 'ballistic missiles' struck the carrier were fabricated, and said the missiles 'didn't even come close'. It said: 'The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didnt even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOMs relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.' Three US service members have been killed in action in Iran as part of President Donald Trumps war against Iran. US Central Command announced the deaths on Sunday morning, just one day after Trump ordered a series of deadly strikes targeting Iranian leadership. 'Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty,' US Central Command wrote on X. 'Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.' 'The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.' A US official told media outlets that the war with Iran is now expected to last weeks, but Trump has not provided a clear timeline on the matter. He later told CNBC on Sunday that the operation against Iran is 'ahead of schedule.' Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has responded by launching a barrage of attacks against US military bases across the Middle East. This morning Iran raised its so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge' and vowed to hit the US and Israel with a 'force never experienced before'. Trump addressed the American people on camera from his Mar-a-Lago estate shortly after the military strikes began on Saturday morning. The president warned that US troops could lose their lives in the operation, adding that 'we may have casualties.' Three Americans troops are dead in the war started by Donald Trump against Iran Donald Trump monitoring the military operation against Iran from Mar-a-Lago Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has responded by launching a barrage of attacks against US military bases across the Middle East The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment. Trump's previous military strikes against Iran have been brief operations designed to not entangle the US in a prolonged regime change war with Tehran. However, Saturday's attack marks the first time Trump has unleashed America's firepower in the Middle East with the goal of ending a country's government. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked a US aircraft carrier in revenge for the killing of the country's Supreme Leader, as it launches drone attacks across the Middle East today. State media carried a statement claiming the USS Abraham Lincoln had been attacked with 'four ballistic missiles'. The Pentagon later denied the Lincoln had been hit but said missiles had been fired that 'did not even come close'. Iran has also retaliated with a series of strikes across its neighboring Gulf states, with explosions heard in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Trump promised to strike Iran 'with a force that has never been seen before,' after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced they had attacked nearly 30 US military bases across the Middle East on Sunday morning. It was revealed today that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has also been killed in airstrikes, according to Israeli state TV. Black smoke was seen rising from a US airbase at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq at sunrise, after the IRGC promised their most ferocious counterattack. Join the debate Do YOU believe this conflict will last weeks? It is unclear how many civilians have been killed by Iran's revenge strikes Israel announced in the early hours of Sunday that it had begun a new 'strike wave' targeting Iran's ballistic missiles and aerial defense systems, after Iran launched drones and missiles at Tel Aviv, which were intercepted and shot down. In response, the IRGC said it was carrying out a 'sixth wave' of 'extensive missile and drone' attacks on 27 US military bases. The extent of the damage is not yet clear. It comes as Iran formally confirmed that Khamenei was killed in his home office. 'To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,' an Iranian news agency said. Two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour - and four of Khamenei's close family were also obliterated in the Tehran strikes on Saturday morning. A man has been arrested after the 'attempted kidnap' of an 18-year-old girl who was followed off the bus. The man allegedly got off the bus in Cardiff at the same time as the girl and followed her on Saturday evening. A passing driver is believed to have intervened after noticing something amiss. Police are urging the woman to come forward to help with the investigation. A 33-year-old man was arrested within hours of the incident and remains in police custody. Detective Inspector Laura Parsons said: 'Incidents such as this one are extremely rare and I would like to reassure people that we have arrested a suspect who is in police custody. 'I would like to praise the woman who stopped her car to intervene. It's really important that we identify who she is so she is urged to get in touch. 'Anyone with information is urged to make contact - please give reference 2600064068.' A passing motorist is believed to have intervened after noticing something amiss (Stock photo Cardiff) A spokesman for South Wales Police said: 'A man has been arrested following what is being treated as an attempted abduction of an 18-year-old woman in Pontprennau area of Cardiff on Saturday, February 28. 'A local man, 33, was arrested within hours of the incident being reported and remains in police custody. 'The incident happened at around 6.30pm on the junction of Clos Nant Mwlan and Heol Pontprennau, after the 18-year-old victim got off a bus - she is believed to have been followed by somebody on foot. 'Detectives investigating the incident are trying to identify a woman motorist driving a black car who saw the incident and stopped to intervene.' Actress Jane Fonda has branded Donald Trump a 'sad, unhinged man' while denouncing him for launching deadly strikes in Iran. The longtime political activist, often referred to as 'Hanoi Jane', said the strikes reminded her of the Vietnam War, a historic event she publicly attacked the US for after visiting the capital city in 1972. The 88-year-old, who is no stranger to voicing her critical opinion of Trump, donned a white button-down shirt and her gray locks in curls as she addressed hundreds during an anti-war protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. It came just hours after the US hit Iran with military strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Grace and Frankie star stood in front of a crowd and said: 'The people of the United States are here to tell the Trump administration: You may wage this war in our names, but not with our consent.' 'Right now, parents are pulling their children out of the rubble,' Fonda shouted as she pointed her finger. 'This dangerous and insane war against Iran not only violates international law and our Constitution, but risks exploding into a vast war of mass proportion, taking the lives of many, including US service people,' she added. On Sunday, it was confirmed that three US troops were killed in the Iran War. Jane Fonda bashed Donald Trump for launching air strikes at Iran and starting a war on Saturday, claiming it reminded her a lot of the Vietnam War The actress and political activist branded the president (pictured Friday) a 'sad, unhinged man' who she said started 'yet again another war based on false information' 'It is yet again another war based on false information, and I can't help but think back to the Vietnam War. 'Although it's not written in history books, the American anti-war movement had a lot to do with ending that war,' she added, referring to the campaign she was a prominent member of in the early 1970s. 'Trump is a sad, unhinged man. He is at war on many fronts. He is at war against Democracy. He is at war against our constitutional rights, especially our First Amendment right, free speech and free assembly,' Fonda continued. The 9 to 5 actress has long been known for her political involvement, including during the Vietnam War. She toured Hanoi in 1972 and was heavily photographed with the forces that the US was fighting at the time. Fonda then went on to publicly attack her country for bombing farmland and the dike system, which was crucial in feeding much of the population and controlling flooding. The US denied ever carrying out such an action. Congress later held hearings to determine if Fonda should be punished for her actions, with many calling her trip an act of treason and the actress a traitor. She was not punished or prosecuted for treason, but did face personal backlash from Americans afterward. The Trump administration launched a bombing campaign against Iran early Saturday morning, in what has been dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury.' Israel, which teamed up with the US to rock Iran, has called the operations 'Lion's Roar.' The Trump administration launched a bombing campaign against Iran early Saturday morning, in what has been dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury' She urged Americans to take to the streets to protest Trump's efforts and the Iran War The attacks targeted Iran's air defense and military defenses, while also taking out its highest leadership. On Saturday, Israeli media and Trump confirmed that Khamenei, who ruled for more than 36 years, had been killed in an airstrike that hit his compound. Multiple members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, also perished. Iranian state media claimed the leader was killed at his compound, which was seen completely destroyed and surrounded by thick black smoke following the deadly airstrike. Two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC, were also killed in the attack, according to Israeli state TV. The strikes and Khamenei's death have left a split reaction across the world, while many took to the streets to celebrate Trump's attack, and others, like Fonda, have gone on to protest it. Khamenei's rule intensified the radical governance in Iran and fueled extremism across the Middle East. He was described as a dictator by many after his policies killed thousands of Iranians and forced others into exile. Trump called him 'one of the most evil people in history' in a Saturday night Truth Social post announcing his death. 'This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,' he added. On Saturday, Israeli media and Trump confirmed that Khamenei, who ruled for more than 36 years, had been killed in an airstrike that hit his compound People and rescue forces are seen at the scene of a school that was hit by an airstrike in Iran on Saturday in Minab 'He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.' The president also used his announcement to call on Iranian citizens to stand up to the Islamic regime, saying it is 'the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.' Airstrikes have continued to rain down on Sunday in Iran, Israel, and Dubai after Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, branded the Supreme Leader's killing a 'declaration of war against Muslims.' On Sunday morning, it was revealed that three US troops were killed in the war against Iran and several others were injured, according to the US Central Command. The news sparked immediate backlash from Republicans as the number of casualties is expected to climb. 'This was absolutely unnecessary and is unacceptable,' Marjorie Taylor Greene said on X. 'Trump, Vance, Tulsi, and all of us campaigned on no more foreign wars and regime change. Now, America [sic] soldiers are dead.' Representative Thomas Massie, who has long called out the administration for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, wrote, 'PSA: Bombing a country on the other side of the globe wont make the Epstein files go away, any more than the Dow going above 50,000 will.' Meanwhile, the president's top United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz issued a bizarre statement after the casualties were announced, saying: 'Freedom is never free.' A British expat has told how his apartment in Dubai was hit by an Iranian drone as the emirate comes under sustained attack by Tehran in retaliation for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in a US-Israeli airstrike. Iran is attacking US allies across the Middle East including Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. Western expats in Dubai have posted numerous videos of kamikaze drones hitting famous landmarks including the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Palm Jumeirah hotel. One man with a British accent posted a video to social media with a commentary revealing: 'We've just been hit by a drone', adding 'I didn't even finish my cup of tea.' He added that his flat was on the 19th floor of the Warda apartment complex in Dubai. The block is in the south of Dubai, in Town Square, Al Yalayis 2 18 miles from the Burj Khalifa. The flats have been selling for an average of 1.3 million Dirhams or nearly 275,000. Video footage shows the inside of a Dubai apartment, where a British expat was living, after a Iranian suicide drone attacked In the video, the man said: 'No joking guys, we have just been hit by a drone...it stinks of oil in here' Columns of smoke could be seen rising from the Crowne Plaza hotel in the Bahrain city of Manama after it was hit by missiles The flat was on the 19th floor of the Warda apartment complex in Dubai Your browser does not support iframes. It comes as: Three US servicemen have been killed following retaliatory strikes, with another five seriously wounded. President Donald Trump warned US will strike with force never seen before if Tehran carries out threats of harsh retaliation. Senior Iranian politician Ali Larijani vowed that the US and Israel would be hit 'with a force that they have never experienced before' in retaliation to attacks that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. Iran continued its onslaught of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. Iranian strikes hit sites in Dubai for the second day in a row, as well as strikes in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq. Strikes hit Oman for the first time today, and a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz caught on fire after it was hit by an Iranian drone strike. Trump and Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow the government. Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that missiles were fired towards Cyprus, narrowly missing British troops. The 'Red Flag of Revenge' was raised in Iran following the death of the Supreme Leader. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the killing of Khamenei a 'cynical murder'. Iran launched ballistic missiles towards a US aircraft carrier, before US military confirmed they 'did not even come close'. It was revealed that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has also been killed in airstrikes. Three civilians have been killed in Dubai as Iran's missile and suicide drone bombardment of the Middle East continues following the death of its Supreme Leader. The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats - and three American troops have been confirmed dead. The Iranian regime vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history', with 'force' its enemies 'have never experienced before'. At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit yesterday, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates today. Two further rounds of blasts echoed around Dubai this morning, with the most recent reported just before 12pm GMT. In the Bahrain city of Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was damaged by a suicide drone, and Iranian missiles have also been hitting Tel Aviv - with at least ten people confirmed to have been killed in Israel. There has also been a death in Kuwait. Smoke rises from Dubai International Airport this morning as Emirates planes remain grounded Dramatic footage showed an interception near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building Luisa Zissman has said she was forced to retreat to her basement in Dubai after hearing four massive explosions while out at the park with her children Senior regime figure Ali Larijani, who is expected to take over from the assassinated Ayatollah, led the calls to intensify revenge attacks on Israel and the West today. The revenge strikes follow confirmation from Iran that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by the joint US-Israeli strikes, along with four of his family members and at least two high-level military leaders. Celebrities such as Luisa Zissman joined a group of terrified celebrities including Petra Ecclestone and Arabella Chi sharing updates from the missile strikes in Dubai. The TV personality, 38, is among a group of influencers and reality stars who have moved to the UAE and are keeping fans updated on the situation, after Iranian air strikes began on the famous Palm Jumeirah this weekend. Luisa said she was having to keep her children entertained indoors after fleeing the park due to the noise of explosions. Luisa, who is mother to Dixie, 16, Indigo, 10, and Clementine, nine, was forced to retreat to her basement in Dubai after hearing four explosions while out with her children today. She said: 'So surreal and scary. I do have faith that UAE defence will keep us all safe.' In the last few hours, residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, also reported hearing several loud bangs. Explosions have been heard for a second day across the Middle East though most missiles and drones have been downed by air defences. Iran claimed to have struck 27 US bases in the region, but has also hit a range of other sites including residential tower blocks and luxury hotels. Yesterday in Dubai, Iranian suicide drones hit landmark hotel the Palm Jumeirah, injuring four people, as well as the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, sparking panic among tourists. Dubai's iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab was ablaze following Iranian attacks The Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai was engulfed in flames yesterday after being hit, with four people injured The Crowne Plaza Manama in Bahrain smoulders after coming under Iranian attack The government of the UAE - which runs Dubai and the six other Emirate states - confirmed that three people have been killed by Iran's strikes and 58 more injured. The state confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences had fallen onto two homes in the city, injuring two people, and also caused a fire at the major Jebel Ali port. Further videos overnight showed panic in a smoke-filled, debris-strewn terminal at Dubai Airport, which has been evacuated after four members of staff were injured. A post on X read: 'Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained.' Nearly 6,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide and almost 30,000 delayed since conflict erupted across the Middle East. The UAE's Ministry of Defence said that, as of this afternoon, it had shot down 152 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 506 drones. A handful of attacks have successfully breached defences and hit their mark. Dramatic footage showed a fireball in the sky near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as a weapon was intercepted. Iran also launched two missiles towards British military bases in Cyprus, Defence Secretary John Healey said this morning. However, the Cypriot government later denied that any missies had been heading towards it. Mr Healey warned that Iranian missile commanders are 'increasingly allowed to choose their own targets' as Tehran loses its 'command and control'. This afternoon, Iran targeted one of America's two aircraft carriers that have been dispatched to the region, the USS Abraham Lincoln. State media declared it had been 'struck by four ballistic missiles'. USS Central Command denied this, however, insisting the missiles 'didn't even come close'. Smoke billows from the Abu Dhabi port, where there is a French naval base Flames and a black plume of smoke rise from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah City in the UAE, following reports of Iranian strikes The aftermath of an Iranian rocket hitting Beit Shemesh in Israel, where nine people were killed The Crowne Plaza hotel in Bahrain was engulfed in thick smoke this morning, with its owners reporting it had suffered an 'incident' but that all guests and staff were safe. Bahrains air defences responded overnight to 'hostile Iranian missile attacks', intercepting at least 45 missiles and nine drones, state media reported this morning. Separately, the US military said that three service people have been killed in action, and a further five seriously injured, as part of Operation Epic Fury - as it has coined the campaign. An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Musandam in Oman, according to the country's maritime security center, injuring four people and forcing the entire 20-strong crew to evacuate. Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most vital oil shipping lanes that connects the major Gulf producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the UAE, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At least 150 tankers are waiting to travel through it. At least ten people have been killed in Israel by the Iranian strikes. Nine people were killed in a missile strike on the northern town of Beit Shemesh, the Israeli ambulance service said today. One person was killed and seven injured in an attack on Abu Dhabi's Zayed airport, while thick black smoke has been seen rising from the Erbil Airport in Iraq. One person was also killed in Kuwait. The Starlight oil tanker burns off the coast of Oman after a reported drone attack by Iran amid reprisals for Khamenei's death Thick black smoke billows from the Jebel Ali port in Dubai after it was struck by falling debris Reports from Doha, Qatar's capital, say that several loud explosions were heard at 7:30 this morning local time, while the government said 16 people had been injured. The airspace over the Middle East remains almost completely empty, with most of the airports closed to all traffic. Around 20,000 flights have so far been delayed or cancelled. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned Britons in several Middle East countries to 'immediately shelter in place' and to avoid travel to Israel and Palestine. 'Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,' it advised, adding it was 'working around the clock' to support British nationals affected. Today's continued bombardment around the Middle East comes as Iran confirmed the death of the Ayatollah after hours of denial. Khamenei, 86, was killed in the airstrike after Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs on the Supreme Leader's compound. Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump were reportedly shown an image of Khamenei's body after it was recovered from his compound. More information emerged today about his death, with confirmation the decisive blow was dealt by the Israeli Air Force, working on intelligence from the IDF. The IDF said today it had killed 40 'key' Iranian military commanders within a minute of blitzing Khamenei's compound. His death comes after nearly 37 years as the Islamic Republic's leader - sending the regime into meltdown and destabilizing the Gulf. As well as Khamenei's four family members, two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour - were also obliterated in the strikes on Saturday morning. This morning, Iran's deputy foreign minister said that Trump has crossed a 'very dangerous red line'. A fireball explosion erupts from a building in Manama, Bahrain, after an Iranian drone attack Saeed Khatibzadeh told CNN: 'Of course, from a religious aspect, he was a great religious leader, so many of Shiite followers across the region and around the world are going to react to that, and this is very obvious because President Trump passed a very dangerous red line.' Ali Larijani, currently the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council but touted as Khamenei's successor, wrote on X: 'Yesterday Iran fired missiles at the United States and Israel, and they did hurt. 'Today, we will hit them with a force that they have never experience before.' Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, appeared on state TV this afternoon to declare that the country is 'crushing enemy's bases'. And the so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge' was raised over the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, the world's third-largest mosque. Iranian media reported that at least 153 girls had been killed when a primary school was struck yesterday, and that 57 people have been killed in Tehran. It said the capital has been hit by 60 attacks in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Israel announced it had carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iran and struck the 'heart' of the capital. A statement from the IDF said: 'For the first time since the start of Operation "Roaring Lion", the IAF [Israeli Air Force] is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. 'Over the past day, the Israeli Air force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran.' Israeli also claimed today that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had been killed. Trump, meanwhile, promised to strike Iran with 'a force that has never been seen before', after it boasted of the number of US bases hit. The president posed on Truth Social: 'Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!' Iranian state media initially denied the Supreme Leader had been killed on Saturday but later confirmed his death, saying they would be undergoing 40 days of mourning. During the official announcement of Khamenei's death on Iranian state news, the anchor wore black and stifled tears as he read a statement from the National Supreme Council. The Council described Khamenei as a revered religious Islamic figure, and said his 'long dream of martyrdom became true'. It was noted that Khamenei was killed during the month of Ramadan. According to the statement, Iranians were mourning the leader's death, and enemies of the country should note that 'martyrdom will spark a massive uprising in the fight against oppressors'. However, there have also been Iranians taking to the streets in large numbers to rejoice the decapitation of the regime that has for decades ruled over them with an iron fist. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in joint US and Israeli strikes yesterday It has been deeply unpopular among many for the way it has enforced strict religious law, clamped down violently on dissent, and made Iran a pariah on the world stage. There has been no official update about the resumption of American strikes in Iran today - but it was revealed that an Iranian naval ship was sunk by US military strikes yesterday. Prime minister Keir Starmer said yesterday that the UK was not involved in the strikes against Iran, but that RAF planes were in the sky in a 'defensive' capacity. He condemned Iran's lashing out at the region, and urged both sides to avoid 'further escalation'. In a statement, the so-called 'E3' leaders condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes against Gulf states following the US and Israeli attacks. But the Prime Minister, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz pointedly noted how they 'did not participate' in the US-led 'Operation Epic Fury'. They also called for the Iranian regime 'to seek a negotiated solution'. On Sunday, Labour's John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Mr Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran. The Defence Secretary refused six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action - or if the Government considered the action to be legal. Mr Healey declined to give a direct answer on whether Britain backed the US and Israeli action. This is despite Mr Trump's assault on Tehran having being endorsed by other 'Five Eyes' allies, such as Australia and Canada. The Defence Secretary instead only pointed to how Britain 'played no part' in the strikes on Iran and said it was up to America to 'set out the legal basis of the action that it took'. Satellite imagery shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound Mr Healey also dodged on whether the UK had refused the US permission to use British military bases, such as Diego Garcia, to strike Iran. But he said 'few people would mourn' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in the US-Israeli strikes. He also said Britain shared the 'primary aim' that Iran 'should never have a nuclear weapon'. Elsewhere, Vladimir Putin made his first comments about the killing of the Supreme Leader, which he called a 'cynical murder'. The Russian president said: 'Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.' In Pakistan, at least nine people died during protests over Khamenei's death. Demonstrators clashed with the authorities in Karachi, where tear gas shells and baton charges were deployed. Donald Trump is facing open rebellion from Republicans after three US troops were killed in his war against Iran. The president's top United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz issued a bizarre statement after the US casualties were announced: 'Freedom is never free.' US Central Command said on Sunday morning that three Americans troops had been killed and several other servicemembers were injured. 'The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,' the announcement read. A US official told media outlets that the war with Iran is now expected to last weeks, but Trump has not provided a clear timeline on the matter. He later told CNBC on Sunday that the operation against Iran is 'ahead of schedule.' Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has responded by launching a barrage of attacks against US military bases across the Middle East. Republicans are also beginning to turn on the president's war agenda as US casualties continue to climb. Longtime Trump supporters are bashing him for running on a campaign to end military conflicts in the Middle East. 'This was absolutely unnecessary and is unacceptable,' Marjorie Taylor Greene said on X. 'Trump, Vance, Tulsi, and all of us campaigned on no more foreign wars and regime change. Now, America soldiers are dead.' Representative Thomas Massie, who has long called out the administration for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, wrote, 'PSA: Bombing a country on the other side of the globe wont make the Epstein files go away, any more than the Dow going above 50,000 will.' Three American troops died and several others were injured after Trump killed Iran's Supreme Leader this weekend Trump's ambassador gave a bizarre reaction after the first American troops died from president's war with Iran Smoke rises from Dubai after Iran fired retaliatory strikes against US bases and Gulf allies Trump launched 'Operation Epic Fury' in the early hours of Saturday morning, killing Iran's top leadership Gulf states have been hit by Iranian drones and missiles following the death of their supreme leader Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded Congress unite to restrict Trump's war powers. 'Heartbroken by the loss of life of multiple service members in the Middle East,' Jeffries said. 'No more American heroes need to die because of a reckless decision to go to war.' 'Congress must act this week to restrain this President.' Republican Senator Lindsey Graham meanwhile called on Trump to double down on regime change in Iran following the death of three US troops. 'To make sure that our service members do not sacrifice in vain, we must finish the job,' he wrote on X. 'The cause of taking down the largest state sponsor of terrorism, the regime in Iran, is a noble cause and it must be completed. The worst thing that can happen for our military members is for their sacrifice not to count.' 'Its imperative we finish the job and sink the mothership of terrorism, the Iranian regime, forever.' Other top conservative figures have condemned Trump's Middle East war, including conservative podcasting titan Tucker Carlson. Carlson called Trump's decision to embroil the US in a war 'evil and disgusting.' The former Fox News host famously campaigned for Trump during the 2024 election. This morning Iran raised its so-called 'Red Flag of Revenge' and vowed to hit the US and Israel with a 'force never experienced before'. Trump addressed the American people on camera from his Mar-a-Lago estate shortly after the military strikes began on Saturday morning. The president warned that US troops could lose their lives in the operation, adding that 'we may have casualties.' Join the debate Has President Trump broken his promise to end foreign wars? The president warned that US troops could lose their lives in the operation, adding that 'we may have casualties' The blowback Trump is facing from conservative allies and Republican lawmakers may have legacy-altering consequences on the president. Trump famously ran on ending 'forever wars' in the Middle East and not allowing the US to become entangled in military conflicts abroad. Donald Trump was warned that America's stockpile of missiles and interceptors could run dry if his war in Iran is prolonged, sources say. Military insiders said Trump was cautioned that an extensive, resource-draining war in Iran could put US targets at risk if Iranian missile and drone capabilities are not destroyed quickly, per the Wall Street Journal. The outlet cited current and former military officials who said the US missile stockpile - including air defense interceptors and Tomahawk cruise missiles - has been eaten away by conflicts with Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The strikes launched on Saturday started a race against time to destroy Iran's missile force before the US runs out of interceptors to fend off retaliatory strikes, insiders warned. The precise size of the US missile and interceptors stockpile is classified, however the warnings over their numbers comes after the US launched a huge barrage of strikes on targets in Tehran and other Iranian cities. A senior official reportedly said Trump's decision to launch strikes first was because he hoped to debilitate Iran's ability to use its missiles and drones to hit back. Trump indicated in a call with the Daily Mail on Sunday that he believes the conflict could last as long as a month, and said on Truth Social on Saturday that it will 'continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD.' The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has thrown the conflict into chaos, with sources telling the Associated Press on Sunday that Iran's leadership is 'open' to negotiations. Your browser does not support iframes. President Trump was warned that the US military's stockpile of missiles and interceptors could run dry if his war in Iran is prolonged for an extended period of time, sources say With next steps uncertain, US forces said their efforts to block Iranian strikes had been largely successful, although some strikes got through defenses in neighboring nations. Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center think tank who used to teach at the Air Command and Staff College, told the Wall Street Journal that with more strikes and interceptions likely, the size of the US stockpile may become a factor. 'One of the challenges is you can deplete these really quickly,' Greico said. 'We're using them faster than we can replace them.' Among the most vital pieces of weaponry in the US arsenal is the Thaad antimissile system, which are stationed across the globe to monitor and track potential incoming fire. Military insiders said keeping stocks of the Thaad's weaponry high is vital, with the systems also set up outside of the Middle East such as in South Korea and Guam, to deter North Korea and China. Replacing the military's stocks of Patriot and Standard Missile (SM) weapons has also taken priority amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East, with only the SM-3 missiles able to intercept ballistic missiles above the Earth's atmosphere. The Journal reported that generals are concerned about the US stockpiles beyond just air-defense interceptors, as the US is also quickly using its supplies of Tomahawk cruise missiles and aircraft-launched weapons. Becca Wasser, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told the outlet that the Trump administration has used weaponry at a high rate in the past year, including the use of long-range precision weapons against Yemen-based Houthi militants. Among the most vital pieces of weaponry in the US arsenal is the Thaad antimissile system, which are stationed across the globe to monitor and track pontial incoming missiles Iran retaliated to the US and Israeli strikes with a barrage of missiles at neighboring nations - some of which broke through air defense systems (seen in Dubai) 'The Trump administration has fired TLAMs (Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles) at an extraordinary rate in operations around the globe, in the Middle East against Iran and the Houthis as well as in Nigeria on Christmas Day,' Wasser said. The military expert said the US will be looking at potential future wars as it chooses how to use munitions in Iran, as she cited the chance of a war with China. TLAMs are powerful missiles capable of devastating infrastructure. 'When we wargame, TLAMs are some of the first munitions to go within that first week of a U.S.-China conflict,' she said. It comes as the US Central Command said Sunday that three US servicemen had been killed in the strikes on Iran. In an exclusive phone interview with the Daily Mail, Trump broke his silence on the deaths and paid tribute to the victims as 'great people.' 'And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous - it could happen again,' Trump added. Trump acknowledged that the three casualties were the first in his second term, as the January capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the June bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities were pulled off without a single American death. 'We've done pretty well,' he noted, adding, 'But they're great people, with outstanding records, outstanding.' Trump also revealed a potential timeline for the war with Iran - suggesting fighting could go on for the next four weeks. 'It's always been a four week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less,' the President explained. Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Progressive House Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar have waged their own war amid President Donald Trump's strikes on Iran. As the death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was announced Saturday, Mace posted her condolences on X. But she included a blatant dig at Omar as well as fellow progressive 'Squad' member Rashida Tlaib, sending them 'thoughts and prayers' in the wake of his assassination. Omar has branded Trump's strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of Khamenei and over 48 other top military leaders, as 'an illegal regime change war.' And Tlaib stated that Trump cannot 'free' people by killing them and destroying their country.' 'The Iranian people have bled for their freedom. Their cries did not fall on deaf ears. Not on Trump's watch,' Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, observed. Replying to Mace's 'thoughts and prayers' attack, Omar fired back: 'I hope you aren't drunk and took your staff's advice, Rashida and I don't know this man and feel confident he didn't care about us.' 'Please restrain from drinking too much as you have been warned from your staff and stay off social media when you are drunk,' Omar went on. Omar and Tlaib shout at U.S. President Donald Trump as he delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the US Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC 'I pray in his holy month you find peace and respect for yourself,' Omar added. Mace jabbed back with two additional attacks, one over Omar's grammar in the post, misspelling of 'restrain' and one even more personal. 'Honey, it's 'please refrain' not 'please restrain.' This is what happens when your staff is from the Third World and can't speak proper English,' Mace hit back. Mace also asked Omar, 'So tell me, what was it like being married to your brother?' Allegations that Omar married her brother have dogged her since she first entered Congress - claims she has repeatedly and forcefully denied as 'absurd and offensive.' No court, federal prosecutor or credible investigation has substantiated them. If ever proven true, she would have committed federal marriage fraud. Omar was born in Somalia and came to the US in 1995. She became a naturalized citizen, though the precise date has not been independently confirmed. In 2002, Omar entered into an Islamic ceremony with Ahmed Hirsi, the father of her children, though the couple never completed the civil marriage process and were not legally wed. By 2008, the relationship had ended. In 2009, she legally married Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, a British citizen. That marriage ended in 2011 when the couple separated and divorced. Omar has been married to political consultant Tim Mynett since 2020, after divorcing Elmi in 2017. Mace on on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Wednesday January 21, 2026 Mace and Omar exchanged jabs on X following the joint US/Israel strikes on Iran Mace has also asked the House Intelligence Committee to look into Omar's immigration records. It is not the first time the South Carolinian's alleged drinking habits have been brought up publicly. Numerous former members of Team Mace who spoke with New York Magazine earlier this year shared their nightmarish experiences of working for her. 'Look, when I worked for her, our poor scheduler was getting calls at two o'clock in the morning to bring her bottles of tequila,' one former staffer told the NY Mag. Alcohol was not the only substance Mace allegedly used, with multiple staffers also noting her cannabis use, described by some as 'excessive.' Another staffer claims they were allegedly instructed by Mace to look up forums on the social media site Reddit that ranked the 'hottest women in Congress' and to raise her standing with comments and 'upvotes.' After the publication of the New York Magazine story, Mace took to social media to say that she has a gene that prevents her from drinking, an assertion that was rebuked by a number of her colleagues, as well as a slew of photos and videos she has posted on social media over the last few years. Mace is seen here in an undated photograph in a swimsuit and with a glass in her hand On Sunday morning, the US military confirmed that three American servicemembers have been killed and five more wounded in the Operation, known as 'Epic Fury.' About 40 other members of Khamenei's regime were killed alongside the Supreme Leader in the strike. Iran's supreme leader was killed in an attack on his compound that also left 40 top officials of the regime dead. A satellite image shows smoke rising from the compound following the attack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that strikes in Iran would continue 'as long as necessary.' One of those strikes in Tehran is pictured from a video released by the Israeli Army on Sunday Iran's supreme leader was killed in an attack on his compound that also left 40 top officials of the regime dead. A satellite image shows smoke rising from the compound following the attack The strike, which was carried out by joint US-Israel operations, took advantage of months of intelligence gathering by the CIA, which learned that a meeting of top Iranian officials would be taking place in Tehran, the country's capital. After the initial salvo of missiles, Iran swiftly retaliated and fired back at US bases in the Middle East, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE and Jordan. The country also fired missiles at Israel, where the death toll near Jerusalem rose to at least eight as of Sunday morning. 'The most important one has been killed. The biggest dictator. Almost everyone thinks that [they are bluffing] but still we have to see.' This is the defiant battle cry echoing through Iran's populace today, as captured through exclusive conversations between regular Iranians and the Daily Mail. They are dismissing the Revolutionary Guards' boastful claims that they remain firmly in control as nothing more than 'desperate propaganda.' 'They are still hiding in the shadows,' one Iranian told the Daily Mail. 'What's left of them, that is. We have not seen them. Are they afraid of us? Good. They should be.' Following the staggering US and Israeli military strikes that eliminated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the iron-fisted regime that has choked the nation for decades appears to be collapsing from the inside out. Beyond the death of Khamenei, reports confirm the elimination of the regime's top military brass, including Chief of the General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and the IRGC's Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour. Even Ali Shamkhani, the veteran architect of Iran's regional influence, was reportedly lost in the collapse. What remains is a fractured 'Provisional Leadership Council.' This interim body is led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, who has been named Interim Supreme Leader and Ali Larijani. While Larijani is not a cleric (and thus ineligible to be Supreme Leader), he has emerged as the de facto 'security chief' trying to hold the IRGC together and manage the retaliation strategy. US and Israeli military strikes eliminated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Smoke plumes rise following missile strikes in Tehran on March 1 The death of Khamenei sparked protests by government supporters While state media and surviving regime loyalists broadcast messages of strength, claiming the 'old guard' will maintain its grip on power, ordinary Iranians aren't buying it, pointing to what they are seeing now on the streets. Through secure, firsthand messages transmitted out of the country, a vastly different picture is emerging: one of a military hiding in the shadows for the time being, and a populace tasting true freedom for the first time in generations. The reality on the ground is a volatile mix of targeted destruction and overwhelming, unbridled joy. One local in Tehran, detailing the precision of the strikes that decapitated the regime's leadership, shared a gripping account of the chaos. 'They were so happy. All in [the] streets and happy that Trump killed Khamenei,' one citizen revealed, capturing the dizzying mood of a nation. As the smoke cleared from the compounds of the political elite, fear among the populace was rapidly replaced by staggering scenes of celebration. Decades of brutal oppression, enforced modesty and economic ruin culminated in an outpouring of relief directed at the West. Mourning the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from reported U.S.-Israeli strikes, regime supporters also rallied in Tehran and Yazd with chants condemning America and Israel. In Tehran and other major cities, stateorganized rallies and protests have featured antiUS and antiIsrael chants, with Khamenei supporters yelling the 'Death to America.' 'Now no one believes them. The most important one has been killed. The biggest dictator. Almost every one thinks that [they are bluffing] but still we have to see,' one Iranian tells the Daily Mail 'They were so happy. All in streets and happy that Trump killed Khamenei,' one citizen revealed 'The Iranian regime's security forces, most notably the IRGC's Tharallah Headquarters, represent the primary obstacle facing brave Iranians striving to dismantle the Ayatollah-led dictatorship,' Dr Saeid Golkar, Senior Advisor at UANI, explained back in January when the protests in Iran first broke out Pictured: a masked demonstrator holds a photo of Reza Pahlavi on January 9 Still, despite the regime's notorious history of cutting off communication to the outside world during times of crisis, cracks in the digital firewall have allowed extraordinary glimpses to slip through. Videos captured by Iranians show dancing, cheering and even reportedly underground partying across major cities. 'Khamenei is dead. Can you believe? We are dancing. Thanks Trump! We are fine. Suddenly my internet got connected,' another Iranian shared, highlighting how the crumbling of the regime's control is happening in real-time. The brutal enforcers of the regime's morality police are reportedly nowhere to be seen, leaving the streets to the people. 'My friend just texted me. People are shouting and cheering from their homes. The whole Tehran is like this,' read another message. Now, the world watches with bated breath as the Iranian people stand on the precipice of history. With the regime's ultimate authority gone and the military's bluff seemingly called, the focus is shifting to what comes nextand who will guide the nation out of confusion. For many of the citizens organizing on the ground, eyes are turned toward the exiled crown prince who has pledged to lead a transition to democracy. On Sunday, Reza Pahlavi made his pitch to lead the country, telling Fox News that he has 'the support of millions of Iranian people' and 'a plan of action and a transition plan.' Pahlavi, 65, has been living in exile in the US since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which saw his father ousted from power. Decades of brutal oppression, enforced modesty and economic ruin culminated in an outpouring of relief directed at the West Messages exchanged with Iranians show the joy and relief many feel at the news of the Supreme Leader's death For many of the citizens organizing on the ground, eyes are reportedly turned toward the exiled Crown Prince who has pledged to lead a transition to democracy Reza Pahlavi is pictured addressing supporters in February On Sunday, Reza Pahlavi made his pitch to lead the country, telling Fox News that he has 'he support of millions of Iranian people' As one local firmly declared: 'If Reza Pahlavi makes an announcement that people should take over the streets and the environment is safe, people would act immediately just like the last time he did... I actually think he is the only real opposition leader in Iran and also for the Iranians outside.' Senior regime figure Ali Larijani, who is expected to take over from the assassinated Ayatollah, led the calls to intensify revenge attacks on Israel and the West today. In addition to Khamenei, the IDF claimed it had killed 40 'key' Iranian military commanders within a minute of blitzing Khamenei's compound, and Trump said this afternoon 48 Iranian leaders had been killed in all. Khamenei's death comes after nearly 37 years as the Islamic Republic's leader - sending the regime into meltdown and destabilizing the Gulf. For now, a three-member transitional council has been set up to handle state duties. As Iran woke up to a new dawn, three civilians were killed as the regime continued to bombard Dubai with missiles and suicide drones following the death of its Supreme Leader, with numerous other targets hit around the Middle East. The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats - and three American troops have been confirmed dead. At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit yesterday, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates today. The Iranian regime has vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history', with 'force' its enemies 'have never experienced before', but Trump revealed he had agreed to talks with the new leadership. Eight months ago, Donald Trump attempted to irrevocably alter the Iranian regime by targeting its shadowy nuclear infrastructure. For a brief window, as smoke cleared over the Islamic Republic's major sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, there were hopes inside the international community the threat had been largely eliminated. Now after a second round of strikes - which shifted from broad infrastructure hits to surgical 'decapitation' missions of Iranian leadership and missiles sites - it has become starkly clear that while the Iranian nuclear program was fractured, its technical heart proved resilient. Intelligence gathered in the months after the initial strikes revealed a regime in quiet, desperate reconstruction, determined to breathe life back into a program Trump said was obliterated. The Daily Mail exposed Iranian 'chillers' - sophisticated industrial equipment essential for cooling uranium - being frantically moved back into fortified underground positions as early as September 2025. Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, a short technical step from the weaponsgrade level of 90 percent, making it the only nonweapons state to do so. Senior officials had grown increasingly brazen in hinting the Islamic Republic might seek the bomb - even as their diplomats cited the Supreme Leader's religious edict against building one. Andrea Stricker, Deputy Director and Research Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, is unsparing in her assessment. 'Iran was about six months from being able to fabricate a crude nuclear device,' she says. 'The strikes in June created major bottlenecks in the regime's capability to build nuclear weapons.' This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Jan. 28, 2026 This file photo released November 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, shows centrifuge machines in the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in central Iran For a brief window, as smoke cleared over the Islamic Republic's major sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, there were hopes inside the international community the threat had been largely eliminated Yet one prize escaped the bombardment entirely. Recent activity has centred on a possible new enrichment site near Natanz, known as Pickaxe Mountain, about one mile from Natanz and a threehour drive from the capital and it represents Iran's next generation of defiance: a fortress built specifically to withstand the very munitions that decimated the rest of its nuclear map. There is no indication that US or Israeli forces struck Pickaxe Mountain during its wave of attacks this weekend. 'The site is more deeply buried than Fordow and may require bunkerbuster strikes or commando raids to destroy,' Stricker warns. Eventually, failed negotiations triggered a second wave of military action dubbed Operation Epic Fury, launched early Saturday morning. Jason Brodsky, Policy Director at United Against Nuclear Iran, says the new campaign became inevitable after Washington detected Iran moving to reconstitute its enrichment programme. 'Its domestic enrichment program has been effectively suspended after Operation Midnight Hammer,' Brodsky explains. 'However, the regime still maintains the ability to rebuild, and the US. detected it preparing to do exactly that which provides a pathway to nuclear weapons. President Trump had warned the Iranian regime against doing so. It went ahead anyway.' A critical and telling shift in the current campaign has been the targeting of the programme's architects. While the opening phases focused on broad military infrastructure, strategy has pivoted toward decapitating the nuclear leadership. 'Iran has paid a very heavy price for its peaceful nuclear programme and for uranium enrichment,' Abbas Araghchi told a forum in Tehran earlier this month Iran's former president Hassan Rouhani is seen inspecting nuclear facility components in 2021 Satellite imagery shows repair and reconstruction activity at the Natanz nuclear complex months after reported June 2025 airstrikes Israel reportedly assassinated three senior officials connected to the program among them Ali Shamkhani, top security adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with two others who worked at SPND, the headquarters of Iran's nuclear weapons effort. But experts are clear: as long as key facilities remain standing, the threat is not finished. Pickaxe Mountain looms large. 'It's a key facility that remained untouched during Operation Midnight Hammer,' says Brodsky. 'I would not be surprised to see it on the target list this time. It represents the regime's last major hope for a hardened, undetectable enrichment capability operating outside the reach of conventional air power.' Stricker warns that as the regime begins to fray under the pressure of Operation Epic Fury, enormous responsibilities will fall to the coalition. 'It will be imperative for the US to ensure security of Iran's nuclear materials, sites and radioactive sources against theft or threats to local and regional populations,' she says. News / National by Thobekile Zhou Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa has hinted that he is in the dark over civil servants' July pay dates.The military which is traditionally paid on the 14th of each month was not paid last week.The Government delayed paying civil servants their June salaries, citing cash flow constraints, resulting in some of the workers downing tools last week.According to media reports from Kigali, Rwanda where Chinamasa is currently at, he couldn't say whether the government has money to pay salaries due at the end of July."We have to work frantically to raise the money for salaries for July and for subsequent months," he is quoted saying.Civil servants representatives and the Government where expected to meet today in Harare to discuss pay dates and modalities for July salaries. President Donald Trump boasted on Sunday that 48 Iranian leaders had been wiped out 'in one shot' after confirming to the world Saturday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead. He also said in a Truth Social post that US forces 'destroyed and sunk' nine Iranian Navy ships. 'We are going after the rest - They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!' Trump wrote. At the same time, Trump said he's 'agreed' to talk to the country's potential new leadership. Iranian officials created a transitional counsel in the wake of Khamenei's death Trump made the boast about the US killing dozens of top Iranian leaders on a phone call with Fox News Channel's Jacqui Heinrich, also telling the reporter that he knows how many targets are left to hit. The President additionally said that Operation Epic Fury is moving along 'rapidly.' Trump told the Atlantic Sunday morning that new talks could be coming soon. President Donald Trump announced the Iran strikes overnight Saturday. On Sunday he boasted that 48 leaders of the oppressive Iranian regime had been killed A handout satellite images shows flattened buildings at the compound of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. President Donald Trump announced the death of Khamenie Saturday 'They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,' the President said. 'They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long.' Trump wouldn't reveal when new talks might take place. 'I can't tell you that,' he told the Atlantic. He noted that some of the members of the Iranian regime who were part of the negotiations had been killed in the strikes. 'Most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big - that was a big hit,' he said. 'They should have done it sooner... They could have made a deal. They should've done it sooner. They played too cute.' Trump had previously told Axios that he had several 'off ramps' for the Iranians to take if leaders of the regime decided to get back to the negotiating table. The President has said repeatedly the Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. Early Saturday morning, US and Israeli forces unleashed a torrid of attacks on Iran, with the Islamic regime retaliating by sending missiles and drones toward Israel and at a number of Arab partners of the US - including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed Saturday, President Donald Trump confirmed leading to a vacuum in leadership of the oppressive Iranian regime Smoke rises over Tehran after the second consecutive day of strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets Smoke rises in Tehran following an explosion after the first round of Saturday morning on the Iranian regime, with US and Israeli forces both involved in the attack Trump ordered the strikes from Mar-a-Lago Saturday after nuclear negotiations led by envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner had broken down. The Iranians also targeted Saudi Arabia, which doesn't have diplomatic relations with Israel, but whose leadership is close to Trump and Kushner. On Sunday, CNN reported that Saudi Arabia planned to attack Iran if the kingdom was targeted a second time. Iran-linked fighters attacked an American base in Iraq. And the Iranian regime went after targets in Oman - the country that has served as a mediator during the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said Sunday that the USS Abraham Lincoln had been struck, with the claims going out on Iranian state media. The US military refuted those claims, saying the Iranian missiles 'didn't even come close.' Three American servicemembers have been killed in the fighting. Trump's previous second term military forays - the attack on the trio of Iranian nuclear sites in June and the capture of Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro - did not lead to any American casualties. But Trump warned in his overnight message on Saturday, announcing Operation Epic Fury was taking place, that American lives could be lost. The President has carried out the largest military operation of both terms from Florida but is expected to return to Washington, D.C. Sunday night. He's talked to reporters by phone but has held no public events since his speech Friday in Corpus Christi, Texas and a stop at a Whataburger chain restaurant. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that he planned to stop by a MAGA Inc. fundraiser Saturday night being held at Mar-a-Lago, but that event was private. Senior administration officials were absent from the Sunday shows. The stigma around mental health issues caused by the menopause is stopping women from approaching their doctors, employers, and friends and family for support, according to TV presenter Davina McCall. The 58-year-old has backed a Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) call for action to improve the understanding of the link between menopause and mental health across society. RCPsych wants improved policies in the healthcare system and workplaces which are designed by women who have experienced problems. It comes as a poll of more than 2,000 UK adults, conducted by YouGov for the college, found around one in five (22 per cent) would feel uncomfortable talking to a male healthcare worker about menopause, compared to 9 per cent who said they would feel uncomfortable talking to a female professional. Just 28 per cent of women surveyed said they would feel comfortable talking to a male boss and almost half (43 per cent) said they would feel uncomfortable speaking to a close male family member. Around one in four (28 per cent) women said they think a new mental illness can be linked to menopause, according to the poll, compared to 93 per cent who associated menopause with hot flushes. McCall, who is an RCPsych honorary fellow, said: Some women sail through the menopause unscathed. But some dont, and the impact on their mental health can be devastating and have a huge impact on their lives and their relationships. Davina McCall has warned the stigma around mental health issues caused by the menopause is stopping women from approaching their doctors, employers, and friends and family for support Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations between doctors and patients, in the workplace and among friends and family, leaving women without the crucial support they need at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives. And its just not acceptable. Why are women still fighting to be heard? Together, we must make the link between mental health and menopause known across society, among health professionals, NHS, government, members of the public and employers, to improve the policies, care and support provided for all women experiencing menopause. Menopause happens when periods stop because of lower hormone levels, and usually takes place between the ages of 45 and 55. The transitional phase, known as perimenopause, can last for years before a womans final period, causing symptoms such as hot flushes. However, these hormonal changes can also impact mental health, causing anxiety, depression, forgetfulness and irritability. Dr Lade Smith, RCPsych president, said: Menopause can have a significant yet often overlooked impact on womens mental health and wellbeing. Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said society must do more to support women going through the menopause 'Women account for 51 per cent of the population, and all will experience menopause at some point. This is a societal issue for everyone. Simply put, we must do better. This position statement sets out urgent action that must be taken across society to improve understanding and awareness of the relationship between menopause and mental health in healthcare settings, in workplaces and in everyday life. Now is the time to listen to womens experiences, ensure that support for women going through menopause is personalised to each individual, and women are empowered to make informed choices. A new poll paints a bleak picture of public support for Operation Epic Fury: just 27 percent of American adults approve of the US strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader. The Reuters/Ipsos survey, which published Sunday, found 43 percent disapprove and 29 percent are undecided. The poll also found that about half of Americans believe the president is too willing to use military force to advance U.S. interests. Overall, 56 percent of those surveyed said Trump's readiness to deploy military power is excessive. Views on Trump's use of force broke sharply along partisan lines, with a vast majority of Democrats - 83 percent - stating the president is too quick to resort to military action, according to the poll. Among Republicans, just 23 percent expressed the same concern, and 60 percent of independents shared that view. The survey, conducted online with 1,282 U.S. adults nationwide, had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. About nine in ten respondents said they had heard at least a little about the strikes, which began early Saturday morning and have resulted in at least three American casualties. In a Sunday interview with the Daily Mail, Trump projected that the war would take 4 weeks. Despite initial rounds of praise from Capitol Hill Republicans, the Trump administration is now facing increased scrutiny for the attacks after news broke Sunday of US troop casualties and injuries. Plumes of smoke rise over the residential areas of the Iranian capital following airstrikes amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks as multiple explosions are heard across the city in Tehran, Iran on March 1, 2026 Supporters of regime change in Iran demonstrate in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, on March 1st 2026. The group supports military action by the United States and Israel against Iran Longtime Trump supporters are now bashing him for running on a campaign to end military conflicts in the Middle East, while some historically vocal anti-war voices, including Trump's past self, now cheer the actions on. 'This was absolutely unnecessary and is unacceptable,' former US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned from her seat last month, said on X. 'Trump, Vance, Tulsi, and all of us campaigned on no more foreign wars and regime change. Now, America soldiers are dead,' Greene noted. Representative Thomas Massie, a libertarian Republican who has not been afraid to blast the Trump administration when he disagrees with them and has also been a lead advocate for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, wrote, 'PSA: Bombing a country on the other side of the globe won't make the Epstein files go away, any more than the Dow going above 50,000 will.' Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence who ran a presidential campaign on a platform of avoiding an Iranian war, oversaw the operation from the White House Situation Room alongside Vance, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This photo provided by the White House which has been partially blurred, shows Vice President JD Vance listening with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, left, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, second from left, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, right, in the White House Situation Room during Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, February 28, 2026 In 2019 Gabbard released a fundraising video in 2019 titled 'Trump's Path To War With Iran,' in which she urged voters to 'stop Donald Trump from starting a war with Iran.' Vance, as recently as October of 2024, was against the US going to war in Iran as well. During an appearance on podcaster Tim Dillon's show, Vance noted, 'our interests, I think, very much, are not going to war in Iran.' Vance also noted at the time that the Israelis, as well as the Gulf Arab States, should 'police their own regions in the world.' Numerous statements made by Trump during Barack Obama's presidency, and even during his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, always pinned the possibility of war with Iran on his political opponents. Harris herself rebuked Trump's attack, noting in a statement that she was 'opposed to a regime-change war in Iran,' and 'that troops are being put in harm's way for the sake of Trump's war of choice.' A Scottish father escaped jail despite admitting he forcefully threw his two-week-old daughter to the ground and caused her fatal head injuries. Grant McAuslan told police he felt frustration after being woken by his wife at 11pm to feed the girl and that he whipped her round in his arms. Detectives said that he changed his story and doctors who treated the baby said the injuries were caused by abusive head trauma. But McAuslan claimed that he accidentally let the baby go, causing her to fall 4ft to the hard wooden floor of his house in Hartford, Connecticut. At a U.S. court, the 38-year-old who is originally from Newton Mearns in East Renfrewshire, admitted one count of criminally negligent homicide and got 364 days in prison, suspended. He also admitted the more serious charge of risk of injury to a child and was given ten years in prison, which was also suspended. Had the case gone to trial and McAuslan had been found guilty, he could have been jailed for 20. McAuslan moved to the United States with his wife Courtney, 39, after attending Hutchesons Grammar School and studying law and history at Glasgow University. He worked as a director for an e-commerce company and lived in West Hartford where he and his wife had two children, the newborn and a two-year-old daughter. According to police records obtained by the Scottish Daily Mail through a public records request, on December 3rd 2021, the baby woke up needing feeding at 11pm. Grant McAuslan, pictured with wife Courtney, escaped jail despite admitting he forcefully threw his two-week-old daughter to the ground and caused her fatal head injuries McAuslan initially claimed that he accidentally let the baby go, causing her to fall 4ft to the hard wooden floor of his house in Hartford, Connecticut Courtney woke up her husband to do it as she had a cold and didnt want to make the child sick. She told police that McAuslan got mad because there wasnt a bottle of the right size so she went downstairs to pump more milk. The papers show she described her husband as frustrated. Courtney told police that she heard a bang and ran upstairs to confront McAuslan who initially denied dropping the girl. But seconds later he told her: Sorry, f***, I did. I did drop her. The baby was taken to the Connecticut Childrens Medical Centre but died the next day. Dr Nina Livingston in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit told police that the trauma to the infant victim was consistent with abusive trauma, the documents state. The medic, who wanted to confront McAuslan, believed it was a sign of a larger fall, shaken baby syndrome or another serious trauma. The Medical Examiners office - the US equivalent of a coroner - said that the preliminary cause of death was circumstances pending further investigation but later changed it to blunt impact injury of head with the manner of death as homicide. McAuslan gave two interviews to police while at the hospital and, in the first one, he claimed that he tripped over his own feet and dropped the baby. He told officers: As I turn, I stumbled. I didnt have a good grip and sort of spilled her forward. It was a really bad, bad fall. She hit the ground. Detective Daniel Raywood of the West Hartford Police wrote in his report that later in the interview McAuslan claimed the baby was crying, which contradicted what he had previously said. He wrote: I had asked McAuslan if (the baby) had been crying, yelling or screaming before he went to pick her up. He was adamant (the baby) had not been crying. I had asked this because I wanted to know if there was a possibility that this could have been intentional. After being told that doctors believed the babys injuries were consistent with abuse, McAuslan asked to speak to detectives again to clear my conscience. He told police: The way I explained it was accurate. But the force of which it happened, it was more forceful. There was a little bit of frustration, (I had just) woken up. I went over to the crib, picked her up. And as I turned, it was a whip, and she fell out of my arms. It wasnt so much that she fell to the ground, more that she was forcefully thrown to the ground ...it was a throw to the ground, as it were. Asked what he was trying to accomplish, McAuslan said: When you rock the (baby) sometimes you can get more aggressive. Detective Raywood asked if the act had been intentional and McAuslan denied it saying: Jesus Christ. I swear to God. 100 percent it was pure, this was accidental. I would never hurt my kids intentionally. Ever. This was just a freak accident, a perfect storm for me. It was just horrible, absolutely horrible. In the report the detective said that McAuslan had changed his story from the first hospital interview to the second. The Scot was initially charged with first-degree manslaughter with grave risk of death and risk of injury to a child and pleaded not guilty. He was bailed for $1.25 million, later redacted to $700,000. And he rejected a plea offer from prosecutors of a 10-year prison sentence, suspended after he spends three years in jail. Instead, last August he admitted criminally negligent homicide and risk of injury to a child and got suspended sentences. McAuslan has five years of probation and if he completes that with no incident, he will serve no jail time. It is understood he is now back in the UK. Courtney, prosecutors who worked on the case and McAuslans lawyer did not respond to queries. A Florida woman appeared to be laughing in her mugshot after she was accused with three others of allowing a oneyearold child to ingest meth from a sippy cup. Judith Windham Addison, 79, along with Hayden Simmons, 21, Damien Windham, 21, and Erica Foley, 45, have been charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm, the Nassau County Sheriff's Office said. Simmons and Windham have been in a relationship since September 2023 and share a child together, according to their Facebook accounts. Authorities have not confirmed whether their child is the one at the center of the investigation. Detectives were alerted on February 24 after Floridas Department of Children and Families reported that a one-year-old child had ingested methamphetamine the day before, officials said. Investigators later learned the child had sipped from a cup that had a bag of meth hidden in the bottom - a detail they said was confirmed by one of the residents. Despite learning the toddler may have consumed the drug at their shared home in Callahan, just north of Jacksonville, none of them called 911, according to the sheriffs office. Instead, they chose to monitor the child through the night. It wasn't until the child began vomiting that the mother finally brought the toddler to a nearby fire station. The child was rushed to a hospital and treated for a suspected overdose. 'This is a heartbreaking and completely preventable situation,' Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said in a statement about the incident. Judith Windham Addison, 79, was taken into custody on a felony childneglect charge - her booking photo showing her smirking as deputies accused her of letting a toddler ingest meth The defendants were arrested and booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center 'A oneyearold child was exposed to a dangerous, illegal drug because the adults in that home failed to provide even the most basic level of care and protection. 'There is absolutely no excuse for methamphetamine to be within reach of a child.' Detectives later executed a search warrant at the residence, where they discovered drug paraphernalia, including glass pipes and containers with meth residue. All four adults are permanent residents of the home, officials said. They were arrested and booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center. Bond amounts were set at more than $25,000 each for Simmons and Windham, more than $10,000 for Foley, and more than $5,000 for Addison. Foley faces an additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia after deputies said they found pipes and meth residue during a search of the residence. Erica Foley, 45, was arrested on childneglect and drugparaphernalia charges after deputies said they found pipes and meth residue during a search of the residence Bond amounts were set at more than $25,000 each for Simmons (pictured) and Windham Bond amounts were set at more than $25,000 each for Simmons and Windham (pictured) Her extra bond amount has been set to $2,500. The condition of the toddler has not been publicly released. The child was expected to recover at the time they were taken to the hospital, the Sheriff's Office confirmed with the Daily Mail. Donald Trump's strike on Iran that killed the country's top Islamic leader was triggered after the CIA uncovered intelligence about a secret meeting involving Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran's supreme leader was killed in a joint USIsraeli strike on Saturday, a move that has ignited a wider war across the Middle East and led to the deaths of three American service members. The CIA and Israeli intelligence played a pivotal role in the lead-up to Trump's launch of 'Operation Epic Fury.' The agency obtained intelligence indicating that senior Iranian officials were scheduled to meet with the ayatollah at his palace in the heart of Tehran on Saturday morning. Trump and Israeli leaders decided to accelerate the timing of the attack which completely surprised the regime, according to the New York Times. That window of opportunity created by the CIA's advanced knowledge of Khamenei's whereabouts led to the killing of the ayatollah who had ruled over Iran for nearly four decades. Sources revealed that the US and Israeli governments initially planned to launch the attack against the Iranians under the cover of darkness. Instead jets took off from military bases in Israel at 6am carrying long-range missiles and precision munitions. Jets took off from Israel at 6.00am on Saturday armed with long-range missiles after the CIA learned the ayatollah would be having an early morning meeting with top Iranian leadership The CIA and Israeli intelligence played a pivotal role in the lead-up to Trump's launch of 'Operation Epic Fury' The ayatollah ruled over Iran for nearly four decades as the supreme leader US and Israeli intelligence worked together to track the ayatollah's location to a compound in Tehran Missiles struck the ayatollah's palace a few hours later in Tehran. During the strike, senior Iranian national security officials were in another part of the building. The joint military and intelligence operation highlights the close co-operation between US and Israeli forces. Two high-level military leaders - Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour - and four of Khamenei's close family were also obliterated in the Tehran strikes on Saturday morning. Despite the rapid success of Trump's strike on Iranian leadership, chaos and death has spread throughout the Middle East with retaliatory strikes from Tehran on US bases. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked a US aircraft carrier in revenge for the killing of the country's Supreme Leader, as it launches drone attacks across the Middle East today. State media carried a statement claiming the USS Abraham Lincoln had been attacked with 'four ballistic missiles'. The Pentagon later denied the Lincoln had been hit but said missiles had been fired that 'did not even come close'. Iran has also retaliated with a series of strikes across its neighboring Gulf states, with explosions heard in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Iran has struck back by attacking residential buildings throughout the Gulf (Bahrain pictured) Trump promised to strike Iran 'with a force that has never been seen before' Trump promised to strike Iran 'with a force that has never been seen before,' after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced they had attacked nearly 30 US military bases across the Middle East on Sunday morning. It was revealed today that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has also been killed in airstrikes, according to Israeli state TV. Black smoke was seen rising from a US airbase at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq at sunrise, after the IRGC promised their most ferocious counterattack. A Scottish council is proposing to bring back charges for music tuition, raising fears the national ban on fees could unravel. Cash-strapped West Dunbartonshire has proposed charging up to 1,000 a year for one-to-one and small group instrumental music service lessons. The Labour-run authority admits the plan could be challenged as it departs from national policy and see talented students missing out. When another Scots council levied a 354 charge in 2018, almost 70 per cent of pupils quit. Councillors will vote on the proposal at their annual budget meeting on Wednesday. Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: Parents will be furious that music tuition is once again on the chopping block because of SNP underfunding of our councils. While ministers pour millions into expanding welfare, vital opportunities for young people are being squeezed out of local schools. This is the direct consequence of a failed SNP budget that is forcing councils into impossible choices. SNP ministers ended charges for instrumental music lessons in 2021 by giving councils 12 million a year to avoid them. Ayrshire-born violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti and other musicians have campaigned for years in favour of universal free tuition SNP ministers ended charges for instrument lessons in 2021 by giving councils 12m a year, but one Scottish council is now set to bring them back It followed Ayrshire-born violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti and other musicians campaigning for years in favour of universal free tuition. But in a letter to parents, West Dunbartonshire said it faced a 14million funding shortfall. It said: The introduction of a small charge to pupils wishing to access music tuition will be considered alongside a reduction in the Instrumental Music Service offer, which currently costs the Council more than 450,000 a year to provide. Free music tuition is used by 1,014 primary and secondary pupils in West Dunbartonshire. A detailed savings proposal recommended charging 5, 15 or 25 an hour for 40 weeks a year from August 2027. It admitted this departs from the national policy intent of free access to music education and could be challenged. While lower uptake may result in potentially talented students missing out on opportunities to develop their skills due to financial constraints and a possible reduction in the number of students gaining SQA music practical qualifications. Although the 22 per cent of music students from families on work benefits would be exempt, the proposal suggests most others would drop out because of charges. It said an uptake of 10 per cent would raise 20,000 a year within two years with a 5 an hour charge, or 100,000 with a 25 charge. The policy was forecast to have an especially negative impact on disabled children, low-income families, single parent families and ethnic minority pupils. Around 70,000 pupils benefit from free music tuition across Scotland. A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: In light of a combined budget gap of 14million for 2026/27 across both Council and Health and Social Care Partnership services, officers were asked to develop all viable options to deliver savings this year and in future. No decision will taken on these proposals until they are considered at the Council meeting on 4 March. A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Scottish Government has transformed instrumental music tuition in Scotlands schools by funding councils to eradicate unfair music tuition charges. This year we have allocated 12 million to support the continued delivery of free instrumental music tuition in schools. The 2026/27 Budget provides Scotlands councils with record funding of almost 15.7billion, including 253million of fully flexible funding to support local priorities. President Donald Trump broke his silence Sunday on the first US casualties of the Iran war in an exclusive phone interview with the Daily Mail. Three US service members were killed in the fighting. They have yet to be identified publicly. 'They're great people,' the president said. 'And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous - it could happen again.' Trump acknowledged that the three casualties were the first in his second term, as the January capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the June bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities were pulled off without a single American death. 'We've done pretty well,' he noted, adding, 'But they're great people, with outstanding records, outstanding.' Trump also revealed a potential timeline for the war with Iran - suggesting fighting could go on for the next four weeks. 'It's always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less,' the president explained. He said he hasn't been surprised by any of the outcomes of the strikes thus far. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with the Daily Mail Sunday afternoon from Mar-a-Lago and talked about the three American service members who were killed in action amid the strikes on Iran Smoke and flames rise behind buildings after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on the second consecutive day of strikes by US and Israeli forces. Trump told the Daily Mail that he expected the fighting to go on for four weeks 'No, I think it's going as per planned. You know, other than we took out their entire leadership - far, far more than what we thought. Looks like 48,' he answered. The president remained open to more talks with the Iranians, but couldn't say if they would happen 'soon.' 'I don't know,' he answered. 'They want to, they want to talk, but I said you should have talked last week not this week.' The president spoke to the Daily Mail from his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he's been hunkered down since ordering the strikes on Iran. The president, as he said he would during that interview, addressed the American people again via a Truth Social video later Sunday afternoon. He vowed to 'avenge' US troops killed in the war in Iran, issued a new ultimatum to the enemy and implored America to back his battle for 'freedom' in his second address to the nation in 48 hours. 'America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically, civilization,' Trump said from his Mar-a-Lago resort on Sunday after the deaths of three service personnel in Kuwait. Trump told Iran's leaders to give up the fight which has exploded across the Middle East, with missiles raining down on Israel, Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, and on American military bases in the region. Donald Trump vowed to 'avenge' US troops killed in the war in Iran , issued a new ultimatum to the enemy and implored America to back his battle for 'freedom' in his second address to the nation in 48 hours 'These intolerable threats will not continue any longer. I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,' the president said. He urged the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the Islamic regime, saying: 'Be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country.' Trump appealed to Americans to support the war amid growing discontent among his Republican allies and disastrous polling showing most Americans oppose the war ahead of crucial midterm elections in November. 'We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago,' the president said. 'This is the duty and the burden of a free people. These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons.' Trump called the three service members 'true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.' He added: 'Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. Thats the way it is. Likely be more.' The US and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday, dropping massive bombs on the country's ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships as part of an intensifying military campaign after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Smoke rises after explosions rocked multiple areas of Tehran on Sunday during the second day of US and Israeli strikes against the Islamic regime, which took out 48 leaders, Trump told the Daily Mail on Sunday Blasts rattled windows across the country and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above the capital city of Tehran. More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes that killed Khamenei and other senior leaders, Iranian leaders have said. The president told The Daily Mail he had spoken Sunday with the leaders of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and a 'couple of others.' Responding to the news that Saudi Arabia could launch attacks on Iran after being initially targeted, the president said, 'they're fighting, they're fighting too.' Trump is expected back in Washington, DC later Sunday. He said his people had been in touch with the families of the deceased service members. 'And I'll be meeting with their families at the appropriate time,' he said. Trump said he'd 'maybe' travel out to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the solemn dignified transfer of the troops' remains or invite the families to the White House. He also remained hopeful that a democracy could grow in Iran after the US and Israeli strikes end. 'I do,' he answered. 'It'll be very interesting to watch, but a lot of things could happen and a lot of very positive things could happen.' A Royal Air Force typhoon has shot down an Iranian drone which was thought to be headed to Qatar. The device is thought to be the first taken down by a British fighter jet since the US and Israel began striking Iran on Saturday, prompting furious retaliation from Tehran. The RAF jet shot down the Iranian drone to ensure the 'security of Qatars airspace and British interests in the region'. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: 'On 1 March, 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory. 'The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air-to-air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar's airspace and British interests in the region. 'Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies.' On Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer said British jets were 'in the sky today' to help defend allies in the region as Iran seeks revenge for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The UK did not participate in the strikes against Iran but F-35B fighter jets have been taking part in defensive operations from Qatar and Cyprus. A Royal Air Force typhoon has shot down an Iranian drone which was headed to Qatar The device is thought to be the first taken down by a British fighter jet since the US and Israel began striking Iran on Saturday, prompting furious retaliation from the regime. (Pictured: Tehran following attacks on Sunday) Missiles have pounded Doha, Qatar's capital, since Saturday. Qatar's defence ministry said it 'successfully countered a number of attacks targeting the country's territory' Your browser does not support iframes. Earlier today Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Mr Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran. He refused six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action - or if the Government considered the action to be legal. In a statement, the so-called 'E3' leaders condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes against Gulf states following the US and Israeli attacks. But the Prime Minister, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz pointedly noted how they 'did not participate' in the US-led 'Operation Epic Fury'. They also called for the Iranian regime 'to seek a negotiated solution'. On Sunday morning, Mr Healey declined to give a direct answer on whether Britain backed the US and Israeli action. This is despite Mr Trump's assault on Tehran having being endorsed by other 'Five Eyes' allies, such as Australia and Canada. The Defence Secretary instead only pointed to how Britain 'played no part' in the strikes on Iran and said it was up to America to 'set out the legal basis of the action that it took'. Mr Healey also dodged on whether the UK had refused the US permission to use British military bases, such as Diego Garcia, to strike Iran. But he said 'few people would mourn' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in the US-Israeli strikes. Thick black smoke billows from the Jebel Ali port in Dubai after it was struck by falling debris The aftermath of an Iranian rocket hitting Beit Shemesh in Israel, where nine people were killed Smoke billows from the Abu Dhabi port, where there is a French naval base Iran has furiously retaliated, launching repeated strikes across the Middle East. Pictured: Columns of smoke could be seen rising from the Crowne Plaza hotel in the Bahrain city of Manama after it was hit by missiles He also said Britain shared the 'primary aim' that Iran 'should never have a nuclear weapon'. Meanwhile, the government is planning to evacuate at least 94,000 Brits currently stuck in the Middle East as air spaces remain closed amid Iran's suicide drone blitz. In an unprecedented operation, the UK is hoping to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Gulf as Iranian strikes rain down in the region, killing at least three civilians in Dubai. The evacuation plan follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran early Saturday in what the two countries described as a 'pre-emptive' attack aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran retaliated with missile attacks across the region, with Israel and Gulf states among the reported targets. British expats are now being urged to register their presence in the region with the Foreign Office online, with a record 94,000 signing on to the service already - mostly in the UAE. Those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE are all encouraged to notify the Foreign Office online, which in the meantime has advised all British nationals to stay where they are, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Office's travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly. Nearly 6,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide and almost 30,000 delayed as the Middle Eastern conflict enters its second day. Iranian strikes have hit Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, and air spaces are expected to remain locked down until at least Monday. The UK Government is now advising against all but essential travel to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, and warning against all travel to Iran. The scale of the evacuation operation is unprecedented, with the 'register your presence' scheme never seeing so much use after previously being employed to provide urgent updates to people affected by international crises. Plumes of smoke rise into the air in Tehran following missile strikes from the US and Israel Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday Earlier today Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Mr Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran The US and Israel plan to continue bombing sites in central Tehran following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader in an airstrike on Saturday morning. Iran in turn has vowed to retaliate with 'devastating blows' and has fired missiles at many of its neighbouring countries as well as US military targets. The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats - and three American troops have been confirmed dead. The Iranian regime vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history', with 'force' its enemies 'have never experienced before'. At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit yesterday, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates today. In the Bahrain city of Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was damaged by a suicide drone, and Iranian missiles have also been hitting Tel Aviv - with at least ten people confirmed to have been killed in Israel. There has also been a death in Kuwait. Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh has become a key exit route for the super-rich fleeing Iranian bombs raining down on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The billionaires' tax haven went from sunny paradise to deadly warzone within hours of the US-Israeli 'pre-emptive' strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, with Iranian bombs raining down on the UAE in retaliation, killing at least three civilians in the Dubai blitz. Iranian drones and missiles also hit Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman in retaliatory strikes, so the airspace in the region has gone into a massive lockdown with nearly 6,000 flights being cancelled worldwide and almost 30,000 delayed. However, the Saudi capital's airport is now one of the only remaining in operation in the Middle East, so executives and their families are flocking to Riyadh in droves, where private jets and commercial airliners await to rescue them from the chaos. Fleets of SUVs have been booked to ferry wealthy VIPs along the 10-hour-long desert roads from Dubai to Riyadh, Semafor said. Private jet chartering prices and SUV rental costs have skyrocketed due to the massive demand, sources close to the matter said. A private jet flight from Riyadh to Europe now costs up to $350,000 chief executive of private jet brokerage Vimana Private, Ameerh Naran, told Semafor. He said: 'Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people who want to get out of the region right now.' Saudi Arabia intercepted missile strikes aiming for Riyadh's airport - King Khalid International Airport - on Saturday, Iran International reported, but the airspace remains open. Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh has become the unlikely safe haven and escape route for the megawealthy caught in the crossfire in the Middle East The Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai was engulfed in flames yesterday after being hit, with four people injured. Since the strikes, fleets of SUVs have been ferrying rich magnates and their families to private jets from Riyadh airport Senior executives at global financial firms and high-net-worth individuals have been seen in increased numbers fleeing the region at the Saudi capital's airport. Previously, these finance magnates looked south to Oman for an escape route, but the option was swiped away when Iran bombed an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and bombed Oman's Duqm port. Desperation turned their sights west from Dubai, towards Riyadh, in the centre of Saudi Arabia. Historically, the city has not been seen as the safe haven it has become as of the last 24 hours. It saw bombings by the Houthis from Yemen in June 2020 which closed the airspace around the city, as has happened across other parts of the Middle East now. The super-rich have often fled through other cities when unrest appeared in the region in the past, like during the Arab Spring in 2011 to 2012 and the 12-Day War between the US and Iran last June, when nuclear facilities were blown up in the country by America. A director at UK-based security firm Alma Risk Ian McCaul told Semafor: 'Weve been approached by a mixture of clients including families, individuals, and corporations that want to get out of the region either because their fear for their safety, or for business reasons they just need to be able to travel.' Saudi Arabia has also recently loosened visa requirements which means that many nationalities can now get a visa on arrival rather than arranging one in advance, often taking weeks. A huge hole in air traffic appeared above Iran and the surrounding areas as the conflict escalates but Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, pictured here in the lower middle left, is busy with plenty of aircraft coming and going, similarly to Jeddah in the west which is also running many flights will other airspaces remain locked down A fireball explosion erupts from a building in Manama, Bahrain, after an Iranian drone attack. Attacks like this across the Middle East has meant a huge amount of airspace has been locked down with Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport being one of the only ones still operating in the region This has put Riyadh in a good position to serve as safe passage for those stuck in the region, despite previous perceptions of the city being associated with strict religious rules and terror attacks post 9/11. Amid the frantic escapes made by these high-flying members of society, some still maintain they feel safe in Dubai, in spite of the raining bombs and drones. Socialite influencer Hofit Golan, 40, insisted Dubai 'still feels like a very safe place' on Sunday, just hours after Iranian missile struck the nearby Palm Jumeirah hotel leaving her terrified and forced to hide in a bath. Though many have decided to leave the region as violence increases and, despite reports that Saudis repelled missile attacks on the capital, the country has been spared the full force of Iran's retaliation, so it seems like a logical exit point. Saudi Arabia is host to several military bases, so it is unclear as to why it was spared the intensity of attacks neighbouring countries suffered. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman distanced himself from the initial strikes on Iran, declaring he wouldn't allow his kingdom's airspace or land to be used for an attack on Iran. The US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and in several other locations across Iran killed the dictator Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, after he had served as the country's supreme leader since 1989. The US and Israel described the bombings as 'pre-emptive' strikes aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear ambitions. News / National by Stephen Jakes A political analyst Vince Musewe has said President Robert Mugabe always try to run away for his failures by blaming others and this has kept him in power for so long.Musewe said Pastor Evan Mawarire's reaction to Mugabe's attack was perfect and suitable. Mugabe recently attacked Mawarire over the July 6 Shut down protest."I liked Evan Mawarire's reaction to the attack on his authenticity as a pastor. So what, he said, whether he is a legitimate pastor or not does not change the situation on the ground," Musewe said."That is so true. You see Mugabe has always been good at deflecting responsibilities by shifting the blame and reframing problem situations to make it as if he is also a victim of circumstances."He said remember the sanctions mantra, blaming the British for the violent land reform, blaming others for the missing $15 billion and so on."We know him well and should therefore not be surprised in him using his tried and tested methods which have unfortunately kept him in power for so long," he said. Keir Starmer has given the US permission to launch 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases. The Prime Minister, alongside France and Germany, threatened to join the war on Iran by taking defensive action to stop the 'appalling' missile and drone bombardments targeting allies in the Middle East. Sir Keir claimed the UK has learned lessons from 'the mistakes of Iraq' and he would only allow strikes for the 'limited specific defensive purpose' of defending British allies. He said it is 'my duty to protect British lives' from Iranian 'scorched earth strikes' but ruled out taking part in pre-emptive strikes - as he faced criticism for his 'pathetic' refusal to explicitly support Donald Trump's strikes on Iran. Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican and staunch ally of the US President, said it was 'so sad to see Western democracies lose their passion for justice and a sense of right and wrong the further away from their shores the event occurs'. The PM said it 'remains the case' the UK is not involved in strikes on Iran and will 'not join offensive action now'. Sir Keir claimed his decision was as a result of a 'collective self-defence' of allies and to protect British lives from Iran's furious bombardment across the Middle East. The PM said the US can use the bases for the 'specific and limited defensive purpose' of hitting missile launch sites or storage depots in Iran. Keir Starmer has given the US permission to launch 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases Pictured: Smoke rises from Tehran on Sunday after it was targeted by US-Israeli missiles A Royal Air Force typhoon has shot down an Iranian drone which was headed to Qatar Your browser does not support iframes. He said the move was in accordance with international law, and the government would publish a summary of its legal advice. The UK did not take part in the strikes on Iran which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But on Sunday British fighter jets downed an Iranian drone which was headed to Qatar. In a statement on Sunday evening, Sir Keir said: 'Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and it's my duty to protect British lives. 'We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes, but the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles. 'The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. 'We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved. 'The basis of our decision is the collective self defence of long-standing friends and allies and protecting British lives - that is in accordance with international law and we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.' It followed a joint statement on Sunday night with France and Germany, which said they were ready to defend their interests in the region after the 'indiscriminate and disproportionate' missile attacks by Iran. They said: 'We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially fire missiles and drones at their source. 'We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this.' None of the three countries took part in the Israeli-US strikes on Saturday. And the drone struck down by the RAF on its way to Qatar is thought to be the first taken down by a British fighter jet since the latest outbreak of conflict. Sir Keir added: 'I want to be very clear. We all remember the mistakes of Iraq. And we have learned those lessons. We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.' But he said the UK is 'supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region'. The aftermath of an Iranian rocket hitting Beit Shemesh in Israel, where nine people were killed Thick black smoke billows from the Jebel Ali port in Dubai after it was struck by falling debris He claims it is the 'best way to eliminate the urgent threat... and prevent the situation spiralling further'. The PM previously said British jets were 'in the sky' to help defend allies in the region as Iran seeks revenge for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. The UK did not participate in the strikes against Iran but F-35B fighter jets have been taking part in defensive operations from Qatar and Cyprus. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: 'On 1 March, 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory. 'The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air-to-air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar's airspace and British interests in the region. 'Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies.' Earlier today Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Donald Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran. He refused six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action - or if the Government considered the action to be legal. In an earlier statement, the so-called 'E3' leaders condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes against Gulf states following the US and Israeli attacks. But the Prime Minister, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz pointedly noted how they 'did not participate' in the US-led 'Operation Epic Fury'. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday Sir Keir Starmer holds calls with international leaders as the UK, France and Germany threatened to join the war with Iran Earlier today Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Donald Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran They also called for the Iranian regime 'to seek a negotiated solution'. On Sunday morning, Mr Healey declined to give a direct answer on whether Britain backed the US and Israeli action. This is despite Mr Trump's assault on Tehran having being endorsed by other 'Five Eyes' allies, such as Australia and Canada. The Defence Secretary instead only pointed to how Britain 'played no part' in the strikes on Iran and said it was up to America to 'set out the legal basis of the action that it took'. Sir Keir had faced pressure to allow the US to use British bases, with shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urging him to be more 'proactive'. She said: 'Why were some of our bases not used? And was the British Government asked about use of our military bases in the defensive strikes that took place?' The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats - and three American troops have been confirmed dead. On Sunday, Mr Trump vowed to 'avenge' US troops killed in the war in Iran and implored America to back his battle for 'freedom'. 'America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically, civilization,' Mr Trump said from his Mar-a-Lago resort on Sunday after the deaths of three service personnel in Kuwait. 'These intolerable threats will not continue any longer. I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,' the President said. He urged the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the Islamic regime, saying: 'Be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country. He said: 'We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago. 'This is the duty and the burden of a free people. These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons.' Mr Trump vowed to 'avenge' US troops killed in the war in Iran and implored America to back his battle for 'freedom' Smoke plumes rise following missile strikes in Tehran on March 1, 2026 Smoke billows from the Abu Dhabi port, where there is a French naval base Flames and a black plume of smoke rise from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah City in the UAE, following reports of Iranian strikes US allies across the Middle East including Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi have been targeted by Iran with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. The Iranian regime vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history', with 'force' its enemies 'have never experienced before'. At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit yesterday, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates today. In the Bahrain city of Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was damaged by a suicide drone, and Iranian missiles have also been hitting Tel Aviv - with at least ten people confirmed to have been killed in Israel. There has also been a death in Kuwait. Senior regime figure Ali Larijani, who is expected to take over from the assassinated Ayatollah, led the calls to intensify revenge attacks on Israel and the West today. Meanwhile, the government is planning to evacuate at least 94,000 Brits currently stuck in the Middle East as air spaces remain closed amid Iran's suicide drone blitz. In an unprecedented operation, the UK is hoping to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Gulf as Iranian strikes rain down in the region, killing at least three civilians in Dubai. The evacuation plan follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran early Saturday in what the two countries described as a 'pre-emptive' attack aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran retaliated with missile attacks across the region, with Israel and Gulf states among the reported targets. At least ten people have been killed in Israel by the Iranian strikes. Nine people were killed in a missile strike on the northern town of Beit Shemesh. One person was killed and seven injured in an attack on Abu Dhabi's Zayed airport, while thick black smoke has been seen rising from the Erbil Airport in Iraq. One person was also killed in Kuwait. Donald Trump has vowed to 'avenge' US troops killed in the war in Iran, issued a fresh ultimatum to the enemy and implored Americans to back his battle for 'freedom' in his second address to the nation in 48 hours. 'America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically, civilization,' Trump said from Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, hours after the deaths of three soldiers in Kuwait. Trump told Iran's leaders to give up the fight which has exploded across the Middle East, with missiles raining down on Israel, Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, and on American military bases in the region. 'These intolerable threats will not continue any longer. I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,' the President said. He urged the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the Islamic regime. 'Be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country,' he said. Trump appealed to Americans to support the war amid growing discontent among Republican allies and polling showing most oppose it, with crucial midterm elections looming in November. 'We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago,' the President said. 'This is the duty and the burden of a free people. These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons.' Donald Trump vowed to 'avenge' US troops killed in the war in Iran , issued a new ultimatum to the enemy and implored America to back his battle for 'freedom' in his second address to the nation in 48 hours This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F/A-18E Super Hornet preparing for an arrested landing on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) after a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday This US Navy handout photo released by US Central Command public affairs shows US sailors as they taxi aircraft to a staging point on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, at an undisclosed location on February 28 This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows Navy sailors moving ordnance on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows Navy sailors transferring ordnance on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Friday This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows Navy sailors attaching ordnance onto a F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Sunday Trump called the three service members 'true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.' He added: 'Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. Thats the way it is. Likely be more.' The US and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday, dropping massive bombs on ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships in an intensifying campaign following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Blasts rattled windows across the country and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above the capital city of Tehran. More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes that killed Khamenei and other senior leaders, Iranian leaders have said. Israel's rescue services said nine people were killed and 28 wounded in a strike that hit a synagogue in the central town of Beit Shemesh, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11. Another 11 people were still missing after the strike, police said. The attacks showed no signs of relenting as the US and Israel took aim at military, political and intelligence targets in a widening war with the potential to envelop and destabilize the entire Middle East. The strikes represented a startling show of military might for a president who swept into office on an 'America First' platform and vowed to keep out of 'forever wars' - it was the second time in eight months the US and Israel had combined against Iran. Israel, which had pledged 'nonstop' strikes, said it was intensifying its assault, with 100 fighter jets simultaneously hitting targets in Tehran, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters. The targets included buildings belonging to Iran's air force, its missile command and its internal security force, which violently quashed anti-government protests in January. The US military, meanwhile, said B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran's ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Trump said on social media that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navy's headquarters had been 'largely destroyed.' President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Sunday A screengrab from a video released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) shows a missile being fired from an unknown location, released February 28 This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft launching from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Sunday This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a Navy sailor removing a protective cone from ordnance on a F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Sunday Britain, France and Germany said they were ready to work with the US to help stop Iran's attacks, in a sign the conflict risked drawing in further nations. Leaders of the countries said in a joint statement that they were 'appalled' by Irans 'reckless' strikes on their allies. In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Iran's air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program. But the killing of Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for more than three decades, creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability. Trump signalled Sunday he was open to dialogue with Iran's new leadership, despite his call for an uprising against the government. 'They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,' he told The Atlantic. There was little sign in Tehran that Iranians had heeded Trump's call for an uprising. The streets were largely deserted as people sheltered during heavy airstrikes, witnesses told The Associated Press, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution. A still image released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed 'Epic Fury', an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows a Super Hornet taking off from an aircraft carrier in this picture obtained from social media released on February 28 This US Navy photo released by US Central Command public affairs shows US Navy sailors signaling to an E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, attached to Airborne Command and Control Squadron 124, as it taxis on the flight deck of world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on February 28 In this image provided by U.S. Central Command, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) fires a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a U.S. Navy sailor signaling to a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter before launch on the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday This image from video provided by U.S. Central Command shows a missile being launched from a U.S. Navy ship in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a U.S. Navy sailor preparing a E-2D Hawkeye aircraft for launch on the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday The paramilitary Basij, which has played a central role in crushing protests, has set up checkpoints across the city, they said. Two powerful explosions were heard in Tehran's Niavaran neighborhood late Sunday. One resident said the windows of their apartment shook violently, sending neighbors pouring into the streets. The resident spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. Video footage showed plumes of smoke filling Tehran's skyline, and state media reported parts of the national broadcaster's building were struck. At least 165 people were killed Saturday when a girls' school in southern Iran was struck and dozens more were wounded, state media reported. The Israeli military said it was not aware of strikes in the area. The US military said it was looking into the reports. US Central Command confirmed on Sunday that three service members died and five others sustained serious injuries. Others sustained minor injuries and concussions. The troops were killed in Kuwait, US officials told NBC News. This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on March 1, 2026 shows an explosion following a strike on Tehran that appears to have occurred near state television channel IRIB This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on March 1, 2026 shows damage near Gandhi Hospital in Tehran. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that the Iranian supreme leader had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel Mourners attend a memorial vigil after Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 1, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed killed after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28 A smoke plume rises following a missile strike on a building in Tehran on March 1, 2026. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28 People mourn the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes, at a square in Tehran on March 1 Khamenei had held final say over all major policy since 1989 as supreme leader, commanding Iran's clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy. The CIA had been tracking the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Khamenei, for months, a person familiar with the operation said on condition of anonymity. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information, the person said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a prerecorded message that a new leadership council had begun its work. The country's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said a new supreme leader would be chosen in 'one or two days.' A senior White House official said Trump was willing to talk but that the operation would continue unabated, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. As word spread of Khamenei's death, some in Tehran could be seen cheering from rooftops, witnesses said. Others mourned as a black flag was raised over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. An Iranian doctor in northern Iran said he and colleagues spent the early hours of Sunday celebrating Khamenei's death indoors, with armed security forces still heavily deployed across the city. There were forces stopping and interrogating people celebrating in their cars, but there was no gunfire, said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. 'It was one of the best nights, if not the best night of our lives,' the doctor said in a voice message from the city of Rasht. In fact, 'it was actually my first time ever smoking a cigarette. It was a very, very nice time. We didn't sleep at all. And we don't even feel tired.' Iran's foreign minister Araghchi blamed the US and Israel for starting the war, saying he had spoken to Gulf counterparts and urged them to press Washington and Tel Aviv to end it. 'You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,' Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address. 'We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg.' Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The President insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Iran's nuclear program, even as the country struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests. An Israeli military official described Saturday's mission as the result of months of 'extremely high coordination' with the US. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a covert operation, said a variety of factors created a 'golden opportunity' to take out much of Iran's leadership. Those factors included weeks of training and monitoring the movements of senior figures, along with 'real time intelligence' that the targets were gathered together. The result, the official said, was near-simultaneous strikes within 60 seconds of one another across three locations 1,000 miles from Israel, killing Khamenei and some 40 senior figures including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and the defense minister. A Royal Air Force base in Cyprus has been hit by an Iranian drone with the Ministry of Defence evacuating families living on the site. Strong blasts were heard at the British RAF Akrotiri base in Limassol at around midnight local time after a 'security threat' was declared. The MoD on Monday announced that family members of British servicemen were evacuated from the site in the wake of the strike 'as a precautionary measure'. It added there was minimal damage to the base after the drone attack last night and that operations were continuing as normal. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the attack came from an 'unmanned' Iranian Shahed drone. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper branded Iranian attacks across the region 'reckless' as the UK scrambled to rescue 94,000 nationals stranded across the Gulf. Family members of those serving at the Akrotiri base were told to 'pack a small bag with essentials to last for three to five days' as officials rushed to evacuate non-essential personnel out of the targeted area, sources told the Daily Mail. Spouses, partners, children and visitors were all 'strongly advised to comply with the recommendation to disperse'. The Iranian attack on the base - home to around 2,000 service personnel and their families - came just an hour after Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to launch 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases. The MoD said the incident last night was a 'one-way attack drone', adding: 'The safety of our personnel and their families is our absolute priority. 'As a precautionary measure we are moving family members who live at RAF Akrotiri to alternative accommodation nearby on the island of Cyprus. 'Our base and personnel continue to operate as normal protecting the safety of Britain and our interests.' Police carry out road checks on cars heading towards RAF Akrotiri, a British sovereign base in Cyprus, on Monday morning after it was hit by an unmanned drone overnight A British soldier stands guards at the main gate of the UK's RAF Akrotiri base on Monday An Iranian drone hit the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, pictured, on Sunday night Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The Foreign Secretary told the BBC that Iranian strikes on countries not involved in striking Iran 'show the seriousness of the reckless way the Iranian regime is operating'. Ms Cooper said 'precautionary measures' were being taken following the drone strike. She told Sky News: 'This is an unmanned drone strike, specifically on the airport runway and we're not able to provide further information and detail at this point. 'But obviously all of the precautionary measures are being taken around the base.' Ms Cooper added that drones are often launched a long time before they hit the target, in the face of questions over the attack's potential link to the Prime Minister's statement on US bases just hours earlier. Flight trackers identified RAF jets being scrambled to protect the base and thousands of troops and their families were ordered to take cover. Personnel at the base were said to have been warned of a potential threat and told to 'return to your homes and stay inside until further notice'. Plans for the phased evacuation of family members at the site seen by the Daily Mail confirmed 'Op WIDEAWAKE' was under way on Monday morning. A note at around 8am UK time read: 'As part of the temporary dispersal, non-essential personnel at RAF Akrotiri (All UK Family Members, including spouses, civil partners, children and visiting family members,) should pack a small bag with essentials to last for 3 to 5 days. 'Please note: Pets cannot be accommodated except for registered support animals. Please arrange appropriate care for any pets left on RAF station. 'Please remain in place until directed to move by Station authorities. This will be done in street order.' It added: 'As a precautionary measure, a temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel based at RAF Akrotiri is being planned. This will be a phased dispersal. Akrotiri schools will be closed. 'Please ensure essential personal items including identification documents (e.g. passports, status cards, base passes), prescription and other medications, and baby supplies are packed. You will be notified on the ground when it is your turn to move. Please remain inside and await further instructions. You are strongly advised to comply with the recommendation to disperse.' An earlier update read: 'All military personnel are to liaise directly with their Chain of Command at the earliest opportunity regarding expectations for reporting for duty under current conditions. 'As part of the temporary dispersal measures being planned, any personnel with childcare responsibilities are to remain with their family members children under the age of 14 are not to be left. Please make your circumstances known to your Chain of Command so that appropriate arrangements can be made.' A 'security threat' was declared at British bases in Cyprus just before midnight, according to Cyprus Mail. Personnel were told to 'move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture', and to await further instruction. Unconfirmed video footage showed a projectile possibly a drone or an intercepted missile crashing on the horizon near the base. The attack could draw Britain deeper into the conflict that Sir Keir has been desperate to avoid. Akrotiri is one of two military bases Britain has retained on Cyprus since the former colony gained independence in 1960, alongside a site in Dhekelia. The base has been used for conducting previous military operations in the likes of Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Large explosion in Beirut were reported in the early hours of Monday morning. The Israeli military said it had begun striking Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah across Lebanon following a rocket and drone attack against a military base in Haifa, in northern Israel. Huge explosions in Tehran were also reported, with smoke rising from locations across the Iranian capital. The UK did not take part in the strikes on Iran which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but on Sunday British fighter jets downed an Iranian drone which was headed to Qatar. Sir Keir has given the US permission to launch 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases. The Prime Minister, alongside France and Germany, threatened to join the war on Iran by taking defensive action to stop the 'appalling' missile and drone bombardments targeting allies in the Middle East. The decision comes after a day of conversations between Sir Keir and regional leaders, including the kings of Bahrain and Jordan, the crown prince of Kuwait, the sultan of Oman and the president of Cyprus to discuss the security situation and the UK's defensive actions. On Sunday night questions were being asked about the air defence capabilities at RAF Akrotiri which is used by the RAF to launch operations across the Middle East. At least one RAF Typhoon jet was scrambled to patrol the airspace around the Mediterranean island. RAF Akrotiri is home of the Cyprus Operations Support Unit which provides joint support to British Forces Cyprus and operations in the region to protect the UK's strategic interests. It is an extremely busy Permanent Joint Operating Base that supports ongoing operations in the region as well as support for the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus. The military base is used as a forward mounting base for overseas operations in the Middle East and for fast jet training. Sir Keir claimed the UK has learned lessons from 'the mistakes of Iraq' and he would only allow strikes for the 'limited specific defensive purpose' of defending British allies. He said it is 'my duty to protect British lives' from Iranian 'scorched earth strikes' but ruled out taking part in pre-emptive strikes. The PM said it 'remains the case' the UK is not involved in strikes on Iran and will 'not join offensive action now'. He claimed the decision was as a result of a 'collective self-defence' of allies and to protect British lives from Iran's furious bombardment across the Middle East. The PM said the US can use the bases for the 'specific and limited defensive purpose' of hitting missile launch sites or storage depots in Iran. He said the move was in accordance with international law, and the government would publish a summary of its legal advice. In a statement on Sunday evening, Sir Keir said: 'Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and it's my duty to protect British lives. 'We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes, but the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles. 'The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. 'We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved. 'The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of long-standing friends and allies and protecting British lives - that is in accordance with international law and we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.' Sir Keir's comments followed a joint statement on Sunday night with France and Germany, which said they were ready to defend their interests in the region after the 'indiscriminate and disproportionate' missile attacks by Iran. They said: 'We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially fire missiles and drones at their source. 'We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this.' None of the three countries took part in the Israeli-US strikes on Saturday. And the drone struck down by the RAF on its way to Qatar is thought to be the first taken down by a British fighter jet since the latest outbreak of conflict. Sir Keir added: 'I want to be very clear. We all remember the mistakes of Iraq. And we have learned those lessons. We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.' But he said the UK is 'supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region'. He claims it is the 'best way to eliminate the urgent threat... and prevent the situation spiralling further.' The PM previously said British jets were 'in the sky' to help defend allies in the region as Iran seeks revenge for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey said there were 'two missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus'. He said: 'We don't believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless, it's an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, and that requires us to act'. The UK did not participate in the strikes against Iran but F-35B fighter jets have been taking part in defensive operations from Qatar and Cyprus. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: 'On 1 March 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory. 'The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air-to-air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar's airspace and British interests in the region. 'Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies.' Earlier on Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Donald Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran. He refused six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action - or if the Government considered the action to be legal. US allies across the Middle East including Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi have been targeted by Iran with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. The Iranian regime vowed to unleash its 'most intense offensive operation in history', with 'force' its enemies 'have never experienced before'. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey said there were 'two missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus' At least two drones have hit Dubai's airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit on Saturday, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates on Sunday. In the Bahrain city of Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was damaged by a suicide drone, and Iranian missiles have also been hitting Tel Aviv - with at least ten people confirmed to have been killed in Israel. There has also been a death in Kuwait. Senior regime figure Ali Larijani, who is expected to take over from the assassinated Ayatollah, led the calls to intensify revenge attacks on Israel and the West on Sunday. Meanwhile, the government is planning to evacuate at least 94,000 Brits currently stuck in the Middle East as air spaces remain closed amid Iran's suicide drone blitz. In an unprecedented operation, the UK is hoping to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Gulf as Iranian strikes rain down in the region, killing at least three civilians in Dubai. The evacuation plan follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran early Saturday in what the two countries described as a 'pre-emptive' attack aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran retaliated with missile attacks across the region, with Israel and Gulf states among the reported targets. At least ten people have been killed in Israel by the Iranian strikes. Nine people were killed in a missile strike on the northern town of Beit Shemesh. One person was killed and seven injured in an attack on Abu Dhabi's Zayed airport, while thick black smoke has been seen rising from the Erbil Airport in Iraq. One person was also killed in Kuwait. A staggering 115,000 Australians have been left stranded in the Middle East as 'significant disruptions' rock global aviation following US-led airstrikes on Iran. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told ABC News Breakfast the priority is to facilitate bringing Australians home on commercial flights when they resume. Hundreds of flights have been grounded and all airlines are avoiding flying over the region, formerly one of the busiest air corridors in the world. Wong said the Albanese government will wait to see if the planes take off again before considering repatriation flights. 'First, we need to see if commercial flights will restart, given the numbers of people in the region,' she said. 'The issue is not who is flying, it's that people are not flying. So, you know, at the moment, we know that this is a very volatile situation. 'We will continue to provide as up-to-date and timely information as we can.' Wong issued urgent advice to Australians: 'I would urge people who are needing assistance to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.' A staggering 115,000 Australians have been left stranded in the Middle East Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed Iran's leader had been killed in the strikes and urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow the regime. Retaliatory attacks by Iran have been persistent across the Middle East since, with missiles and drones striking Israel and the United Arab Emirates where hotels and airports have been hit. At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, one person was killed and 11 injured by falling debris, while Dubai International Airport - the world's busiest - also suffered minor structural damage. Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait also said they had intercepted missiles fired towards them. Sydney Airport on Saturday night was filled with stranded travellers whose flights had been cancelled. Virgin Australia said on Sunday that seven of its flights which were jointly operated by Qatar Airways had been cancelled, along with five on Monday. Dean Long, Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive, said 11 per cent of international travel out of Australia goes through the Middle East as it's the top connection point for Europe. But he warned travellers not to cancel their flights and rather let the airlines do it for them, because that way refunds are guaranteed and the airlines will also be more helpful with arranging alternative bookings. US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed Iran's leader had been killed in the strikes and urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow the regime 'It's the number one learning from Covid, if you cancel your flights you do lose a number of consumer rights and protections that you have,' he told The Australian. 'So it's really important that even if you're nervous, do not cancel your flight.' Travel insurance companies will also not pick up the tab if a customer cancels their flight on their own. Cover for conflict zones is not standard in the industry, as it would encourage travellers to take unnecessary risks. A recent Finder analysis of 22 major Australian travel insurance providers found none that offered standard cover for events linked to war zones. The Australian government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for Qatar and the UAE but major airlines are continuing to fly to Europe using flight paths that avoid the region. Virgin Australia has been offering refunds, travel credits and alternative bookings for customers whose Qatar Airways operated flights have been cancelled, while Etihad was offering booking changes on flights it had suspended on Sunday. Qantas has said there are no impacts to its flights to London. Australian Airports CEO Simon Westaway said airports across the country were holding 30 aircraft that had been grounded following Middle East flight cancellations. It is the most shocking teacher sex scandal in US history. Mary Kay Letourneau's illegal relationship with her sixth-grade student Vili Fualaau - a boy she had known since he was in second grade - stunned America and dominated headlines in the late 1990s. He was 12. She was a 34-year-old married mother of four. Fualaau's decision to stand by her after she served prison time for child rape kept the couple in the spotlight for years. They raised two daughters - both born before Fualaau turned 16 - and remained a source of fascination until Letourneau's death in 2020. Nearly three decades after the scandal first erupted, friends say Fualaau is still struggling with the emotional fallout. But he can now take comfort in the arms of a new woman - and in an ironic twist, she's 13 years his junior. The Daily Mail can reveal that the 42-year-old now lives in a modest apartment in Des Moines, Washington, with 29-year-old marketing associate and part-time makeup artist Samara Darrow. They have one daughter together. Those close to Fualaau say he is focused on being a husband and father while still processing his childhood relationship. Letourneau first abused Fualaau when he was 12 and she was 34 Fualaau's new partner, Samara Darrow (left), bears a striking resemblance to his ex-wife 'He's got a lot of scars from over the years, and it takes a lot for him to open those wounds,' a longtime friend who knew both Fualaau and Letourneau told the Daily Mail. 'He's okay with embracing his past as long as it's on his terms, but he's not going to just rehash his childhood trauma again and again. He just doesn't want to do that.' Another insider told the Daily Mail that Fualaau 'knows now how f***ed up everything was, when he was a kid.' 'But he loved [Letourneau] so much and so strongly, for so long,' the second insider added. 'There's childhood trauma, hormones, first love, two kids and worldwide infamy all tied up with that. It's a wonder he's turned out so normal, all things considered.' But one thing he does not tolerate is anyone speaking ill of his former wife. 'He is very protective of her name, even now that she's gone,' said the second friend. 'It was a really complex relationship and it messed him up a lot, but he still loved her and built a life with her. 'And he mourned her after she died. You can say whatever you want about it, but there was real love there, on both sides.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Fualaau and his new girlfriend for comment. Fualaau (far right) with his new partner (left) and their four-year-old daughter Fualaau and Letourneau had two children together, Audrey and Georgia, and remained married for 14 years. The family is pictured in 2015, on the eve of the couple's tenth anniversary Over the years, Fualaau has worked a string of retail jobs, including at home improvement stores, while supplementing his income as a DJ at clubs and private events. Under the stage name DJ Headline, he occasionally leaned into his notoriety, appearing at Seattle nightclubs in the early 2010s for 'Hot for Teacher' nights. In the mid-2010s, he attended Pasadena City College in Los Angeles in hopes of earning an associate degree in Studio Arts. But when Letourneau was diagnosed with colon cancer and her health declined, he returned to Washington to be with her. Their marriage began to unravel by around 2016, after their daughters reached adulthood, and the couple lived increasingly separate lives before Letourneau died in 2020. Fualaau said he was in love with her until the end, and that he was with her when she died. He welcomed his third daughter, Sophia, in November 2022 after settling down with Darrow, even though they kept their relationship under wraps. In recent years, Fualaau and Darrow can be seen in family photos with his relatives, and she has changed her last name to Fualaau on Facebook. Fualaau's story has become a cultural obsession, spawning movies, documentaries and inspiring a Broadway drama. It loosely inspired the 2023 thriller May December, starring Julianne Moore as a sex offender who later married her victim, played by Charles Melton, and Natalie Portman as an actress who is meeting Moore's character to research a role. Letourneau (seen in 1997) spent seven years in prison for raping Fualaau Letourneau became pregnant with Fualaau's first child in 1996. The relationship continued even as she awaited trial and their second daughter was born in 1998 The pair had split by the time she died from cancer in 2020 but maintained a close friendship Letourneau was 34 in 1996 when she began sexually abusing 12-year-old Fualaau. Later that year, she became pregnant with his first child. On March 4, 1997, she was arrested for child rape. On May 23, eldest daughter Audrey was born. Three months later, Letourneau pleaded guilty to child rape. The relationship continued even as she awaited trial. Georgia, their second daughter, was conceived while Letourneau was out on parole. She was born on October 16, 1998, while Letourneau was in jail, making Fualaau a father of two by age 15. After serving seven years in prison, Letourneau reunited with Fualaau, who successfully petitioned to lift a restraining order once he was an adult. They married on May 20, 2005, and raised daughters Audrey and Georgia in Seattle. A friend of Fualaau's oldest daughter told the Daily Mail Fualaau is now focused on raising Sophia with the same devotion. 'He was a great dad to them and they love him so much,' said the pal. 'They think he's an amazing man. So whatever people say doesn't matter. He took being a dad seriously and he still does. He'll be an amazing dad to Sophia. He's a strong dad, and he loves his girls very much.' The Letourneau case loosely inspired the 2023 thriller May December, starring Julianne Moore in the role of a sex offender who later married her victim, and Natalie Portman as an actress who meets her to research a role The youngest of the two daughters, Georgia Fualaau, 26, at her baby boy's gender reveal in 2024 Audrey, 27, also recently became a mother The sisters spent their early years navigating custody arrangements - living with their grandmother on Fualaau's side - before settling into a more stable family environment with their mother and father. Both later said they felt like their home life was normal, with Letourneau being the stricter parent. Georgia has started her own family. She and her longtime boyfriend, a delivery driver and aspiring boxer, welcomed their first child, a son, in January 2024. Audrey also recently became a mother, welcoming a baby boy with fiance Ethan Tela Porter on May 30, 2025. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more If you're hoping to treat someone to a touch of royal elegance this Mother's Day, look no further than my gift guide, featuring exact favourites from Catherine, Princess of Wales' wardrobe, alongside other royal-approved brands. From Kate's go-to skincare and signature fragrances to timeless jewellery and chic accessories, these picks offer a glimpse into her effortlessly polished style. You'll also find beautiful home and kitchenware loved by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as well as stylish accessories favoured by Zara Tindall - ensuring there's something to suit every taste. I've included thoughtful luxury buys at more accessible price points too, proving you can give the royal treatment without overspending. Top picks Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair Bag: Loved by both the Princess of Wales and Zara Tindall, this vintage-inspired design is a true classic. The delicate taupe shade makes it especially fitting for Mother's Day. Monica Vinader Nura Pearl Necklace: A staple in Kate's jewellery collection, this elegant necklace pairs a delicate freshwater pearl with an 18-carat gold-plated chain. Penelope Chilvers Cassidy Embroidered Boots: It's easy to see why this brand is a favourite among royal women. These boots strike the perfect balance of style and practicality, with a comfortable mid-heel and wear-anywhere chocolate tone. Tom Ford Runway Lip Colour: Queen Camilla has been seen using Tom Ford lipstick, and this universally flattering neutral pink is a standout choice. Dyson Airwrap Origin Hair Styler: During a recent appearance on This Morning, celebrity hairstylist Richard Ward - responsible for Kate Middleton's signature glossy waves - praised the Airwrap for its smoothing ability. It dries and styles without heat damage. ZIIP Halo All-in-One Microcurrent Facial Device: A celebrity-approved favourite, including Margot Robbie and Jennifer Aniston, this device uses low-level electrical currents to lift, tighten and brighten the skin, while boosting collagen. Le Creuset Casserole Dish: Meghan Markle's kitchen features Le Creuset's luxurious casserole dishes, suitable for slow-cooked stews, roasts, soups and more. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been told they cannot join the Royal Family at Royal Ascot this year amid concerns about the unfolding scandal involving the House of York and their ties with Jeffrey Epstein, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Sources say the sisters, whose names appear several times in the Epstein files, will not take their seats in the Royal Box at the prestigious horse-racing event in June, nor can they join senior royals for the Royal Procession. The move is said to have 'completely blindsided' Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, who are already reeling from the arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office. But the MoS understands that the move is part of a wider decision to exclude the Princesses from all public-facing events for the foreseeable future. It follows high-level Palace meetings about the role the pair should play given that serious questions remain about the extent of their relationship with the paedophile financier, including financial links. The news comes amid reports of a gulf between the sisters and the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are said to be particularly keen to keep them at 'arm's length' until details of any links are clearer. A well-placed source told the MoS: 'I've spoken to my friend who works at Ascot and they said the girls have been told they can't be there this year. 'Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She's been completely blindsided by all of this.' Princess Beatrice (L) and Princess Eugene (R) pictured at Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in 2024 Prince William is also said to have advised other Royals not to appear in photographs alongside the pair 'for the rest of the year'. The move indicates that the Palace accepts that any suggestion Beatrice and Eugenie advanced their own interests by turning a blind eye to the source of the Yorks' fortune poses a serious risk to the wider family. Another source added: 'Ascot would be out of the question because the royals have been told they can't have pictures with the girls for the rest of the year.' Being excluded from Royal Ascot will come as a particular blow to the Princesses. It was a favourite event of the late Queen Elizabeth, and the Procession which sees senior royals brought into the Royal Enclosure in carriages has been a ceremonial tradition since 1825. However, the source added that it would be impossible for the pair to attend because, traditionally, those who are part of the carriage procession stay at Windsor Castle the night before and have dinner with the family. 'That's another reason why it's out of the question that the girls will be able to go, unless they are just there as members of the Royal Enclosure,' they said. Notably, William and Kate were careful to avoid being photographed walking alongside the Princesses at the royals' Christmas Day church service at Sandringham. Join the debate Is banning Beatrice and Eugenie from Ascot the right call? Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, pictured leaving Aylsham Police Station after questioning on February 19, 2026 But another source said there was still 'a lot of sympathy for the girls' among the public, who were not 'harbouring any bad feelings'. And further support has come from an unlikely place the Sussexes in Montecito. Well-placed rumours suggest that Prince Harry has invited Beatrice to use his 11 million home as a bolthole. Although he and Meghan have been closer to Eugenie and her husband, who remained in contact with the couple when they stepped back as working royals in 2020, Beatrice is said to have taken her father's fall from grace hardest. A source explained: 'Harry has communicated with the girls, saying something along the lines of, "He knows what it's like to be at the wrong end of the institution". 'He's said there's an open invite, especially for Beatrice, if she ever wants one.' Concerns about the Princesses' possible financial ties to Epstein have mounted in recent months. They are known to have visited the disgraced billionaire in Florida days after he was released from jail in 2009 for prostituting minors. As this newspaper revealed in November, Prince William is said to have been frustrated that his cousins refused his suggestion to subject their personal investments to an 'ethics check'. Princess Beatrice, pictured cheering at the racing while attending Royal Ascot last year, is said to have been offered Prince Harry's 11 million home as a bolthole The Palace is aware that Andrew and his business friends acted as Beatrice and Eugenie's financial advisers and 'no one is quite sure what might not be entirely above board', a source has said. The Charity Commission has also confirmed it is 'assessing concerns' about Eugenie's charity, The Anti-Slavery Collective. Figures reveal an income last year of 92,311, including more than 48,000 in donations, but total expenditure of 301,024. The most significant sum was spent on salaries, according to The Times. A Charity Commission spokesman said: 'We are assessing concerns raised in the media about charitable spending at The Anti-Slavery Collective to determine what role there is, if any, for the Commission.' Royal commentators have also been asking about the provenance of Beatrice's cash and connections. In 2015, we revealed she went on 15 holidays in a year including to Verbier, St Tropez and Ibiza despite earning just 19,000 as a junior employee at Sony music. The Epstein files also revealed Beatrice offered her mother advice on getting back into Epstein's good graces and encouraged her father to give his disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019. Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Royal Ascot all declined to comment. The MoS contacted Beatrice and Eugenie for comment. One of Queen Elizabeth's closest advisers was ousted from the Palace at the behest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after he warned the monarch that her son's business dealings risked damaging the Royal Family, Whitehall sources have claimed. Sir Christopher Geidt who was once described as one of the few people around the Queen 'willing to say boo to a goose' spent ten years as the late Queen's private secretary until he was forced to leave in 2017 after a power struggle in the royal household. Sources have revealed that in 2019 by which time he had entered the House of Lords as Baron Geidt and had been appointed a Permanent Lord-in-waiting (a peer who holds office in the royal household) Lord Geidt was contacted by highly placed informants who warned him about Andrew's business dealings with Russian oligarchs. One of the sources said: 'He said that he would pass on the information to his old colleagues at the Palace, but that he had long been aware of these issues and he had attempted to raise them before, "But the Queen just doesn't want to know". It seems clear that Andrew played a role in his departure in 2017.' The revelation is the latest suggestion that damaging intelligence about Andrew could have been suppressed by the royal household for years because of the Queen's affection for her second son. Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed that King Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Family's name was being 'abused' by Andrew's business associations. A whistleblower told the Palace in an email that the former Duke had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland, who was exploiting his royal links. The whistleblower, who had knowledge of Andrew's business dealings with Mr Rowland, sent an email to Charles, then Prince of Wales, warning of 'David Rowland's abuse of the Royal Family'. Sir Christopher Geidt pictured attending a service in 2017 as the then private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II The Queen and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured attending a service at St Mary the Virgin Church in Hillington, Sandringham in 2020 Sir Craig Oliver, director of communications for David Cameron when he was Prime Minister, has revealed that in 2011, when questions were raised about Andrew's trade envoy role following this newspaper's publication of a photo of him with 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, he joined a meeting 'with a senior adviser to the Queen', who is understood to be Lord Geidt. Sir Craig said 'the bulk of the conversation with the adviser was about Prince Andrew, who was starting to appear in the media for spending more time on louche holidays than he was executing his official duties as UK trade envoy'. He added: 'The Palace official's sentences were littered with euphemisms that were in their own way devastating. 'He said that we could all agree that the Duke of York's public role had not been a "smooth ride". 'On one level there had been the "fluff" of him helping to sell bits of Britain, but we all knew he was 'not biddable'. 'Unlike the Duke of Kent who had been "superb" his performance had been "patchy" and he tended to 'rub the fur the wrong way'. 'After this gentle demolition, he concluded that perhaps it was time to announce that after "ten good years" Prince Andrew was leaving the role. 'I told him Andrew going would be a good thing, but the Press attention may mean that we couldn't control events. 'The man from the Palace wanted to make clear that he understood the story could grow, but that his strategy meant we could 'get through it with dignity'. 'Looking back on this I see the seeds of the full crisis we are now witnessing. For "dignity" read, "don't rock the boat".' A source close to Lord Geidt declined to comment. Elijah Blue Allman, 49, the son of Cher and the late songwriter Greg Allman, is arrested at prestigious St Pauls School in Concord, New Hampshire. According to the Concord Police Department, officers were called just before 7pm on Friday following reports that an unauthorized individual had caused a disturbance in the schools dining hall, TMZ reported on Saturday. The man, later identified as Allman, was said to have acted aggressively and 'belligerently', which prompted the response by authorities. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO In custody: Elijah Blue Allman was arrested on Friday evening at St Pauls School in Concord, New Hampshire (seen in 2023) Trespasser: Police were called following reports that an unauthorized individual had caused a disturbance in the schools dining hall, said TMZ (seen in 2001) Allman was taken into custody, processed, and released on his own recognizance, so no bail was required, per the outlet. He's scheduled to appear in court for a future arraignment. Sources indicated that Allman had no known ties to the school and that it's unclear why he was on campus, according to TMZ. The incident followed a troubling health scare in June 2025, when Allman was hospitalized after a drug overdose. In addition to Elijah, Cher's also the mother of 56-year-old Chaz Bono, who she had with the late musician Sonny Bono. In 2014, Allman revealed he began using drugs, such as weed and ecstasy, from the age of 11, and he detailed some close calls. He told ET at the time: 'I [was] just looking to escape all the things in my past and, that's when you turn to those kind of drugs, you know heroin and opiates. '[Heroin] kind of saved me If I didn't have that at that point, I don't know what I would have done You may jump off a bridge. If you can only just go through that time period and live through it and then get help.' Allman also recalled 'some moments of really feeling at the edge of mortality'. He added: 'I always kind of kept it a little bit safe but you never can do that. Even though you think that in your mind, of course, the wrong things can happen. 'The wrong combination of things can happen and you can just slip into the abyss. I knew it was wrong and I knew that I was very unsatisfied with life at that point.' Famous parents: Cher had her son with her ex Gregg Allman (right), who died in 2017 (seen in 1978) Troubled: The recent incident followed a health scare in June 2025, when Allman was hospitalized after a drug overdose (seen in 2001) In 2024, a judge threw out Cher's bid to have her son placed in a conservatorship controlled by her. She had petitioned LA Superior Court to appoint her as his temporary conservator, and argued that his drug addiction, along with mental and physical health issues, made him unable to manage the $120,000 a year he received from a trust fund set up for him by his late father. Cher said she feared Allman would spend his $10,000 a month payouts on drugs, putting his life in jeopardy. The judge refused to appoint Cher as conservator, and said that her attorneys had not given her son enough notice of the court action and refused to share confidential information with him about his case. After the brief hearing, when asked how he felt about the result, Allman smiled and shook his head. Brits viewing figures dropped to their lowest ever on Saturday night as many failed to tune in to the Jack Whitehall-hosted show, which was held in Manchester. The biggest awards ceremony in British music pulled in 2.1 million viewers, more than one million less than when it first moved to a coveted Saturday night slot. When it moved from a Tuesday to a Saturday in 2023, it was lauded a great move by fans as well as critics, as the programme drew in 3.3 million viewers. But just three years later, the show has lost more than one million viewers as it failed to live up to the incredible ratings of yesteryear. Viewing figures revealed that the near three-hour long show went out to just 2.1 million viewers last night, the lowest ever audience for the event. However, Saturday evening's viewing figures do not include ITVX streaming or access to the show via YouTube. In 2024 and 2025 the show averaged around 2.5 million viewers, which is still 400,000 more than it managed to pull last night. Brits viewing figures dropped to their lowest ever on Saturday night as many failed to tune in to the Jack Whitehall-hosted show which was held in Manchester The biggest awards ceremony in British music pulled in 2.1 million viewers, more than one million less than when it first moved to a coveted Saturday night slot But it wasn't all bad news for the Brits, as it did achieve the biggest 16-34 audience share of the day. It was also the biggest share of that demographic (49 per cent) since 2023. Despite an action-packed show which included Harry Styles' long-awaited return to stage, as well as huge performances from Rosalia, Mark Ronson and Alex Warren, some fans weren't impressed by the night. As well as complaining about Jack's 'tired posh boy shtick', others moaned that they were 'lost for words' over the In Memoriam segment. This year's BRIT Awards paid a touching tribute to music legends lost over the past year, introduced by Tim Burgess who started off the segment with a tribute speech to English bassist Mani. Gary 'Mani' Mounfield died in November last year aged 63, leaving the music industry in mourning. The Charlatans rocker told the arena: 'Hi everyone, I'm here tonight to pay tribute to my good friend. Mani changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy. 'He was truly one of the phenomenal ones. I'd like you to think about Mani for a moment and we can cherish the thought that we got to experience our time and his time together. Let's take a few moments to remember Mani.' After Tim's touching speech, a VT package then played with some of the other music legends lost in the last year, including Ozzy Osbourne. After Tim's touching speech, a VT package then played with some of the other music legends lost this year, including Ozzy Osbourne Other names which appeared on screen included Nicky Ryan, Roberta Flack, Thommy Price, Gilson Lavis and Chris Dreja. However, for viewers watching at home, they were left less than impressed at what was supposed to be a touching moment and flooded social media with comments. One said: 'What a touching tribute with some people's names in bigger font while others are tiny and barely stay on screen more than half a second'; 'Possibly the worst tribute segment I've seen at the Brits. Also is that all they're doing for Ozzy Osbourne?! He got way more at the Grammy's! Very poor'; 'Is this In Memoriam section of the #BRITs a f***ing competition? Do we get points if we can read that quickly?'; 'This is the worst tribute ever. a load of random names on a screen with about 5 clips shown through out ahahahahahhahaa wtffffff'; 'Ouch that tribute to Mani was . er lost for words He really deserved better'; 'Nice tribute to Mani by Tim Burgess, before a shockingly long list of names cycle past for a sombre In Memoriam section. Sometimes it seems like the great first era of pop is fading before our very eyes. Congrats to the #BRITs for bringing this home so sensitively.' Another blasted: 'What the f*** kind of tribute was that.' Meanwhile, the late Ozzy Osbourne was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award later in the ceremony. The frontman of Black Sabbath, who passed away in July last year, was celebrated for his inimitable impact and influence on music worldwide. The awards were closed out by an all-star rock tribute performance led by Robbie Williams, who was asked to be a part of the show personally by Ozzy's wife Sharon as a long-standing fan of the music and a friend of the Osbourne family. Curated by Sharon herself, it featured a special arrangement of No More Tears the title track from Ozzy's multi-million selling 1991 album of the same name. Jack returned to present the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025 The segment boasted a phenomenal line-up of British and international musical talent, featuring musicians that played as part of Ozzy's band over the years. Robbie was joined on stage by Ozzy's lead guitarist Zakk Wylde as well as Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo and Tommy Clufetos. The 46th edition of the BRIT Awards was launched at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena last night. Since removing gendered categories, such as Best Male and Best Female, the ceremony has faced backlash for the low number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was entirely male. But 2026 has rung in the changes, with 70 percent of this year's nominations being female or non-binary. Comedian Jack Whitehall returned to present the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025. He stepped away in 2022 when Mo Gilligan took over for two ceremonies, and Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo co-hosted the event together in 2024. It was his first time presenting in Manchester, and Whitehall, 37, credits the city as shaping his early comedy career after he studied at The University Of Manchester. In a recent clip shared to social media titled Ode to Manchester, the TV personality showed off everything from the Curry Mile to Coronation Street. He said: 'I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me. 'The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live, a venue that is only a stone's throw away from the comedy club I did my first ten-minute set in all those years ago.' He added: 'Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.' News / Regional by Stephen Jakes Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele has said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) acted unlawfully when they disrupted a Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committee meeting and arrested him without charge. In a statement, Molokele said what was meant to be a routine progressreview meeting for the Hwange Central CDF Committee was rudely and arbitrarily interrupted by plainclothed police officers.This highhanded act was neither fair nor lawful. The police officers refused to show us their official identity cards. They also did not produce any authoritative document to justify their disruptive behaviour, he said.Molokele said he and other committee members explained that the gathering was a private meeting by invitation and therefore did not fall under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA). However, the officers allegedly insisted they were acting under strict instructions to stop the meeting.We did our best to reason amicably with them but it was all in vain. In the end, our CDF Committee meeting was stopped arbitrarily, he said.Molokele said he was then arrested without being informed of any specific charge and taken to Hwange Central Police Station, where he was made to wait for several hours while officers sought further instructions.He was later taken to the office of the Superintendent for Law and Order, accompanied by lawyer Tiffany Sibanda from Dube, Nkala and Company, representing him on instruction from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).After being forced to answer several questions ostensibly to clarify the purpose of our disrupted CDF Committee meeting, I was released without being charged at all, he said.Molokele said police later claimed they had received a serious tipoff that unidentified individuals planned to hijack the meeting for a different agenda.We hereby unequivocally condemn the unfair and unlawful conduct of the ZRP. The ZRP is mandated by our national Constitution to maintain law and order and is not supposed to behave above the law, he said.The ZRP is obligated to serve the citizens of Zimbabwe and not harass them or violate their rights. Sky's Saturday Night Live UK have reportedly chosen iconic American comedian Tina Fey over home grown talent to host its March 21 launch. The British version of the long running American sketch show, will be broadcast live every week and bring 'the high-wire, anything-can-happen energy that makes SNL a cultural force, now reimagined through a distinctly British lens'. Viewers will be treated to a new guest host who will be joined by a chart-topping musical guest each week. But despite its vow to stay true to blighty, Tina, 55, who previously served as head writer and performer on the US version, has been tapped as the very first presenter. A source said: 'Though there might be some surprise to find there isn't a Brit presenting the show, there is some logic to this signing. 'There's a sense that the American show is handing the baton on to Britain by having Tina hosting the launch. Plus she's a massive icon in the world of comedy and proof of how huge someone can become through appearing on SNL'. Sky's Saturday Night Live UK have reportedly chosen iconic American comedian Tina Fey over home grown talent to host its March 21 launch They told The Sun: 'From here on, there are likely to be stars from the UK at the helm every week, though the exact names have yet to be confirmed'. Daily Mail have contacted Sky and Tina Fey's representatives for comment. Tina found fame on the US series in 1997, before being catapulted to worldwide fame for her impersonation of US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin in 2008. She later moved into movies, writing and starred in the iconic Mean Girls, which she adapted into a Broadway musical. The news comes following bookies Coral's bitter blow to show with odds of 1-2 for it to be scrapped after the first series. Coral's John Hill said: 'We are not optimistic about Saturday Night Live UK lasting very long. Viewers will be treated to a new guest host who will be joined by a chart-topping musical guest each week (SNL UK cast pictured) But despite its vow to stay true to blighty, Tina, 55, who previously served as head writer and performer on the US version (pictured 2001) has been tapped as the very first presenter. 'We make it odds-on to be scrapped after just one series.' Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young are those part of the line-up. Saturday Night Live, created by Lorne Michaels, is an American late-night sketch show that has aired on US channel NBC since 1975. There have been 1,000 episodes across 51 seasons. They are not the sort of crude insults you'd ever expect to hear leveled at Audrey Hepburn. But Hollywood costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorleac, 82, says the late movie icon famed for her graceful gentility deserves all his acidic barbs - and then some. 'She was a conniving b*tch - and she was crookeder than hell,' the Oscar-nominated movie veteran said of the Breakfast at Tiffany's star in a riotous interview with the Daily Mail. Dorleac's loathing of Hepburn, who died of cancer in 1993 aged 63, began after the Unicef ambassador double-crossed his acclaimed mentor Edith Head while preparing to shoot classic 1954 romcom Sabrina. 'Edith said [Audrey] changed one costume 73 times within a matter of an hour,' Dorleac explained, recalling the women's rough start. 'She was very evasive and uncooperative and indecisive about everything.' 'Her mind was evidently elsewhere and she dismissed Edith as though she were a charwoman.' Hepburn then flew to Paris to beg designer Hubert de Givenchy for outfits behind Head's back, said Dorleac, who has written a fascinating book on his life called The Naked Truth. 'She showed up unknown, and he had no idea who she was. She cooed her way into looking at his collection, and said, if he would loan her this and loan her that, and so forth...' Audrey Hepburn pictured as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The star remains one of the most beloved in Hollywood history - but now an insider has claimed she was a horrible person who does not deserve her gilded reputation Hepburn is pictured in 1954 movie Sabrina, which helped make her a star. But the beloved actress was a 'conniving b*tch' who trampled over a veteran costume designer to get to the top, claims her close friend Hepburn arrived back in the United States with a single black suit loaned to her by Givenchy. Head was keen to accommodate Hepburn's vision for her character's clothing. She agreed to create a wardrobe inspired by the Paris fashion house, Dorleac said, including a now-legendary black ball gown worn by Sabrina in a key scene. But Hepburn threw the act of generosity back in Head's face when asked who had designed the frock during an interview with a journalist, Dorleac revealed. 'Audrey Hepburn turned around and told the press that her dearest friend, Givenchy, had loaned her all these clothes, and she had brought them back from Paris... 'Audrey Hepburn did not bring back anything but one suit from Paris. 'She lied, and she ruined Edith's reputation by claiming to do this, that she got all this stuff from her good friend only so she could get in with Givenchy and get free clothes from him for the rest of her career. 'She ruined Edith's career, and that's why I have absolutely no kind words for that c***.' Despite Dorleac's claim, Head went on to win an Oscar for her work on Sabrina. Jean-Pierre Dorleac has named the worst celebrities he has ever encountered, puncturing the images of multiple movie icons who remain beloved even decades after their deaths Hepburn was accused of double-crossing Sabrina costume designer Edith Head, pictured, by passing off Head's work as that of designer Hubert de Givenchy in a bid to get free clothes from him Head died in 1981 aged 83, with Dorleac encountering Hepburn 'many times' in the ensuing years. He said: 'She was very neurotic. Very, very undependable and kept people waiting forever because of her.' Asked if Hepburn was kind, Dorleac immediately answered 'No.' He said she smelled bad because of an eating disorder and accused her of further falsehoods on his X account, writing: 'She made up so many stories for PR about what she went through in WWII. 'She didn't starve as a child like she claims, she was anorexic. All you had to do was spend some time with her, and see she was like a jumping bean. 'She was always on amphetamines.' Like Hepburn, Dorleac was born in Europe, spending his childhood in Toulon, France. He began his career as an actor but found himself fascinated by clothing and successfully transitioned to costume design in the 1970s with a move to Los Angeles. He has remained in the city ever since. Christopher Plummer is pictured in Somewhere in Time in 1980. He was an 'a**hole' behind the scenes who acted like a real know-it-all, the movie's costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorleac told the Daily Mail Plummer pictured as Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Despite his esteemed public image, he was a 'horrendous' person, according to Jean-Pierre Dorleac Dorleac's career soon took off with a slew of plum jobs on film and TV. He won Emmy Awards for his work on Battlestar Galactica and was nominated for an Oscar for the 1980 Midwestern-set romantic period drama Somewhere in Time. It was on the set of that movie that he encountered Christopher Plummer, another acting legend adored by millions who Dorleac said was actually a monster. 'It was a very difficult film,' Dorleac said. 'Christopher Plummer was a major pain in the ass. Vitriolic and not a nice man.' Dorleac explained that Plummer, best known for playing Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, would sneer that his costume was historically inaccurate. 'I went and bought him wonderful silks for $175 a yard that were from Italy, that were perfect for the period for summer in 1912 and he looked at them and fingered them like I had handed him a piece of sh*t, and said, "Oh, my father didn't wear these in the summertime."' Dorleac said Plummer continued to be an 'a**hole' for the remainder of the production and that the actor was 'horrendous' when they were reunited for 1986 movie The Boss' Wife. Plummer died in 2021 aged 91. The costume designer had sharper words still for Raquel Welch, who he dressed for a cameo awards ceremony scene in the 1994 comedy Naked Gun 33 1/3. 'She changed the style of her dress about 400 times,' Dorleac said of Welch, who died in 2023 at the age of 82. Raquel Welch with Leslie Nielsen in Naked Gun 33 1/3 in 1994. Costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorleac said the actress was a 'pr*ck' who refused to wear a bra despite having sagging breasts 'Three times we ordered fabric from Italy that was, like, $300 a yard, and she changed her mind on that. 'She had them change the curtains in the set three times. She wanted to wear a gold dress, and then she found the curtains were gold. And (the crew) changed them to red, and then she wanted to wear a red dress.' Warming to his theme, Dorleac continued: 'She was a selfish, mean little pr*ck - and she was short. 'She was four two, and she had t*ts on her that hung down to her knees. 'She wouldn't wear any undergarments at all, and she needed support terribly to lift them up, and everything you had to design for her had a halter top in it to lift them like a crane. 'She was impossible, impossible. Oh, God, I can't say enough awful things about how unprofessional she was.' Another Golden Age of Hollywood icon, Kirk Douglas, displayed a vile high-handedness while filming 1969 western There Was a Crooked Man in the scorching Mojave Desert, Dorleac said. 'After a grueling work week in the hot sun of Arizona Kirk made the grips build a white picket fence around his motorhome in the middle of the day on Sunday, the one day the entire crew had off,' he explained. Kirk Douglas on the set of 1969 western There Was a Crooked Man. The star made an exhausted crew erect a white picket fence around his trailer in the scorching Mohave desert, it is claimed Suzanne Pleshette, pictured in 1992, was the worst star Dorleac ever encountered, tearing an expensive blouse off her body in a rage because it displayed her uneven nipples 'It was superfluous decor for such a short time there, but he didn't care in the slightest and insisted the guys work for nothing and build this picket fence when there was nothing but shrub and cactus to be seen for miles. 'He wasn't trying to keep anything in or out. He just wanted it for his own ego's sake.' Dorleac said the worst performer he's ever worked with is actress Suzanne Pleshette, who starred in The Bob Newhart Show and died in 2008 aged 70. The costume designer said Pleshette exploded on realizing a top handmade by Dorleac displayed her uneven nipples, ripping the $700 garment off in an unhinged fury. Told that she could see a plastic surgeon to fix the problem, Pleshette is said to have screamed that she would 'never let some f**king doctor take a knife to me.' But Dorleac said he'd already noticed that Pleshette's ears and neck were crisscrossed with multiple face and necklift scars while helping her into the offending outfit. 'What a hypocrite,' he deadpanned, adding that Pleshette would constantly steal $35 pairs of pantyhose from the set they were working on. Dorleac says he met many wonderful stars during his decades in Hollywood, including Fred Astaire ('charming and secure in his talents') Kim Cattrall ('adorable') Bette Davis ('wonderful') and Elizabeth Taylor. Dorleac adored Elizabeth Taylor (pictured in 1991 with seventh husband Larry Fortensky) but revealed the multi-millionaire actress expensed her underwear to an Aids charity Even Taylor wasn't spared Dorleac's barbs though, as he revealed the late acting icon famed for owning hundreds of millions of dollars of jewelry would send her underwear bills to Aids charity amFAR. 'They all feel entitled,' he said. 'Elizabeth Taylor, despite what all these people say, that she was so benevolent, gave her time for Aids, I know people who worked at Saks Fifth Avenue who told me about what kind of bills she ran up for her, personally, that was all charged off to amFAR. 'It was for her underwear, her bras and her panties and her stockings and her shoes and her handbags and her dresses and her own perfumes she would get there and get them free.' Taylor died in 2011 aged 79. Dorleac speaks with the refreshing honesty of a man who got to the very top of his ritzy Hollywood profession through sheer hard work - and who is now determined to slaughter some of the movie industry's most sacred cows. 'Just because somebody is good looking does not mean they're talented,' he said 'It does not mean they're kind. It doesn't mean they're wonderful. It doesn't mean it's somebody you want to have coffee with.' When David Bowie tragically died from liver cancer in January 2016, he left behind his wife, supermodel Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, and two children. His son Duncan Jones, otherwise known as Zowie Bowie, was from the rock star's first marriage to Angie Bowie. But his daughter Alexandria Zahra 'Lexi' Jones, who is the daughter of David and Iman, was just 15 when her father passed away. Now, 25, Lexi, who was born in New York in 2000, is determined to forge her own path in the spotlight and launched her music career last year with her debut album Xandri. But things have not been easy growing up in the shadow of a music legend and a supermodel. 'I couldn't understand how I could have been born to people who were doing so well in everything while I was failing at everything,' she said in a clip earlier this week. David Bowie's daughter Alexandria Zahra 'Lexi' Jones, who was born in New York in 2000, is determined to forge her own path in the spotlight The musician, 25, was just 15 when her dad passed away form liver cancer in January 2016 On Thursday, Lexi revealed she turned to alcohol and drugs when her father was living with cancer in 2014. She was also battling anxiety and depression, developed bulimia aged 12 and was self-harming. When she hit 14, she was taken 'screaming' from her family home to a controversial treatment facility, where she was made to live in the wilderness for three months, forcing her to be away from her father as he lost his battle with cancer. Sharing a video on Instagram, Lexi recalled her father writing her a heartfelt letter when revealing the decision to send her to the facility, which read: 'I'm sorry we have to do this.' Looking back on her childhood, she said: 'Adults would talk to me differently than they would talk to other kids. Some were not interested in me as a person at all, and only as a proximity to something else.' She added that she felt like she 'existed as an idea' rather than a real person, with constant projections and expectations from others. Lexi continued: 'Something hit me pretty young before I was around ten. I started seeing a therapist because my teachers noticed something was off, and so did my parents. That was around the time I had my first anxiety attack. 'I started to feel depressed. I was failing school. I had learning disabilities, that made everything feel harder, and I hated the way I looked. I developed bulimia when I was 12. I started self-harming when I was eleven. 'I felt stupid, incompetent, unworthy, useless, unloveable, and having successful parents only made it worse. It felt like I would never live up to them. I couldn't understand how I came from people that were thriving in every single direction while I was failing at everything.' Following her father's diagnosis and turning to drink and drugs to cope, she said: 'Everyone around me was experimenting. But for me, it wasn't about fun. I wasn't experimenting, I was escaping. 'When the party ended for everybody else, I kept going, and I drank and got high alone. I became someone who lashed out. I was cruel to people who didn't treat me the way I wanted to be treated. I was begging to be respected by becoming something people feared, or at least noticed.' But things have not been easy growing up in the shadow of a music legend and a supermodel (David and Iman pictured in 1994) 'I couldn't understand how I could have been born to people who were doing so well in everything while I was failing at everything,' she said in a clip earlier this week Eventually, she said, an intervention occurred that was both unexpected and deeply traumatising. She said: 'My dad read a letter he had written. I don't really remember what it said, but I do remember the last line and it said, "I'm sorry we have to do this." 'Then two men came through the door, and they were both well over six feet tall. They told me I could do this the easy way or the hard way. I chose the hard way. I resisted. I screamed. I held onto the table leg. 'They grabbed me, they put their hands on me, they pulled me away from everything I knew and I was screaming bloody murder. I was screaming for someone to help me, but no one did... 'I felt stripped of any right to stay in my own life. They got me back into a black SUV and shoved me inside. By the time the door shut, my parents were already gone. I was alone. I was in a car with two strange men that wouldn't tell me where we were going and I just sat there completely horrified and silent.' Lexi said she spent 91 days at a 'wilderness therapy' programme living outdoors in winter conditions with no privacy, showering once a week, and being forced to count out loud every time she used a makeshift bathroom so staff could monitor her. Wilderness therapy, also known as outdoor behavioural healthcare, is a highly controversial style of mental health treatment developed in the US for adolescents and young adults. It combines intensive outdoor activities with counselling to purportedly address behavioural, emotional and substance abuse issues. After three months in wilderness therapy, Lexi was sent directly to a residential treatment centre in Utah for 13 months. 'I was strip-searched again,' she said. 'I had to be watched while I slept. I had to count every time I used the bathroom.' It was there that she learned her father had died: 'I had the luxury of speaking to him two days before, on his birthday. 'I told him I loved him, and he said it back, and we both knew. Then I saw the post, the one that said something like, David Bowie passed away, surrounded by his whole family. 'It made me physically ill because, yeah, the whole family was there. Except for me.' She continued: 'I've accepted it. I've tried not to internalise it or feel guilty but sometimes I still have those moments where I wish things were to be different. Since the passing of her father, Lexi has been open about dealing with grief 'Processing his death became a whole new layer of the programme. They created a special phase for me called The Grief and Loss Phase. They structured my grief. They categorised it and assigned milestones and expectations. 'At the time, I thought that was normal. I had never lost anyone that close to me and I didn't know how to grieve. And that was my only frame of reference.' After finally returning home from Utah shortly before turning 16, Lexi said she 'slipped back into old patterns' and was eventually sent away to another programme. 'This repetitive cycle of being sent away made everything start to blend together,' she explained. 'The ache of being away from my life, my people, myself, made me feel like a problem that was being passed off.' Lexi acknowledged that her experiences have shaped who she is today, making her 'emotionally intelligent, introspective, not afraid to reflect on some of the harder things'. She added: 'I was forced to look inward before I even had a chance to look outward. I had to understand emotions before I understood algebra. I had to become fluent in the language of healing before I even knew who I was.' But she also described lasting effects: 'I still flinch sometimes when things feel too controlled and I still get the urge to scan the room for rules I haven't been told yet.' Lexi later shared a statement explaining she held no resentment towards her loved ones and understood that they were trying their best to help her through something that 'none of them fully understood at the time'. Clarifying, she shared: 'My story was never meant to place blame on my parents. I love my parents deeply and I don't hold resentment towards them. 'They were trying to help a child who was struggling in ways none of us fully understood at the time. I never shared this to create a narrative of family conflict'. Since the passing of her father, Lexi has been open about dealing with grief. Two years after his death, Lexi got a tattoo honouring him in January 2018. Her tattoo is a moon with the words, 'Daddy xx' and the years of his birth and death, '1947-2016'. For many years, Lexi has been paying tribute to her late father on his birthday, with her social media posts prompting a wave of sympathetic responses from followers. Last month, she publicly attacked those who know her personally for overlooking the occasion and its proximity to the tenth anniversary of her father's death. Sharing a selfie with Instagram followers, she wrote: 'Thank you to all the people I don't know who wished me condolences, and f**k you to all of my friends who never texted me at all.' She added: 'I got 1 text! F**k all y'all.' Lexi had previously shared a poignant throwback snap with her father, with the caption: 'Da big 79 today. Happy birthday pops, miss ya!' The post was shared just months after Lexi revealed she has been diagnosed with autism, after a 'long and exhausting journey' and years of struggling to fit in. Lexi now lives in LA, where she is making music and creating art, and she appears to have a close relationship with her mother Iman The daughter of the late musical legend took to Instagram in August to discuss the 'validating' diagnosis and how she'd spent her whole life trying to pretend to be 'normal'. Lexi explained she'd spent thousands of dollars seeking professional help, before finally getting a formal diagnosis from an autism and ADHD specialist. The artist first announced her diagnosis in June, admitting that learning she was autistic gave her 'clarity and relief', after spending years hiding it without realising, leaving her drained and alienated. She took to her Instagram to write: 'Autism does not have one look, one voice, or one way of showing up. It comes in many forms, and a lot of us learn to hide it without even realizing we are doing it. 'I was recently diagnosed as autistic, and it finally made sense of so much I have carried quietly my whole life. 'It is very common for women and people socialised as female to be diagnosed later in life. We are often conditioned to mask, mirror, and internalise. That does not make it any less real. 'This diagnosis does not change who I am, but it gives me language, clarity, and relief. I am sharing this because I know I am not the only one, and because stories like this deserve to be seen.' Alongside, she posted a deeply personal essay entitled, The Quiet Effort: Neurodivergence through my lens, where she candidly opened up on how she'd 'spent my whole life feeling like I was different'. Lexi recalled growing up feeling 'isolated' and spent years mirroring those around her and 'masking' - referring to the conscious or unconscious effort by individuals to hide or suppress their natural autistic traits and behaviours to appear more neurotypical. She wrote: 'I never really felt like I belonged anywhere, and it ultimately left me exhausted from masking.' Lexi also confessed she had become good at 'blending in' but that it never came naturally to her and was something she had to work hard at 'consciously constructing'. She wrote: 'It feels more like a performance I have built over time, not a reflection of how I truly think, feel, or function.' She explained how she would get overwhelmed and 'shut down or lash out', while describing her lack of sense of self as a 'sense of pain' that 'chips away at my confidence and sense of worth.' However, Lexi went on: 'I am not trying to be seen as different. I have always just felt different, and I have spent so much of my time trying to figure out why.' She revealed she had been through a 'long and exhausting process' and spent 'thousands of dollars' on trying to find the answer, so she could 'start building a life that actually fits who I am'. She described finally getting her autism diagnosis as 'validating', as it made sense of all the things she had been feeling her whole life. The musician concluded the lengthy piece by stressing that while she's still the same person, she is now able to feel 'more self-compassion and less shame' about the way she is and thinks. Lexi finished: 'It is not about fitting into a category or chasing a label. It is about being able to see myself clearly for the first time. And I wanted to share that.' Lexi now lives in LA, where she is making music and creating art, and she appears to have a close relationship with her mother. Lexi released her debut album Xandri in April 2025. The 12-track record was created independently with Lexi writing, producing and performing all the songs herself During the pandemic, Iman, 70, revealed her daughter had helped her become more body positive while they were in lockdown together. The supermodel said that after she complained to Lexi about her eight-pound pandemic weight gain and how she could no longer fit into her pants, her daughter simply told her to 'buy a bigger pair'. Iman shared the anecdote with People in 2021, saying that women should not make a 'big issue of not fitting in skinny jeans'. She added: 'You're not 20 years old. Buy a size bigger. How about that?' Despite the pressure regarding physical appearance that many models experience, the Somalian beauty shared that she has tried to shield her daughter from any negative self-image talk. In the same interview, Iman revealed she never discussed her own body image with her daughter while she was growing up. She believes this is why Lexi has such a positive attitude towards weight now. Lexi released her debut album Xandri in April 2025. The 12-track record was created independently with Lexi writing, producing and performing all the songs herself. At the time of its release, she hit out at claims that her debut album was an attempt to replicate her chart-star father's success and standing in the business. Taking to Instagram, Lexi posted an emotional response written as a poem to the comparisons being drawn between them. Under the title, 'David Bowie's Daughter, that gets your attention, ay?' she insisted: 'I'm the daughter of a legend, but I'm more than just his name. 'They see the blood, they hear the sound, yet fail to see me, don't feel the same.' She continued: 'They compare me to his heights, like I'm supposed to reach his light. But I'm not here to chase what's already been done. By loving what I do, I feel I've already won.' Adding that she's 'not a copy, not a shadow', Lexi concluded: 'I'm not trying to fill his shoes. I'm just trying to find my own peace.' The Testament Of Ann Lee (15, 137 mins) Verdict: Wont shake you up Rating: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (12A, 90 mins) Verdict: Will shake you up Rating: The last film co-written by Mona Fastvold and her husband Brady Corbet was The Brutalist (2024), the bum-numbingly long epic about a Hungarian Jew who survived the Holocaust to become a celebrated architect in post-war America. Now the couple have teamed up again to bring us The Testament Of Ann Lee, another earnestly intense drama, this time set in the 18th century but also about religion, prejudice, feminism and architecture. Fair play to the Corbet-Fastvolds; theyve found a heck of a niche. Corbet directed The Brutalist but now its Fastvolds turn, and with cinematographer William Rexer she has made a film that is, at times, truly breathtaking to look at. Outside the paintings of Thomas Gainsborough, the 1700s never looked so picturesque. In the title role, Amanda Seyfried gives a tremendously impressive and fiercely committed performance, maintaining a credible north-of-England accent throughout. Ann Lee was the Lancastrian leader of the Shaker movement, originally known as the shaking Quakers after the way they jerked and twitched in ecstatic celebration of the divine, and later, a trifle more long-windedly, as the United Society of Believers in Christs Second Coming. Choreographed fervour: Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried) and her followers are moved by the spirit The film tracks Ann and her cohort of faithful followers who believe her to be the embodiment of that Second Coming from the dark satanic mills of Manchester to a settlement on the Hudson River, singing and shaking as they go, undaunted even by the occasional mid-Atlantic swell. The songs are apparently adapted from actual Shaker spirituals, though I wonder whether in real life Ann and her brethren were quite as tuneful and gloriously choreographed as they are here, in a kind of Stephen Sondheim interpretation of their fervour? Still, if nothing else this picture should leave you with a greatly enhanced knowledge of the Shakers, and of Ann in particular, who made sexual abstinence a keystone of her religion ... not unreasonably influenced, we are led to believe, both by the tragedy of losing four babies before they were a year old and by her husband Abrahams fondness for oral sex and sado-masochism. No-one can reach God while wallowing in the lust of the flesh, she opined. If hed been 50 per cent less lusty, maybe shed have thought differently? Abraham is played by Christopher Abbott and her loyal brother William by Lewis Pullman, with Thomasin Mackenzie as her devoted disciple Mary, who also acts as the narrator. Its all extremely well-acted, and as I say, gorgeous on the eye. Its also fascinating to see how the minimalist precepts of Shaker architecture and furniture developed. The handmaid's tale: Thomasin McKenzie plays Ann's disciple, Mary - who narrates the story Fierce: Amanda Seyfried gives a powerful and committed performance as Ann Lee But despite some liveliness towards the end when Ann is carted off and accused of witchcraft, I found it dramatically rather dreary. She yearned to find purpose amidst the dullness of her lot, says Mary of the young Ann, while shes still stuck in Manchester, and Im afraid I felt much the same at Mondays press screening. There was nothing dull about the twitcher and shaker celebrated in EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. Baz Luhrmanns documentary is a compelling companion piece to his terrific 2022 biopic Elvis; indeed its origins lie in the research he did for that drama. In the Warner Brothers archives, kept in salt mines in Kansas, of all places, he and his team found 65 boxes of unseen concert footage dating from the early 1970s. Elviss so-called Vegas years. They have now been restored, synched with the missing sound, and the result is a thrilling reminder of what an extraordinary performer late-period Elvis still was. Oh happy day: Baz Luhrman's EPiC shows Elvis as a performer at the peak of his powers The monumental kitsch of those Vegas shows sometimes feed a tendency to disparage him as a rhinestone-suited shadow of his former self, but he really was as good as ever. Its not just his irresistible charisma but also his sheer musicality that will leave not only diehard fans all shook up. EPiC is more than a concert film. Luhrmann also unearthed an unheard audiotape of Elvis talking about his career, so he adds that to the mix, and we follow him both on stage and off, with Cary Grant and Sammy Davis Jnr among those seen paying homage after a show. You started to rev up and you never stopped, marvels Davis, no slouch himself in the stagecraft department. But its mainly about the music. A wondrous performance of Suspicious Minds ends with a drum solo that Elvis positively inhabits, quivering like a religious fundamentalist possessed by the glory of the Lord. Ann Lee, I fancy, would have approved. Both films in cinemas now. Molly vs The Machines (15, 91 mins) Verdict: Powerful and timely Rating: Sirat (15, 115 mins) Verdict: Watchable but weird Rating: Molly Russell was the 14-year-old English girl who took her own life in 2017, driven to despair by a barrage of toxic online material about self-hatred. Molly vs The Machines (15, 91 mins, ****) is a powerful and timely documentary about the corrosive and in some cases fatal influence of social-media platforms set up by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who not only refuse to be accountable but in some cases rage against efforts to regulate them, sneering at it as censorship. Step forward, Mark Zuckerberg. A father's campaign: Ian Russell is determined to discover what led his beloved daughter Molly (left) to take her own life in 2017, aged just 14 The understated but resolute hero of Marc Silvers film is Mollys father Ian, who continues to campaign against those who think its just fine to feed this poison to children. He often feels hes fighting a losing battle. But the more people who watch this at-times harrowing but thunderously important documentary, the more chance he has of winning it. Man on a mission: Luis (Sergi Lopez), with his son Esteban (Bruno Nunez Arjona), heads to the desert - and the world of rave culture - to try to find his missing daughter Sirat (15, 115 mins, ***) tells the story of another desperately concerned father, although this one is purely fictional. Sergi Lopez plays Luis, a sad-eyed dad who, with his young son, keeps turning up at illegal raves in the Moroccan desert in the hope of finding his daughter, whos been missing for five months. After a gripping start, the narrative seems set for a straightforward thriller about a mans tenacious search for his child. But Spanish director Oliver Laxe has other ideas, crafting an increasingly surreal, weirdly watchable tale of dancing, drug-taking, sand and music. Molly vs The Machines is in cinemas on Sunday (March 1) and will air on Ch4 at 9PM on Thursday (March 5). Sirat is in cinemas now. ALSO SHOWING... Scream 7 (18, 114 mins) Verdict: Runs out of scream Rating: How on Earth do you approach the seventh instalment of a horror franchise? By rehashing the first. And the second. And the third. And...you get the point. Or at least thats the approach taken by Scream 7. It brings back the original films writer, Kevin Williamson, whos also now directing. And hes brought back series mainstay Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) to confront the ghostface killer once again. Not you again: Ghostface is back, for the seventh time. But is it just one killer hiding behind the familiar mask...or two? Call for help: Neve Campbell, as Sidney Prescott, returns to the scene of the crimes Sorry, maybe that should that be ghostface killers, plural. This sequel does try to shake up its own formula...a little...with the prospect of more than one psychopath behind the mask. Theres also the addition of another type of mask: AI deepfakes. Oh, and Sidney has a daughter now, called Tatum (Isabel May). But these innovations arent, well, innovative enough to really change the Scream experience. It still amounts to a bunch of teens running away from a knife-wielding maniac, before the final Scooby-Doo-style reveal of who had it in for these meddling kids all along. It doesnt help that the best sequences come at the start. Theres a particularly - and literally - theatrical murder in the first 15 minutes that the rest of the film doesnt live up to. Sadly, for her family and us viewers, it takes out one of the few teens with a personality. From there, its a mix of the predictable and the preposterous. Does Tatum prove herself to be as resilient as her mother? Youll know the answer to that already. Can you see the final reveal coming? Not really - because its extremely dumb. PETER HOSKIN Easy Virtue (Arts Theatre, Cambridge) Verdict: Young love Rating: PARENTING styles have evolved down the ages. In Noel Cowards day 100 years ago they were transitioning from firm moral instruction to todays neurotic relativism. The result can be funny as in Cowards early comedy Easy Virtue, directed by Sir Trevor Nunn at Cambridges refurbished Arts Theatre, the venue that kick-started his career when he was a student. The show stars Greta Scacchi as Mrs Whittaker, a proudly moralising matriarch who is alarmed to learn that her beloved son Johnnie (Joseph Potter), is returning from the French Riviera married to Larita (Alice Orr-Ewing) a blonde divorcee 20 years his senior with loose hips and looser morals. Although her daughters are excited by the new addition, Mrs Whittaker sees Larita as an existential threat to everything she holds holy. Your basic nightmare: Daughter-in-law Larita (Alice Orr-Ewing) rocks the Whittaker's world Written by a 26-year-old Coward, the play is smartly presented as a battle over the meaning of true love. But, its the battle for moral authority which is more entertaining, and its a tussle in which Mrs Whittaker is not assisted by her all-too-reasonable Colonel husband in a near whispered performance from Michael Praed thats so understated, its as if hes saving his voice for a later theatrical engagement. The flaw in the tale is that Johnnie is a posh country bumpkin who doesnt stand a chance, in the long run, with the lavishly sophisticated Larita. Their liaison is obviously doomed and outlasts its plausibility on stage. That would normally only be a marginal issue in Coward comedies, except that here he does also want us to take seriously his ideas about love. Woman on the brink: Greta Scacchi as the embattled Mrs Whittaker Mismatch: Divorcee Larita (Alice Orr-Ewing) is 20 years older - and several leagues more sophisticated - than her smitten new husband Johnnie (Joseph Potter) Still, theres much fun in Scacchis palpitating parent on the brink of a breakdown. And Orr-Ewing is every covetous mothers nightmare: draped in Cartier and Chanel, and launching icy zingers. Nunn directs a snappy ensemble with typical panache, although his efforts to avoid caricature sometimes slacken the comic tension. But that shouldnt put anyone off this delicious production with cheeky performances all round. Fingers crossed for a transfer. Easy Virtue runs at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge until March 7. Evening All Afternoon (Donmar Warehouse, London) Verdict: Lost love Rating: On a more serious note, Evening All Afternoon, asks what it means to be a mother. The question besets two women: art student Delilah and aging spinster Jennifer. Neither have been mothers, but both have lost one. Written by Anna Ziegler, author of the Nicole Kidman 2015 hit Photograph 51, the two are thrown together when Jennifer marries Delilahs father, John. Following the sudden death of her loving mother, Brooklyn born Delilah (Erin Kellyman) is an angry, attitudinising teenager topped by a storm of ginger curls. Bereaved women: Jennifer (Anastasia Hille, left) and her new stepdaughter Delilah (Erin Kellyman) are both grappling with grief, after the deaths of their mothers Also coming to terms with the loss of [itals] her [end itals] mother, Jennifer (Anastasia Hille) is a reticent, introverted mouse, lacking confidence and speaking in compound rambles of self-deprecating subclauses. Jennifer nonetheless makes it her business to reach out to her icily resistant step-daughter. This involves putting up with a great deal of hostility, while brooking entrenched awkwardness of her own. Neither enjoys it much. Whats missing is not so much the womens mothers, as the never seen husband/father John. Does he exist, or is he a figment of their imagination? It wouldnt matter, except that hes the very reason they have come together. The acting digs deep into the emotional isolation of each woman. Hille is full of tics and uncertainties. Kellyman brims with sadness and anger. Its also cleverly staged by director Diyan Zora and designer Basia Binkowska in a sea of blue, conjuring the womens worlds with two chairs, a few trinkets, and a short ladder. Regular people doing regular things, says Delilah. Its the best thing art can do. Im not sure I agree, but Ziegler fulfils her brief with tenderness and grace. Evening All Afternoon is at the Donmar until April 11 Bird Grove (Hampstead Theatre) Verdict: Tough Love Rating: Although now generally deplored, there is much to admire in the Victorian approach to parenting as witnessed in Bird Grove, the story of Middlemarch novelist George Eliot navigating her years as a young woman in Coventry before she was famous. Born Mary Ann Evans (Elizabeth Dulau), shes a brainy bookworm who keeps house for her retired estate manager father (Game of Thrones Owen Teale). But wait... Alexei Kaye Campbells play wastes over an hour with Mary Anns obviously idiotic suitor Horace (Jonnie Broadbent), who is suffering an onslaught of diarrhoea. Then, completely out of the blue, Mary Ann refuses to accompany her father to church. Shes decided she wants to live truthfully. By George: Mary Ann Evans (Elizabeth Dulau) - who went on to become the novelist George Eliot - with her father (Game of Thrones' Owen Teale) Dad tells her to get her coat, or move out. At last, we have a dramatic motor - albeit a spluttering lawnmower. Kaye Campbell passes off the redundant first hour as halting drawing room comedy. Not his strong suit. Teale makes up for it by adding clammy warmth to the fathers commendable Yorkshire intransigence. Dulau, by contrast, is a solemn Eliot lookalike espousing entry level feminism and opining on the role of religion as an instrument of social control in Victorian society (stifles yawn). Thankfully Sarah Woodward, as Mary Anns tutor-turned-mentor, adds lighter touches with comic, religious and moral squeamishness. Unhelpfully, the father-daughter conflict is allowed to fizzle out in Anna Ledwichs sedentary production on Sarah Beatons elegant China blue set of antique furniture. And theres little sense of how any of this influenced Eliot as a writer, or of the racy life in London she went on to live. Instead, we can at least be grateful for some tips on Victorian parenting. Bird Grove runs at the Hampstead till March 21. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (Swan, Stratford upon Avon) Verdict: The skys the limit Rating: A starving hyena (a slinky, sly Shaka Kalokoh) stalks the drought-stricken village in Malawi where the locals plant seed and pray in vain. All day we cry, we have lost many friends, is their oft-repeated lament. But a miracle happens. Which is not a spoiler for the clue is in the title. A nimble Alistair Nwachukwu plays the resourceful 13-year-old who uses a school library book and scraps from a dump to build on his hunch that the pedal-power that makes a dynamo bike-light shine might create electricity for a wind turbine to pump water to the parched crops. Williams memoir, already an award-winning movie by British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, acquires a new surge of energy in Lynette Lintons vivid, vibrant production. Astonishing achievement: William (Alistair Nwachukwu) works on his home made wind turbine Whats missing is drama, excitement and exhilaration. Over-simplified, over-amplified, over-acted (the goofy headmaster is a grating exaggeration), it is also underwritten, undercooked and underpowered. Even in the final climactic scene, when the windmill whirs at last, the water merely trickles. It should have been a blast in every sense. While limber dancing and Tim Suttons African-inspired music, gorgeous harmonies, drumming and ululations are terrifically atmospheric, the melodies are seldom distinctive or memorable. One song amusingly moves from it wont work, William to it might work, William to it must work, William, deftly propelling the story. Only the silent performances from the human hyena and Williams dog, brought to bounding life by Yana Penrose until he dies of hunger, have real theatrical momentum. Williams father, Trywell (Sifiso Mazibuko) lives up to his name as the biggest, strongest man in the village, particularly in his hymn-like number I will plough the land while I have breath enough. He is shackled to the earth while his better-educated son can reach higher, a tension well caught when Williams wise, imaginative mother (Madeline Appiah) points out: You lifted him, now let him see the way. And so he does. But at the end, the resounding cheers were for Williams astonishing achievement rather than this loud, underwhelming show. GEORGINA BROWN Until March 28. Former MasterChef judge Matt Preston has opened up about the devastating loss of his younger brother, admitting the tragedy continues to influence his life decades later. Preston, 64, is appearing in the upcoming SBS documentary The Hospital: In the Deep End, where he worked alongside frontline health workers in geriatric, neurology and prostate cancer wards. While the experience exposed him to the harsh realities of hospital life, it also stirred deeply personal memories of the family loss that changed everything. His brother William died in 1988 at just 22 from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) at a time when little was understood about the condition. The little-known condition occurs when an otherwise healthy person with epilepsy dies suddenly - not from a seizure-related accident - with no reason for death being found. Preston says the stigma around epilepsy back then was frighteningly primitive. Former MasterChef judge Matt Preston has opened up about the devastating loss of his younger brother, admitting the tragedy continues to influence his life decades later 'When my brother got epilepsy, I think it was seen as medieval... like an Exorcist moment,' he told the Herald Sun. 'People were scared of it it was like 'oh there be demons' kind of stuff. We're probably a lot better than that. 'Hopefully, we start to look more carefully at the work we do in that area or neurology, which is such an important area. Increasingly it's going to affect more of us.' More than 200,000 Australians live with epilepsy and more than 170 die each year from the condition, but Preston believes research and funding still has a long way to go. The loss also pushed his late mother to start a charity that continues today. Yet it was only recently that the full emotional weight of losing his sibling truly hit home. 'It only hit me this Christmas,' he says. 'We were sitting around the table with my wife's family and one of my kids the other two are travelling and it was like there was that space not just for where my brother could have been but his partner and their kids and the relationship that they would have had with my kids. His brother William died in 1988 at just 22 from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) at a time when little was understood about the condition. Pictured with his brother and two sisters in the late '70s Preston says the stigma around epilepsy back then was frighteningly primitive 'That's an emotionally challenging thing to embrace.' The tragedy also played a pivotal role in the London-born reality TV star's decision to come to Australia. 'I came to Australia for the first time after my brother died... because I needed time off. This was my way of doing it,' he said. 'I went for a four-month travel around the world, ended up with Australia, and then ended up moving here. So, absolutely there was that sense of making more of my life.' Working in hospitals for the documentary forced Preston to confront both that past loss and the fragility of life more broadly. The experience left him in awe of healthcare workers but also convinced he could never do their job. 'That constant pressure... I came out of some of those days going 'I don't understand why they do it and how they do it',' he said. For Preston, losing his brother and watching his mother's decline has reshaped how he views time and success. 'Focusing my attitude on stuff that matters to me is really important,' he says. 'It was good to do stuff that mattered.' A filmmaker who was working on a movie with Robert Carradine just weeks before his death has described their last conversation and the moving way she now intends on honoring him. Director Connie Lamothe cast Carradine in The Driver, a mafia film in which he would have played the 'don', Antonio Politano. It was a movie Carradine was particularly excited to begin, and one that was finally beginning production after years of setbacks due to the pandemic. Now, in an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail, Lamothe has shared memories of working with 'Bobby' and plans to dedicate the movie to their late star. Carradine, who was part of the Carradine acting dynasty that includes his brother Keith and late half-brother David, died by suicide after a nearly 20-year long battle with bipolar disorder on Monday. He was 71. 'The last conversation was positive and upbeat,' she explained. 'He spoke to Wayne [Shipley, his friend/Lamothe's colleague] and was good to go. There was nothing that suggested otherwise. That was in the middle of January. The discussion was mostly about specifics for the table read.' Director Connie Lamothe has recalled her last conversation with Robert Carradine prior to his death at age 71. Pictured 2017 Carradine was 'very gung-ho' about working on the film before abruptly ceasing communication for three to four weeks. 'Bobby was very gung-ho about that. Wanted to come. Definitely wanted to do it. And so that was great. So we got everything all set. We had set the date for February 21 and Wayne, to be honest, was doing most of the communicating with Bobby, and all of a sudden he just stopped,' she said. 'There was just nothing more. No information period.' Lamothe said they were 'concerned' about the lack of communication and decided to 'give him some space'. 'Wayne and I were concerned about that, but some actors do that,' she said. 'Not to be unfair or unkind, but sometimes that just happens. We wanted to just kind of let it ride out a little bit and give him some space, depending on whatever was happening with him. And so that's what we thought we were doing.' As they had not heard from Carradine, they went ahead and rescheduled the date of their table read. Lamothe said Carradine was unaware of the date change: 'So we didn't hear from him, so we decided we were going to go ahead and change the date, which we did. Bobby never knew that. He didn't know that the date changed to the 14th of March.' 'That, for me, was really upsetting, because when you don't know actually what the details are and what he may have been going through, I think that was just the hardest part for me was thinking that was thinking that. 'I hope, because he's an actor, that he did not have any guilt or just feelings about, "I know it was this weekend. I didn't go, I wasn't there. I let everybody down." And so I've kind of mulled that over a little bit and felt really bad about it.' 'To be frank, whatever happened, could have had absolutely not a thing in the world to do with what we were doing. I don't know that, but just being a person that cares, I just wouldn't want to think that.' While the role will now be recast, Lamothe will now be dedicating the film to Carradine - who she believes would have been 'absolutely outstanding' in the role. 'I'm really sad that we don't get to do that, but we're going to go ahead and make the [table] reading in his honor,' she said. 'We'll dedicate the film to him, without a doubt, because I think he deserved the part. And you know, just in my mind, he was that part,' she said. Carradine, pictured 2014, died by suicide after a decades-long battle with bipolar disorder Carradine was set to star as film's 'don', Antonio Politano At their upcoming table read, Lamothe said they will likely say a prayer, talk about Carradine, and do a slideshow remembering their late castmate. 'We will definitely dedicate the film to him. And I think that we've decided that at the read, we're going to go ahead and... probably a prayer and just talk about it a little bit,' she said. 'Wayne was going to have somebody put together kind of a slideshow type thing. He's got some great photos of Bobby.' 'I do hope that once we get this thing done... that people will watch it and maybe think of him and kind of maybe can see him in that role.' Lamothe believes her film was the last project he had scheduled. 'As far as what I know and what I've been told, that was the last thing he had, you know?' 'It's a tragedy. I'm so, so deeply sorry for his family. They've already had so much that they've been through.' Carradine's family revealed his death in a somber statement issued to Deadline. The Revenge of the Nerds star is memorably known for playing Hilary Duff's father in Lizzie McGuire Carradine famously played the role of Sam McGuire on 65 episodes of the TV series Lizzie McGuire from 20012004 They noted that Carradine had lived with and fought with bipolar disorder for two decades, but he ultimately took his own life. 'It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,' his family announced on Monday. The statement continued, 'In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.' Carradine's family said they were 'bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobbys valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder. 'We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. 'At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion,' the statement concluded. New details about his tragic passing came to light on Friday. According to a case file from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner obtained by Daily Mail, the Lizzie McGuire star died when in a Los Angeles hospital. The file also details that his death was by hanging which caused an anoxic brain injury, brought on by total oxygen deprivation. Robert began working as a child actor, with his first appearance in motion pictures coming in 1972 in The Cowboys with John Wayne. Robert also appeared in 1973's Main Street from feted filmmaker Martin Scorsese; and in the famed 1978 movie Coming Home with Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. Carradine portrayed Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds and subsequent sequels One of his most prominent roles came as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, which also starred Anthony Edwards, Curtis Armstrong and Timothy Busfield. He reprised the roles for sequels such as 1987's Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise and two TV films: 1992's Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation and 1994's Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love. Carradine famously played the role of Sam McGuire on 65 episodes of the TV series Lizzie McGuire from 20012004, and in the 2003 motion picture based on the popular franchise with Hilary Duff in the titular role. Robert appeared alongside brothers David and Keith in 1980's The Long Riders, which also featured members of famed Hollywood acting families such as the Quaids, Guests and Keach family. If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson cut a downbeat figure as she stepped out in Sydney on Saturday, as speculation swirls over tensions with co-host Kyle Sandilands. The KIIS FM star, 51, appeared keen to go unnoticed as she shielded her face behind oversized dark sunglasses and opted for a low-key ensemble of a loose grey T-shirt and baggy navy pants. Going makeup-free for the outing, Jackie looked worlds away from her usual glamorous on-air persona, instead favouring comfort as she padded along. At one point, she lifted a hand to her forehead as she walked, appearing lost in thought, before later being spotted speaking quietly on her phone with her head lowered. Her shoulders were slightly hunched and her pace unhurried. Jackie gave the impression she was eager to avoid attention as she made her way through the street. Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson cut a downbeat figure as she stepped out in Sydney on Saturday, as speculation swirls over tensions with co-host Kyle Sandilands The KIIS FM star, 51, appeared keen to go unnoticed as she shielded her face behind oversized dark sunglasses and opted for a low-key ensemble of a loose grey T-shirt and baggy navy pants Going makeup-free for the outing, Jackie looked worlds away from her usual glamorous on-air persona, instead favouring comfort as she padded along in open-toed shoes In another moment, Jackie spoke on her phone while keeping her head down. It appeared to be a serious outing for the usually upbeat radio star, who looked worlds away from her bubbly on-air persona. It comes after Kyle Sandilands dismissed reports his long-running radio program with Jackie has come to an end after he was absent from Thursday's show. Speaking on Friday's broadcast of The Kyle & Jackie O Show, Kyle, 54, addressed headlines suggesting he had been pulled from the airwaves, insisting his absence was simply due to a sick day. The presenter explained he had been up through the night caring for his unwell baby. 'I haven't vanished, everyone,' Kyle said at the top of the show. 'According to the newspapers, The Kyle & Jackie O Show was over, and I vanished. It just goes to show you can never believe what you read in any of the newspapers. 'I feel they may have had their phones cut off; no one even rang to check.' At one point, she lifted a hand to her forehead as she walked, appearing lost in thought, before later being spotted speaking quietly on her phone with her head lowered Her shoulders were slightly hunched and her pace unhurried Jackie gave the impression she was eager to avoid attention as she made her way through the street Kyle said his three-year-old son Otto had been coughing throughout the night. 'It was a hard night [with the baby]; every time he coughed I sort of [woke up], then I had a headache,' he said. He added it was 'hard enough' to front the show on a good day, let alone after a night of 'broken sleep'. Kyle previously expressed his 'regret' over the fiery on-air clash that left co-host Jackie, in tears. An emotional Jackie said she was deeply 'offended' by his brutal comments during the clash. On Wednesday, Kyle admitted he wished he had handled things differently on The Kyle & Jackie O Show. 'I obviously upset her. Maybe, in hindsight, I shouldn't have said it on the air. But we say a lot of things on the air here,' said Kyle. In another moment, she spoke on her phone while keeping her head down It appeared to be a serious outing for the usually upbeat radio star, who looked worlds away from her bubbly on-air persona It comes after Kyle Sandilands dismissed reports his long-running radio program with Jackie has come to an end after he was absent from Thursday's show 'It was never meant to hurt her feelings and obviously it did. I regret hurting her feelings. No one wants to hurt someone. Especially someone you care for.' 'I don't really know. The show is just ploughing ahead anyway. I'm just leaving this up to management,' he added. Kyle went on to say he just wanted to be back on the air with everyone happy, adding: 'I want her to be happy and enjoy it. I also want the same thing.' He then joked he didn't care if any of the other producers or staff members were happy because he would 'swap them all out in a heartbeat' for Jackie. Jackie was moved to tears after Kyle slammed her over an apparent 'fixation' with astrology. The pair were discussing the latest developments regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, when Jackie proceeded to read out the disgraced royal's birth chart. Kyle then proceeded to lambast his co-star, claiming that her love for astrology was affecting her work. When Jackie attempted to defend herself and accused him of launching an attack on her, he stated he was only expressing the 'facts'. ITV faced fierce backlash over the constant censorship of the BRIT Awards from viewers as it aired on Saturday. The biggest night in music was back at the Co-op Arena in Manchester, but fans grew tired of the broadcaster after dialogue from the ceremony was heavily muted due to it airing with a delay. Viewers pined for the 'rock and roll' of the BRITs in the years gone by, after Sharon Osbourne's tribute to her late husband Ozzy was censored as well as Noel Gallagher's playful taunt: 'Up the f*****g blues' - despite it being past the 9pm watershed. Fans thought ITV were being overly cautious following the backlash at the BAFTAs last week when Tourette's campaigner John Davidson yelled the N-word slur at Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo who were presenting the award for special visual effects. The Hollywood stars looked shocked but the word remained in the BBC's broadcast which aired with a two-hour delay on Sunday before being uploaded to iPlayer. Viewers wrote on X: 'Im actually sick of this censorship Ive never remembered the brits being this bad I understand politics but I watch for how unhinged it was I bet its because of the baftas but this is too much like bleeping out Ozzy f*****g osbourne? At 11pm are we for real'; ITV faced fierce backlash over the constant censorship of the BRIT Awards from viewers as it aired on Saturday Noel Gallagher's playful taunt: 'Up the f*****g blues' was also censored - despite it being past the 9pm watershed - as he accepted the Songwriter Of The Year Award 'This censorship fuzz sounds all night has ruined the awards for me not needed after ten'; 'Ridiculous censorship. Too shouty. Too tame. Hardly rock n roll, more horlicks and a bourbon biscuit'; 'can they stop beeping everything out its literally past 9 o clock ffs x'; 'also not them bleeping out free Palestine and F ice, so strange'; 'Its half 9 on a Saturday night. You might as well sack the broadcast off altogether if you are going to censor everything that might be controversial! Christ alive!' Sharon was censored while making an emotional speech to Ozzy as she accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. She said: 'There will never be another Ozzy f***ing Osbourne and I f***ing love you.' Fans asked: 'Why censor swear words at almost 11pm? Its also a bit disrespectful considering she was saying what Ozzy would have said!' Elsewhere, I'm A Celebrity winner AngryGinge got muted when he celebrated the BRITs coming to his hometown (pictured with Luke Littler) Max Bassin of Geese also was muted during his acceptance speech the band won their first ever Brit Award for International Group of the Year Bosses were even forced to censor host Jack Whitehall after he made a joke about former Labour grandee Peter Mandelson Fans thought ITV were being overly cautious following the backlash at the BAFTAs last week when Tourette's campaigner John Davidson yelled the N-word slur at Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo Viewers wrote on X: 'Im actually sick of this censorship Ive never remembered the BRITs being this bad' Meanwhile Noel made a reference to his beloved Manchester City as he declared 'up the f***ing blues', alluding to the club's kit colour. But viewers could only hear the boos from the crowd - presumably from Manchester United supporters after his taunt was silenced. Bosses were even forced to censor host Jack Whitehall after he made a joke about former Labour grandee Peter Mandelson. The disgraced former minister was arrested last week as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, following allegations he leaked sensitive information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary. Jack appeared to make reference to Mandelson while speaking to Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham. However, the joke didn't make it past ITV censors as viewers watching the ceremony at home heard bird noise over Jack's comments. Jack joked how the BRITs is 'the only party Andy is allowed into these days', mocking the fact Sir Keir Starmer is blocking Andy from running as an MP for the Labour party. Jack referenced Mandelson's name in the so-called Epstein Files, by saying: 'I think I saw Peter Mandelson on the list, oh no sorry that's another list!' Despite being cut from the ITV broadcast, the joke was still shared on the BRIT Awards' Instagram. Elsewhere, I'm A Celebrity winner AngryGinge got muted when he celebrated the BRITs coming to his hometown. He cheekily quipped: 'Its so great to see the BRITs in Manchester because people are now realising London is a s***hole!' Max Bassin of Geese also was muted during his acceptance speech the band won their first ever Brit Award for International Group of the Year. He said: 'I just want to say, Free Palestine, F--k ICE, go Geese!' Viewers thought ITV bosses were playing it safe and missed the 'chaos' that used to be the BRITs. Back in 2008, the Osbourne family were asked to present The BRIT Awards but didn't quite adhere to the 'no swearing on live television' rule. Not only did they fill the whole show with expletives, which prompted 128 Ofcom complaints, but Sharon got particularly angry at comedian Vic Reeves in one awkward moment. At the 2000 BRIT Awards, Robbie Williams decided to use his moment on stage to challenge Oasis star Liam Gallagher to a fight. There had long been brewing tension between the pair after Liam had branded Robbie the 'fat dancer from Take That'. And their conflict came to a head when an inebriated-seeming Robbie took to the stage whilst accepting his best British Song award and said to the audience: 'So, anybody like to see me fight Liam? Would you pay to come and see it?' Meanwhile Liam was embroiled in another controversial BRITs moment in 2010. The Oasis star was awarded a special Best Album of 30 Years award for (What's the story) Morning Glory? and took to stage to accept the gong. However, not only did he snub his own brother and bandmate Noel in his acceptance speech, but swore his way through a 10-minute-long ramble. And when he'd finally finished, Liam threw his microphone and his actual award into the audience. Selena Gomez's husband Benny Blanco revealed some of the behind-the-scenes drama from their wedding in a recent interview. While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, February 26, the 37-year-old music producer revealed that his 33-year-old bride was left in tears after she lost the vows she had written for their wedding. The couple tied the knot in September 2025, but the missing vows proved to be a major crisis before the big day. 'She was crying because she couldnt find [them],' Blanco said, before clarifying that it took four or five days before they found the 'lost' vows, which Gomez had written by hand. Blanco who also defended himself from fan complaints about his 'filthy feet' in the same interview revealed that he was the one who saved the day when he found the missing vows. 'I found them, right before the wedding!' Blanco said, before clarifying that he didn't try to spoil Gomez's surprise. 'I didnt look. I closed my eyes and handed them to her. I swear! I swear I didnt look.' Benny Blanco, 37, revealed on Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! that his wife Selena Gomez, 33, was left 'in tears' the week before their wedding after she misplaced her handwritten vows After recovering the vows, Blanco said he was flying high on Gomez's gratitude. 'But how good is it? It made me look so good,' he said. 'It was like the best thing I could have done. Im about to marry her and then I find the thing?' The couple went on to wed on a 70-acre private estate, just north of Santa Barbara, California. Gomez wore a custom backless white halter dress from Ralph Lauren, while Blanco cleaned up in a classic black tuxedo, also a custom Ralph Lauren piece. The ceremony included a bevy of famous faces, including Gomez's BFF Taylor Swift, and her Only Murders In The Building costars Martin Short and Steve Martin. Blanco also took the opportunity during his Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance to defend his personal hygiene, just days after fans begged his wife Selena Gomez to divorce him over his 'filthy feet.' Blanco who had dirt on his bare feet in the pilot episode of his new podcast was questioned about the controversy while joined by fellow guest Lil Dicky. 'I neglected something important because there is something that turned up as people were watching your multimedia experience and people seem to be fascinated with the idea that Benny's feet are very dirty,' Kimmel said. 'She was crying because she couldnt find [them],' Blanco said, before clarifying that it took four or five days before they found the 'lost' vows. He was the one who discovered them, and he claimed he didn't take a peek Afterward, Gomez treated him like a hero for finding the vows. 'It made me look so good,' he said. 'It was like the best thing I could have done. Im about to marry her and then I find the thing?' Blanco who had dirt on his bare feet in the pilot episode of his new podcast also defended his personal hygiene just days after fans begged Gomez to divorce him over his 'filthy feet' A photo of the podcast episode popped up on the screen to show Blanco casually sitting on a couch, his feet exposed with a layer of dirt on the bottom. 'OK, wait, wait!' Blanco exclaimed as some audience members laughed. 'OK, first of all, it's the facility's fault, not mine!' He motioned towards his podcast co-host Lil Dicky and added, 'The floors are I have great feet. Hold on!' The star then removed one of his boots to expose his very clean foot for the crowd. 'Someone zoom in on my foot,' Blanco encouraged. 'Look at that!' Kimmel then told the music artist to show the bottom of his foot, which was revealed to also be clean. 'Look at that clean foot. Look at that. Are you kidding me?' he humorously continued as the live audience began to applaud. Lil Dicky - whose full name is David Andrew Burd - chimed in to explain the circumstance and said, 'It was the first day we filmed anything, so crew was coming in and out.' 'OK, wait, wait!' Blanco who was joined by Lil Dicky (L) exclaimed as some audience members laughed. 'OK, first of all, it's the facility's fault, not mine!' The star then removed one of his boots to expose his very clean foot for the crowd. 'Someone zoom in on my foot,' Blanco encouraged. 'Look at that!' Kimmel then told the music artist to show the bottom of his foot, which was revealed to also be clean 'Look at that clean foot. Look at that. Are you kidding me?' he humorously continued as the live audience began to applaud The star then removed one of his boots to expose his very clean foot for the crowd. 'Someone zoom in on my foot,' Blanco encouraged. 'Look at that!' Kimmel then told the music artist to show the bottom of his foot, which was revealed to also be clean 'Look at that clean foot. Look at that. Are you kidding me?' he humorously continued as the live audience began to applaud Kimmel questioned, 'So, you're saying that Dave's floors are not clean,' with Lil Dicky adding, 'On that day, it was dirty. You know how floors get.' Elsewhere during the conversation, the talk show host joked to Blanco, 'You should get an OnlyFans for that thing,' which prompted the record producer to proudly say, 'Thank you, thank you!' Blanco's podcast Friends Keep Secrets with Lil Dicky and his wife Kristin Batalucco launched its pilot episode earlier this week on Tuesday. However, some viewers had been left distracted by Blanco's bare feet that had dirt on the bottom while lounging on a sofa. Fans labeled the music artist as 'disgusting' while others encouraged Gomez -whom he tied the knot with in 2025 to divorce him. Blanco's podcast Friends Keep Secrets with Lil Dicky and his wife Kristin Batalucco launched its pilot episode earlier this week on Tuesday One penned on X, 'Bro needs to take a shower and hire a better house cleaner,' while another typed, 'I am HORRIFIED.' 'Not even a minute into this benny podcast and am in complete disbelief..,' an X user shared, and one added, 'the fact that his feet are ACTUALLY that filthy makes me sick to my stomach like selena girl what's going on.' Another commented, 'That is disgusting idk how selena dealing with this,' and one wrote, 'Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better.' Elsewhere in the pilot episode, Blanco was seen farting into the microphone in order to test out the volume, also leaving some fans shocked. Despite the wave of backlash, Blanco brushed aside the criticism as he packed on the PDA with Gomez in a sweet clip uploaded by the former Disney Channel actress. In the reel shared to her Instagram stories on Wednesday, the lovebirds could be seen cozying up outdoors. The Rare Beauty founder kissed Blanco before flashing a cheerful smile towards the camera. She then kissed him once again on the cheek in another loving moment. Despite the wave of backlash, Blanco brushed aside the criticism as he packed on the PDA with Gomez in a sweet clip uploaded by the former Disney Channel actress While Blanco has been busy with the launch of his latest project, the Only Murders In The Building actress recently whisked herself away for a relaxing vacation; seen in January in El Segundo In text added towards the bottom, Gomez wrote: 'I fall more and more in love with you every day my love.' While Blanco has been busy with the launch of his latest project, the Only Murders In The Building actress recently whisked herself away for a relaxing vacation. The star was spotted in San Jose del Cabo over the past weekend for a girls' trip at the Las Ventanas al Paraiso resort. Gomez soaked up the warm sunshine wearing a strapless, pastel pink swimsuit and also added a tan hat on top of her darker locks. She also took a dip in the cool water while holding a conversation with some of her close pals. The Wolves songstress later had a blast on an Azimut-brand superyacht and mingled with Vampire Diaries alum Nina Dobrev. President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Saturday, with daytime strikes in the joint U.S.-Israel attack targeting military and government sites, officials said. On Sunday, Iranian state television confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed by airstrikes in Tehran on Saturday. Iran is responding to the U.S.-Israeli operation with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, regional U.S. bases and Gulf nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is also intensifying its long-running strike campaign in Lebanon following fresh attacks by the Iranian-aligned Hezbollah militia. Watch special coverage on Nightline, "War with Iran," each night on ABC and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Latest Developments Mar 2, 7:56 PM US embassy in Saudi Arabia struck by Iranian drones: US officials The U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been struck by two Iranian drones, according to two U.S. officials and initial estimates from the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The embassy was relatively empty given the overnight hours and no one is believed to have been injured -- but there is still believed to be an ongoing threat to the embassy, the U.S. officials said. The strikes resulted in "limited fire and minor damage to the building," a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense said. The State Department also issued an alert advising Americans in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place immediately. This is the second U.S. embassy to sustain damage in an Iranian drone strike, following Kuwait on Monday. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 6:47 PM Missile alerts overnight in Israel, UAE, Qatar and more After alerts were activated across Israel early Tuesday local time, the Israel Defense Forces said "launches from Iran have been identified toward several areas in the country's territory." The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defense said in a recent statement that its "air defenses are currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran." The Qatari Ministry of Defense said it "successfully continued to intercept and neutralize two ballistic missiles that targeted several areas within the country." In Kuwait, "armed forces are currently dealing with a wave of missiles and drones that have been detected in the airspace," army officials said. Emergency sirens have also gone off in Bahrain, according to the country's interior ministry. "Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 7:02 PM Iranian FM says US bases are 'legitimate targets' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he believes American bases are "legitimate targets" in a new interview with Iranian state TV. "When the United States attacks us -- whether by fighter jets or the ships it deploys -- they have access to our territory to strike with all kinds of missiles and aircraft. We cannot reach their territory, but we can reach their bases. I think those bases are legitimate targets," Araghchi said. ABC News - PHOTO: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appears on ABC News' "This Week" on March 1, 2026 Mar 2, 6:22 PM Gang of 8 members react to classified briefing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the classified briefing on Iran between Trump administration officials and members of the Gang of 8 "raised more questions than it answered." "Look, a whole lot of questions were asked," Schumer told reporters Monday following the briefing on Capitol Hill. "I found their answers completely and totally insufficient. In fact, at least to me, that briefing raised many more questions than it answered." House Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, said he was "very satisfied" with the closed-door briefing after hearing from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Johnson called the attack on Iran a "defensive operation" -- echoing Rubio's reasoning that an Israeli operation was already in motion -- and that the administration "had a very difficult decision to make." "The first responsibility of the federal government is to protect the country and its interests, and that's what we did here," Johnson said. -ABC News' Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, Hannah Demissie and Jay O'Brien Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 4:11 PM 6 US service members killed Six U.S. service members have been killed since the operation against Iran began, according to U.S. Central Command. "U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region," CENTCOM said in a statement Monday. "Major combat operations continue." All six deaths occurred from a single incident in Kuwait, sources told ABC News. The names of the fallen troops will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification, CENTCOM said. Mar 2, 5:54 PM Strait of Hormuz is 'closed': IRGC Sahar Al Attar/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz on March 1, 2026. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said the Strait of Hormuz is "closed." "The strait is closed, and whoever wants to cross, our heroes in the navy of the IRGC and army will set those ships on fire," Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabari said on Iranian state TV earlier. The Strait of Hormuz is one world's most important chokepoints for oil. Roughly 20% of the worlds oil passes through the Strait, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 5:46 PM IDF says it has targeted headquarters of Iranian state broadcaster The Israel Defense Forces said the Israeli Air Force has "struck and dismantled" the Iranian state broadcaster "a short while ago." "The center was also recently used by the Iranian regime's forces to advance military activities under the guise of civilian activity and assets, in addition to the propaganda activities that emanate from the communications center," the IDF said in a statement. "The IDF will continue to strike the Iranian regime's infrastructure across Tehran," the statement added. Mar 2, 5:33 PM State Department urges US nationals to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries The State Department is urging Americans to leave 14 countries in the Middle East immediately "due to serious safety risks," Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar said on X. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs/X - PHOTO: The State Department posted this graphic, March 2, 2026. Mar 2, 5:21 PM 'Hardest hits are yet to come from US': Rubio Kylie Cooper/Reuters - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media on the day of a briefing for Congressional leaders on the situation in Iran, on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 2, 2026. Before heading into a briefing for members of the Gang of 8 on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that "the hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military." "The next phase will be even more punishing on Iran than it is right now," he said. Rubio said that he did not know how long the hostilities could last. "We have objectives. We will do this as long as it takes to meet those objectives," he said. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mar 2, 5:19 PM Rubio says knowledge of pending Israeli action fueled decision to strike Iran now Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that knowledge of pending Israeli action played a part in the decision to strike Iran now -- though denied that Israel forced the U.S.' hand. "It was abundantly clear that if Iran came under attack by anyone -- the United States or Israel or anyone -- they were going to respond, and respond against the United States. The orders had been delegated down to the field commanders," Rubio told reporters before his briefing for members of the Gang of 8 on Capitol Hill. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media on the day of a briefing for Congressional leaders on the situation in Iran, on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 2, 2026. Rubio said the near-immediate retaliation from Iran had proven his point -- saying missiles had been "prepositioned" to strike before the initial attack on the leadership compound. "If we stood and waited for that attack to come first, before we hit them, we would suffer much higher casualties," Rubio said. "We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties." When asked if the U.S. was forced to strike because of an impending Israeli action, Rubio said no, and that U.S. military action would have eventually been necessary anyway. Asked about regime change, Rubio said it was not a chief objective of the operation, but that "we would not be heartbroken" if it happened. Pressed on whether the U.S. would play a role in shaping the next government of Iran, Rubio was noncommittal. "I mean, we might. We'll see how circumstances play out," he said. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Click here to read the rest of the blog. Travis Barker's ex Shanna Moakler criticized Kourtney Kardashian as she claimed 'certain lines were crossed' in their co-parenting relationship. While making an appearance on the When Reality Hits podcast hosted by The Valley star Brittany Cartwright, she made a jab at Kardashian and reignited their past feud. During Friday's podcast episode, Cartwright asked about coparenting with her kids' stepmother and Moakler, 50, had a shady response. This comes after Moakler previously claimed that she 'never met' Kardashian back in 2024, which had already been three years into the Poosh founder's relationship with the rock star. 'I don't think those women have those conversations with anybody,' she told the Vanderpump Rules alum of the Kardashian-Jenner family. 'At one point in time, I felt it wasn't respectful,' she admitted. 'At certain times, I felt, "Wow, if I had your kids, I wouldn't be doing some of the s*** you're doing with my kids." Shanna Moakler reignited the feud between her and her ex-husband's current wife, Kourtney Kardashian, with shady allegations; pictured in November 2023 She claimed that Barker's wife Kardashian 'crossed some lines' in their co-parenting relationship, though she did not clarify what those were; pictured in April 2022 She said that if she was ever watching any of Kardashian's children, she 'would have made sure there were certain lines that weren't crossed.' The former Miss USA beauty queen added: 'I feel like there were some lines that were crossed.' The Meet the Barkers star, however, did not clarify the boundaries that were allegedly crossed in their co-parenting relationship. 'It is what it is. It's happened. And I feel like we've all moved forward from it now,' she continued. Barker has been married to Kardashian since 2022, and the couple share two-year-old son Rocky Thirteen. The Blink-182 drummer was married to Moakler from 2004 to 2008, and he was married to his first wife Melissa Kennedy for 11 months between 2001 and 2002. Barker and Moakler share son Landon, 22, and daughter Alabama, 20. He is also stepfather to Moakler's 26-year-old daughter Atiana De La Hoya, whom Moakler welcomed in March 1999 with boxer Oscar De La Hoya. She said that Kardashian 'wasn't respectful. Moakler shares Landon, 21, Alabama, 19, and Atiana De La Hoya, 26, with Barker Kardashian shares Mason, 16, Penelope, 13, and Reign, 11, with her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick. She also shares two-year-old Rocky with Barker During Friday's podcast episode, Moakler said that if she were taking care of Kardashian's children, she 'wouldn't be doing some of the s*** you're doing with my kids'; seen in 2024 At the end, Moakler said about Kardashian allegedly crossing boundaries: 'It is what it is. It's happened. And I feel like we've all moved forward from it now' Barker was and continues to be the primary father figure in his stepdaughter's life and maintains a close relationship with her. Moakler, who has been dating Days of Our Lives star Greg Vaughan since 2023, previously opened up about her seemingly strained relationship with Kardashian. Nearly two years ago, Moakler previously insisted that there was no hard feelings between her and her ex, nor his new wife, over their relationship with her children but made telling comments about how they had still 'never met.' 'I think people think I was angry,' she told People in June 2024. 'But I'm not angry. It wasn't anger.' She continued: 'I think I get maybe frustrated, but I'm also from the East Coast and I swear a lot and I can be very direct sometimes. 'And I think some people take that anger where I'm just very real where I'm like, "F*** the family." 'I don't have to f***ing like the family,' she added about the famous family of her ex's wife. 'And it's like, there's people that don't like it.' At the time, she also opened up about why her children live with Barker and Kardashian, firing back at accusations that she is not involved in her children's lives. The Blink-182 drummer was married to Moakler from 2004 to 2008; pictured in April 2005 In addition to their children Landon and Alabama, Barker has largely been the primary father figure in stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya's life since their past romance; pictured in June 2022 'People are like, "Why do your kids live with Travis?" So I would gladly set the record straight,' she explained. 'I have never not been involved in my children's lives. I've always had shared custody.' She added that during the COVID-19 pandemic, she thought it would be better for them to live at Barker's 'mega-mansion' while in lockdown. 'That was the only time that I wasn't as present, but I've always been present in my children's lives,' she insisted. 'I never understand it, because there's a whole social media history of me with my children [and being] active in my children's lives. I'm there for my children every day.' Simon Cowell has reportedly been given a chewing gum ban by Britain's Got Talent producers after leaving his leftovers under his desk. Producers on the ITV talent show were said to have discovered the mess below the judges' table after Simon, 66, had filmed the auditions. A source told The Sun: 'Simon is always chewing gum on set and has left producers with a real headache. They tried to implement the gum ban, but telling Simon 'No' is a task in itself.' Simon was said to have recently had a wad of chewing gum stuck to his high-waisted black trousers during filming. The insider added: 'He didn't have a clue he had gum stuck to his trousers as he walked out on stage in front of thousands of fans.' The music manager previously admitted his most 'annoying habit' is chewing on special 5 gum CB12 that promises to get rid of bad breath. Simon Cowell has reportedly been given a chewing gum ban by Britain's Got Talent producers after leaving his leftovers under his desk Simon said he chews very loudly and it 'drives everyone mad'. It comes after Simon's fellow judge Amanda Holden said he has finally dropped his 'Mr soft act' on Britain's Got Talent and has returned to his straight-talking self. The TV personality, 55, opened up on what viewers can expect to see on this year's BGT as it made a triumphant return to television screens last week. She said: 'Simon is back. He's been Mr Soft in recent years, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that KSI is so honest on the other end of the panel. 'He's not honest in a bad way, just very to the point, and he doesn't sugar coat anything. I think Simon's just gone, "actually, do you know what? Whatever you're saying, I agree with that as well. And I don't know why I just didn't say that in the beginning". 'I'm glad to see that Simon is no longer being soft serve ice-cream, although it was nice for a year or so!' Amanda added: 'It feels very loose and very chaotic this year! And I think having KSI there, who's very succinct in his answers and doesn't hold back, has really helped the show. 'We've got the old Simon back, and his one liners are better than ever and I'm loving that!' Producers on the ITV talent show were said to have discovered the mess below the judges' table after Simon, 66, had filmed the auditions Simon revealed viewers will be able to get closer to the action than ever before, as he opened up about what fans can expect from the new series. Discussing his plans to lift the lid on the ITV favourite, he said: 'Fans can expect lots of surprises. We've tried to make it different this year. He continued: 'The intention is to open up as much of the background of the show as possible so that the viewer can see everything, what goes on behind the scenes, what it's like to be a contestant, what it's like to work on the show. 'So it's almost like we've opened up a lot more to let people see how the show's made. Were letting people behind the Wizard of Ozs curtain, you could say.' When asked whether fans will see a more personal side to the judging panel, he added: 'A bit, yeah! You can expect to see things youve never seen from us. 'But I think it's more aimed at the contestants, the crew, the people who work on the show, because it is an army, and I think people are interested at home, personally, about things like how we set up an act between auditions, the stuff that we see in the theatre. 'I think it's important to kind of show all of that, have it a bit rough around the edges. We always say were a circus coming to town, well now youre going to see all the chaos it takes to bring it alive.' Britney Spears's ex-husband Sam Asghari has offered his take on the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday. The 31-year-old Iranian-American actor, who was previously married to the pop star for nearly two years, opened up about the topic to TMZ during an outing in Los Angeles over the weekend. Trump and Israel bombarded Iran with a daytime airstrike on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as other leaders. When asked to share his thoughts, Asghari said, 'I'm always grateful for America and I've always been a proud American - just because everything I have is because of America.' The star added that he is 'even more proud to be an American' today before sending his gratitude to 'the soldiers and the military of the United States.' Asghari further expressed that Khamenei's death was 'well-deserved.' Britney Spears' ex-husband Sam Asghari, 31, has offered his take on the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday Trump and Israel bombarded Iran with a daytime airstrike on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as other leaders 'He deserved a lot more than death because he's caused so much chaos around the world, American casualties,' as well as the deaths of Iranian civilians. Asghari labeled the regime as 'brutal' and 'had to go at any cost because they've caused so much chaos in the Middle East.' The media personality added that he hopes to 'see a peaceful Middle East' in the future as well as peace throughout the world. 'War is absolutely not great and I want nothing but peace for this world,' Asghari explained. Towards the end of the conversation, the star stated that the 'Iranian people are completely different from the government.' Asghari added, 'Hopefully the Iranian people are able to get their freedom and get their country back. 'So, I just hope less and less casualties of civilians. Nobody deserves death and hopefully that happens.' Last month in January, he attended a pro-freedom rally in support of Iran in Los Angeles - and shared a clip of himself at the event to Instagram. When asked to share his thoughts, Asghari said, 'I'm always grateful for America and I've always been a proud American - just because everything I have is because of America' 'He deserved a lot more than death because he's caused so much chaos around the world, American casualties,' as well as the deaths of Iranian civilians; Khamenei seen in 2024 in Iran Asghari added, 'Hopefully the Iranian people are able to get their freedom and get their country back'; seen in 2025 in West Hollywood He could be seen holding a version of the Iranian flag that had been used up until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. In the caption of the post, he simply penned to his followers, 'Los Angeles protest,' followed by red, white and green emojis. Back in 2022, the star shared a video as he explained why he supported protests taking place in Iran at the time. 'After 1979, the Islamic Republic regime took over and forced its ideology, propaganda and dictatorship on the people.' He continued, 'It slaughtered, murdered and stole from innocent people. 'The country is now known for being the biggest sponsor of terrorism. It's now hated by every single country because of this horrible government. But they are the biggest terrorist for its own people.' Asghari was born in Tehran, Iran in 1994 before moving to the United States when he was 13-years-old. 'I'm fortunate to have grown up between two extremely different cultures,' the Hacks star told Men's Health back in 2021. Last month in January, he attended a pro-freedom rally in support of Iran in Los Angeles - and shared a clip of himself at the event to Instagram Back in 2022, the star shared a video as he explained why he supported protests taking place in Iran at the time; photo taken on February 28 of smoke in Tehran, Iran 'We moved here to live here, to speak the language, to contribute to this country,' he added, and learned English in high school. Asghari first crossed paths with ex-wife Spears in 2016 on set of the music video for her track Slumber Party. The former couple tied the knot in June 2022 and just one year later, he filed for divorce and cited 'irreconcilable differences.' Asghari and Spears reached a settlement agreement in May 2024, with the pair officially being divorced in December of that year. Asghari and Spears reached a settlement agreement in May 2024, with the pair officially being divorced in December of that year; seen in 2018 in Beverly Hills The Baby One More Time songstress has been active on social media and had a wardrobe malfunction in a dancing clip shared to Instagram on Wednesday The Baby One More Time songstress has been active on social media and had a wardrobe malfunction in a dancing clip shared to Instagram on Wednesday. She donned a plunging lace bodysuit as she grooved to Clean Bandit's 2016 track Rockabye. As she did so, the performer experienced a nip slip as the ensemble struggled to stay up as she flaunted her dance moves. Her blonde locks flowed down past her shoulders in the racy video and she completed the look with colorful bracelets. Ben Affleck reunited with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner just days after she shed rare insight on their co-parenting dynamic. On Saturday morning, the amicable exes were spotted on an outing together as they exited a Brentwood residence in sunny Los Angeles. Both Affleck, 53, and Garner, also 53, wore sunglasses and casual attire for their get-together. Garner walked closely beside her ex-husband as they each carried a bag to a nearby vehicle. The former Hollywood couple were previously married for 10 years before divorcing in 2015. They share three kids: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, Samuel, 14. Garner recently opened up about their shift from romantic couple to friendly co-parents and what it's been like playing the role of both 'mom and dad' when the kids are under her roof. Ben Affleck reunited with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner just days after she shed rare insight on their co-parenting relationship She spoke on the topic during an appearance on Tuesday's episode of Bustle's One Nightstand YouTube series. Garner spoke about the 'loss' that comes with co-parenting when her and Affleck's three kids live with her. She explained that because they raise their three children in separate households, she often has to take on both parental roles. While reflecting on raising their kids, she said she finds the balance with a 'conscientious upbringing' and 'appreciation.' She told host Charlotte Owen that she feels like she provides 'a bit of both' with their co-parenting situation. 'I think my kids' dad does too,' she said about Affleck. 'Especially when your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad,' she continued before adding that her ex also does the same when the children stay with him. 'You kind of can't help it, right? Because you don't have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house,' she continued. 'There's a little bit of loss in that, but there's also something gained in that,' she noted. On Saturday morning, the amicable exes were spotted on an outing together as they exited a Brentwood residence in sunny Los Angeles The exes share three kids: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, Samuel, 14; Garner and Violet seen in 2024 Garner recently spoke about the 'loss' that comes with co-parenting when her and Affleck's three kids live with her; (L-R) Garner's son Samuel, Affleck and their middle child Fin The former couple were previously married from 2005 to 2015; pictured in November 2014 'You also just learn,' she shared. 'It's made me let go and not focus so much on bringing up.' Garner also reflected on the end of their marriage in 2018 last month in an interview with Marie Claire UK and admitted their split was 'hard.' 'You have to be smart about what you can and can't handle, and I could not handle what was out there,' she explained. 'The fact of it is what was hard,' she continued. 'The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.' Garner also emphasized she consistently prioritizes her children while juggling her busy career in Hollywood as a major A-list movie star. 'It never felt like a sacrifice. It was really hard to go to work and it definitely shaped the jobs I chose in a big way,' she said. Married At First Sight bride Rebecca Zukowski appeared relaxed and radiant as she soaked up the sun by a Gold Coast pool on Sunday. The 51-year-old reality star wore a colourful bohemian-print halter swimsuit, which complemented her figure while keeping her look stylish and effortless. Her golden blonde hair was swept back in some shots and tied into a loose updo in others, while oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses shielded her eyes from the sun. Rebecca looked to be in great spirits as she was seen enjoying a drink in a stemmed glass, wading in the pool, and taking selfies, all while smiling and laughing with ease. The images captured a carefree side of the MAFS star following the end of her relationship with husband Steve Powell on the show. Despite the breakup, Rebecca appears to be embracing life on her own terms, taking time to relax and enjoy herself. MAFS bride Rebecca Zukowski appeared relaxed and radiant as she soaked up the sun by a Gold Coast pool on Sunday The 51-year-old reality star wore a colourful bohemian-print halter swimsuit, which complemented her figure while keeping her look stylish and effortless Her golden blonde hair was swept back in some shots and tied into a loose updo in others, while oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses shielded her eyes from the sun Rebecca called time on her relationship with husband Steve during last Sunday night's explosive episode, leaving the show in fury. During the second Commitment Ceremony, Rebecca told relationship expert John Aiken that she had been completely unable to form a romantic connection with Steve, 50. 'I came into this experiment wanting to find love. I was open, authentic and here for all the right reasons,' Rebecca began. 'When I met Steve, we had a connection. I thought the experts had got it right. We had a great wedding and honeymoon. But as soon as I started saying I need this from you, voicing my needs and wants, I felt unheard in the relationship.' Rebecca said she felt like she had been matched with someone who was not 'all in' with her. Steve agreed that he was not on the same page as Rebecca and that there was a 'complete disconnect' in how they both saw their relationship. The pair then both made the unsurprising decision to leave the experiment, as they admitted they did not think their relationship could be salvaged. 'It's been going downhill. I choose to Leave,' Steve said. Rebecca was seen wading in the pool, all while smiling and laughing with ease The images captured a carefree side of the MAFS star following the end of her relationship with husband Steve Powell on the show Despite the breakup, Rebecca appears to be embracing life on her own terms, taking time to relax and enjoy herself Rebecca called time on her relationship with husband Steve Powell during last Sunday night's explosive episode, leaving the show in fury During the second Commitment Ceremony, Rebecca told relationship expert John Aiken that she had been completely unable to form a romantic connection with Steve 'I came here for love and did not get what I wanted. I am not going to settle and waste any more of my time, I write Leave,' Rebecca told both Steve and the experts. In a shock moment, Steve then apologised to series expert Alessandra Rampolla for previously speaking over her - and Rebecca asked him where her apology was. 'With all these apologies going around, where's mine for this experience?' Rebecca sniped at Steve. Steve then told Rebecca that they had enjoyed some 'amazing times' together even if they didn't have an 'ideal finish'. 'Yeah, it's been f***ing great,' Rebecca sniped, as she exited the room. Daily Mail previously exclusively reported that the pair had called time on their relationship. In explosive footage obtained by Daily Mail on August 21, Rebecca confirmed she had 'had enough' and took a brutal swipe at her on-screen husband, dubbing him a 'Temu George Clooney' as she walked away from the experiment. The mother-of-one appeared defiant rather than defeated in her shock exit interview, making it clear she was not prepared to settle for less than she deserved. Despite calling it quits, Rebecca admitted she would jump at the chance to return as an intruder if producers could guarantee her a better match. Mikey Pembroke has shared terrifying footage as air strikes rain down on his Dubai apartment. The Sydney-based former reality star, who appeared on the seventh season of Married At First Sight, relocated to the region last year, where he works in high-end real estate. 'All right guys, so I can confirm that Dubai has been hit. I've just heard about 20 explosions above my apartment building,' the 34-year-old said in a video shared to Instagram Stories on Sunday. 'The Palm which is an exclusive area of Dubai has been hit. There's been like 20 explosions. 'I think they're missiles being intercepted above where I'm staying. So I don't know what's going on.' Pembroke shared footage of buildings on fire nearby and explained that he had seen a missile flying, 'literally next to me.' Mikey Pembroke (pictured) has shared terrifying footage as air strikes rain down on his Dubai apartment The former television groom was paired with Natasha Spencer on the reality dating series in 2020. Afterwards, he admitted to struggling with alcohol before turning his life around and moving to Dubai to work as a real estate agent. 'This city is nothing short of spectacular - not only from an investment perspective but also for its unmatched quality of life, innovation, and the incredible things happening here every single day,' he said in November. Also in the region is Stephanie Rice, who has issued an urgent plea after her new home of Dubai was hit by Iranian attacks in retaliation for US air strikes. The three-time Olympic gold medallist took to Instagram after the city's famous Burj Al-Arab hotel was reportedly hit by an Iranian suicide drone in an attack that left the building ablaze. Dubai's Palm Jumeirah hotel was also hit by a suicide drone attack, leaving four people hurt, with the Dubai International Airport evacuated after reports that it was targeted by an Iranian UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). 'Please help me in praying for all my friends, loved ones and people in the UAE that they would be protected and feel a tangible sense of God's peace in this scary situation,' Rice wrote on her Instagram post, which also featured a statement from the Australian embassy in the United Arab Emirates. That statement read: 'A message to all Australians in the United Arab Emirates: The UAE Government has confirmed that the UAE has been the subject of missile attacks from Iran. The Sydney-based former reality star, who appeared on the seventh season of Married At First Sight, relocated to the region last year, where he works in high-end real estate 'I can confirm that Dubai has been hit. I've just heard about 20 explosions above my apartment building,' the 34-year-old said in a video shared to Instagram Stories on Sunday Pembroke shared footage of buildings on fire nearby and explained that he had seen a missile flying, 'literally next to me' 'In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said it was responding to the threat, and has successfully intercepted a number of incoming missiles. 'However, the situation remains serious, and one civilian casualty has been confirmed.' Rice, 37, moved to Dubai in November 2023. She met her husband, pastor Mark Lassey, soon after relocating to the city of four million. On Sunday morning, Australian time, footage showed the five-star Burj Al-Arab hotel ablaze, with Dubai authorities saying debris from an intercepted drone caused the fire. Nearby, Palm Jumeirah was hit by a suicide drone launched from Iran hours after US and Israeli air strikes hit Tehran. The Dubai media office confirmed four people were injured in the strikes on the hotel, which is popular among Western tourists, with witnesses saying ambulances had rushed to the scene. Suicide drones also attacked residential skyscrapers in Bahrain, with missiles launched from Iran hitting US bases in Qatar, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. Susan Sarandon is speaking out about her alleged blacklisting from Hollywood over pro-Palestinian comments she made in the midst of Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza. The 79-year-old actress who previously said she doubted she would ever be able to work in the United States again said Friday in a press conference in Barcelona, Spain, that she had lost her talent agency representation over her remarks calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 'I was fired by my agency specifically for marching and speaking out about Gaza for asking for a ceasefire and it became impossible for me to even be on television,' she said a day before the 40th Goya Awards were held on Saturday in Barcelona, according to video of the press conference. 'I dont know lately if its changed, [but] I couldnt do any major film, anything connected with Hollywood,' she continued. Sarandon added her alleged Hollywood blacklisting was so extreme that even foreign filmmakers were being urged not to work with her. 'This Italian director that just hired me, he was told not to hire me,' Sarandon said. 'So thats still recently. He didnt listen, but they had that conversation.' Susan Sarandon is speaking out about her alleged blacklisting from Hollywood over pro-Palestinian comments she made in the midst of Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza; pictured Saturday in Barcelona at the 40th Goya Awards The 79-year-old actress said Friday in a press conference in Barcelona, Spain, that she had lost her talent agency representation over her remarks calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; pictured at an anti-ICE protest on January 30 in NYC The pressure to not hire her allegedly limited her to working outside of the major studios. 'So right now, I kind of specialize in tiny films with directors who have never directed and are independent films, and films that are in Europe or in Italy. So thats the main reason I havent been working as much,' Sarandon said. However, she expressed gratitude for the warmer reception she had received in Spain, and she saluted a fellow actor who said he had also been blacklisted. 'In a place where you feel repression and censorship, to see Spain and to see the president and what he says, and the support that hes giving about Gaza, and to have actors like Javier Bardem come forward with such a strong voice is so important to us in the United States,' Sarandon continued. When you turn on the TV and you see how strong Spain is and how clear that you are morally about these issues, it makes you feel less alone, and it makes you feel that there is hope because of you all. You just dont hear that on television in the United States,' she added. Sarandon previously reflected on being dropped by her agent and her fears over never working in Hollywood again in November 2024. The year before, she was dropped by her Hollywood representative, United Talent Agency, which is run by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer, for her comments. The Rocky Horror Picture Show star caused controversy after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City. Join the debate Should celebrities risk their careers to speak out on political issues, or stay silent for work? 'I was fired by my agency specifically for marching and speaking out about Gaza for asking for a ceasefire and it became impossible for me to even be on television,' she said a day before the 40th Goya Awards were held on Saturday in Barcelona; pictured Friday in Barcelona 'I dont know lately if its changed, [but] I couldnt do any major film, anything connected with Hollywood,' she continued, adding that even foreign directors were being urged not to work with her; pictured Saturday in Barcelona at the Goya Awards She then apologized for her remarks, saying that she had not planned to speak at the rally, but had been invited to address the crowd, and had intended to 'highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.' In an interview with The Times of London in late 2024, Sarandon reflected on how the controversy led to the departure of her agent and how she is no longer able to star in mainstream studio films. She told the publication: 'I was dropped by my agency, my projects were pulled. I've been used as an example of what not to do if you want to continue to work. 'There are so many people out of work right now since November of last year who have lost their jobs as custodians, as writers, as painters, as people working in the cafeteria, substitute teachers who have been fired because they tweeted something, or liked a tweet, or asked for a ceasefire.' Asked if she would ever be offered a big film role again she replied: 'I don't know. Not anything in Hollywood.' Back in July 2024, Sarandon apologized for her remarks, saying her 'phrasing was a terrible mistake' while covering the latest issue of Elle Spain. She also reiterated her desire to end the 'genocide' in Gaza, saying she had long been motivated to stand against injustice. Covering the magazine, the actress explained that her position has a famous actress is a 'loudspeaker' allowing her to bring visibility to social issues. Sarandon previously reflected on being dropped by her agent and her fears over never working in Hollywood again in November 2024; pictured in July 2024 in NYC The Oscar-winning star has been vocal in her support for Palestine, and present at several rallies calling for a ceasefire in Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict Accepting that by speaking out she has ensured her blacklisting by a large part of the industry, Sarandon insisted that everyone had to come together to stop Israelis and Palestinians dying, because 'no one deserves to die this way.' She said: 'Injustice has always hurt and angered me. I grew up in Washington in the 60s, with the Vietnam War hovering over that time and assassinations like Kennedy or Martin Luther King Jr. overshadowing our culture. 'I didn't have to force myself to educate myself in this sense, it was the only plausible option. 'That's why I'm so surprised by the misinformation that exists today, at a time when we have everything within our reach. 'It is up to each of us to stop the genocide that is happening in Gaza, and that means that Israelis and Palestinians stop dying. No one deserves to die this way. 'I understand that it is hard to accept that we are all part of the problem, but a war like this is only forged with our taxes, with your money and mine. 'That's why it's admirable that countries like Spain, Ireland or Norway raise their voices and say: 'We don't want to contribute to this.'' Sarandon recalled: 'I realized that my profession carried with it a loudspeaker in the 70s, when the United States introduced the Equal Rights Amendment. The Rocky Horror Picture Show star caused controversy after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in NYC 'At one of the marches I was walking with Marlo Thomas, and she said to me: 'The only way we are going to be in the news is for you to speak.' And I did it, scared to death but I did it, because it is the way of life that I conceive.' Sarandon has previously protested for the visibility of AIDS, to end the war in Iraq and against gun violence, even being arrested. She was arrested in June 2018 at the Women Disobey protests for protesting against Donald Trump's controversial migrant policy of separating children from their parents. While her second arrest was last year at a protest to raise the minimum wage for tipped restaurant workers. She said: 'It will never cease to surprise me that an American thinks that someone is desperate to enter our country, when what they are really trying to do is achieve a dignified, stable and, above all, free life.' The Rocky Horror Picture Show star previously caused controversy in November, after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City. She apologized for her remarks, saying that she had not planned to speak at the rally, but had been invited to address the crowd, and had intended to 'highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.' But Sarandon acknowledged that her words ignored 'centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe' as well as recent atrocities, such as the Tree of Life synagogue attack. Now in a new interview with The Times Sarah has reflected on how said that the controversy led to the departure of her agent and how she is no longer able to star in mainstream studio films Taking to her Instagram, she said: 'Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, 'are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.' 'This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true. 'As we all know, from centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe, to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA, Jews have long been familiar with discrimination and religious violence which continues to this day. 'I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.' 'I will continue my commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people. I hope that we can meet with love and willingness to engage in dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree.' Sarandon has continued to be an advocate for Palestinian rights, and proudly wore a pro Palestinian button on the red carpet on Thursday for the New York premiere for her new film The Fabulous Four. In April, she joined a host of film stars and directors donating memorabilia and time to a Cinema for Gaza auction to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Palestine, including Paul Mescal, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Tessa Thompson, Louis Theroux, Jonathan Glazer and Stellan Skarsgard. Iron Maiden are heading to Australia later this year. And the English heavy metal rock band is telling their fans to leave their mobile phones at home. The band's manager, Rod Smallwood, said that the phone ban follows a similar policy they introduced during last year's concerts. 'It was really special on our European dates last year to see that the vast majority of our fans appreciated and respected our request to severely limit their use of phones at our concerts,' he said on the band's official website. 'Our fans' understanding and cooperation made a colossal difference to the atmosphere of every show and increased the enjoyment enormously for the band and fans alike,' he continued. 'Enjoy the show "in the moment" rather than film on their phones. Please keep them in your pockets.' Iron Maiden (pictured) are heading to Australia later this year. And the English heavy metal rock band is telling their fans to leave their mobile phones at home Iron Maiden's Run For Your Lives World Tour 2026 comes to Australia in November. The rockers are not the only major act to ban phones at concerts. Last year, Bob Dylan performed 13 gigs across the UK and Ireland amid the epic Rough and Rowdy Ways tour and imposed a phone ban during his shows, ensuring a tech-free experience. His previous tours in 2022 and 2024 also prohibited the use of video cameras and mobile phones. Sabrina Carpenter is also considering banning phones at her concerts, despite the fact that the rule may 'p**s off' her dedicated fans. The pop star told Rolling Stone that she was 'absolutely' considering introducing phone-free gigs, even if the decision isn't immediately popular with fans. She revealed that the idea first struck her after she attended a Silk Sonic show, featuring Bruno Mars, in Las Vegas. 'This will honestly p**s off my fans,' she admitted to the publication. The band's manager, Rod Smallwood, said that the phone ban follows a similar policy they introduced during last year's concerts 'Enjoy the show "in the moment" rather than film on their phones. Please keep them in your pockets,' he said 'I went to see Silk Sonic in Vegas, and they locked my phone. I've never had a better experience at a concert.' She described the concert as feeling 'like I was back in the '70s,' a time when fans were fully immersed in live music instead of watching it through a screen. 'Genuinely felt like I was there. Everyone's singing, dancing, looking at each other, and laughing. It really, really just felt so beautiful,' she added to the outlet. The star said that because she has grown up in the age of iPhones at shows, it feels 'super normal' to her to constantly be staring at the artist through her camera lens. 'Depending on how long I want to be touring, and what age I am, girl, take those phones away,' she joked. 'You cannot zoom in on my face. Right now, my skin is soft and supple. It's fine. Do not zoom in on me when I'm 80 years old up there.' Even the Beckhams weren't safe from Jack Whitehall's tirade of one-liners during the Brit Awards on Saturday evening, which he hosted at the Co-op Live arena. The presenter, 37, didn't hold back as he referenced the highly-publicised family feud between Brooklyn and his parents Victoria and David as well as his younger brothers Romeo and Cruz, during his evening at the helm of the show in Manchester. Jack specifically mentioned Victoria's dance moves, which became a bone of contention when Brooklyn, 26, accused his mother of 'dancing on him inappropriately' at his wedding in a six-page social media statement in January. As Jack introduced Mark Ronson's performance he told the audience to 'prepare to throw shapes like you're Victoria Beckham during a first dance' - a nod to Brooklyn's accusations. Brooklyn's claims about Victoria's dancing became the most talked about part of his scathing rant - which he claimed left him feeling 'more uncomfortable and humiliated than ever in his life'. Sources claimed that Victoria left Brooklyn's wife Nicola Peltz, 31, 'in tears' at their 2022 wedding after she 'nuzzled his neck' in her impromptu dance at the reception. But at the time, fans cast doubt on the claims after finding social media videos of a 'drunk' Victoria showing off her dancing with her family. The Beckhams weren't safe from Jack Whitehall's tirade of one-liners during the Brit Awards on Saturday evening which he hosted at the Co-op Live arena The presenter, 37, didn't hold back as he referenced the highly-publicised family feud between Brooklyn and his parents Victoria and David as well as his younger brothers Romeo and Cruz, during his evening at the helm of the show (pictured Brooklyn and Victoria dancing together) One video showed Victoria dancing with both Brooklyn and Nicola after the premiere of the actress's film Lola in 2024, while another featured the designer in a montage of dance clips, including a viral moment with her husband David from his Netflix series. Comparing Posh to 'an average mother after one too many vinos,' many users also shared in the comments that Nicola looked 'happy' to be in her mother-in-law's company, a stark contrast to the image painted by Brooklyn's statement. One video showed the on-screen text: 'It just doesn't make sense to me that VB is out here dancing innapropes, the woman is your average mother after too many vinos.' Another said: 'POV you are the worst mother-in-law.' Fans lauded Victoria's fun dance moves, with comments saying: 'Nicola was posting videos and pictures of their fam vacation after the wedding saying how much she loved VB and VB was doing the same. This is some BS and no one will ever make me hate Posh. 'She doesn't even dance 'inappropriately' with her husband in public so highly unlikely she would with her son. 'Makes me question his whole statement saying this so sad for them all; I don't think anyone could hate on VB she's such a bloody vibe I love her 'Haha boys going viral for a VB video. Love it; All I know is that if posh was my MIL I'd be honoured 'Nothing can make me go against Victoria (even that song playing is hers); She looks fun to me. 'We all know that our Vicky can't dance; Literally!!! We love you VB Fans are casting doubt on the claims after finding social media videos of a 'drunk' Victoria showing off her dancing with her family Comparing Posh to 'an average mother after one too many vinos,' many users also shared in the comments that Nicola looked 'happy' to be in her mother-in-law's company 'She is my spirit animal. Do your thang girl; Go on Victoria!! May you never stop dancing.' A wedding guest - Stavros Agapiou - did back up Brooklyn's claims that Victoria danced 'inappropriately' with him on his wedding night. Agapiou is the partner of British DJ Fat Tony, who was asked to perform at the reception. In an Instagram comment, they wrote: 'I was there and she did, he's telling the truth.' The comment has since been deleted and Stavros instead posted 'Good on him for finally speaking out!' DJ Fat Tony, 60, who performed at Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding party in April 2022, later branded the incident 'really awkward' and confirmed that the actress fled the reception in tears during an appearance on This Morning. Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc Anthony was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son and instructed him, 'place your hands on your mother's hips'. Clarifying that the 'inappropriate' nature of the situation was more due to the timing, he said: 'There was no slut-dropping, there was no PVC cat suits, no Spice Girl action! 'The word 'inappropriate', why I said it was as well, it was the timing, this is what happened.' Tony continued: 'What happened was, basically, Marc Anthony was performing on stage, he then called Brooklyn onto stage. 'Brooklyn went on to the stage, and the next minute everyone's expecting Nicola to go up and do the first dance, and then Marc asked for the most beautiful woman in the room to come to the stage - and then he says 'Victoria, come to the stage'.' He revealed that Brooklyn looked 'devastated' at the fact his first dance was with Victoria and not his wife, adding that Nicola left the room 'crying her eyes out'. The eldest son of the Beckham clan went nuclear on their long-running feud on Monday when he accused his parents of intentionally trying to ruin his relationship to wife Nicola In response, Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc Anthony was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son Tony went on: 'Brooklyn is stuck there on stage, and they do this dance, and Marc Anthony says 'put your hands on your mother's hips' and it was a Latin thing, and the whole situation was really awkward for everyone in the room 'I've done an awful lot of Beckham parties in the past, and they are a very dancing close-knit family and love to dance, right? So you know, what we deem as 'inappropriate' is not how Brooklyn feels. 'This is all about how Brooklyn feels. If he feels that it was inappropriate and awkward, it was inappropriate and awkward. 'What's sad is that this is the bit that everyone's taken from the statement, and kind of whitewashed everything else that went on.' Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the DJ said at one point Brooklyn's hands were on his mother's waist while her arms were placed around his neck. 'The timing was inappropriate for me. It was meant to be a bride and groom's moment,' he told us. 'I'm not speaking bad about either party in it, I'm just putting the narrative straight about the dance.' Jack was criticised for 'punching down at Manchester' during this year's BRIT Awards as he viewers hit out at his 'painful posh boy schtick'. He hosted the ceremony from Manchester's Co-op Live Arena - marking the awards' first year outside of London. While Jack appeared to be on fire with his one-liners at the start of the show, viewers' praise soon turned to criticism. He was accused of making digs aimed at the working class during the ceremony, with the funnyman making a joke at an audience member's suit he claimed was made of low-quality material. Jack also addressed the BRITs moving to Manchester calling the city the 'G spot of the North' as well as Oasis reuniting as cameras focused on Noel Gallagher in the arena. The comedian joked it had been a 'great year for Manchester's drug dealers' before Noel, 58, burst out in laughter. Jack was criticised for 'punching down at Manchester' during this year's BRIT Awards as he viewers hit out at his 'painful posh boy schtick' In another apparent swipe, Jack said the city's idea of black tie was the fashion brand Stone Island, which is known for its casualwear. Furious viewers flooded social media, with one writing: 'Jack Whitehall being hired to host the Brits because of his connection to Manchester, and then proceeding to sh** on Manchester all night. Right'; 'Please make this the last year jack whitehall hosts the #BRITs'; 'Please get rid of the INSUFFERABLE Jack Whitehall next year'; 'Can Jack Whitehall make a joke that isnt classist god'; 'Jack Whitehall try and not make a joke at the expense of working-class Mancunians challenge (level impossible)'; 'At what point in tonights @BRITAwards does @jackwhitehall become funny? Comedy shouldnt be painful and Whitehalls posh boy schtick is tediously dull and makes an already overlong evening even more interminable'; 'Sick of Jack Whitehall coming out with all these poor Manchester tropes'; 'Get Jack Whitehall off my screen with his weird and bizarre classist Manchester jokes. Rich southern t***'. Paul Mescal and a chic Jessie Buckley posed together at the PGA Awards 2026 held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Saturday night. The Hamnet co-stars looked in great spirits at the event despite their film missing out on a top prize on the night. The film - which follows the story of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes navigating the death of their son Hamnet - was nominated in the Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures category and was trumped by One Battle After Another. At the event they did however present an award on stage, with Jessie, 36, showing off her sophisticated sense of style in a one-shoulder black dress. She added strappy heels to her look and accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings. Paul, 30, meanwhile showed off his individual style in a brown jacket, baggy trousers and red tie. Paul Mescal and a chic Jessie Buckley posed together at the PGA Awards 2026 held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Saturday night The Hamnet costars looked in great spirits at the event despite their film missing out on a top prize on the night Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another nabbed the best picture prize at the awards. Hollywood heavy hitters flooded into the Fairmont Century Plaza in Beverly Hills on Saturday to await the news of the winners with breathless suspense. The most hotly anticipated category, the Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures, was filled with acclaimed movies that have emerged as contenders for the upcoming Oscars. In 17 of the past 22 years, the winner of the Zanuck award has gone onto triumph in the best picture category at the Academy Awards. Oscars victory inched that much closer Saturday night for One Battle After Another, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall. Anderson accepted the prize for his latest opus this Saturday night, accompanied by his fellow producer on the project Sara Murphy. Taylor and Hall had taken the stage together earlier that evening, joining a star-studded lineup of showbiz luminaries who presented at the fete. Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, both up for Oscars for their supporting roles in One Battle After Another, addressed the assembled luminaries as well. One Battle After Another triumphed over a category including the Brad Pitt vehicle F1, and the Timothee Chalamet starrer Marty Supreme helmed by Josh Safdie. The film was nominated in the Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures category and was trumped by One Battle After Another The movie follows the story of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes navigating the death of their son Hamnet At the event they did however present an award on stage, with Jessie, 36, showing off her sophisticated sense of style in a one-shoulder black dress She added strappy heels to her look and accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings as she spoke on stage Paul, 30, meanwhile showed off his individual style in a brown jacket, baggy trousers and red tie Bugonia - the latest collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and his muse Emma Stone, both of whom were producers - was also a competitor in that field. Chloe Zhao's biopic Hamnet starring Paul and Jessie was also in contention, as is Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein, the Norwegian film Sentimental Value, the buzzy mystery Weapons and the rugged historical picture Train Dreams. Ryan Coogler's vampire movie Sinners, which has achieved a record as the most Oscar-nominated film of all time, rounded out the theatrical motion picture category. However just last weekend Hamnet did win Outstanding British Film at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards. Paul, who plays Shakespeare in the film, attended the ceremony with his girlfriend Gracie Abrams, 26, at London's Royal Festival Hall. After Stormzy announced the film had won, the camera cut to the Hamnet cast and crew and Paul was seen leaning in to give Gracie a kiss. The couple have been in a relationship since 2024 but have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight until now. Paul earned a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod for his role in Hamnet but lost out to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another. The Normal People star and his girlfriend packed on the PDA as they made their red carpet debut as a couple before the ceremony. Japanese researchers spent two decades observing Arctic waters and what they discovered revealed how quickly the far north has transformed. Warm water pouring into a major Arctic basin has intensified 50% since 2020, spelling trouble for coastal communities, marine life, and weather patterns worldwide, according to a new study in the journal JGR Oceans. What's happening? The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology has anchored monitoring equipment in Barrow Canyon since 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The devices continuously tracked temperatures and ocean movement, even through brutal winters that kept ships away. Twenty-two years of data showed that Pacific water entering the Canadian Basin carried far more heat than before. Records dating to 1982 revealed the spike took off in the late 2010s, the study's findings demonstrated. This mechanism is akin to a vicious cycle. Shrinking summer ice in the Chukchi Sea exposes dark ocean water, which absorbs sunlight rather than reflecting it. The heated water then flows north, melting more ice as it goes. Why is this pattern concerning? Extra warmth in Arctic waters disrupts ecosystems that took millennia to establish, and these changes ripple outward, with potentially devastating consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fish populations that sustain millions of people are threatened by habitat destruction when waters warm beyond their tolerance levels. Walruses, seals, and polar bears lose the ice platforms they need to survive. Disappearing Arctic ice also directly raises sea levels, endangering coastal cities. At the same time, thawing ground releases pathogens that have been locked away for thousands of years, creating new disease risks to populations with no natural immunity. Worsening extreme weather disasters endanger lives everywhere. Arctic warming destabilizes atmospheric patterns, intensifying hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heat waves. What's being done about Arctic warming? Sustained monitoring of these warming patterns is important, enabling scientists to forecast ecosystem shifts and protect marine species struggling to adapt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study's 22-year observation period revealed patterns to predict future changes. Researchers found that early-summer ice conditions directly control how much heat flows northward, and a better understanding of this connection can shed light on future warming trends and better prepare communities for a rapidly changing planet. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews posted a love note to his wife as she performed in Ireland on Saturday night - whilst he sought emergency shelter at home in Dubai. The ex-glamour model and mother-of-five, 47, shocked fans when she married the businessman, 43, in Dubai last month following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance. Now back from UAE, Katie was performing at the Gossies 2026 - an event held in Ireland - over the weekend. Lee posted a snap of her on stage with the caption 'coming in hot' as well as a quote which read: 'F**k normal. I want magic.' Gushing over his connection with wife Katie he then penned underneath it: 'Love having this with you Katie.' Lee is currently residing in Dubai, where explosions rocked the famous Palm Jumeirah hotel on Saturday. Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews posted a love note to his wife as she performed in Ireland on Saturday night - whilst he sought emergency shelter at home in Dubai He posted a quote which read: 'F**k normal. I want magic.' Gushing over his connection with wife Katie he then penned underneath it: 'Love having this with you Katie' An Iranian missile hit Dubai's famous hotel as Tehran launches widespread revenge attacks across the Middle East following US airstrikes. Missiles fired by Tehran have struck US military bases in Qatar and have also rained down on Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel. Videos posted on social media show Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah ablaze after it was hit by a suspected Iranian missile or missile debris. It comes after Katie finally returned to the UK to face her family on Thursday. Dressed in a grey crop top and tracksuit bottoms, the model was flanked by two members of staff who helped her with her luggage before she got into a 300,000 chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Cullinan, with a personalised HR 7 number plate. Katie and fourth husband, Lee, got engaged last month and married days later. They then formally registered the marriage on February 17. Despite his insistence that he would be returning to the UK with Katie this week, he was nowhere to be seen, but he did take to social media to talk about their baby plans once again. He shared an image of a baby's bottle alongside the words: 'What are your plans for next year?' The couple had been enjoying their time in Dubai, where the latter lives, but Lee has been slapped with claims that he is on a flight ban and not allowed to leave. In recent days, he has continued to state that he will join Katie in the UK, despite frequent claims from his ex, Alana Percival, that he is legally bound to the UAE. Since they wed, Katie has returned home alone twice - despite Lee insisting he would join her both times. There were also assertions that they would be going somewhere on honeymoon together, but they remained in Dubai. Lee is currently residing in Dubai, where explosions rocked the famous Palm Jumeirah hotel on Saturday Lee previously claimed he returned to his Lincolnshire hometown for Christmas. But Alana mocked his recent social media posts, among them footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline. Remarkably, the sun is high and the sky is clear despite much of England being battered by torrential rain and fierce wind since the turn of the year. Reposting the clip, she said: 'People of Skegness watching this asking where exactly is this tropical upgrade?' A second video, in which Andrews claims to be freezing while driving in 'his mum's car' is also savaged by Percival, who previously accused him of being 'physically and mentally abusive' during their relationship. Commenting on the clip, she wrote: 'When you put on a woolly hat in an underground car park in Dubai to pretend you're in the UK.' While Andrews has presented himself as a high-flying business mogul, the Daily Mail shattered the illusion by revealing that he has been banned from leaving Dubai after spending three weeks locked up in a UAE jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to secure a 200,000 loan. He allegedly applied for a mortgage in personal trainer Dina Taji's name last year without her consent. Lee told the Daily Mail it was 'complete b******s' that he couldn't leave. Lee and Katie maintain that they are very much in love and that he will be coming to the UK soon to have a bigger wedding with family and friends. Her five children are yet to meet the businessman, but Princess, 18, and Junior, 20, said on This Morning this week that the family are 'happy as long as she's happy'. Asked if they had met their mum's new husband yet, Princess said: 'I've not met him.' Junior quickly chimed in, as Princess nodded along: 'Our mum is her own person, she's her own woman, she's going to do what she's going to do, and at the end of the day, we're supportive of her as long as she's happy.' 'As long as she's happy, that's all I care about,' Junior added, as Princess chimed in: 'If she's happy, we're happy.' Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have one of Hollywood's most solid marriages. And the Australian actor has revealed how he and his Spanish actress wife keep the spark alive, almost 16 years since they walked down the aisle. The 42-year-old says the secret to their bond is his wife's brutal honesty, which she delivers to him even when it stings. 'Elsa's honesty is my barometer for whether something works. I take that with the films I do, the commercials, whatever,' Chris tells People. 'It's like everyone else can tell me one thing, but I know that I'm going to get the absolute truth from her. 'And it's sometimes dressed up in gentleness from time to time, so that it doesn't shatter my soul, which I appreciate.' Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have one of Hollywood's most solid marriages. And the Australian actor has revealed how he and his Spanish actress wife keep the spark alive, almost 16 years since they walked down the aisle. Both pictured Chris has previously said the secret to their strong relationship is 'having fun'. Speaking on Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, Chris revealed that both he and Elsa have 'an adventurous spirit' and 'making time for one another' is a key factor behind their successful marriage. 'The complicated times have been when it's been all work, all kids, and all of a sudden the 'us' in the relationship is sort of non-existent, you're just managing a household or the work family schedule,' he confessed. He added that 'removing ourselves from all of that and just having time for the two of us and making space for each other' helped them get to where they are today. The two also value 'making each other laugh'. 'There's always that spark, that attraction, but what it comes down to is friendship and companionship in the end.' Elsa, 49, has also weighed in on their relationship in the past, explaining how the couple have worked through 'rough patches'. Speaking in HELLO! Magazine, she said: 'Marriage needs constant work, and you learn a lot from the rough patches. The 42-year-old says the secret to their bond is his wife's brutal honesty, which she delivers to him even when it stings 'It's like everyone else can tell me one thing, but I know that I'm going to get the absolute truth from her,' Chris said 'You have to try and keep growing together, making sure that your paths carry on crossing. 'It's about finding the fun, enjoying the little moments and remaining curious about each other. You have to be ready to adapt, and because there are situations that separate you, you need to know how to find each other again.' It was love at first sight for the A-list power couple when they were introduced in early 2010. By the end of that same year, they had tied the knot and the couple are still going strong, living a 'constant holiday' at their sprawling mansion in Byron Bay, Australia. They share 11-year-old twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, and 13-year-old daughter India Rose. Bella Hadid stunned in an elegant white blazer and matching skirt as she attended a brunch for Orebella in Milan on Sunday. The supermodel, looked sensational in the fitted jacket which cinched in at the waist showcasing her jaw-dropping figure. Bella added a long coordinated maxi skirt and flashed her leg through a daring thigh high side split. The runway star elevated her frame in a pair of white stilettos and accessorised with a pair of pearl drop earrings. Styling her brunette tresses in a bouncy blow dry, Bella was all smiles as she arrived at the bash for her own fragrance brand, which she founded in 2024. Bella is usually a permanent fixture on the runway in Milan during fashion week but has recently taken some time off due to her battle with Lyme disease. Bella, who has struggled with the chronic neurological disease for 14-years, has been undergoing treatment and recently revealed she was forced to turn down 'every job for almost a year.' The model said she struggled to maintain a work-life balance and has since learnt to say no. Bella Hadid stunned in an elegant white blazer and matching skirt as she attended a brunch for Orebella in Milan on Sunday The supermodel looked sensational in the fitted jacket which cinched in at the waist showcasing her jaw-dropping figure 'The way that I worked for many years was not sustainable. I think that, you know, even during COVID I continued to work,' the IMG Model told Vogue Italia on Tuesday. 'Being able to be in Texas with my horses and my dog, having a real life, and then going back to work makes it more fulfilling.' Hadid now knows that she is able to say "no" to jobs that aren't with the people she loves, trusts, supports and respects. 'Now I know that if Im able to say "No," even going through my [Lyme disease] treatment last year and having to say no to every job for almost a year, which I cried about,' the Beauty guest star recalled. 'I was emotional because you feel disposable.' In September 18, her mother Yolanda Hadid posted an Instagram tribute of her 'bada** warrior' daughter in the hospital. 'I admire your bravery and your willingness to keep fighting for health despite the falling protocols and countless setbacks you have faced,' the Real Housewives star wrote. She added: 'There simply aren't words big enough for the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell you've lived through since your diagnosis. 'You didn't really live, you learned how to exist inside the jail of your own paralyzed brain. I am so proud of the fighter that you are. You are not alone, I promise to have your back every step of the way, no matter how long this takes.' Yolanda continued: 'You have fought through another month of treatment and I know god is good, miracles do happen every day. I pray for your speedy recovery my love. 'This disease has brought us to our knees, but we always get back up. We will continue to fight for better days, together. You are a survivor I love you so much.' Like Bella and her younger brother Anwar, Yolanda contracted the tickborne illness in 2012 but stopped sharing her personal story because she wanted to stop 'absorbing other people's opinions about my journey.' Yolanda is 'still determined to find a cure affordable for all' eight years after writing about seeing '106 doctors' and undergoing a Stem Cell transplant, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Chelation therapy, colon hydrotherapy, among other treatments in her book Believe Me. Back in 2023, she curiously declared she was 'finally healthy' and that she was 'so proud' of 'not giving up on' herself. Love Island star Sharon Gaffka has revealed she is expecting her first child with her fiance Matthew Torbitt. The reality star-turned-political activist, 30, took to her Instagram on Sunday to share their happy news with professionally-taken snaps, showing her blossoming bump for the first time, as she quipped: 'It's official, my tummy can't be hidden anymore'. The photos saw the couple - who got engaged in December - reading a newspaper with an ultrasound on the front page, under the headline 'Due July 2026'. Captioning the stunning shots, Sharon delightedly announced: 'When I thought I was going to be spending my 30th birthday weekend with my head in a toiletthis isnt quite what I had in mind! Baby Gaffka-Torbitt is on their way.' She was immediately flooded with congratulatory messages from her fans and reality star friends, including a slew of fellow Love Island alumni. Georgia Harrison, who recently welcomed her first child in November, commented: 'So happy for you ! Xxx' while Kaz Kamwi wrote: ''So special !!!! Congratulations angel '. Love Island star Sharon Gaffka has revealed she is expecting her first child with her fiance Matthew Torbitt (seen in October) The reality star-turned-political activist, 30, took to her Instagram on Sunday to share their happy news with professionally-taken snaps, showing her blossoming bump for the first time, as she quipped: 'It's official, my tummy can't be hidden anymore' Captioning the stunning shots, Sharon delightedly announced: 'When I thought I was going to be spending my 30th birthday weekend with my head in a toiletthis isnt quite what I had in mind! Baby Gaffka-Torbitt is on their way' MAFS UK star Ella Morgan shared: 'Omg congrats beautiful! So happy for you both ' as Abigail Rawlings said 'OMG!!!!!! Congratulations to you both!! ' and Molly Smith echoed: 'Congratulations!!! 'Georgia Townend sweetly wrote: 'Congratulations you gorgeous thing! Youll be the best mum! ' while Liberty Poole added: 'Congrats so happy for you !!!! ' Paige Thorne penned: 'Oh my goodness! Congratulations what a blessing ' and Olivia Hawkins echoed: 'Oh wow massive congratulations angel! So happy for you '. Matthew also shared the news to his X account, with a playful nod to the couple's careers in politics, as he wrote: 'Breaking News: Matthew Torbitt and Sharon Gaffka are expanding their coalition. Majority expected: 2026.' But taking to her Instagram Stories, Sharon revealed that the start of her pregnancy had not been smooth sailing, as she shared a throwback photo of her in December wrapped up in bed looking glum. She explained she'd had to cancel her 30th birthday celebrations after being hit by severe morning sickness and skin issues, that she admitted were 'making me cry'. Captioning the snap, she penned: 'Throwback to December, when I'd planned a huge girlie weekend away to celebrate my 30th... But instead, I was busy making a human out of @nandosuk mash and @dashdrinks cans of water. The baby announcement comes just two and a half months after Sharon revealed she was engaged, sharing a heartwarming video of Matthew popping the question on their holiday in Sweden in December She was immediately flooded with congratulatory messages from her fans and reality star friends, including a slew of fellow Love Island alumni 'Not only was I vomiting all day everyday, I broke out, my skin was so dry it was making me cry because I was so itchy and nothing was working, and I was DRAINED.' The baby announcement comes just two and a half months after Sharon revealed she was engaged, sharing a heartwarming video of Matthew popping the question on their holiday in Sweden in December. Alongside a sweet selfie of the couple, with her proudly flashing her stunning diamond and gold ring, she announced: 'Decided to pick up a rock when we were 2091m above sea level.' The news came as a shock to fans, as Sharon had only unveiled their romance in March, having chosen to remain tight-lipped about her dating life post-Love Island. The civil servant appeared on the show in 2021, but unlike former stars of the show, admitted she wasn't bothered by fame and said resuming her career in the civil service was of the utmost importance to her. She now works as a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) activist and an ambassador for domestic violence charity Refuge. While fiance Matthew may also be a familiar face to some as a political commentator who regularly appears on TV and radio to discuss news and social issues. He is also a Homelessness and Prison Reform Advocate and a former Labour Advisor. The impending arrival of her first child comes after Sharon bravely opened up on her past abortion and miscarriage to raise awareness of Baby Loss Awareness Week in October last year. Matthew also shared the news to his X account, with a playful nod to the couple's careers in politics, as he wrote: 'Breaking News: Matthew Torbitt and Sharon Gaffka are expanding their coalition. Majority expected: 2026' But taking to her Instagram Stories, Sharon revealed that the start of her pregnancy had not been smooth sailing, as she shared a throwback photo of her in December wrapped up in bed looking glum In August 2023, she revealed that she suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage back in 2021, just months after leaving the Love Island villa, recalling how the grief hit her 'like a train'. She shared a teary selfie to Instagram, she explained that she'd been 'trying to find the strength' to open up about the loss that she'd spent the past 18 months healing from and admitted she was initially scared of people commenting on her miscarriage. Detailing her pain, Sharon also revealed that that week would have marked her baby's first birthday and that the grief she felt due to the date hit her 'like a train'. She added at the time, she'd found it 'incredibly tough to function' as normal, telling her fans she didn't share her news for 'sympathy', but simply for her 'own healing'. In June 2025, Sharon then opened up about having an at-home early medical abortion which was 'painful, lonely, and traumatising.' She said that although she doesn't regret having an abortion, it was the 'hardest decision' she has ever had to make. However, in October she revealed how after bravely sharing her story, cruel trolls compared her to child serial killer Lucy Letby and threatened to dox her. Speaking on the Her Discussions Podcast with Dr Faye Bate, Sharon said: 'It's still the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Regardless of whether it was the 'right' decision or not, it was 100 per cent the right decision. 'I don't regret it at all. So when people sit there and say 'you took the easy way out', trust me, it was not easy. 'I had to live with the emotional trauma of going through something so physical, and I had some horrific messages. I had someone call me Lucy Letby 2.0. I had people threaten to dox me all because I had an abortion.' And marking Baby Loss Awareness Week, she shared an inspiring post sharing how her miscarriage and abortion 'both changed me' and 'both deserve compassion'. She wrote: 'This week is baby loss awareness week, and I wasn't sure whether to post this, but both my miscarriage and my abortion have shaped me in ways I'm still learning to understand. 'Both were losses. Both changed me. Both deserve compassion. 'It's complicated, grief, guilt, relief, and love are all sitting side by side. If you've been through any kind of baby loss, please know you're not alone in it.' If you have been affected by this story, you can seek advice at www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk or by calling 01924 200 799. Katie Price said that she was feeling 'ecstatic, smitten and in love' as she performed in Ireland over the weekend - whilst her husband Lee Andrews remained in missile-hit Dubai. The ex-glamour model and mother-of-five, 47, shocked fans when she married the businessman, 43, in Dubai last month following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance. Now back from the UAE, Katie was performing at the Gossies 2026, sponsored by OOOSCH, where she wore a racy co-ord that showed off her surgically-enhanced assets. While she was there she spoke to Goss.ie about Lee, saying: 'I'm ecstatic. I'm smitten and I'm in love', before confirming that she was not in fact pregnant after rumours swirled last week. Of the whirlwind wedding she added: 'There was no stress. I don't, I like stress but the wedding and all that, there was no stress. It all went so good.' When asked if she had a message to those who may have expressed concern at how quickly things have developed, she simply said: 'Just enjoy and watch my love develop.' Katie Price said that she was feeling 'ecstatic, smitten and in love' as she performed in Ireland over the weekend - whilst her husband Lee Andrews remained in missile-hit Dubai Katie was performing at the Gossies 2026, sponsored by OOOSCH, where she wore a racy co-ord that showed off her surgically-enhanced assets After speaking to the publication she went on to perform on stage at the event. Though he wasn't there in person, Lee posted a snap of her in her element to his Story with the caption 'coming in hot' as well as a quote which read: 'F**k normal. I want magic.' Gushing over his connection with wife Katie he then penned underneath it: 'Love having this with you Katie.' Lee is currently residing in Dubai, where explosions rocked the famous Palm Jumeirah hotel on Saturday. An Iranian missile hit Dubai's famous hotel as Tehran launches widespread revenge attacks across the Middle East following US airstrikes. Missiles fired by Tehran have struck US military bases in Qatar and have also rained down on Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel. Videos posted on social media show Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah ablaze after it was hit by a suspected Iranian missile or missile debris. It comes after Katie finally returned to the UK to face her family on Thursday. Dressed in a grey crop top and tracksuit bottoms, the model was flanked by two members of staff who helped her with her luggage before she got into a 300,000 chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Cullinan, with a personalised HR 7 number plate. Katie and fourth husband, Lee, got engaged last month and married days later. They then formally registered the marriage on February 17. Despite his insistence that he would be returning to the UK with Katie this week, he was nowhere to be seen, but he did take to social media to talk about their baby plans once again. He shared an image of a baby's bottle alongside the words: 'What are your plans for next year?' While she was there she spoke to Goss.ie about Lee, saying: 'I'm ecstatic. I'm smitten and I'm in love', before confirming that she was not in fact pregnant after rumours swirled last week Of the whirlwind wedding she added: 'There was no stress. I don't, I like stress but the wedding and all that, there was no stress. It all went so good' Katie shocked fans when she married the businessman, 43, in Dubai last month following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance The couple had been enjoying their time in Dubai, where the latter lives, but Lee has been slapped with claims that he is on a flight ban and not allowed to leave. In recent days, he has continued to state that he will join Katie in the UK, despite frequent claims from his ex, Alana Percival, that he is legally bound to the UAE. Since they wed, Katie has returned home alone twice - despite Lee insisting he would join her both times. There were also assertions that they would be going somewhere on honeymoon together, but they remained in Dubai. Lee previously claimed he returned to his Lincolnshire hometown for Christmas. But Alana mocked his recent social media posts, among them footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline. Remarkably, the sun is high and the sky is clear despite much of England being battered by torrential rain and fierce wind since the turn of the year. Reposting the clip, she said: 'People of Skegness watching this asking where exactly is this tropical upgrade?' A second video, in which Andrews claims to be freezing while driving in 'his mum's car' is also savaged by Percival, who previously accused him of being 'physically and mentally abusive' during their relationship. Commenting on the clip, she wrote: 'When you put on a woolly hat in an underground car park in Dubai to pretend you're in the UK.' While Andrews has presented himself as a high-flying business mogul, the Daily Mail shattered the illusion by revealing that he has been banned from leaving Dubai after spending three weeks locked up in a UAE jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to secure a 200,000 loan. He allegedly applied for a mortgage in personal trainer Dina Taji's name last year without her consent. Lee told the Daily Mail it was 'complete b******s' that he couldn't leave. Lee and Katie maintain that they are very much in love and that he will be coming to the UK soon to have a bigger wedding with family and friends. Her five children are yet to meet the businessman, but Princess, 18, and Junior, 20, said on This Morning this week that the family are 'happy as long as she's happy'. Asked if they had met their mum's new husband yet, Princess said: 'I've not met him.' Junior quickly chimed in, as Princess nodded along: 'Our mum is her own person, she's her own woman, she's going to do what she's going to do, and at the end of the day, we're supportive of her as long as she's happy.' 'As long as she's happy, that's all I care about,' Junior added, as Princess chimed in: 'If she's happy, we're happy.' Paris Hilton splurged on an expensive Gucci shopping spree while stepping out during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. The fashion icon, 45, made a glamorous appearance in the city, carrying several shopping bags from multiple high-fashion houses. Paris looked in her highest spirits and was all smiles after indulging on a retail therapy moment where she bagged Gucci, Chanel, and more. For the occasion, the American socialite wore a chenille red tracksuit, teamed with a black turtleneck underneath. Finally, she shielded behind a pair of oversized dark shades as she carried her little Chihuahua pooch in her hands. It comes just weeks after she renewed her vows with husband Carter Reum after five years of marriage. Paris Hilton, 45, splurged on an expensive Gucci shopping spree while stepping out during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday The fashion icon, 45, looked every inch of the diva as she made a glamorous appearance while out and about in the city, carrying several shopping bags from multiple high-fashion houses Earlier last month, she posted photos from their Turks and Caicos family trip, showing the moment Carter, 45, got down on one knee and popped the question for a second time. 'Five years later and he still makes my heart skip a beat,' she began her Instagram caption. She added: 'On Valentines Day, in the turquoise waters of Turks & Caicos just days before my birthday my forever Valentine re-proposed, and I said YES all over again.' The longtime couple are parents to son Phoenix, three, and daughter London, two. Paris continued in her heartfelt note, 'This time we werent just husband and wife. We were Mommy and Daddy. Phoenix and London watching the love that created them. 'Renewing our vows isnt just about celebrating five beautiful years its about showing our babies that love grows, deepens, and chooses each other again and again. 'Five years down. Forever to go. Forever isnt long enough with you, Carter.' She shielded behind a pair of oversized dark shades as she carried her little Chihuahua pooch in her hands The model and the venture capitalist originally tied the knot in 2021. The couple initially met in their 20s, but didn't reconnect until 2019 when Carter's sister, Halle Hammond, hosted Thanksgiving dinner and invited them both. The entrepreneur popped the question during a celebratory vacation to mark Paris' 40th birthday. Their nuptials took place in November 2021 at the heiress' late grandfather's Bel-Air estate. Caroline Stanbury took to Instagram on Sunday to share an update on her twin sons' wellbeing as they are in Dubai amid the United States and Israel's missile strikes on Iran. The 49-year-old Bravo TV star uploaded a video in which she thanked her one million fans for their concern and said Zack and Aaron, 16 in April, are ok. 'Thank you so much for all the amazing messages I am getting. I am currently in LA, which is not ideal because my sons are in Dubai,' she began. The concerned mother continued: 'But they are safe and I feel very comfortable with where they are and they feel very comfortable. 'Obviously I would like to get back as soon as I can but thats not possible right now.' In addition to her sons, Stanbury also shares daughter Yasmine, who turns 20 on March 7, with ex-husband Cem Habib. Caroline Stanbury took to Instagram on Sunday to share an update on her twin sons' wellbeing as they are in Dubai amid the United States and Israel's missile strikes on Iran Stanbury pictured with her sons and daughter Yasmine in 2024 The television personality emphasized in her video, 'Everybody's ok and as I said, the boys are handling it amazingly. 'And we're all just waiting to see, but the UAE is obviously an amazing place and it seems from here to be incredibly under control and they're doing an amazing job, so that's all we can hope for.' She concluded, 'I will be back on the next plane I can back to the Dubai.' President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel initiated combat operations against Iran on Friday. On Sunday he broke his silence on the first US casualties of the war in an exclusive phone interview with the Daily Mail. Three US service members, who have not been publicly identified, were killed in the fighting. 'They're great people,' the President said. 'And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. It could happen again.' The strikes have affected the airspace over Dubai, with all flights in and out of the vicinity cancelled. The television personality emphasized in her video, 'Everybody's ok and the boys are handling it amazingly' Her husband Sergio Carrallo is stepdad to her three kids with ex-husband Cem Habib Iran is subsequently targeting multiple vacation destinations, including Dubai. Stanbury announced her split from Habib in December 2019 after 17 years of marriage. 'After 17 years, filled with joy, adventures, ups and downs, Cem and I came to the conclusion some time ago that we will continue our relationship not as husband and wife but as good friends and parents to our wonderful 3 children we love very much,' she announced on social media at the time. 'We wish each other all the happiness and look forward to maintaining our strong family unit.' The Real Housewives of Dubai star went on to tie the knot with Sergio Carrallo, 31, in 2021. Selma Blair gave a glimpse to fans as she stepped into a recording studio amid her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) battle while admitting the 'quiet fear' of losing her voice. The 53-year-old actress - who recently made her acting comeback in the Israel-Hamas war drama Stay Forte - jumped to her main Instagram page on Sunday as she enjoyed a recording session with Grammy winner Dave Reitzas. The Cruel Intentions star previously announced her MS diagnosis in 2018 but has since shared that she is currently 'relapse-free.' In a series of snaps, Blair could be seen sitting in a chair as she appeared to sing into a microphone with the recording engineer nearby. 'Recently, I stepped into the music lab with 7x Grammy winner Dave Reitzas to record something for my son,' she wrote in the caption. Blair shares teenage son Arthur, 14, with ex Jason Bleick - whom she dated from 2010 until their split in 2012. Selma Blair, 53, gave a glimpse to fans as she stepped into a recording studio amid her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) battle while admitting the 'quiet fear' of losing her voice; seen in 2025 in L.A. In a series of snaps, Blair could be seen sitting in a chair as she appeared to sing into a microphone with the recording engineer nearby The star candidly explained to her followers that she 'did it because there's a quiet fear that lives with MS, that one day, I may lose my voice. 'It lingers when I speak publicly. It shows up when dystonia does. And it reminds me that nothing is guaranteed.' Back in 2019, Blair had opened up about her MS battle as well as dealing with spasmodic dysphonia. It is 'a voice disorder that affects your larynx (voice box) and vocal cords,' per Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include a person's voice breaking, becoming breathy or strained. There is no cure for the disorder and is described as a 'rare condition.' The actress further expressed in the caption that she wanted her son 'to have something lasting.' She added, 'Something my own mother passed down to me and my sisters. It's a forever memory of mine. Now, I feel it as a piece of me: steady, clear, and full of love.' Blair said that her son would 'be able to hear me as I am right now' if 'anything ever changes' in the future. 'Okay maybe a slightly more in-tune, incredibly engineered version of me,' she humorously added. 'That's where my brilliant friend came in.' 'Recently, I stepped into the music lab with 7x Grammy winner Dave Reitzas to record something for my son,' she wrote in the caption The star candidly explained to her followers that she 'did it because there's a quiet fear that lives with MS, that one day, I may lose my voice' 'Okay maybe a slightly more in-tune, incredibly engineered version of me,' she humorously added. 'That's where my brilliant friend came in' In conclusion, the star gave a special shout out to Reitzas before calling him a 'hero.' Blair has been candid about her battle with MS since announcing her diagnosis in 2018. At the time, she had taken to social media and penned: 'I have #multiplesclerosis. I am in an exacerbation. By the grace of the lord, and will power and the understanding producers at Netflix, I have a job. 'A wonderful job. I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it. 'And I laugh and I don't know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best,' Blair had continued. During an interview with New Beauty in January, she offered a positive update on her health battle. 'I'm relapse-free. I found the right treatment for me, finally. It took many years and a lot of false starts. But I didn't give up.' She expressed that she was able to 'find the right doctor' while sharing she is still in the process of 'healing.' Blair shares teenage son Arthur, 14, with ex Jason Bleick - whom she dated from 2010 until their split in 2012 'I'm relapse-free. I found the right treatment for me, finally. It took many years and a lot of false starts. But I didn't give up,' Blair said; seen in Janaury in NYC 'When I go out, I realize: I'm the grown-up in the room. If we're not going to be the ones cheerleading or having a good time, who is? I think we can have a responsibility to bring whatever joy we can.' Blair had also expressed that she was 'excited' for what is in store for her in 2026. 'I hope for a whole turning of the page. People are mired in what they can't do or the things they fear.' The Legally Blonde actress added, 'But we're still standing. We're okay. I want a shift toward people being kind and supportive again. I think people are craving connection.' Blair has also been in the midst of making her acting comeback and recently starred in the Israel-Hamas war drama film Stay Forte. 'I hope for a whole turning of the page. People are mired in what they can't do or the things they fear,' Blair expressed Blair has also been in the midst of making her acting comeback and recently starred in the Israel-Hamas war drama film Stay Forte (seen above) The project is set to be released in theaters later this month in March in the United States. The premise is: 'Three Israeli hostages - Shamiriz, Chai, and Tallaka - escaped their Gaza captors but were killed while trying to reach Israel, after being taken from their homes and held in terror tunnels,' per IMDB. And last month in February, it was announced that she will star in the upcoming indie film titled Ethan Almighty with Sean Patrick Flanery. It is set to follow the true story of Jeff Callaway and the rescue dog named Ethan - with filming set to kick off in April. Shares of Barclays PLC (LON:BARC Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is GBX 499.17. BARC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Barclays from GBX 480 to GBX 570 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Barclays from GBX 440 to GBX 475 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Barclays from GBX 500 to GBX 570 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Get Barclays alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Barclays Trending Headlines about Barclays Positive Sentiment: Barclays is actively executing its share buyback programme, cancelling additional shares and reducing outstanding share capital a direct shareholderfriendly action that supports earnings per share and longterm valuation. Read More. Barclays is actively executing its share buyback programme, cancelling additional shares and reducing outstanding share capital a direct shareholderfriendly action that supports earnings per share and longterm valuation. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Management is exploring a blockchain platform to handle payments, deposits, stablecoins and tokenized deposits a strategic move to modernize core infrastructure and capture fee flows from digitalasset payments if implemented successfully. Read More. Management is exploring a blockchain platform to handle payments, deposits, stablecoins and tokenized deposits a strategic move to modernize core infrastructure and capture fee flows from digitalasset payments if implemented successfully. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analysts maintain a generally constructive view: the stock carries an average Moderate Buy consensus, which tempers headline volatility but leaves upside dependent on execution and macro credit trends. Read More. Analysts maintain a generally constructive view: the stock carries an average Moderate Buy consensus, which tempers headline volatility but leaves upside dependent on execution and macro credit trends. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: A senior Barclays executive has been appointed to lead the UK regulator (PRA). This is notable for regulatory ties and influence on UK banking policy but creates a leadership transition that investors will watch. Read More. A senior Barclays executive has been appointed to lead the UK regulator (PRA). This is notable for regulatory ties and influence on UK banking policy but creates a leadership transition that investors will watch. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Reports that Barclays and other banks may face losses from the collapse of Market Financial Solutions (a UK specialist mortgage lender) revived worries about privatecredit underwriting and counterparty exposure the most immediate catalyst for the intraday share weakness and elevated trading volume. Read More. Insider Activity Here are the key news stories impacting Barclays this week: In related news, insider Brian Gilvary purchased 2,794 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 481 per share, with a total value of 13,439.14. Also, insider Dawn Fitzpatrick purchased 2,111 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 481 per share, with a total value of 10,153.91. In the last 90 days, insiders have bought 27,452 shares of company stock valued at $13,204,412. Company insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. Barclays Trading Down 4.2% Barclays stock opened at GBX 452.81 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of 62.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.15, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.36. Barclays has a 1 year low of GBX 223.75 and a 1 year high of GBX 506.40. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 477.61 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 424.67. Barclays (LON:BARC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The financial services provider reported GBX 8.60 earnings per share for the quarter. Barclays had a return on equity of 6.97% and a net margin of 19.54%. Research analysts anticipate that Barclays will post 39.1062802 EPS for the current fiscal year. Barclays Company Profile (Get Free Report) Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services. In addition, the company engages in securities dealing activities. The company was formerly known as Barclays Bank Limited and changed its name to Barclays PLC in January 1985. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BigBear.ai (NYSE:BBAI Get Free Report) is projected to announce its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Monday, March 2nd. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of ($0.05) per share and revenue of $33.3090 million for the quarter. Parties may review the information on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report for the latest details on the call scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET. BigBear.ai Stock Performance Shares of BBAI stock opened at $3.96 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 3.13 and a quick ratio of 3.13. The companys fifty day moving average price is $5.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.92. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.73 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.79 and a beta of 3.45. BigBear.ai has a 12 month low of $2.36 and a 12 month high of $9.39. Get BigBear.ai alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently commented on BBAI shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of BigBear.ai in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen lowered BigBear.ai from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald cut BigBear.ai from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the company from $7.00 to $6.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, HC Wainwright restated a buy rating and issued a $8.00 price target on shares of BigBear.ai in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.00. Insider Activity at BigBear.ai In other news, CFO Sean Raymond Ricker sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.06, for a total value of $35,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 488,716 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,450,334.96. The trade was a 1.01% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BigBear.ai Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of BigBear.ai by 491.8% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 158,176 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,074,000 after acquiring an additional 131,448 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in BigBear.ai by 6.8% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 79,376 shares of the companys stock worth $539,000 after purchasing an additional 5,058 shares during the period. Nebula Research & Development LLC grew its position in BigBear.ai by 33.5% during the 2nd quarter. Nebula Research & Development LLC now owns 71,398 shares of the companys stock worth $485,000 after purchasing an additional 17,933 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its stake in BigBear.ai by 162.6% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 102,671 shares of the companys stock valued at $697,000 after purchasing an additional 63,568 shares during the period. Finally, Diversify Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in BigBear.ai during the 2nd quarter valued at $136,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.55% of the companys stock. About BigBear.ai (Get Free Report) BigBear.ai is a provider of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics solutions designed to deliver actionable insights for public sector and commercial clients. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the company specializes in advanced analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling and network analysis to support decision-making in complex, data-rich environments. Its clientele spans defense and intelligence agencies, civil government organizations and enterprise businesses seeking to enhance mission outcomes and operational efficiency. The companys flagship offerings include an AI-driven analytics platform that integrates data engineering, algorithm development and visualization tools. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BigBear.ai Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BigBear.ai and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rocket Lab, Boeing, Heico, GE Aerospace, RTX, Lockheed Martin, and Keysight Technologies are the seven Defense stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Defense stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that design, manufacture, or provide services for military, national security, aerospace, and related government-contract work (e.g., weapons, aircraft, cybersecurity, logistics). Investors view them as relatively defensive because they often have stable, long-term government contracts and demand that is less tied to the civilian economy, though they carry specific risks from government budgets, regulatory changes, and geopolitical events. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Defense stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Rocket Lab (RKLB) Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a space company, provides launch services and space systems solutions for the space and defense industries. The company provides launch services, spacecraft design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing, and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions; and constellation management services, as well as designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets. Boeing (BA) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on BA Heico (HEI) HEICO Corporation, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells aerospace, defense, and electronic related products and services in the United States and internationally. Its Flight Support Group segment provides jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts; thermal insulation blankets and parts; renewable/reusable insulation systems; and specialty components. Read Our Latest Research Report on HEI GE Aerospace (GE) GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. Read Our Latest Research Report on GE RTX (RTX) RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations. Read Our Latest Research Report on RTX Lockheed Martin (LMT) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on LMT Keysight Technologies (KEYS) Keysight Technologies, Inc. provides electronic design and test solutions to commercial communications, networking, aerospace, defense and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates in two segments, Communications Solutions Group and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group. Read Our Latest Research Report on KEYS Recommended Stories American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE:DCH Get Free Report) is one of 31 public companies in the Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare American Axle & Manufacturing to related businesses based on the strength of its risk, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation and earnings. Risk and Volatility American Axle & Manufacturing has a beta of 1.6, meaning that its stock price is 60% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Axle & Manufacturings competitors have a beta of 1.85, meaning that their average stock price is 85% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get American Axle & Manufacturing alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 91.4% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.8% of shares of all Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories companies are held by institutional investors. 3.7% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 13.1% of shares of all Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio American Axle & Manufacturing $5.84 billion -$19.70 million -36.56 American Axle & Manufacturing Competitors $1.47 billion -$2.71 million -11.33 This table compares American Axle & Manufacturing and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. American Axle & Manufacturing has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. American Axle & Manufacturing is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares American Axle & Manufacturing and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Axle & Manufacturing -0.34% 10.00% 1.17% American Axle & Manufacturing Competitors -561.48% -11.41% -7.16% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for American Axle & Manufacturing and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Axle & Manufacturing 2 0 3 0 2.20 American Axle & Manufacturing Competitors 177 672 519 3 2.25 American Axle & Manufacturing currently has a consensus target price of $12.45, indicating a potential upside of 89.21%. As a group, Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories companies have a potential downside of 7.66%. Given American Axle & Manufacturings higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe American Axle & Manufacturing is more favorable than its competitors. Summary American Axle & Manufacturing beats its competitors on 7 of the 13 factors compared. American Axle & Manufacturing Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. is a leading supplier of driveline and drivetrain systems, modules and components for the light vehicle market world wide. It manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Its the primary supplier of driveline components to its major customers include General Motors, Stellantis and Ford. It also sells various products to Ford & Stellantis from Metal Forming segment. It has the 2 operating segments. Driveline segment comprises front & rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric & hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, SUVs, crossover vehicles, passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Metal Forming segment comprises axle & transmission shafts, ring and pinion gears, differential gears & assemblies, connecting rods and variable valve timing products for OEM and Tier 1 automotive suppliers. Receive News & Ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hikma Pharmaceuticals (LON:HIK) used its latest earnings call to outline a leadership reshuffle, review 2025 performance, and set expectations for 2026 as management pivots toward increased investmentparticularly in Injectableswhile aiming to sustain group profitability and returns. Get alerts: CEO outlines priorities and management changes Returning to the CEO role, Said said his initial focus is on four themes: stability, agility, investment, and long-term growth. He told investors he is laser-focused on putting the group on a stronger and more stable footing, while rebuilding an entrepreneurial culture with quicker decision-making and clearer accountability. He also emphasized a shift toward accelerating investment in people, technology, facilities, and R&D to support sustainable profit growth. Mazen, previously Vice Chairman and President of MENA, was appointed Vice Chairman and Deputy CEO, MENA , with MENA Injectables now reporting to him. , with MENA Injectables now reporting to him. Khalid was appointed Deputy CEO, North America and EU , overseeing Hikma activities across North America and Europe and accountable for results in Hikma Rx and Injectables in those regions. , overseeing Hikma activities across North America and Europe and accountable for results in Hikma Rx and Injectables in those regions. Khalid will step down as CFO; the board has started a search for a permanent successor. Arabi El-Kurdi, VP Finance, will serve as Acting CFO in the interim. in the interim. Hafrun, Global Head of R&D and President of Hikma Rx, will add management of U.S. Injectables commercial activities and become President, U.S. in addition to her R&D role. To support day-to-day execution, Hikma created two deputy CEO roles and adjusted reporting lines: At the board level, Said said he will relinquish his Executive Chairman responsibilities to focus on being CEO. Victoria Hull, currently Senior Independent Director, will become Chair, and Douglas Hurt will take on the Senior Independent Director role. 2025 results: revenue up 6% as Injectables profitability weakens Management said Hikma delivered a solid group performance in line with guidance in 2025, citing strong momentum in Branded and Hikma Rx as well as growth across geographies. The company reported 6% revenue growth and a 3% increase in core operating profit, with resilient margins and an EBITDA margin of 25.5%. Said also highlighted strong cash generation and said return on invested capital remained in the mid-teens, a level he said he is committed to maintaining. However, profitability in the Injectables business came under pressure due to product and geographic mix, prompting management to call for increased focus and investment to restore a stronger growth trajectory. Business unit performance: Branded leads, Rx steady, Injectables margin pressured Branded posted what management called an excellent year, with revenue up 10% and a core operating margin of 26.4%. Khalid said the company delivered double-digit growth in its two largest MENA markets, Algeria and Saudi Arabia, and saw good growth across most other markets. Management attributed performance to a push into more complex, higher-value products and market share gains in key therapeutic areas, citing a particularly strong showing in diabetes and oncology. The company also said it is now the largest pharmaceutical company by sales in MENA. Hikma Rx generated more than $1 billion in revenue, in line with expectations. Khalid cited demand for more differentiated products such as generic Advair and fluticasone nasal spray, with price erosion in the mid-single digits. Core operating margin was 17.3%, which management said was ahead of expectations, driven by reduced sales and marketing costs following the outsourcing of Glaukos. Management also emphasized contract manufacturing as an important contributor, noting progress preparing the Columbus site for a significant upcoming CMO contract and expecting related revenue in 2026. Injectables revenue grew 7%, in line with initial guidance, but profitability declined. North America sales grew 5%, supported by a full-year contribution from the Xellia acquisition and new launches, which management said more than offset increased competition in parts of the base business. Europe grew 23%, with strong performance including Germany and France, while MENA rose 9% on in-licensed biosimilar and innovative products. Core operating profit in Injectables fell 6% and core operating margin declined from about 35% in 2024 to 31% in 2025. Khalid attributed the margin decline to several factors, including competition on two high-margin products (testosterone and calcitonin), a higher contribution from lower-margin MENA sales, growth from partner and third-party manufactured products that carry royalties or profit-sharing, and currency headwinds from a stronger euro. He also pointed to year-end inventory write-downs, including liraglutide after a significant price drop and VANCO READY as the company transitions to TYSAVAN. Management said these items contributed to a margin result of 31% versus guidance of 32%33%. Investment and pipeline: R&D reset and capacity expansion Looking forward, management described a strategic reset in Injectables, including a willingness to pursue opportunities with margins below 30% to drive sustainable profit growth. Khalid said the company now expects Injectables margins to be closer to 27%28% for at least a few years, reflecting higher R&D spending, a lower CMO outlook as some customers require domestic U.S. production the company cannot yet offer, identified sales and marketing gaps, and delays to certain launches. From 2027, management said it expects a return to growth in absolute profit. Said pointed to growth drivers including TYSAVAN ready-to-use bags, launched in December 2025, which the company expects to grow steadily through 2026 and beyond as it takes share from other presentations. He also said Hikma is exploring launching TYSAVAN in Europe and MENA through its own teams and through out-licensing partnerships. Management said it will step up R&D investment in Injectables in 2026 and 2027, targeting R&D spend of around 5%6% of revenue, with an emphasis on more differentiated and complex products. On capacity, the company said work continues at the Bedford site, with timelines unchanged from a November update and the facility expected to come online in 2028 to support ready-to-use products and strengthen the CMO business. In R&D, Hafrun said Hikma has continued a transformation of the function through a global organization, project streamlining, reorganization into focus areas, and new KPIs. She highlighted priorities including balancing simple and complex formulations, building in-house capabilities in ready-to-use and inhalation, leveraging manufacturing-driven differentiation, and improving speed through shorter development timelines and better first-cycle approval rates. Hafrun said the companys current development work in the U.S. and Europe addresses a market opportunity of about $90 billion. She also outlined launch expectations through 2029, including over 250 product launches across regions, and said 2026 targets include 26 launches in the U.S. across oral solids and injectables, including two complex long-acting injectables. She flagged 2028 as a key year for nasal products, including an expected U.S. launch of epinephrine nasal spray. 2026 guidance: modest revenue growth as margins shift by segment For 2026, management issued guidance reflecting planned investments. Hikma expects group revenue growth of 2%4% and $720 million to $770 million of core operating profit. Segment expectations include: Injectables: low single-digit revenue growth; core operating margin of 27%28% low single-digit revenue growth; core operating margin of Branded: revenue growth of 6%8% in constant currency; core operating margin around 25% revenue growth of in constant currency; core operating margin around Hikma Rx: broadly flat revenue; core operating margin close to 20% Management also discussed cash flow and leverage, stating the company ended 2025 with net debt to core EBITDA of 1.6x. Total debt increased by roughly $300 million, which management attributed to a legal settlement, higher capital expenditures, and product acquisitions. The company noted it received a BBB credit rating upgrade from both S&P and Fitch during the year and said 2025 CapEx was close to $200 million. Operating cash flow, excluding the one-off legal settlement, increased 10%. Closing the call, Said reiterated confidence in the strategy and said the company aims to maintainand potentially exceedits historical growth and returns, while balancing margin optimization with sustainable profit growth. About Hikma Pharmaceuticals (LON:HIK) At Hikma we help put better health within reach, every day. By creating high-quality medicines and making them accessible to the people who need them, we help to shape a healthier world that enriches all our communities. We help deliver this by living our culture, delivering our strategy, and acting responsibly. We are a trusted, reliable partner and dependable source of over 800+ (as of Feb 2025) high-quality generic, specialty and branded pharmaceutical products that hospitals, physicians and pharmacists need to treat their patients across North America, MENA and Europe. See Also Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF (NYSEARCA:BMVP Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 73 shares, a decrease of 63.5% from the January 29th total of 200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,517 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,517 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF Stock Performance Shares of BMVP traded up $0.12 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $52.81. 118 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,803. Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF has a 52-week low of $42.01 and a 52-week high of $52.95. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $51.05 and a 200 day simple moving average of $49.53. The firm has a market cap of $105.62 million, a P/E ratio of 20.94 and a beta of 0.95. Get Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF during the second quarter worth about $39,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF by 200.4% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 717 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 1,431 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF in the second quarter valued at $70,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its stake in Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF by 53.7% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 4,429 shares of the companys stock worth $216,000 after purchasing an additional 1,548 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF by 559.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,978 shares of the companys stock worth $96,000 after purchasing an additional 1,678 shares during the period. About Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF The Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF (BMVP) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Bloomberg MVP index. The fund tracks an equally-weighted index of US large-cap securities, selected by their fundamental and technical characteristics. BMVP was launched on May 1, 2003 and is issued by Invesco. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Bloomberg MVP Multi-factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS Get Free Report) will likely be posting its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Monday, March 2nd. Analysts expect Kosmos Energy to post earnings of ($0.1360) per share and revenue of $323.4590 million for the quarter. Parties can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET. Kosmos Energy Stock Performance Kosmos Energy stock opened at $2.32 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.11 billion, a P/E ratio of -3.40 and a beta of 0.90. The stocks 50 day moving average is $1.37 and its 200 day moving average is $1.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.04. Kosmos Energy has a twelve month low of $0.84 and a twelve month high of $2.83. Get Kosmos Energy alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have weighed in on KOS shares. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of Kosmos Energy from $2.00 to $1.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 12th. Bank of America restated an underperform rating and set a $1.00 target price (down from $3.40) on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price target on Kosmos Energy from $1.70 to $0.80 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Johnson Rice lowered Kosmos Energy from a buy rating to an accumulate rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $4.50 to $3.50 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Stephens assumed coverage on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an equal weight rating and a $1.75 price objective for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Kosmos Energy has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $2.08. Insider Activity at Kosmos Energy In related news, SVP Josh R. Marion sold 19,656 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.37, for a total value of $26,928.72. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 197,409 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $270,450.33. This trade represents a 9.06% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Andrew G. Inglis sold 44,628 shares of Kosmos Energy stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1.42, for a total transaction of $63,371.76. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 4,227,017 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,002,364.14. This trade represents a 1.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 272,844 shares of company stock valued at $377,592 over the last ninety days. 1.99% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kosmos Energy Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in Kosmos Energy by 56.7% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 387,739 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $884,000 after acquiring an additional 140,261 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Kosmos Energy by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 278,082 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $634,000 after purchasing an additional 12,045 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in Kosmos Energy by 21.1% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 2,541,006 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $5,793,000 after purchasing an additional 443,384 shares during the last quarter. Strs Ohio bought a new position in Kosmos Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $120,000. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in shares of Kosmos Energy by 7.9% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 718,954 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,237,000 after acquiring an additional 52,750 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.33% of the companys stock. Kosmos Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kosmos Energy Ltd. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Since its founding in 2003, the company has focused on identifying and developing hydrocarbon reserves in frontier and emerging basins around the world. Kosmos combines geological and geophysical expertise with a disciplined approach to acreage acquisition and partner selection to pursue highimpact offshore exploration opportunities. The companys portfolio is anchored by assets in West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kosmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kosmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) executives used the companys fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call to outline progress on several portfolio and financing initiatives, report full-year results that landed at the high end of guidance on an adjusted basis, and introduce a larger five-year capital plan alongside new long-term earnings targets. Get alerts: 2025 performance and value creation initiatives Chairman and CEO Jeff Martin said 2025 results reflected execution against five initiatives intended to simplify the business model, mitigate risk, and improve financial strength. He highlighted $13 billion of capital deployed during the year and said the company achieved record adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.69 for 2025, at the high end of the companys guidance range. Prioritizing utility investments with improved returns: Martin cited higher CPUC-based operating margin at Sempra California and improved capital efficiency at Oncor through the Unified Tracker Mechanism. Martin cited higher CPUC-based operating margin at Sempra California and improved capital efficiency at Oncor through the Unified Tracker Mechanism. Highlighting value in LNG: The company announced in September the sale of a 45% stake in SI Partners for $10 billion, implying more than $22 billion of equity value. Management said it still expects to close the transaction in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to conditions. Sempra Infrastructure also declared FID on Port Arthur LNG phase II and reached mechanical completion at ECA LNG phase I, while noting Port Arthur LNG phase I remains on track for COD at or near the end of 2027. The company announced in September the sale of a 45% stake in SI Partners for $10 billion, implying more than $22 billion of equity value. Management said it still expects to close the transaction in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to conditions. Sempra Infrastructure also declared FID on Port Arthur LNG phase II and reached mechanical completion at ECA LNG phase I, while noting Port Arthur LNG phase I remains on track for COD at or near the end of 2027. Simplifying and reducing Mexico portfolio risk: Management said SI Partners agreed in December to sell Ecogas for the equivalent of approximately $500 million, at an implied 12.7x EBITDA multiple, with closing expected in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to conditions. Management said SI Partners agreed in December to sell Ecogas for the equivalent of approximately $500 million, at an implied 12.7x EBITDA multiple, with closing expected in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to conditions. Fit for 2025 cost program: Martin said the company reduced its cost structure and modernized its workforce, while adding that more work remains and will continue in 2026. Martin said the company reduced its cost structure and modernized its workforce, while adding that more work remains and will continue in 2026. Safety and operational excellence: Martin pointed to Californias passage of SB-254, which he said strengthened the long-term stability of the states wildfire fund and called for additional reductions in wildfire risk exposures through a Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study expected in April 2026. He also said SDG&E was recognized for electric customer reliability for the 20th consecutive year. Fourth-quarter and full-year financial results Among the initiatives discussed: CFO Karen Sedgwick reported fourth-quarter 2025 GAAP earnings of $352 million, or $0.54 per share, compared with $665 million, or $1.04 per share, in the prior-year quarter. For full-year 2025, the company posted GAAP earnings of $1.796 billion, or $2.75 per share, compared with $2.817 billion, or $4.42 per share, for 2024. On an adjusted basis, Sedgwick said fourth-quarter 2025 earnings were $841 million, or $1.28 per share, compared with $960 million, or $1.50 per share, in the year-ago quarter. Full-year 2025 adjusted earnings were $3.066 billion, or $4.69 per share, up from $2.969 billion, or $4.65 per share, in 2024. Discussing year-over-year drivers in full-year adjusted earnings, Sedgwick cited: Sempra Texas: $80 million of higher equity earnings from the UTM, higher invested capital, and customer growth, partially offset by higher interest expense, depreciation, and O&M. $80 million of higher equity earnings from the UTM, higher invested capital, and customer growth, partially offset by higher interest expense, depreciation, and O&M. Sempra California: a $213 million impact primarily from lower income tax benefits and higher net interest expense, alongside $148 million of higher CPUC-based operating margin net of items including operating expenses and a lower cost of capital. Sedgwick noted that fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 results reflected the recognition of two years worth of income tax benefits from the prior years GRC final decision. a $213 million impact primarily from lower income tax benefits and higher net interest expense, alongside $148 million of higher CPUC-based operating margin net of items including operating expenses and a lower cost of capital. Sedgwick noted that fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 results reflected the recognition of two years worth of income tax benefits from the prior years GRC final decision. Sempra Infrastructure: $123 million primarily from higher asset and supply optimization, higher transportation results, and lower depreciation on assets held for sale, partially offset by lower income tax benefits. $123 million primarily from higher asset and supply optimization, higher transportation results, and lower depreciation on assets held for sale, partially offset by lower income tax benefits. Sempra Parent: $41 million of higher losses tied to higher net interest expense, partially offset by higher income tax benefit, higher investment gains, and other items. Record $65 billion capital plan, with Texas as the largest driver Sedgwick introduced a $65 billion capital plan for 2026-2030, an increase of $9 billion versus the prior plan, with 95% targeted for utility investments. She said the plan was driven primarily by growth at Sempra Texas, including acceleration of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. Management emphasized a conservative approach for Oncors base plan, adding major transmission projects with existing regulatory approvals and those included in the Permian Plan. Sedgwick said Oncor is expected to build more than half of ERCOTs estimated $32 billion to $35 billion in required transmission investment, with nearly 70% of Oncors planned CapEx dedicated to transmission. The company also described incremental opportunities at Oncor. Sedgwick said management is tracking $10 billion of incremental capital opportunities at Oncor, or $8 billion based on Sempras ownership share, including portions of the 765kV Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan, additional transmission upgrades pending ERCOT approval, potential System Resiliency Plan updates, and certain LC&I interconnections. In Q&A, management clarified the $9 billion figure referenced elsewhere reflected Sempras ownership share relative to the $10 billion total opportunity at Oncor. Rate base growth, financing plan, credit priorities, and updated EPS targets Sedgwick said Sempra projects overall rate base to increase from $57 billion in 2025 to $97 billion in 2030, an 11% five-year CAGR. She projected Sempra Texas rate base growth of 18% CAGR over the period, while California rate base growth is expected to be more modest. Management expects Sempra Texas to surpass Sempra California as the majority of rate base by 2030. On funding, Sedgwick said more than $50 billion from operating cash flow and expected transaction proceeds eliminates the need for new common equity issuances to fund the base capital plan. She said operating cash flows are expected to be the predominant funding source, noting operating cash flow projections increased by about $5 billion versus last years plan. She also referenced an additional $2.2 billion of cash expected from the SI Partners transaction beyond the 2030 planning period and said Sempra will retain a 25% residual stake in SI Partners with an implied equity value of approximately $5.5 billion. Regarding credit, Sedgwick and Martin said the pending SI Partners transaction is central to strengthening the balance sheet and maintaining investment-grade ratings. Sedgwick said after closing, regulated earnings are expected to comprise approximately 95% of the business in 2027 and beyond, and the company may have the opportunity to deconsolidate SI Partners debt. Management said it is targeting 50-150 basis points of cushion on average above FFO-to-debt thresholds over the plan period after closing, and noted ongoing discussions with rating agencies. The company also updated its earnings targets, affirming 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $4.80 to $5.30, introducing 2027 EPS guidance of $5.10 to $5.70, and issuing a 2030 EPS outlook of $6.70 to $7.50. In Q&A, Martin said key variables influencing the long-term outlook include regulatory matters, including the 2028 general rate case (GRC) in California, and progress in moving identified upside capital into the base plan, particularly in 2028-2030. Martin also reiterated a dividend growth target of 2% to 4% annually over the plan period and said the company expects investor engagement to be a priority, with planned travel to conferences and meetings in March and April. About Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) Sempra Energy is a San Diegobased energy infrastructure company that develops, owns and operates businesses delivering electricity and natural gas. Its operations include regulated utility services that provide electric and gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as nonregulated infrastructure businesses that develop and manage large-scale energy assets. The companys product and service portfolio spans electricity and natural gas delivery, transmission and storage, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, power generation and electric transmission projects. Read More WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund (NYSEARCA:AIVI Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 1,623 shares, an increase of 61.7% from the January 29th total of 1,004 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,649 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,649 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.6 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold. WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund Stock Down 0.1% Shares of AIVI traded down $0.08 on Friday, hitting $58.14. 704 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,669. WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund has a 1 year low of $39.43 and a 1 year high of $58.46. The stocks 50 day moving average is $54.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $51.76. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.95 million, a P/E ratio of 139.44 and a beta of 0.69. Get WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AIVI. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. acquired a new stake in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $301,000. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its stake in shares of WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund by 22.1% in the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. XML Financial LLC increased its stake in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund by 7.0% during the 3rd quarter. XML Financial LLC now owns 9,411 shares of the companys stock worth $467,000 after buying an additional 617 shares during the period. CreativeOne Wealth LLC acquired a new position in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund in the 3rd quarter worth $243,000. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,227,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 8.32% of the companys stock. About WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund The WisdomTree International Al Enhanced Value Fund (AIVI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively managed fund that provides exposure to value stocks from developed markets, excluding US and Canada. AIVI was launched on Jun 16, 2006 and is managed by WisdomTree. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:DBEU Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 12,213 shares, an increase of 118.4% from the January 29th total of 5,592 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 64,704 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 64,704 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Institutional Trading of Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DBEU. Flow Traders U.S. LLC increased its holdings in shares of Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 289.7% during the 2nd quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 98,510 shares of the companys stock worth $4,342,000 after acquiring an additional 73,230 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 149.2% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 109,825 shares of the companys stock worth $4,842,000 after purchasing an additional 65,754 shares during the period. Cooksen Wealth LLC boosted its position in Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 31.6% during the second quarter. Cooksen Wealth LLC now owns 47,785 shares of the companys stock worth $2,106,000 after purchasing an additional 11,466 shares during the period. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its holdings in shares of Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 11.2% in the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 13,537 shares of the companys stock valued at $619,000 after purchasing an additional 1,365 shares during the last quarter. Get Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF alerts: Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF Stock Down 0.6% Shares of DBEU stock traded down $0.32 on Friday, reaching $51.51. The stock had a trading volume of 26,187 shares, compared to its average volume of 53,484. Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF has a 12 month low of $38.58 and a 12 month high of $51.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $710.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.40 and a beta of 0.71. The firms 50-day moving average is $49.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $47.71. About Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF The Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (DBEU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted and currency-hedged index of companies in developed Europe. DBEU was launched on Oct 1, 2013 and is managed by Xtrackers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Knife River (NYSE:KNF Get Free Report) and James Hardie Industries (NYSE:JHX Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership and earnings. Profitability This table compares Knife River and James Hardie Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Knife River alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Knife River 4.99% 10.27% 4.41% James Hardie Industries 2.70% 13.52% 5.81% Risk and Volatility Knife River has a beta of 0.47, indicating that its share price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, James Hardie Industries has a beta of 1.8, indicating that its share price is 80% more volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership Valuation and Earnings 80.1% of Knife River shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 8.0% of James Hardie Industries shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Knife River shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Knife River and James Hardie Industriess top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Knife River $3.15 billion 1.60 $157.10 million $2.76 32.22 James Hardie Industries $3.88 billion 2.70 $424.00 million $0.27 90.36 James Hardie Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Knife River. Knife River is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than James Hardie Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Knife River and James Hardie Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Knife River 1 3 6 0 2.50 James Hardie Industries 0 4 12 0 2.75 Knife River presently has a consensus price target of $96.43, suggesting a potential upside of 8.43%. James Hardie Industries has a consensus price target of $26.71, suggesting a potential upside of 9.46%. Given James Hardie Industries stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe James Hardie Industries is more favorable than Knife River. Summary James Hardie Industries beats Knife River on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Knife River (Get Free Report) Knife River Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides aggregates- led construction materials and contracting services in the United States. It operates through Pacific, Northwest, Mountain, Central, and Energy Services segments. The company mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, including crushed stone and sand, and gravel; and produces and sells asphalt and ready-mix concrete. It also provides contracting service, such as heavy-civil construction, asphalt and concrete paving, and site development and grading. In addition, the company sells cement, merchandise, and other building materials and related services. The company sells its construction materials to public and private-sector customers, including federal, state, and municipal governments, as well as industrial, commercial and residential developers, and other private parties; and provides its contracting services to public-sector customers for the development and servicing of highways, local roads, bridges, and other public-infrastructure projects. Knife River Corporation was founded in 1917 and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota. About James Hardie Industries (Get Free Report) James Hardie Industries plc manufactures and sells fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and cement bonded building products for interior and exterior building construction applications primarily in the United States, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The company operates through North America Fiber Cement, Asia Pacific Fiber Cement, and Europe Building Products segments. It offers fiber cement interior linings, exterior siding products, and related accessories; and various fiber cement products for a range of applications, including external cladding, internal walls, ceilings, floors, soffits, fences, and facades. The company also provides fiber gypsum and cement-bonded boards for use in the timber frame construction, dry lining, DIY, and structural fire protection applications. Its products are used in residential repair and remodel, and commercial and residential new construction markets James Hardie Industries plc was founded in 1888 and is based in Dublin, Ireland. Receive News & Ratings for Knife River Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Knife River and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rocket Companies, Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, Wealthfront, UP Fintech, and IDT are the five Fintech stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Fintech stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose core businesses involve financial technology such as digital payments, online banking, lending platforms, trading apps, blockchain services, and the software or infrastructure that modernize financial services. For investors, they typically represent growth-oriented, technology-driven opportunities that can offer high upside but also carry greater volatility, regulatory risk, and valuation sensitivity compared with traditional financial firms. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Fintech stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Rocket Companies (RKT) Rocket Companies, Inc., a fintech holding company, provides mortgage lending, title and settlement services, and other financial technology services in the United States and Canada. It operates through two segments, Direct to Consumer and Partner Network. The companys solutions include Rocket Mortgage, a mortgage lender; Amrock that provides title insurance, property valuation, and settlement services; Rocket Homes, a home search platform and real estate agent referral network, which offers technology-enabled services to support the home buying and selling experience; and Rocket Loans, an online-based personal loans business. Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz (KSPI) Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, together with its subsidiaries, provides payments, marketplace, and fintech solutions for consumers and merchants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It operates through three segments: Payments Platform, Marketplace Platform, and Fintech Platform. The Payments Platform segment facilities transactions between customers and merchants. Read Our Latest Research Report on KSPI Wealthfront (WLTH) Were a different kind of FinTech. We are a technology company that built a financial solutions platform for digital natives, defined as those born after 1980 (i.e., Millennials, Gen Z, and later generations). Our platform is designed to address the needs of the wealth builders within these generations. Read Our Latest Research Report on WLTH UP Fintech (TIGR) UP Fintech Holding Limited provides online brokerage services focusing on Chinese investors. The company has developed a brokerage platform, which allows investor to trade stocks, options, warrants, and other financial instruments that can be accessed through its APP and website. It offers brokerage and value-added services, including investor education, community engagement, and IR platform services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TIGR IDT (IDT) IDT Corporation provides communications and payment services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Fintech, National Retail Solutions, net2phone, and Traditional Communications segments. The company operates point of sale, a terminal-based platform which provides independent retailers store management software, electronic payment processing, and other ancillary merchant services; and provides marketers with digital out-of-home advertising and transaction data. Read Our Latest Research Report on IDT Featured Stories Foyston Gordon & Payne Inc purchased a new position in shares of Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund purchased 32,074 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $8,431,000. Gartner accounts for approximately 1.8% of Foyston Gordon & Payne Incs holdings, making the stock its 18th largest position. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in IT. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Gartner by 5.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,082,185 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,650,304,000 after buying an additional 509,902 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in Gartner by 2.9% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,413,397 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,379,763,000 after acquiring an additional 96,172 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Gartner by 4.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,258,233 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $910,481,000 after acquiring an additional 89,877 shares during the last quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP increased its holdings in shares of Gartner by 71.7% during the second quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP now owns 1,161,513 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $469,507,000 after acquiring an additional 485,188 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Gartner in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $394,133,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.51% of the companys stock. Get Gartner alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and set a $220.00 target price on shares of Gartner in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Robert W. Baird set a $240.00 price objective on shares of Gartner in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Gartner in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $175.00 target price on Gartner in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Gartner from $218.00 to $150.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Gartner presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $190.70. Gartner Stock Performance NYSE IT opened at $157.06 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.28, a PEG ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.06. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $206.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $230.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.30, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.00. Gartner, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $139.18 and a fifty-two week high of $499.72. Gartner (NYSE:IT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The information technology services provider reported $3.94 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.50 by $0.44. The firm had revenue of $1.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.75 billion. Gartner had a return on equity of 102.20% and a net margin of 11.22%.Gartners revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $5.45 earnings per share. Gartner has set its FY 2026 guidance at 12.300- EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Gartner, Inc. will post 12.5 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Gartner In other Gartner news, EVP Claire Herkes sold 367 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $231.56, for a total value of $84,982.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 4,074 shares in the company, valued at approximately $943,375.44. This represents a 8.26% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Stephen G. Pagliuca bought 43,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $229.57 per share, for a total transaction of $9,940,381.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 111,613 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,622,996.41. This trade represents a 63.38% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. About Gartner (Free Report) Gartner, Inc is a global research and advisory firm that provides insights, advice and tools for leaders in IT, finance, HR, customer service and other business functions. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Gartner specializes in helping organizations make informed decisions about technology, operations and strategy through a combination of published research, advisory services, consulting, executive programs and events. The companys offerings include proprietary research reports, market forecasts, and analytical frameworks that are widely used by technology buyers and vendors. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Gartner Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gartner and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Silver Trust (NYSEARCA:SLV Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 45,791,088 shares, a decline of 37.7% from the January 29th total of 73,552,213 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 119,920,142 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Approximately 8.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Approximately 8.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 119,920,142 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Silver Trust A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SLV. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its holdings in iShares Silver Trust by 12.7% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 2,786,172 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $118,050,000 after buying an additional 313,816 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares Silver Trust by 27.3% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,676,218 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $113,391,000 after acquiring an additional 573,660 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of iShares Silver Trust by 505.8% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,218,970 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $142,946,000 after purchasing an additional 1,852,688 shares during the last quarter. Tableaux LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Silver Trust during the 4th quarter worth about $133,233,000. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Silver Trust by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 2,023,406 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $85,732,000 after purchasing an additional 26,710 shares during the period. Get iShares Silver Trust alerts: Key iShares Silver Trust News Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Silver Trust this week: iShares Silver Trust Trading Up 5.6% About iShares Silver Trust Shares of NYSEARCA SLV traded up $4.54 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $84.99. The company had a trading volume of 69,129,797 shares, compared to its average volume of 130,906,844. The company has a market capitalization of $46.79 billion, a PE ratio of -8.51 and a beta of 0.38. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $76.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.38. iShares Silver Trust has a one year low of $26.57 and a one year high of $109.83. (Get Free Report) iShares Silver Trust (the Trust) owns silver transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust. The Trusts each share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in its net assets. The assets of the Trust consist of silver held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The activities of the Trust are limited to issuing baskets of shares in exchange for the silver deposited with the custodian as consideration, selling silver as necessary to cover the sponsors fee, Trust expenses not assumed by the sponsor and other liabilities, and delivering silver in exchange for baskets of shares surrendered for redemption. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Silver Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Silver Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Juniata Valley Financial Corp. (OTCMKTS:JUVF Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 699 shares, a decrease of 60.0% from the January 29th total of 1,747 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 6,989 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 6,989 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Juniata Valley Financial Trading Up 0.2% Shares of OTCMKTS:JUVF opened at $13.96 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.84 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $14.03. Juniata Valley Financial has a 12-month low of $11.55 and a 12-month high of $14.98. Get Juniata Valley Financial alerts: About Juniata Valley Financial (Get Free Report) Juniata Valley Financial, Inc (OTCMKTS: JUVF) is a bank holding company headquartered in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Juniata Valley Bank, the company provides a full suite of commercial and retail banking services to individuals, businesses and agricultural clients. Its product offerings include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, consumer and commercial loans, residential mortgages, and agricultural finance solutions tailored to the needs of local producers. In addition to traditional banking services, Juniata Valley Financial delivers treasury management, online and mobile banking, and trust and wealth management services aimed at helping customers manage liquidity, process payments and plan for long-term financial goals. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Juniata Valley Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Juniata Valley Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLC lifted its position in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report) by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,173,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 16,919 shares during the period. Equity Residential comprises about 3.0% of Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLCs holdings in Equity Residential were worth $75,934,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Collier Financial bought a new stake in Equity Residential in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 434.7% in the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 540 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 439 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 203.5% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 780 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 523 shares during the last quarter. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new stake in shares of Equity Residential in the second quarter worth $61,000. Finally, MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new position in Equity Residential during the second quarter worth $68,000. 92.68% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Equity Residential alerts: Insider Activity In other news, EVP Catherine Carraway sold 656 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.13, for a total value of $42,725.28. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 18,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,194,419.07. This represents a 3.45% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, COO Michael L. Manelis sold 5,765 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.13, for a total transaction of $375,474.45. Following the sale, the chief operating officer owned 46,131 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,004,512.03. This represents a 11.11% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 10,058 shares of company stock valued at $655,078 over the last ninety days. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered shares of Equity Residential from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price target for the company from $70.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on Equity Residential from $70.00 to $68.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Wall Street Zen cut Equity Residential from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $78.00 price target on Equity Residential in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $69.78. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Equity Residential Equity Residential Price Performance NYSE:EQR opened at $63.19 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $62.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $62.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.57, a P/E/G ratio of 4.75 and a beta of 0.76. Equity Residential has a 12-month low of $58.38 and a 12-month high of $75.86. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.04 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $781.91 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $786.35 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 9.98% and a net margin of 36.20%.The businesss revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.00 earnings per share. Equity Residential has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.940-0.980 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.020-4.140 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current year. Equity Residential Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were issued a $0.6925 dividend. This represents a $2.77 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. Equity Residentials payout ratio is currently 94.54%. About Equity Residential (Free Report) Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates rental apartment properties. Headquartered in Chicago, the company focuses on delivering professionally managed, market-rate apartment homes and related services to renters. Its operations cover a range of property types, including high-rise and mid-rise assets, with amenities and on-site management designed to support resident retention and occupancy. The companys core activities include property acquisitions, development and redevelopment, leasing, and day-to-day property management. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EQR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLC lowered its stake in shares of COPT Defense Properties (NYSE:CDP Free Report) by 37.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 440,637 shares of the companys stock after selling 263,361 shares during the period. Lasalle Investment Management Securities LLCs holdings in COPT Defense Properties were worth $12,805,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of COPT Defense Properties in the 2nd quarter worth $39,371,000. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its stake in COPT Defense Properties by 60.0% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,472,046 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,393,000 after purchasing an additional 551,863 shares during the last quarter. Channing Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in COPT Defense Properties by 21.0% in the third quarter. Channing Capital Management LLC now owns 2,913,596 shares of the companys stock worth $84,669,000 after purchasing an additional 506,593 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its position in shares of COPT Defense Properties by 5.9% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 7,241,437 shares of the companys stock valued at $199,719,000 after buying an additional 406,617 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH lifted its position in shares of COPT Defense Properties by 38.8% during the third quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 1,001,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,104,000 after buying an additional 279,790 shares during the last quarter. Get COPT Defense Properties alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes CDP has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of COPT Defense Properties from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of COPT Defense Properties from $29.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on COPT Defense Properties from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Cantor Fitzgerald raised their price objective on COPT Defense Properties from $33.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on COPT Defense Properties from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $33.63. COPT Defense Properties Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CDP opened at $31.80 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 3.95, a quick ratio of 2.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. COPT Defense Properties has a 12 month low of $23.92 and a 12 month high of $32.82. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $30.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $29.53. The stock has a market cap of $3.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.56 and a beta of 0.86. COPT Defense Properties (NYSE:CDP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.68 by $0.02. COPT Defense Properties had a net margin of 19.94% and a return on equity of 9.82%. The firm had revenue of $197.36 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $188.79 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.65 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. COPT Defense Properties has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.710-2.790 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.670-0.690 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that COPT Defense Properties will post 2.67 earnings per share for the current year. COPT Defense Properties Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be paid a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 31st. This is a positive change from COPT Defense Propertiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.0%. COPT Defense Propertiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 90.37%. Insider Buying and Selling In other COPT Defense Properties news, Director Philip L. Hawkins sold 5,536 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.71, for a total value of $181,082.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 15,188 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $496,799.48. The trade was a 26.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.42% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About COPT Defense Properties (Free Report) COPT Defense Properties (NYSE: CDP) is a real estate investment trust organized to own, lease and manage healthcare and life science facilities serving the United States federal government, with a particular focus on Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs tenants. The company was formed in 2016 through a spin-off from Corporate Office Properties Trust, enabling it to concentrate exclusively on medical office buildings and specialized research facilities situated on or near military and federal research campuses. The companys portfolio comprises purpose-built, Class A medical office and outpatient specialty clinics, as well as life science laboratories. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CDP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for COPT Defense Properties (NYSE:CDP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for COPT Defense Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for COPT Defense Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. (NYSE:MHNC Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 3,747 shares, a decrease of 33.7% from the January 29th total of 5,654 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,260 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 4,260 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days. Maiden Holdings North America Price Performance Shares of Maiden Holdings North America stock traded up $0.08 on Friday, hitting $14.94. The companys stock had a trading volume of 9,355 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,520. Maiden Holdings North America has a 1 year low of $14.50 and a 1 year high of $18.54. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $15.51 and a 200-day moving average price of $16.69. Get Maiden Holdings North America alerts: Maiden Holdings North America Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Sunday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $0.4844 per share. This is a boost from Maiden Holdings North Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 13.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Maiden Holdings North America Ltd. (NYSE: MHNC) is a specialty property and casualty reinsurer headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut. As a subsidiary of Bermuda-based Maiden Holdings, Ltd., the company provides treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions for primary insurers. Since its founding in 2007, Maiden Holdings North America has developed underwriting capabilities in property catastrophe, casualty, agriculture, surety and mortgage reinsurance, targeting niche segments where disciplined risk selection and tailored coverage can drive value. The companys product offerings include multi-year and annual treaty contracts, facultative reinsurance for individual risks, and run-off and legacy portfolio management services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Maiden Holdings North America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maiden Holdings North America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Michelin (OTCMKTS:MGDDY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 230,813 shares, an increase of 41.8% from the January 29th total of 162,778 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 258,462 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 258,462 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days. Michelin Stock Performance MGDDY opened at $20.26 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $18.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $17.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.80. Michelin has a 52-week low of $14.82 and a 52-week high of $20.48. Get Michelin alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have weighed in on MGDDY. Zacks Research raised Michelin from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Berenberg Bank began coverage on shares of Michelin in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Michelin in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. UBS Group cut Michelin from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating on shares of Michelin in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. About Michelin (Get Free Report) Michelin (OTCMKTS: MGDDY) is a French multinational tire manufacturer founded in 1889 and headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Over more than a century the company has grown into one of the worlds leading tiremakers, serving passenger car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, agricultural, construction and aviation markets. Michelin has a global footprint with manufacturing facilities, research centers and commercial operations across multiple regions to supply OEMs, replacement markets and large commercial fleets. The companys core business is the design, manufacture and sale of tires and related products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Michelin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Michelin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MIY Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 115,126 shares, a growth of 44.1% from the January 29th total of 79,889 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 86,049 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Approximately 0.4% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.4% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 86,049 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Price Performance MIY traded up $0.20 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $12.58. 20,523 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 65,824. The companys 50-day moving average is $12.07 and its 200 day moving average is $11.67. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund has a 52 week low of $10.57 and a 52 week high of $12.77. Get BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund alerts: BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be issued a $0.0545 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 5.2%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Company Profile A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Elyxium Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund in the 4th quarter worth $43,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund in the second quarter valued at about $61,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund in the third quarter worth about $84,000. Regal Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund during the 3rd quarter valued at about $146,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund during the 4th quarter valued at about $147,000. 24.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund (NYSE: MIY) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide current income exempt from federal and Michigan personal income taxes. The fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities issued by state and local governments within Michigan. Its portfolio typically includes a diversified mix of general obligation bonds and revenue bonds backed by public utilities, transportation projects, and other essential municipal services. The funds investment strategy emphasizes credit quality and diversification across sectors and maturities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ted Buchan & Co decreased its position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 58.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,148 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,010 shares during the period. Ted Buchan & Cos holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $407,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in RSP. Aviso Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $32,000. IMA Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Cloud Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the third quarter worth $35,000. 61.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF stock opened at $204.97 on Friday. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a one year low of $150.35 and a one year high of $205.24. The business has a fifty day moving average of $198.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $192.34. The company has a market cap of $85.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). The Index utilizes quarterly rebalancing to maintain its equal-weight stance. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in the equity securities (and derivatives thereof) included in the Index. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Since becoming a travel writer, I charge nearly every travel-related business expense to my Capital One Spark Cash Select. It covers most of my hotels, flights, rental cars and meals. One of the card's lesser-known perks is a built-in collision damage waiver, or CDW, which covers the cost of damage to a rental car youve paid for with the card if it's stolen or in an accident. For years, I'd trusted that benefit, thankfully without ever needing to use it. But that changed this past September when I took a wrong turn in an unfamiliar neighborhood. I'd rented a car from Enterprise that morning to drive up to Western Pennsylvania. I was planning to visit one of the towns I'd recently been introduced to during a press trip with Go Laurel Highlands the month before. I was supposed to be on the interstate, but I took a wrong turn and found myself in a residential neighborhood I didn't know. Ahead of me were some teenagers goofing off with each other. Some were in a car, and some were on the street. They shouted and laughed, while I idled, stuck behind the distracted driver in front of me. Advertisement Advertisement Then, out of nowhere, the driver backed up fast, right into my bumper. It didnt matter that I had honked loudly enough for them to notice me and apply the brakes. Whether it was intentional or just teenage chaos, I'll never know. They zoomed away before I could do anything about it. Stunned, I tried to snap a photo of the license plate number. But I was so flabbergasted that the image came out blurry and grainy. It was totally unusable. A young woman stands beside her crashed and broken-down car on the roadside, using her phone to seek emergency assistance from a professional mechanic, expressing disappointment and uncertainty while waiting for help to arrive (yuki-ramen1025 via Getty Images) What I did immediately after my rental car hit-and-run So, I sighed and pulled into a nearby church parking lot that had a line of sight to the intersection where Id been hit. From there, I called 911. The police arrived and assessed the damage. Thankfully, it was mostly cosmetic to the front bumper and headlight. I filed a report and got the officer's name, badge number and, most importantly, a case number. Then I called Enterprise. The rep was calm and reassuring. If the car was still drivable, she said, I should finish my trip and return it at the end of my rental period. Returning it damaged right then would mean paying out of pocket or waiting for the claim to resolve before I could rent again. Neither was an option. So I drove on. A couple of days later, I returned the car. Enterprise took photos of the damage, filed a claim and collected the case number for the police report. They told me they would take it to a body shop for assessment. Shattered car lights on ground (Monalyn Gracia/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images) Filing the Mastercard MasterRental collision damage waiver claim Before returning the car, I'd already filed a claim at www.mycardbenefits.com, Mastercard's claims portal. It took about 15 to 20 minutes. I uploaded photos of the damage, entered the police case number, answered a few questions about what happened and submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Capital One Spark business cards come with a MasterRental Collision Damage Waiver underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company. When you file a claim, Sedgwick Claims Management Services, a third-party administrator working on behalf of the insurance company, handles the processing. It's all coordinated through Mastercard. A note on this: My Capital One Spark is considered a World Elite Mastercard for Business, and that status is what unlocks the Capital One rental car insurance benefits. The coverage is solid for collision damage, but it usually doesn't include liability. So, what I do is opt out of Enterprises collision damage waiver at the counter, but add liability-only coverage. That way, I'm not double-paying for collision coverage I already have, but I'm still protected if I injure someone or damage another vehicle. Also, paying double for collision technically can sometimes cancel out each policy, so you want to make sure you choose the best one. Read your benefits guide to know what you're getting. Mid adult woman and her broken down car (milan2099 via Getty Images) How long does a Mastercard rental car insurance claim take? Once Enterprise got my police case number, they filed their own claim through their system. Then Enterprise and Mastercard basically had to negotiate. A dedicated claims person from Sedgwick emailed me periodically with updates or asking clarifying questions. It was pretty simple and drama-free. Still, I was nervous. The body shop assessment came back at over $3,000 in damage. That was a lot more than I'd expected. The last accident I'd been in (back in college) cost under a thousand. My, how times have changed. Between labor costs, parts and something I hadnt seen before called loss of usewhich basically accounts for the loss of income while Enterprise couldnt rent the carand diminished value, or what a rental car loses in resale value after damage, I was looking at an almost $4,000 bill. Advertisement Advertisement The case lingered through October and November, with two full months of back-and-forth. I kept checking my email and assumed no news meant no resolution, which meant potential liability if something went wrong. Talk about low-grade anxiety! There was also one complication: the police report wasn't technically filed because nobody had pressed charges and there were no injuries. There was also no license plate number to identify the person who had done it. It was just a boring old hit-and-run with property damage. The police gave me a case number card, but not a full formal report. I hoped that wouldnt disrupt my claim. What Mastercard's MasterRental CDW finally paidand what it denied By early December, I got the final letter from Sedgwick spelling out what Mastercard would agree to cover. I was relieved to read theyd issued a payment to Enterprise for $3,335.86. Here's the line-by-line breakdown of what Enterprise asked for versus what Mastercard paid: Damages : $3,240.86 asked for vs. $3,240.86 paid Sublet fees : $95 asked for vs. $95 paid Admin fees : $150 asked for vs. $0 paid (not covered by the policy) Diminished value : $324.08 asked for vs. $0 paid (not covered by the policy) Loss of use: $146.30 asked for vs. $0 paid (There was no record of the fleet utilization log to substantiate the charge) Advertisement Advertisement So, the total requested was $3,956.24. In comparison, the total paid out to Enterprise was a very reasonable $3,335.86. How the claim was resolved with Enterprise After receiving the payment notification, I checked my Enterprise account, expecting to see a bill for the outstanding balance. However, Ive received no notifications in either my Enterprise account or through email. The case appears closed on my end. I haven't rented a car from Enterprise since this September trip, so I can't confirm whether a small balance might appear on my next rental. But as of now, everything's settled. Am I grateful? In a weird way, yes. For years, I trusted my credit cards collision damage waiver with the theoretical confidence of someone who trusts a parachute theyve never had to open. Yes, I believed it worked, but I'd never had proof. Now I do. Advertisement Advertisement In many ways, this coverage also felt like free money. But instead of feeling guilty about that, I remind myself how credit card companies are designed to work. They profit through cardmembers annual fees and higher than average interest, sometimes up to 20, 25, even 30 percent. They also make deals with the airlines, hotels and retailers that subsidize the points, cash back and travel benefits cardholders receive. These perks are simply part of the business model. We the cardholders are paying for the right to use their money temporarily, and the benefits exist because they keep us using the card. So, Ive let go of the guilt and am happy to say that, when I needed this particular benefit, it worked. Women in a car together having a good time (Lisa5201 via Getty Images) 5 things to do before your next rental car trip Would I use this coverage again? Absolutely. But, Id do it with my eyes more open about what's covered and what isn't. Collision damage waivers are not a magic wand that erases every charge. But they are a solid safety net for the big stuff, in particular, the actual damage to the vehicle. How to make the most of your credit cards car rental insurance? Its simple: Read your card's benefits guide before you rent. Know exactly what's coveredcollision damage, theft, vandalismand what's excluded. If your card doesn't cover liability, add it through the rental company. Take a photo of the rental car's condition before you drive off the lot. Document any existing scratches, dents, or damage. This protects you if something pre-existing gets blamed on you later. Know your card's claims process and contact information in advance. Find the claims portal, save the phone number and bookmark the benefits page. You won't want to search for this information in a panic. Understand what won't be covered. Admin fees, diminished value, loss of use chargesthese are typically excluded. Don't be surprised if your reimbursement isn't 100 percent of the damage bill. Keep your rental agreement, insurance documents and any correspondence in one place throughout your trip. If you need to file a claim, you'll have everything organized and ready to submit. Advertisement Advertisement My Capital One Spark Cash Select card has always earned its spot in my wallet for its 1.5% unlimited cash back on all my business purchases. Now I can safely say I know its car rental insurance actually works, tooand that's worth more than points. Ce se intampla cu Alina Madalina, dupa ce a fost internata la Psihiatrie si fiica i-a fost luata de statul german American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 63.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,267,923 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 876,412 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. owned 0.21% of Newmont worth $191,209,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Newmont alerts: Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Colonial Trust Advisors raised its position in Newmont by 20.8% during the third quarter. Colonial Trust Advisors now owns 684 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Newmont by 53.5% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 399 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Newmont by 26.4% during the 3rd quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 670 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Newmont by 1.7% in the 3rd quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC now owns 8,390 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $707,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the period. Finally, Summit Financial Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Newmont by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Summit Financial Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,584 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $566,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.85% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on NEM shares. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Newmont from $136.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on Newmont from $115.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. TD Cowen increased their price target on Newmont from $89.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Newmont from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Newmont from $99.90 to $123.90 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $129.73. Insider Buying and Selling at Newmont In related news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $192,108.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 32,709 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,021,003.24. The trade was a 5.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Newmont Trading Up 2.0% Shares of Newmont stock opened at $130.03 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.29. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $115.77 and a 200-day moving average of $95.15. Newmont Corporation has a 52-week low of $41.23 and a 52-week high of $134.88. The stock has a market cap of $141.45 billion, a PE ratio of 20.35, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.40. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The basic materials company reported $2.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.81 by $0.71. Newmont had a net margin of 31.25% and a return on equity of 23.28%. The business had revenue of $6.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.18 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.40 earnings per share. Newmonts revenue for the quarter was up 20.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 EPS for the current year. Newmont Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be given a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 3rd. This is a positive change from Newmonts previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Newmonts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 15.65%. Key Headlines Impacting Newmont Here are the key news stories impacting Newmont this week: Positive Sentiment: Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded NEM from market perform to outperform and raised its price target to $157 (from $121), signaling analyst confidence and implying roughly 20% upside versus recent levels. Bernstein Upgrade Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded NEM from market perform to outperform and raised its price target to $157 (from $121), signaling analyst confidence and implying roughly 20% upside versus recent levels. Positive Sentiment: Newmont posted strong Q4 results: adjusted EPS $2.52 vs. $1.81 consensus and revenue ~$6.82B vs. $6.18B expected; management cited higher realized gold prices and effective cost control, and Forbes reports roughly $2.8B of free cash flow in Q4supporting buybacks, dividend capacity, or further portfolio actions. Newmont Ends 2025 Strong 2026 In Focus Newmont posted strong Q4 results: adjusted EPS $2.52 vs. $1.81 consensus and revenue ~$6.82B vs. $6.18B expected; management cited higher realized gold prices and effective cost control, and Forbes reports roughly $2.8B of free cash flow in Q4supporting buybacks, dividend capacity, or further portfolio actions. Positive Sentiment: Market reaction: coverage notes NEM gained (~+2.1% on the cited session) as investors priced in the earnings beat and brighter outlook. Why the Market Dipped But Newmont Gained Market reaction: coverage notes NEM gained (~+2.1% on the cited session) as investors priced in the earnings beat and brighter outlook. Neutral Sentiment: Longer-form investor commentary explores whether to buy NEM todayarguments center on its stronger portfolio of Tier1 assets and cash generation versus valuation and exposure to gold price moves. Should You Invest $1,000 in Newmont? Longer-form investor commentary explores whether to buy NEM todayarguments center on its stronger portfolio of Tier1 assets and cash generation versus valuation and exposure to gold price moves. Neutral Sentiment: Company profile and personnel/resources page (reference material). Newmont Company Page Newmont Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is a leading global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, processing and reclamation of gold properties. The companys core business centers on the production of gold, with additional byproduct metals produced from its operations. Newmont operates a portfolio of longlived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNB Asset Management AS raised its stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,159 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the quarter. DNB Asset Management ASs holdings in AutoZone were worth $13,553,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Get AutoZone alerts: Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. grew its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 8.3% in the second quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 2,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,179,000 after acquiring an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Braun Stacey Associates Inc. boosted its position in AutoZone by 7.8% in the third quarter. Braun Stacey Associates Inc. now owns 8,425 shares of the companys stock worth $36,145,000 after purchasing an additional 613 shares during the last quarter. Summit Global Investments boosted its position in AutoZone by 132.8% in the third quarter. Summit Global Investments now owns 319 shares of the companys stock worth $1,369,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in AutoZone in the 3rd quarter valued at $678,000. Finally, First Horizon Corp purchased a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the 3rd quarter valued at $2,038,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.74% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently weighed in on AZO. Zacks Research raised shares of AutoZone from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Roth Mkm reiterated a buy rating and issued a $4,650.00 target price (down from $4,750.00) on shares of AutoZone in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Oppenheimer decreased their price target on shares of AutoZone from $4,600.00 to $4,150.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Raymond James Financial lowered their price target on shares of AutoZone from $4,800.00 to $4,600.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on AutoZone from $4,700.00 to $4,500.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $4,280.63. Insider Buying and Selling at AutoZone In other news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 97 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $3,341.99, for a total transaction of $324,173.03. Following the sale, the director directly owned 3,564 shares in the company, valued at $11,910,852.36. This represents a 2.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Earl G. Graves, Jr. sold 250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $3,295.00, for a total transaction of $823,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 4,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,102,665. This trade represents a 4.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders have bought 347 shares of company stock worth $1,179,256 and have sold 9,447 shares worth $34,179,923. 2.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. AutoZone Trading Up 2.5% AutoZone stock opened at $3,751.68 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $3,594.55 and a 200 day simple moving average of $3,830.52. AutoZone, Inc. has a 1-year low of $3,210.72 and a 1-year high of $4,388.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.41. AutoZone (NYSE:AZO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, December 9th. The company reported $31.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $32.69 by ($1.65). AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 65.38% and a net margin of 12.78%.The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.64 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $32.52 EPS. The companys revenue was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that AutoZone, Inc. will post 152.94 EPS for the current year. About AutoZone (Free Report) AutoZone, Inc (NYSE: AZO) is a retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company supplies a wide range of aftermarket components, maintenance items and accessories for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Its product assortment includes engine parts, electrical components, batteries, brakes, filters, fluids and interior and exterior accessories, supported by inventory management and logistics systems to serve retail customers and professional service providers. AutoZone serves both doityourself (DIY) consumers and commercial customers such as independent repair shops and service centers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aprio Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF (BATS:MEAR Free Report) by 35.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 40,268 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 10,481 shares during the quarter. Aprio Wealth Management LLC owned approximately 0.18% of iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF worth $2,034,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF alerts: Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Centennial Bank AR purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $31,000. AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF by 141.1% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 687 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 402 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $120,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in shares of iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $133,000. iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF Stock Down 0.0% BATS MEAR opened at $50.61 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $50.44 and a 200 day moving average of $50.42. iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF has a twelve month low of $49.44 and a twelve month high of $50.79. iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF Profile The iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund holds a portfolio of actively managed municipal bonds and targets a weighted average portfolio maturity of 3 years or less. MEAR was launched on Mar 3, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Get alerts: Meta Platforms, The Glimpse Group, zSpace, and DIH Holding US are the seven Virtual Reality stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Virtual reality stocks are shares of companies whose core businesses involve developing, manufacturing, or distributing VR and related immersive technologiessuch as headsets, sensors, software, platforms, and content for gaming, enterprise, healthcare, or training. Investors buy these stocks to gain exposure to potential growth in immersive computing, but they also face risks from rapid technological change, uncertain consumer adoption, high R&D costs, and market volatility. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Virtual Reality stocks within the last several days. Meta Platforms (META) Meta Platforms, Inc. engages in the development of products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality headsets, and wearables worldwide. It operates in two segments, Family of Apps and Reality Labs. The Family of Apps segment offers Facebook, which enables people to share, discuss, discover, and connect with interests; Instagram, a community for sharing photos, videos, and private messages, as well as feed, stories, reels, video, live, and shops; Messenger, a messaging application for people to connect with friends, family, communities, and businesses across platforms and devices through text, audio, and video calls; and WhatsApp, a messaging application that is used by people and businesses to communicate and transact privately. The Glimpse Group (VRAR) The Glimpse Group, Inc., a virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platform company, provides enterprise-focused software, services, and solutions in the United States. It offers QReal, a software that creates and distributes photorealistic 3D interactive digital models and experiences in AR; Immersive Health Group, a VR/AR platform for evidence-based and outcome driven healthcare solutions; and Foretell Reality, a social VR platform for behavioral health, support groups, collaboration, and soft skills training. Read Our Latest Research Report on VRAR zSpace (ZSPC) zSpace Technologies, Inc. is a provider of commercial augmented reality and virtual reality technology principally in the education market. The Company offers differentiated hardware along with learning software modules for K-12 science, technology, engineering, game design and mathematics applications, as well as workforce-oriented career and technical education applications. Read Our Latest Research Report on ZSPC DIH Holding US (DHAIW) DIH Holding US, Inc. operates as a robotics and virtual reality (VR) technology provider in the rehabilitation industry. The company's upper extremity product categories include ArmeoPower, a backbone robot for arm and hand therapy in an early stage of rehabilitation; ArmeoSpring for less severe patients that provides self-initiated repetitive arm and hand therapy in an extensive workspace; and Armeo Senso, a sensor-based solution for arm function recovery. Read Our Latest Research Report on DHAIW Recommended Stories In my recent romance novel, Backslide, exes Nellie and Noah reconnect (against their will) after decades of avoiding each other. Needless to say, theres sometension. Still, theres a moment early-on in the story, where, despite their misgivings, they share a peaceful, even blissful, chat on a bench shaded by redwoods and palms in an unnamed California Wine Country plaza. In that instant, they are living my version of happiness. So, it is only poetic that I found myself in a similar spot on book tour this fall in idyllic Healdsburg Plaza in Sonoma County, surrounded by greenery, flowers and a fountain. Advertisement Advertisement I love Sonoma. Lets establish that upfront. Ive taken countless annual girls trips to the area with my college best friends, as well as visits with my husband when we used to live in LA, because, for me, it is everything good: amazing fresh food, impossibly bucolic views, perfect breezy weather, quaint shops, beautiful barefoot luxury hotels and twinkle lights for days. And that doesnt even include the wine. So, when I realized I had a couple of extra daysover my birthday, no lessduring the Northern California portion of my book tour, visiting wine country was a no-brainer. Plus, what could be more special than retracing my characters steps (however loosely) as they fell in love? And You SayStay Where relaxation begins at the entrance to Vinarosa Resort & Spa (Vinarosa Resort & Spa) In my experience, hotels in the Sonoma area are incredible, so I was beyond excited to check out a new spot for me: Vinarosa Resort & Spa. (Anything with the word spa in the title is also a win, in my opinion!) This Santa Rosa propertywhich just underwent a $15 million facelift and rebrand in summer 2025is perhaps different in vibe from the estate where Nellie and Noah stay, a bit plusher and more manicured. And noI was not sneaking around, trying to avoid the boy who broke my heart in high school in the 90s. Instead, I was happily hanging with one of my best friends in the world. But thats actually also on theme for the book, which has a through-line about the importance of maintaining long-term female friendships, even when they grow tenuous for periods. The romantic courtyard with wrought iron terraces and climbing vines (Vinarosa Resort & Spa) So, we were deeply happy as we arrived, taking in the classic Spanish colonial architectureadobe style with terracotta tiles, climbing vines and wrought iron detailingwhile sipping welcome glasses of local California wine. Here, greenery and flowers abound, including 92 acres of active vineyards and fig and olive orchards (through which there is a one-mile walking or jogging path). A spacious and bright guest room (Vinarosa Resort & Spa) The interiors here are neutral so as not to compete with the surrounding natural beauty, with lofted ceilings and bathrooms that could only be described as sprawling and extravagant in the best waypicture marble rain showers and sinks for days. And, each night, as we sunk into the dreamy beds and watched movies, there was nowhere I would have rather been. Advertisement Advertisement I feel confident Nellie would have felt the same way. Relax, Dont Do It The pool and hot tub at Vinarosa Resort & Spa (Vinarosa Resort & Spa) Of course, no Sonoma vacation is complete without a spa visit, a chance to sink into an even deeper state of chill. I have experienced many spas in this region, and this one did not disappoint with its CBD massages and Rezenerate Nanofacials, which incorporate everything from acupressure to cold therapy. Also, should you find yourself in this neck of the woods in winter, you can come in from the cold to Vinarosas onsite Caldarium, a muscle-melting 98-degree plunge by a eucalyptus steam. (Note: If youre looking to make the spa rounds in the area, Farmhouse Inns Wellness Barn in Forestville is definitely worth the visit, as is the Spa at Meadowood in Napa.) Of course, Backslide would be nothing without its pivotaland steamysauna and hot tub scene, so in honor of Nellie and Noah, post-treatment, I took a solo dip in the outdoor jacuzzi by the sparkling keyhole-shaped poolbut kept my bathing suit on, thank you very much! If spas are not your jam or you want a family-friendly activity, consider a visit to Jack London State Historic Park. This 1,565-acre property is always a special place for picnics and walks, as well as exploring historic buildings and a museum, but 2026 has special programming to commemorate what would be Londons 150th birthday. Watermelon Sugar Me and my friend Rachel at Little Saint (My Happy Place) Many people come to Sonoma for the wineand thats all good. But Ill be honest: Im largely in it for the food. In Backslide, Noah and Nellie hit a goat cheese creamery, an oyster farm and countless festive farm-to-table dinners. (Theres also a scene where some of the characters gorge on room service, which I thoroughly endorse no matter what anyone says.) Advertisement Advertisement At John Ash restaurant, at Vinarosa, I ate my weight in Charred Brussels Sprouts and Ora King Salmon with miso glaze, bamboo rice and toasted cashews in a coconut curry. In and around the area, I also love Gotts Roadside (the outdoor one in St. Helena) for burgers, French fries and cocktails in cans. (In summer, theyve been known to serve amazing lobster rolls and frose!) In Sonoma proper, the town itself, I love Valley, a sweet restaurant with some beautiful home goods for sale. A vegan caesar at Little Saint in Healdsburg, CA But let me just sayI am fully obsessed with Little Saint in Healdsburg (which you know if youve read my other travel stories about the area). Run dont walk. Now, I am allergic to dairy, so I am of course particularly open to vegan food. But everything here from the super unique non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails to the Trio of Dips with Farm Veggies to the eclectic design with mile-high ceilings to, seriously, the best vegan French pastries I have ever hadkouign-amann FTW!will blow your mind. And nowthey opened cottages for overnight guests. So, lets just say, if there was a Backslide sequel, thats where Nellie and Noah would stay next. The vineyard at Vinarosa Resort & Spa (Vinarosa Resort & Spa) Although even a stroll around one of the plazas is dreamy in Sonoma County (including a stop into Copperfields Books, of course, in Healdsburg!), I always feel like theres so much more to do each time I go. Just another excuse to return. Because, as Nellie and Noah learn, you may not be able to go back, but you can always move forward. On a February afternoon of 2025, Martin Malone was talking to me in Cafe Nero in Derry's Richmond Centre. Wed met up (along with his partner Jane Breen) to discuss the then-upcoming album from his band Innocents Abroad. The album, Late Spring (available now in Cool Discs) was the groups first in almost forty years and marked the beginning of a resurgence for the band that was on the cusp of big things during its first run. Recently, Innocents Abroad have remastered their first two albums (Quaker City and Eleven) for their new release Slow Time 1984-1988 (also available in Cool Discs). The collection brings together almost every track from those early albums as well as a few songs that slipped through the cracks at the time. I caught up with Martin Malone again recently to talk about the project and the process of bringing the old recordings back to life: The first two albums actually got us an offer from EMI in the eighties, but we turned it down because, naively, we thought a single deal was unworthy of our monumental talent. I think weve spent the rest of our lives looking back over our shoulder going Um, was that the right decision?, particularly when you learn thats how the Police started. On the two albums, the material sounded good, but I always hated the sonic qualities, and that altered the course of my life, because I then decided I was never gonna do that again. I trained as a sound engineer because I want albums that sound closer to the ideas you have when you write an album in your head, which is what everyones after. "That was a shame, because I thought that Id wasted my cheekbone years, when youre twenty-two, twenty-three, on records that didnt quite reflect the quality of the material. When I did become a sound engineer, the first thing I did was get the old quarter-inch master tapes and transfer them to the supposedly superior medium of DAT, so I had one copy that I used to burn a CD. In the course of future business that CD went missing. I think it was left with a guitarist that Id sacked so I never saw that again. READ MORE: MacD on Music I got quite caviller with Innocents Abroads legacy in my twenties and thirties and gave the DAT to our live sound engineer Chris Lecky. Hes always liked us a lot, so I told him to keep the DATs because Im not going to be doing anything with them, and the old quarter-inch and two-inch multitrack masters, Id left in a keyboard case in the hallway of my flat when I left Liverpool, so theyre probably in a landfill now. The fact that the master tapes survived was a miracle, and I asked Chris a few years ago, once wed started doing Late Spring, if he still had the DAT and he said, I might have it in a bag with the hundreds I have and about six months later he found it and sent me it. I sent it to Richard Werner, who does our mastering work in Edinburgh, and I said to him How are you at rescuing old DATs?. He said to send it and hell see what he could do. "There was a lot of work apparently, but he managed to rescue it all. Once Id heard it, I said to Pete [Peter Mills, vocalist for the band] Look, were not putting an album out this year. Were taking our time with the next one, so why dont we put out an album of the old stuff?. And thats it from Martin. Innocents Abroads albums Late Spring and Slow Time 1984-1988 are both available now in Cool Discs. Now, onto other business. First up, weve got one of the annual highlights of the gig calendar this Saturday with Femme Sesh in Sandinos, hosted in association with Alliance for Choice. This years line-up features the Henry Girls, TRAMP, Dani Larkin, Moya Sweeney, Eileen Webster and more and will be hosted by Abby Oliveria. Tickets are 15 and can be bought on Skiddle. Doors are 7pm with the show starting at 8pm sharp. Next up, new music. First, we have the debut single from the High End Dead. The track, Thoughts of Old, is based on the theme of nostalgia for old memories while still being stuck in the present day. It was produced by Glenn Rosborough and the single features artwork from Hannah Moore. Its out now on all good streaming platforms. Lastly, we come to The Ephades, whos new single Rather Be with You is coming out this Friday (6th March). The sharp-edged yet emotionally charged release...captures the restless spirit of a band going to strength to strength. The song explores themes of youth, naivety and uncertainty and is propelled by an instrumental that almost effortlessly flows in and out of light hearted grooves and intense breakdowns. Finally, time for the socials. The Ephades can be found on Instagram @the.ephades, the High End Dead @thehighenddead and Martin Malone/Innocents Abroad @innocents_abroad. In a world where connectivity is paramount, Turkcell continues to lead the charge in technological innovation with its latest groundbreaking solution: Wi-Fi Sensing, developed in collaboration with Huawei and powered by Channel State Information (CSI) technology. Through a collaboration with Huawei, Turkcell has implemented a spatiotemporal-frequency-carrier fusion technology for Wi-Fi sensing. By leveraging channel modeling, error cancellation, and feature extraction technologies, the system accurately captures pure feature changes in human behavior. Powered by Huaweis advanced algorithm, the solution launched for the first time in Europeachieves seamless and adaptive adjustment to diverse scenarios, enabling precise real-time recognition of user presence. This Wi-Fi sensing system effectively detects whether individuals enter or exit a room. By accurately sensing room occupancy, the technology can be smoothly integrated with smart lighting systems to adjust brightness. It can also enhance security by identifying unusual behavior patterns to trigger alerts or support health condition sensing scenarios, ultimately improving energy efficiency and enabling tailored services. Turkcell's vision for Wi-Fi Sensing is not only to revolutionize home and business environments but also to redefine the future of connectivity. Turkcell will continue to work closely with Huawei continuously to further improve the precision and coverage of Wi-Fi Sensing, enabling richer and more accurate perception capabilities. With advances in sensing algorithms, Wi-Fi Sensing will continuously evolve to understand complex patterns and deliver real-time, actionable insights. Turkcells introduction of Wi-Fi Sensing (CSI) technology represents a monumental step forward in the evolution of connected experiences. By turning everyday Wi-Fi networks into intelligent, adaptive systems, Turkcell is leading a new age of smart livingone where technology works seamlessly in the background to enhance comfort, security, and overall well-being. Qin Bin, Vice President of Huawei European Region, spoke highly of the cooperation: With its forward-looking strategy, Turkcell has become the first operator in Europe to introduce the Wi-Fi Sensing solution. This partnership not only demonstrates Turkcells innovation leadership but also fully reflects Huaweis global leading strengths in next-generation wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 and communication-sensing integration. No, despite whatever you might have read on social media, Grok didnt predict the US strike on Iran that took place over the weekend. A viral Elon Musk tweet is being twisted out of context, and Elon Musk being typical Elon Musk here is milking it to make Grok and xAI look better than competitors like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! In case you missed the armed conflict between Iran vs Israel and the US, which began in the early hours of Feb 28 for all of us here in India, theres been heavy firepower being exchanged between Iran and the US. With missiles and drones leading to deadly explosions deep inside Iran and US army and naval bases in the Middle East. Obviously, in a desperate bid to get answers, people have been asking AI chatbots all sorts of questions including one which tried to predict when this current ongoing conflict would erupt. Yes, thats right. On February 25, the Jerusalem Post ran a war forecasting exercise, where they asked Grok, ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini the exact same prompt. The Jerusalem Post pressed each AI chatbot to pick a start date for a purported US strike on Iran. In its response to the Jerusalem Post query, ChatGPT initially suggested March 1 as the day the US would strike Iran. But later, ChatGPT revised its response and picked between March 3 and March 6 as the strike window. In contrast, Gemini said a US strike on Iran was likely to happen between March 4 and 6. Claude simply refused to name a date at all, according to the Jerusalem Post report. Also read: US-Israel strike on Iran relied on Anthropic AI despite Trumps ban: Report In picking a specific date for a hypothetical US strike on Iran, Grok gave the clearest single-day answer: Saturday, February 28. It repeated that same date when checked again later, according to the Jerusalem Post. Grok wasnt really predicting the future based on secret intel Of course, that was all the reason for Elon Musk to cheekily celebrate this result on X. He retweeted the Jerusalem Posts headline, with typical Elon Musk pomp. Prediction of the future is the best measure of intelligence, Musk said. In saying so, of course, he was giving Grok way too much credit than it really deserved. Prediction of the future is the best measure of intelligence https://t.co/dOKO03vXwr Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2026 The Jerusalem Posts editorial team have themselves said that their attempt to put Grok, ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini against each other to forecast any US strike on Iran wasnt actually an exercise to predict the future and it does not validate the models reasoning. It only validates the reality of a very small set of plausible windows fed in by them, of which one model happened to land on the day that turned out to be real. Additionally, Israeli defense officials said the strikes against Iran were coordinated with the US armed forces and planned for several months in advance, with the launch date picked multiple weeks ago. Since Grok didnt have access to classified US military planning data, it only made an educated guess based on publicly available information and geopolitical signals, nothing more nothing less. Also read: After US-Israel strikes, millions of Iranian prayer app users got surrender messages: Heres what it said Soon after the US-Israel strike on Iran, millions of Iranians started receiving unexpected push notifications from a widely used prayer timing application, asking the members of the military to surrender and promising amnesty. For the unversed, the strikes follow a long period of stalled negotiations between the countries and come months after large-scale protests in Iran. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Following the initial explosions, users of the BadeSaba Calendar app, which has over five million downloads, reported receiving a series of push notifications. Screenshots circulating online show messages urging Iranian security forces to surrender their arms or join what were described as liberation forces, with promises of amnesty. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the breach, and it is unclear whether it was carried out by a foreign state actor or domestic anti-government groups. Also read: SIM Binding rule: Your WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps will logout frequently, heres why What does the notification read: The time for revenge has come, one notification read (translated from Farsi). The regimes repressive forces will pay for their cruel and merciless actions against the innocent people of Iran. Anyone who joins in defending and protecting the Iranian nation will be granted amnesty and forgiveness, the second notification stated. For the freedom of our Iranian brothers and sisters, this is a call to all oppressive forceslay down your weapons or join the forces of liberation. Only in this way can you save your lives. For a free Iran, another notification read. Also read: US-Israel strike on Iran relied on Anthropic AI despite Trumps ban: Report Iran responded later in the day by launching missiles at Middle Eastern military installations. Explosions were reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar, with several projectiles intercepted, according to regional reports. At the same time, widespread connectivity disruptions were reported across Iran. Internet monitoring data revealed a major drop in national traffic levels. According to reports, outages affected mobile networks, broadband services, and international calls, with users having difficulty accessing virtual private networks. Indias telecom regulator has tightened rules for the digital communication platforms. The government has directed major messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to function only when the registered SIM card is physically present and active in a users mobile device. The new order was issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the latest amendment under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) rules 2024, mandating strict SIM Binding to curb fraud and impersonation. Apps may automatically stop working if the linked SIM is removed or deactivated starting March 1, while the web sessions will require periodic re-authentication after every six hours. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! What is the SIM Binding rule? The SIM Binding rule means you must keep the SIM card linked to your instant messaging app inside your main phone to keep using the services. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, JioChat and more would only work if the registered SIM card stays in your phone. According to the new rules, if you remove that SIM card from your phone, then the messaging app connected to that number will stop working. Also read: US-Israel strike on Iran relied on Anthropic AI despite Trumps ban: Report This rule would also affect the web versions of the messaging apps. For example, WhatsApp Web would log you out at least once every six hours. You would need to log in again to continue using it. Do note that this repeated login would apply only to web and desktop versions, not to the main mobile app where the SIM is inserted. In case youre travelling or using international roaming, you will not face any problem as long as your SIM card remains active in your phone. Also read: Trump Anthropic ban effect: Pentagon turns to OpenAI to deploy AI, heres what happened At present, most messaging apps only check your number once using an OTP (one-time password) when you first sign up. After that, the app usually works even if you remove the SIM card. The SIM Binding rule would change this by requiring the SIM to stay in your phone all the time to keep using the app. What does the government have to say? Officials say cybercriminals have taken advantage of gaps in the current system by running accounts without keeping the original SIM card in the phone. This has allowed some to carry out scams, including phishing and impersonation, sometimes from outside the country. By making sure every active account stays linked to a verified SIM obtained through Know Your Customer rules, the government believes it can improve tracking of offenders and reduce fraud. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 available with over Rs 18,000 discount on this platform Industry reaction on SIM Binding Several messaging companies have begun testing updates to comply with the new regulatory requirement, even as concerns mount within the industry. According to reports, some beta versions of popular messaging applications are prompting users to confirm that their SIM card is inserted in the device, a move seen as part of efforts to strengthen identity verification. While the companies are trying to comply with the directions from the government, a legal body representing the major messaging platforms has filed a case in court against the directive, citing that the directive may be beyond the authority of the government. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has defended the move, citing that it is important for protecting the users. Furthermore, the government also said that the new rules will help improve the security of the internet as well. With the compliance deadline now expired, users are likely to encounter stricter verification checks when accessing their messaging accounts, particularly on web and desktop platforms. The final six months of 2025 saw a notable slowing in the rate of increase in residential property prices, easing to 2.87% from 5.05% in the first half of the year, bringing the overall annual figure for the year to 7.92%, according to the latest IPAV Residential Property Price Barometer just published. The series records sale prices achieved by auctioneers for three and four-bedroom homes and two-bedroom apartments. In Louth the increases in the latter six months of 2025 over the previous six-months were 4.35% for three-bedroom homes; 4.66% for four-bedrooms and 2.5% for two-bedroom apartments. Latest data shows that while none of the 41 locations captured in the barometer were in negative territory, the level of increases across the three property types were remarkably close, with none exceeding 5.83%. Unlike in previous data sets, there were no discernible changes in patterns across locations or property types. The top ten prices across the three categories ranged from 3.85% to 5.83%. Genevieve McGuirk, IPAV Chief Executive said auctioneers report that properties are taking a little longer to sell. This is likely to reflect caution arising from the combined effects of continuing price increases since the covid pandemic in 2020 of, on average, about 45%, and latterly, increasing geopolitical tensions. A recent Red C and Gallup International survey of 60 countries found that when asked about the worlds prospects for the year ahead compared with last, Ireland featured among the ten most pessimistic. A manifestation, perhaps, of a greater closeness to Boston rather than Berlin, she said. Ms McGuirk said that without doubt landlords are exiting the market in advance of new rent legislation due to take effect on March 1st, with some agents reporting that up to 60% of sales are arising as a result of the new rules. The fact that the legislative detail as set out in the Bill is more onerous than initially anticipated, for example, placing extremely strict conditions on smaller landlords wishing to end tenancies in order to sell their properties, could be problematic. This may have unintended consequences, she warned. Read Next: Louth County Council welcome over 22 million in road funding While landlord sales increase supply in the short term, the longer-term implications for the second-hand market are concerning, she said. A sustained reduction in rental stock may further limit options for tenants, while a weaker second-hand market could reduce choice and flexibility for buyers, including existing homeowners wishing to right-size. She said that while Government is investing in new builds agents report many locations are lacking such development, including parts of the commuter belt. This is potentially very worrying; we need a second-hand market, including in Dublin. A healthy second-hand market is essential, not least because it often provides more affordable options than new builds. An iconic piece of pub advertising history from Castlebellingham in County Louth, in the form of a monumental late-19th-century advertising mirror, produced in 1872 by noted maker William W. Cleland and commissioned to promote Castle Bellingham Ales & Stouts, is set to go for auction, with an eye opening estimate price, at Victor Mee Auctions as part of their Wilsons Yard Sale, which will take place online on 18 & 19 March. Measuring an extraordinary eight feet wide by four feet high, it ranks among the largest known examples of Clelands work and has miraculously survived a rich life adorning one of Armaghs oldest licensed premises, Portadowns West End Bar. Embellished with period lettering and decorative flourishes, the mirror is both a striking work of Victorian craftsmanship and a nod to Irelands brewing history and is suited as a statement back-bar focal point, reception feature, or signature wall installation within a hospitality setting. The scale and craftsmanship of this mirror offer dramatic and visual impact, whilst reinforcing authentic heritage credentials. As a one-of-a-kind piece, estimated to sell for upwards of 50,000, this mirror offers collectors and hospitality venues an opportunity to acquire a centrepiece that embodies the enduring character of the Irish public house tradition. In a time where atmosphere defines guest experience, few pieces can rival the combined scale, provenance, and branding potential of this remarkable mirror. Read also: Family with roots in Essexford in Louth celebrates 60th wedding anniversary These lots feature in Victor Mee Auctions upcoming Wilsons Yard sale which will take place online from 2pm on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March. Also being sold at the auction, is a stunning example of public house heritage as the complete bar counter and back fitting from one of Armaghs oldest licensed premises, Portadowns West End Bar, will go to the highest bidder. Offered with its original snug and crafted in richly toned hardwood, the installation is anchored by a remarkable back bar which incorporates six fully functioning liquor casks, an increasingly scarce survivor of traditional Irish public house design. This fully realised hospitality setting offers immediate character and authenticity to the likes of boutique hotels, destinations restaurants, whiskey bars, or private members clubs and is estimated to bring up to 80,000 at auction. In addition to these iconic lots, bidders will also have the chance to bid on remaining inventory from one of Irelands most established names in architectural salvage and reclaimed materials Wilsons Yard as owns Geoff and Rosy Wilson gear up for retirement. The sale will feature an extensive and eclectic selection of architectural antiques, reclaimed building materials, fireplaces, decorative interiors and outdoor features. In-person viewings will take place 13th 16th March at Wilsons Yard, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore, County Down. For more information and to view the full sale catalogue visit www.victormeeauctions.ie The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is inviting people across Louth to put the kettle on and host a tea party this March as part of its annual Drink Tea for MND campaign, one of the charitys biggest fundraising events of the year. Supporters are encouraged to sign up at www.drinkteaformnd.ie and host a tea party, big or small, during March or any time that suits them. Every cup shared will help raise vital funds to support more than 470 families in Ireland currently living with Motor Neurone Disease. This years campaign ambassador is Lorraine Kelly Donnelly (51) from Garristown, North County Dublin, who was diagnosed with MND in July 2025. Lorraine, a wife to Cormac and Mum to Simon (18) and Dylan (14), is sharing her story to encourage others to get involved. On the 30th of July 2025 our lives changed forever, Lorraine said. Finding out that I had Motor Neurone Disease had a devastating effect on all of us. It was not the news we were expecting and there is still so much we dont know about what lies ahead. But we are taking one day at a time. Lorraine describes the immense support she has received from both the IMNDA and from the MND team in Beaumont Hospital since her diagnosis. The support and guidance have been invaluable to me and my family. I am determined to keep living my life; going to rugby matches with my younger son, gigs with my older son and my sisters, and continuing to work. I will continue to fight MND for as long as I can. I have a lot to live for and I will never give up. Lorraine, who works in Supply Chain in the Biopharma sector, has also volunteered for clinical trials. If I can help in any small way to understand this illness more, and support even one person in the future, it will be worthwhile, she said. This year, the campaign is also shining a light on the vital role of IMNDAs specialist neurology nurses, who provide expert care and practical support to families in their homes across Ireland. Charlene, a specialist neurology nurse for the IMNDA supporting patients in Donegal and surrounding counties, sees firsthand the impact of community fundraising. Every day I travel to help care for people and families living with MND and I see exactly how much a cup of tea can really mean and the comfort it can bring. MND is a difficult, life-limiting disease, and it can all happen so fast. One day and one diagnosis, and everything changes. As nurses visiting people in their homes, we see the impact this has on families. But because of the publics support, we can be there. That means providing regular home visits, care, and guidance when its needed most. Funds raised through Drink Tea for MND help ensure families across Ireland have access to specialist nursing care, practical supports, equipment, advocacy services and guidance at every stage of their journey. Read Next: 200 new jobs on the way for Dundalk How to get involved: Hosting a Drink Tea for MND event is simple: Sign up at www.drinkteaformnd.ie Choose a date in March (or shortly after) Invite friends, family, neighbours or colleagues Put the kettle on, share some treats, and ask for a donation Whether its a kitchen table gathering, a school bake sale, an office tea break, or a community event, every event makes a difference. Lorraine sums up the impact of campaigns like this one: If youre thinking about hosting a tea party, please do it. Your support means families like mine dont have to face this alone. To register or learn more, visit www.drinkteaformnd.ie. Over 18,000 flights delayed, cancelled worldwide as US-Iran strikes shut down Middle East airspace Flights across the Middle East were cancelled Saturday as several countries closed their airspace after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all announced at least partial closures of their skies in the hours after smoke began rising over Tehran and Iran began retaliatory attacks in the region. Iranian missiles hit capital cities around the wealthy Gulf region, killing at least one, as witnesses reported seeing warplanes and projectiles streaking through the skies. Carriers including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, Air Algerie and Lufthansa announced widespread cancellations. Flight tracking website FlightAware said more than 16,200 flights had been delayed globally and more than 2,100 cancelled worldwide as of 1930 GMT. Airspace closures - Iran swiftly closed its airspace as the strikes began "until further notice", said the spokesman of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, quoted by the Tasnim news agency. - Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights, Transport Minister Miri Regev announced. - Qatar's civil aviation authority said it had temporarily closed the Gulf state's airspace. - Iraq shut down airspace, state media said. - The United Arab Emirates said it was closing its skies "partially and temporarily". - Syria closed part of its airspace in the south along the border with Israel for 12 hours, the Civil Aviation Authority said. - Jordan's air force was conducting drills to "defend the kingdom's skies", its military said. - Kuwait closed its airspace. Flights cancelled - Gulf carriers: Emirates and Etihad have cancelled 38% and 30% of their flights respectively, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. - Qatar Airways: suspended all flights from Doha. Cancelled 41% of total flights, according to Cirium. - Syria Air: Syria's national carrier cancelled all flights until further notice. - Delta Air Lines: suspended New YorkTel Aviv flights until Sunday. - American Airlines: Doha-Philadelphia flights were "temporarily suspended". - Russia's air transport authority Rosaviatsia said all commercial flights to Israel and Iran were cancelled "until further notice". - Air India: suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East. - Pakistan International Airlines: the flag carrier of Pakistan, which borders Iran, said it had suspended flights to the UAE, Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait. - Ariana Afghan Airlines: cancelled a Kabul-Dubai flight and a Kabul-Mazar-i-Sharif-Jeddah flight Saturday. - Biman Bangladesh Airlines: suspended all flights to the Middle East. - Turkish Airlines: suspended flights to 10 Middle East nations. "Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan have been cancelled until March 2," said a spokesman. Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Oman were only suspended for the day. - Air France: cancelled its Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut flights for Saturday, and flights to Tel Aviv until Sunday, saying it would provide schedule updates later. - British Airways: not flying to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 4, flight to Jordanian capital Amman cancelled on Saturday. - Swiss International Air Lines: suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 7. The Swiss flag carrier said it was "also cancelling the flights from Zurich to Dubai" scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. - Lufthansa: cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil and Tehran until March 7. The German airline group, which comprises Swiss and ITA Airways, said it and its subsidiaries were also suspending flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi until Sunday. - Algerian carrier Air Algerie: suspending Saturday's flights to Amman, Dubai and Doha. - Finnair: suspended daily flights to Dubai and Doha until March 6. - Norwegian: suspending its flights to and from Dubai up until and including March 4. "We will then assess if it's possible to resume flights," the budget carrier told AFP. - Wizz Air: Hungary's low-cost carrier suspended "all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7 inclusive" and cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia until March 2. What is the best tea - Lyons or Barrys? Thats the big debate on First Dates Ireland when a Cork woman meets a Waterford guy. Will the row put Michelle, 24, off Harry, 24? Joining them on a double date is Harry's sister Ava (21). Trinity student John (20) from Meath is utterly smitten with Ava, despite the fact that hes not expecting to be grilled by her older brother or have his date suggest that hes a bit of a yup bro. Joseph (39) from Dublin arrives armed with his own acronym SPARK, which is to say hes looking for someone Smart, Positive, Aligned, Reliable and Kind. Failing that, he admits that hell settle for someone hot. Joesph meets returning dater James (41) from Roscommon, who didnt feel the spark last time round and reports that, since then, hes been on more first dates than Mateo. Also on the episode on RTE2 on Thursday at 9.30pm, X Factor star Mary Byrne, 65, dates plumber Gerry, 66, who has no idea who she is even when she admits to liking karaoke! The late 1970s were a transient time in my life. I travelled to Ireland from the UK on a whim and lived in Cork city for three years. I loved the city, Ireland, and the laidback but still confident attitude to life. An attitude which still prevails today, all these years later. Now I have published a novel which is set in Cork in that decade. Called Straad, it is a darkly humorous story of living, longing, and dying, questioning commitment and desire. The main character, Straad, is far from being biographical, and the other characters are all fictional, as is the Republicans Arms pub in the plot (unfortunately). However, some parts of Straads life are similar to my own. Was it Mark Twain who said: Write about what you know? The location settings in the city and south-west Ireland are real. Grattan Hill, St. Patricks Street (as it was then), and the West Coast towns and Kerry mountains. More importantly, I aimed to capture the culture of Ireland in the 1970s, a time of massive upheaval; the country was shrugging itself free from the weight of England, the Church, and the past, and welcoming the new European world. These changes are seen mostly through the eyes of immigrants: Straad from Ayrshire (I was born in Glasgow), Mack and Ginger from Yorkshire, and the amoral Joe from deepest Kent. Even Straads 70-odd-year-old gran, Annie, born in the North, but a Glaswegian, offers a fresh perspective of life. The book starts with a well-oiled Straad celebrating his last day on a building site, and, still carrying his work spade, having one last beer in the Arms, where he meets Claragh. Later in the story, and back in the pub, he tells the tale of the building site, where, as an outsider, he readied himself for serious hassle, but is made instantly welcome with only gentle ribbing. I experienced a similar occurrence in my time, unlike other new-boy experiences in Scotland and England. Perhaps just me, or perhaps not. The Republicans Arms perhaps best mirrors my time in Ireland. The mythical pub, with its surreal heroine, Claragh, and her stoic dad, Finn. Its almost uncaring acceptance of all types, from the scruffy, long-haired Straad to the Galway Goddess Caoimhe. This is summarised in the scene when they all write haikus and no-one stares or cares. The late 1970s also suited the tale I wanted to share; a modern time with modern morals, but still out of the clutches of mass media communication. A time when people still talked - and listened. Many not-so-old readers will remember these (unfashionable) times with fondness. In the book, Ginger and Mack encourage stories from their visitors, stories of high-jinks, or as Claragh puts it - tales handed down by word of mouth, from generation to generation, tales of gods and seers. They come from long dark winters, with people of all ages crammed together in one space, huddled for warmth and safety, from the dark unknown. The stories in Macks cottage are the dying vestiges of this age. It didnt matter whether true or not in those days; no-one checked Google. Straad is a dark and challenging book in places. Ive no pretence at being Claire Keegan or John McGahern, Ive just tried to tell a complex story simply, without overly ornate language and convoluted sentences. (There is a lot of swearing). Through the characters eyes, the plot touches on abuse, rural poverty, and The Troubles. Straad has a morbid fascination with The Troubles, and flits on their edges in several scenes. He tries to wrap his head around the problem, and ends with the conclusion that it is maybe beyond anyones comprehension. The darkness of older characters looking back at lost loves strikes a poignant note, without, I hope, being cloying. There is Finn, the gruff publican, thinking of his dead wife - you cannot put your arms around a memory, only hold it tenuously with a thought. And the dying Vasara, day-dreaming of her first love, whom she lost at 17. When I began the book, I imagined it as Straads journey; but Claraghs character took on a life of her own, and now the story is perhaps more hers than his. Only the reader can decide. Their perhaps doomed love affair is the main theme, overshadowed by her private and considerable troubles. I saw Straad, and the other characters journey through their 20-something years, drifting to building businesses and some structure in life, as a kind of metaphor for Ireland. Where a young country and positive attitude make progress more possible than in Britain, and where your heritage is far less important. I have been in business since those far-off times; perhaps it wouldnt have happened if I hadnt cast off my donkey jacket, way back then. Mack summed up his adopted land - Irelands the only country in the world where a girl can hitch-hike on her own without being scared. Something to be proud of. True, in those days. Mack, the fisherman, and his all-welcoming wife, Ginger, epitomise the contribution of incomers to their adopted land. I revisited Cork city and West Cork/Kerry with my wife last summer, so much has evolved, but thankfully so much of the culture and attitude remain the same. Ireland has issues which need addressed, like everywhere, but the freedom and confidence to express yourself, whether in business, or as an 18-year-old girl singing solo in a pub, permeates all. Thats my view, anyway, for what its worth. We, in Scotland, had the chance to walk the same path but unfortunately didnt take it. In my mind, the book will be a success if it helps anyone consider their choices in a marginally different light. Straad aims to give a different slant on the age-old question of what is important in life. Love? Money? Commitment? All in an accessible, darkly humorous story. I hope the Cork people enjoy and relate to Straad and Claragh. Ken Cairnduff was born in Glasgow. After travelling a great deal both as a child and adult, he returned in 1980 and built a successful retail chain, Au Naturale, which he sold in 2012. He is married with three children. Straad is out now, price 9.99. See https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/contemporary/straad So many lights are out in one tourist town that youd need a cigarette lighter to find you way around, according to the Mayor of County Cork. Meanwhile, in another tourist town several of its ornamental lights arent working, and theres fears that somebody will be electrocuted if vandals keep tampering with an exposed electricity cable. A meeting of the East Cork municipal district council, Mayor of County Cork Independent councillor Mary Linehan-Foley complained about the lights being out or so dim in parts of Youghal you may as well have a cigarette lighter in your hand to see where youre going. She said its especially dangerous around Moll Goggins Corner and added that its also an issue in an estate in the town where there are a lot of elderly residents and the lights are gone for months. Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern complained about blacked out areas of Midleton, specifically on Main Street and on Mill Road, which leads to and from the railway station. Both councillors won support from colleagues to write to the ESB and the councils lighting contractors Electric Skyline asking them to send representatives to a meeting of the municipal district council to explain why there are so many issues in the East Cork area. 'Beggars belief' Social Democrats councillor Eamonn Horgan said the issues with lights beggars belief. Senior executive engineer Dave Clarke acknowledged there are plenty of issues out there and public lighting is extremely important for safety. I hear your frustration, he told councillors, and said hed discuss their complaints with senior council management. Meanwhile, at a municipal meeting in Cobh Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen said many of that tourist towns Victorian-style ornamental lights were out of action in that town. He said some havent been working properly for years while others have a problem with timers as they stay on all day. Mr Rasmussen, seconded by Independent councillor Ger Curley, asked officials to carry out a survey of all the public lights in the town, which they said theyd do. He then turned his attention to dangerous acts of vandalism on an electric cable which could end up with somebody getting electrocuted. Mr Rasmussen said vandals are pulling an unprotected cable out of bushes on the towns Burma Steps and it needs to be ducted underground. An official sod turning event for Enable Irelands newest adult services hub in Cork took place this week. The new 2m hub, based at Midleton, will be a specialised, community-based day centre for individuals with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities and will focus on promoting independence, community inclusion, and personal goal achievements. The event, which took place on Wednesday, was attended by representatives of the charity, Jack McFarlane, Gillian Darrer and Anne Hegarty. The new development, at Mill View on the Cork Road, will include the modernisation of the existing building and the addition of purpose-built accessible features, including two fully adapted personal care rooms, a sensory room, therapy room, computer room, adapted kitchen and an outdoor area. Once completed, the building will have capacity for up to 25 adults from the North and East Cork. Honoured Speaking on the day of the event, Mr McFarlane said on behalf of those who will be attending the hub in Midleton, he was honoured to turn the sod on the development. I really enjoy day services at Enable Irelands hub at Ballintemple, but it is a bit of a trek for those of us living in the East Cork area. Ms Darrer, who is Enable Irelands South and West head of services, said a development of this kind is much needed in Midleton. Receiving day supports in local towns is such an important part of ensuring that each and every adult using our services has the chance to participate in the life of their local community, said Ms Darrer. This new development represents an exciting opportunity for the adults in Enable Ireland to benefit from being part of the welcoming and vibrant community of Midleton. The total project cost is just over 2m, with a funding shortfall of 330,000 remaining. The charity is now appealing to companies to nominate Enable Ireland as its charity partner or to consider this project for fundraising events or campaigns. A book of evidence was served on a 59-year-old man on drugs charges arising out of the investigation of a 2.1m drug seizure at Ringaskiddy last July. Sergeant Gearoid Davis confirmed that the book of evidence had been served on solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher, who appeared in Cork District Court on behalf of Robert Slivar. The defendant appeared by video link from prison. Judge John King sent the case forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on March 4. Detective Garda Rory Fogarty charged Robert Slivar, of no fixed abode, but formerly of Ivanic in Croatia, with charges including one count of having drugs for sale or supply at a time when the value exceeded 13,000 the threshold figure for a minimum sentence of 10 years unless there are exceptional circumstances. It follows an investigation where it was alleged that there was a seizure of 93 packages of herbal cannabis with a weight of 107kg. Mr Slivar, who travelled to Cork by ferry from Zeebrugge in Belgium on July 27, was already charged with cannabis possession and having the cannabis for sale or supply at the Port of Cork, Ringaskiddy, on that date. Solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said the accused had been remanded in custody since the beginning of August and, in the meantime, had to have part of his ear surgically removed. The solicitor asked for free legal aid to be extended for the translation of the book of evidence into Croatian. The Irish Guide Dogs will lead the way as grand marshal of this years Cork St Patricks Day parade. Organised by Cork City Council, the Cork St Patricks Festival will take place from March 13 to March 17, seeing thousands of people come together in honour of our patron saint. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Irish Guide Dogs will showcase several of its hardworking canines on the day, many of which support numerous people throughout the country. Irish Guide Dogs chief executive Tim OMahony said that for five decades, the organisation has been proud to support people and families across Ireland, and to be recognised in this way by the people of Cork is deeply meaningful to everyone involved. This moment belongs to our incredible clients, volunteers, staff, supporters, and of course, our amazing dogs, whose impact on communities nationwide continues to inspire us every day, said Mr OMahony. Proud The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, said the local authority is proud to honour an organisation whose life-changing work embodies community spirit, compassion and resilience. The theme of this years festival is Marsh, Myth, and Magic, inspired by Corks geography and mythology. The marsh refers to the marshland Cork resides on, and the myth and magic pull from folklore passed down through generations. There will also be several performances and activities spread out over the five day festival, including a performance from the Irish Women in Harmony on March 13; Siblings Seamus and Caoimhe Ui Fhlatharta on March 16; and a range of family-friendly experiences such as the Tailteann Games in Elizabeth Fort, reimagining one of Irelands ancient festival of games, on March 15. Playing in the Park will also take place at Bishop Lucey Park on March 14, with a special sensory play zone for young people with additional needs. On March 15, Coffee House Lates will return, as well as a Ceili Mor, which will be held at Cork City Hall. For more, visit https://www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-st-patricks-festival. Sarah Slater A former Lord Mayor of Dublin has called on Minister for Housing James Browne to step down after the latest figures show a historic rise in those who are homeless. Dublin North Inner City Independent councillor Christy Burke wants Browne to step down immediately after another needless rise in homeless. Homeless figures have surpassed 17,000 for the first time, with the number in emergency accommodation last month reaching a total of 17,112. The Department of Housing's homeless report shows that 11,793 adults and 5,319 children accessed emergency accommodation in January. The figure is an increase of 378 since December, when 16,734 were recorded as homeless. Burke said: "Since Minister Browne took office the number of homeless have continuously increased without fail every month. The latest figures dont even reflect those classed as rough sleepers. There is no doubt that those who find themselves in this all too familiar situation will rise sharply given the new Government rental rules which are now in effect. He added: The government sound bites are not working anymore for them, shame on them for allowing these families and single people to be put in these deplorable situations. Which Singapore Airlines, Scoot flights are canceled due to Middle East attacks? Six flights operated by Singapore Airlines and its budget arm Scoot were canceled on Saturday and Sunday, as air travel across parts of the Middle East was disrupted following a wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes on targets in Iran. In a statement issued on Saturday, Singapore Airlines said four of its services were affected. These comprised flights SQ494 (Singapore to Dubai) and SQ495 (Dubai to Singapore), according to The Straits Times. A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312(ER) takes off from Frankfurt Airport, Oct. 23, 2025. Photo by dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP Scoot, Singapore Airlines low-cost subsidiary, also canceled two services: TR596 (Singapore to Jeddah) and TR597 (Jeddah to Singapore). SIA urged passengers to update their contact details through the Manage Booking feature on the SIA and Scoot websites or sign up for mobile notifications to receive the latest information on their flights. "We will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East closely and will adjust our flight paths as needed," the statement read. Singapores embassies in the Middle East advised Singaporeans in the region on Saturday to exercise caution and keep abreast of developments amid heightened tensions. Separately, two Malaysia Airlines flights from Kuala Lumpur to the Middle East were diverted on Friday after a mid-flight advisory on increased airspace risks, Malaysian news agency Bernama reported. Flight MH160, en route to Doha, returned to Kuala Lumpur, while MH156, bound for Jeddah, was diverted to Chennai. Both aircraft later landed safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The disruptions occurred ahead of fresh strikes by the U.S. and Israel in Iran on Saturday. The latest attacks follow a 12-day air war in June 2025 between Israel and Iran, during which the U.S. joined Israels military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, in what Reuters described as the most direct American military action against the Islamic Republic. The U.S. and Israel had repeatedly warned they would carry out further strikes if Iran continued advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Following the Saturday strikes, Reuters reported that Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan closed their airspace. A regional map on flight tracking platform Flightradar24 showed aircraft steering clear of the affected areas. Other international carriers, including Lufthansa and Air France, have also suspended or canceled flights to destinations in the Middle East. By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association Irish citizens in the Middle East have been urged to adopt a shelter in place strategy by Helen McEntee. The Foreign Affairs Minister said there are currently no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries. Explosions have been heard in multiple Gulf states as Iran vowed to carry out its most intense operation ever in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi continues to closely monitor regional developments and advises all Irish citizens resident in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait to register them and their families on our Citizens Register at https://t.co/DISSl8kxOl pic.twitter.com/pi466pSxDm Irish Embassy UAE (@IrelandEmbUAE) March 1, 2026 The 86-year-old was killed in a US-Israeli attack on Saturday morning, raising concerns about an escalation of tensions across the Middle East. Providing an update on consular assistance, McEntee said a large number of Irish citizens in the area are already on the Governments Citizen Registration platform. She said several hundred had registered on Saturday. As of now, there are no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries and so the advice is to shelter in place. Helen McEntee The minister added: I would encourage anyone in the region either resident or transiting to register. I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now. McEntee said this was the common approach across EU member states. Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack in the port area of Dubai on Sunday (Fatima Shbair/AP) She added: This is a unique consular situation, with a large number of citizens located in UAE (United Arab Emirates) in particular, and with local and regional airports shut and, in some cases, under attack. As of now, there are no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries and so the advice is to shelter in place. We are maintaining close touch with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We also remain in very close contact with EU partners as this situation evolves. In a lengthy post on Truth Social on February 27, President Trump ordered all federal agencies to "immediately cease all use of Anthropic's technology" following strong disagreements between the Department of Defense and the AI company. A few hours later, the US conducted a major air attack on Iran with the help of Anthropic's AI tools, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The president noted in his post that there would be a "six-month phase-out period for agencies like the Department of War who are using Anthropics products," so federal agencies are still expected to eventually move away from using Claude or other Anthropic tech. It's also not the first time that the US used Anthropic's AI for a major military operation, as the WSJ previously reported that Claude was used in the capture of the now-removed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Moving forward, the Department of Defense may begin transitioning towards other AI options, especially after reaching deals with both xAI and OpenAI to use their models within the federal agency's network. However, the WSJ reported that it would take months to replace Anthropic's Claude with other AI models. While Honor has already made plenty of product announcements, with tablets, foldables and more, its most interesting device at MWC 2026 is the Robot Phone and maybe the humanoid robot that came alongside it. After briefly showing off a model at CES, Honor isn't quite ready to launch its Robot Phone. However, we got more specs, tech demos and a closer look following the company's MWC press event in Barcelona. The Robot Phone is currently set to launch later this year. Image by Mat Smith for Engadget Honor has put a lot of effort into ensuring its camera gimbal is highly mobile, to the point of creating a tiny personal robot that is, dare I say, adorable? The Robot Phone's pop-up camera can cock its head, shake to say no, nod to agree, and even "flip" or at least rotate 360 degrees. According to Honor's presentation, it can even bop along to songs. A spokesperson told me that it's got five songs in its repertoire, so it's not clear whether they're programmed for these kind of demos, or will be a feature of the final retail device. Advertisement Advertisement Another demo here at MWC showed how you could make the Robot Phone "sleep" by covering its gimbal eye, though it's odd that the camera is still exposed rather than folded away. My main concern with the Robot Phone is the robustness and durability of its robotic mechanisms. We've lived through several waves of smartphones that attempted much simpler mechanical camera functions and the threat of dust or heavy-handed users can't be ignored. Image by Mat Smith for Engadget The company says it's taken what it learned from foldables, regarding high-performance materials and simulation accuracy, and applied it to shrinking the camera module. On stage, Honor CEO James Li revealed what he calls the industry's smallest micro motor, much smaller than a 1-euro coin and, he added, 70 percent smaller than existing micro motors. As this component has been reduced substantially, the Robot Phone's gimbal will be the industry's smallest 4-degrees-of-freedom gimbal system. That's a spec we finally got a spec! It'll also offer three-axis stabilization in this tiny camera package, with the primary camera using a 200-megapixel sensor. The fold-away panel that the primary camera tucks into also reveals more typical cameras, so you're not forced to use the gimbal if you don't need it. Still, that's one very thick camera unit: Image by Mat Smith for Engadget Honor has already started building out camera modes and features, with a Super Steady Video mode that enhances stability while swinging the Robot Phone around to capture video. AI Object Tracking will apparently intelligently follow subjects, while AI SpinShot supports intelligent 90-degree and 180-degree rotational movement for more cinematic transitions. We've seen these sorts of pre-programmed movements and functions in full-size phone gimbals and action cams. If Honor can nail it in such a tiny form, it'll be impressive. Advertisement Advertisement Other specifications during Honor's press event were sparse, although the company announced a collaboration with ARRI Image Science to bring its cinematic smarts to the Robot Phone's gimbal camera. In a press release, Honor's Li said the collaboration would bring ARRI's "cinematic standards and professional workflows" into mobile imaging. It's apparently the first time elements of ARRI Image Science are being integrated into a consumer device. Dr. Benedikt von Lindeiner, VP at ARRI, said the goal is to bring a true cinematic aesthetic, such as "natural color, gentle highlight roll-off, and a sense of depth," to shooting with an Honor smartphone. Image by Mat Smith Advertisement Advertisement Honor also made a humanoid robot companion for its Robot Phone. The bot took to the stage alongside the Robot Phone, danced alongside human dancers, did a backflip and shook hands with CEO James Li. It didn't say a thing, but fortunately, during some on-the-rails banter between the robot, Robot Phone and Honor's CEO, the Robot Phone was particularly chatty. Like the many humanoid robots we've reported on and seen in person, Honor hopes to put it to work in both industrial and domestic settings, pitching it as a central part of the company's multi-million-dollar push into AI. For now, it's being called Honor Robot. Mobile World Congress is taking place in Barcelona from March 2 to March 5 and Engadget will be covering it both in-person and remotely. You can catch up on all of the biggest news from MWC 2026 right here. Honor launched the Magic V5 in August 2025 and yet its successor is being announced just seven months later. Speak to Honors representatives, and you can imply that its racing to push the envelope against both its real competition (Samsung) and its anticipated one (Apple). With so little time between launches, youll be unsurprised to learn that little has changed. The only other real reason this device has been pushed out so swiftly is because itll help Honor retain the title of making the worlds thinnest foldable. Ill leave you to decide if you think thats a valid enough reason to release a whole new smartphone so soon. Last year, just one of the four Magic V5 colorways measured in at 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm open while the rest clocked in at 9mm and 4.2mm respectively. This year Honor is marking its own homework with a similarly generous spirit, with the white version of the Magic V6 measuring 8.75mm folded and 4.0mm open. The black, gold and red colorways will have to settle for the indignity of measuring 9mm folded and 4.1mm open. Now, I appreciate the engineering savvy necessary to make a device this slim, but this push for more thinness needs to stop. Last years Magic V5 crossed the millimeters-wide rubicon from slender to dainty, to the point where, while holding it, I was worried about how durable it was. After all, foldables are regularly put through mechanical stresses that regular phones never have to deal with in normal duty. Honor says the phone is well built to withstand the rigors of normal life, including a scratch-resistant display cover. The screen is impact-resistant, theres a far stronger hinge and its rated for IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance. Claims that, Im sure, will be tested to its limits by sceptical reviewers when the device goes on sale. The company has also been scraping away at the V6s weight, with the white model weighing in at 219 grams, while the other three colorways are 224 grams. Thats lighter than an iPhone 17 Pro Max (233 grams), and you can bet Honor mentioned that fact in its briefings to the press more than once. Advertisement Advertisement Honor has also seen fit to make some massive design changes to the inside of the V6 to help shrink many of its components. This redesigned internal structure includes a new antenna, speaker chamber, vibration motor, NFC module, SIM card slot and USB-C housing. All of the space vacated by those components has been filled by a new 6,660mAh battery with 25 percent silicon content. Honor says you should expect to be able to play a video on the primary display for 24 hours with that beefy battery. Its worth noting only the international version is equipped with this 6,660mAh cell, while the China-only variant gets an even better model. Honor said its domestic edition will have a CATL-manufactured battery with 32 percent silicon content and a rated capacity of more than 7,000mAh. Honor And when Alexander saw the breadth of his domain he wept, seeing as he had no more worlds to conquer. The quote comes from Die Hard although its an urban myth that film coined the phrase entirely but the sentiment applies to much of the rest of this handset. The rest of the spec sheet is more or less the same as found on the Magic V5, which itself was a modest revision of its predecessor. Essentially, there arent too many more worlds to conquer even at the highest end of smartphone components, so grab your weepin tissues. Dab at the corners of your eyes when you see the cameras are more or less identical both in the main setup and for selfies. There are two 50-megapixel lenses paired with a 64-megapixel telephoto, and up front on both the cover and internal display, theres a 20-megapixel f/2.2 selfie lens. Advertisement Advertisement Youll find similarly-meager fare in the list of changes made to the displays, since the primary screen remains the same size and resolution as before. The bezels on the cover screen have been trimmed, so it now measures in at 6.52-inches, up from the 6.43-inch on the V5. But in most of the other ways in which it matters, youll find that here its business as usual. The V5 shipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and that was plenty fast enough. The V6 can boast that its the first foldable to ship with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage). While it is an upgrade on the older SoC, its not transformative. Lets be honest, its hard not to see Honors desire to shuffle a new handset out the door with some marketing claims comes at the cost of any meaningful substance. On the software side, its business as usual, although one thing caught my eye enough to be worth comment. At several points during Honors briefing, the company went hard on the idea that its devices play wonderfully well with Apples. If you install Honor Connect onto your iPhone and Mac, youll be able to share files, extend your desktop and even control your AirPods. This was something the company has been pushing for a while now, but it surprised me how much it was brought up here. On one hand, it makes sense that any would-be Apple challenger would offer a friendly way in for iPhone diehards. Tell them that your Android handset will integrate with your existing devices and then hope to show them what youve got to offer. On the other, if youre so eager to tag your gear onto another companys ecosystem, it doesnt suggest a lot of confidence in your own. Especially when youre marketing your pricey, ultra-premium flagship foldable as an ideal macOS companion in your own marketing materials. Still, being able to use the V6 as an extended display for your Mac is a cool idea, no matter the broader narrative. Advertisement Advertisement At first blush, Honors Magic V6 looks like a phone that exists to satisfy a marketing demand rather than out of necessity. (Im sure someone will point out thats the case for a lot of new phones these days, but Im sure you take my meaning.) To stay ahead of its rivals, its nipped and tucked every corner of this phone to within an inch of its life, and the end result is more or less the same handset we saw less than a year ago. Thats not to say its a bad phone, the V5 was a lovely piece of kit, but I cant help but wonder if holding this device back until Honor had more meaningful improvements wouldnt have been better. At the time of publication, Honor hasnt shared pricing and availability information, which we will update here when its announced. Stung by Japan's record 42.7 million visitors last year, South Korea is overhauling its entire tourism playbook, from visa-free entry for Indonesians and faster immigration for Europeans to a zero-tolerance crackdown on rip-off pricing. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung personally chaired an expanded National Tourism Strategy Meeting on Feb. 25, the first time a sitting president has led the session since 2019, setting a target of 30 million foreign visitors by 2030. "If we are satisfied with the reality that 80% of foreign tourists are concentrated in Seoul, the growth of the tourism industry is bound to hit a ceiling," Lee said, as quoted by the Korea Herald. "For tourism-led growth to be sustainable, the opportunities and benefits must be shared by local alleyway commercial districts across the country and by small business owners in the regions." The urgency is driven by numbers that tell a stark competitive story. South Korea welcomed 18.9 million visitors in 2025, a record that surpassed its pre-pandemic peak of 17.5 million, according to Korea tourism statistics. Japan, buoyed by a historically weak yen, pulled in 42.7 million in the same period, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization, more than double South Korea's total and a nearly 16% jump year-on-year. Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young characterized the moment as a "golden time for us to make a decisive push to become a global tourism powerhouse," unveiling an initiative titled "K-Tourism Embraces the World," according to the Korea Herald. The strategy amounts to the most sweeping set of tourism reforms South Korea has attempted in years, touching everything from visa policy and airport infrastructure to accommodation standards and pricing enforcement. At the center of the package is a significant easing of entry barriers. Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia's largest outbound travel markets, will be granted visa-free entry on a trial basis for group tourists of three or more, the Korea Times reported. Citizens of China and Southeast Asian nations who have previously visited South Korea will become eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas, while residents of major cities in those countries can apply for 10-year visas. Automated immigration gates, currently available to travelers from 18 nations including Japan, Singapore and Australia, will be expanded to cover nationals from all European Union member states. The government is making a concerted push to steer tourists out of the capital and into the regions. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to sharply increase direct international flights to regional airports by creating dedicated air traffic rights for those hubs and offering fee reductions to attract new routes, according to the Korea Times. Domestic connecting flights between Incheon and regional airports will be added, and late-night airport bus services, currently limited to 13 Seoul-area routes, will be extended to Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces. KTX high-speed rail tickets will also be made available for advance booking earlier than the current one-month window. To address a chronic shortage of quality accommodation outside Seoul, oversight of the lodging industry will be consolidated under the culture ministry. A new Accommodation Promotion Act is planned, along with a quality certification system. The government will also develop a South Korean version of Spain's "parador" model, converting traditional houses, temples and folk villages into premium stays. "The thing we must be most wary of is unfair practices that cause travelers to turn away," Lee said, according to the Korea Herald. "The price gouging, unfriendliness and excessive touting that we know all too well are malicious abuses that ultimately inflict great damage on local economies, and they must be rooted out in advance." Businesses caught failing to display or honor listed prices will face immediate suspension. A new self-reporting pricing system will require accommodation providers to preregister seasonal rates, and rental car companies on Jeju Island will face caps on peak-season price hikes. Hotels that cancel existing reservations without justification will also face new penalties. The package also introduces a Visit Korea Year campaign from 2027 to 2029, featuring lifestyle-based tourism products, from beauty and food trails to hiking experiences, that reflect a broader shift as visitors increasingly seek to live like locals rather than check off landmarks. Despite repeated pledges from supermarkets to back local farming, just 26% of own-label products on Scottish shelves are actually sourced in Scotland, NFU Scotlands latest report has revealed. The unions Year in Review: ShelfWatch 2025-26 found a marked gap between retailer commitments and what is physically stocked in stores. Across 2025, more than 80,000 own-label lines were audited, with a further 20,000 reviewed in January 2026 alone, providing what NFU Scotland describes as a robust evidence base. The headline figure highlights the scale of reliance on non-Scottish supply in many categories, particularly in red meat. Less than 5% of own-label pork was Scottish, with imports dominating the fixture, while lamb imports rose sharply. Mixed-origin labelling also continues to create confusion for shoppers. In contrast, some retailers demonstrated stronger performance. Aldi topped the table on Scottish sourcing, with 65% of audited products labelled Scottish. When Scottish and wider UK sourcing were combined, the Co-op ranked first overall, with Scottish-labelled products accounting for almost one in three lines. Import dependence varied significantly. Co-op and Aldi recorded less than 2% imported own-label goods, compared with 23% at Asda and 16% at Tesco. Highlighting its approach, Nicole Tallant, Co-ops Director of Commercial, said: Supporting UK agriculture is more important than ever for us, our members and customers. She said the retailer remained committed to championing home grown and locally sourced products and sourcing all own-brand fresh and frozen meat, fresh milk and cream from British farms. Its range of British-grown produce, including Scottish blueberries, potatoes and carrots, had been recognised by ShelfWatch, she added. Angus farmer Sandy Milne, who sits on the Co-op Dairy Group Committee, said he had seen that support in practice. Ive supplied Co-op with milk for a number of years and have seen firsthand the retailers long-term support for Scottish farmers bringing goods like milk from my farm to shelves across Scotland, he said. NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said ShelfWatch was designed to hold retailers to account. ShelfWatch is more than a snapshot of supermarket shelves, its a lens into the real choices retailers make and the value they place on Scottish farmers and crofters, he said. He argued that where retailers such as Aldi and Co-op lead, it proves high domestic sourcing is achievable, even in a competitive market. However, the persistent gaps in pork, lamb and processed lines show that many suppliers are not getting the recognition or returns they deserve. The audit also found that nearly 80% of eggs were Scottish, with Aldi, Co-op and Lidl stocking 100% Scottish eggs. More than 80% of fresh milk was Scottish, while Scottish potatoes accounted for over half of those surveyed up 11% on the previous year, with Aldi achieving full Scottish sourcing in that category. Mr Connon said the findings reinforce calls for retailers to adopt a Scottish-first sourcing policy, promote local produce more prominently, ensure fair pricing and deliver clear country-of-origin labelling. ShelfWatch gives us the evidence to challenge performance, support fair pricing, and encourage transparency that benefits farmers, consumers, and the wider Scottish and UK economy, he said. Now in its third year, ShelfWatch audits eight major UK retailers and publishes the results annually to drive transparency and accountability. With shoppers increasingly focused on provenance, retailers face growing pressure to turn public commitments into measurable sourcing outcomes. More than a decade after making her debut with Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Bhumi Pednekkar finds herself at an interesting junction in her career. Over the years, Bhumi has built a strong body of work with films like Sonchiriya, Saand Ki Aankh and Badhaai Do, to name a few. However, the past year brought in its share of online scrutiny following The Royals, with much of the chatter shifting from her performance to her appearance. She didnt let that affect her and moved on, stepping into darker territory with Daldal, a gritty crime thriller in which she plays DCP Rita Ferreira, a police officer drawn into a case dealing with a serial killer. For an actor accustomed to heightened drama, this role demanded something entirely different. When I meet her during Daldal's promotions, she appears steady and focused, untouched by the noise around her. Her attention stays firmly on the show, and she speaks with clarity and conviction. She talks about inhabiting a character who speaks little but carries a great deal within and how Daldal explores the long shadow of childhood trauma. Bhumi also opens up about online bullying, admitting that developing thick skin is easier said than done. Spirituality, she says, helps her stay grounded. She also shares her desire to play an out-and-out 'baddie' someday, just like Ranveer Singhs Khilji in Padmaavat. Excerpts: Youve been credited as Bhumi Satish Pednekkar in Daldal. Yes. Including my father's name felt right. It had been on my mind for a long time. It was definitely a step in my healing. I never really had the space to process what happened with him before. Over the past few months, when I wasnt working on a film set, I finally had that time. It means a great deal to me. After completing more than a decade in the industry, how would you define success? Success today is more about purpose. What is my purpose? Why am I doing films? Why do I love cinema? Earlier, it was about creating a space for myself, making sure I survived. Back then, success meant survival. Today, I dont have those insecurities. Now its about purpose. When I look back at my work two or three decades from now, I need to be proud of it. Which role of yours changed you in the best possible way? I wont include my first film, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, because it will always be too special. But apart from that, it would be Sonchiriya. That film unlocked something in me, both as a performer and as a human being. It had an everlasting impact on me, something Im still dealing with. Other pieces of work Im proud of are Saand Ki Aankh, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Badhaai Do, Badhaai Ho and Bhakshak. If you could say one thing to the young Bhumi who had just started out, what would it be? Dont succumb to the noise. Was there ever a point where you felt like succumbing? No, Ive never felt like giving up. Im a resilient person. Ive built this life and I will never give up on it. Im very positive. I have a lot of love in my life and Im lucky to be part of a family that gives me so much of it. That makes me strong. But its life. You lose a loved one. You see someone you love in pain. Films work. Films dont work. It happens to everyone. The past year has been unkind to you, especially after The Royals. You were trolled over your appearance Just because were in the public eye doesnt mean bullying doesnt affect us. You cant ignore it. Id be lying if I said you could. Of course, it impacts you deeply because were all human. I keep returning to spirituality. I go back to God and meditation. Thats the only way to stop yourself from turning bitter. The moment you start walking that path, everything changes. You realise we are nothing in the universe, just a speck and that gives you perspective. It humbles you. Can you further elaborate? Spirituality allows you to surrender. You begin to understand that if something bad is happening, its happening for a reason, and the same goes for good things. Somewhere along the way, you stop being overly affected by either. Im still working on it. I havent cracked it yet. Its lifelong work. But today, at least, I have a medium. Therapy is important. Seeking help is important. Having people you can talk to is important. But spirituality is something I would urge people to explore, especially in the times were living in, when all of us are subjected to so much unkindness. Have you always been spiritual? I thought I was spiritual until I truly understood what spirituality means. For me, the practice earlier was about giving back and being good to people. That's always been a big part of who I am. But true spirituality is about surrendering to a higher power. Thats what it means to me, and it has given me immense strength. What attracted you to Daldal? The freshness with which Daldal was written really excited me. Its a very intelligent show. Yes, its a cop drama and a psychological crime drama but it doesnt rely on familiar tropes. Its deeply character-driven Its supported by some phenomenal characters and was challenging for me because of how Rita Ferreira is written. She has a lot of duality. Theres one version of her in uniform and another when shes not, and both exist on the same spectrum, yet feel worlds apart. On duty, shes earnest and honest. Her job is the one thing she truly loves and deeply cares about. But theres also a lot of violence within her. Shes volatile, lonely and broken. Unresolved childhood trauma is a key theme of the series. Yes. The core theme is how childhood trauma shapes you as an individual. Rita has many of the instincts associated with a serial killer, which is why youre never sure what shes capable of. She has immense unresolved trauma and a lot of darkness within her. What excited me was the restraint. Ive played roles where the drama was very heightened, but here I barely have any dialogue across seven episodes. Shes stoic and tightly controlled because shes hiding so much. Ive always been told that less is more and thats the philosophy the show is built on. You dont know what Rita is thinking or what she might do, except when shes angry. She doesnt know how to control it because she isnt someone who knows how to receive love. When you play such an intense character, does it affect you after the cameras stop rolling? Most of the time, I know how to draw a line. But with a character like Rita Ferreira, it was tough. The series was shot in Mumbai, and the role consumed me. When you have a lot of dialogue, you release so much through words. But with her, I was constantly alert to triggers. Were there moments when you related to the character on a personal level? One very strong theme in the show is how patriarchy exists everywhere. Thats something I connected with deeply. Rita is a woman in a mans world. Shes constantly trying to break the stigma around her gender and is often made to feel that any success she achieves is because shes a woman, not because she deserves it. Thats something women deal with all the time. The way she responds to it and navigates it is something I strongly connected with. Do you think the film industry is more liberal towards women? There is definitely more equality. I wont paint it as entirely rosy but its far fairer than many other industries. And its not just about actors. Women are working behind the camera too, writing, producing, directing, performing their own stunts. Is it enough? Not at all. Were still far from an ideal situation. But things have improved. Today, there are many departments where women can lead conversations, rather than being limited to stereotypical roles. One assumption people make about you thats completely wrong? People have forgotten how hard Ive worked after Dum Laga Ke Haisha and that Ive had a long, honest fitness journey. Those assumptions need to stop. Is there a genre or character youd like to explore? Id love to play an antagonist, an out-and-out baddie. Something like what Sanjay Leela Bhansali did with Ranveer Singhs Khilji in Padmaavat. Its iconic. Also Read: Daldal Trailer: Bhumi Pednekkar Hunts a Ruthless Serial Killer in This Gritty Crime Thriller Aditi Rao Hydari speaks about Gandhi Talks with the bright-eyed excitement of someone deeply, almost instinctively in love with cinema and with life itself. Drawn to the films near-silent, emotion-led storytelling, she reflects on the rare joy of communicating without words, of trusting stillness, glances and breath to carry meaning. For Aditi, the experience reaffirmed her belief that some of the most powerful stories are felt rather than heard. She also opens up about the beauty of collaboration, the quiet alchemy that unfolds when artistes listen to one another, stay present and allow a shared vision to take shape organically. There is a palpable thrill, she says, in surrendering to a collective creative space, where ego dissolves and discovery takes over. At the heart of it all lies her enduring, fiercely protected childlike curiosity, a sense of wonder nurtured by family and mentors, and now lovingly safeguarded by her husband Siddharth. With an affectionate smile, she calls him her pixie soulmate, someone who understands her silences as intuitively as her words. In this warm, candid and engaging conversation, Aditi opens up about art and partnership, about faith in the process, and about the gentle, deliberate act of finding light and joy amid the noise. Excerpts: What drew you to Gandhi Talks? And what did the experience of working in a silent film demand from you as an actor? Many things drew me to it but the first was the novelty. The film felt new and exciting. Cinema began with silent films and to return to that space, to be part of something rooted in such a beautiful intention, was very special. I had always wanted to tell a story like Gandhi Talks. The most compelling aspect was the silence itself. You dont have words to convince people; you have to reach them through actions and emotions. You need to deeply understand your character, who these people are, where they come from. Nothing else matters. What matters are their dreams, hopes, love and struggles. Thats what the audience sees: their choices, how they act, how they live. You realise that the film is ultimately about humanity and connection. True connections come from the heart, from feelings and actions. I found that deeply fascinating. Not having any dialogue might have been challenging Ive done a Malayalam film called Sufiyum Sujatayum, where I played a mute girl, so the absence of dialogue wasnt entirely new to me. However, the difference here was that everyone was silent. We were communicating purely through situations and actions,not through sign language, but through what was unfolding around us. We communicated through our eyes and our presence. That was very different, especially while shooting the songs. We would ask the director to play music, because otherwise there would be complete silence on set. Sometimes, you have to feel the rhythm in your own head. You and Vijay Sethupathi bring very different energies to the screen. Did that ever challenge or push you while performing together? I dont like being self-conscious about my energy or acting style. I prefer knowing less,overthinking can become a burden. I like to remain free of those concerns, including ego. Vijay Sethupathi is a phenomenal actor, and Ive long admired his work. We had almost collaborated on three films earlier, but for various reasons they never materialised. Im glad this one did. I came in without any preconceived notions. I listened, absorbed, flowed and reacted. That space between action and cut is magical. I assume my co-actor loves cinema as much as I do, and reacting to someone like him was exciting. Theres a confrontation scene between our characters that was particularly thrilling to film,charged, intense and nuanced for both of us. How do you do your job as an actor when you dont spoon-feed the audience with dialogue? Every film is a challenge because youre stepping into another world, another life. You take on their heart, thoughts, clothes, habits, their way of being, responding, laughing, eating. Everything is unfamiliar, and you have to make it your own. I love dialogue-driven films and relish saying beautiful lines. But when that is taken away in a silent film, the real challenge is accepting the absence of words,being okay with not verbalising emotion. I love punchy lines, humour and lyrical dialogue, but I also love letting my eyes speak. It was challenging, but it never weighed me down. It was an exciting challenge,a good kind of fear. How do you view collaboration while performing a scene? Its about presence, listening to the director, listening to your co-actor, and responding honestly. Its also about team spirit. We often hear stories of actors trying to steal each others spotlight, but I dont understand that. A film only works when everyone is doing their best. When I want the person in front of me to shine, and they want the same for me, we elevate each other. Thats when a film truly comes alive,when the story finds its rhythm. What does preparation really mean to you as an actor? For me, preparation is about listening, being present, staying curious, absorbing and then flowing with emotion. Its about reacting and emoting. I approach every film this way. Im very much a directors baby, and I love my co-actors. Making a film feels like being on a playground, playing with a companion on set. Its about giving and taking, acting and reacting, and creating the story together through the directors vision. Do you remember any survival skills you had to teach yourself when you first started out? Im grateful that I didnt have to. I started in 2011, doing a few things while studying and figuring life out. I dreamed of becoming a Mani Ratnam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Rituparno Ghosh heroine but I couldnt yet call myself an actor. I stumbled, fell and scraped my knees, but thats the joy of being a child. You get up, dust yourself off and move forward. Youre optimistic, curious, open to adventure, filled with belief and dreams. That mindset has always kept me grounded. When the noise gets too loud, what helps you find your way back to yourself? My family and close friends are my anchors. They support me unconditionally and keep the five-year-old in me alive. Not being self-conscious has also helped me shed negativity,to find music in chaos and light in darkness. My grandmother, Shanta Rameshwar Rao, and my mother, Vidya Rao, have always protected my childlike innocence. And now Siddharth, who is very similar to me in that way, is also a strong support system If 2016 Aditi could see you in 2026, what would surprise or reassure her the most? I hope she would see evolution,in my work and in myself. I love that my core remains intact, that the five-year-old inside me is still very much alive. In 2016, I never imagined I would find my pixie soulmate. He protects that part of me, just as I protect it in him. Back then, I had a list of directors I wanted to work with, and by 2026 Id collaborated with most of them. I remember watching Manisha Koirala in Mani Ratnams Bombay and wanting to act like her. That dream came true when I received a call from Mani Ratnam himself. I thought it was a prank call and almost hung up. That year changed my life. My family and close friends are my anchors. They support me unconditionally and keep the five-year-old in me alive. Not being self-conscious has also helped me shed negativity,to find music in chaos and light in darkness. My grandmother, Shanta Rameshwar Rao, and my mother, Vidya Rao, have always protected my childlike innocence. And now Siddharth, who is very similar to me in that way, is also a strong support system Has Siddharth watched Gandhi Talks? He watched the first edit and gave me feedback. I always find his perspective interesting. He thought the film was compelling, though he hasnt seen the final version yet as hes currently shooting. He values cinema deeply, and I value his thoughts immensely. Do you often exchange notes about cinema? All the time. Siddharth is a cinema baby, excited about storytelling in all its forms. Hes immensely talented: he writes, composes music, understands the camera, sound design and has a sound studio. Hes always experimenting. He has many interests beyond cinema as well, which makes being around him inspiring. Hes full of ideas. Are we likely to see the two of you together on screen? Are we likely to see the two of you together on screen? I hope so. Were drawn to similar things, adventurous narratives, distinctive directors, fresh storytelling. If the right filmmaker comes to us with something we both believe in, Id love that. Ideally, it should feel like being back on a playground together. Also Read: Exclusive: Aditi Rao Hydari Opens Up About Her Marriage With Siddharth Dr. Samir J. Serhan named CEO effective today by Acwa Board of Directors. Dr. Serhan was previously President of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East at Acwa, and formerly Chief Operating Officer of US-based Air Products. Marco Arcelli, CEO of Acwa since March 2023, remains as an advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Acwa, the world's largest private water desalination company, a leader in energy transition, and a first mover into green hydrogen, announced the appointment of Dr. Samir J. Serhan as chief executive officer effective March 1, 2026. In line with the natural progression of executive leadership terms and Acwa's disciplined governance framework, the Board of Directors of the Saudi-listed company made this appointment as part of a planned and structured leadership transition and succession process overseen by the company's Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The Board and the former CEO Marco Arcelli agreed to implement the planned succession process to ensure continuity and stability. The company's long-term direction remains unchanged. Since joining Acwa last year as President of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, Dr. Serhan has worked closely with the leadership team and is fully prepared to assume this new responsibility. Previously Dr. Serhan was chief operating officer of the US-based company Air Products where he had global responsibility for the company's operational business and project execution with P&L accountability for the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India. He also led functions including technology, global engineering, manufacturing, and equipment at Air Products. Earlier in his career he was president, Hydrogen for Praxair. For 14 years prior, he worked for the Linde Group in leadership positions in the US and Germany, culminating in his role as managing director, Linde Engineering. Dr. Serhan brings more than three decades of global leadership experience across large-scale industrial and infrastructure organizations, with a strong track record in driving operational transformation, strengthening institutional capability, and delivering disciplined and profitable growth in complex, capital-intensive environments. Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Acwa, said: "Acwa stands today as a Saudi national champion and a global leader in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen, and our position continues to strengthen. We are grateful for Marco's leadership in advancing Acwa's strategy and accelerating our growth trajectory. This structured leadership transition reflects the strength of our governance and the maturity of our business platform. Our strategic direction remains clear and unchanged. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Samir Serhan to his new role as CEO of Acwa." Dr. Samir J. Serhan, the incoming CEO of Acwa, said: "Every day affords us new opportunities to help our customers and meet pressing energy and water needs around the world. I'm honored to lead Acwa at a pivotal moment as the company accelerates profitable global growth in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen solutions - including advancing green hydrogen to decarbonize heavy industries - to deliver scalable, sustainable impact worldwide. I look forward to working with our talented Acwa teams around the globe to build on the progress we have achieved and shape the next chapter of our journey." Marco Arcelli, the outgoing CEO of Acwa, said: "Over the past three years, Acwa's portfolio has doubled in size, and we are on track to double it again by 2030, scaling both our footprint and our impact. Acwa now produces around 25% of the world's desalinated seawater. We have expanded into new markets, including Azerbaijan, China, Kuwait, and Senegal, while advancing energy export opportunities from Saudi Arabia, and cementing our leadership in green molecules. What we have achieved reflects the scale of our ambition, the discipline of our execution, the dedication of our people, and the trust of our partners." Acwa supports energy and water security as well as supply reliability, which are priorities that are fundamental to economic resilience and community wellbeing worldwide. Today, Acwa provides clean drinking water for nearly 34 million people and power for almost 76 million people every day. About Acwa Acwa (TADAWUL: 2082) is a Saudi-listed company and the world's largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a leader in the global energy transition. Registered and established in 2004 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Acwa employs over 4,000 people and is currently present in 15 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Acwa's portfolio comprises 111 projects in operation, advanced development, or under construction with an investment value of SAR 430 billion (USD 114.8 billion) and the capacity to generate 93 GW of power (of which 52 GW is renewables) and manage 9.3 million m3/day of desalinated water. This energy and water are delivered on a bulk basis to address the needs of state utilities and industries on long-term, off-taker contracts under utility services outsourcing and public-private partnership models. Learn more: www.acwapower.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acwa-board-of-directors-names-dr-samir-j-serhan-chief-executive-officer-302700350.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2026) - New Found Gold Corp. (TSXV: NFG) (NYSE American: NFGC) ("New Found Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final results of the Company's 2025 grade control drill program on its 100%-owned Queensway Gold Project ("Queensway" or the "Project") in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, including results from the Keats zone ("Keats") and Iceberg zone ("Iceberg") excavations in the AFZ Core ("AFZC"), completed as part of the Company's 2025 drill program. Iceberg excavation highlights include: 71.8 g/t Au over 31.95 m from 37.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-069) [1] 76.6 g/t Au over 16.00 m from 51.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-055) 44.4 g/t Au over 21.55 m from 13.40 m (NFGC-25-GC-072) 35.4 g/t Au over 21.20 m from 34.95 m (NFGC-25-GC-061) 31.6 g/t Au over 18.65 m from 3.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-106) 40.6 g/t Au over 12.70 m from 40.35 m (NFGC-25-GC-118) 41.1 g/t Au over 11.40 m from 40.40 m (NFGC-25-GC-079) 55.4 g/t Au over 8.30 m from 21.75 m (NFGC-25-GC-107) 43.2 g/t Au over 19.85 m from 16.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-082) Keats excavation highlights include: 51.3 g/t Au over 3.40 m from 54.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-115) 11.8 g/t Au over 9.95 m from 13.20 m (NFGC-25-GC-065) 9.73 g/t Au over 11.30 m from 9.75 m (NFGC-25-GC-063) 15.9 g/t Au over 5.85 m from 4.90 m (NFGC-25-GC-115) 40.3 g/t Au over 2.25 m from 23.95 m (NFGC-25-GC-068) 16.9 g/t Au over 3.90 m from 1.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-071) Melissa Render, President of New Found Gold stated: "These final results from our highly successful 2025 grade control drill program at the Keats and Iceberg excavations continue to deliver consistently high gold grades over broad widths, returning some of the best intercepts we have drilled to date at Queensway. We continue to systematically de-risk Queensway, as demonstrated by the continuity of high-grade gold mineralization in these at-surface zones targeted for early open pit mining in our 2025 PEA Phase 1 mine plan." Work Summary The results presented in this release include the final 907 m of drilling in 32 diamond drill holes ("DDH") from the Keats excavation ("KEGCDP") and the entirety of the 2,390 m of drilling in 40 DDH from the Iceberg excavation ("IEGCDP") 2025 grade control drill program (Figures 1 to 4). The KEGCDP and IEGCDP were designed to improve confidence in the distribution of high-grade, near- to at-surface gold mineralization and support mine planning as outlined in the 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") Phase 1 open pits (see the New Found Gold press release dated July 21 2025). Drill highlights, along with detailed results for these 72 DDH, are provided in Tables 1 to 3 below. The full KEGCDP comprises 2,773 m in 84 DDH; for the previously reported KEGCDP results see the New Found Gold press releases dated December 1, 2025 and February 2, 2026 and highlights below. The full IEGCDP comprises 2,390 m of drilling in 40 DDH and all results are reported in this press release. The KEGCDP tested a volume that is approximately 65 m long by 30 m deep by 40 m wide and the IEGCDP a volume that is approximately 60 m long by 35 m deep by 40 m wide with a drill spacing of 5 m by 5 m and includes the near- to at-surface high-grade portions of Keats and Iceberg that were exposed as part of the Company's excavation programs (see the New Found Gold press releases dated September 23, 2024, December 2, 2024, September 25, 2025, December 1, 2025 and February 2, 2026). Results released to date correlate well with the initial mineral resource estimate ("MRE") block model and indicate strong continuity of -high grade mineralized shoots at both Keats and Iceberg, providing improved definition of their geometry, with most intervals occurring at or within a few meters of surface. The detailed geostatistical data from this phase of work will further validate the resource models, specifically by increasing confidence in grade-capping and influence-limiting parameters applied to high-grade intersections in advance of a MRE update and subsequent mine planning. The Keats and Iceberg zones are hosted within the Keats-Baseline Fault Zone ("KBFZ"), a high-grade gold-bearing structure that has been defined over a current strike length of 1.9 kilometres ("km"). This corridor consists of a broad mineralized fault zone with limited deep drill testing to date. Drilling completed in 2024 confirms that the system extends to vertical depths of up to 1.1 km (see the New Found Gold press releases dated July 11, 2024, October 31, 2024, and April 29, 2025). Figure 1: Plan view map of the AFZC with location of Keats and Iceberg excavation grade control drill programs. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7337/285803_de2d97bbf46729b2_001full.jpg Iceberg excavation grade control drill program (this press release): 71.8 g/t Au over 31.95 m from 37.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-069) 76.6 g/t Au over 16.00 m from 51.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-055) 44.4 g/t Au over 21.55 m from 13.40 m (NFGC-25-GC-072) 35.4 g/t Au over 21.20 m from 34.95 m (NFGC-25-GC-061) 31.6 g/t Au over 18.65 m from 3.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-106) 40.6 g/t Au over 12.70 m from 40.35 m (NFGC-25-GC-118) 41.1 g/t Au over 11.40 m from 40.40 m (NFGC-25-GC-079) 55.4 g/t Au over 8.30 m from 21.75 m (NFGC-25-GC-107) 43.2 g/t Au over 19.85 m from 16.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-082) 22.6 g/t Au over 17.55 m from 50.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-050) 30.4 g/t Au over 12.90 m from 8.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-112) 11.9 g/t Au over 27.55 m from 27.65 m (NFGC-25-GC-097) 27.3 g/t Au over 11.70 m from 48.90 m (NFGC-25-GC-084) 27.8 g/t Au over 11.45 m from 38.85 m (NFGC-25-GC-067) 120 g/t Au over 2.60 m from 17.15 m (NFGC-25-GC-109) 11.6 g/t Au over 26.15 m from 31.30 m (NFGC-25-GC-058) 30.9 g/t Au over 9.00 m from 32.30 m (NFGC-25-GC-064) 28.1 g/t Au over 9.15 m from 45.15 m (NFGC-25-GC-048) 18.4 g/t Au over 12.85 m from 38.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-076) 26.7 g/t Au over 8.05 m from 16.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-119) 7.56 g/t Au over 23.85 m from 48.15 m (NFGC-25-GC-052) 6.77 g/t Au over 20.05 m from 54.70 m (NFGC-25-GC-046) 12.0 g/t Au over 11.05 m from 33.30 m (NFGC-25-GC-059) 8.55 g/t Au over 15.40 m from 25.40 m (NFGC-25-GC-109) 12.8 g/t Au over 10.10 m from 28.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-113) 13.0 g/t Au over 9.90 m from 13.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-122) 8.26 g/t Au over 12.55 m from 63.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-087) 11.1 g/t Au over 9.05 m from 14.40 m (NFGC-25-GC-123) 16.9 g/t Au over 4.15 m from 29.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-121) 5.17 g/t Au over 12.40 m from 17.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-124) 6.70 g/t Au over 9.20 m from 42.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-087) 8.38 g/t Au over 6.85 m from 15.35 m (NFGC-25-GC-074) 15.5 g/t Au over 3.65 m from 71.95 m (NFGC-25-GC-043) 3.88 g/t Au over 13.10 m from 31.15 m (NFGC-25-GC-074) 17.5 g/t Au over 2.80 m from 40.95 m (NFGC-25-GC-084) 20.1 g/t Au over 2.35 m from 69.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-085) 18.0 g/t Au over 2.30 m from 41.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-085) 15.0 g/t Au over 2.70 m from 23.75 m (NFGC-25-GC-058) 19.7 g/t Au over 2.05 m from 4.35 m (NFGC-25-GC-122) 13.3 g/t Au over 2.85 m from 69.15 m (NFGC-25-GC-048) 14.3 g/t Au over 2.60 m from 12.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-107) 11.9 g/t Au over 2.80 m from 65.20 m (NFGC-25-GC-079) 2.21 g/t Au over 11.55 m from 14.10 m (NFGC-25-GC-079) 11.7 g/t Au over 2.20 m from 57.35 m (NFGC-25-GC-079) Keats excavation grade control drill program (this press release): 51.3 g/t Au over 3.40 m from 54.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-115) 11.8 g/t Au over 9.95 m from 13.20 m (NFGC-25-GC-065) 9.73 g/t Au over 11.30 m from 9.75 m (NFGC-25-GC-063) 15.9 g/t Au over 5.85 m from 4.90 m (NFGC-25-GC-115) 40.3 g/t Au over 2.25 m from 23.95 m (NFGC-25-GC-068) 16.9 g/t Au over 3.90 m from 1.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-071) 4.22 g/t Au over 10.35 m from 5.65 m (NFGC-25-GC-066) 2.56 g/t Au over 15.95 m from 0.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-100) 14.5 g/t Au over 2.45 m from 10.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-096) 1.41 g/t Au over 20.25 m from 20.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-102) 1.73 g/t Au over 15.45 m from 4.20 m (NFGC-25-GC-062) 2.37 g/t Au over 10.60 m from 23.70 m (NFGC-25-GC-111 ) Figure 2: Keats and Iceberg excavations with grade control drill hole highlights. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7337/285803_de2d97bbf46729b2_002full.jpg Figure 3: Keats longitudinal section view of grade control drill hole traces (looking northwest, +/- 12.5 m). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7337/285803_de2d97bbf46729b2_003full.jpg Keats excavation grade control drill program highlights (February 2, 2026 press release): 508 g/t Au over 2.20 m from 16.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-024) 113 g/t Au over 3.75 m from 11.90 m (NFGC-25-GC-025) 9.29 g/t Au over 37.60 m from 12.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-027) 27.0 g/t Au over 10.00 m from 0.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-033) 31.5 g/t Au over 6.10 m from 0.60 m (NFGC-25-GC-021) 17.2 g/t Au over 9.05 m from 2.70 m (NFGC-25-GC-042) 24.5 g/t Au over 6.35 m from 24.65 m (NFGC-25-GC-031) 7.33 g/t Au over 19.80 m from 4.70 m (NFGC-25-GC-026) 3.75 g/t Au over 21.40 m from 0.10 m (NFGC-25-GC-035) 10.6 g/t Au over 6.60 m from 0.10 m (NFGC-25-GC-022) 9.94 g/t Au over 6.95 m from 0.70 m (NFGC-25-GC-030) 4.87 g/t Au over 10.55 m from 22.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-039) 3.37 g/t Au over 12.20 m from 0.55 m (NFGC-25-GC-017) 2.27 g/t Au over 16.35 m from 21.85 m (NFGC-25-GC-057) 1.45 g/t Au over 23.55 m from 8.05 m (NFGC-25-GC-032) 2.12 g/t Au over 13.75 m from 7.20 m (NFGC-25-GC-028) 1.52 g/t Au over 14.05 m from 3.50 m (NFGC-25-GC-045) 1.64 g/t Au over 12.65 m from 33.25 m (NFGC-25-GC-029) 1.78 g/t Au over 11.30 m from 4.70 m (NFGC-25-GC-034) 1.55 g/t Au over 12.50 m from 0.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-024) Keats excavation grade control program highlights (December 1, 2025 press release): 219 g/t Au over 9.35 m from 19.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-005) 160 g/t Au over 10.30 m from 5.10 m (NFGC-25-GC-009) 105 g/t Au over 10.20 m from 15.80 m (NFGC-25-GC-007) 24.7 g/t Au over 26.25 m from 34.25 m (NFGC-25-GC-007) 35.3 g/t Au over 12.85 m from 36.25 m (NFGC-25-GC-006) 27.1 g/t Au over 12.85 m from 14.65 m (NFGC-25-GC-012) 142 g/t Au over 2.25 m from 4.15 m (NFGC-25-GC-004) 50.8 g/t Au over 4.10 m from 0.00 m (NFGC-25-GC-003) 17.1 g/t Au over 11.85 m from 21.45 m (NFGC-25-GC-009) 9.61 g/t Au over 18.05 m from 25.25 m (NFGC-25-GC-003) 9.29 g/t Au over 15.40 m from 1.10 m (NFGC-25-GC-008) 38.3 g/t Au over 3.40 m from 4.10 m (NFGC-25-GC-011) Figure 4: Iceberg longitudinal section view of grade control drill hole traces (looking northwest, +/- 12.5 m). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7337/285803_de2d97bbf46729b2_004full.jpg Looking Ahead The 2025 Queensway drill program included 74,377 m of drilling in 614 DDH, with approximately 75% of the drilling focused on the AFZC to support advancement of the Phase 1 mine plan as outlined in the PEA and 25% focused on exploration targets such as the Dropkick zone ("Dropkick"). To date, approximately 45% of the results from 2025 drilling remain outstanding, in addition to channel sampling results from the Lotto excavation. These results will be reported once available. The 2026 Queensway drill program is underway, with four drill rigs currently active (see the New Found Gold press release dated January 21, 2026). Initial 2026 infill drilling is planned to first target PEA Phase 2 open pit resource conversion, transitioning later in the year to PEA Phase 3 underground resource conversion. The Company plans to expand its grade control drilling beginning in Q2/26. The next phase of work will leverage results from the 2025 program to optimize drill hole spacing and program scope. This will include completing grade-control drilling at the Iceberg excavation, commencing grade-control drilling at the Lotto excavation and potentially expanding the grade-control drilling at the Keats and Iceberg excavations. The objective of this work is to improve confidence in the distribution of gold mineralization and support mine planning as outlined for the PEA Phase 1 open pits. Exploration drilling will focus on AFZC resource expansion including an initial grid-based program targeting the prospective corridor adjacent to the AFZ at Bullseye, continued step-outs at Dropkick, located 11 km north of the AFZC, and targeted segments of the AFZ at AFZ Peripheral. A regional drilling program testing advanced targets at Queensway South is in the planning phase and expected to commence in H2/26. The Company plans to file an updated Technical Report for Queensway, which will include an updated mineral resource estimate, in Q3/26 Table 1: Drill Result Highlights. KEATS MAIN EXCAVATION Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone NFGC-25-GC-062 4.20 19.65 15.45 1.73 70-95 Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-063 9.75 21.05 11.30 9.73 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 14.50 15.50 1.00 92.27 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-065 13.20 23.15 9.95 11.81 55-85 Keats Excavation Including 13.20 14.10 0.90 111.64 55-85 NFGC-25-GC-066 5.65 16.00 10.35 4.22 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 5.65 6.20 0.55 23.75 70-95 Including 10.10 11.10 1.00 24.78 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-068 23.95 26.20 2.25 40.34 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 24.40 24.80 0.40 167.68 70-95 Including 25.20 25.50 0.30 70.49 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-071 1.00 4.90 3.90 16.91 35-65 Keats Excavation Including 1.85 3.40 1.55 38.19 35-65 NFGC-25-GC-096 10.00 12.45 2.45 14.45 65-95 Keats Excavation Including 11.40 11.75 0.35 91.40 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-100 0.00 15.95 15.95 2.56 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 9.40 9.85 0.45 20.86 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-102 20.45 40.70 20.25 1.41 30-60 Keats Excavation Including 29.65 30.30 0.65 14.98 30-60 NFGC-25-GC-111 23.70 34.30 10.60 2.37 65-95 Keats Excavation Including 29.40 30.15 0.75 11.27 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-115 4.90 10.75 5.85 15.85 60-90 Keats Excavation Including 4.90 5.35 0.45 199.16 60-90 And 54.60 58.00 3.40 51.30 70-95 Including 54.60 55.20 0.60 31.18 70-95 Including 55.55 56.10 0.55 278.07 70-95 ICEBERG EXCAVATION Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m)* Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone NFGC-25-GC-043 71.95 75.60 3.65 15.51 25-55 Iceberg Excavation Including 73.85 75.60 1.75 28.81 25-55 NFGC-25-GC-046 54.70 74.75 20.05 6.77 40-70 Iceberg Excavation Including 72.50 73.30 0.80 87.06 40-70 Including 74.00 74.75 0.75 44.69 40-70 NFGC-25-GC-048 45.15 54.30 9.15 28.07 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 50.70 53.20 2.50 97.72 70-95 And 69.15 72.00 2.85 13.31 70-95 Including 69.15 70.00 0.85 11.37 70-95 Including 71.00 72.00 1.00 20.37 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-050 50.45 68.00 17.55 22.63 55-85 Iceberg Excavation Including 51.20 53.10 1.90 65.51 55-85 Including 53.60 54.40 0.80 27.50 55-85 Including 56.80 57.20 0.40 162.33 55-85 Including 57.80 58.70 0.90 36.99 55-85 Including 63.90 66.40 2.50 31.79 70-95 Including 66.80 68.00 1.20 45.11 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-052 48.15 72.00 23.85 7.56 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 48.60 49.20 0.60 12.26 70-95 Including 61.15 63.70 2.55 17.00 70-95 Including 64.40 65.20 0.80 74.21 70-95 Including 68.05 69.80 1.75 12.94 70-95 Including 71.50 72.00 0.50 38.44 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-055 51.45 67.45 16.00 76.58 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 51.45 52.85 1.40 12.54 70-95 Including 55.40 55.70 0.30 63.77 70-95 Including 61.30 61.90 0.60 49.84 70-95 Including 63.50 67.45 3.95 288.48 70-95 And Including 63.50 64.25 0.75 656.59 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-058 23.75 26.45 2.70 14.99 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 24.40 25.35 0.95 43.11 70-95 And 31.30 57.45 26.15 11.62 70-95 Including 37.75 38.65 0.90 16.38 70-95 Including 40.35 42.30 1.95 53.55 70-95 Including 43.15 44.65 1.50 28.64 70-95 Including 49.80 51.00 1.20 28.67 70-95 Including 55.85 56.65 0.80 86.44 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-059 33.30 44.35 11.05 11.97 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 35.00 35.45 0.45 12.52 70-95 Including 35.95 37.45 1.50 29.60 70-95 Including 38.90 39.55 0.65 68.85 70-95 Including 42.65 43.10 0.45 54.16 50-80 NFGC-25-GC-061 34.95 56.15 21.20 35.41 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 37.80 38.25 0.45 65.62 70-95 Including 42.70 44.00 1.30 77.08 70-95 Including 45.10 46.15 1.05 67.24 70-95 Including 48.95 49.75 0.80 76.23 70-95 Including 50.65 51.35 0.70 107.85 60-90 Including 52.35 55.60 3.25 118.45 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-064 32.30 41.30 9.00 30.85 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 32.30 32.75 0.45 61.96 70-95 Including 33.30 34.10 0.80 223.22 70-95 Including 38.90 40.45 1.55 30.62 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-067 38.85 50.30 11.45 27.84 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 39.85 40.80 0.95 16.17 70-95 Including 41.60 42.85 1.25 38.25 70-95 Including 45.20 46.55 1.35 125.72 70-95 Including 49.70 50.30 0.60 119.07 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-069 37.80 69.75 31.95 71.81 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 39.10 42.65 3.55 80.55 70-95 Including 47.95 48.90 0.95 28.97 70-95 Including 51.35 53.45 2.10 154.03 70-95 And Including 51.35 51.90 0.55 512.64 70-95 Including 56.80 57.40 0.60 50.45 70-95 Including 59.45 60.20 0.75 90.53 70-95 Including 63.15 69.75 6.60 230.17 70-95 And Including 66.20 67.80 1.60 595.58 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-072 13.40 34.95 21.55 44.44 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 13.40 14.10 0.70 75.07 65-95 Including 22.60 23.10 0.50 116.62 70-95 Including 24.20 25.85 1.65 22.27 70-95 Including 27.70 28.50 0.80 14.00 70-95 Including 29.35 31.40 2.05 215.32 70-95 Including 32.35 32.90 0.55 632.87 55-85 NFGC-25-GC-074 15.35 22.20 6.85 8.38 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 15.35 16.00 0.65 16.06 70-95 Including 16.70 17.90 1.20 30.26 70-95 And 31.15 44.25 13.10 3.88 70-95 Including 35.60 37.10 1.50 22.24 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-076 38.45 51.30 12.85 18.43 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 39.30 39.75 0.45 10.23 70-95 Including 48.40 48.85 0.45 81.00 40-70 Including 50.50 51.30 0.80 199.19 40-70 NFGC-25-GC-079 14.10 25.65 11.55 2.21 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 25.35 25.65 0.30 61.54 70-95 And 40.40 51.80 11.40 41.12 70-95 Including 40.40 40.70 0.30 10.76 70-95 Including 41.35 42.35 1.00 37.25 70-95 Including 43.00 43.70 0.70 14.36 70-95 Including 47.90 48.40 0.50 629.44 70-95 Including 48.70 50.30 1.60 55.71 50-80 And 57.35 59.55 2.20 11.74 50-80 Including 57.90 59.55 1.65 15.56 50-80 And 65.20 68.00 2.80 11.87 25-55 Including 65.20 66.80 1.60 18.64 25-55 NFGC-25-GC-082 16.80 36.65 19.85 43.18 65-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 17.50 19.40 1.90 221.81 65-95 Including 24.65 25.00 0.35 14.10 70-95 Including 31.00 34.00 3.00 122.53 70-95 Including 34.55 35.20 0.65 35.33 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-084 40.95 43.75 2.80 17.51 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 41.40 43.00 1.60 27.24 70-95 And 48.90 60.60 11.70 27.31 70-95 Including 48.90 51.65 2.75 77.18 70-95 Including 57.90 60.60 2.70 38.29 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-085 41.80 44.10 2.30 17.99 65-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 42.55 42.90 0.35 114.28 65-95 And 69.80 72.15 2.35 20.05 70-95 Including 70.80 71.50 0.70 65.13 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-087 42.80 52.00 9.20 6.70 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 50.90 51.25 0.35 138.45 70-95 And 63.00 75.55 12.55 8.26 70-95 Including 63.80 65.20 1.40 19.78 70-95 Including 66.05 67.75 1.70 36.86 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-097 27.65 55.20 27.55 11.88 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 31.35 33.90 2.55 27.91 70-95 Including 34.45 35.95 1.50 36.04 70-95 Including 43.40 43.80 0.40 20.09 70-95 Including 54.75 55.20 0.45 321.59 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-101 40.00 53.90 13.90 1.53 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 41.15 41.55 0.40 12.16 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-106 3.60 22.25 18.65 31.61 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 3.60 4.55 0.95 239.28 60-90 Including 10.25 10.90 0.65 15.83 70-95 Including 14.30 15.05 0.75 44.82 70-95 Including 17.60 22.25 4.65 65.59 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-107 12.60 15.20 2.60 14.30 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 12.60 14.35 1.75 17.81 70-95 And 21.75 30.05 8.30 55.43 70-95 Including 21.75 22.60 0.85 53.65 70-95 Including 23.60 24.15 0.55 141.09 70-95 Including 24.45 24.90 0.45 750.76 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-109 17.15 19.75 2.60 120.13 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 17.80 18.95 1.15 304.86 70-95 And 25.40 40.80 15.40 8.55 70-95 Including 25.40 25.75 0.35 22.77 70-95 Including 27.45 28.00 0.55 13.75 70-95 Including 31.35 32.30 0.95 88.66 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-112 8.00 20.90 12.90 30.43 65-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 8.00 10.55 2.55 18.90 70-95 Including 15.60 16.10 0.50 27.20 65-95 Including 16.40 17.90 1.50 118.75 65-95 Including 19.40 20.50 1.10 133.35 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-113 28.80 38.90 10.10 12.82 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 28.80 29.30 0.50 18.48 70-95 Including 30.25 31.30 1.05 25.09 70-95 Including 31.80 32.70 0.90 83.17 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-118 40.35 53.05 12.70 40.56 40-70 Iceberg Excavation Including 50.35 53.05 2.70 186.54 40-70 And Including 52.55 53.05 0.50 807.23 40-70 NFGC-25-GC-119 16.45 24.50 8.05 26.71 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 17.90 19.90 2.00 97.22 70-95 Including 20.90 21.80 0.90 12.15 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-121 29.60 33.75 4.15 16.92 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 32.35 33.25 0.90 74.82 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-122 4.35 6.40 2.05 19.72 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 4.70 6.40 1.70 23.64 70-95 And 13.45 23.35 9.90 12.98 60-90 Including 14.40 17.20 2.80 34.57 60-90 Including 18.00 18.50 0.50 32.38 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-123 14.40 23.45 9.05 11.06 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 17.60 19.20 1.60 52.51 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-124 17.00 29.40 12.40 5.17 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 18.80 20.30 1.50 30.32 70-95 Note that the host structures are interpreted to be moderately to steeply dipping. Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed in drill core which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum core length of 2 m with a maximum of 4 m consecutive dilution when above 200 m vertical depth and 2 m consecutive dilution when below 200 m vertical depth. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. Details of all drill holes reported in this press release are included in Table 2 and Table 3 below. Table 2: Summary of composite drill hole results reported in this press release for Keats and Iceberg. KEATS MAIN EXCAVATION Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone NFGC-25-GC-056 2.65 6.15 3.50 4.41 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 2.65 3.30 0.65 17.64 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-060 No Significant Values Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-062 4.20 19.65 15.45 1.73 70-95 Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-063 9.75 21.05 11.30 9.73 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 14.50 15.50 1.00 92.27 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-065 13.20 23.15 9.95 11.81 55-85 Keats Excavation Including 13.20 14.10 0.90 111.64 55-85 NFGC-25-GC-066 5.65 16.00 10.35 4.22 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 5.65 6.20 0.55 23.75 70-95 Including 10.10 11.10 1.00 24.78 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-068 23.95 26.20 2.25 40.34 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 24.40 24.80 0.40 167.68 70-95 Including 25.20 25.50 0.30 70.49 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-070 No Significant Values Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-071 1.00 4.90 3.90 16.91 35-65 Keats Excavation Including 1.85 3.40 1.55 38.19 35-65 And 10.65 13.55 2.90 1.42 35-65 NFGC-25-GC-073 1.70 7.05 5.35 3.47 65-95 Keats Excavation Including 4.85 5.30 0.45 29.03 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-075 0.25 3.00 2.75 2.31 70-95 Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-078 7.95 14.15 6.20 3.82 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 9.85 10.45 0.60 11.66 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-080 0.00 2.25 2.25 1.65 70-95 Keats Excavation And 7.10 9.40 2.30 1.69 70-95 And 17.60 23.05 5.45 3.72 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-081 1.90 4.65 2.75 8.37 45-75 Keats Excavation Including 2.90 3.90 1.00 19.70 45-75 And 14.45 19.85 5.40 3.86 70-95 Including 19.40 19.85 0.45 13.57 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-083 48.70 51.30 2.60 1.04 70-95 Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-086 15.60 19.00 3.40 1.01 15-45 Keats Excavation And 26.15 34.85 8.70 1.28 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-088 No Significant Values Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-089 No Significant Values Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-091 No Significant Values Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-092 0.00 2.20 2.20 1.97 65-95 Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-094 11.90 15.30 3.40 2.73 65-95 Keats Excavation Including 12.90 13.35 0.45 12.88 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-095 31.20 34.00 2.80 1.54 70-95 Keats Excavation And 37.00 39.15 2.15 4.87 70-95 Including 38.15 38.60 0.45 18.78 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-096 10.00 12.45 2.45 14.45 65-95 Keats Excavation Including 11.40 11.75 0.35 91.40 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-098 18.40 28.00 9.60 2.35 60-90 Keats Excavation Including 26.40 27.10 0.70 12.97 60-90 And 32.60 41.10 8.50 2.02 60-90 Including 33.60 34.00 0.40 11.28 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-100 0.00 15.95 15.95 2.56 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 9.40 9.85 0.45 20.86 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-102 20.45 40.70 20.25 1.41 30-60 Keats Excavation Including 29.65 30.30 0.65 14.98 30-60 NFGC-25-GC-103 1.25 10.85 9.60 2.17 70-95 Keats Excavation Including 10.15 10.85 0.70 11.95 70-95 And 14.15 16.75 2.60 1.11 70-95 And 25.40 28.05 2.65 1.04 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-105 0.00 2.30 2.30 3.85 Unknown Keats Excavation Including 0.00 0.40 0.40 21.96 Unknown And 16.15 18.50 2.35 1.50 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-108 8.15 14.25 6.10 1.72 70-95 Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-110 No Significant Values Keats Excavation NFGC-25-GC-111 23.70 34.30 10.60 2.37 65-95 Keats Excavation Including 29.40 30.15 0.75 11.27 65-95 And 37.80 40.70 2.90 6.29 50-80 Including 40.25 40.70 0.45 32.18 50-80 NFGC-25-GC-115 4.90 10.75 5.85 15.85 60-90 Keats Excavation Including 4.90 5.35 0.45 199.16 60-90 And 42.60 45.35 2.75 1.55 70-95 And 54.60 58.00 3.40 51.30 70-95 Including 54.60 55.20 0.60 31.18 70-95 Including 55.55 56.10 0.55 278.07 70-95 ICEBERG EXCAVATION Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone NFGC-25-GC-043 58.70 62.60 3.90 2.44 55-85 Iceberg Excavation And 71.95 75.60 3.65 15.51 25-55 Including 73.85 75.60 1.75 28.81 25-55 NFGC-25-GC-046 54.70 74.75 20.05 6.77 40-70 Iceberg Excavation Including 72.50 73.30 0.80 87.06 40-70 Including 74.00 74.75 0.75 44.69 40-70 NFGC-25-GC-048 19.50 21.55 2.05 1.39 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 24.00 26.55 2.55 1.06 70-95 And 45.15 54.30 9.15 28.07 70-95 Including 50.70 53.20 2.50 97.72 70-95 And 58.70 61.00 2.30 1.07 70-95 And 69.15 72.00 2.85 13.31 70-95 Including 69.15 70.00 0.85 11.37 70-95 Including 71.00 72.00 1.00 20.37 70-95 And 78.00 80.00 2.00 1.15 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-050 40.00 46.35 6.35 1.54 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 50.45 68.00 17.55 22.63 55-85 Including 51.20 53.10 1.90 65.51 55-85 Including 53.60 54.40 0.80 27.50 55-85 Including 56.80 57.20 0.40 162.33 55-85 Including 57.80 58.70 0.90 36.99 55-85 Including 63.90 66.40 2.50 31.79 70-95 Including 66.80 68.00 1.20 45.11 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-052 36.80 42.75 5.95 1.60 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 48.15 72.00 23.85 7.56 70-95 Including 48.60 49.20 0.60 12.26 70-95 Including 61.15 63.70 2.55 17.00 70-95 Including 64.40 65.20 0.80 74.21 70-95 Including 68.05 69.80 1.75 12.94 70-95 Including 71.50 72.00 0.50 38.44 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-055 39.50 47.40 7.90 3.35 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 46.20 47.10 0.90 18.55 70-95 And 51.45 67.45 16.00 76.58 70-95 Including 51.45 52.85 1.40 12.54 70-95 Including 55.40 55.70 0.30 63.77 70-95 Including 61.30 61.90 0.60 49.84 70-95 Including 63.50 67.45 3.95 288.48 70-95 And Including 63.50 64.25 0.75 656.59 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-058 23.75 26.45 2.70 14.99 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 24.40 25.35 0.95 43.11 70-95 And 31.30 57.45 26.15 11.62 70-95 Including 37.75 38.65 0.90 16.38 70-95 Including 40.35 42.30 1.95 53.55 70-95 Including 43.15 44.65 1.50 28.64 70-95 Including 49.80 51.00 1.20 28.67 70-95 Including 55.85 56.65 0.80 86.44 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-059 18.70 26.10 7.40 1.96 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 33.30 44.35 11.05 11.97 70-95 Including 35.00 35.45 0.45 12.52 70-95 Including 35.95 37.45 1.50 29.60 70-95 Including 38.90 39.55 0.65 68.85 70-95 Including 42.65 43.10 0.45 54.16 50-80 NFGC-25-GC-061 34.95 56.15 21.20 35.41 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 37.80 38.25 0.45 65.62 70-95 Including 42.70 44.00 1.30 77.08 70-95 Including 45.10 46.15 1.05 67.24 70-95 Including 48.95 49.75 0.80 76.23 70-95 Including 50.65 51.35 0.70 107.85 60-90 Including 52.35 55.60 3.25 118.45 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-064 20.00 22.20 2.20 1.25 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 32.30 41.30 9.00 30.85 70-95 Including 32.30 32.75 0.45 61.96 70-95 Including 33.30 34.10 0.80 223.22 70-95 Including 38.90 40.45 1.55 30.62 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-067 18.25 21.45 3.20 1.26 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 38.85 50.30 11.45 27.84 70-95 Including 39.85 40.80 0.95 16.17 70-95 Including 41.60 42.85 1.25 38.25 70-95 Including 45.20 46.55 1.35 125.72 70-95 Including 49.70 50.30 0.60 119.07 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-069 37.80 69.75 31.95 71.81 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 39.10 42.65 3.55 80.55 70-95 Including 47.95 48.90 0.95 28.97 70-95 Including 51.35 53.45 2.10 154.03 70-95 And Including 51.35 51.90 0.55 512.64 70-95 Including 56.80 57.40 0.60 50.45 70-95 Including 59.45 60.20 0.75 90.53 70-95 Including 63.15 69.75 6.60 230.17 70-95 And Including 66.20 67.80 1.60 595.58 70-95 And 79.00 81.15 2.15 2.69 Unknown Including 80.65 81.15 0.50 10.78 Unknown NFGC-25-GC-072 13.40 34.95 21.55 44.44 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 13.40 14.10 0.70 75.07 65-95 Including 22.60 23.10 0.50 116.62 70-95 Including 24.20 25.85 1.65 22.27 70-95 Including 27.70 28.50 0.80 14.00 70-95 Including 29.35 31.40 2.05 215.32 70-95 Including 32.35 32.90 0.55 632.87 55-85 NFGC-25-GC-074 15.35 22.20 6.85 8.38 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 15.35 16.00 0.65 16.06 70-95 Including 16.70 17.90 1.20 30.26 70-95 And 31.15 44.25 13.10 3.88 70-95 Including 35.60 37.10 1.50 22.24 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-076 19.85 26.20 6.35 1.01 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 38.45 51.30 12.85 18.43 70-95 Including 39.30 39.75 0.45 10.23 70-95 Including 48.40 48.85 0.45 81.00 40-70 Including 50.50 51.30 0.80 199.19 40-70 NFGC-25-GC-079 14.10 25.65 11.55 2.21 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 25.35 25.65 0.30 61.54 70-95 And 40.40 51.80 11.40 41.12 70-95 Including 40.40 40.70 0.30 10.76 70-95 Including 41.35 42.35 1.00 37.25 70-95 Including 43.00 43.70 0.70 14.36 70-95 Including 47.90 48.40 0.50 629.44 70-95 Including 48.70 50.30 1.60 55.71 50-80 And 57.35 59.55 2.20 11.74 50-80 Including 57.90 59.55 1.65 15.56 50-80 And 65.20 68.00 2.80 11.87 25-55 Including 65.20 66.80 1.60 18.64 25-55 NFGC-25-GC-082 16.80 36.65 19.85 43.18 65-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 17.50 19.40 1.90 221.81 65-95 Including 24.65 25.00 0.35 14.10 70-95 Including 31.00 34.00 3.00 122.53 70-95 Including 34.55 35.20 0.65 35.33 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-084 16.80 19.75 2.95 5.23 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 40.95 43.75 2.80 17.51 70-95 Including 41.40 43.00 1.60 27.24 70-95 And 48.90 60.60 11.70 27.31 70-95 Including 48.90 51.65 2.75 77.18 70-95 Including 57.90 60.60 2.70 38.29 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-085 19.30 22.20 2.90 2.63 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 41.80 44.10 2.30 17.99 65-95 Including 42.55 42.90 0.35 114.28 65-95 And 57.65 62.60 4.95 8.16 70-95 Including 62.15 62.60 0.45 51.19 70-95 And 69.80 72.15 2.35 20.05 70-95 Including 70.80 71.50 0.70 65.13 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-087 6.00 8.20 2.20 1.73 Unknown Iceberg Excavation And 18.15 20.70 2.55 1.78 70-95 And 42.80 52.00 9.20 6.70 70-95 Including 50.90 51.25 0.35 138.45 70-95 And 63.00 75.55 12.55 8.26 70-95 Including 63.80 65.20 1.40 19.78 70-95 Including 66.05 67.75 1.70 36.86 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-090 58.00 66.55 8.55 2.48 65-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 61.50 62.00 0.50 11.23 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-093 56.35 62.40 6.05 6.74 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 57.00 58.00 1.00 15.35 70-95 Including 60.70 61.70 1.00 17.92 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-097 21.30 24.15 2.85 1.07 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 27.65 55.20 27.55 11.88 70-95 Including 31.35 33.90 2.55 27.91 70-95 Including 34.45 35.95 1.50 36.04 70-95 Including 43.40 43.80 0.40 20.09 70-95 Including 54.75 55.20 0.45 321.59 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-099 2.00 4.10 2.10 1.02 Unknown Iceberg Excavation And 43.00 45.20 2.20 2.40 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-101 15.65 20.50 4.85 1.15 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 40.00 53.90 13.90 1.53 70-95 Including 41.15 41.55 0.40 12.16 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-104 42.15 44.45 2.30 1.23 70-95 Iceberg Excavation NFGC-25-GC-106 3.60 22.25 18.65 31.61 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 3.60 4.55 0.95 239.28 60-90 Including 10.25 10.90 0.65 15.83 70-95 Including 14.30 15.05 0.75 44.82 70-95 Including 17.60 22.25 4.65 65.59 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-107 12.60 15.20 2.60 14.30 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 12.60 14.35 1.75 17.81 70-95 And 21.75 30.05 8.30 55.43 70-95 Including 21.75 22.60 0.85 53.65 70-95 Including 23.60 24.15 0.55 141.09 70-95 Including 24.45 24.90 0.45 750.76 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-109 11.00 13.00 2.00 2.31 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 17.15 19.75 2.60 120.13 70-95 Including 17.80 18.95 1.15 304.86 70-95 And 25.40 40.80 15.40 8.55 70-95 Including 25.40 25.75 0.35 22.77 70-95 Including 27.45 28.00 0.55 13.75 70-95 Including 31.35 32.30 0.95 88.66 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-112 0.00 2.35 2.35 1.03 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 8.00 20.90 12.90 30.43 65-95 Including 8.00 10.55 2.55 18.90 70-95 Including 15.60 16.10 0.50 27.20 65-95 Including 16.40 17.90 1.50 118.75 65-95 Including 19.40 20.50 1.10 133.35 65-95 NFGC-25-GC-113 28.80 38.90 10.10 12.82 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 28.80 29.30 0.50 18.48 70-95 Including 30.25 31.30 1.05 25.09 70-95 Including 31.80 32.70 0.90 83.17 70-95 And 44.50 47.15 2.65 8.17 50-80 Including 46.30 46.60 0.30 56.91 50-80 NFGC-25-GC-116 8.00 11.70 3.70 1.10 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 28.40 38.30 9.90 3.74 70-95 Including 28.85 30.05 1.20 23.28 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-117 24.30 29.50 5.20 5.24 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 24.30 25.70 1.40 16.38 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-118 3.75 9.15 5.40 1.16 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 27.40 34.25 6.85 4.43 70-95 And 40.35 53.05 12.70 40.56 40-70 Including 50.35 53.05 2.70 186.54 40-70 And Including 52.55 53.05 0.50 807.23 40-70 NFGC-25-GC-119 3.40 8.00 4.60 8.81 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 6.10 8.00 1.90 19.32 70-95 And 16.45 24.50 8.05 26.71 70-95 Including 17.90 19.90 2.00 97.22 70-95 Including 20.90 21.80 0.90 12.15 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-120 21.70 24.20 2.50 1.09 60-90 Iceberg Excavation And 31.00 37.00 6.00 3.08 60-90 Including 31.00 32.45 1.45 12.53 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-121 6.35 10.20 3.85 1.35 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 29.60 33.75 4.15 16.92 70-95 Including 32.35 33.25 0.90 74.82 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-122 4.35 6.40 2.05 19.72 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 4.70 6.40 1.70 23.64 70-95 And 13.45 23.35 9.90 12.98 60-90 Including 14.40 17.20 2.80 34.57 60-90 Including 18.00 18.50 0.50 32.38 60-90 NFGC-25-GC-123 14.40 23.45 9.05 11.06 70-95 Iceberg Excavation Including 17.60 19.20 1.60 52.51 70-95 NFGC-25-GC-124 9.40 11.65 2.25 1.09 70-95 Iceberg Excavation And 17.00 29.40 12.40 5.17 70-95 Including 18.80 20.30 1.50 30.32 70-95 Note that the host structures are interpreted to be moderately to steeply dipping. Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed in drill core which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum core length of 2 m with a maximum of 4 m consecutive dilution when above 200 m vertical depth and 2 m consecutive dilution when below 200 m vertical depth. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. Table 3 Details of drill holes reported in this press release. Hole No. Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) UTM E UTM N Zone NFGC-25-GC-043 300 -45 108 658419 5427780 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-046 300 -45 99 658422 5427785 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-048 300 -45 84 658427 5427793 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-050 300 -45 76 658429 5427797 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-052 300 -45 76 658432 5427802 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-055 299 -45.2 75 658437 5427805 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-056 300 -45 13 658181 5427527 Keats NFGC-25-GC-058 300 -45 63 658437 5427810 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-059 299 -45.5 51 658436 5427817 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-060 300 -45 11 658248 5427541 Keats NFGC-25-GC-061 300 -45 61 658442 5427814 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-062 298 -45.2 21 658182 5427521 Keats NFGC-25-GC-063 299 -45 26 658177 5427512 Keats NFGC-25-GC-064 299 -45.5 59 658441 5427819 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-065 299 -45 36 658186 5427516 Keats NFGC-25-GC-066 299 -45 21 658171 5427516 Keats NFGC-25-GC-067 299 -45.5 67 658449 5427815 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-068 300 -45 34 658228 5427546 Keats NFGC-25-GC-069 300 -45 83 658444 5427807 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-070 300 -45 18 658213 5427555 Keats NFGC-25-GC-071 300 -45 23 658172 5427521 Keats NFGC-25-GC-072 300 -45 42 658434 5427824 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-073 300 -45 15 658166 5427519 Keats NFGC-25-GC-074 300 -45 67 658430 5427815 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-075 300 -45 13 658176 5427525 Keats NFGC-25-GC-076 300 -45 63 658425 5427806 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-078 300 -45 21 658179 5427516 Keats NFGC-25-GC-079 299 -45 84 658426 5427806 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-080 300 -45 31 658231 5427550 Keats NFGC-25-GC-081 300 -45 27 658223 5427549 Keats NFGC-25-GC-082 300 -45 42 658429 5427821 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-083 300 -45 54 658248 5427535 Keats NFGC-25-GC-084 299 -45 85 658420 5427797 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-085 300 -45 79 658417 5427793 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-086 300 -45 39 658237 5427547 Keats NFGC-25-GC-087 299 -45 78 658415 5427789 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-088 299 -45 19 658246 5427530 Keats NFGC-25-GC-089 299 -45 25 658225 5427554 Keats NFGC-25-GC-090 299 -45 71 658414 5427772 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-091 299 -45 15 658216 5427559 Keats NFGC-25-GC-092 299 -45 16 658243 5427526 Keats NFGC-25-GC-093 299 -45 69 658417 5427776 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-094 299 -45 21 658218 5427552 Keats NFGC-25-GC-095 299 -45 52 658240 5427533 Keats NFGC-25-GC-096 299 -45 23 658221 5427556 Keats NFGC-25-GC-097 300 -45 60 658431 5427808 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-098 298 -45 48 658239 5427540 Keats NFGC-25-GC-099 300 -45 58 658412 5427785 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-100 300 -45 23 658190 5427533 Keats NFGC-25-GC-101 300 -45 58 658410 5427780 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-102 300 -45 47 658235 5427536 Keats NFGC-25-GC-103 300 -45 31 658198 5427529 Keats NFGC-25-GC-104 300 -45 61 658407 5427776 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-105 300 -45 26 658217 5427547 Keats NFGC-25-GC-106 300 -45 28 658427 5427827 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-107 300 -45 38 658423 5427819 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-108 300 -45 24 658187 5427524 Keats NFGC-25-GC-109 300 -45.5 48 658423 5427814 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-110 300 -45 24 658252 5427527 Keats NFGC-25-GC-111 300 -45 48 658238 5427529 Keats NFGC-25-GC-112 300 -45 27 658422 5427825 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-113 300 -45 50 658415 5427806 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-115 300 -45 59 658242 5427521 Keats NFGC-25-GC-116 300 -45 51 658411 5427802 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-117 300 -45 56 658408 5427798 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-118 300 -45 59 658406 5427794 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-119 300 -45 32 658413 5427817 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-120 300 -45 44 658401 5427785 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-121 300 -45 50 658399 5427781 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-122 300 -45 25 658414 5427824 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-123 300 -45 30 658408 5427816 Iceberg NFGC-25-GC-124 300 -45 37 658406 5427811 Iceberg Sampling, Sub-sampling, and Laboratory All drilling recovers HQ core. For deep holes, the core size may be reduced to NQ at depth. The drill core is split in half using a diamond saw or a hydraulic splitter for rare intersections with incompetent core. A geologist examines the drill core and marks out the intervals to be sampled and the cutting line. Sample lengths are mostly 1.0 meter and adjusted to respect lithological and/or mineralogical contacts and isolate narrow (<1.0m) veins or other structures that may yield higher grades. Technicians saw the core along the defined cutting line. One half of the core is kept as a witness sample and the other half is submitted for analysis. Individual sample bags are sealed and placed into totes, which are then sealed and marked with the contents. New Found Gold has submitted samples for gold determination by PhotonAssay to ALS Canada Ltd. ("ALS") since February 2024. ALS operates under a commercial contract with New Found Gold. Drill core samples are shipped to ALS for sample preparation in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ALS does not currently have accreditation for the PhotonAssay method at their Thunder Bay, ON laboratory. They do however have ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) accreditation for gamma ray analysis of samples for gold at their Australian labs with this method, including the Canning Vale lab in Perth, WA. Samples submitted to ALS beginning in February 2024 received gold analysis by photon assay whereby the entire sample is crushed to approximately 70% passing 2 mm mesh. The sample is then riffle split and transferred into jars. For "routine" samples that do not have VG identified and are not within a mineralized zone, one (300-500g) jar is analyzed by photon assay. If the jar assays greater than 0.8 g/t, the remaining crushed material is weighed into multiple jars and submitted for photon assay. For samples that have VG identified, the entire crushed sample is riffle split and weighed into multiple jars that are submitted for photon assay. The assays from all jars are combined on a weight-averaged basis. Select samples prepared at ALS are also analyzed for a multi-element ICP package (ALS method code ME-ICP61) at ALS Vancouver. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with industry best practices. Standards and blanks account for a minimum of 10% of the samples in addition to the laboratory's internal quality assurance programs. Quality Control data are evaluated on receipt from the laboratories for failures. Appropriate action is taken if assay results for standards and blanks fall outside allowed tolerances. All results stated have passed New Found Gold's quality control protocols. New Found Gold's quality control program also includes submission of the second half of the core for approximately 2% of the drilled intervals. In addition, approximately 1% of sample pulps for mineralized samples are submitted for re-analysis to a second ISO-accredited laboratory for check assays. The Company does not recognize any factors of drilling, sampling, or recovery that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data disclosed. The assay data disclosed in this press release have been verified by the Company's Qualified Person against the original assay certificates. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Melissa Render, P. Geo., President, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Render consents to the publication of this press release by New Found Gold. Ms. Render certifies that this press release fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this press release. About New Found Gold Corp. New Found Gold is an emerging Canadian gold producer with assets in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company holds a 100% interest in Queensway and the Hammerdown Gold Project, which includes fully permitted milling and tailings facilities. The Company is currently focused on advancing its flagship Queensway to production and bringing the Hammerdown deposit into commercial gold production. In July 2025, the Company completed a PEA at Queensway (see New Found Gold press release dated July 21, 2025). Recent drilling continues to yield new discoveries along strike and down dip of known gold zones, pointing to the district-scale potential that covers a +110 km strike extent along two prospective fault zones at Queensway. Through 2025 New Found Gold built a new board of directors and management team and has a solid shareholder base which includes cornerstone investor Eric Sprott. The Company is focused on growth and value creation. Keith Boyle, P.Eng. Chief Executive Officer New Found Gold Corp. Contact For further information on New Found Gold, please visit the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca, contact us through our investor inquiry form at https://newfoundgold.ca/contact/contact-us/ or contact: Follow us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/newfound-gold-corp https://x.com/newfoundgold Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement Cautions This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including relating to the Company's 2025 drill program on its Queensway Gold Project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and the timing, results, and interpretation and use of the results; planned reporting of the remaining results from 2025 drilling and channel sampling from the Lotto excavation; the excavation program and the timing and results thereof; future drill and excavation programs and the timing and focus thereof; exploration, drilling and mineralization at Queensway; the extent of mineralization and the continuity of high-grade gold mineralization; the potential conversion of mineral resources; the potential resource expansion; planned filing of an updated Technical Report for Queensway, including a mineral resource update, and the timing thereof; focus on growth and value creation; and the merits of Queensway. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "interpreted", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "suggests", "indicate", "often", "target", "future", "likely", "pending", "potential", "encouraging", "goal", "objective", "prospective", "possibly", "preliminary", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with the Company's ability to complete exploration and drilling programs as expected, possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results and the results of the metallurgical testing program, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. 1 g/t Au = grams of gold per tonne, m = metres. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285803 Source: New Found Gold Corp. Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2026) - Elev8 Energy, founded in 2024, is redefining career development in today's uncertain job market. Positioned as more than just an employer, Elev8 is a launchpad for ambitious individuals who are eager to build their careers based on performance, not traditional corporate norms. The company is disrupting the landscape of residential solar sales, roofing sales, and project management by focusing on skill development, mentorship, and financial literacy. Elev8 Energy Announces Innovative Career Development Model to Empower Young Professionals To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/284921_ebdfe8cae48ceb60_002full.jpg In a labor market where artificial intelligence is replacing many entry-level roles and companies are posting fake job listings to maintain appearances, Elev8 Energy offers a refreshing alternative. According to a CBS News report, 40 percent of companies admitted to posting fake job listings in 2025. For young professionals, opportunity is not just competitive; it's uncertain. Elev8 Energy is here to change that dynamic. A Mission Built on Performance and Transparency Elev8 Energy's mission is simple: to offer a career development path that is built on feedback, results, and transparency. The company focuses on skill development, continuous feedback, and accountability, ensuring that all team members are equipped for long-term success. The Anti-Traditional Career Path Elev8 Energy offers a stark contrast to traditional career paths. The company's leadership team, with over 40 years of combined industry experience, recognized gaps in compensation transparency and long-term development in other organizations. They responded by creating their own model, one that prioritizes mentorship, modern sales psychology, and entrepreneurial thinking. This new approach allows high performers to build more than just income. Several representatives have leveraged their earnings into investment properties, real estate ventures, and startups, demonstrating that Elev8's model goes beyond just making a living, it's about creating wealth and long-term financial stability. Work Hard, Live Fully Elev8 Energy's structure is designed to support a work-life balance that aligns with the company's philosophy of "earned freedom." Summer interns typically work between spring and fall semesters, while full-time representatives work in high-intensity cycles, focusing for two weeks each month. Many top earners take three to four months off during winter, using their peak-season income to enjoy well-earned breaks. Elev8 Energy Announces Innovative Career Development Model to Empower Young Professionals To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/284921_ebdfe8cae48ceb60_003full.jpg Expanding with Purpose As Elev8 Energy continues to grow, the company is expanding its operations with intentionality and discipline. The Chicago branch has recently expanded into roofing, creating new opportunities for sales professionals and project managers. Solar expansion into new markets is also underway, as the company looks to scale in a way that ensures sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion. A New Model for Ambitious Professionals In a labor market where job stability is no longer guaranteed, Elev8 Energy is betting on a different approach. The company's model is built on performance over politics, skill over tenure, and ownership over dependency. While Elev8 Energy is selective in its hiring process, the rewards are clear for those who embrace resilience, discipline, and a relentless work ethic. For those willing to invest in their future and build their careers instead of waiting for opportunities to be handed to them, Elev8 offers uncapped potential. To learn more about Elev8 Energy and explore current opportunities, visit Elev8 Energy's website. Media Contact: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284921 Source: Plentisoft On the night of March 1, Belgium detained an oil tanker belonging to russia's shadow fleet. This was announced by Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. According to him, Belgian and French forces boarded the ship as part of Operation Blue Intruder. They are escorting it to the port of Zeebrugge, where the ship will be seized. Franken noted that without the shadow fleet, russian dictator Vladimir Putin will not be able to continue war against Ukraine. Therefore, Europe must take decisive action against these ships, one by one. Captured russian vessel / Photo credit: x.com/FranckenTheo "Belgium maybe a small country. But we are founding father of NATO and the EU and we take our responsability serious. After years of decline and abdication, Belgium is finaly back. When it matters, we don't hide. We show up," Francken stated. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever congratulated the army on the successful night operation and thanked the French partners. He emphasized that Belgium will uphold international maritime law and take decisive action against any violations of its territorial waters. At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha thanked Belgium for its decisive step and noted that such actions are justified and necessary to deprive russia of the resources to continue the war. Capture of a russian vessel / Photo credit: x.com/FranckenTheo "I am grateful to my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot and the entire Belgian government, military and security forces, as well as G7, Nordic and Baltic partners, who backed the operation, for their decisiveness and professionalism," Sybiha stated. He called on Ukraine's international partners to take decisive measures against russia's shadow fleet, including sanctions, and to uphold peace through strength. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2026) - SASQUATCH RESOURCES CORP. (CSE: SASQ) ("Sasquatch" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a corporate update, summarizing some significant milestones that have occurred in relation to its pipeline of potential waste rock and other properties. Highlights include: Permitting progress on the Company's most advanced project at Mount Sicker, with an engineering report having now been completed by a qualified engineering company, as well as a preliminary reclamation overview or "path to closure" having been completed by Okane Consultants - permitting materials including an updated comprehensive Project Description having been submitted for regulatory review. Progress with the analysis of waste piles at Mount Sicker, including a 97 sample surface sampling program, deeper pile sampling to 2-3 meters in 30 locations, and a detailed, professional survey of the waste piles completed by Kenyon Wilson Surveyors of Duncan, BC. Completion of an XRT ore-sorting test program on samples from Mount Sicker, with further metallurgical testing to be completed in coming months to help determine the best offtake terms for the high-sulphide product. Positive ongoing community consultations surrounding the proposed waste rock and reclamation project at Mount Sicker, including with North Cowichan City Council and local First Nations groups. Ongoing expansion of the potential project pipeline to follow Mount Sicker, including Blue Grouse, Copper Road, Santana, Slesse, and the new Alberni Claims. New discovery potential is "built in" to a number of the waste rock projects, including at Copper Road, Slesse, Santana, and the New Alberni Claims. Key additions to the board of directors and advisory board, specifically Andy Holloway. P.Eng. (metallurgist), as a director of the Company and Jillian Doucette, founder of Synergy Enterprises ("Synergy"), to the advisory board. New agreements/arrangements with (1) Synergy to investigate potential provincial, federal and research-based funding sources/grants, as well as to analyze environmental efficiencies inherent in our waste rock process, (2) SOMA Public Relations to engage in investor outreach, and (3) Okane Consultants to complete a detailed reclamation/closure plan for Mount Sicker. Execution of an MOU with a BC University, outlining mutual co-operation to facilitate research and learning at Mount Sicker, and to potentially collaborate on the creation of a "legacy mine site restoration centre" at Mount Sicker. The Strategy Sasquatch is primarily focused on legacy mining sites and mineralized logging/mining roads, and the potential to recover high-grade mineralization from historical mine waste dumps while also rehabilitating the site and addressing hazards left behind. This approach is intended to be a win-win for all stakeholders, in that it addresses some serious ongoing environmental liabilities while allowing the Company to recover waste rock containing gold, silver, copper and other valuable elements sitting right at surface. A natural secondary focus for Sasquatch is the larger sub-surface potential that may still exist at or near some of these sites. Legacy mine sites with related waste rock piles and logging roads built through mineralized rock have the potential to leach acid and heavy metals into the environment. Sasquatch's proposed approach to rehabilitation includes zero discharge mineral sorting processes that can separate high-sulphide material from benign rock. The separated sulphides, which may contain critical minerals and other valuable elements like copper, gold, silver and zinc, but also potentially environmentally harmful materials such as lead, sulphur and arsenic, would be removed and sold to a toll processor. The low/no sulphide material remaining at the associated site would then be properly reclaimed and made safe, and would be more amenable for future use and/or more encouraging of new natural growth. Permitting Progress at Mount Sicker Sasquatch's longest held and most advanced project is Mount Sicker, held since 2022, and the site of significant historical mining (mostly occurring between 1895 and 1915), with an estimated 300,000 tonnes or more of waste rock still remaining and piled at surface. Over the past few years the Company has taken steps to ascertain the approximate overall volume of waste rock and the corresponding grades for gold, silver, copper and zinc within the waste rock (see March 27, 2024 news release), has conducted testing to assess the potential for ore sorting and recovery of higher grade waste (see October 9, 2024 news release), and has initiated engagement with the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (the "Ministry") to explore permitting for the removal of the high grade waste and reclamation of the site (see May 27, 2025 news release). More recently, the Company has received a scoping level engineering report which outlines the planned process for separating sulphide mineralization from waste rock, as well as a "path to closure" reclamation report, describing a high-level plan for reclamation and closure of the site. These reports, together with an updated comprehensive Project Description, have been submitted for consideration to obtain a permit to remove the high-sulphide material under a Notice of Work application. Progress under this application will be updated as we move forward, but it is important to note that this permit application represents a relatively novel permitting pathway. While bulk sampling and full mining applications are well understood, this current process, best described as a "waste rock reclamation application", falls somewhere in between these two. No new mining is contemplated, as well as no corresponding need to establish new waste/tailings areas; however, the volume of sorting and removal contemplated go far beyond a more straight-forward bulk sampling permit. Once a mutually acceptable application process has been determined, it is expected that future similar permits might be obtained more efficiently in the future, which could have much broader implications for the province. By establishing a waste rock reclamation framework, more companies will presumably make and/or accelerate plans to address legacy mine sites and other mining waste opportunities. Waste Rock Analysis at Mount Sicker Sasquatch has taken a number of steps to gain a better understanding of the volume and grades within waste piles at the Mount Sicker legacy site, including: In 2024, 97 Samples taken on a designed grid, covering the majority of the piles, which returned averages of 1.86 g/t gold, 48.6 g/t silver, 1.22% copper and 3.05% zinc respectively*. See news release dated March 27, 2024 for further information. More recently in 2025, 30 deeper samples were taken from hand/auger dug holes, between 2 and 3 meters deep at various locations throughout the piles, with average grades at 3.95 g/t gold, 79.17 g/t silver, 3.25% copper and 5.72% zinc*. See news release dated December 31, 2025 for further information. Kenyon Wilson Surveyors, of Duncan, BC, completed a detailed survey of the majority of the waste piles at Mount Sicker in 2025, concluding that approximately 300,000 tons of waste is present. Some peripheral parts of the waste area have not yet been surveyed, but those areas are being completed and it is anticipated the survey will be updated with some additions to the final volume estimate. The estimate of overall waste volume By Kenyon Wilson roughly aligns with accounts from historical mining records at Mount Sicker, which similarly suggest 300,000 to 350,000 tons waste should be present. * Note, "averages across all samples" may not be indicative of averages across the entire waste pile. The potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature, that there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Ore-sorting Test Program at Mount Sicker In late 2024, the Company collected a 528 kg sample from four separate locations within the waste-rock area and shipped it to a TOMRA test-lab in Germany. The sample was run through full-scale sorting apparatus similar to that which is expected to be used if the project proceeds. The particle sorting technology scans waste rocks using X-ray transmittance (XRT) sensors to identify and sort high-density, high-sulphide material classified as contaminant rocks from lower-density, host rocks. The host rocks typically contain lower levels of sulphide mineralization, making them non-acid generating ("NAG") and suitable for reclamation. The high-sulphide material generated by the TOMRA sorting test was shipped back to Canada for assaying by ALS to gain a better understanding for the grades and volumes that might be expected to be shipped off Mount Sicker for further processing. Overall, 58% of the coarse material tested at TOMRA was classified as "high-grade". The separated high-grade material from the 528 kg sample, assayed 6.43 g/t gold, 180 g/t silver, 4.92% copper, and 8.70% zinc. Although this result is considered very positive, it should be noted that the waste pile is expected to be quite heterogeneous, and there will be pockets that reflect higher and lower head grades for the sorter, which in turn will impact the sorting machine's performance. However, this 528 kg test sample, as noted collected from four different areas within the waste pile, provides a good starting point from which some further assumptions and adjustments can be made. If the project proceeds, the sorting process is able to make field adjustments to account for feed material that appears to have higher or lower starting head grades, which should optimize the efficiency of the sorting process. The results were very promising in that they provided early validation that the proposed process concept could be highly effective in separating/removing the vast majority of not only gold, copper, silver and zinc, but also any additional contaminants that currently pose environmental threats. See news release dated October 9, 2024 for further information. The Company also performed acid testing on a variety of waste material at Mount Sicker, including on straight waste (feed samples) and rejected low-sulphide waste (material which would not be removed from the project site and instead would be used in reclamation). Importantly, the test provided early validation that high-sulphide waste at Mount Sicker is in fact acid generating, while sorted "rejects" were found to be non-acid generating. Community and First Nations Consultations Sasquatch has presented its plans at Mount Sicker to the North Cowichan City Council, which has provided a letter of support for the project, subject to engagement and support from affected First Nations. Since 2024, the Company has maintained regular communication with locally impacted First Nations. This has included site tours for representatives, as well as presentations to First Nations elders and councils. Feedback to-date has been constructive and generally very positive. The Company is working toward establishing a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to formalize ongoing First Nations collaboration and input for all aspects of the project, including input into final rehabilitation and closure plans. Expansion of Future Waste Rock Project Pipeline Sasquatch has compiled and is currently developing the following waste rock projects, all located a relatively short distance from Duncan, BC: Project Name Year Added Brief Description Related News Mount Sicker 2022 Historical waste rock piles containing gold, silver, copper and zinc from the Lenora, Tyee and Richard III mines; bulk of mining operations from 1895-1915. March 27, 2024 October 9, 2024 May 27, 2025 Blue Grouse 2024 Historical waste rock piles containing silver and copper from the Blue Grouse and Sunnyside mines; bulk of mining activity occurred in the early 1900's. November 7, 2024 June 26, 2025 Santana 2025 Historical waste rock piles containing gold, silver and copper from a smaller bulk mining operation in 1917; also extensive visible copper mineralization at surface for hard-rock deposit evaluation. April 8, 2025 October 14, 2025 Copper Road 2025 2-3 km from the Mount Sicker waste pile, a logging road was recently constructed directly through 200-250m of near-surface copper mineralization, potentially creating a substantial amount of new waste rock - focus in this area has also led to the discovery of hard-rock copper mineralization trends extending well beyond the road on both sides. October 20, 2025 Alberni Claims 2026 20-30 minutes from a deep water port at Port Alberni, these claims have both waste rock associated with legacy mine sites and significant stretches of logging road that appear to have been constructed through and with mineralized rock. February 18, 2026 February 25, 2026 For further information respecting any of the above projects, please see new releases surrounding each, as referenced above. Grid sampling programs like the ones done at the Mount Sicker Waste Pile in early 2024 and 2025 (see March 27, 2024 and December 31, 2025 news releases) have also been conducted at the Blue Grouse, Santana, and Copper Road waste pile areas (see November 7, 2024, October 14, 2025 and December 31, 2025 news releases), and results for each are repeated in the table below: Project Grid pattern samples taken Averages across all samples* Estimated waste volume Mount Sicker waste pile 97 (at surface) 30 (at 2-3m depth) 1.86 g/t gold, 48.6 g/t silver, 1.22% copper, 3.05% zinc 3.95 g/t gold, 79.17 g/t silver, 3.25% copper and 5.72% zinc 250-350,000 tons** Blue Grouse / Sunnyside 60/16 2.37% copper, 12.8 g/t silver / 4.31% copper, 8.91 g/t silver 200-300,000 tons*** Santana 61 0.82 g/t gold, 84.8 g/t silver, 3.09% copper 20-40,000 tons*** Copper Road 48 0.98% copper 150-200,000 tons*** Alberni Claims Planned for 2026 Planned for 2026 To be determined * Note, "averages across all samples" may not be indicative of averages across the entire waste pile. ** Estimate only, based on historical accounts and a completed ground survey. *** Estimate only, roughly based on historical accounts and/or visual assessment. Note the potential quantities and grades as expressed above are conceptual in nature, that there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. The Company's pipeline of projects has grown significantly, providing potential development opportunities that may extend over the long term. In British Columbia alone, there are estimated to be 2000 legacy mine sites, in addition to likely thousands more when areas where old and new logging/mining roads have been built through significant stretches of high-sulphide rock are factored in. Potential New Discoveries as Potential "Additional Value" for Sasquatch Shareholders Although Sasquatch is focused on waste rock associated with legacy mining sites and new logging/mining roads built through and with areas with high-sulphide content in rock, examination of these sites also present corresponding opportunities for the discovery of new mineralized systems that could justify a future development project. Some of these opportunities currently held by Sasquatch are highlighted below: Project Year added and size Discovery Potential/Description Related News Santana 2025 - 517 hectares In addition to waste rock piles (discussed above), there are large outcrops containing apparent copper, gold and silver mineralization. A bulk sample of 158.8 tons taken from an adit at the Santana site in 1915 was processed at the Anyox Smelter and yielded 4.28% Cu, 79.38 g/t Ag and 0.567 g/t Au. It is intended that the surface mineralization surrounding the adit will be further evaluated using chip sampling and backpack drilling, and that the occurrence will be properly mapped to start ascertaining its size. April 1, 2025 October 14, 2025 Copper Road 2025 - 1,636 hectares 9 channel samples were taken over a total of 24.7 meters where mineralized veins appeared to intersect directly with the newly constructed logging road. Following these veins away from the road has led to the discovery of potentially much larger mineralized systems on either side of the road, which will be investigated and evaluated. Nine channel samples immediately adjacent to the road returned an average of 2.36% copper. A density survey has been organized for March, 2026, to try and ascertain the size and location of larger mineralized systems adjacent to the road, and further sampling is planned. December 31, 2005 Slesse Gold Claims 2025 - 1,567 hectares with an additional 422 hectares under application Near the USA border and approximately 150m away from the historical Red Mountain Gold Mine on the USA side (a 30 year small scale gold producer); Sasquatch has also applied for claim extensions to the north which include the historical Mountain Goat Gold Mines on the Canadian side. The Red Mountain trend was sampled on the Canadian side, with 10 of 12 samples exceeding 1g/t gold, and the two highest returning 135.5 g/t and 700 g/t gold respectively. 8 of 12 samples taken from the Red Mountain Fault Zone exceeded 5% copper, with the two highest at 22.8% and 14.65% copper. In each copper sample exceeding 5%, gold was also highly anomalous, ranging from 3.54 g/t to 19.85 g/t gold. November 27, 2025 January 13, 2026 Alberni Claims 2026 - 2,520 hectares with additional 201 hectares under application A large and apparently continuous porphyry/stockwork system has been walked at surface within the Golden Dome property over a 3km length, with as much as 500m width, and an elevation change of over 300m from one end to the other. The system also contains frequent quartz and VMS veining throughout. This is the same system where new logging roads have been constructed (noted above). The Company intends to systematically sample and map this area in the spring of 2026. Other areas within the Alberni claims also show some promise for new discoveries, and it is intended that these will all be evaluated as time and Company resources allow. February 18, 2026 February 25, 2026 Some of the Company's resources will be allocated to further exploring and developing these properties, and in the future they might become the subject of a joint venture with another company more focused on exploration, and/or other corporate opportunities. Key New Board and Advisory Additions for Sasquatch On February 6, 2026, Sasquatch added a new director and new advisory board member to the team. Andy Holloway has joined the board as a mining industry professional with more than 35 years of diverse industry experience. A metallurgical process engineer by training, his background includes the management of consulting businesses and plant operations, process consulting, plant design, capital & operating cost estimation, cashflow modelling, project management, procurement and commissioning - on an international scale and with a focus on base and precious metals. Andy currently serves on the Board of Silver Bow Mining Corp. (Montana, USA) and until recently was the Process Director at Halyard Inc. (Toronto). Andy will be an invaluable member of the team going forward, given his contacts and experience in dealing with both processing design and to assist in finding potential end buyers for the high-grade waste rock product. Jillian Doucette joined as a board advisor, having founded Synergy Enterprises in 2008 after completing studies in biology. She is passionate about how business, industry, and communities can mobilize towards a low-carbon future, she works on the frontier of several sectors, including community development, tourism, and clean technology. An active writer and speaker with three published books, Jill is also the Executive Director of the Synergy Foundation. Her experience in the clean-tech investment community, as well as her insights toward optimizing an environmentally friendly approach to waste rock opportunities and reclamation, will be invaluable to Sasquatch going forward. New and Future Agreements Sasquatch has entered an agreement with Synergy Enterprises ("Synergy") to provide assistance in seeking funding, grants and tax credits from various provincial, federal, and other sources, including the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, Innovate BC, the National Research Institute of Canada, EcoAction, the Island Coastal Economic Trust, the SRED program, and others. Synergy will also analyze aspects of the Company's planned approach to waste rock and reclamation with a specific focus on carbon footprint efficiencies compared to more traditional mining operations. Synergy has worked across a wide range of sectors, including clean technology, aviation, maritime, and critical minerals. In the mining sector specifically, Synergy has worked with companies such as Magna Mining, Fireweed Metals, and Foran. By supporting organizations to take decisive, credible steps on climate change, Synergy helps reduce environmental impact while strengthening long-term resilience through operational efficiencies and future-proofing strategies. Sasquatch has also retained the services of SOMA Public Relations, representing one of the Company's first agreements aimed exclusively toward media outreach. SOMA is a boutique public relations agency providing strategic communications services to purpose-driven organizations, with experience supporting companies advancing environmental stewardship, innovation, and community-focused outcomes. Finally, Sasquatch has asked Okane Consultants ("Okane") to provide quotes and timing to complete an additional, expanded report, adding final details to its previously supplied reclamation and closure overview. This report would also be reviewed by local stakeholders, including North Cowichan City Council and impacted First Nations, and It is hoped that this would represent one of the last steps prior to obtaining needed approvals and commencing operations. From their website, "Okane helps mining companies to return the land responsibly and safely at the end of a mine's lifecycle. We believe in challenging the status quo and advocate for meaningful partnerships and positive outcomes for community stakeholders and Indigenous rightsholders. Our solutions help our clients achieve positive financial, environmental, and social outcomes from feasibility through to relinquishment." Okane has over 100 employees based in Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, and works on projects large and small all over the world. MOU with a BC University to Facilitate Research and Learning at Mount Sicker On May 24, 2025, The Geological Association of Canada held an educational event at Mount Sicker, which was attended by 25-30 geologists, government representatives, students and other interested parties (see May 27, 2025 news release). Since then, a number of learning and research-oriented activities have taken place on Mount Sicker in co-operation with the Company. Recently, a BC University executed an MOU with Sasquatch to support future such learning initiatives at Mount Sicker. The memorandum also contemplates potential collaboration on the development of a "legacy mine site rehabilitation centre" should reclamation at the site be completed in the future. Final Thoughts Peter Smith, Sasquatch's CEO, commented, "we are obviously very pleased with all the progress Sasquatch has made. We firmly believe that our strategic approach on waste rock, the product of a great deal of research and consideration with contributions from some outstanding industry professionals, represents what could be a giant leap forward for the province and mining generally. Legacy mine sites and logging/mining road construction through high-sulphide waste areas create opportunities to access critical minerals and other elements sitting right at surface while addressing the corresponding environmental hazards. In furtherance of this, we've done extensive work to ready Mount Sicker as a first project, and to create and further develop a substantial pipeline to follow. As an added bonus, we have managed to identify a number of potential new discoveries, which can be the subject of joint ventures or spin off transactions in the future. We've assembled a team fully capable of managing a waste rock reclamation operation from start to finish, as well as capable of ensuring proper attention is given to environmental concerns. Local stakeholders have been updated regularly, and our approach appears to have strong support, which is not surprising. At the end of the day, we aim to clean up unsightly, hazardous sites, all while adding needed critical minerals and other elements to the supply chain, and without the need for new mining infrastructure." Jillian Doucette, Sasquatch's new advisory board member, said, "recovering critical minerals from legacy mining waste while restoring lands so damaged they've been barren for generations is exactly the kind of smart, future-focused innovation we need more of in British Columbia's economy. I am looking forward to joining Sasquatch Resources Corp. as a Board Advisor and to work with a team that's rethinking what mining can be: turning waste into value, repairing deeply degraded landscapes, and strengthening the world's critical minerals supply. In addition, my company Synergy Enterprises will bring expertise in carbon measurement, decarbonization and clean energy to this project." Director Thomas Lamb commented, "Sasquatch has quietly assembled what I believe is an extraordinary portfolio of projects across Western Canada. This will not remain under the radar for long. As the market begins to understand the scale and uniqueness of what we are building, today's market capitalization will look increasingly disconnected from intrinsic value. Sasquatch is not simply advancing resource projects, it is scaling a vitally important ecological service: transforming legacy, hazardous mine sites into safe, productive landscapes. Importantly, Sasquatch's restoration can also unlock substantial economic value. I believe that Sasquatch's combination of environmental remediation and disciplined economic extraction represents a powerful, differentiated model - one capable of delivering both measurable ecological impact and compelling shareholder returns." A photo gallery showing all the various sites and projects noted above is available here. Qualified Person Darcy Vis B.Sc., P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 who is independent to the Company, has reviewed and approved the scientific or technical information included in this news release. Mr. Vis has verified the information disclosed by reviewing all available data on which such information is based. There were no limits on the verification process. About Sasquatch Resources Corp. Sasquatch Resources Corp. is a mineral exploration company primarily focused on reclamation of waste rock, both at legacy mine sites and in areas where logging roads have encountered and been constructed with significant volumes of mineralized material. In many cases, waste rock at such sites is easily accessible, occurs in significant volumes, and can contain potentially economic grades of copper, gold, silver and other valuable minerals. Removing the high-sulphide material from the waste at these sites (which includes both valuable minerals but also potentially harmful elements such as sulphur, lead and arsenic) can often be effectively done through a relatively simple ore-sorting process, and the high-sulphide material can be removed from the site and sold to an existing end processor. This process can allow the Company to address environmental and other hazards while adding critical minerals and other valuable elements to the supply chain, all while minimizing the need to add new mines and/or mining infrastructure. To this end, the Company has acquired and is assessing a number of project areas that have waste rock potential, including the Mount Sicker Property in southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, the Blue Grouse Property, located about 30km from the Mount Sicker Property on the south side of Lake Cowichan, the Santana Property (the area known as the former Santana mine) on Quadra Island, British Columbia, the Port Alberni Claim Group (including Lucky Strike, Star of the West, B & K, Golden Dome and Golden Eagle) about 90km from Mount Sicker, and the Slesse Property near Chilliwack, British Columbia. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of its mineral properties, the proposed work programs on its mineral properties and the potential and economic viability of its mineral properties. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285818 Source: Sasquatch Resources Corp. Elnaaz Norouzi reacts to US-Israel strikes on Iran, says she is praying for innocent civilians, as her emotional social media post sparks discussion online. Bollywood actor Elnaaz Norouzi has reacted to the escalating conflict in West Asia, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian impact of the United States and Israel strikes on Iran. Taking to social media, the Sacred Games actor shared a heartfelt message, saying she is praying for the safety of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Elnaaz, who was born in Iran and later moved to Germany before building a career in India, wrote that her thoughts are with families and children affected by the violence, urging compassion and peace during what she described as an extremely distressing period. She highlighted the emotional toll the situation has taken on people with close ties to the region and stressed the need to protect non-combatants amid ongoing military tensions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Elnaaz Norouzis reaction sparks online discussion Her post quickly drew widespread attention, with fans and followers praising her for speaking up on a sensitive global issue. Several users echoed her call for peace, while others shared messages of solidarity and concern for civilians affected by the conflict. The actor has previously spoken about her emotional connection to Iran and how events in the region deeply impact her. Her latest statement comes at a time when tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US have intensified, leading to heightened fears of further escalation. Games View All Past statements on Iran developments resurface Meanwhile, a separate social media post by Elnaaz, reacting to reports surrounding the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, also resurfaced online, sparking mixed reactions. The actor had described the development as incredible news, leading to debate among netizens over the interpretation and context of her remarks. She wrote, This is the most incredible news for us. The news weve been waiting for for 47 years has arrived. Khamenei is dead. God is greatest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the online chatter, Elnaaz has largely maintained her stance of advocating peace and safety for civilians, reiterating that innocent lives must remain above political and military conflicts. Speaking exclusively to Firstpost about the blasts in Dubai, actress Urvashi Rautela, whos a frequent visitor, said, For now, Dubais airspace remains closed. The Iranian attack has shocked the world and UAE has suffered too. Many videos and pictures have surfaced on social media. And the concern continues to pour in and tensions rise amid the volatile situation. Speaking exclusively to Firstpost about the blasts in Dubai, actress Urvashi Rautela, whos a frequent visitor, said, For now, Dubais airspace remains closed, which means anyone with imminent plans to visit the emirate are likely to find their plans affected. Travellers are advised to stay informed, monitor airline updates closely and allow extra time for connections where possible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The actress added, When Dubais airspace reopens, it is likely that any safety concerns on the ground will be alleviated, and travel plans to Dubai should be able to proceed as intended. Travelers should continue to monitor the situation closely. The authorities confirmed that the security situation in the UAE remains stable and that all concerned entities are monitoring developments around the clock. What next for UAE? The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that, since the onset of the Iranian attack, the air force and air defence forces of the United Arab Emirates have successfully engaged and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the countrys territory, underscoring the high readiness of the air defence systems and their capability to address various threats. Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been asked to move to distance learning till Thursday. The UAEs General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced that the state will bear all costs of accommodation and sustenance for affected and stranded passengers, as the countrys airports and national carriers have dealt with approximately 20,200 individuals impacted by the rescheduling of some flights. Games View All At least one person was killed and seven were injured after after the United Arab Emirates intercepted several Iranian missiles on Saturday. Several waves of Iranian attacks targeting the airport and several other sites across the UAE kept people awake on Saturday night. One person was killed and 7 were injured in Drone interception incident targeting Zayed International Airport. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Actor Rajpal Yadav breaks silence on his Rs. 9 crore cheque bounce case, calling it an ego clash, as his lawyer interrupts a media interaction. The actor also claims he has Rs. 1,200 crore worth of projects lined up over the next seven years. Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has addressed the ongoing Rs. 9 crore cheque bounce case, calling it an ego clash, during a press conferance that was notably interrupted by his lawyer. The actor, who recently secured bail, also made a striking claim about having Rs. 1,200 crore worth of work lined up over the next seven years. This is an ego clash, says Rajpal Yadav Speaking to reporters, Rajpal Yadav described the dispute as deeply personal rather than purely financial. This is not about money. This is an ego clash, the actor said, adding that he was confident the truth would emerge in court. When the deal happened, Bhaskar ji (Rajpals lawyer) wasnt in the picture. I have worked in over 250 films. If I look back at those agreements, every contract will have some loophole. When this deal took place, I never imagined it would be dragged to court. This fight is an ego clash. The person wants me to fall at his feet in return for Rs. 5 crore. He doesnt want money. If it was for money, I am ready to pay since 2013. The money came to me first. I went to the Laxmi Nagar office and blindly signed the papers without reading them. I did make a mistake there, Rajpal Yadav said, as per a report in Hindustan Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The actor continued, Because it was a ghar ka maamla, I didnt involve lawyers. Sometimes, you trust peoples words and relationships more than paperwork. In my mind, I thought a man whose net worth is between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500 crore gave me Rs. 5 crore within minutes on a single phone call; why would he ever file a case against me? There was no lawyer involved, and not even my wife was aware. What we had agreed upon was that after the films release, he would receive Rs. 8 crore instead of Rs. 5 crore, and whatever remained would be mine. The film earned Rs. 1 crore Yadavs lawyer stepped in at that point, and just said, If you say that trusting that man was a mistake, then Rajpal Yadav has made that mistake. Rs. 1,200 crore worth of work lined up, claims Rajpal Rajpal Yadav, during the same press conferance, also claimed that his professional future remains strong despite the legal setbacks. Over the next 7 years, I have branding projects valued at Rs1200 crore. Ive secured 4 agreements, which dont include films. Some of these projects are worth Rs 200 crore, while others go up to Rs 2000 crore. The income is a mix of fees and equity in the projects. I also have 10 films lined up, he said, adding that he is focused on rebuilding stability and continuing his career. The actor also announced the launch of his YouTube channel, calling it a platform to connect more directly with fans and explore creative independence. Industry support pours in Following his legal ordeal, multiple voices from the film fraternity have rallied behind Rajpal Yadav, praising his contribution to Indian cinema and urging producers and filmmakers to support him during this phase. Delhi High Court allows disciplinary proceedings against Sameer Wankhede in the Cordelia cruise drug bust case, setting aside CATs stay and enabling the government to continue its inquiry. The Delhi High Court has allowed disciplinary proceedings to go ahead against former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede in connection with alleged irregularities during the 2021 Cordelia cruise drug bust case. A division bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Ravinder Dudeja set aside a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order that had earlier stayed the disciplinary action, clearing the way for the government to continue its inquiry against Wankhede. The court held that the tribunal had prematurely interfered in an ongoing departmental process and that there was no legal bar to continuing the proceedings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The case relates to the high-profile raid conducted by the NCB aboard the Cordelia cruise ship off the Mumbai coast in October 2021, which led to multiple arrests, including that of actor Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan. The operation had later come under intense scrutiny following allegations of procedural lapses, misconduct, and extortion attempts. Subsequently, a vigilance inquiry was ordered, which reportedly found irregularities in Wankhedes conduct, including failure to follow mandatory procedures and alleged misuse of authority. Based on the findings, the Centre initiated disciplinary proceedings, which were later stayed by the CAT. Challenging the tribunals order, the Union government argued that disciplinary proceedings are administrative in nature and should not be stalled at a preliminary stage. Agreeing with this view, the Delhi High Court ruled that Wankhede must face the departmental inquiry, allowing the process to move forward. The decision marks a significant development in the long-running Cordelia cruise case, which has remained in the public spotlight due to its political and legal ramifications. Games View All Sonal Chauhan is stranded in Dubai after US-Iran tensions disrupted flights. She appealed to Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs for help, but no official response has been given yet. Actor Sonal Chauhan has said she is stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the US-Iran conflict, after flight operations were disrupted and airspace closures left several passengers grounded. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the actor appealed for assistance from the Indian government, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs. In her post, she wrote, Honble PM @narendramodi ji I am currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been cancelled and no clear way to return to India. Im seeking the governments guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return @meaindia @india_in_dubai. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Honble PM @narendramodi ji, I am currently stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing crisis, with flights cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I respectfully seek the Governments guidance for a safe journey home Grateful for any support extended@MEAIndia @IndiainDubai SONAL CHAUHAN (@sonalchauhan7) February 28, 2026 Chauhan also tagged the Indian Embassy in the UAE, requesting help as uncertainty continues around flight schedules and regional safety. According to reports, airspace restrictions and cancellations have affected several international routes, leaving many travellers stuck in transit hubs across the region. As of now, there has been no official response from the Indian government or the embassy regarding her appeal. The situation remains fluid, with airlines closely monitoring developments and adjusting operations accordingly. Games View All Irans retaliatory missile and drone attacks after US-Israel strikes disrupted life in Dubai, damaging parts of its airport, hitting areas near Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, and forcing airspace closures across West Asia, also triggering one of the worst global aviation disruptions in years Smoke rises over a hotel damaged in Dubai's famed Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 28, 2026 in this screen capture from video. Video obtained by Reuters/Handout Dubai, long marketed as a city insulated from regional turbulence by its focus on trade, tourism and finance, has been thrust into the front line of a rapidly escalating West Asian conflict after Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks following joint American and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday. The fallout has been immediate: damage to iconic landmarks and key infrastructure, casualties from falling debris, the temporary shutdown of one of the worlds most important aviation hubs, and visible disruption to daily life in an emirate unaccustomed to scenes of interceptions over residential neighbourhoods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What unfolded over the course of the last twenty hours was not limited to a single strike or location. The attacks formed part of a wider Iranian response aimed at US-linked assets across the Gulf, with spillover effects in civilian areas of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond. Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial assault by the US and Israel, according to Iranian state media, marking one of the most consequential leadership losses in the countrys modern history. How UAE is under fire from Iran Here are the latest (as of March 1, 2026 at 0945 hours - Indian Standard Time) security updates vis-a-vis Dubai etc: Dubai International Airport (DXB) Dubai International Airport (DXB), the worlds busiest international travel hub, sustained damage during overnight incidents linked to Iranian retaliation. The emirates media office said that a concourse at the airport suffered minor damage in an incident that was contained quickly. Aviation sources also indicated that one of the terminals was affected. BREAKINGExplosion reported at Dubai International Airport. Cause unclear, possibly a drone or falling shrapnel. Video shows damage & evacuations. No official statement yet. pic.twitter.com/2Grz56MU5Z Hala Jaber (@HalaJaber) February 28, 2026 Four people were reported injured at the airport and received medical attention. Burj Al Arab The Burj Al Arab, one of Dubais most recognisable hotels and a long-standing emblem of the citys push to project luxury to the world, was also impacted. Authorities said that a drone was intercepted and that fragments led to a small fire on the buildings outer facade. UAE | Footage shows fires at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai after Iranian drone strikes. pic.twitter.com/QPOTBOTP7l Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) March 1, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The hotel, built on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach and opened in 1999, has long been woven into Dubais identity as a premium tourism destination. Even limited damage to such a landmark carried symbolic weight for a city that has carefully curated its image as a safe and glamorous stopover for international travellers. Jebel Ali Port At Dubais Jebel Ali Port, debris from an aerial interception fell onto one of the berths, triggering a fire. Although the port is not formally designated as a military installation, it is the largest port of call for the US Navy in West Asia and regularly hosts American aircraft carriers and other naval vessels. Multiple explosions reported at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. pic.twitter.com/CvVuXOogud SilencedSirs (@SilentlySirs) February 28, 2026 Its logistical importance to both global trade and US naval operations made it a sensitive site in the context of Iranian retaliation aimed at American-linked assets in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Palm Jumeirah Residential and mixed-use areas were also affected. An explosion was reported near the Palm Jumeirah, the artificial island known for high-end residential towers and luxury hotels. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai just got hit. One of the most recognizable man-made structures on earth. Luxury hotels. Thousands of residents. Global icon. Iran just struck a tourist destination. This is no longer about military targets.pic.twitter.com/yplJvIwn04 https://t.co/6zMqAsKNyu Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 28, 2026 The Dubai Media Office confirmed that emergency response teams were deployed immediately, that the site was secured and that the fire triggered by the impact was brought under control. On Saturday, a separate fire was also reported near another hotel, reportedly Fairmont The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah. #FirstpostNews: Missile Strikes Dubais Fairmont Hotel A missile struck the grounds of the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai on Saturday, February 28, amid retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces following joint USIsrael attacks on Iran. The UAE Foreign Ministry said several Iranian pic.twitter.com/fcuYzc3QZy Firstpost (@firstpost) February 28, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In another incident captured on video and shared widely online, a Shahed drone was seen descending toward a densely populated part of the city before striking an area between two buildings. Flames were visible after the impact, though initial footage did not clarify what structure had been hit. Burj Khalifa A separate video showed a drone striking close to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Media reports said the Burj Khalifa was evacuated after explosions were heard across the city, as Iranian missile strikes targeted US military locations across the Gulf. Residents described seeing missiles streak across the night sky and hearing repeated blasts in different parts of the city. CIA facility Reports have also come in that United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has had one of its facilities targeted in Dubai. The Shahed drones involved in the attacks have featured in multiple conflicts in recent years. They are loitering munitions designed for precision strikes, combining characteristics of drones and cruise missiles. With reported ranges extending up to 2,500 kilometres, they can be launched from within Iranian territory or by allied groups elsewhere in the region. Their appearance over Dubai marked a stark shift from the citys usual security environment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Abu Dhabi In Abu Dhabi, debris from intercepted missiles fell into residential areas, resulting in casualties. Abu Dhabi Airports initially said an incident at Zayed International Airport led to one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries, though the post was later deleted. The UAE Ministry of Defence subsequently confirmed that falling debris caused one civilian death of Asian nationality and material damage in a residential area. Why Dubai airport being closed will disrupt global travel networks The most far-reaching impact of the attacks was felt in the skies. As Iranian missiles were fired toward Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha three of the most important eastwest aviation gateways countries across the region closed their airspace. Dubai International, Abu Dhabis Zayed International Airport and Kuwaits international airport were all affected by the overnight strikes. In Dubai, airport authorities suspended all flights at DXB and at Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice, urging passengers not to travel to the terminals. Flight-tracking maps showed vast stretches of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain almost completely devoid of commercial traffic. Aircraft that had already departed were forced to divert along longer routes, with Larnaca, Jeddah, Cairo and Riyadh becoming key waypoints for rerouted flights. Dubais centrality to long-haul aviation magnified the consequences of the shutdown. The airport connects 291 destinations across 110 countries and functions as a primary bridge between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than 454,800 flights moved through the airport in 2025. Its cargo capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year underpins supply chains for everything from electronics to pharmaceuticals. OAG data for February and March 2026 showed Dubai handling more than five million international seats per month, with no meaningful domestic operations to absorb traffic when international routes are suspended. The sudden closure of such a central node sent shockwaves through airline networks globally. Long-haul carriers were forced to cancel or reroute services at short notice, while connecting passengers found themselves stranded far from their destinations. One of the passengers stranded in Dubai was reportedly Indian badminton player PV Sindhu and her team. How UAE is dealing with Irans strikes The UAE defence ministry said air defence systems intercepted a number of Iranian ballistic missiles with high efficiency and that authorities were managing the consequences of debris impacts. The ministry described the strikes as a blatant attack and said that air defences had dealt with the missiles effectively. It stated that the security situation in the country remained stable and that all relevant agencies were monitoring developments continuously. The ministry condemned the targeting of civilian objects and facilities, describing such actions as a dangerous escalation that threatened civilian safety and regional stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also characterised the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty and international law, saying the UAE reserved the right to respond and would take necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents. The ministry urged the public to rely on official sources and to avoid circulating unverified information. Residents in Dubai told AFP that they heard loud blasts and saw missiles moving across the sky. One witness said: It was a big explosion, and it made the windows shake. Reports indicated that there was an initial wave of explosions earlier in the day, followed by further blasts later. Social media platforms were flooded with footage of interceptor missiles and falling objects crossing the sky above residential neighbourhoods and commercial districts. Some building managements asked occupants to move to basements or interior spaces as a precaution. Fitness centres and other non-essential services informed clients that they would close temporarily. The disruptions have come during Ramadan, when many cafes and restaurants typically operate late into the night to cater to people breaking their fast after sunset. While late-night dining continued in parts of the city, the atmosphere was markedly different. Panic buying in certain supermarkets prompted the authorities to issue a public reassurance that food supplies were sufficient. Officials said that strategic reserves of essential commodities were robust and diversified, urging residents not to hoard. Why Dubai found itself exposed in the crossfire Dubais vulnerability during the Iranian retaliation was tied less to its own military profile than to its strategic importance to US operations and global commerce. The UAE hosts several key American military assets, most notably at Al Dhafra Air Base south of Abu Dhabi. The base supports US Air Force Central Command operations, including deployments of F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, drones and airborne early warning systems. It also houses the Gulf Air Warfare Center, which provides advanced regional training. Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, while a commercial port, plays a pivotal role for the US Navy. It is the largest port of call for American naval vessels in the region and regularly accommodates aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers. The concentration of US military logistics in and around the UAE helps explain why Iranian retaliation aimed at American interests created spillover risks for civilian infrastructure in Dubai. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Israel and the US are targeting Iran, while Tehran has resumed air strikes on Arab Gulf countries as it seeks to avenge the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Lakhs of Indians, especially a significant chunk of Keralites, are left stranded in West Asia as the war has disrupted global air travel Motorists drive past a plume of smoke rising from a reported Iranian strike in the industrial district of Doha on March 1, 2026. AFP West Asia is gripped by uncertainty as Iran engages in a war with Israel and the United States. The attacks and counter-attacks continued on Sunday (March 1) after US and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a day before. Iran has said it is attacking targets in the heart of Tehran, while Tehran has resumed its air strikes on Arab Gulf countries. The escalation in conflict has disrupted global air travel, with major West Asian airports, including Dubai, closed today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Airspaces over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain closed on Sunday morning, while Saudi Arabia has imposed partial closure. Lakhs of Indians have been stranded across West Asia as air travel remains disrupted. Are overseas Indians safe? We take a look. Iran strikes Gulf neighbours Iran has retaliated against strikes by Israel and the US by targeting Gulf countries. Tehran struck the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, saying it was targeting US bases in the region. Over 200 drones and 137 ballistic missiles targeted the UAE alone, the Emirati defence ministry said on Sunday. All projectiles, except 14 drones, were intercepted. In Dubai, five-star hotels caught fire, windows of apartment towers rattled, international airport was damaged, wounding seven people, reported New York Times (NYT). Debris from an intercepted drone fell on the international airport in Abu Dhabi, killing one Asian national and injuring seven people, as per the airport authority. Debris from another falling drone hit the facade of Etihad Towers, a complex housing the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi, causing minor injuries to a woman and her child, the emirates media office said on Sunday. At least three people died and 58 were reportedly injured as the UAEs air force and air defence systems shot down Iranian missiles and drones. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Qatar, 16 people were injured as the Qatari defence ministry said on Sunday that it had intercepted 18 ballistic missiles fired across the country. Qatar hosts a major American air base. A drone struck the airport in Kuwait, injuring nine workers, the countrys state news agency reported. Kuwaits Ministry of Defence said its air force intercepted and destroyed 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since Irans attacks, according to the Kuwait News Agency. A person was killed and 32 have been injured amid ongoing regional developments, the agency reported. In Bahrain, which also houses a major US naval base, the government said it intercepted 45 missiles and nine drones. The interior ministry said that several residential buildings in the capital of Manama had been targeted. As per the government hospitals, at least four people were being treated for injuries. An oil tanker was targeted off the coast of Oman, injuring four people, according to Omans Maritime Security Center. Four crew members were injured and all 20, including 15 Indian citizens and five Iranian citizens, were evacuated. This came after the Duqm commercial port was attacked by two drones. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indians in West Asia West Asia houses the largest number of overseas Indians. According to a Moneycontrol analysis of official diaspora data, around nine million (90 lakh) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) live in countries affected by the conflict in West Asia. About 97 lakh Indians live and work across West Asia. The UAE hosts nearly 3.9 million (39 lakh) Indians, followed by Saudi Arabia (2.75 million or 27.5 lakh), Kuwait (1.01 million or 10.1 lakh), Qatar (830,000), Oman (662,000), and Bahrain (347,000). As many as 10,765 Indians are in Iran, while 123,000 are in Israel. Iraq has 17,100 Indians, Jordan has 17,050, Lebanon has 2,041, and Yemen has 1,120. Remittances from West Asia make up a significant portion of Indias annual inward transfers, making stability in the region critical for household incomes back home. Gulf countries account for 38 per cent of Indias remittances, with nearly half of this coming from the UAE. Are Indians in West Asia safe? The escalating conflict in West Asia has put Indians at risk. Airlines are cancelling and diverting flights as tensions persist in the region. Air India cancelled its flights on Sunday departing from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar for major cities in Europe and North America. IndiGo extended the suspension of select international flights that use West Asian airspace until March 2, 2359 hrs (11.59 pm) IST. SpiceJet has asked passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Earlier, it cancelled all flights between India and the UAE until March 1. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The disruption in air travel has left many Indians stranded in West Asia. A Lucknow resident told PTI that she is worried about her daughter, who resides in Dubai. However, she said she felt helpless as flight operations remain suspended at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Shailja, a 50-year-old Indian resident of Qatars capital city Doha, said over text, There were loud sounds of explosions but seemed to be from far away for now probably missiles intercepted in the air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Were taking precautions and staying indoors. We hope to travel to India as soon as airspace opens. So far, theres been no damage in our area. But we are keeping a watch and staying close together, she added. About 84 MBA students from a Pune-based Indira School of Business Studies (ISBS), who had travelled to Dubai as part of an annual five-day study tour, are now stranded. All are safe and have been moved to a hotel, ISBS Dean Janardhan Pawar said, as per NDTV. Passengers carry their bags at the arrival terminal of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on March 1, 2026 as Indias two largest private carriers IndiGo and Air India suspended flights to all destinations in West Asia. AFP Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said 32 people from Ballari are stuck in Dubai, adding that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure their safety. He also assured all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in West Asian countries. Around 1,200 students from Jammu and Kashmir are stuck in war-hit Iran, awaiting evacuation, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association Nasir Khuehami told ANI. The association has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to open diplomatic channels and flag the issue of the evacuation of these students. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lakhs of Keralites live in West Asia, amplifying concerns of their families back home. Thousands of Malayali families across the Gulf woke up to uncertainty as Iran retaliated to strikes by Israel and the US on Saturday. In just a day, everything changed from normal. I saw a missile being intercepted. We heard sirens, but there was no clear information, Aadithya, an Alappuzha native residing in Bahrain, where US military installations are located close to civilian areas, was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express (TNIE). All we could hear were loud sounds. Immediately, my family from Kerala started calling. We began storing food and essentials, he said. You realise how close you are to something much bigger. Even if nothing hits you directly, the fear is enough, he added. Sreeja (name changed), a resident of Keralas Kollam, told TNIE, My brother is in Abu Dhabi. He says there are frequent alerts, and everyone is tense. Every call from him feels like a relief. I hardly slept yesterday, constantly checking updates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to PM Modi, highlighting the need to ensure the safety, welfare, and safe passage of lakhs of Indians, a significant chunk of whom are Keralites, working in the Gulf, if the need arises. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian nationals in West Asia to remain vigilant, stay in touch with its missions in the region and follow local security guidance. The Indian embassy in Tehran on Saturday issued an advisory urging all Indians in Iran to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors, while sharing emergency helplines. A similar advisory was issued for Indians in Israel. The embassy in the UAE has urged Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary travel and adhere to safety guidelines and advisories issued by authorities in the Gulf country. The Indian embassy in Bahrain has issued emergency numbers for Indian nationals. The Indian embassy in Qatar posted on X: In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Qatar are advised to take due care, follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities. Our Embassy is continuing to function as usual. With inputs from agencies The killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israel airstrikes has triggered leadership uncertainty, military escalation, and fears of further repression at home. As Iran retaliates and its succession process begins, the entirety of West Asia faces renewed instability People gather to mourn after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. File Image/WANA via Reuters The confirmed killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in coordinated United States and Israeli airstrikes has triggered the most serious rupture inside the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979. The death of the man who dominated Irans decision-making for more than three decades has changed power equations inside Tehran, and raised urgent questions about who controls the countrys vast military apparatus at a moment of open confrontation with Washington and Tel Aviv. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranian state media announced Khameneis death early Sunday. Reports also said that Khameneis body had been located after one of the attacks, while US President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement in targeting the Iranian leader. Tehran responded within hours by launching missile attacks against Israel and several other countries in the region that host American military facilities. Trump warned Iran against escalating its military response in public messages posted on Truth Social after Tehran acknowledged Khameneis killing and issued threats of further retaliation. Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, he wrote. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! he wrote. How big a void does Khameneis death leave? The killing of Khamenei represents an unprecedented rupture within Irans political system. Although Iran has an elected president, the office of the supreme leader sits at the apex of the state, exercising decisive influence over the military, judiciary, state media, intelligence agencies and key economic institutions. The Islamic Republic has experienced only one previous transition of comparable magnitude, following the death of its founding leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Since then, that power had been concentrated in Khameneis hands. His death therefore does not simply mark the loss of a head of state; it removes the central pillar holding together Irans clerical power structure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranian law provides for a temporary leadership arrangement in such circumstances. A governing council has now been activated, composed of Irans sitting president Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and a member of the Guardian Council selected by the Expediency Council. This body is mandated to oversee the state while the Assembly of Experts begins the formal process of selecting a new supreme leader. The law states that the Assembly must, as soon as possible, appoint a successor. However, the succession process has long been opaque, and Khameneis death has left no clearly designated heir. For several years, former president Ebrahim Raisi was widely viewed as the most likely successor, but he was killed in a helicopter crash in 2024. Since then, attention has turned to Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei, a discreet figure believed to have exercised influence behind the scenes and to have been involved in managing aspects of his fathers wealth. Despite speculation, Mojtaba is not the only figure reportedly under consideration. According to reports, Khamenei had identified three potential successors during last years 12-day conflict, but their names have never been disclosed publicly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Will the IRGC take over? State media reported that Major General Mohammad Pakpour, who had recently assumed leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after Israel killed its previous commander during last years 12-day war, was killed in the US-Israel airstrikes. Irans army chief Abdolrahim Mousavi and the countrys Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has also been confirmed dead by state media. Also reported dead was Ali Shamkhani, a long-standing figure within Irans national security architecture who had been wounded during the June conflict. These losses have deepened instability within Irans military chain of command. The IRGC, which has been declared a terrorist organisation by the West, plays a central role in both domestic security and regional military operations, including support for allied armed groups across the region. But, American intelligence assessments cited by CNN before the strikes suggested that the most likely outcome of a leadership crisis in Iran would be the rise of hardline figures from the IRGC rather than a cleric with comparable religious authority to Khamenei. In the immediate term, analysts believe that military figures may assert control to manage Irans armed response to the US-Israel campaign and to suppress any domestic unrest that could threaten regime stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump appeared to hint at a desired leadership transition resembling Venezuelas political crisis, where an interim leader emerged in opposition to the existing government. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. Such a scenario would likely consolidate power in the hands of hardline commanders and could entrench repression rather than reduce it. The IRGC is structured as a parallel military force designed specifically to defend the Islamic Republic against both internal dissent and external threats. It encompasses ground, air and naval units, internal security militias, and paramilitary formations, with nearly one million personnel under its command in various capacities. Its doctrine centres on confronting the United States and Israel. Can the people of Iran challenge the regime again? The political shock created by Khameneis killing comes against a backdrop of long-standing domestic unrest and economic hardship. During his tenure, the Islamic Republic maintained strict controls over social and political life, with severe restrictions on personal freedoms, particularly for women and minority communities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dissent was frequently met with force, and periods of protest were followed by mass arrests and lethal crackdowns. In recent months, nationwide demonstrations demanding systemic change had spread across Iran. Government forces responded with extensive violence. In December last year, security units killed thousands of protesters and detained tens of thousands more. Irans economy has been battered by years of international sanctions, disruptions to food and water distribution networks, and chronic shortages of essential goods. Many Iranians face rising prices and declining living standards, deepening frustration with a leadership widely seen as prioritising ideological objectives over domestic welfare. Trump has repeatedly called on Iranians to challenge their leadership, arguing that the current moment represents a rare opportunity for change. In video comments announcing the strikes, he urged the population to act, saying, When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take, and adding, This will probably be your only chance for generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He later described Khamenei as one of the most evil people in history and wrote, This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. However, the prospect of mass mobilisation faces formidable obstacles. Irans internal security apparatus remains intact, and any attempt at widespread protest is likely to encounter violent repression. With no organised opposition movement operating openly inside the country and no rival military force capable of challenging the IRGC, street protests alone may struggle to sustain momentum in the face of lethal force. Can Reza Pahlavi come back to Iran? Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last monarch, released a statement on social media shortly after the strikes began, asserting that the Islamic Republic was in the process of collapse. He praised Trump for what he described as a humanitarian intervention and later welcomed news of Khameneis death. In an essay published in the Washington Post, Pahlavi elaborated on his position, thanking Trump for declaring to Iranians that the hour of your freedom is at hand. He wrote that for nearly half a century the Islamic Republic had been subverting neighbours sovereignty, fuelling conflicts around the world, and pursuing nuclear weapons and the long-range missiles to deliver them, while committing its most severe abuses within Iran itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also referenced thousands of protesters who were killed during a crackdown on demonstrators in January as evidence of the regimes domestic record. Pahlavi argued that any political transition should include the drafting of a new constitution approved by popular referendum, followed by free elections conducted with international oversight. He framed the current moment as a historic turning point, writing, History rarely announces its turning points in advance. But moments do come when courage, leadership and solidarity can change the course of nations. He also pointed out that external military action alone could not secure political change inside Iran. However, despite the arrival of this assistance, the final victory will still be achieved by us, he said. It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish this task in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is approaching. Despite his prominence in exile, the extent of Pahlavis support inside Iran remains uncertain. Decades of repression have fragmented opposition networks, and there is no clear consensus among Iranians about alternative leadership models, including the prospect of restoring a constitutional monarchy. Other opposition figures and groups have yet to coalesce around a single vision for the countrys future, complicating the prospect of a unified political transition. Why did Trump decide to strike now? The decision by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to target Irans supreme leader did mark a dramatic escalation in their confrontation with Tehran. In the weeks leading up to the strikes, Trump had repeatedly warned Tehran that the United States would protect protesters in Iran. Failure to act, his allies argue, would have damaged his credibility and emboldened Tehran to increase repression. Trump has also cited years of attacks on Americans linked to Tehran-backed militias in Iraq as part of his rationale for confronting Iran directly. Another factor has been past Israeli military operations which have significantly weakened Hamas and Hezbollah, groups long regarded by Tehran as strategic buffers against direct confrontation with Israel and the United States. The erosion of these proxies has reduced Irans capacity to deter attacks on its own territory, contributing to the sense that the balance of power in the region has shifted. Critics in the United States have described the strikes as unilateral and unconstitutional, arguing that they risk entangling Washington in another protracted conflict in the region. Supporters counter that removing Irans top leadership could weaken the regime and open the door to change. So, what next for Iran? One potential outcome is that the clerical system survives under new leadership, reinforced by the IRGC and even more resistant to reform. Another possibility is that central authority in Tehran weakens, leading to fragmentation of control over major cities and regions. In such a scenario, rival armed groups could establish competing power centres, increasing the risk of prolonged internal conflict and humanitarian crises. Yet another scenario, however temporary, is the replacement of clerical leadership by hardline IRGC figures as the most likely near-term scenario. Such an outcome would preserve Irans adversarial stance toward the United States and Israel. The absence of a supreme leader capable of restraining the military only complicates the picture more. Analysts warn that there may now be no single authority within Iran empowered to halt retaliatory actions or impose limits on military operations. This may create the risk of sustained regional conflict even if political leaders seek de-escalation. At home, any attempt by citizens to challenge the government is likely to encounter violent suppression by paramilitary forces tasked with defending the state. Whether Khameneis death ultimately weakens Iran or hardens the Islamic Republics most authoritarian elements remains a leap in the dark for now. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies British Defence Secretary John Healey said that two missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, which houses UK military bases. While he said that the country may not have necessarily been the intended target, he is worried that indiscriminate attacks from Iran were putting British personnel and citizens abroad at risk Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey visits RAF Akrotiri, during a visit to Cyprus to meet troops on October 2, 2024. Iran missiles fired towards Cyprus, Healey said on March 1 amid the ongoing conflict with Israel and US. File photo/Reuters Iran continues its retaliation against the coordinated US and Israel military action that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top leaders of the regime. On Sunday (March 1), Day 2 of the conflict, the Islamic Republic reportedly fired missiles towards Cyprus, which houses British military bases. This comes after an oil tanker was hit off the Oman coast, drone strikes on the Gulf countrys commercial port of Duqm, and continued explosions in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is what we know about the attack on Cyprus Two missiles were launched by Iran toward Cyprus, British Defence Minister John Healey told the BBC on Sunday morning (March 1), adding that the country may not have necessarily been the intended target Two Iranian missiles were fired towards Cyprus, but UK sources do not believe they were targeting the UK sovereign base at Akrotiri. A defence source said the situation remains live and the danger real, reports the BBC. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides was quoted as saying by the BBC that the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called to confirm clearly and unequivocally that Cyprus was not a target. After reports from UK defence sources that two Iranian missiles were fired towards Cyprus, its government spokesperson denied this, saying there is no indication that there was a threat to the country. What do we know about the UK bases in Cyprus? Thousands of British military personnel, known also as the British Forces Cyprus, are stationed at the UK Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus in the Mediterranean. Britains main operating base in the region is RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which is home to several fighter jets. The RAF F-35 jets and Typhoons are based in Cyprus. The RAF Akrotiri houses the Cyprus Operations Support Unit, which provides joint support to British Forces Cyprus and operations in the region to protect the UKs strategic interests. RAF Akrotiri is an extremely busy Permanent Joint Operating Base that supports ongoing operations in the region as well as support for the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus. It is used as a forward mounting base for overseas operations in the region and for fast jet training, according to the Royal Air Force website. RAF Akrotiris Griffin helicopters play an important search and rescue function in collaboration with the Republic of Cyprus Police and National Guard Air Command, it says. Where are British bases in the region? The UK has three permanent military sites in West Asia. The UK opened a permanent military centre at the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE in March 2024. It is named after a World War II pilot, William Donnelly. It is a relatively small military facility equipped with a headquarters, a welfare centre and accommodation, reports The Independent. The country operates a permanent base in Bahrain and Oman, which are used by the British Navy. Yesterday, British military personnel based at a US base in Bahrain were within 200 metres of Iranian strikes. Around 300 UK military personnel are based there, but all are reported safe and accounted for, reports the BBC. The UK has access to the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which Iran targeted on Saturday (February 28) in retaliation for the US and Israel attacks on the Islamic Republic. A squadron of Typhoons based in Qatar continues to fly defensive missions. A British counterdrone unit based in Iraq intercepted an Iranian drone that was heading towards a coalition base housing UK military personnel, reports the BBC. A combination of satellite images shows an increase in the number of aircraft at the Al-Udeid Air Base, near Doha, Qatar, comparing January 17, 2026 and February 1, 2026. The UK has access to this base. which was targeted on Saturday. Reuters Was the UK part of the attack on Iran? On Sunday (March 1), British Defence Minister Healey declined to say whether the UK backed the American and Israeli strikes on Iran, and reiterated that Britain played no part in the attacks. Expressing concern over Iranian action, he said, It demonstrates how our bases, our personnel, military and civilians at the moment are at risk with a regime that is increasingly indiscriminate, widespread and uncontrollable in the attacks its mounting. While British planes are now in the sky to defend UK interests in the region, Prime Minister Starmer has clarified that such defensive activity is in line with international law and that the UK wasnt involved in the American-Israeli attacks. In a statement earlier on Saturday, he said that British planes were in the sky in West Asia as part of a defensive operation to protect our people, our interests and our allies. Starmer spoke to Donald Trump after the attacks on Iran. He also released a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany on Saturday, calling for Iran to refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programme and cease the appalling violence and oppression of the Iranian people, who deserve the right to determine their own future. The UK PM previously blocked the US from using UK bases, reportedly over concerns about breaching international law. This, despite Trump making it very clear that he wanted to do so. With inputs from agencies Taiwan with its current approach will hardly withstand a war with China. The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) analytical center advises Taiwanese forces to create an asymmetric hellscape against the Chinese military in one of its reports, where thousands of drones will be deployed alongside traditional weapons to inflict maximum casualties on China's army while crossing the Taiwan Strait and during amphibious landings. However, the report also states that Taiwan today faces difficulties in creating such an asymmetric advantage, which is related to several factors, from the absence of an industrial base for truly mass drone production to institutional problems in the country's armed forces, Breaking Defense reports. Several variants of Taiwanese maritime drone developments / Image by NavalNews Regarding the first point, Taiwan only considered saturating its military with domestic maritime drones last year, though its first maritime drone was presented back in 2023, after which several years of inactivity were observed in this direction. Eventually, in August last year, Taiwan decided to purchase 1,320 Kuai Chi maritime drones, with deliveries continuing over five years. If war with China begins earlier, Taiwan will find itself in a situation where it simply lacks the means to mount an asymmetric response to an invasion. Kuai Chi maritime drone / Photo credit: Tsai Tsung-hsien / Photo credit: Taipei Times Overall, analysts advise Taiwan to form a four-level defense against China. Unmanned systems will be employed at the first level, involving 40-80 km from the coastline. Various drone types are proposed, both aerial as well as surface and underwater, which will deter the Chinese military together with anti-ship missiles. The idea is to exhaust China's interceptor missile stocks by mixing cheap drones and missiles in salvos, making the Chinese fleet vulnerable to subsequent attack waves. Next-generation Sea Baby with Tavria 14.5 / Photo credit: Security Service of Ukraine Defense Express notes that maritime drones are naturally not a panacea in the case of a Taiwan war with China. Especially when compared to Ukraine and our maritime drones against russia's Black Sea Fleet, Taiwan will not have that surprise factor. The Chinese military will likely be prepared to some degree to repel swarms of maritime and aerial drones. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history is dead, announced Trump after the US and Israel carried out joint airstrikes on Iran. The death of the supreme leader has got everyone asking who shall be next in line? Will it be his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, or someone else? A woman reacts as people gather at the Enghelab Square, after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran. Reuters Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead, wrote US President Donald Trump on Saturday (February 28), hours after America and Israel carried out a joint operation against Iran, striking many major cities, including Tehran. At first, Trumps post was met with scepticism, but Iranian television has also confirmed the demise of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader. A presenter on state television announced Khameneis death at 5:00 am (0130 GMT), as the channel broadcast archive images with a black banner as a sign of mourning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch all live updates from This marks a pivotal moment for Iran and the world; Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled the country since 1989. It has also resulted in one question being asked who shall replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Who was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? The 86-year-old leader dominated Iran for the last three-and-a-half decades since taking on the post for life in 1989 as leader of the Islamic republic following the death of revolutionary founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In his tenure, Khamenei ruled with an iron fist and refused calls for change, crushing dissent and ordering the killing of protesters who challenged his rule in the street. He saw off the 1999 student demonstrations, 2009 mass protests sparked by disputed presidential elections and 2019 demonstrations that were brutally suppressed. He also survived the 2022-2023 Woman, Life and Freedom movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini as well as the 12-day war against Israel last year. A photo of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is shown on TV when the news of his death is announced, in Tehran. Reuters Khamenei, the most powerful man in Iran, worked with six elected presidents, including more moderate figures such as Mohammad Khatami. Khamenei was also responsible for Irans nuclear programme; it was under his rule, Israel and the West became convinced that Tehran had sought to secretly develop a nuclear weapons capability. And he has remained defiant on it ever since; even during the ongoing talks with the US, Khamenei refused to abandon uranium enrichment. The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war, he had warned at the end of January 2026. How was Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed? However, it seems that his time was up on Saturday when the US and Israel launched strikes, taking aim him at his compound among other targets. In the immediate aftermath of the strikes, Israeli officials stated that the airstrikes targeted Irans top leadership, including Khamenei. Satellite images showed black smoke rising from the supreme leaders compound in the capital, Tehran. The images appear to show that several buildings in the compound were severely damaged by strikes. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli aircraft dropped 30 bombs on Khameneis headquarters. The Israel-US strikes caused significant damage at the secure compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. Image Courtesy: Airbus As per a report by Irans Fars news agency, Khamenei was killed in his office in the household of the leader while carrying out his duties at the time of the attack early on Saturday. Later, US President Donald Trump declared Khameneis death, writing on Truth Social, This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shortly later, Iranian media also confirmed the news of Khameneis death, announcing 40 days of mourning. However, not everyone was saddened by the news of Khameneis death. Cheers broke out in the streets of Tehran with many Iranians celebrating the news social media was flooded with visuals of Iranians blaring music, cheering, clapping and honking their car horns to celebrate the news. Scenes of celebration emerging from #Iran after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader #Khamenei pic.twitter.com/h4CB4jvMe4 Arjun (@ArjunxTweets) February 28, 2026 How will Iran replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? With Khameneis death, theres one question looming: Who shall be the next leader of Iran? The constitution of Iran states that Khameneis successor must be selected by the same body that chose him: the Assembly of Leadership Experts. This is an 88-member clerical body elected by the public but vetted by the Guardian Council. Members of the Guardian Council are either directly or indirectly appointed by the supreme leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If the supreme leader dies or becomes incapacitated, a temporary leadership council assumes authority until a successor is formally appointed. Iraqi Shiite clerics hold a portrait of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a protest against US and Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran at a bridge leading to the fortified Green Zone where the US embassy is located in Baghdad, Iraq. AP The Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting the next leader. The constitution allows for either a single supreme leader or a leadership council. Analysts say, however, that the process could be heavily influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC could try to supplant the entire process given the emergency situation in the country, said Jason Brodsky, policy director at the Washington-based United Against Nuclear Iran, to Al Arabiya English. And until the time a new leader isnt chosen, the president, the head of judiciary and a cleric member of the powerful Guardian Council assume the leaders responsibilities. Who could be Ayatollah Khameneis successor? While the final say is with the Assembly of Leadership Experts, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had named three candidates who could be appointed in his place last June while he was in hiding during the 12-day war with Israel. The first contender is Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 56-year-old known to wield significant influence and has strong links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as well as its Basij volunteer paramilitary force. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, many have pointed that it is unlikely that he is appointed the next supreme leader because father-to-son succession is frowned upon. Also, the CNN reports that Mojtaba is not a high-ranking cleric and has no official role in the regime. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, seems to be one of the frontrunners in succeeding as the countrys supreme leader. File image/Reuters The other contender is Alireza Arafi, who is an established cleric and confidant of Khamenei. He is currently the deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts and also wields significant power over the Guardian Council. He is also head of Irans seminary system. Theres also Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri. The 60-year-old hardline cleric is strongly opposed to the West and believes a conflict between believers and infidels is inevitable. He currently heads the Islamic Sciences Academy in the northern holy city of Qom. Apart from these, other possible replacements are Hassan Khomeini, who is the grandson of the Islamic Republic founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Currently, the custodian of the Khomenei mausoleum, he doesnt hold any public office and has little influence in the countrys political circles or security apparatus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last but not the least, theres Hashem Hosseini Bushehri. A senior cleric closely linked to the institutions that manage succession, particularly the Assembly of Experts, he serves as first deputy chairman. Bushehri said to have been close to Khamenei but has a low profile domestically and isnt known to have strong ties to the IRGC. The next few days bring a whole lot of uncertainty; but one thing is certain who fills the power vacuum is not just a life-and-death matter for the people of Iran, but for the prospects of peace across the broader West Asia. With inputs from agencies Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israel strikes, the IRGC has vowed to launch the most ferocious offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic. Organised as a parallel military, it controls Irans ballistic missiles and backs armed groups like Hezbollah abroad Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps has vowed the most ferocious operation in history against Israel and US bases in response to their joint operation that saw the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. File image/AFP Iran seems to be on the brink. The US-Israel joint airstrikes havent just caused significant destruction to the Islamic Republic but also brought its leadership to its knees. The attack by the US and Israel has not only killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but also many senior leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). On Saturday (February 28), it was reported that the commander of the IRGC, Mohammad Pakpour, had been killed in the airstrikes. Shortly after, it was announced that Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has been appointed as the new head of the crucial IRGC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Read all the live updates from the But who is he? And more importantly, what role does the IRGC play in Iran? Who is IRGCs new chief? Iran has appointed Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander-in-chief of the IRGC to replace Mohammad Pakpour, who was killed in the US-Israel strikes on Saturday. The appointment comes amid mounting tensions across West Asia, with Iranian officials warning of large-scale retaliation. In fact, the IRGC announced that it plans to launch what it described as the most massive and powerful offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic, targeting Israel and US military bases across the region. The appointment of Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi is not surprising. He is a long-time figure within Irans security establishment and one of the countrys most experienced military strategists, even earning a PhD in strategic studies. Following the death of Mohammad Pakpour in US-Israel strikes, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has been appointed as the new commander-in-chief of the IRGC. File image/AFP Born in 1958 in the central Iranian city of Shiraz, Vahidi joined the IRGC during the Iranian revolution in 1979. At that time, he was studying electronic engineering at Shiraz University. During his years at the IRGC, he has held several significant roles. Vahidi led the IRGCs Quds Force, which specialises in intelligence and directs operations outside Iran, from 1988 until 1998. From 2005, General Vahidi served as deputy defence minister, and he was appointed Defence Minister in 2009, holding the post until 2013. He was also Irans interior minister for three years until August 2024. Outside of Iran, Vahidi is well-known for being a suspect in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish cultural centre in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and wounded hundreds more. He also faces numerous sanctions from the US, Canada, the European Union, and Britain for alleged human rights violations. But what exactly is the IRGC? The IRGC, also known as the Sepah-e-Pasdaran, emerged from Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution as a body tasked with safeguarding the Shiite cleric-led state and was later written into the constitution. It is not to be confused with Irans traditional armed forces it is a parallel military body. The IRGCs main responsibility is defending the Islamic Republic against internal and external threats and answering directly to Irans Supreme Leader. The force, over the years, has also become influential in domestic politics, with many senior officials having passed through its rank STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irans founding supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, described the IRGC as the soldiers of Islam. Wherever you be, guard yourselves against the self in you and from all the Satans around you, he told Pasdaran after the group was founded. Members of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) giving a military salute in the capital Tehran. File image/AFP Today, the IRGC is now the strongest and best-equipped section of Irans armed forces. It has extended its influence through the worlds of politics and business, gaining in power at home and abroad. Over the years, the IRGC has played a significant role in Iran. Its overseas arm, which is known as the Quds Force, heavily influences Irans allied militias across the Middle East, from Lebanon to Iraq, Yemen, and Syria. It supported Syrias former President Bashar Assad, Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis, and other allied groups. Moreover, it has trained Iraqi fighters to build and deploy highly lethal roadside bombs used against American troops. In recent times, the IRGC has been actively involved in the tensions against Israel and the West. In April 2024, when Israel struck the Iranian consulate in Syrias capital Damascus, it was the IRGC that launched dozens of drones and missiles towards military sites on Israeli territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, it was the IRGC that retaliated with missile strikes. Since the early 2000s, the Guards economic power has also grown as its contracting company Khatam al-Anbiya, won projects worth billions of dollars in Irans oil and gas sector. How is the IRGC organised? The IRGC is a highly organised unit in Iran it has more than 190,000 troops under its command, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The IRGC has various branches: ground forces based across Irans 31 provinces and Tehran and the Basij paramilitary force. The IRGC also has a separate naval force, which is charged with patrolling Irans maritime borders, including the Strait of Hormuz, an air force of 15,000 personnel, which runs Irans ballistic missile programme; and a cyber command, which works with IRGC-affiliated businesses on military and commercial espionage, as well as propaganda distribution, according to IISS. A child sits on a missile warhead at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Museum in Tehran. The IRGC has its own air force and runs Irans ballistic missile programme. File image/Reuters What role does the IRGC play in Irans politics? During the tenure of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the IRGCs influence on politics has increased significantly. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that because the IRGC marches in lockstep with the supreme leaders policy positions, its powers at times seem to outshine that of Irans president, who does not control any of the armed forces and has relatively few powers of his own. Experts say the IRGCs heavy hand in politics and its continued willingness to harm Iranians make it unpopular among the public. It has been accused of beating, assaulting and torturing Iranians who have participated in protests. In short, it has played an instrumental role in suppressing any kind of dissent against Irans supreme leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A woman holds a poster with the picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as people gather after Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran. Reuters What comes next for the IRGC? Now, with the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, there are also questions about what happens to the IRGC. According to a report published in Iran Insight last year, it was reported that Khamenei might have transferred key authority to the Supreme Council of the Iranian military, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While there was no confirmation on this then, it has raised questions if the IRGC could now take power in Iran. Some believe that the IRGC would take control of Iran. This seems difficult because as per the Constitution of Iran, the Supreme Leader cannot formally transfer political power to either the IRGC or the regular military, as he is not a governing institution in a formal constitutional sense. However, in practice, due to the overwhelming powers of the Supreme Leader, he can empower IRGC leaders and military men by appointing them to top political, military, and economic roles. As Jason Brodsky, policy director at the Washington-based United Against Nuclear Iran, told Al Arabiya English, The IRGC could try to supplant the entire process (of finding a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) given the emergency situation in the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its now a wait-and-watch game to see how the situation unfolds. Will the IRGC rise to the very top? With inputs from agencies The US-Israel strikes on Iran have killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and also claimed the lives of other family members of Irans supreme leader, including his daughter and a grandchild. The whereabouts of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, one of the potential successors, are unknown A portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is held up during a protest against US and Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran at a bridge leading to the fortified Green Zone where the US embassy is located in Baghdad, Iraq. AP When the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran on Saturday (February 28), one of their main targets was the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. And it seems that the US and Israel were successful as the first wave of strikes flattened the compound of the Iranian leader, resulting in the death of the 86-year-old leader. Donald Trump announced the news of Ayatollah Khameneis death on Sunday (March 1), writing on Truth Social, Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world, who have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports also stated that, along with Khamenei, the US-Israel strikes also took out multiple members of his family, including his daughter and grandchild. Catch live updates from These deaths and the escalating tensions have renewed scrutiny of the Ayatollahs private life and family. Heres what we have found out so far. How was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed? How did the US and Israel pinpoint the location of Khamenei, who has been under tight security? According to sources, after much tracking and planning, Israel and the US timed their attack on Iran on Saturday to coincide with a meeting Khamenei was holding with top aides. Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Khamenei met on Saturday with Ali Shamkhani, the powerful former National Security Council Secretary, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes began. The sources add that once they received confirmation of Khameneis meeting, the US-Israel air and naval operation kicked in. And Khameneis high-security compound in Tehran was struck at the beginning of the operation. People walk near a mural featuring images of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the leader of Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, after Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran. Reuters Which members of Ayatollah Khamenei have been killed? On Saturday, the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, striking many cities, including Tehran. Among the sites hit were Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis compound in the capital city. This led to the 86-year-olds death, with Fars news agency reporting that Khamenei was killed in his office in the household of the leader while carrying out his duties at the time of the attack early. In response to his death, Iran has ordered 40 days of mourning. However, many Iranians were celebrating the news of his demise, taking to the streets and dancing and chanting slogans, as per videos on social media. One senior Israeli official was quoted as saying that Khameneis body was reportedly recovered in rubble, and a photograph of his corpse was shown to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a New York Post report. Apart from Khamenei, the US-Israel strikes also killed other members of his family his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. Fars reported, After establishing contact with informed sources in the Supreme Leaders household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter of the Revolutionary Leader has unfortunately been confirmed. The identities of those who have died are yet to be determined. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whos who in the Ayatollahs family? Before his demise, not much was known about Ayatollah Ali Khameneis family. He kept his personal life away from prying eyes. However, according to reports, Khamenei has a huge family. His father had three daughters with his first wife, all of whom are dead now. However, Khameneis family remarried and had five other children Mohammad, Ali, who became Irans supreme leader, Badri, Hadi, and Hassan. According to an Iran Wire report, Hassan Khamenei is the only brother who is not a cleric. He has worked at the Ministries of Oil and Culture. The Iranian Supreme Leaders other brother, Mohammad, is a member of the political camp that voted against Mir Hossein Mousavi becoming prime minister in 1981. Meanwhile, Hadi Khamenei, the supreme leaders third brother, has been at odds with him politically. He also published two newspapers, Jahan Islam and Hayat No, before they were banned. Badri, who is his sister, has been a vocal opponent of his policies. She defected to Iraq in the 1980s. Along with her husband, she returned to Iran in 1995, following which her husband was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but he was released after 10 years. He died in October 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apart from his siblings, Khamenei was married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh. She has rarely ever made public appearances. According to a few news reports, her father was a well-known businessman in Mashhad, and her brother Hassan previously served as the deputy director of the state broadcaster IRIB. The couple has six children: four sons and two daughters. Their sons are Mostafa, Mojtaba, Masoud, and Meysam, while their daughters are Boshra and Hoda. Boshra and Hoda are married to Mesbah al-Hoda Bagheri Kani and Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, respectively. He also has several grandchildren, although their names are not known to the public. Of his children, Mojtaba is, perhaps, the most popular and is also in contention to be appointed as his successor. Born in 1969, he was trained by influential teachers and became a cleric as his father. Currently, he is teaching theology at the Qom Seminary, the largest Islamic seminary in Iran. While he has stayed out of the public eye, over the past few years, Mojtaba has gained significance in Tehran; he has become more active in Iranian politics and is playing a role in decision-making in the regime. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2021, Mojtaba Khamenei was granted the title of ayatollah, which is a constitutional requirement to serve as Irans supreme leader. With inputs from agencies Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, has hailed the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 65-year-old has presented himself as a transitional leader if the regime collapses A flag with a picture of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah and an Iranian opposition figure, is displayed during a protest of the Iranian diaspora following strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, in Madrid, Spain, February 28. Reuters The assassination of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after nearly 37 years in power has plunged the country into uncertainty. It opens up the possibility of Tehrans brutal regime being overthrown, ending decades of repression. This puts Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, back in focus. Pahlavi has presented himself as a transitional leader and has unveiled a democratic transitional plan for the Islamic Republic after Khameneis death. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He hailed the killing, saying that the Iran that replaced his pro-Western father was finished. With his death, the Islamic Republic has effectively come to an end and will soon be consigned to the dustbin of history, Reza Pahlavi wrote on X. He warned against appointing a successor and called on security forces to join in a transition. To the military, security and police forces any effort to prop up a collapsing regime is doomed to defeat, he said. Who is Reza Pahlavi? Reza Pahlavi was once the crown prince of Irans pro-Western monarchy, which collapsed in 1979 after a mass revolution led to the rise of the clerical leadership that founded the Islamic Republic. The 65-year-old is the son of Irans last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and has lived in exile in the United States for more than four decades. Reza Pahlavi was 17 when he left for military school in the United States shortly before his father, suffering from cancer, stepped down on January 16, 1979. The exiled former princes political thinking has been shaped by the nonviolent principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. While he holds no official role in Iran, he has built a symbolic presence among parts of the Iranian diaspora and some Iranians hoping for reform. He is a vocal supporter of a democratic, secular Iran; in recent years, he has stepped up his efforts to gain international support for Iranian protestors. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah and an Iranian opposition figure, attends the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, on February 13. He has hailed the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel. Reuters For more than 40 years, he endorsed a nonviolent change in the country. However, in recent years, he has changed his tune, calling for Iranians to fight back against the regime. The exiled royals supporters include secularists, constitutional monarchists, and liberal democrats, who see him as the rightful heir to the throne. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why is Reza Pahlavi back in focus? Reza Pahlavi started gaining prominence after Irans anti-government protests. When the unrest spread, he urged Iranians to continue raising their voices and pushing for political change in the country. During the latest protests in December and January, when the regime unleashed a brutal crackdown against demonstrators, he once again positioned himself as a political player. Many who chanted anti-Khamenei protests called for Reza Pahlavis return. He wrote in an article in The Washington Post, Protesters are chanting my name alongside calls for freedom and national unity. I do not interpret this as an invitation to claim power. I bear it as a profound responsibility. Last June, following the US and Israeli military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, he predicted that the odds are very good for the regime to be gone by the end of the year. People hold flags and a poster of Reza Pahlavi during a rally against Irans ruling establishment in Los Angeles, California, on February 28. Reuters What are Reza Pahlavis plans for Iran? A day before the US-Israel strikes, the exiled ex-prince released an updated version of the Emergency Phase Booklet of his Irans Prosperity Project, which is part of his strategy to reclaim and rebuild the nation. It focuses on Irans needs after a regime collapse an even greater signal that he is prepared to step in if the situation arises, reports Axios. The Emergency Period Booklet focuses on the first six months, the countrys urgent needs, the crises anticipated during this period, as well as the solutions and opportunities, and has been prepared with the direct participation of dozens of experts. The draft of this booklet was presented in the summer of 2025, he wrote on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD My fellow countrymen, Today, the updated version of the Emergency Phase Booklet of the Iran Prosperity Project is being released. The Iran Prosperity Project is the fifth component of our five-part strategy to reclaim and rebuild Iran. IPP presents the vision and the plan for https://t.co/YvHxAFm2UH Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 27, 2026 In 2024, he represented Iranian democratic hopes in meetings at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Munich Security Conference, and in Israel. Even as Iran and Israel remain bitter rivals, Pahlavi had proposed a vision: a Cyrus Accords between Israel and a future, post-Ayatollah Iran. Will Reza Pahlavi return to Iran? Pahlavi has said time and again that he is ready to lead a transition to a new Iran. However, he has made clear that it would only be a transitional role, after fears by some critics that he is seeking a return to an absolute monarchy. Many Iranians, often despite facing bullets, have called on me to lead this transition. I am in awe of their courage, and I have answered their call, he wrote in The Washington Post. Our path forward will be transparent: a new constitution drafted and ratified by referendum, followed by free elections under international oversight. When Iranians vote, the transitional government dissolves. A demonstrator holds a placard depicting Reza Pahlavi as people gather in support of military action against the Iranian regime, following strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, outside the Iranian embassy in London. Reuters Does Reza Pahlavi have support in Iran and from the US? Within Iran, Pahalvi does not enjoy support from all the opposition. Irans opposition is fragmented among rival groups and ideological factions - including the monarchists who back Pahlavi - and appears to have little organised presence inside the Islamic Republic. Sanam Vakil, deputy director of Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa Program, said Pahlavi had gained prominence among some protesters and had helped mobilise them to some extent. But I wouldnt overstate it. Its very hard to see how much support he has or how much support any figure has in Iran, she was quoted as saying by Reuters earlier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protesters hold the Lion and Sun" pre-Iranian Revolution national flags, at a demonstration organised by The Munich Circle calling for a free Iran, during the Munich Security Conference (MSC), in Munich, on February 14. Reuters In public opinion polls, including as recently as November 2025, around one-third of Iranians supported Pahlavi while another one-third strongly opposed him, according to Dutch pollster Ammar Maleki. Pahlavis popularity exceeds that of any other Iranian opposition figure, according to a report in Axios. Reza Pahlavi has endorsed Donald Trump and his action against Iran. He has earlier met US administration officials to discuss the protests in Iran. In a video message after Saturdays joint operation, he said, The assistance that the President of the United States had promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived This is a humanitarian intervention, and its target is the Islamic Republic, its apparatus of repression, and its machinery of killingnot the country and great nation of Iran. My dear compatriots, Decisive moments lie before us. The assistance that the President of the United States had promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived. This is a humanitarian intervention, and its target is the Islamic Republic, its apparatus of repression, and https://t.co/YAq3rJLzdd pic.twitter.com/VVQ17mvhJ9 Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 28, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Trump has been sceptical about the exiled leader. In January, he said that the Iranian opposition figure seems very nice but expressed uncertainty over whether Pahlavi would be able to muster support within Iran to take over eventually. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, Trump had said. I dont know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me. Amid January protests, Trump ruled out meeting the exiled former crown prince. It remains to be seen if the death of Khamenei changes that. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top military and security officials, including IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. The coordinated operation has changed Irans power structure and escalated tensions across West Asia Iran is facing one of the most dramatic ruptures in its political and military leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution after coordinated United States and Israeli airstrikes killed several of the countrys most powerful figures on Saturday. The strikes, carried out under two parallel military campaigns Operation Epic Fury by Washington and Operation Roaring Lion by Tel Aviv targeted Irans top decision-makers, triggering retaliatory missile launches from Tehran. and included Irans supreme leader, the chief of army staff, the defence minister, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), senior security advisers, intelligence officers and officials associated with Irans nuclear and advanced weapons research programmes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to figures released by Irans Red Crescent and broadcast on Iranian state television, the strikes killed 201 people and injured 747 others across the country. Who were the top Iranian leaders killed in US-Israel strikes? Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei & family members Iranian state television confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His death represents the most consequential political loss in the Islamic Republics history since the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Khamenei, born in 1939 in the northeastern city of Mashhad, came from a religious family and entered political activism during his early adulthood. He aligned himself with the clerical opposition movement led by Khomeini in the early 1960s, when resistance to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavis rule was building momentum. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew the US-backed monarchy, Khamenei rose rapidly through the newly formed political system. He served in senior defence roles and was instrumental in the formation and organisation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which later evolved into one of the most powerful pillars of Irans security architecture. Following Khomeinis death in June 1989, Irans clerical establishment selected Khamenei as the countrys new supreme leader. At the time, he did not meet the religious ranking originally required by the constitution for the position. The constitution was subsequently revised, allowing the requirement to be redefined in terms of demonstrated Islamic scholarship rather than clerical seniority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over more than three decades at the helm, Khamenei exercised sweeping authority over Irans political institutions and armed forces. US President Donald Trump described Khamenei as one of the most evil people in history. Iranian media also confirmed that members of Khameneis immediate family were killed in the Israeli missile strikes. His daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild were reported dead. His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, is the daughter of Mashhad-based businessman Mohammad Esmaeil Khojasteh Bagherzadeh. The couple had six children, including three daughters Hoda, Meysam and Bushra along with multiple grandchildren. People gather to mourn after Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. File Image/WANA via Reuters While public information about the familys whereabouts was limited, reports suggested that most close relatives resided in Iran, with some family members, including nephews and grandchildren, living overseas in Paris. Abdol Rahim Mousavi, Aziz Nasirzadeh & Ali Shamkhani Iranian state television reported that the strikes also killed Chief of Army Staff Gen. Abdol Rahim Mousavi and Defence Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh, along with Ali Shamkhani, a senior security adviser. Mousavi, as Irans top uniformed military officer, played a central role in overseeing the countrys armed forces. His death, alongside that of Nasirzadeh, removed two of the most senior operational figures responsible for Irans military planning and defence posture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nasirzadeh, who previously served as commander of the Iranian Air Force and as deputy chief of staff of the armed forces, was believed to be responsible for facilities producing long-range missiles and for systems transferred to Irans regional proxy forces. He was also believed to have supervised the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), which advances projects in nuclear, biological and chemical domains. Ali Shamkhani had been one of Irans most influential security figures since the early years of the Islamic Republic. He held senior defence and security posts dating back to the period immediately following the 1979 revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Over the years, he has served as IRGC navy chief, army chief, and later as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Shamkhani was a close adviser to the supreme leader and played a role in Irans diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia in 2023, helping facilitate the restoration of ties between the two regional rivals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After last years 12-day conflict with Israel, he was appointed head of Irans Defence Council. Israeli forces had previously targeted him during last Junes war and initially believed he had been killed at the time. IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was among the highest-ranking figures confirmed killed in the February 28 strikes. Pakpour had been appointed to lead the IRGC in June last year by Khamenei after his predecessor, Hossein Salami, was killed in Israeli airstrikes. At the time of his appointment, he was tasked with strengthening the organisations operational capacity, preparedness and internal cohesion. The IRGC operates independently of Irans regular army and answers directly to the office of the supreme leader. It is entrusted with safeguarding the political system of the Islamic Republic and holds authority over Irans missile forces, internal security mechanisms and a network of allied armed groups operating beyond Irans borders. Pakpour had previously commanded the IRGC Ground Forces, a position he assumed in 2009. He joined the IRGC Quds Force after the 1979 revolution and was deployed in operations against militant groups in Irans Kurdistan region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, he commanded multiple frontline divisions, establishing his reputation as a battlefield commander before rising through the ranks. According to Iranian state-linked media, Pakpour was born in 1961 in Arak. He earned a masters degree in geography from the University of Tehran and later completed a PhD in political geography at Tarbiat Modares University. Israeli officials described Pakpour as one of the central strategists behind Irans military posture towards Israel. He was accused of overseeing deployments of strategic fire systems and of directing and supporting Iranian-backed armed groups operating outside the country. He was also reported to have played a leading role in suppressing protests in Iran during the previous month. Nuclear-linked officials, intelligence officers The strikes also killed several figures linked to Irans advanced weapons and nuclear research infrastructure. Hossein Jabal Amelian, head of the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), was reported dead. He was described as being responsible for the development of advanced technologies and weapons systems for the Iranian state, including projects associated with nuclear, biological and chemical fields. Reza Mozaffari-Nia, a former head of SPND, was also among those killed. He was believed to have played a role in advancing efforts linked to nuclear weapons development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saleh Asadi, a senior intelligence officer serving within Irans emergency command structure and general staff, was reported to have been killed as well. He was believed to have been involved in shaping Irans foreign policy approach towards both Israel and the United States. The elimination of these figures followed a pattern established during last years 12-day conflict, in which large segments of Irans nuclear-linked leadership and defence apparatus were targeted. Israel stated that Operation Roaring Lion was intended to degrade the Iranian terrorist regime and to remove existential threats to Israel over time, while Washington framed Operation Epic Fury as an effort to dismantle what it viewed as long-standing security dangers posed by Irans leadership and military capabilities. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies On Friday (February 27), Pakistan launched deadly airstrikes across different provinces of Afghanistan, claiming to have killed hundreds of Taliban fighters. At the heart of this attack is the Durand Line a 2,611-km-long border, which Kabul doesnt recognise A Taliban security personnel keeps watch near the Durand Line in Gurbuz district of Khost following cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan. AFP Three months into the new year and peace across the world seems elusive. Russia and Ukraine continue to battle; Israel hasnt stopped its attack against Hamas in Gaza. And on Friday (February 27), an open war ignited between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the wee hours of Friday, Islamabad carried out airstrikes, titled Ghazab Lil Haqq or Operation Righteous Fury, across different provinces hitting multiple defence installations. The attacks targeted ammunition depots, Afghan Taliban military installations and militant hideouts across Afghanistan, including Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistans aerial attacks, which claimed to have killed over 133 Taliban fighters, is a tit-for-tat against Afghanistan, who had earlier attacked Pakistani border troops along the disputed Durand Line. In fact, many experts note that the tensions between the two battling nations is over this contested Durand Line. As the Washington Post explains to Pakistan, its a fixed border. To Afghanistan, its merely hypothetical. In our weekly series, _Word of the Week_, we take a deep dive into the Durand Line and explain how it has stoked tensions between the two countries. What is the Durand Line? At the heart of Fridays clashes is the Durand Line, the 2,611-km border drawn during British colonial rule in the 19th century. It was the result of an 1893 agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand, a secretary of the British Indian government, and Abdur Rahman Khan, the emir of Afghanistan. The Durand Line came into existence as a result of the so-called Great Game a geopolitical struggle between Russia and the British Empire for control of Central Asia. To stop Russia from expanding its sphere of influence in the region, Britain sought to make Afghanistan a buffer between its and Moscows spheres of influence. Under British pressure, Afghan Emir Abdur Rahman Khan accepted the loss of some ethnic Pashtun tribal lands, which were effectively annexed into British India. When Pakistan was created in the 1947 partition of India, it inherited the border. People wait near the closed gate at the border crossing with Pakistan. The Durand Line has long been a flashpoint for cross-border militancy, airstrikes and retaliatory shelling. File image/AP How do Pakistan & Afghanistan view the Durand Line? Since its inception, Islamabad has considered the matter of the Durand Line as settled, accepting the border as it was initially drawn up. Successive Pakistani government have urged their Afghan counterparts to treat it as such. However, Afghanistan governments, past and present, including the Taliban, dispute the lines legitimacy. In the past, Kabul has argued that the original agreement was imposed under British pressure and should not automatically apply to Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They also argue that the Durand Line divides the homeland of the ethnic Pashtun and Baloch populations.In 1947, following the founding of Pakistan, Afghanistan demanded that Pashtuns living on the Pakistani side of the Durand Line be given the right to self-determination. Pakistan and Britain refused this request. Some even describe the Durand Line as a line of hatred, arbitrary, illogical, cruel and a trickery on the Pashtuns. Some historians believe it was a ploy to divide the Pashtuns so that the British could keep control over them easily. The Taliban goes further, calling it a hypothetical or imaginary border. Pakistani soldiers stand guard at newly erected fence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This fencing along the Durand Line with Afghanistan is what angered Kabul, which does not recognise the frontier as an international border. File image/AP How is the Durand Line central to Pak-Afghanistan conflict? In March 2017, Pakistan started constructing a fence along the Durand Line. The purpose was to prevent terrorism, smuggling, and illegal immigration. According to reports, 98 per cent of the fencing was completed by April 2023. However, many view it as Pakistans attempt of making the border more permanent, and has lent to the tensions between the two countries. Over the years, Pakistan and Afghanistan have seen a series of skirmishes along the Durand Line. Last October, the two neighbours traded air strikes and were locked into intense border clashes and ground fighting, which killed at least 47 civilians in Afghanistan, according to a UN report, as well as soldiers on either side, although reported casualty counts differ. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Days into the fighting, the two nations agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey. However, this truce is now on shaky grounds with fresh fighting. On Thursday (February 26), Kabul accused Pakistani forces of violating Afghan territory and carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas and carried out retaliatory operations along the Durand Line. An injured Afghan man receives treatment at a hospital, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Reuters In a press release, the ministry said, A few days ago, the Pakistani military circles, with great audacity, violated Afghan territory, breached our borders, and martyred women and children here. Afghan forces said they targeted Pakistani military posts in eastern and southeastern sectors near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan. In these retaliatory operations along the Durand Line, a total of 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, two bases and 19 posts were captured, the statement said. Islamabad then responded forcefully, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announcing an open war against Afghanistan. He further added: Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you. Now it will be Dama Dam Mast Qalandar. Pakistans army did not come from across the seas. We are your neighbours; we know your ins and outs. Allahu Akbar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the attack, Pakistan claimed at least 133 Taliban officials were killed and 200 wounded, while Afghanistan said that there were no reported casualties. While Pakistan claims their operation is completed, the situation remains volatile, raising fears of a broader military confrontation in the region. Airspace closures across West Asia led to major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport, leaving passengers stranded amid widespread delays and cancellations on international routes Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all announced at least partial closures of their skies. (Representational Image) Several passengers were left stranded at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport as flight disruptions and cancellations unfolded following the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia. The impact was felt on westbound international services after widespread airspace closures across parts of the region affected international flight routes. In response to the situation, Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory outlining possible delays and schedule changes. Westbound international flights may face delays The airport stated, Due to the ongoing political developments in the Middle East, westbound international flights may face delays or schedule adjustments. Passengers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport." Passengers voice frustration over uncertainty Amid the uncertainty, some travellers reported extended waiting periods without clear updates. One stranded passenger described the difficulties caused by the cancellation of his flight. I was supposed to fly to Saudi from Delhi, but my flight was cancelled. We have been waiting for 14 hours, but we have not heard anything yet. It is becoming very difficult, said the passenger. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Airspace disrupted Flights across West Asia were cancelled on Saturday after several countries shut their airspace following strikes on Iran carried out by the US government and Israel. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all announced full or partial airspace closures in the hours after smoke rose over Tehran and Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region. Iranian missiles struck capital cities around the Gulf, killing at least one person, as witnesses reported seeing both warplanes and projectiles cutting across the night sky. Airlines including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Air Algerie and Lufthansa announced widespread cancellations. According to aviation analytics company Cirium, 966 out of 4,218 flights (22.9 per cent) scheduled to land in West Asian countries on Saturday were cancelled. This figure rose to more than 1,800 when outbound flights were included. For Sunday, 716 flights out of 4,329 scheduled to the region had been cancelled. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported that more than 19,000 flights had been delayed globally and over 2,600 cancelled as of 0230 GMT Sunday. Airspace closures Iran closed its airspace until further notice, according to the spokesperson of the Civil Aviation Organisation, quoted by Tasnim News Agency. Israel suspended civilian flights, announced by Transport Minister Miri Regev. Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, its civil aviation authority said. Iraq shut down its skies, according to state media. The United Arab Emirates announced a partial and temporary closure. Syria closed part of its southern airspace near the Israeli border for 12 hours, its Civil Aviation Authority said. Jordan stated that its air force was conducting drills to defend the kingdoms airspace. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday said the Centre was making continuous efforts to ensure the safe return of Indians stranded amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, describing the situation as volatile. A flight information board reflects cancellations at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on March 1, 2026 as India's two largest private carriers IndiGo and Air India suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East.- AFP Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday stated that the government is making continuous efforts to ensure the safe return of Indians stranded amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, describing the situation as volatile. Speaking to reporters at Rambhapuri Mutt in Chikkamagaluru, Joshi said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities in New Delhi. The situation there (Middle East) is very difficult. It has come to my attention that Kannada people are stranded, he noted. Highlighting the governments proactive monitoring, he added, I will go to Delhi today and talk to the concerned ministers. All efforts will be made to bring back the Indians there safely. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Referring to past evacuation operations, Joshi said, We have successfully brought everyone back during the war in the Modi government, while cautioning that conditions in the region remain unstable. Currently, the situation there is turbulent. Even flying a plane there is dangerous, Joshi said. Our efforts are continuous to bring back the people there safely, the Union Minister said, adding, JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda, who is stranded in Dubai with his family, and all the passengers with him should be brought back safely. Meanwhile, more than 700 people from Madhya Pradesh, including two former MLAs, are stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to flight cancellations amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, an office-bearer of a travel agents outfit said on Sunday. Several people from the state had travelled to the UAE for tourism and business purposes and the crisis in the region had left them stranded, Amol Kataria, chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of Indias MP unit, told PTI. The Israeli army announced Sunday it was again launching large-scale strikes targeting the heart of Tehran. Its air force led the campaign to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli military also claimed it had destroyed half of Irans missile stockpiles. With inputs from agencies Is travel really transformative, or has social media turned it into performance? A controversial essay sparked a debate that still refuses to fade. Travel can be many things at once. Representational image/Pexels A couple of years ago, an article published in the The New Yorker enraged travel writers, enthusiasts and tourists alike. It provoked passionate rebuttals on Substack, Reddit and blogs. One Reddit thread responding to the article concluded that the author was an over-intellectual who had forgotten how to enjoy life. That was also the reaction of a friend who sent me the piece. I read it then and it has stayed with me ever since. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The essay was The Case Against Travel by Agnes Callard, a professor of philosophy at the University of Chicago. It questioned an idea many people take for granted: that travel is automatically meaningful and transformative. What Callard really argues In her philosophical essay, Callard cites respected writers to support her argument that travel is not as valuable or enlightening as we often pretend. She writes that it promotes shallow behaviour and adds little to our lives. Travel, she suggests, is often little more than a way to escape the monotony of daily life, a band-aid for existential anxiety. Callard does not say travel is always wrong. She believes it can be meaningful when there is real motivation, such as travelling to study, work or pursue a particular passion. But she is critical of travel without intension. If you travel to see something you neither value nor aspire to value, you are not doing much of anything besides locomoting, she writes. She argues that tourists seek change, but rarely achieve it. Instead, they visit places that others have assigned cultural value to, return home and find their beliefs and interests unchanged. Why the article struck a nerve It is no surprise that many readers took issue with the essay. Callard was seen as a killjoy, dismissing personal joy and lived experience. But the strong reaction also suggests something else. There is a lot of shallow, performative tourism today. An many people recognise it. Travel trends and social media pressure Social media has made the world quite small and travel trends happen quite often, says Shyna Maria Furtado. One minute everyone wants to go to Bali then Turkey and the cycle repeats. When I see multiple people travelling to the it destination it does make me feel a sense of FOMO but its short lived as trends keep changing and hence a new it destination takes over the gram. Devanshi Batra feels a similar pull. With all the reels popping up in my feed, I really want to visit Central Asia and Africa. I am enrolled in a very rigorous course so I havent been able to travel much, but seeing all this on my feed makes me want to travel more. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She adds, I wouldnt say pressured, but it does make me want to travel even when Im not truly feeling it. Its like seeing everyone else travel and feeling as though youre missing out, when youre not, really. Looking for something unfiltered For me, a trip feels complete only when I can, in some way, forget who I am and that social media even exists, says Himanshu Chauhan, an avid traveller. Its about meeting locals and strangers, experiencing something unfiltered, raw, as it truly is. Im sure you wont be surprised that this never comes from an IG recommendation. His view echoes Callards concern about surface-level experiences. Meaning, for Chauhan, comes from immersion rather than performance. Speaking to Firstpost, psychiatrist, Dr. Aninda Sidhana said, When experiences such as travel are primarily oriented toward online visibility rather than lived engagement, individuals report diminished emotional presence, increased anxiety, fear of missing out, and a loss of intrinsic enjoyment. When travel stays local Not everyone experiences travel through distant destinations. Aditya Anurag Roy, a journalism student based in Chennai, says food creators influence him more than travel vloggers. I find reels by food creators more compelling than travel vloggers. It has more to do with the financial means and accessibility to the location, he says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a student living in Chennai, I come across many reels tempting me to visit Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, or Kerala. But its both time-consuming and out of my monthly budget. He adds, If I come across food creators exploring cafes in Adyar or Velachery, I tend to bookmark them and visit whenever they have an offer or over the weekend. That way, I feel food vloggers have shaped my Chennai experience in a huge way. The pressure to travel in your 20s Mohamed B, an international student, describes the constant pressure to travel in his 20s. I would say that I constantly feel the pressure to travel in my 20s, mainly because of Instagram, he says. A lot of the friends that I made in undergrad are constantly posting about their travels. When youre in your 20s, you cant help but feel like this is the decade to go out there and explore, he adds. So you get to experience this kind of FOMO, fear of missing out, or fear that youre not doing enough He points out the reality behind the images. Unless you come from a wealthy background, youre still figuring out how to be financially stable in your 20s. So its very, very difficult to travel often for leisure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over time, his perspective has changed. I realise 80% of it is a mirage, really. I try to always remind myself there is time to go out there and explore and travel, and everything happens at the right time. Explaining the phenomena, Dr. Sidhana notes, Persistent social comparison driven by social media check-ins and curated travel content contributes to reduced self-esteem, relationship dissatisfaction, and dependence on external validation, often leading to emotional distress. Does travel harm more than it helps? In a social media post, travel company Comfortable Hiking Holidays reflects on Callards essay where she quotes from Hosts and Guests, a classic academic book on tourism. A tourist, it says, is someone who travels to experience a change. But Callard asks an important question. What actually changes? She argues that tourists are less likely to borrow from their hosts than their hosts are from them, thus precipitating a chain of change in the host community. The company asks whether this change is necessarily a bad thing. They argue that hiking holidays allow travellers to slow down, connect deeply with places and build relationships with local people. For them, travel is about connection, not consumption. Change as a two-way street The writer of the post says, I sincerely hope I have inflicted change in some people and countries I have travelled to. They hope their travel have challenged ideas about women travelling alone, helped aspiring tour leaders with budgeting and marketing and supported projects like building a kitchen at Naivasha Highway Primary School in Kenya. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some of us instead believe that Tourism is the most effective weapon to save the world, they write. Change and transformation through travel is a two-way street. For them, travel has been transformative. It has made me more confident, more tolerant and more curious. Is travel meant to be deep? A Reddit user offers a different reading of Callards argument. Humans enjoy novelty. The change isnt a deep change of self or others. Its a change of scenery, they write. Theres only a small percentage of planet earth that tasks themselves with not being tourists and instead gaining something deep from travel. Globetrotter and veteran journalist M.J. Akbar said, Trust the eye, be a great witness, and the journey is soon touched by the magic of that truly exotic creature called the human being. So what makes travel meaningful? The debate around The Case Against Travel which doesnt seem to fade away shows that travel can be many things at once. It can be shallow or sincere. Performative or personal. Influenced by trends or shaped by intention. Not every journey needs to be life-changing. Sometimes. meaning lies in small shifts. In slowing down. In paying attention. In choosing presence over display. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an exclusive interview with Firstposts Lachmi Deb Roy for Fashion Police, designer Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango talks about how India is a vast land filled to the brim with stories. Each culture, each tradition, language, tribe, religion and state have so many stories to tell. As Raw Mango debuted their Fall Winter 2026 collection Its Not About The Flower at London Fashion Week, we realise how important Indias position is in the world fashion order. In an EXCLUSIVE conversation with Firstpost, designer and founder of Raw Mango Sanjay Garg explained how flowers remain an important part of South-East Asia and South Asia. As a culture, we are a country of garlands. Whether its a death, a birth, a wedding or a religious ritual, you see garlands, irrespective of the religion. Its not about one individual flower; its about the plurality. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Drawing inspiration from the ubiquitous garlandwhich is a humble, albeit important part of everyday life in South Asiathe collection blurs the line between decoration and that which is decorated. Edited excerpts from the interview: What was the thought that went behind the collection? With this collection, I wanted the appreciation of Indian fashion to shift away from the more is better approach and towards a holistic approach of the garment and the weave being presented. But also, for those looking to wear these creations, I want them to feel special, and part of the arrangement that adorns them. Thats the emotional core of this work. For inspiration, we looked at the garland. Flowers remain an important part of South-East Asia and South Asia. But we dont really have a culture of giving one individual flower to someone, like, say, a rose on Valentines Day. People do give but, as a culture, we are a country of garlands. Whether its a death, a birth, a wedding or a religious ritual, you see garlands, irrespective of the religion. So, I wanted to show through my collection (titled Its not about the flower) how a 3D garland becomes the body rather than just a decoration. Its not about one individual flower; its about the plurality. The arrangement, instead of the singular disembodied motif. The weave and the structure, instead of the golden threads on the surface. The body, instead of the adornment. Every flower in a garland is unique, and at some point, each of them loses their individuality as they become part of something larger than themselves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where do you see India in the world fashion order? I think the world, and us, are coming to terms with the fact that India is a vast land filled to the brim with stories. Each culture, each tradition, language, tribe, religion and state have so many stories to tell, with unique emotion, expression and connection a chaotic repository that is difficult to organise and document. So, yes, these stories are finally being told across mediums, and platforms, by a plethora of creative voices, each with their own distinct perspective. There isnt a moment in our day-to-day lives when something mad or bizarre isnt heard or seen - inspiration comes from everywhere. Indian brands are simply reflecting the diversity of voices, which means there is something for everyone, no matter where they are on the globe. There is still a strong association between Indian fashion and a certain kind of aesthetic heavy gold embroidery, and maximalist ensembles that overwhelm the eye and the body with bling. Indian fashion is too often quantified its not seen for its innate aesthetic value, but the number of hours it took a weaver to create a garment. We are trying to reframe some of these narratives with Its Not About The Flower. I want audiences to question how we can read a garment from the subcontinent through a focus on its creative rather than manual labor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fashion vs Style what is your take? Fashion is bound by time and style is free of time. People who are very conscious of fashion, they are very time-bound - whether a trend is in or out. When you think of style - its free of time, it is timeless. Your style is an expression of who you are, what you want to say in that particular moment. Fashion is an organized industry it is an attempt to organize and curate style. One of them is bound up in commerce, the other represents freedom. After 25 years in the industry and with the youngest in this years Oscar race, the actresses are starting their own production company and at last shooting their first scenes together Its odd. Despite having been seen hundreds, thousands of times together in photographs, at events and on red carpets, Dakota and Elle Fanning have never shared time on-screen. Theyre actresses. Theyre sisters. Theyre stars who have been nominated for elite awards and who have worked with the best performers and directors in the world. They share a last name, a business, and even a closet. But no, theyve never exchanged dialogue, or a weighty look in front of the cameras that have made them famous. But thats about to change. Theyre still in their twenties and thirties, with a quarter-century in the industry and nearly 100 projects under their belts. Who knows, maybe some day theyll have their photo taken together, with an Oscar. Dakota, who turned 32 on February 23, is the oldest and the one who first blazed the path. But right now, Elle is shining most brightly at 27. Shes the first of the pair to be nominated for an Oscar. Shes in the running for the statuette thanks to Norwegian director Joachim Triers Sentimental Value, in which she plays a Hollywood star who sets out to film a foreign movie. Essentially, she arrived on the Mt. Olympus of acting by playing herself. Theres no easy road ahead: the Best Supporting Actress category also features competitors like her castmate Inga Ibsdotter Lilleass, Sinners Wunmi Mosaku, Weapons Amy Madigan and Teyana Taylor, who is favored to win for her role in One Battle After Another. Its likely Elle is aware that she will probably not take home the prize. But also, that shes not too concerned about it. There are various reasons for this perceived calm. First, because shes the youngest of the five nominees. Already with a vaunted career of more than 70 projects, she has time decades, even for her moment to come. Secondly, because the Fanning sisters live their lives with a sense of normality that is seldom seen among young people in their industry. After so many years in this world, theyre used to it. As Dakota told this publication some eight years ago, when she was just 24, If starting so young has helped me in any way, its that I feel very comfortable in this business. Then theres the fact that she doesnt need the award to make her name in Hollywood. Shes had one since she was born in large part, thanks to Dakota. The sisters relationship appears natural, organic, like few others in their industry. Born to athlete parents in Conyers, Georgia, they chose the life of the screen early on, and it chose them right back. Being blonde, beautiful and spunky was a good start, but those factors alone arent enough to build a career. Dakota, who was born in 1994, made her first appearance on an episode of ER in 2000. Within a couple of years, shed worked on Ally McBeal, Malcolm in the Middle and CSI. But her big break came via playing Sean Penns daughter in I Am Sam (2001). Dakota starred as Lucy Dawson, and alongside her was Elle, who at two years old played a younger version of Lucy. It was the first sign of how intertwined their work would become. Dakota and Elle Fanning, at a premiere in August 2003. Gregg DeGuire (WireImage) In a recent interview with EL PAIS, Elle recognized that her star really started to rise thanks to Super 8, which she filmed when she was 12 years old though shed already been on sets for 10 years at that point. Up until that moment, everyone confused me with Dakota, she laughed. It never bothered her very much. Shes quick to make jokes at her own expense, and to self-identify as a neposister, a term she delivers flush with sororal affection. Of course I got opportunities because people are like, Oh, its Dakota Fannings sister. Well see her audition, she told Vanity Fair a few months ago. But thats never led to competition between the two, they say, well aware that people may not believe them. During another talk with the magazine Byrdie, Dakota said that at first, each Fanning was focused on her own goals, on building separate careers but that now that theyve achieved those things, theyve become calmer. We dont feel that pressure anymore. Weve established that were two different people with two different journeys. When we were younger, we wanted to make sure that people saw us differently, and we wanted to give each other space to carve our own path, Elle told Vanity Fair. But as adults, its been very fulfilling to merge. Its healthy for them, and a breath of fresh air in show business, that theyve worked past their anxiety around the subject. Theyre normal, even if they are exceptional. They smile, theyre friendly, they ride bikes and go shopping. They have dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant a few miles north of Hollywood, in a normal neighborhood. Dakota drives there, with her sister as copilot. They make Oscar-nominated films, but also video games and mayonnaise ads. They take selfies in sweatshirts without makeup. They drink espresso martinis. They take glamorous photos for magazine covers, but also fan pics with Arnold Schwarzenegger, which they then upload to their social media profiles (Dakota has 4.3 million Instagram followers; Elle, 7.4 million). Though they have always been close, they say that as theyve grown up, theyve come to better understand each other. Dakota has been focusing on television, with shows like The Alienist, Ripley, and The Perfect Couple. She says it is her favorite medium. For her part, Elle goes for a greater mix: blockbuster films, indie movies, series, serving on the jury for Cannes. Still, they are so in tune that five years ago, they decided to create a vehicle that would allow them to make the projects they wanted: their own production company, Lewellen Pictures (named in honor of their childhood dog). And now, at last, they will make their first movie together as producers accompanied by Reese Witherspoons Hello Sunshine and also, lead actresses. Of course, theyll play sisters. The project is an adaptation of the novel The Nightingale, the bestseller by author Kristin Hannah about the contrasting destinies of Isabelle and Vianne, two French siblings during the Second World War. They will begin to film in the spring, and both say they are excited to start. Particularly Elle, who has been omnipresent on red carpets during the last few months thanks to Sentimental Value, and who is also in the latest installment of Predator and soon, the Apple TV series in which she stars alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, Margos Got Money Troubles. The latter follows a pregnant teen under economic pressure, who starts selling erotic photos, and is also co-produced by the sisters. Dakota recently starred in the horror movie Vicious and the Peacock miniseries All Her Fault. Theyve somehow found the time to come together to talk about their upcoming projects. The eldest of the pair is somewhat more reserved (in her conversation and way of dressing), with clearer ideas. The youngest is more expansive and open, a style icon and a fan of vintage clothing; Elle says that pieces can hang in her closet for years before she wears them. She once told The Hollywood Reporter that being able to film with her sister is a dream shes had for years. Thats a dream fulfilled, she said. They both insist that sisterhood takes priority over work. I just want her to have everything that she wants, says Dakota. Whats mine is hers, and I feel the same thing back from her. We have that mentality in our family. That may have something to do with the fact that they share a publicist and stylist. Working from such a young age far from generating the trauma that it has in other showbiz siblings has brought them peace. Theres no drama in their behavior, or their statements. Even though we started young in this business, I dont feel like I missed out on anything. People want us to feel like we missed out. They love that narrative, says Elle. At the end of the day, theyre Hollywood girls in their salad days sharing tacos even if they drove here in a Porsche. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In an era of unreliable allies, shifting power architectures, and an increasingly fragmented global order, India is forging relationships that serve its interests and its ideals. This isnt a contradiction; its diplomatic sophistication When Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Tel Aviv for his second official visit to Israel on February 2526, 2026, it wasnt just another diplomatic jaunt. It was a declaration, not of faction, but of strategic conviction. Nine years after his historic first visit in 2017, this return trip reflects not impulsive alignment but long-term partnership, calibrated by shifting global fault lines and Indias own evolving worldview. For PM Modi and New Delhi, this visit sits at the crossroads of history and geography. The 2017 trip had marked the first ever by an Indian prime minister to Israel and elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. His current 2026 visit consolidates that trajectory, deepening cooperation not just in defence and security but in next-generation technology sectors. From artificial intelligence to quantum computing, precisely at a time when many global powers are losing coherence and credibility on the world stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critics of the Indian government may try to argue that such engagement signals a retreat from Indias historical support for the Palestinian cause. Voices from the Opposition, for instance, have suggested that the visit undermines Indias legacy of championing Palestinian self-determination, established decades ago when India recognised the State of Palestine in 1988 and maintained consistent rhetoric in global forums. To understand why this critique misses the point, however, you have to step back from the reductive binaries of pro-Israel versus pro-Palestine and appreciate the realities of Indian foreign policy and the global order in 2026. Indias diplomacy, long anchored in non-alignment, has never been about picking sides in simplistic terms. New Delhi formally recognised Israel in 1992, decades after independence, not as a rebuke to Palestine but as an acceptance of geopolitical reality; and even today it continues to support the principle of a two-state solution and peaceful resolution in the Middle East. It has voted in favour of UN resolutions backing Palestinian statehood, in line with global consensus emphasising diplomacy and dialogue rather than violence. But while India supports Palestinian aspirations, of course we also understand that simple moral posturing accomplishes little. The strategic partnership with Israel is rooted in concrete cooperation on defence, counter-terrorism, technology, and agriculture, domains that keep India safer and more prosperous. As of 2025, Israel was Indias second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade measured in billions of dollars. Such collaboration has a real impact on economic growth and national security. Critics often overlook the core of Indias diplomatic philosophy under Modi: de-hyphenation. This is not just jargon; its a deliberate policy choice to treat Indias relations with Israel and with Palestine as distinct and independent, not bundled as one at the expense of the other. The 2017 visit was a watershed moment precisely because Modi chose to engage with Israel on its own terms, not as an adjunct to talks in Ramallah or Cairo. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is, of course, a rational logic to this approach. The world as we knew it in the 20th century, dominated by stable Western leadership, is morphing into something far more unpredictable. The United States, long cast as the guarantor of global order, is itself fractured, struggling with domestic polarisation, casting doubt on its capacity for consistent leadership abroad. Europe, meanwhile, confronts its own internal economic and geopolitical dilemmas, oscillating between rhetoric and reality when it comes to Middle East policy. Many European nations vocally criticise Israeli actions on Palestinian issues, yet their influence in brokering meaningful peace remains limited at best, inconsistent at worst. In such a landscape, Indias diplomatic choices are not flights of fancy. They are affirmations of strategic autonomy. The ability to make sovereign decisions unshackled from moral absolutism or geopolitical servitude. Indias engagement with Israel does not diminish its belief in Palestinian rights, but it does acknowledge that the world is not binary. There is strength in diversification of partnerships, especially when raw power centres are wobbling. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This global uncertainty makes Indias role particularly interesting. It sits astride two worlds: a rapidly rising global power with deep ties to the West and a leader of the Global South with historical empathy for anti-colonial struggles. Indias diplomatic balancing act, strengthening ties with Israel while consistently supporting Palestinian self-determination in multilateral fora, embodies this dual role. Addressing criticism at home, that diplomacy with Israel equates to abandoning Palestine is thus a false choice. Indias position is not betrayal; it is balance. In the United Nations and other international platforms, India has reaffirmed the two-state solution and advocated for peaceful resolution through diplomacy. At the same time, it recognises the strategic reality that Israel, despite its controversial policies, holds significant value as a partner in an increasingly unstable region. Even when US-Iran tensions have spiked and Middle Eastern geopolitics appear increasingly volatile, Indias commitment to robust, direct engagement with players on the ground, rather than distant chastisement, reflects a foreign policy crafted for the 21st century, not the echo chamber of 20th-century idealism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Opposition voices also often overlook another essential fact. Public opinion and government positions are not always congruent. Indian governments have consistently reiterated support for Palestinian rights, irrespective of the party in power. Over the years, India has maintained a balanced stance, urging diplomacy, opposing unilateral actions, and emphasising dialogue as the sustainable route to peace. International relations is not a morality play. It is a calculus of interests, risks, and long-term vision. In a world where old alliances show cracks, where traditional backers are unreliable, and where autocracies leverage chaos to expand influence, Indias Israel engagement is not blind alignment. It is a well-thought-out strategic partnership. One that safeguards Indian interests, fosters technological advancement, strengthens national security, and preserves space for India to be heard on global platforms. Indias second visit to Israel is neither capitulation nor capitulation masked as strategy. It is an assertion of Indias growing role in a risk-prone world, a voice that refuses to be cowed by simplistic narratives and transactional criticism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an era of unreliable allies, shifting power architectures, and an increasingly fragmented global order, India is forging relationships that serve its interests and its ideals. That is not a contradiction. It is diplomacy at its most sophisticated. (The author is a freelance journalist and features writer based out of Delhi. Her main areas of focus are politics, social issues, climate change and lifestyle-related topics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) As both India and Canada share numerous commonalities and convergences on global, regional and bilateral issues of concern, there is significant scope for consolidation and enhanced synergy in their ties beyond occasional strains From a historical perspective, the impact of the Komagata Maru (1914) and the Ghadar Movement (1913) was seminal, as these major events fuelled intense anti-British sentiments among the Indian diaspora and its sympathisers in Canada, ultimately contributing to India achieving independence from British colonial rule. India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947. Both countries have adopted a federal structure in their constitutions as a cornerstone. India and Canada are members of several multilateral bodies, including the G20, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the UN. India had received financial assistance from Canada, including under the Colombo Plan in the 1950s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although relations have witnessed some downturns such as following Indias 1974 Pokhran-I (Buddha Is Smiling) peaceful nuclear explosion, the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests and the subsequent economic sanctions imposed by Canada, and the 2023 announcement by then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons describing Indias alleged involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen as a credible allegation", which India termed absurd and motivated India-Canada relations have moved towards closer partnership in recent times. Mark Carneys assumption of office as prime minister in March 2025 marked another phase in this trajectory. The September 2025 G7 meeting, at which Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Kananaskis, Alberta, helped foster a better understanding of each others perspectives and emphasised areas of convergence and deliverables. In this context, Prime Minister Carneys current visit to India can be considered a positive step in the right direction. Trade, Commerce In 2024, India was Canadas seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade coming to $30.4 billion, while more than 600 Canadian firms currently operate in India. Canada considers India to be a reliable trading partner given its status rising to the fourth rank just after the US, China, and Germany. Canada, in sync with India, also has a similar open, inclusive priority in the Indo-Pacific theatre in order to make the latter region Canadas second-largest regional export market trading partner after the US. India can also tap into Canadas vast trade potential, as Canada has consistently figured among the top ten largest economies in the world, with a projected 2026 GDP in the range of $2-4 trillion. Bilateral trade in services between India and Canada is approximately CAD 19.61 billion, with potential for immense growth in areas such as pharmaceuticals and textiles from India and energy, critical minerals, pulses and timber from Canada. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two-way trade remains substantial, approx. CAD 30-33 billion in 2024/2025. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that is currently being negotiated between India and Canada is likely to give further fillip to multiple sectors, including infrastructure, clean energy, electricals and semiconductors, agri-food and automotive, electric vehicles, digital and fintech, etc. Further collaboration can expand across other areas as well, such as in crude oil, LNG, uranium, and hydrogen. Canada can also help India in Indias critical minerals value chain through joint ventures in exploration, battery manufacturing, sharing refining technologies, downstream industries and having a mutually beneficial resilient supply chain. Role of the Indian Diaspora in Canada India hosts close to 2 million persons of Indian origin (PIOs), and they make up 3 per cent of Canadas population, one of the largest ethnic groups in Canadas multiethnic and multicultural society. Although the immigration policy of Canada has tightened in recent years, a lot of students who study in Canada prefer to stay back and work in Canada, acquiring permanent residency and citizenship. There are several major cities in Canada, such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, etc, which have Little India enclaves catering to the educational, community and cultural needs of the Indian diaspora residing in Canada. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are several Canadian Indian ethnic associations in operation along with various immigrants hailing from various Indian states across religions and languages. In Vancouver, British Columbia, alone, some 800,000 Sikhs live, which by itself is the largest Sikh diaspora outside the Indian state of Punjab. A number of high-profile persons of Indian origin have excelled in the Canadian federal polity too, including the current foreign minister, Anita Anand. Education Sector In spite of some decline in the number of Indian students entry into Canada in recent years, Indias student population constitutes a major chunk of foreign students in Canadian universities and institutes. India is Canadas largest source country for most immigration categories, including 392,810 study permit holders from India, including students graduating from various Canadian universities. As per the April 2025 figure, 427,000 students from India have been enrolled in various universities in India. More than a quarter of new permanent residents arriving in Canada in 2024 were also from India. Indian academics have excelled in a diverse range of research arenas, including developing a record number of patents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As part of Indias New Education Policy, NEP-2020, Indian universities, including IITs, will be inclined to set up campuses in Canada for greater synergy in education and cutting-edge research. The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI, created in 1968) does play a significant role in enhancing the student-faculty mobility programme as well as in organising capacity. Building workshops in affiliated universities of both India and Canada. Movement on the AI Front In the field of artificial intelligence, Canada is considered one of the leading countries in providing technology. Canada hosts about 10 per cent of the worlds top-notch AI researchers, the second-highest concentration globally. Canada ranks first among the G7 group of nations in AI research publications per capita. The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), with major hubs in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton, and which employs a number of researchers from India, is considered a major centre for AI-related research activities. Over the years, CIFAR has pioneered in the fields of health care, logistics for small ports, workforce training, intellectual property strategies, sustainability in greener manufacturing, etc. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, too, is advancing rapidly as an AI hub through the India AI Mission 2024, which was allocated $1.6 billion over five years to build the worlds largest AI dataset platform for providing access to create established centres of excellence in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable cities. India is also developing BharatGen (a multimodal LLM), Sarvam-1 and Avatar-AI for Indias multilingual and governance applications. AI is also being integrated into Indias digital public infrastructure, such as Aadhar and the Unified Payment Interface, enabling large-scale applications in governance and citizen services. In 2025, India co-chaired the AI Action Summit, underscoring its role in shaping international AI governance. The India-AI Impact Summit of 2026 further reinforced Indias commitment to enhance all aspects of AIs research and development. Challenges remain, though, in areas such as data privacy concerns, divergent digital governance models, cyber risks, sensitivities surrounding defence applications, etc. In this regard, Canadas strengths in governance and sustainable infrastructure may provide an appropriate complement to Indias stride towards AI-related technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critical Minerals India endorsed the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan in 2025, opening the door for deeper, more embedded bilateral collaboration in trade, research and technology in order to strengthen resilient critical minerals value chains. Of the 34 minerals identified by Canada as critical, 22 out of those also appear on Indias priority critical mineral list, including graphite, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper. In this regard, Canada has to do a lot more, as Canadas mineral exports to India account for just 2 per cent. Potash, Canadas largest critical mineral export to India, has declined sharply in value from CAD 966 million in 2022 to CAD 571 million in 2023 and CAD 402 million in 2024. For both India and Canada, collaboration in critical minerals is essential for renewable energy techniques as used in solar panels and wind turbines. The Road Ahead As both India and Canada have so many commonalities and convergences on global, regional, and bilateral issues of concern, there is room for further consolidation and synergy in taking this relationship to greater heights. Although there will likely be global turbulence of one kind or another in the short to medium term, what is important is to have a more practical, doable, pragmatic and sustainable roadmap in both India and Canada, reaching out to one another for wider public good in enhancing their mutually beneficial relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Mohammed Badrul Alam is Director of Research; professor and former head, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Canadas AI minister Evan Solomon will meet Sam Altman next week after a deadly school shooting in British Columbia, pressing OpenAI to clarify how it will strengthen safety protocols and law enforcement coordination. Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 11, 2025. REUTERS Canadas minister in charge of artificial intelligence said on Friday he will meet with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman next week to discuss how the ChatGPT maker plans to boost safety protocols after a recent school shooting in British Columbia. The Canadian government has urged OpenAI to boost its safety protocols quickly and warned Ottawa could effect change through legislation after the company said it had not contacted police about an account belonging to the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, that it had banned. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While we note their willingness to strengthen law enforcement referral protocols, establish direct points of contact with Canadian authorities, and enhance safeguards, we have not yet seen a detailed plan for how these commitments will be implemented in practice, Minister Evan Solomon said in a statement. Solomon was responding to a letter he received from OpenAIs vice president of global policy on Thursday in which the firm said it will set up a direct point of contact with Canadian law enforcement and improve detection of repeat violators of its violent activities policy to boost safety protocols. Solomon said he will meet with Altman to seek further clarity and to ensure that the commitments made are translated into concrete action." Van Rootselaar, 18, is suspected of killing eight people on February 10 before taking her own life in Tumbler Ridge. OpenAI said it banned her ChatGPT account last year for policy violations. Solomon said he will also meet with other major platforms in Canada in the coming weeks. All options remain on the table as we assess what further steps may be necessary, he added. (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff) US President Donald Trump ordered a six month phase out of Anthropic products after the Pentagon labeled the AI firm a supply chain risk. The company plans a legal challenge, while OpenAI moves closer to deeper Defence Department deployment agreements. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that his government will no longer work with tech giant Anthropic, and Pentagon said that it would declare the startup a supply-chain risk, dealing a major blow to the artificial intelligence lab after a showdown about technology guardrails. Trump clarified that he will set a six-month phase out for the Defence department and other agencies that rely on the companys products. If Anthropic does not help with the transition, Trump said, he would use the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The series follows, after it was reported that the US Defence department used Claude AI during the US intervention in Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Biggest action against any tech giant The actions mark an extraordinary rebuke by the United States against one of the giants in technology and artificial intelligence, threatening to give Anthropic a pariah status that Washington until now had reserved for enemy suppliers. Alphabets Google and Amazon are the financial backers of Anthropic. The move is set to precedent that US law alone would constrain how AI is deployed on the battlefield, with the Pentagon seeking to preserve all flexibility in defense and not be limited by warnings from the technologys creators against powering weapons with unreliable AI. Anthropic responded that it would challenge any risk designation in court by the Department of Defence, which the Trump Administration has renamed the Department of War. We believe this designation would both be legally unsound and set a dangerous precedent for any American company that negotiates with the government, Anthropic said. No amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position on mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, the company added. The rival company to Anthropic, OpenAI announced its plan to deploy technology in the Defence Departments classified network. CEO Sam Altman on X said the Pentagon shared its principles for human responsibility over weapon systems and for having no mass US surveillance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nuclear war We put them into our agreement. We also will build technical safeguards to ensure our models behave as they should, which the DoW also wanted, Altman said. After meeting the Defence Secretary, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei argued for weapons and surveillance limits and irked Pentagon officials. The Pentagon said US law, not a private company, would determine how to defend the country. Blacklisting Anthropic is the contractual equivalent of nuclear war, Amodei said. Most draconian domestic AI regulation Anthropic has raced to win fierce competition to sell novel technology to businesses and government, particularly for national security, ahead of a widely expected initial public offering. The company has said it has not finalised an IPO decision. Saif Khan, who served in the National Security Council in former President Joe Bidens White House, said the Defence Departments action may be the most draconian domestic AI regulation any government has ever issued." The Department is arguably treating Anthropic as a greater national security threat than any Chinese AI companies, none of whom theyve designated supply-chain risks, Khan said. Amid the ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran, a Wall Street Journal report revealed that the American military used artificial-intelligence software from San Francisco-based startup Anthropic to plan the major airstrike against Tehran. Amid the ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran, a Wall Street Journal report revealed that the American military used artificial-intelligence software from San Francisco-based startup Anthropic to plan the major airstrike against Tehran. What was concerning was the fact that Anthropics artificial intelligence tool, Claude AI, was used after Trump directed federal agencies to end the use of the companys AI systems. The revelation was made to the American news outlet by people familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous. The sources told the WSJ that commands around the world, including the US Central Command in West Asia, employed Anthropics Claude AI tool for tasks such as intelligence assessments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The tool was also used for targeting and simulating battlefield scenarios ahead of the operation. Centcom has declined to comment on specific systems in its ongoing operations against Iran. Hence, the use of Claude in such high-stakes missions reflects that the AI tool is already integrated into the US military operations despite the fact that the relations between Anthropic and the Pentagon have deteriorated sharply. The standoff between the Trump administration and Anthropic It is important to note that the standoff between the US Department of Defence and Anthropic stems from the terms of using the companys AI models. Last week, the Trump administration ordered all federal agencies to stop working with Anthropic. It directed the Pentagon to designate the company a security threat and risk to its defence supply chain. The directive followed contract negotiations in which Anthropic refused to grant the Pentagon the right to use Claude in all lawful scenarios it might require, the Wall Street Journal reported. The conflict prompted the Department of Defence to secure alternative contracts for AI tools from other developers. In this regard, the Pentagon has reached out ot makers of OpenAIs ChatGPT and Elon Musks xAI models for classified settings. However, military officials and AI experts say fully replacing Claude across all systems could take months. X recorded its highest-ever usage, according to CEO Elon Musk, as global audiences tracked US-Israel strikes on Iran and the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, driving unprecedented engagement amid escalating Middle East tensions. Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday announced that the X platform experienced its highest usage ever. According to BlockBeats, Musk referenced a tweet from X product manager Nikita Bier, who noted that the day marked the highest traffic in the platforms history. The prior all-time high in X usage occurred on July 15, 2024, with 417 billion global user-seconds, as reported by Elon Musksurpassing earlier peaks like 76 billion US user-seconds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xs usage soared from global demand for real-time updates and notifications, reactions, and memes about the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that killed the countrys supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Highest usage of ever https://t.co/jvq87EDkEq Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 1, 2026 Iran has confirmed the death of Khamenei as a part of US and Israeli military operations in the country. Iranian media report that several members of Khameneis family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, were also killed during the strikes. Iranian media has said that the strike has killed at least 148 people and about 95 wounded. In retaliation, Iran has targeted US and Israeli assets in multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Amid escalating tensions, several nations in the region have closed their airspace to ensure safety. Hundreds of Persians were seen celebrating across America on Saturday after the news broke that the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, with video showing demonstrators waving American and Iranian flags and cheering. US President Donald Trump on Sunday taking to his Truth Social platform issued a statement, warning Iran against hitting back. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump said the United States would hit Iran with force that has never been seen before as the country reiterated against US and Israeli strikes escalating the crises further. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been assassinated in Israeli-US strikes, Iran has confirmed. He leaves behind a legacy of confrontation as a tool of diplomacy and geostrategy during his nearly four decades of rule as Irans Supreme Leader Khamenei became Irans Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. (Reuters) For most countries, power is measured in tanks, aircraft and economic weight. Iran possesses fewer of these than many of its adversaries. Yet since the late Cold War era, Iran has steadily expanded its influence across West Asia affecting conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza and Yemen often without deploying its conventional army beyond its borders. At the centre of that transformation stood Ali Khamenei, whose refusal, as US President Donald Trump says, to agree to stop the nuclear weapons programme has led to another regional war in West Asia. After three rounds of peace talks between the US and Iran, Israel on Saturday launched preemptive strikes in Tehran. The US forces joined the war in coordination. Iran has retaliated with multiple strikes on American military bases across West Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the intervening night of February 28 and March 1, Israeli forces claimed that Tehran strikes led to the assassination of Khamenei. In the early hours of Sunday, Trump claimed Khamenei was dead. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Irans last Shah, too backed the claims that Khamenei was dead. He also warned Irans clergy elite against choosing a successor of Khamenei. Irans defence ministry, in its first response, denied claims and reports of Khameneis death, calling it an American plot to assassinate the Supreme Leader of the country. The Iranian media too refuted such reports saying Khamenei was in good health. Later, Iran confirmed Khameneis assassination in Israeli-US strikes. Reports also said that he died in an Israeli strike that targeted the building where Khamenei was holding a meeting with his inner circle. Reuters, meanwhile, reported that the air strikes also killed Khameneis daughter and his grandchildren. The Israel-US strikes began on Iran when the country was already witnessing public protests against the Khamenei regime. Protesters were chanting Death to Khamenei. Speculation of Khameneis death continues to flood social media, making him the central figure of the ongoing conflict domestic or foreign in Iran and West Asia. How Khamenei got Iran Khamenei became Irans Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Back then, many observers saw him as an unlikely successor. He lacked Khomeinis revolutionary charisma and senior clerical standing. Several analysts at the time expected Irans political system to fragment or moderate. At the time of Khomeinis death, Irans constitution required the Supreme Leader to be a senior religious authority. Khamenei did not meet that threshold. The political leadership amended the requirement and elevated him to the position, a decision that prioritised political reliability over clerical hierarchy. The episode shaped his leadership style: legitimacy would come not from religious rank alone, but from preserving the state the revolution had created. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Instead, the opposite occurred. Khomeini created the Islamic Republic. Khamenei stabilised and weaponised it. Rather than rebuilding Iran into a traditional military power, he pursued a different objective: ensuring the state could never again be invaded, overthrown, or strategically isolated. Over time, that defensive aim evolved into a broader project projecting influence across West Asia without direct occupation. The system he oversaw relied not on battlefield victories but on persistence, deterrence and indirect pressure. Gradually, it reshaped how conflict itself operates across the region. The war that defined his strategy The worldview Khamenei applied after 1989 was formed a decade earlier during the Iran-Iraq war. For eight years Iran faced a militarily stronger opponent backed by regional and international powers. Iraqi forces used chemical weapons. Iranian cities were bombarded. The countrys economy struggled under isolation and sanctions. Despite mobilising large numbers of volunteers, Iran lacked advanced aircraft, precision weapons and modern command systems. The conflict ended without decisive victory, but inside Tehran the lesson was clear: Iran could not rely on conventional warfare for survival. Future security required asymmetry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rather than matching adversaries weapon for weapon, Iran would increase the cost of confronting it. The objective would not be to defeat stronger enemies outright but to make victory over Iran prohibitively difficult. When Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989, that lesson became doctrine. How Khamenei constructed a parallel state in Iran To implement this doctrine, Khamenei strengthened an institution that gradually became central to the republics power structure: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Originally created to defend the revolution, the organisation expanded into intelligence operations, missile development, cyber capabilities and foreign missions. It also built economic influence, operating in construction, telecommunications and energy sectors. Over time, it functioned alongside and sometimes above civilian ministries. Internally, auxiliary forces such as the Basij militia helped manage dissent. Periodic protests did not weaken the system; they reinforced its guiding assumption that political instability could invite foreign intervention. The emerging doctrine was simple: Iran would avoid decisive wars but would make confrontation unavoidable. Instead of winning battles, it would manage escalation. Security would come from entangling adversaries in multiple theatres simultaneously. The result was a state designed to endure sanctions, unrest and external pressure simultaneously. Political legitimacy became less important than regime durability. Khameneis approach prioritised survival over popularity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The network beyond Irans borders His most consequential innovation, however, occurred outside Iran. Instead of deploying large expeditionary forces abroad, Tehran cultivated partnerships with armed movements across West Asia from the Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestines Gaza to the Houthis in Yemen. These groups operated within their own national contexts but aligned strategically with Iran. The benefits were immediate. Iran gained regional reach without direct occupation, while adversaries faced pressure across multiple theatres simultaneously. A confrontation with Tehran could produce tension near Israels northern border, around US military facilities in Iraq, or along international shipping routes. This created strategic depth. Iran no longer needed to fight wars on its own soil; conflicts could unfold far from its territory. Gradually, warfare in the region shifted from state-to-state battles toward interconnected fronts. Khameneis challenge: Managing confrontation with stronger powers Irans leadership understood it could not defeat the United States or Israel in open war. Instead, Khameneis doctrine focused on shaping the risks of escalation. The method was calibrated confrontation. Actions were typically limited missile launches, drone strikes, maritime seizures and cyber operations but sustained over time. Each individual incident fell below the threshold that would automatically trigger major war, yet collectively they imposed continuous strategic pressure. This produced a form of deterrence based on uncertainty. Retaliating heavily risked widening the conflict across several fronts. Responding lightly risked encouraging further attacks. West Asia entered a new strategic pattern: persistent confrontation without decisive war. Khameneis nuclear programme: A leverage tool Irans nuclear programme became the diplomatic extension of this strategy. Advances in uranium enrichment increased international pressure but also created bargaining power. Limiting those activities reduced tensions and opened negotiations. The programme therefore functioned as political leverage as much as technological development. Rather than openly pursuing a nuclear weapon, Iran maintained a position close to the threshold of capability. This ambiguity complicated military planning by its adversaries. Any preventive strike carried the risk of regional escalation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The programme functioned less as a battlefield weapon and more as a deterrent shield. Khameneis grand scheme: Reorganising regional conflict Over time, these policies changed the character of conflict across West Asia. Earlier decades had seen conventional wars: armies crossing borders and ceasefires ending fighting. The newer model involved overlapping confrontations militias, drones, missile exchanges and maritime incidents occurring continuously but rarely culminating in formal war. Regional states adapted. Israel expanded missile interception systems. Gulf monarchies invested in both defence technology and diplomacy. Western powers shifted from large military occupations to containment strategies. All were responding to the same reality: Irans network-based deterrence architecture. Will Khameneis system endure? Khameneis influence extends beyond his personal authority because he embedded policy into institutions. Security bodies, economic foundations and intelligence structures operate in overlapping layers designed to function even during leadership transition. This explains why sanctions, cyberattacks, assassinations and domestic unrest have not fundamentally altered Irans regional posture. The strategy is no longer an individuals approach; it is a state doctrine. He built continuity rather than personal rule. This may have lasting consequences, but Iran will likely look for a new balance in the post-Khamenie future. West Asia today exists in a state neither of peace nor full war. Large-scale conflict remains possible but dangerous for all sides, while smaller confrontations occur regularly. That environment, incidentally, reflects deliberate design. Khameneis strategy did not aim for decisive victories. It sought permanent strategic relevance ensuring Iran could not be marginalised, invaded or ignored. His legacy therefore is not territorial expansion. It is a security structure in which confrontation persists but escalation is contained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In reshaping how power is exercised by a weaker state against stronger adversaries, he altered the regions political physics. Wars no longer begin cleanly or end clearly. They simmer, shift locations and overlap. The result is a West Asia defined less by peace agreements than by managed instability a condition in which peace is fragile but large-scale war is prohibitively dangerous. At least 8 people were killed and several others injured after violent clashes broke out US Consulate in Pakistans Karachi, as protests over USIsraeli strikes on Iran intensified following the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Clashes erupted between police and demonstrators protesting US and Israeli strikes on Iran outside the United States Consulate in Pakistan's Karachi on Sunday. Image: X At least eight people were killed and over 30 injured after clashes erupted between police and demonstrators protesting US and Israeli strikes on Iran outside the United States Consulate in Pakistans Karachi on Sunday, according to local media reports citing rescue officials. This comes as anger over the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spilled onto the streets in many countries. Protests organised by Shia groups escalated near the diplomatic compound, with demonstrators marching from Sultanabad towards Mai Kolachi and attempting to move closer to the heavily guarded consulate premises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Locals protesting stikes on Iran have stormed the entrance area of the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/fiqSoRRpPt OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026 Clashes near consulate, roads sealed Authorities shut key arteries, including MT Khan Road and nearby intersections, after large crowds gathered. Police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who allegedly pelted stones and attempted to breach security barricades. Traffic police diverted vehicles and urged commuters to avoid the area as confrontations continued at multiple locations, including Nashim Chowrangi. Mob storms entrance, vandalism reported Scores of men forced their way towards the consulate premises as tensions escalated following the announced death of Khamenei. Amid coordinated USIsraeli strikes against Iran, protesters gathered outside the consulate and stormed parts of its entrance area. Visuals circulating on social media showed a mob vandalising the entrance and reportedly setting parts of the building ablaze. Earlier, Iranian state media confirmed the Supreme Leaders death in the strikes. The Iranian government announced a 40-day mourning period following his death. Protests spread beyond Pakistan Meanwhile, demonstrators also gathered outside the US Embassy in Baghdad, as tensions surged in the Middle East amid renewed military confrontation. Footage showed police clashing with protesters outside the Karachi consulate. While demonstrators threw stones, police used tear gas to disperse them. Another video showed men inside the consulate gate compound attempting to break windows and doors to enter the main building. Demonstrators accused Washington of fuelling instability in the Middle East and demanded an end to foreign military involvement in the region. Protests in Jammu and Kashmir Protests also erupted in Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir, where demonstrators burned effigies of US President Donald Trump. Syed Samar Kazmi, a Shia community leader, condemned Khameneis killing, alleging that the Iranian leader was killed by the US and Israel through deception. This is not the first time we have lost a leader, but we will not forget the death of our beloved leader. We will convey to our generations how America and Israel killed our leader by deception A part of Muslims has always been on the path of the beloved leader and always said that we will always raise our voice for the oppressed He was killed only because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent, he told ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Multiple explosions struck Tehran on Sunday as the IDF said it was carrying out strikes in central parts of the Iranian capital, a day after attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, on February 28. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes, targeting US military bases in West Asia, after the US and Israel attack on the Islamic Republic. Reuters Multiple explosions struck Tehran on Sunday as the Israeli Defence Forces said it was carrying out strikes on targets in central parts of the Iranian capital. Loud blasts were heard across the city, with videos showing large plumes of smoke rising into the sky. The strikes came a day after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The development has raised uncertainty over the future of the Islamic Republic and heightened concerns about wider regional instability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli military said it was targeting what it described as the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. The IDF is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran, the military said. Following Khameneis death, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a strong warning against Israel and the United States. President Trump says 48 Iranian leaders were killed in USIsraeli strikes, calling the campaign a success. The Pentagon later confirmed American casualties as operations expanded across the Gulf region. This US Navy photo released by US Central Command public affairs shows Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) firing a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on March 1, 2026.- AFP President Donald Trump said Sunday that 48 senior Iranian leaders had been killed in ongoing U.S.Israeli bombardments, describing the military campaign as a major success and asserting that operations were progressing faster than anticipated. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said, Nobody can believe the success were having. Forty-eight leaders are gone in one shot. And its moving along rapidly. Speaking separately to CNBC, the president said the offensive launched Saturday was achieving its objectives of dismantling Irans leadership structure and weakening its military capabilities. Were doing our job not just for us, but for the world. And everything is ahead of schedule, Trump said, adding that developments were unfolding in a very positive way. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Things are evolving in a very positive way right now, a very positive way, he said. The interviews were conducted before the US military for the first time announced casualties in the war: three unidentified service members killed, five seriously wounded and several others more lightly injured. Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced that the United States had sunk an Iranian warship at a dock in the Gulf of Oman. Trump says will be talking to Iranian leaders Trump said he would be talking to Iranian leaders but was vague on the timing and noted that much of the countrys leadership was dead. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner, Trump was quoted as saying by The Atlantic, as US and Israeli forces press a war against Iran for a second day. Asked when such talks might take place, Trump said I cant tell you. Trump did not indicate with whom he hoped to speak. Referring to the Iranian leadership which has been in years of on-and-off talks with US and other Western governments, Trump said most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big that was a big hit, Trump was quoted as saying, apparently referring to the strike that killed Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. They should have done it sooner, he said. They could have made a deal. They shouldve done it sooner. They played too cute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a separate interview, Trump on Sunday said that 48 Iranian leaders had already been killed in the war launched Saturday by the United States and Israel. Nobody can believe the success were having, 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And its moving along rapidly, Trump was quoted as saying in an interview by Fox News. With inputs from agencies Iranian maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz prior to the attack by Israel and the United States on Saturday. The United States Operation Epic Fury against Iran will be, according to Donald Trump, a massive and sustained campaign in which the Pentagon plans to deploy its greatest military force in the Middle East in nearly a quarter of a century to strike the enemy countrys navy, its missile program, and its own authorities. With this plan, Washington aims to trigger a regime change and has pledged not to spare military efforts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described it as the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history. Saturdays bombings, carried out in broad daylight, included dozens of Tomahawk missiles launched from warships that had been stationed for days in waters near Iran, with which the Israeli-U.S. coalition sought to neutralize the enemy countrys air defenses. According to a senior Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the president decided to greenlight the operation this weekend because they received indications that Iran was considering striking first. If we had sat back and waited to be attacked, the casualty and damage figures would have been much higher, the official argued in justification of the bombings. According to U.S. Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, no U.S. service members were injured in Saturdays attacks. U.S. fighter jets also took part in the strike, which is expected to be the first in a series and which hit, among other places, a girls school in Minab, in southern Iran, leaving more than 85 dead, most of them children, according to the state news agency IRNA. The attack, according to U.S. Central Command, was carried out by a joint force, Scorpion Strike, which, in addition to the ships and aircraft in the area, also included personnel from the Space Force, the Army, and the Marine Corps. For the first time, that force used low-cost, single-use drones inspired by Iranian Shahed models. Now delivering American-made retribution, CENTCOM said in a statement distributed on social media. The bombings have struck locations across Irans geography, from the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz in the south to Urmia, on the border with Turkey and Iraq, passing through the capital, Tehran; the city of Qom, sacred to Shiism; and Isfahan, which was hit last June in the brief (45-minute) Operation Midnight Hammer against Iranian nuclear facilities. All I want is freedom for the people, Trump said in a brief late-night phone interview with The Washington Post. In a speech on social media, he called on Iranians to rise up against their regime once U.S. and Israeli forces have finished preparing the ground with their attacks. [The ayatollahs] will then be ready for you to overthrow them, he promised. The president did not specify how long he expects Epic Fury to last or whether he believes diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran, which continued until Thursday, will resume. In a post on Truth confirming Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed, Trump assured that the heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! U.S. Navy ship 'USS Frank E. Petersen Jr.' CENTCOM (CENTCOM) In his morning address, the president warned of the possibility of casualties among U.S. forces in an operation that could be much longer than the previous one in Iran or the one launched on January 3 in Venezuela to capture Nicolas Maduro. In the initial attacks, U.S. forces focused on high-value targets, including facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans elite force. Underground facilities were also struck, likely linked to Tehrans nuclear program, as well as naval installations. The fact that naval facilities were targeted, and that the U.S. president specifically referred to the Iranian Navy as one of the primary objectives, is significant: analysts note that one of Tehrans main cards in the war that erupted this Saturday is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and, with it, the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf. Iran responded almost immediately by launching missiles at U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf. It does appear clear that, at least for now, the operation will not deploy U.S. ground forces the major red line that Trumps supporters would likely not forgive him for crossing. The deployment does not include the number of troops necessary for a land intervention much less an attempt at regime change in a country three times larger than Venezuela and with a population of 92 million people. Experts believe that the U.S. military power amassed in the waters and skies of the Middle East gives the Pentagon the capacity to carry out strikes for several consecutive days, but not for weeks. Beyond that, they point out, additional supplies and ammunition would be required. And, according to U.S. media reports this week, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, had warned Trump during planning and strategy discussions that current stockpiles are insufficient: the missing materiel was sent to Israel during the offensive in Gaza and to Ukraine over the course of four years of war. Aerial view of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian coastline. Nicolas Economou (REUTERS) For its part, Irans objective now is to absorb U.S. and Israeli attacks, hold its position and signal expansion of war, and wait for worried regional actors to mediate a ceasefire, said Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and former diplomat, in a post on the social media platform X. They expect that if Trump does not get a quick win then he will look for an exit, and negotiations afterwards will be different, he added. Accelerated deployment of aircraft In recent days, the United States has accelerated the deployment of all kinds of military aircraft to bases in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, from drones to fighter jets, as well as spy planes and KC-46 and KC-135 tanker aircraft 39 of them in three days and C-130J transport planes, which are commonly used to move troops and very heavy equipment. The deployments also include E-3 Sentry aircraft, equipped with radar and airborne detection systems that make it possible to monitor potential battlefields and enemy positions, as well as Global Hawk surveillance drones. At the end of this week, a dozen F-22s arrived in Israel, a fifth-generation stealth fighter model that ranks among the most advanced in the U.S. Air Force. In the Gulf of Oman, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln is already in position, along with its escort group of three Arleigh Burkeclass guided missile destroyers. On board the flagship are F-35 aircraft, the most modern fighter jets in the U.S. Air Force. In waters near Israel is the colossal Gerald Ford, the largest and most modern aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet. Its complement includes F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets, E-2D airborne surveillance aircraft, and MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. In addition, the Pentagon has other destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean: littoral combat ships converted into mine detectors and submarines. According to spokesperson Leavitt in a social media post, Trump was overseeing the attacks overnight from his private residence, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida, where he is spending the weekend. Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had contacted seven of the eight Republican and Democratic leaders of both chambers of the U.S. Congress to inform them in advance of the imminent strike. The eighth was unavailable. For its part, early Saturday morning in the United States, once the bombings had begun, the Pentagon notified lawmakers who are members of the Armed Services Committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Questions over the whereabouts of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has grown after Israel and the United States launched a daylight strike on Tehran on Saturday (February 28). Image courtesy: X After long speculations, Irans state TV has just confirmed that the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the Israel-US strike on the battered West Asian nation. The news was confirmed by Tehran on Sunday. The state TV presenter shared the news in a tearful address and said that the country will enter 40 days of mourning in honour of the Iranian supreme leader. Meanwhile, the Iranian National Security Council issued a statement mourning the death of Khamenei and insisting that his death would be a will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranian media later confirmed that the Iranian supreme leader was killed in the early hours of Saturday, right when against Iran. Sharing the details, Irans Fars news agency said that Khamenei was killed at his office while performing his assigned duties in the early hours of Saturday morning. Who will lead Iran now? Interestingly, Iran confirmed the news of Khameneis death just one hour after US President Donald Trump announced his death. Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform that an 86-year-old was killed in the joint US-Israel strikes. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, the US president wrote. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he said. Hopefully, the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots. The Iranian constitution has a process in place in case of the death of the countrys Supreme Leader. The Constitution states that after his death, theres going to be a council of three people, including the Iranian president, the head of the judiciary and one cleric from the Guardian Council, who are going to take control of the country. However, reports are emerging of authorities being given to Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the National Security Council. Overall, it cannot be confirmed exactly who will be leading the country in a state of conflict. Hours before confirming the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys state media also confirmed that his daughter, son-in-law and grandchild were also killed amid the US-Israel strikes Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the main target of the strikes by Israel and the US. File image/AFP Hours before confirming the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys state media also confirmed that his daughter, son-in-law and grandchild were also killed amid the US-Israel strikes. The confirmation was delivered by Fars News agency on Sunday, citing sources close to the Iranian supreme leaders office. As per the report, the deaths were confirmed after contact was established with informed sources at the supreme leaders residence. The Iranian agency also reported that one of the supreme leaders daughters-in-law was killed in a Saturday morning attack. However, it did not provide details about the circumstances of the attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After long speculations, Irans state TV has just confirmed that the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the Israel-US strike on the battered . The news was confirmed by Tehran on Sunday. Khamenei died on Saturday morning The state TV presenter shared the news in a tearful address and said that the country will enter 40 days of mourning in honour of the Iranian supreme leader. Meanwhile, the Iranian National Security Council issued a statement mourning the death of Khamenei and insisting that his death would be a will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants. Iranian media later confirmed that the Iranian supreme leader was killed in the early hours of Saturday, right when Israel and the US launched their attack against Iran. Sharing the details, Irans Fars news agency said that Khamenei was killed at his office while performing his assigned duties in the early hours of Saturday morning. Interestingly, Iran confirmed the news of Khameneis death just one hour after US President Donald Trump announced his death. Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform that an 86-year-old was killed in the joint US-Israel strikes. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do, the US president wrote. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he said. Hopefully, the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran announced that President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and a senior legal council official will jointly oversee the countrys transitional period after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. People mourn the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes, in Tehran on March 1, 2026. (AFP) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and a senior member of the countrys legal council, will lead Iran through its transitional phase following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, state television reported on Sunday. The announcement, attributed to Mohammad Mokhber, one of Khameneis advisors, confirmed that the trio has been tasked with overseeing the process. Supreme leaders daughter, son-in-law declared dead Hours before confirming the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, state media announced that his daughter, son-in-law and grandchild had been killed amid the US governmentIsraeli government strikes. The Fars News Agency confirmed on Sunday, citing sources close to the supreme leaders office. According to the report, the deaths were verified after contact was established with informed sources at the leaders residence. The agency further stated that one of his daughters-in-law was killed in a Saturday morning attack, though no details were provided about the circumstances. The 86-year-old leader had dominated Iran for more than three and a half decades, taking the position for life in 1989 following the death of revolutionary founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Throughout his tenure, Khamenei ruled with an iron fist, rejecting calls for change, crushing dissent and ordering the killing of protesters who challenged his rule on the streets. He navigated the 1999 student demonstrations, the 2009 mass protests over disputed presidential elections and the 2019 demonstrations that were brutally suppressed. He also survived the 20222023 Woman, Life and Freedom movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, as well as last years 12-day war against Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranians living in Iran and around the world were seen celebrating the assassination of the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian Australians celebrate in Sydneys Hyde Park after Israeli and US strikes on Iran kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. AFP Iranians living in Iran and around the world were seen celebrating the assassination of the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tensions in West Asia reached an all-time high on Saturday, after Israel and the US unleashed massive strikes against Iran. Tehran retaliate by launching missiles towards the UAE and Saudi Arabia, triggering chaos across West Asia. Videos circulating on social media show Iranians dancing, waving flags, honking car horns, and setting off fireworks in cities including Tehran, Karaj, Fuladshahr, Borazjan, and Mamasani. People were seen cheering on the streets, with some even celebrating as planes and missiles flew overhead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Video obtained by Iran International shows people dancing and rejoicing on the streets following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. pic.twitter.com/w33NISy7kp Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 28, 2026 This war is not our war. Its Trumps war with the hateful Islamic regime. We pray that Trump wins this war, because if he wins, the people of Iran will be free, said one Iranian citizen in a video shared with Iran International. Celebration goes beyond borders Iranian expats also celebrated Khameneis demise in all parts of the world. In Westwood, Los Angeles, home to roughly 140,000 Iranian-Americansthe largest concentration outside Iran, residents took to the streets. Many even called for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to take leadership of the country. Iranians in Australia, some of them who fled the draconian Khamenei regime, called the moment bittersweet. In Sydney and Melbourne, planned anti-regime rallies on Sunday became celebrations of the leaders death, with thousands attending. In Canberra, a few hundred people celebrated outside the now-closed Iranian embassy to cheer the death of the Ayatollah and praise Israel and the United States. Celebrations were also witnessed in the United Kingdom as many recalled the human rights abuses and violence Iran witnessed under Khamenei. But why? All these demonstrations raise the question of why Iranians are celebrating their leaders demise, who ruled the country since 1989. For decades, Khameneis rule was defined by strict domestic control, suppression of dissent, and confrontational foreign policy. His government is known for brutally cracking down on uprisings at home, including the Green Movement in 2009 and the December 2025 nationwide protests triggered by economic collapse. Rights groups estimate that thousands were killed in security crackdowns, while many more were imprisoned or forced into exile. For a generation of Iranians, Khamenei represented an unyielding and unchallengeable authority, leaving little hope for political or social reform. Pro-slamic Republic students at Tehran University hold a demonstration, supporting the state in the face of a joint US-Israel attack - Mehrnews pic.twitter.com/zwAIn3kH6n Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) February 28, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, the Iranian establishment has declared 40 days of national mourning and seven public holidays. They said that Khamenei was killed on Saturday morning, right when Israel and the US unleashed attacks in Tehran. Irans overnight retaliatory attacks caused damage to Dubai airport, the Burj Al Arab and other key sites across the Gulf, injuring several people and disrupting regional aviation. Blasts echoed across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha, and Manama on Sunday following a day of Iranian strikes carried out in retaliation for attacks by the US government and Israel. The fresh explosions occurred after a day in which Iranian strikes hit the Abu Dhabi capital, as well as military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, with the exception of Oman. Irans attacks on the Gulf heightened fears of a wider conflict and rattled a region long regarded as a haven of peace and security in the turbulent West Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Air France said it had cancelled its flights scheduled for Sunday to Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh as a result of strikes on Iran by the US government and Israel and Tehrans subsequent retaliation, the airline said in a a statement. The suspensions came in addition to previously announced cancellations of flights to Tel Aviv. In an earlier attack, Dubais international airport sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory strikes spread across Gulf states and into wider West Asia, extending beyond US bases and interests. The emirates media office said four people were injured at the airport, confirming that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained, without providing further details. One of the berths at Jebel Ali Port also caught fire after debris fell during an aerial interception, the media office added. Flights suspended amid regional airspace closures Many airlines confirmed that all flights to and from the United Arab Emirates will remain cancelled until March 2, 2026, following widespread airspace disruptions triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the UAE all announced full or partial closures of their skies after smoke rose over Tehran and Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region. Air Arabia said it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE due to the ongoing airspace restrictions. Passengers with flights scheduled within the next 24 hours will receive notifications via email and SMS outlining alternative arrangements. Travellers who booked through agents have been advised to contact them directly. All passengers are encouraged to ensure their contact details are updated through the Manage Booking portal and to verify their flight status on the airlines official website before travelling to the airport. The airline stated it is monitoring developments closely and emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Customers were urged to rely on Air Arabias official communication channels for the latest updates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Debris from intercepted drones injures two in Dubai Authorities in Dubai confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell into the courtyards of two residential properties, injuring two people. Officials said the injured individuals have received the required medical treatment. They also clarified that the loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations. Drone strikes hit Duqm Port in Oman, injuring one worker A drone strike targeted Duqm Port, injuring one worker after two unmanned aircraft hit the commercial facility, according to a security source cited by the Oman News Agency. One of the drones struck a mobile workers accommodation unit, leaving an expatriate worker injured, officials said. The second drones debris landed near fuel storage tanks at the port, though authorities confirmed there were no casualties or damage in that incident. Burj Al Arab confirms fire from drone debris Dubai authorities later said a drone had been intercepted, with debris causing a minor fire on the outer facade of the Burj Al Arab, one of the emirates most recognisable landmarks. Opened in 1999 on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, the sail-shaped tower has become a global symbol of the citys luxury branding. On Saturday, a separate fire broke out near a hotel on Palm Jumeirah, adding to concerns over the scale of the region-wide strikes. Claims of terminal damage and casualties in Abu Dhabi Aviation sources told Reuters that one of Dubai airports terminals was damaged in the overnight attacks. In Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Airports initially reported one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries after an incident at Zayed International Airport, though the post was later removed. Iran fired missiles at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, all major east-west aviation gateways. Airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on Saturday, including services to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Flight-tracking maps showed large areas of regional airspace almost completely empty. Irans army chief, defence minister, and two senior security leaders were killed in an airstrike on a defence council meeting, according to state television People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026. (Photo: AP) Irans chief of army staff, Abdol Rahim Mousavi, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in an airstrike that struck a meeting of the countrys defence council, Iranian state television reported on Sunday. They died at the meeting alongside the head of Irans paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani, whose deaths had been announced earlier on Sunday morning. Iran, on Sunday morning, confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid ongoing US and Israeli military operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khameneis daughter and son-in-law declared dead Hours before announcing the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, state media also confirmed that his daughter, son-in-law and grandchild had been killed amid the US governmentIsrael strikes. The confirmation, issued on Sunday by the Fars News Agency, cited sources close to the supreme leaders office. According to the report, the deaths were verified after contact was established with informed figures at the leaders residence. The agency added that one of his daughters-in-law was killed in a Saturday morning attack, though no details were provided regarding the circumstances of the strike. State-linked Iranian media reported that a strike on a school in southern Iran had killed at least 108 people, with total fatalities reaching at least 201 across 24 provinces. In response, Iran targeted US and Israeli assets in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. As tensions continued to escalate, multiple nations across the region closed their airspace for safety. US President Donald Trump, who announced major combat operations after Israel launched missile attacks, said the aerial bombardment would continue uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to meet US government objectives. Right after Irans state media confirmed the death of the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a Wall Street Journal report revealed that the joint US-Israel operation involved dropping 30 bombs on the Iranian head of states compound. A photo of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is shown on TV when the news of his death is announced, in Tehran. Reuters Right after Irans state media confirmed the death of the countrys Supreme Leader, , a Wall Street Journal report revealed that the joint US-Israel operation involved dropping 30 bombs on the Iranian head of states compound. Thirty bombs were dropped on the complex. Ali Khamenei was underground, but probably not in his own bunker, Channel 12s Amit Segal, who is known to be close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said without giving a source. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the Iranian news agency, Fars News, Khamenei was killed on Saturday morning, right when Israel and the US unleashed attacks on Iran. Khamenei had not been heard from since the strikes began, and satellite imagery showed that his secure compound was heavily damaged in the initial barrage on Saturday. The confirmation of Khameneis death came hours after Trumps announcement. The death of the Iranian supreme leader is significant since he has been ruling over Iran since 1989. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Trump wrote. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. Trump encourages regime change Trump said that the Iranian campaign has opened the door for regime change. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country, he wrote. We are hearing that many of their IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. Meanwhile, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there were many signs Khamenei was no longer alive, and Israeli officials briefed the media that his body had been recovered. Meanwhile, Iranian media also reported on Sunday that the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of Khamenei had also been killed in Saturdays strikes. After establishing contact with informed sources in the supreme leaders household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of the revolutionary leader has unfortunately been confirmed," Fars news wrote, announcing the news. Early on Sunday, Israels military said that it had launched another wave of strikes against Irans ballistic missile and air defence systems. US Central Command said on Sunday it was now delivering swift and decisive action as directed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hours after Iran confirmed the death of the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israeli news outlets are reporting that his body was recovered following the Israeli-US strikes. Hours after Iran confirmed the death of the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israeli news outlets are reporting that his body was recovered following the Israeli-US strikes. According to Israels Channel 12, a photograph of Khameneis body was shown to both US President Donald Trump and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The report cited unnamed Israeli officials confirming the news. Public broadcaster Kan also reported that senior Israeli officials had been informed of Khameneis elimination" and that his body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Iranian state media has also confirmed that apart from Khamenei, his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in US-Israeli strikes that began Saturday morning. Meanwhile, Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, have also been killed in the strikes. Conflict escalates The confirmation of the killings is coming a day after Israel and the US unleashed large-scale strikes against Iran, targeting multiple locations in the West Asian nation. The targeted areas also included Khameneis compound. Satellite images later showed heavy damage to the complex, which serves as his official residence. Israeli officials said that the compound had been destroyed during the operation, and media reports described growing indications that the Iranian leader had been killed. Things became clearer after Trump confirmed the news in a post on TruthSocial. Trump said that Khamenei was dead, calling it justice for people affected by his leadership and saying the operation had been carried out in coordination with Israel. Netanyahu also said there were many signs" suggesting that the Iranian leader was no longer alive following the strikes, though no direct evidence was publicly released. Eventually, the Iranian state broadcaster also confirmed the demise of the leader who has been ruling the country since 1989. Netanyahu has urged citizens of Iran to rise against the countrys leadership following Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a direct appeal to citizens of Iran, urging them to rise against the countrys leadership and launch mass protests to overthrow the regime following Israeli military strikes. In a video message released after the latest round of attacks that killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Netanyahu said Israels ongoing military campaign would weaken Irans ruling establishment and create conditions for citizens to challenge what he described as a terrorist regime. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terrorist regime, Netanyahu said, adding that the operation aimed to enable the brave people of Iran to free themselves from the chains of tyranny. Call for mass protests inside Iran Addressing Iranians directly, Netanyahu described the current moment as a rare historic opportunity and urged citizens not to remain passive. This is an opportunity that comes only once in every generation, he said, calling on Iranians to take to the streets in your millions and unite to bring down the ruling system. He also addressed multiple ethnic communities including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis and Baluchis urging them to join what he described as a collective effort to secure Irans future. Netanyahu claimed that external support long sought by regime opponents had now arrived, telling Iranians that their moment will arrive soon. Regime change not objective but possible outcome Netanyahu said he had previously been asked whether removing Irans leadership formed part of Israels military objectives. According to the Israeli prime minister, dismantling Irans nuclear and missile capabilities remained the stated goal of the campaign, but political upheaval inside Iran could emerge as a consequence of sustained military pressure. I replied that it was not the objective, but it could certainly be the result, he said, adding that protests already witnessed in Iran suggested citizens were being given an opportunity to take their destiny into their own hands. The remarks come amid intensifying regional tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Tehrans retaliatory actions across West Asia, raising fears of a broader and prolonged conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An oil tanker carrying 15 Indian nationals was struck off the coast of Oman, injuring four crew members, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. An oil tanker carrying 15 Indian nationals among its crew was struck off the coast of Oman on Sunday, injuring four people, as hostilities between Israel and Iran continued to reverberate across the region, according to a Reuters report. The Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was hit near Omans Musandam peninsula, in what authorities described as the first time targets in or near Oman have been struck during the latest escalation. The vessel is under US sanctions, the report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Omans Maritime Security Centre stated in a post on X that the attack occurred about 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port, after which the tankers 20-member crew was evacuated. It did not specify the weapon used. Initial information indicated injuries of varying severity to four crew members. The crew included 15 Indians and five Iranian citizens, the centre added. According to Reuters, the tankers registered owner is Sea Force Inc and it is managed by Red Sea Ship Management LLC. The US sanctioned both the company and the vessel in December 2025, accusing them of operating a shadow fleet to transport Iranian petroleum products in the Gulf. Ship-tracking service Tankertrackers.com described Skylight as a small tanker primarily used for fuelling other vessels and said it had been anchored in Musandam governorate since February 22. Strategic significance of Musandam The incident comes amid a broader wave of retaliation in the Gulf following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have pushed the region into a new phase of conflict. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Musandam is strategically significant as the peninsula shares control of the Strait of Hormuz with Iran a key global chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the worlds oil supply passes. Earlier, Omans state news agency reported that Duqm commercial port was hit by two drones, injuring one expatriate worker. Authorities said debris from another drone fell near fuel storage tanks, though no casualties or material losses were reported in that incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wider Middle East escalation The tanker strike follows a sharp escalation in the Middle East after joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. On Sunday, a massive explosion rocked Irans capital, Tehran, as the Israeli military said it was targeting central areas. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israel and several Gulf countries in retaliation for Khameneis killing. Irans leadership warned that the great crime will never go unanswered, while US President Donald Trump cautioned Tehran against further retaliation, saying any escalation would be met with unprecedented force. The conflict has already disrupted regional security and aviation, with air defence activity reported across parts of the Gulf. Strikes and interceptions have been recorded across Israel and several Arab states, raising fears of a wider regional war. The politician from the Central American country defends the presidents strong leadership model and, despite criticism from the international media, asserts that everywhere, they want a Bukele On his third visit to Spain as vice president of El Salvador, Felix Ulloa, 74, divides the world into those who oppose Nayib Bukele and those who support him. The lawyer, who was born in the city of Chinameca, arrives at a sweet moment for his country. El Salvador has become a pawn (or perhaps a bishop) in the Trump administrations continental strategy. The country isnt the same as it was in 2019 or 2022, he asserts, during an interview with EL PAIS that was held on Wednesday, February 18, at the Casa de America cultural center in Madrid. As a summary of President Bukeles six years in office, he cites security, economic growth, Shakiras recent concert, the more than four million tourists annually, as well as over 100 pristine beaches for surf lovers. However, in the last four years, the Central American country has lived under a state of emergency, which has been marked by nearly 100,000 arrests, human rights reports about torture and abuse, persecution of journalists and critical voices, as well as state participation in Donald Trumps mass deportations. In Madrid, where he met with business leaders, lawyers and conservative politicians, Ulloa defended the constitutional reform that, last August, endorsed the presidents indefinite reelection and paved the way for Bukele to run for a third term. Question. The year began in Latin America with the capture of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces. And now, were witnessing the economic strangulation of Cuba. How are these changes being viewed from El Salvador? Answer. President Bukele is in charge of foreign policy. I can speak about [El Salvador]: Im not familiar with his [foreign policy] agenda. Q. Bukele supported Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido at one point and spoke out against the regimes of Maduro and Nicaraguas Daniel Ortega. A. I discuss development and the economy with the president, as well as law and institutions. We talk about El Salvador. Q. El Salvador has joined Trumps so-called Board of Peace. Bukele is scheduled to meet with the U.S. president in Miami on March 7, at a regional summit alongside the leaders of Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras and Paraguay. What does he hope to achieve? A. Hes been invited, yes. But I insist that Im not going to talk about foreign policy. Q. Then lets talk about El Salvador and the fourth anniversary of the imposition of the state of emergency, which began in March of 2022. A. Lets talk about achievements. If youre going to ask me about some journalist from El Faro (a media outlet critical of the government, now operating in exile in Costa Rica), thats just a broken record. Q. El Salvadors economy grew by 3.5% in 2025, according to the World Bank. Bukele remains popular: there are early legislative and presidential elections scheduled for 2027. And the president has said that he plans to be reelected until 2033. A. [Its actually] 4%, according to our figures. And hes not going to be reelected [just like that]: hes going to run again. Q. Reelection wasnt contemplated in the Salvadoran Constitution. A. But [the Constitution] was changed. Q. Isnt that the same thing Hugo Chavez did when he was president of Venezuela, and who was criticized by El Salvador? A. Its the same thing thats done by the Socialist Party or the Peoples Party in Spain when they call early elections: they run for [another term]. The difference is that Spain has a parliamentary democracy, while ours is presidential. Q. In Spain, there are no term limits. And the Constitution hasnt been amended. A. Thats what the people decided [in El Salvador]. When the people grew tired of the two parties that governed them for 30 years, they gave Bukele a majority in 2019 and again in 2024. Q. Did the Salvadoran people trade freedom for security? A. Have 97% given up freedom, or only 3%? Who do we believe? Last weeks poll by the newspaper La Prensa Grafica says that 91.9% of Salvadorans approve of Bukeles administration and that more than 90% want the state of emergency to continue. And the European newspapers are always against it. Who do we listen to? Q. Putin also had high approval ratings at one point... A. And Xi Jinping has served three terms in China. Q. China doesnt seem like a typical democracy. A. Youre wrong. In China, theres what I call a consultative democracy. Its not European democracy, but it works for them. Why is China at the top right now? Because theyre doing well. What is it that people want? To be like Spain, which is in a terrible state? When European and American newspapers criticize Bukele, what theyre really criticizing is a model that regional policymakers are seeing as a solution to many of their problems. The opinion of an academic or a journalist isnt the same as that of someone who makes decisions. Pope Francis said that the case of El Salvador should be viewed from the perspective of the lives that have been saved. How many people would have died if the gangs had continued killing? What about the human rights of 80% of the population, of the families who were left orphaned? Which media outlet is talking about that? Felix Ulloa, photographed at Casa de America, in Madrid. Claudio Alvarez Q. More than four years after being the first country to adopt it as legal tender, Bitcoin has depreciated. And the fate of the famous Bitcoin City that El Salvador planned to open is unknown. A. It remains official currency, but taxes can no longer be paid with it. Were building the new airport which is 40% complete with a Spanish company. A city will be built around it, [consisting of] hotels, housing, etc and that will be the Bitcoin City, located at the foot of the Conchagua volcano. Q. The toll of the four years of the state of emergency according to organizations like Socorro Juridico Humanitario (translated as Humanitarian Legal Assistance) is nearly 100,000 detainees (in a country of six million) and more than 470 deaths in prisons. And around 8,000 prisoners have turned out to be innocent, with no connections to gangs. A. Have they published the lists of the dead? They can say 600, 200, 300, 100 Q. Venezuelan prisoners who were detained in the Terrrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) mega-prison, after an agreement was made with Trump to imprison alleged members of criminal gangs have made allegations of torture. A. That was Maduros propaganda. CNN published a photo of an alleged torture victim. The guy walked onto the plane and, when he arrived in Venezuela, they took him out in a wheelchair. Its all a setup. Theres no torture in El Salvador: the proof is that the International Committee of the Red Cross investigates the [detention] centers. Q. Latin American history is full of strongmen, of caudillos. This trend appears to be returning. Isnt there a danger that the new leaders will be very similar to the old dictators? A. Freedom and security must be accompanied by the well-being of the people. I fought against a dictatorship because it was a military regime imposed [on us] by force. In El Salvador, theres a democracy; the people vote freely and elect a man who has strong leadership. Our model combines democracy and strong leadership. The people [hold us accountable]. If Bukele starts making mistakes, hell see his approval rating plummet. Q. But youre going to hold elections under a state of emergency. Youre a lawyer how can anyone vote like that? A. Well, by voting like [we did] in 2024. The state of emergency only affects people involved in crime; it doesnt affect ordinary people. The press criticizes us, but everywhere, people want a Bukele. Q. Where? A. In Latin America. And also in Europe. If criminals want to live in a five-star hotel, theyre very mistaken. When you govern and a small group is taking away all of societys rights, whats your priority? Its not the same looking at these problems from the comfort of your living room. We said that we were going to [impose order]. And we have. Happiness has returned to the communities: children are laughing again and going to the park, people carry their cell phones in [public] theyve gotten their lives back. The most important human right is life. Q. If the results are so positive, are you going to lift the state of emergency? A. The people want it. They feel protected. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a cynical murder, blaming the United States and Israel. He expressed condolences to Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Irans Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family as a cynical murder that violated human morality and international law, expressing condolences to Irans leadership. Putin slammed the United States and Israel for their military operation in Iran. On Sunday, the Kremlin published a letter that Putin sent to Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in which the Russian leader expressed his deepest condolences for the assassination of Khamenei. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Syed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law, Putin says in a note to Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. Putin also clarified that Khanemei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations. Russia on Saturday condemned the strikes on Iran as a dangerous adventure that could spark catastrophe in the region. Tehran and Russia have been sharing deep ties and it stood as one Russias closest allies throughout Moscows Ukraine conflict and the Kremlin had earlier called for restraint in the run-up to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. In 2025, Kremlin and Iran also signed a strategic treaty aimed at strengthening ties Air travel across South Asia and the Middle East faced major disruption after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks. Multiple countries shut airspace, airlines cancelled or rerouted flights, and airports including Delhi and Dubai reported delays, damage and passenger chaos. Air travel has been in turmoil since late February 2026, after the United States and Israel carried out military operations in Iran, triggering retaliatory action from Tehran overnight between February 28 and March 1. Just several hours after the strike, several countries shut down airspace as a precautionary measure disrupting international flight paths and forcing airlines to suspend or reroute services. Flight cancellation at Indira Gandhi International Airport occurred at a faster rate as the strike took place. With at least 11 countries announcing temporary no-fly zones, airlines are rerouting or cancelling services that pass through the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Qatar airways suspend flight operation Qatar airways has also temporarily suspended all the flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said services will shortly resume only after the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the airspace has safely reopened. A further operational update is expected by March 2 at 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC). Passengers have been advised to regularly check their flight status on the Qatar Airways website or mobile app before travelling to the airport. Check flight status The airspace restriction has led to wider disruption into the international areas across South Asia and West Asia. Departure boards at major hubs, including Delhi, show multiple cancellations and delays for Europe- and Middle East-bound flights. Many travellers say they reached the airport only to learn their flights were cancelled, with no prior notice. Airlines have asked passengers to check flight status before leaving home, warning that the situation remains fluid. Dubais International airport, which is one of the busiest aviation buses, was damaged during an overnight Iranian attack in which four people were injured, the Emirates media office said on Sunday. A concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained, officials posted on X, adding that most terminals had been cleared of passengers as a precaution. The airline said passengers are being informed through their registered contact details and urged them to check for regular updates on the website or contact the helpline 247. Sharing her take on the ongoing turbulence in Dhaka, Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin said former Chief Advisor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus destroyed the country by supporting the jihadist elements Sharing her take on the ongoing turbulence in Dhaka, Bangladeshi-Swedish writer and physician Taslima Nasrin said former Chief Advisor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus destroyed the country by supporting the jihadist elements. On Saturday, at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Nasrin shared the plight of minorities in Bangladesh. She emphasised how a possible regime change in Iran would be different from that of Bangladesh. The discussion opened with both Israel and the United States recent calls for regime change in Iran as the unleash lethal strikes over Tehran. The conflict has triggered wider tension in West Asia. Nasrin emphasised that while regime change in Iran is needed, recalling how women have been killed for not following Hijab laws, she insisted that the situation is not the same for Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What happened in Bangladesh was that jihadists came to power with government support. Yunus supported Islamic terrorists and destroyed the country, she said, adding that the Nobel laureate wanted to remove the historical legacy of the countrys 1971 liberation war. However, she maintained an optimistic stance with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Tarique Rahman coming to power. When asked about the duplicity of standards in terms of dealing with the radicals in countries like Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Nasrin made it clear that Radicals are not okay anywhere. She shared the plight of Afghan women under the Taliban. Law should be based on equality and justice, women should be given opportunities, she said. In Bangladesh, minorities live in fear Sharing her experience in India, Nasrin noted that Muslims in India are safer than Muslims in the Muslim world. Even though I am an atheist, I come from a Muslim family and have been living in India for many years. I dont think they [Muslims are unsafe here], she said. She went on to emphasise that minorities in Bangladesh live in constant fear. Whenever they get the opportunity, they leave the country as they are persecuted because they have a different faith. I have never heard muslims here say that they would leave this country. They never think of leaving India for another muslim country, she told Network18. During the thought-provoking session, Nasrin also shed light on how people of Bangladesh are treated in the Middle East. In rich muslim countries, people of Bangladesh are treated as mistreated. In Saudi Arabia, Bangladeshi women workers face atrocities and oppression. They come back dead, beaten up, pregnant or even raped. They are treated as sex slaves, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Muslim unity is a myth When asked about the concept of Muslim brotherhood, Nasrin maintained that Muslim unity is a myth. She emphasised that the 1971 war proved that Muslim unity is a myth, recalling how Muslims in West Pakistan were committing atrocities against Muslims in then-East Pakistan. Emphasising how Muslim women have been suffering under radical laws, Nasrin claimed that women in the Muslim world also remain divided. For instance, in Iran, some women dont want to wear hijab, some dont mind wearing it, she said. Overall, Nasrin emphasised that without economic freedom, women of the muslim world will never be liberated, urging the Islamist world to be civilised. She maintained that free thinkers in the Muslim world would be instrumental in this endeavour. Expectations from the new government in Bangladesh During the conversation, Nasrin also put forward her expectations for the new Bangladesh government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. While she emphasised that the world has to wait and see how Rahman leads Bangladesh, she called for the lifting of the ban on the Awami League. He has to unban Awami League, do something about freed jihadist from prison, ensure strict separation between state and religion, she said. The Bangladeshi author and physician also insisted that Jamaat should not be the main opposition party in the country. Three members of the US military have been killed in action and five seriously wounded in the operation against Iran, the Pentagon said Sunday, without providing further detail. This image from video provided by U.S. Central Command shows a missile being launched from from a U.S. Navy ship in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Central Command via AP) The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that three US service members were killed in action and five others seriously wounded during military operations against Iran, the first American casualties since the United States launched massive airstrikes on the country on Saturday. The joint USIsraeli strikes targeted Irans leadership and military infrastructure, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the West Asia. The strikes have reverberated globally, raising fears of wider conflict and potential disruptions to international stability and the world economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Violence spread on Sunday to multiple locations. Israeli forces launched a major strike on Tehran, while Iran fired drones and missiles at US military bases in the Gulf and targeted Dubai, a major commercial hub. Clashes in Pakistan, including a storming of the US consulate, left at least nine people dead. President Donald Trump, in announcing the strikes, urged Iranians to seize the moment and take over, framing the operation as a chance for political change. In response, Iran established a council to govern until a new supreme leader is chosen, while a diplomat told the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians had been killed or wounded. The strikes followed recent U.S.Iran negotiations in which the Trump administration pressed Tehran to limit its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Iran has been grappling with domestic dissent, as nationwide economic protests morphed into anti-government demonstrations. Targets of the strikes included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. The first attacks hit near Khameneis offices, while Israel said it also killed 40 senior Iranian military officials, including the commander of the Revolutionary Guard and the defence minister. This is not the first U.S.Israeli military action in Iran. In June of last year, strikes during nuclear talks weakened Irans air defence, military leadership, and nuclear program. US officials maintain that Iran has been rebuilding its nuclear capabilities, while Tehran insists its program is purely for peaceful purposes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump wants regime change enabled by Iranians from within, but the objective has made the war an existential crisis for Iran and put it on total war mode, making it extremely hard to contain the conflict, according to General (Retired) Sir Nick Carter, a former Chief of the Defence Staff of the UK. People walk near a mural featuring an image of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as people gather after Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, on March 1, 2026. (Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters) US President Donald Trump wants regime change enabled by Iranians from within, but this has made the war an existential crisis for Iran and put it into totalwar mode, making the conflict extremely hard to contain, according to General (Retired) Sir Nick Carter, a former Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom. The United States and Israel on Saturday launched an offensive against Iran that targeted Irans political and military leadership. Trump urged the great, proud people of Iran to take over your government once the operation was over. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations, Trump said in an address after the offensive began. Iran early on Sunday announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Amid the power vacuum and uncertainty around succession, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told state media that a threemember council comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary head GholamHossein MohseniEjei, and another jurist had assumed charge of the regime in the interim. Follow our live coverage of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran Its quite clear in that speech that regime change, enabled by the Iranian population, is what, of course, hes striving to achieve. Well, in my own personal opinion, thats not going to happen in Iran. I think its an extremely difficult objective to realise, said Carter at the Rising Bharat Summit. Carter said that the power structure in Iran is such that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other systems sustain the regime even if the offensive takes down the political leadership. Unless there was a genuinely popular uprising, where people overcome the potential fear the regime uses to remain in power as well, I think it will be phenomenally difficult to see it happen. Now, some of the military objectives, I think, may well be achievable. The idea of writing down Irans ballistic missile programme, Im sure, is achievable up to a point, said Carter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The USIsraeli offensive has also killed IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, according to state media. US and Israeli missiles and bombs struck Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Chabahar, Tabriz, Urmia, Kermanshah, and Shiraz in Iran. In response, Iran has targeted Israel and American personnel and bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Impacts have also been reported in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but it was not immediately clear whether these were strikes or falling debris from intercepted missiles heading elsewhere. Trump has made war existential for Iran, says Carter With the stated objective of changing the regime, Trump has made the war an existential crisis for Iran and put it into totalwar mode, making it extremely hard to contain, according to Carter. I suspect that we will see Lebanese Hezbollah being mobilised to go on the offensive with Israel. I suspect we may well see Hamas being encouraged, perhaps, to go on the offensive in Gaza again. And Im sure well see the Houthis being encouraged to close Bab alMandab and the bottom end of the Red Sea because these are existential issues as far as the Iranian government is concerned, said Carter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ Trump is following Putins steps, risking an uncontrollable war: Historian Adrien Fontanellaz on US-Israeli war on Iran Flagging the difference between last years American attack on Iran and the current offensive, Carter said there was no stated objective to change the regime last year, and that meant Iran responded very differently, which allowed an offramp. We saw back in June when that was not a declaration of intent. Iran simply gestured with one attack on an American base in Qatar. This time its going to be different, said Carter. As for victory and defeat, Carter said that it would depend on what political objectives Trump has and how military objectives are set on that basis. Citing previous campaigns in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, he stressed that it was very important to have achievable military objectives aligned with political goals. You will pretty quickly determine that the political objectives didnt match the military objectives. There was no victory. So its really important, I think, in that dialogue between policymakers and senior military figures, that the correct objectives are identified at the beginning of the campaign, said Carter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump calls for regime change in Iran after US and Israeli airstrikes but history shows foreign-backed interventions rarely succeed. Experts warn lasting political transformation in Tehran faces complex challenges. A protestor holds an Iranian flag during a protest against the US and Israel attack or target of Iran and the killing of the Supreme leader in front of the US embassy in Athens, on March 1, 2026.- AFP Following a major series of airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, President Donald Trump openly urged the Iranian people to seize the moment and consider overthrowing their government. In a public video message, Trump said Iranians should seize control of your destiny and not let the current moment slip away. The strikes, part of a joint military campaign including Israeli forces reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a dramatic escalation in USIran tensions. Iranian state media confirmed his death, while Trump described the outcome as a unique chance for Iranians to reclaim their country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet history suggests that transforming such rhetoric into stable political change is far from simple. The United States has a long record of attempting to influence or replace foreign governments, including interventions in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Latin America. These efforts often began with clear intentions but ended in prolonged conflict or political instability. Possibly very hard. So says history Washington has a long, complicated past when it comes to regime change. There was Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s, and Panama in 1989. There was Nicaragua in the 1980s, Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after 9/11, and Venezuela just weeks ago. There was also Iran. In 1953, the CIA helped engineer a coup that toppled Irans democratically elected leader and gave near-absolute power to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. But as with the shah, who was overthrown in Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution after decades of increasingly unpopular rule, regime change rarely goes as planned. Attempts to usher in US-friendly governments often start with clear intentions, whether hope for democracy in Iraq or backing an anti-Communist leader in Congo at the Cold Wars height. But often those intentions stumble into a political quagmire where democratic dreams turn into civil war, once-compliant dictators become embarrassments and American soldiers return home in body bags. That history has long been a Trump talking point. We must abandon the failed policy of nation building and regime change, he said in 2016. In the end, the so-called nation-builders wrecked far more nations than they built, he said in a 2025 speech in Saudi Arabia, deriding U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, after Saturdays actions, a key question emerges: Does todays U.S. government understand what its getting into? Irans economy is in shambles and dissent remains strong even after a brutal January crackdown on protests left thousands of people dead and tens of thousands under arrest. Many of the nations key military proxies and allies Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad government in Syria have been weakened or eliminated. And early Sunday, Iranian state media confirmed Israel and the United States had killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The United States hasnt laid out a post-war vision and doesnt necessarily even want a complete overthrow of the Iranian leadership. As in Venezuela, it may already have potential allies in the government willing to step into a power vacuum. But theres a lot that needs to happen between now and a possible scenario along these lines, said Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank that is deeply critical of the Iranian government. There needs to be a sense that there is no salvation for the regime as such, and that they will need to work with the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a country where the core leaders are deeply united by ideology and religion, that may be extremely difficult. The question to my mind right now is have we been able to penetrate the ranks of the regime that are not true believers that are more pragmatic, Schanzer said. Because I dont believe that the true believers will flip. Its simply too early to know if or how much the political winds are shifting in Tehran. The leaders who come next could turn out to be equally repressive or seen domestically as an illegitimate U.S. stooge. Well see whether elements of the regime start moving against each other, said Phillips OBrien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Air power can damage a leadership, he said. But it cant guarantee that youll bring in something new. In Latin America, Washingtons history of intervention in goes back a long way to when President James Monroe claimed the hemisphere as part of the U.S. sphere of influence more than 200 years ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If the Monroe Doctrine began as a way to keep European countries out of the region, by the 20th century it was justifying everything from coups in Central America to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961. Very often, historians say, that intervention led to violence, bloodshed and mass human rights violations. Therein, they say, lies a lesson. Direct U.S. involvement has rarely resulted in long-term democratic stability, said Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the London think tank Chatham House. He points to Guatemala, where U.S. intervention in the 1950s led to a civil war that didnt end for 40 years and left more than 200,000 people dead. Or theres Nicaragua, where backing of the Contra rebels against the Sandinista government in the 1980s contributed to a prolonged civil conflict that devastated the economy, caused tens of thousands of deaths and deepened political polarization. While large-scale, overt U.S. involvement in the region mostly petered out after the Cold War, Trump has rekindled the legacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since assuming office last year, Trump launched boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, ordered a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil exports and got involved in electoral politics in Honduras and Argentina. Then, on Jan. 3, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan strongman leader Nicolas Maduro, flying him to the U.S. to face drug and weapons charges. What followed in Caracas may signal what the White House hopes will happen in Tehran. Many observers thought the U.S. would back Maria Corina Machado, who has long been the face of political resistance in Venezuela. Instead, Washington effectively sidelined her and has repeatedly shown a willingness to work with President Delcy Rodriguez, who had been Maduros second-in-command. There are those who could claim that what we did in Venezuela is not regime change, said Schanzer, at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies. The regime is still in place. Theres just one person thats missing. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom John Healey said few would mourn the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling Irans regime a source of terror. He warned of rising regional threats as Iranian missiles landed near British troops in Bahrain. Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom, John Healey said that only few people will mourn the death of Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who died in a US-Israeli military operation in Iran on Saturday. Iranian TV confirmed the death of 86-year-old Khamenei early on Sunday as Iran continued to retaliate the strikes of Israel and the United State of America. It fired missiles at Gulf neighbors and Israel. US President Donald Trump had previously claimed Khamenei died in the attacks and urged the Iranian people to seize the single greatest chance to take back their country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran and the regime hes led for so long, its a source of evil, murdering its own citizens and sponsoring and exporting terror, including to countries like Britain, Healey told Sky News in an interview. Giving the first UK Government response to Mr Khameneis death, Healey told Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: I think few people will mourn the Ayatollahs death, not least the family and friends of those thousands of young protesters murdered on the streets of Iranian cities. Iran and the regime hes led for so long, its a source of evil, murdering its own citizens and sponsoring and exporting terror, including to countries like Britain. The Defence Secretary also warned Iran is now lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate and widespread way, pointing to attacks on an airport in Kuwait and hotels in Dubai and Bahrain. Healey added that the Iranian missiles and drones had landed within a few hundred yards of some 300 British troops at a base in Bahrain, while two missiles had been fired in the direction of Cyprus, where thousands of UK personnel are based. We dont believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless its an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Saturday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said UK aircraft were in the sky as part of defensive operations, which continued into Sunday. Hundreds of Iraqis attempted to breach Baghdads fortified Green Zone after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas as unrest escalated near the US embassy. Members of the Iranian community hold placards during a rally in Sydney on March 1, 2026. (AFP) Hundreds of Iraqis gathered early Sunday near the Green Zone, the fortified district that houses the US Embassy in Iraq, as news of the death of Irans supreme leader, , triggered unrest across the capital. According to a security source quoted by AFP, protesters made repeated attempts to storm the zone. Their attempts had been thwarted so far, but they keep trying, the source said. Crowds clash with security forces Footage circulated on social media showed demonstrators throwing stones at security personnel stationed near the perimeter. Security forces responded with tear gas to hold back the crowds. An AFP staffer at the scene reported seeing hundreds of people carrying flags associated with a pro-Iran armed group as tensions continued to rise. Several Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups said Saturday they will not remain neutral and will defend the Islamic republic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The powerful group Kataeb Hezbollah said it will attack US bases after two of its fighters were killed in air strikes in southern Iraq. Early Sunday, loud explosions were heard near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops in Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said. He also reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the airport area. Shortly after, a small pro-Iran group claimed drone attacks on US troops in Erbil. On Saturday, US-led coalition forces downed several missiles and explosive-laden drones over Erbil, local authorities said. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen received flak over her announcement that she will be convening the blocs special meeting on Monday to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen received flak over her announcement that she will be convening the blocs special meeting on Monday to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis. Netizens pointed out that while the tensions between the US, Israel and Iran reached their pinnacle over the weekend, the European bloc is waiting till monday to discuss the matter. For regional security and stability, it is of the utmost importance that there is no further escalation through Irans unjustified attacks on partners in the region, she added. The fact that Europe will wait till Monday to discuss the ongoing situation has garnered attention from netizens. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD World War 3 happening live Europeans: The war starts on Monday pic.twitter.com/ZjwFNpYSiv Denys Khomyn (@denys_khomyn) February 28, 2026 Many soon started sharing memes calling out von der Leyens remarks. World War 3 is happening live, Europeans: The war starts on Monday, a user wrote in the comment section of von der Leyens tweet. Another user shared a video, mocking the laid-back European lifestyle. *ww3 breaks out on a saturday* european bureaucrats: pic.twitter.com/WnvZ6qu6Td ai waifu (@waif0000) February 28, 2026 EU scrambles amid West Asia crisis The EU have been working on ways to deal with the ongoing situation in West Asia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned on X that the situation was perilous, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed it was of the utmost importance to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also urged restraint. However, at the national level, the EUs message was less unified. In a joint statement, France, Germany and the United Kingdom stressed they did not participate in these strikes by the US and Israel, while condemning Iranian counterattacks and urging Tehran to seek a negotiated solution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emulated that balancing act, saying the UK had played no role in the strikes while condemning Irans abhorrent regime and saying Washingtons primary aim was to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Starmer also mentioned that the British planes were already in the air as part of the coordinated regional defence operation. Elsewhere in Europe, Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the US-Israeli operation as a unilateral military action that risks creating a more hostile global order. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, meanwhile, took the opposite line, saying Prague stands by our allies and warning that Irans nuclear ambitions and its support for terrorism pose a threat to Europe. With the US-Israeli war on Iran, historian Adrien Fontanellaz has warned that President Donald Trump is following Russian leader Vladimir Putins strategy beginning with lowcost operations such as last months invasion of Venezuela and last years strikes on Irans nuclear sites that fosters overconfidence and ultimately leads to a larger, protracted conflict he cannot control. People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026. (Photo: AP) With the US-Israeli war on Iran, military historian Adrien Fontanellaz has warned that President Donald Trump is following Russian leader Vladimir Putins strategy beginning with lowcost operations such as last months invasion of Venezuela and last years strikes on Irans nuclear sites that fosters overconfidence and ultimately leads to a larger, protracted conflict he cannot control. The United States and Israel on Saturday launched a joint offensive against Iran, striking several neighbourhoods in Tehran, including the area where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian normally reside. Explosions have also been reported in several other cities such as Isfahan, Karaj, and Chabahar. The Iranian authority early on Sunday confirmed that Khamenei had been killed in strikes hours after Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an interview at the Rising Bharat Summit, Fontanellaz on Saturday said that Trump has followed a trajectory similar to the one that Putin followed from the invasion of Georgia in 2008 to the fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Follow our live coverage of the American-Israeli offensive against Iran After invading Georgia in 2008 in the name of defending ethnic Russians, Putin invaded and annexed Ukraines Crimea in 2014 without a protracted campaign, and then pursued a lowintensity war in eastern Ukraines Donbas region until he launched the fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the previous lowcost missions were successful, the fullscale invasion initially expected to conclude within weeks has become a grinding war of attrition four years later with 1.2 million casualties. Fontanellaz said that Putin overstepped with the fullscale invasion of Ukraine and warned that Trump could have done the same. Out of hubris, Putin thought he could repeat a short operation against entire Ukraine. And now both Russia, Ukraine, and Western Europe are stuck into a protracted conflict without an end and without any political solution in view to stop it. And now we see Trump in power, said Fontanellaz, drawing a parallel with Trump. Fontanellaz added, The armed intervention against Iran last year was just a single strike and most of the war was done by the Israeli Air Force beforehand. And, then, of course, Venezuela was a fantastic PR military operation where they kidnapped a president. So, for him, military operations were easy, well under control, scoring a lot of PR points. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But, unlike last year when Irans retaliation was aimed at resolving the crisis, Trump might not have left that room this time. Last year, Iran opted for a kind of demonstration, diplomatic retaliation with a wave of shortrange missiles against US bases in Qatar. So it was not a retaliation to kill. It was a retaliation to demonstrate. It was signalling, said Fontanellaz. ALSO READ: How Islamic Revolution turned Israel & Iran from partners into enemies Similarly, in Venezuela, it is now clear that Trump had made a deal with Nicolas Maduros deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, and the US invading force did not meet any meaningful resistance as it swept into Caracas and whisked away Maduro. With Iran, Fontanellaz said, the current offensive could prove to be very different. Iran has lots of options, Trump cant control this war, says Fontanellaz Unlike last time, Irans retaliation this time would not be about signalling but real, said Fontanellaz. Iran began retaliating shortly after American and Israeli strikes began. Strikes have been reported across Israel, and American troops and bases have been targeted in Qatar and Bahrain. Impacts have also been reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, but it is not yet clear whether these were strikes or debris from intercepted missiles, rockets, or drones heading elsewhere. On both sides, the scale of damage and casualties is also not yet known. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The danger this time is that there is no control over what the Iranian will do. They have plenty of ways to try to retaliate. Iran has serious and several options to retaliate. For example, they could target American ships in the Persian Gulf. They have, according to the Israeli, at least 1,000 longrange ballistic missiles in stock. They have also thousands of shortrange missilesenough to reach bases in Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and Qatar, for instance, said Fontanellaz. In Iran, in addition to Khamenei, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) chief Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh have been killed, according to the state media. While the United States and Israel have called their offensive a preemptive attack, Fontanellaz said they obviously intend to try and bring Iran to the negotiating table so they can open up their nuclear facilities to inspections or to push them into demilitarising or deweaponising their nuclear options. But he does not believe the approach is likely to work. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fontanellaz added, Im very sceptical because the longrange ballistic missiles and the nuclearthreshold capability are kind of insurances for Iranians and guardians of the revolution perspectives. So I guess they will not give up the nuclear programme. My assumption is they will not renounce on them so easily. But well see. The military attack launched yesterday by the United States and Israel against Iran and Tehrans response, attempting to extend the conflict to other Middle Eastern countries such as Oman, the United Arab Emirates, or Kuwait represents a grave episode in the current dangerous drift toward undervaluing negotiation, diplomacy, and international law as tools for resolving conflicts. In this regard, U.S. President Donald Trump, without first exhausting the diplomatic route, has once again taken his concept of international relations to an extreme that could prove irreversible. The fact that Trump, displaying a reckless attitude, has struck at the heart of a cruel theocratic dictatorship merciless in repressing its own population, imprisoning and killing opponents, subjugating women, and destabilizing the region by arming terrorist groups, in addition to running at least an opaque nuclear program does not justify this new disregard for international law. Even the military option, if it comes to that, has established channels, such as legitimate self-defense, the protection of the law, a mandate from the international community represented at the United Nations, and, specifically in the United States, awareness if not explicit approval from Congress. That has not been the case. The declared objective of the attack is nothing less than a risky political gamble. It is no longer about preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, weakening its military structure, or reducing the economic resources that prop up the dictatorship. What is at stake is the destruction of the ayatollahs regime itself, relying not only on the military superiority of Israelis and Americans but also on a hypothetical mass uprising of the Iranian people 92 million inhabitants who have been protesting for months and facing violent repression by the Islamic authorities. Such was the call made explicit just hours after the attack by Trump himself, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah of Iran, who also urged the Iranian armed forces to turn their backs on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. A popular uprising in the face of a dictatorship entrenched in power for 47 years, focused on its own survival, and which has repeatedly shown how far it is willing to go in its cruelty could end in a bloodbath. It is unwise to minimize the reaction of a fanatical regime that sees itself cornered, and, in this regard, the bombing of the palace of Irans Supreme Leader as well as the death of the Defense Minister and the head of the powerful Revolutionary Guard are unequivocal signs of the willingness of Americans and Israelis to bring down the ayatollahs government. For the moment, and following the mass-control playbook of any tyranny, the Islamic regime has cut off communications for its citizens while official propaganda urges them to remain calm propaganda rejected by those stockpiling water and food. Moreover, the entire region could be pushed into a war stretching from the Mediterranean to the Strait of Hormuz not to mention that Afghanistan and Pakistan have also officially been at war since Friday with unpredictable consequences. It is urgent to return, before it is too late, to channels that allow for a diplomatic solution to a situation that has the potential to escalate into total war. Washington was negotiating with Tehran just hours before the attack, and those talks must not only be resumed but also accompanied by the international community. It is imperative that the world map not continue to be marked by uncontrolled steps toward open war nor that recourse to arms become normalized as just another negotiating tool. US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a statement on his Truth Social platform warning Iran against retaliatory action. He said the United States would hit Iran with force that has never been seen before as the country reiterated against US and Israeli strikes. Amid the escalating West Asia crisis, US President Donald Trump on Sunday taking to his Truth Social platform issued a statement, warning Iran against hitting back. Trump said the United States would hit Iran with force that has never been seen before as the country reiterated against US and Israeli strikes that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran indicated it was going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before, wrote Trump, who has vowed to seek regime change in the Islamic republic STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Trump said. After the attack on Iran and death of the supreme leader Khamenei, the countrys Parliament Speaker on Sunday labelled the leaders of the United States and Israel filthy criminals who will face devastating effects amid the ongoing attacks on Islamic Republic. Videos circulating on social media show crowds in Zanjan taking to the streets to mourn the passing of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Iran has since retaliated, with reported Iranian strikes across the Gulf, including in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi and near regional US military bases. Trump has said the US bombing will continue as long as necessary and noted Khameneis killing gives Iranians their greatest chance for taking power from the current regime. Global reactions intensified and tensions rose across West Asia after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported dead following US and Israeli strikes, prompting anger in Iran and urgent calls for restraint worldwide Khamenei became Irans Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. (Reuters) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, was reported dead on Saturday following US and Israeli strikes, triggering an outpouring of anger in Iran and reactions across West Asia and beyond. On Iranian television, a news anchor broke down in tears after announcing the leaders death, declaring, Revenge is coming soon. She added, The devil of the world was celebrating, and everybody here has managed to brainwash, but this is not over. Trump is going to pay a price paid by no American President at all times, paid by no Zionist of all time, paid by no criminal of all time. Trump is going to see, because revenge is coming, and revenge is coming soon, and revenge is coming after Trump, after everybody who facilitated this assassination. He will pay the ultimate price, and its not only by the millions of Iranians, its not only by the millions in resistance countries, its also by those who have newly joined the resistance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mourning intensified inside the Imam Reza Shrine as crowds reacted to reports announcing the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, filling the complex with grief and uncertainty. BREAKING: Mourning spreads inside the Imam Reza Shrine as crowds react to reports announcing the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei#Europost pic.twitter.com/D0nNXwft35 EuroPost Agency (@EuroPostAgency) March 1, 2026 Iranian state media reported early Sunday that the 86-year-old leader had died, without providing further details. The apparent demise of the second , who had no designated successor, is expected to create uncertainty over the countrys future and heighten fears of a broader regional conflict. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting. The world reacts US President Donald Trump said on social media that Khamenei was dead, describing it as the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were growing signs that Khamenei had been killed when Israel struck his compound early Saturday. While many nations avoided direct comment on the joint strikes, several condemned Tehrans retaliation. Governments across Europe and West Asia criticised Iranian strikes on Arab neighbours while largely remaining silent on the US and Israeli military action. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Australia and Canada expressed support for the US strikes. Russia and China issued direct criticism. European leaders call for renewed negotiations In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the US and Iran to resume talks and said they favoured a negotiated settlement. They confirmed their countries did not take part in the strikes but remain in close contact with the US, Israel and regional partners. We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes, they said. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future, they said. At an emergency security meeting later, Macron stated France was neither warned nor involved in the strikes and stressed that issues surrounding Irans nuclear programme, ballistic activity and regional actions could not be resolved by military action alone. The three countries have led diplomatic efforts concerning Irans nuclear programme. Arab states and regional responses The 22-nation Arab League described the Iranian attacks as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability. The bloc has historically criticised both Israel and Iran over actions it says risk destabilising the region. Morocco, Jordan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates denounced Iranian strikes targeting US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the Emirates. Syria, previously one of Irans closest regional allies under former President Bashar Assad, condemned Iran in a foreign ministry statement, reflecting the new governments attempts to rebuild relations with regional powers and the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saudi Arabia said it condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of sovereignty. Oman, which has mediated talks between Iran and the US, said the US action constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means, rather than through hostility and the shedding of blood. Global reactions divided New Zealand acknowledged that the US and Israeli attacks were preventing the Iranian regime from remaining an ongoing threat but stopped short of full endorsement. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a joint statement: The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support. Russias Foreign Ministry described the strikes as a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of pursuing regime change under the guise of nuclear concerns. China said it was highly concerned and called for an immediate halt to military action and a return to negotiations, stating that Irans sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the military action, saying, The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session at the request of Bahrain and France. Strikes and retaliation intensify tensions The US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday. Trump urged the Iranian public to seize control of your destiny by rising up against the Islamic theocracy that has governed the country since 1979. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones towards Israel and US military bases across West Asia. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinians appeared largely unfazed as Israels Iron Dome intercepted missiles overhead. Unlike Israeli cities, Palestinian areas lack warning sirens or bomb shelters. In Ramallah, marke Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Despite a lower population density than other Western European countries, this nation of just under 50 million is struggling with crowded cities, insufficient investment in transportation, high electricity demand and the effects of mass tourism The unthinkable regulating pedestrian traffic on sidewalks was first considered by councilman Javier Barbero Gutierrez a few months before Christmas 2017. For years, Madrids city center had been overflowing with people on some weekends. And on long weekends, it was literally packed. The level of congestion on the most popular streets resembled that of a concert, only instead of staying in one place, people moved in different directions. The narrower areas were a potential death trap. Barbero, head of the Health and Safety department, met with the police and a decision was made: on the peak days of December, Preciados Street would be used for going up from Sol, and Carmen Street for going down. It was heavily criticized. We were accused of taking away citizens freedom, but its a measure that has clearly remained in place because it was necessary. These kinds of crowds in transit areas create tense situations, and the line between that and a serious security problem is very thin, the councilman recalls. The transformation of a city, or a country, never has a specific date to mark its anniversary, but some days become unexpected symbols, and that December 9, 2017 was one of them. Last year, the city of Madrid surpassed 3.5 million registered residents for the first time and broke a record with 11.2 million tourists. This influx of people is further boosted by the 1.12 million commuters who arrive daily from outside the city to work there, compared to 790,000 in 2016. The number of trips on the metro and on buses has also broken historical records; the economy is booming, and the wider region of Madrid is approaching full employment. Meanwhile, housing has become a luxury, the Atocha and Chamartin train stations have produced images of unprecedented chaos, and residents complaints about the filth have barely let up in recent years. In the city center, cleaning crews can be seen working all day long, but the garbage containers are constantly overflowing, fueled by the explosion of life and activity in the center. There is an empty Spain, sometimes called the depopulated Spain, a reflection of uneven population distribution. Its opposite is the overcrowded, saturated Spain. We have never lived so crammed into so few places as we do now. The story of Madrid could be replicated, with some variations, for Barcelona, Palma, or Malaga, among other cities, and in coastal areas. The idea that the past was always better is false though; the data shows that today we have the largest infrastructure network to date. But the Spain that is approaching 50 million inhabitants, that has grown at a rate of half a million residents per year, that receives almost 100 million tourists annually, is being tested. There is an evident pressure on transportation, on housing, and on peaceful coexistence. This isnt a two-speed Spain, but rather two different ways of occupying the territory. The population had never been so concentrated; we no longer speak so much about rural versus urban, as about coastal versus inland, and basically we are talking about four centers: the metropolitan areas of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga-Costa del Sol, which will soon surpass Seville, and the permanent population growth on the larger islands of the Balearic and Canary archipelagos, states Jose Maria Ezquiaga, a specialist in strategic urban planning and former dean of the Madrid College of Architects. In his opinion, a national urban policy is needed to promote more harmonious development, but this reflection must take place at a national level, because each territory acting separately only has a partial view of the problem. A handful of facts illustrate this concentration. Ninety percent of the Spanish population lives in 2.6% of the territory, a density unparalleled in Europe; the bulk of growth has occurred in these areas, and 30% of residents not born in cities have moved there since 2016. Catalonia, Madrid, and the Valencia region account for almost 60% of GDP growth over the last five years. The most tangible direct effect is the rise in housing prices, which is devastating for society and the economy. The housing shortage isnt a nationwide issue, but rather a problem in the parts of Spain where everyone wants to live. Between 2021 and 2024, Caixabank estimated a shortage of 765,000 homes, half of them in Madrid, Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga. According to the same study, 39% of the overall price increase nationwide is due to a lack of available housing. I dont see a problem of speculation in the residential market; we have a problem of insufficient supply in the areas where demand is highly concentrated, says Jorge Galindo, a sociologist and author of Three Million Homes: How to Go from Scarcity to Abundance. According to data from Tinsa, Spains largest appraisal company, purchase prices rose at a double-digit rate in 11 regions last year, with record prices per square meter in Madrid (3,799, $4,475), the Balearic Islands (3,644, $4,292), and Catalonia (2,549, $3,002). Santa Eularia des Riu, on the island of Ibiza, has the most expensive housing in Spain in terms of price per square meter. TONO BALAGUER (Getty) The case of the islands requires a footnote. The housing deficit that Caixabank calculates, at 3.3% of the total stock of primary residences, is not particularly pronounced, which it attributes to the inherent difficulty of accessing housing, which hinders emancipation, and the obstacles to finding workers willing to relocate to the Balearic Islands. Newspapers are full of documented cases of teachers who take a plane every morning from Palma to work in Ibiza; there is also the case of Jose Juan, a man who came first in a competitive exam for a government job in a small town on the island of Ibiza, but had to give it up because he cannot afford to live there. The town is Santa Eularia des Riu, blessed with the most expensive square meter of land in Spain. The journalist Joan Ferrer, author of the book Ibiza masificada (Overcrowded Ibiza) explains: Ibiza is ground zero for excess tourism; we have 27 tourists per inhabitant, while in Mallorca this ratio is 17.4 to 1. This affects everyone, and overwhelms public services because many professionals cant afford to live here. Weve also normalized the fact that the waiter who serves your coffee, when his shift ends, goes to sleep in a van. The pressure is also evident in waste management. The islands landfill, Ca na Putxa, has been full for years, and the Balearic government has decided to start sending waste to Mallorca for incineration this summer. Spain ended 2015 with a record 97 million visitors, and will most likely reach 100 million this year. The debate about tourist saturation or tourism-phobia (the devil is in the details) is being manipulated with false, maximalist dilemmas: yes or no to tourism. In reality, intermediate solutions are gaining ground. In Barcelona, a tourist mecca with 16 million foreign visitors last year, the city has decided to reduce cruise ship activity in the medium term and has an agreement with tour guide associations to reduce group sizes from 30 people to 15 if the tours take place within the Ciutat Vella district, Barcelonas Gothic Quarter, a network of narrow streets and tiny squares where residents have difficulty getting around. Crowds at Portal de l'Angel (Barcelona). GIANLUCA BATTISTA Marti Cuso, a high school teacher in his thirties and a member of the Neighborhood Association, explains the transformation of life on the streets where he grew up. Children no longer have places to play, its much harder for people to stop and talk unless they sit at a table in an outdoor bar; in other words, public space has been privatized, but this is still a neighborhood with residents in it, and it seems that people are trying to forget that, he emphasizes. Spain already has a denser urban model than its European neighbors. A 2018 study by Alasdair Rae of the University of Sheffield in the UK compiled a series of maps used to calculate population density per square kilometer. The European champion was La Florida, a neighborhood in LHospitalet de Llobregat, in Spains northeastern Catalonia region, with 53,119 inhabitants, twice the population of Manhattan. But the problem, Cuso warns, isnt the density of residents if theres enough space on the streets for life and services are functioning; the problem is the stifling of life outside the home, this privatization of public space. Airport traffic data speaks volumes: the 275 million passengers recorded by the entire Aena network in Spain in 2019, before the Covid shock, became more than 321 million by the end of 2025, with a record number of operations and also a record amount of freight transport. The appeal of Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Malaga and Alicante, the main hubs, explains this growth, which has occurred without any operational disruptions after a powerful wave of investment in the decade of 2000 to 2010. Right after that came the crisis and the expanded airports were questioned a lot, and wrongly so. But now we are reaping the rewards of that effort, and its time for another strong wave of investment for expansions in Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Alicante, Bilbao, Valencia and Tenerife, says Maurici Lucena, president of Aena. The railway system, however, is in the eye of the storm. The Adamuz (Cordoba) accident on January 18, which claimed 46 lives, occurred after a long period of disruptions to the network and services, with the resulting delays and overcrowding at stations, which had already provoked outrage among users. Following the tragedy, safety measures have been increased, connections have been suspended, journey times have been lengthened, and the difficulties are expected to persist for quite some time. The railway system, once a source of pride and a symbol of modernization thanks to its commitment to high-speed rail, faces an undeniable problem of wear and tear. The Minister of Transport, Oscar Puente, has acknowledged a 30 billion ($35 billion) investment shortfall in rail and the need to renew up to 500 trains in the coming years, but has blamed the previous government for this. Trains and systems have aged while passenger numbers have grown. This is particularly evident in high-speed rail: with liberalization, two more companies Iryo and Ouigo now operate on the same tracks previously served by only one company, Renfes AVE. Competition has lowered prices and increased demand. Ten percent of passengers use these high-speed trains, double the figure before the pandemic. However, comparative data reveals that the problem lies not so much in the intensity of use (the Spanish train-to-kilometer ratio of 58 trains per kilometer is much lower than Frances 96, for example), but rather in the systems adequacy. It is necessary to identify bottlenecks in the infrastructure and stations, and implement the necessary measures, concluded a report by the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC). Juan Jose Montero, a professor at the distance university UNED and an expert in railway regulation, agrees with this assessment. In his opinion, there was a disconnect between the liberalization of the railways and the capacity of the stations. In the case of high-speed rail, demand has increased by families and young people who previously traveled by car or bus. In the case of commuter rail, there has indeed been a problem of overcrowding, after years of adjustments and insufficient staff replacement, coupled with an increase in commuters traveling to the capital every day, he explains. And all of this converges on the stations. Large metropolitan areas concentrate activity and employment, and this is palpable every morning in the train stations Montero mentions, as well as on the highways. The reason for geographical mobility has always been the search for work and prosperity, and now we are more concentrated than ever because that work and prosperity are found in the capital cities and on the coast, states Julio Perez Diaz, a demographer and sociologist at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). What is peculiar about Spain, he adds, is the intensity of migration, not the absolute numbers: adding 500,000 people a year to a country of 47 million inhabitants is significant, and it has to do with language, in the case of Latin America, he adds. Spain has surpassed 10 million foreign-born residents for the first time, out of a total population of 49.5 million, according to data as of January 1, 2026, published Thursday by the National Statistics Institute. Without this influx of immigrants, the country would begin to shrink. The economy would not grow at the same rate, either. The incorporation of foreign workers accounts for almost half of Spains gross domestic product (GDP) growth since 2022, according to a Funcas report released this week. Even so, the phenomenon has ignited tensions in Spain, following a trend in the rest of Europe, and fueled extreme positions against foreigners. The state of public healthcare and the waiting lists provide fertile ground for this battle, although the figures reveal a more complex reality. Healthcare spending has increased. However, the Ministry of Health itself has published reports admitting a shortage of 4,500 family doctors and 100,000 nurses by 2035 to reach the European Union average. Waiting times for hospital appointments have skyrocketed in the last 10 years, from 65 days in 2014 to 105 in 2024, according to the latest annual report from the National Health System. Of the 20 EU member states that provide data on healthcare professionals to Eurostat, Spain ranks eighth in the number of practicing physicians per 1,000 inhabitants, and seventh in the number of medical staff working in hospitals. The seams are bursting due to the waiting lists; visits to family doctors have decreased while emergency room visits have increased an anomaly explained by the collapse of primary care, notes Jose Ramon Repullo, professor of health planning and economics at the National School of Public Health. Many experts believe, Repullo continues, that the problem is not so much demographic, although that certainly doesnt help, but rather stems from internal drivers of spending that would require improvements in governance and management. Some of the challenges stem from demographics; others, from demand. Economic growth has also encountered bottlenecks in the electrical infrastructure. Aelec, the trade association representing major companies like Iberdrola, Endesa, and EDP, warned last December that it had to reject nine out of ten access requests due to the saturation of electrical substations, which are commonly referred to as nodes. According to the latest available data, 88% of these nodes are saturated, meaning they have zero capacity. A multitude of people stroll along Preciados Street, in the center of Madrid. Pablo Monge This congestion not only affects the activity of industrial companies or data centers, which account for a significant portion of the demand, but also the development of new housing. Since 2014, we have been investing below what is needed; in some cases, this is due to legal caps, in others to complaints about the compensation; added to this is the slowness of local authorities in granting permits. There is no short-term solution to this, unless flexible access to the grid is developed, as is being done in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and unused capacity is freed up, says Joaquin Coronado, a veteran of the sector and now president of Build to Zero. The problem is a reality; the debate revolves around whether regulations and compensation discourage growth, whether companies arent performing to their full potential, or a combination of both. The renewable energy boom and the expected electrification of demand have driven up requests for access to the electricity grid. Contributing factors to the current congestion include regulations that havent sufficiently boosted investment, very slow administrative procedures, a monopolization of access by phantom, immature, or unrealistic projects, and insufficient use of available grid capacity, says Luis Atienza, former president of Red Electrica. When it comes to investing in electricity grids, its much better to overinvest than underinvest, especially for Spain, which will have the most competitive electricity in Europe thanks to renewables, he adds. Some of the challenges are linked to the age-old danger of dying from success. During the pandemic, some dared to speak of the death of cities. This news, as Mark Twain famously refuted his own death, has proven to be exaggerated. The metropolis has historically been the El Dorado of the working classes, and migration to them is a global phenomenon that began with the Industrial Revolution. It continues to be so. This latest wave is advancing amidst a new global order, facilitated by digitalization, and requires rethinking the structures of the entire country. That much-desired piece of land, the bustling Spain, the one that needs to bring order to its own pedestrians, is longed for, to a large extent, because of the problems of rural depopulation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hope Scheppelman, the former chairwoman of the Colorado Republican Party and a fierce supporter of President Donald Trump, is hoping to primary U.S. House Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Grand Junction) in Colorados 3rd Congressional District this summer. Scheppelmans campaign received a boost on the national stage after she was endorsed by Trump last weekend. Trump withdrew his support for Hurd over Hurds vote disapproving of tariffs on Canada. Scheppelman, a Navy veteran who went on to have a 35-year career in health care and become a critical care nurse practitioner, participated in an interview with The Daily Sentinel, discussing her motivation and her plans should she make it to office. (Note: The print edition of this Q&A has been edited for brevity in order to make it into the digital paper. The online version of this story features the entire interview, save for one section discussing her hopes to be endorsed by Trump. That section has been removed since Trump endorsed Scheppelman two days after this interview, making that part of the interview outdated, but some of those comments as well as new comments from Scheppelman about Trumps endorsement will be included in future coverage.) Q: What motivated you to run for Congress? What are the specific reasons you want to primary Hurd? A: Im actually running for U.S. Congress to advance the conservative values for Colorados 3rd Congressional District. What were seeing today, our sitting congressman is voting more and more with (Democratic Senators Michael) Bennet and (John) Hickenlooper, and as Ive been traveling around the district, that is more evident. Im a three strikes and youre out kind of girl. I gave our sitting congressman one and two chances to prove that hes going to represent our conservative district in the way that we wanted it to be represented, like Congresswoman Lauren Boebert did. When we started to see him break from not necessarily the Republicans values but conservative values, thats when I threw my hat in the ring. Q: What are the top issues facing the 3rd Congressional District? A: First and foremost, when President Trump was inaugurated, that night, my husband and I were able to go to the Commander in Chiefs Ball. We were selected and we were honored to be a part of that. It was announced that he would be late because he was signing tons of executive orders. The first strike for me was when Congressman Jeff Hurd opposed President Trumps pardon on the J6 prisoners. That caught my eye, and that was within the first week or two. He put out a statement. I firmly believe that people need due process, and these individuals ended up sitting in prison for four years, and a lot of them did not have due process. It was theater. We saw that they ended up deleting a lot of things as (former President Joe) Biden moved out, so that was strike one for me. Strike two was when Jeff Hurd ended up actually submitting a bill to the House floor to handcuff President Trump and his tariffs. Basically, Jeff Hurd is saying that President Trump needs to ask for permission from Congress to impose tariffs that are really helping the United States. These are targeted tariffs. They are negotiating. He has the authority because of what were seeing with national security. That is President Trumps right, and that has been given to the president in the past. That was strike two. I saw Congressman Jeff Hurd signed onto a bill with Bennet and Hickenlooper, and its the Gunnison Outdoor Resource Protection (GORP) Act. He is the primary House sponsor for that. What thats actually going to do is its going to lock up 730,000 acres of public land surrounding six counties, and its going to restrict access, threaten water rights, block energy development and undermine our rural economy. Thats when I threw in my hat. Obviously, theres a whole slew of bills Im happy to go through after the fact, but those truly were the three strikes for me, because when were looking at this district, it overwhelmingly voted for President Trump, and we overwhelmingly voted for him because we wanted to focus on America First. We want to secure our borders, we want to secure our elections, we want to get rid of the waste and fraud and abuse, and we want limited government. That goes against everything that we voted for. Q: What is federal governments role in water in Colorado? Would you back the release of $40 million to go toward the Shoshone water rights? What role should the federal government play in dictating the Colorado River negotiations as states fail to reach a resolution? A: We know that water is the lifeblood of Colorado. We know, especially seeing the drought that were in right now, a lot of us are very worried. Were scared about whats going to happen this spring, this summer, into the fall. I do believe that we need to focus on Colorado and try to figure out how we can renegotiate that compact, because Colorado is very interesting in this compact. We need to really keep our water here. We need to make sure that our percentages dont go downstream. I think its a hundred-year negotiation bill, so we really need to relook at that, because as things have progressed as weve gotten more people here in Colorado, we need to also look at how its impacting every single individual. We need to look at the Shoshone. We need to look at what Lauren Boebert and Jeff Hurd did put forward, that bill for the Arkansas Valley Conduit. We need to look at how Colorado is also spending their money. It shouldnt always be going up to the feds. We need to look at Colorado and say, Hey, you guys need to rein back what you guys are actually starting to spend things on; all this radical ideology for our kids, all of the Biden Green New Deal changing things, forcing people to change their homes to fully electric and have charging stations in their homes. If we look at the budget we are spending on frivolousness, I believe that we truly could have more money here in the state of Colorado to save our water rights and focus on getting clean water to people on the Front Range and in parts of the 3rd Congressional District, as well as reallocating different percentages for the state of Colorado. All of our water goes out of Colorado, so we really need to look at that very closely and try to have more conversations with the federal and the state. Right now, when we have a governor who is forcing the Biden New Green Deal on the state of Colorado, he doesnt care about water. Colorado truly needs to focus on water, and this is making people very concerned. Q: You mentioned your disappointment that Congress has intervened on some of Trumps tariff strategy. If you become a congresswoman, what do you think Congress role would be when it comes to the Trump administrations agenda? Would it be about doing everything you can to support the president? Would it be Congress staying out of the administrations way? A: I want to be very clear when it comes to tariffs: I am not a proponent of tariffs for a long term. When President Trump imposed these tariffs, it was very clear why he did it. He invoked his authority because of national security concerns. Lets just take fentanyl with what happened with the Biden administration and the crisis that we saw throughout America and truly here in the state of Colorado. Tariffs right now, with what President Trump has allowed, he has the authority to use them as leverage. Its truly leverage to demand cooperation, leverage to protect our borders, leverage to ensure our trading partners take our security concerns very seriously. For decades, Washington elites from both parties have allowed America to be taken advantage of with trade deals. We watched our manufacturer base sink. When COVID happened, we watched our supply chains move overseas. We watched rural communities literally be hollowed out. President Trump changed all of that with his World Economic (Forum address) because America should not be the doormat anymore. These tariffs are negotiating tools, and theyre leverage. Theyre about putting American workers first instead of multi-national corporations and foreign governments. Thats what President Trump ultimately wants, and hes stated this multiple times: to see zero tariffs. Here in the 3rd District, we definitely understand that nobody wants them, because they truly are a tax on people, but weve had tariffs for decades, so our ranchers here in the 3rd District are competing against foreign imports, our energy workers fight against global pressure, and our small manufacturers are literally being squeezed by unfair competition, solely by China. We really need to focus on America First, American trade, American policy. It hits me personally in the 3rd District, so this is personal. Yes, I would be supporting President Trump and his tariffs because theyre narrow, theyre focused, theyre leverage. He doesnt want this to be a lengthy process. Were seeing that the tariffs are bringing in anywhere between $20-30 billion a month into the United States. I would be focused on the America First agenda. One thing I have to say, and Ive been moving across the 3rd District, is that I will vote yes on bills if they help the 3rd District, and I will vote no on bills if they will hurt our district. Congressman Jeff Hurd voted against President Trump and the tariffs, and thats a vote that is going to hurt our district if they actually pull the tariffs. Jeff Hurd also voted to continue the ObamaCare subsidies for an additional three more years. That is hurting our district, its hurting the United States, its hurting Americans who cannot afford $3,000 a month for insurance, and that doesnt include the $3,000-4,000 a month on mortgages and property taxes. We are hurting economically. Everyones been talking about getting rid of ObamaCare, and he voted for it and that sunk his campaign. Q: You have an extensive history in health care and you just mentioned the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If extending ACA subsidies isnt the way forward, what is the future of American health care? A: Ive spent 35 years in health care. Both of my parents are retired interventional cardiologists. If you ended up having chest pain, you go to the emergency room, they would come in and take you to the cath lab, see if you have blockage in your coronary arteries, stick a stent in them and keep you overnight or for a few days and send you home. We have had well over 100 years of health care within my family. I have seen what health care has done prior to ObamaCare and what it did after ObamaCare. When ObamaCare came in, we were told by (former President Barack) Obama and the radical left administration that we could keep our doctors and keep our plan and our health insurance would be as low as a cable bill. We were lied to. Two thousand pages of health care reform and repeal and replacement was shoved through in the middle of the night. We need to have unlimited HSA (Health Savings Accounts) for every American. We need to expand health insurance across state lines. I am a firm believer in free markets, because it has shrunk and its given these big insurance companies (the opportunity to) bring in so much money. Those subsidies do not go to the American citizens. They go to the big insurance corporations like Blue Cross Blue Shield and all of them. Those are the ones getting rich on the backs of the taxpayers. What were also seeing is those subsidies and you can look it up, I already have is that you can go to the open markets, and there are YouTube videos to show people who are here illegally how to get health insurance here in the state of Colorado. I cant say for all of the states, but here in Colorado, there is a YouTube video that goes through every single way you dont have to be a citizen at all to get free healthcare. We need an end to employer-paid health insurance. We need to have people continue to pay into the free markets. If they want catastrophic health insurance, we need to bring that back, because healthy young Americans cant afford $3,000 a month that makes you pay for abortions and transgender surgeries and IVF (in vitro fertilization) and things you dont want. We need to look at how to help employees purchase their own health insurance if they can, and that will bring down the cost, as well, with the HSA funds. Its just like paying into a 401k. That can be spread to your children, your grandchildren. When the federal government is controlling your healthcare and your decisions, that is when it goes against everything a lot of conservatives believe. Also, we should not be penalized as we age. People come in with chronic disease, so we need to find a way out on how to help them without punishing them. Were all getting to that stage. Were all growing old, and we should not be punished for that. We need to bring back our ability to have pharmaceutical companies here in America, which will bring down the cost of pharmaceuticals. Right now, when you go to the hospital or youre inpatient at the hospital, an aspirin you could buy over the counter is at least $80. That is wrong. Also, theres already been put forward a lot of different avenues on how to repeal and replace ObamaCare by great Americans, great conservatives in Congress and in the Senate. We just need to have true conservatives willing to have the backbone to stand up and say, We are going to (repeal and replace the ACA). Hospitals will not implode. Ive already talked to three CEOs in rural hospitals, and it will not implode. We really just need to take a stance and actually do this. Q: The elephant in the room in American (and global) politics is sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and the controversial, heavily redacted release of the Epstein Files. If you become a congresswoman, what would be your approach here? Would you support the rolling back of redactions and push for the release of more information? Do you believe those implicated should face the legal system, much like former prince Andrew in England, who was arrested (last week)? A: Look, a lot of us voted for President Trump because he was pushing America First and making sure that we have transparent elections, and also the Epstein Files. A lot of us are wanting accountability. We are against all of this pedophilia. We are against hurting our kids. We are against what theyre doing to weaponize the federal government. People who have done these disgusting and vile things should not be protected. The victims should definitely be protected. We saw at the Super Bowl when there was a commercial with a lot of victims coming out and saying, Our voices need to be heard. These people need to be held accountable, and they need to go to jail. What is happening is, sure, theres been a lot of redactions, but we need transparency. We need to know who these people are and they need to go to prison. They need every single weight of the federal government on them. I dont care if its former presidents, I dont care if its foreign dignitaries or whatnot. When you are trafficking children, when youre trafficking humans, those individuals need to have a voice. Q: What are your overall thoughts on the state of the GOP, particularly in Colorado, and how the party can move forward? A: Its truly unfortunate. As a former vice chair, Im disheartened. Im saddened to see our state of the GOP the way we are. We need to have true conservatives at the helm. The last administration, even with all the lawfare and the coup, we were able to accomplish so many great things. We got President Trump onto the ballot when corrupt (Colorado Secretary of State) Jenna Griswold used lawfare to keep him off. We went all the way to the United States Supreme Court and won 9-0. That is what we should rally around together. We need to rally around putting forward the America First agenda. Right now, in 2026, we have the true ability to shift the governor to a true conservative, and we can take that back, because were seeing Democrats and unaffiliates who are disgusted with the radical left and the progressivism that Bennet and Hickenlooper and (Governor) Jared Polis have pushed us to. We really need to look at how we can rally the troops and focus on the midterms. If we dont get this in Colorado, a lot of people are going to be moving out of Colorado, and I hate to see that. Q: What is your current message to voters in CD3? A: We know that this is a grassroots effort. We have not had any PAC donations. We really are truly being the voice of the conservative voters here, and we know we can win. We know we have this, and Jeff Hurd is having to defend his votes, and when youre defending your votes, that shows the voters where you stand. Here follows a statement by the Royal Office: Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saturday 28 February 2026 "His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, held several telephone calls this Saturday with His brothers, Their Majesties and Their Highnesses. These included His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State of the United Arab Emirates, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Council of Ministers, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. During these calls, His Majesty the King, may God glorify Him, reaffirmed the Kingdom of Morocco's firm condemnation of the vile aggressions targeting the sovereignty of these brotherly States and the security of their territories, as well as His Majesty's support and full backing of these countries in all legitimate measures they deem appropriate to preserve their security and the peace of their citizens. Based on the deep-rooted fraternal ties and the constant solidarity uniting the Kingdom of Morocco with these brotherly States, His Majesty the King emphasized that the security and stability of the Arab Gulf countries are an integral part of the security and stability of the Kingdom of Morocco, and that any harm to their security constitutes a serious and unacceptable aggression and a direct threat to the stability of the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Kingdom of Morocco condemns in the strongest terms the abject Iranian missile attack that violated the integrity and security of brotherly Arab states, namely the State of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saturday 28 February 2026 A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates emphasizes that the Kingdom of Morocco considers this aggression a flagrant violation of the national sovereignty of these States, an unacceptable infringement on their security and a direct threat to the stability of the region. The Kingdom of Morocco, the same source adds, affirms its full solidarity with the brotherly Arab states in all legitimate measures they take to respond to this attack and protect their security, as well as the peace of their citizens and residents. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghanistan Air Force Strikes Pakistani Military Targets - Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20260228 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Afghan Air Force launched a new series of strikes on military targets in Pakistan on Saturday night, the Afghan Defense Ministry said. "The Air Force of the country's National Defense Ministry has again struck military targets in Pakistan in Miranshah and Spin Wam. These airstrikes were carried out last night around midnight [7:30 p.m. GMT, Friday]," the statement read. The Defense Ministry said that these strikes "destroyed military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam," causing significant losses to the Pakistani army. "These successful attacks were carried out in response to the ongoing air incursions by the Pakistani military regime," the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The Iranian regime confirmed on 01 March 2026 that Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khameni had been killed following Israeli and US airstrikes conducted as part of Operation Epic Fury (US) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel). Donald Trump stated: "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us." A number of Iranian senior leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, embraced martyrdom in the "unprovoked and unwarranted" airstrikes by Israel and the United States. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Khamenei's assassination a "declaration of war against Muslims" and warned: "Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime." The narrative that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei deliberately embraced Martyrdom emerged prominently in the hours and days following his confirmed death in the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28-March 1, 2026. Iranian state media, officials, and allied voices have framed his killing not as a passive or avoidable assassination, but as a willful, heroic acceptance of shahadat (martyrdom) in the Shia Islamic tradition. This portrayal serves multiple purposes: turning a strategic blow into a moral and mobilizing victory, invoking religious symbolism to rally unity, deter further attacks, and inspire resistance. He did not hide or flee: Reports note that Khamenei was killed in his office or residence while "carrying out his duties" during the strikes. He reportedly refused to move to a safer bunker or underground location despite evident risks from escalating tensions and prior threats. As one widely shared sentiment put it: "He did not hide when death came to claim him! He embraced death, he embraced martyrdom." This is contrasted with what critics might expect from a leader facing targeted killing - evacuation or concealment - positioning his choice as one of courage and faith. Fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration: Iranian state TV and officials described his death as achieving his "long-cherished wish" or "lifelong dream" of martyrdom, especially poignant as it occurred during Ramadan (a month of heightened spiritual significance). State broadcaster IRIB announced: "the true example of faith, jihad and resistance... achieved the blessing of martyrdom." The Revolutionary Guard and Supreme National Security Council echoed this, saying his martyrdom would "spark a massive uprising" and open "a new chapter" in resistance. Symbolic framing in Shia tradition: Khamenei's final known communications (e.g., an X post invoking "Haidar" - Imam Ali's title - with Zulfiqar imagery amid flames) are interpreted as deliberate pre-framing of his potential death within martyrdom lore. This ties back to core Shia concepts: martyrdom as divine bargain, moral triumph over oppressors, and a path to eternal honor (drawing from Quranic verses like 3:169-170, where martyrs are "alive with their Lord"). Analysts note this sacralizes his legacy, transforming potential defeat into sanctification and continuity for the regime. The official Khamenei_fa account posted a Shia invocation to Imam Ali ("Haider") "In the name of the exalted Hyder, peace be upon him", paired with dramatic artwork of a robed warrior with a glowing sword amid fiery chaos - classic resistance symbolism. This phrase is a reverent invocation, similar to "Bismillah" but specifically honoring Imam Ali (AS) as "Haydar" (the Lion of God). It's often used in Shia contexts for strength, justice, and beginning endeavors (especially in times of struggle or war), and has appeared prominently in recent Iranian official communications. Full poetic extended version in the image read: "In the exalted name of Haydar (peace be upon him). The opening of victory toward the Nile is coming. Ali, with his Zulfiqar, is coming from Israel." The phrase "The opening of victory toward the Nile" opens with "Opening", the Quranic and classical term for a divinely granted victory. The Nile is not literal geography here; it functions as a symbol of distant horizons, implying that the coming triumph is vast, sweeping, and inevitable. In classical Persian and Arabic poetry, rivers often mark the boundary of empires - so "toward the Nile" evokes the expansion of justice into contested or far-off lands. The phrase "From Israel he comes" is symbolic, not literal geography. In Shiia revolutionary rhetoric, "Israel" often stands as a metonym for oppression, injustice, or foreign domination.So the line means: "Justice emerges from the very heart of oppression; the tyrant's own ground becomes the stage of its undoing." The Zulfiqar (also spelled Dhulfiqar, Zulfaqar, or Dhu al-Faqar;) is the legendary sword associated with Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and the first Imam in Shia Islam. Zulfiqar transcends being a mere historical artifact; it's a living symbol of Imam Ali's unparalleled virtues: justice, chivalry, and unyielding faith. As the phrase goes: "There is no sword like Zulfiqar, and no hero like Ali." It holds profound historical, religious, and symbolic significance, especially in Shia tradition, where it represents divine justice, unmatched bravery, and victory over oppression. According to Islamic traditions (including hadiths in sources like Jami' at-Tirmidhi), the sword was given to Imam Ali by the Prophet Muhammad during or around the Battle of Uhud (or sometimes linked to Badr). One popular legend states that Imam Ali's original sword broke in battle, and the Prophet replaced it with Zulfiqar, which was described as coming from divine favor or even heavenly origin. The dual blades often symbolize the balance of knowledge (one side) and justice/enforcement (the other), or physical and spiritual strength. It represents Imam Ali's role as the ultimate judge and defender of truth. As the sword of the bravest warrior, it embodies fearless defense of the faith and the oppressed. Linked to Imam Ali's infallible leadership (Imamate), it's seen as a sign of divine endorsement. Many Shia wear Zulfiqar pendants or amulets for spiritual safeguarding and as a reminder of loyalty to Ahl al-Bayt. In modern contexts, especially in Iran and Shia communities, it's invoked as a symbol of resistance (e.g., against oppression or in times of conflict), often appearing in art, posters, and official imagery during periods of tension or mourning. The poem constructed a mythic tableau: A sacred warrior (Ali), Wielding a divine instrument (Zulfiqar), Crossing symbolic geographies (Israel / Nile), Heralding a cosmic victory (fat?). It blends religious myth, political symbolism, and apocalyptic imagery, presenting justice as something that descends with overwhelming force, guided by divine authority. Political and strategic implications: By embracing this narrative, Iran invokes mazloumiat (the virtue of the oppressed), declares 40 days of mourning (a period for mobilization), and vows unrelenting retaliation. President Pezeshkian called it a "great crime" and "declaration of war," while the regime emphasizes that Khamenei's path "will be pursued with greater vigour." Some external analyses suggest this could backfire on attackers, as martyrdom galvanizes support rather than deterring it - turning Khamenei into a unifying martyr figure akin to past icons like Imam Hussein or recent ones like Qassem Soleimani. Throughout his tenure, Khamenei frequently praised martyrdom as "the best bargain with God," a "divine gift," and a "calculated" choice for those on the path of jihad and resistance. He described it as voluntary sacrifice yielding paradise, emphasizing that true martyrs rush toward it with belief, not fear. This ideological foundation makes the post-death framing consistent with his worldview. The narrative is not universally accepted -- opponents (including celebrations in some diaspora communities) view it as regime propaganda -- but within Iran's official discourse and among supporters, it's central: Khamenei chose dignity and faith over survival, ensuring his death strengthens rather than weakens the Islamic Republic. The figure at the center of this narrative is an aging ruler who understands that time has narrowed to its final corridor. His body has begun to betray him, and the horizon of possibility has contracted to a single, unavoidable truth: the end is no longer an abstraction but an approaching certainty. Within that shrinking span, a stark choice emerges, shaped not by medicine or politics but by the mythology that has surrounded him for decades. One path is the dramatic exit that revolutionary cultures have long celebrated. It is the vision of a leader who meets death in open defiance, aligning his final act with the ideals he spent a lifetime invoking. In this rendering, martyrdom becomes a form of narrative completion. The leaders death is not merely an ending but a sealing of the story, a moment in which rhetoric and action finally converge. The battlefield becomes a stage on which the myth fulfills itself. The other path is the quiet, clinical decline that modern life so often imposes. It is a death marked by medical machinery, fluorescent light, and the slow erosion of autonomy. In symbolic terms, this kind of ending threatens to dissolve the heroic persona that had been constructed over decades. The leader becomes an ordinary man, subject to the same biological frailties as everyone else. For a political culture built on sacrifice and confrontation, such an end can feel like a rupture in the narrative, a dissonance between the mythic figure and the mortal body. This tension between the heroic script and the biological reality is a recurring feature of political history. Leaders who built their legitimacy on struggle and resistance often find their final years interpreted through the lens of that mythology. The question becomes whether their death will reinforce the narrative they shaped or expose its limits. The bodys decline becomes a symbolic battlefield, and the manner of dying acquires political weight. The scenario reflects a broader pattern in which the final chapter of a long-standing ruler is read not simply as a personal event but as a commentary on the movement he led. A life spent invoking martyrdom confronts the truth that martyrdom is a choice, while aging is not. The political imagination responds by constructing a binary: to die as the myth or to die as the man. The meaning lies not in the individual but in the way societies interpret the closing act of those who once embodied their ideals. In the end, the only real choice is not whether to die, but how to meet death. An aging leader stands at a crossroads where biology is no longer negotiable, but meaning still is. The body is failing, time is short, yet there remains one last domain of sovereignty: the manner of departure. On one side stands the path of glorious martyrdom not just spectacle, but a final act of coherence. A life spent invoking sacrifice, struggle, and witness would culminate in a death that matches the rhetoric. In that script, the leaders end fuses word and deed, turning biography into legend. Death in battle, or in open defiance of a hated enemy, becomes a final argument: I believed this enough to die for it. On the other side is the slow, clinical unraveling: tubes, needles, fluorescent light, the quiet machinery of modern medicine. This is not just physical decline; it becomes a symbolic betrayal. A man who urged others toward martyrdom chooses instead the ordinary, medicalized death of the very world he opposed. The contrast is brutal: those he sent to die are mythologized; he risks becoming a cautionary footnote. This celebrates integrity at the edge of the abyss. The only real choice is whether a final act is aligned with the story told about ones self. For a leader who built a universe of meaning around martyrdom, the refusal to embrace it when it finally comes is read as a fracture in the narrative, a kind of existential cowardice. For one who accepts it, death becomes less an ending than a sealing of the text. There is something starkly democratic in this idea: most of life is contingency, but the manner of our dying, if we are lucid and willing, can still be an authored moment. Not everyone gets that chance, and not everyone wants it. But your statement insists that when such a choice does appear, it is not morbid to take it seriously; it is the last, and perhaps purest, test of whether one meant what they said while they were still breathing. Hojatoleslam Seyed Ali Khamenei Khamenei was one of the founders of the Islamic Republican Party, which dominated the Majlis (the national legislature) after the 1979 revolution. He was appointed to the Council of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, and between 1979 and 1981 he was a member of the Majlis, serving as Deputy Minister of Defense, Deputy for Revolutionary Affairs, Commander of the Revolutionary Guard, and representative on the Supreme Council of Defense. He also served several times as general secretary of the Islamic Republic Party. A mid-ranking cleric, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unexpectedly chosen as supreme leader during an emergency closed-door session of the Assembly of Experts in 1989, just days after the death of the founder of Iran's Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. After Imam Khomeini's death, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei was elected the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Assembly of Experts. A video leaked on 08 January 2018 of that secret session has emerged, revealing that Khamenei was only given a caretaker role as supreme leader for a one-year period. He is also shown saying he was not qualified for the position and that his selection was unconstitutional. Khamenei commented in the video to the assembly before his appointment that "we should shed tears of blood wailing for the Islamic society that has been forced to even propose me [as supreme leader]." According to the constitution, the supreme leader had to be a "marja," or a grand ayatollah. But Khamenei was only a mid-ranking cleric. Khamenei admitted as much in the leaked footage. Addressing the assembly, he said, "based on the constitution, I am not qualified for the job and from a religious point of view, many of you will not accept my words as those of a leader." Abolhassan Banisadr, Iran's first president from 1980-81 before fleeing to exile in France, said in January 2018 that Khamenei's selection was "engineered." He says former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who chaired the meeting, pushed for Khamenei to be picked because he considered Khamenei "weak" and easy to control. "The leadership process was fictitious," Banisadr says. "It was not spontaneous but engineered." Imam Khomeini appointed him in 1980 to be the leader of the Friday congregational prayers in Tehran. He was also elected as a deputy of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) in the same year. In the summer of 1981, after delivering an important speech in the Majlis that led to the dismissal of then President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, an attempt was made on his life by the Munafeqin (Mujahedin Khalq Organization). The attack came while making a speech in a mosque in a poor district of Tehran, and his chest and hand were badly injured. On 30 August 1981, President Rajai and his prime minister were killed in a bombing. Following Mohammad Rajai's martyrdom in 1981, in October 1981 Ayatollah Khamenei was elected president of the Islamic Republic with 95 percent of the votes cast in his favor. He was president for another four years. During this time, he was chairman of the Supreme Defense Council and the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council. He toured and inspected the war fronts in the course of the Iran-Iraq War. On June 1989, on the morrow of Imam Khomeini's demise, he was elected leader of the Islamic Revolution by the majority of votes of the Assembly of Experts. On the death of Imam Khomeini, more than 70 leading ulema in Iran declared Ayatollah Khamenei as being qualified for issuing fatwa on 'ifta' on controversial or complex points of points of religion. When Ayatollah Araki died, he was introduced as Marja-e Taqlid (religious authority followed as source of imitation) by the Qom Theological School. In late 1994 there was a global campaign to encourage the faithful to emulate Iran's Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the top Shia authority worldwide, marja-e-taqlid, the highest source of emulation. Following the demise of Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Mohammad Ali Araki, the initiative from the Society of Teachers of Qom Theological Seminary provided the names of senior ulema competent and qualified for marja'iat. These nominees were Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani, Ayatollah Behjat, Ayatollah Vahid Khorasani, Ayatollah Mirza Javad Aqa Tabrizi, Ayatollah Musa Shubayri Zanjani, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi. The society concluded that, compared with other countries, the marja' taqlid in Iran was least likely to be subjected to government pressure. Many Shias preferred a marja' who was not only a jurisprudent, but also well-versed in global politics, economics, and social issues. The final choice of the marja'iat is up to the people, and the world Shias made the ultimate decision. Many individuals and groups expressed support for Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and so he had the highest number of muqallidin (followers). By December 1994 the move by the scholars of the Qom seminary and members of the Association of Combatant Ulema introduced Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the marja' taqlid of the world's Shia community. In choosing Ayatollah Khamenei as the grand marja', the union of spiritual authority and political leadership could be effected. Once chosen as the grand marja', his supporters urged upon the Shia community to obey his commands and abide by his edicts in all temporal and ecclesiastical affairs. Theoretically, the Islamic republic system (vilayat-i faqih, leadership of the supreme jurisprudent) is legitimate when a Grand Ayatollah who is recognized as a source of emulation (marja-yi taqlid) serves as the Faqih (jurisprudent). Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Shirazi, like many others, did not accept Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a source of emulation. According to "Human Rights in Iran" (2001) by Pace University's Reza Afshari, Shirazi was "indignant" over Khamenei's efforts to be recognized as the supreme leader and as a source of emulation. Shirazi, who died in late 2001, apparently favored a committee of Grand Ayatollahs to lead the country. Shirazi was not the only senior cleric to suffer for questioning the legitimacy of Iran's political setup and its leading figure. One of the best-known dissident clerics was Grand Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri-Najafabadi. Others were Grand Ayatollah Hassan Tabatabai-Qomi and Grand Ayatollah Yasubedin Rastegari. Ayatollah Khamenei is married and has six children. He is conversant with Arabic and Turkish, and knows English to some extent. He is a writer, is well-versed with poetry and literature, and has written 37 books to date. Ayatullah Haajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei is the son of the late Ayatullah Sayyid Jawad Husaini Khamenei. He was born in Mashhad on the 17 July 1939, which coincides with the 28th of Safar 1358 Hijri Qamari (lunar year). He was the second son of his parents, born into the house of Sayyid Jawad who lived a very simple life, like many of the scholars of his time, and it was from him that the family learned to live in a humble manner. Remembering his life in his father's home Ayatullah Khamenei said: "My father was a well known religious scholar who was very pious and a bit of a recluse. We had a difficult life. I remember that sometimes at night we didn't have anything in the house for dinner. Nevertheless my mother would try to scrape something up and that dinner would be bread-and-raisins." "My father's house, the one that I was born in and lived until about the age of four or five, was about a sixty to seventy square meter home located in the poor area of Mashhad. The house only had one room and a gloomy basement. Whenever a guest came to see my father, his idea was that a religious scholar's home is a place where people come to seek help, we had to go to the basement until they left. Some years later a group of people who were very inclined to and friendly with my father bought a small empty lot beside our house so that he could build onto the house, and so we ended up with a three room house." According to his official biography, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution grew up poor, but religious, and as his father was a pious and sincere religious scholar he was trained accordingly. At the age of four, along with his older brother Sayyid Muhammad, he was sent to an old fashioned school (Maktab) to learn the alphabets and Qur'an. Hence the two brothers were enrolled into a newly established Islamic school named Dar al-Ta`leem Diyanat, where the completed their primary studies. Khamenei has also openly acknowledged being part Azeri, promoting assimilation as a method for advancement of ethnic minorities in Iran, which has historically been overwhelmingly dominated by ethnic Persians. Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei reportedly suffered from stage 4 prostate cancer. Khamenei underwent prostate surgery in September 2014 and spent about a week in the hospital. His hospitalization in March 2015 spurred on the race for a successor. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Leadership When President Donald Trump declared that he must personally play a role in selecting Irans next leader, the remark landed with the weight of history. His insistence that Khameneis son is unacceptable to me and that he had to be involved in the appointment like with Delcy in Venezuela echoed earlier eras when Washington shaped political outcomes far beyond its borders. The question that followed whether this amounted to regime change by another name would involve a comparison with two earlier American interventions that defined U.S.Iran and U.S.Middle East relations for generations. The first parallel reached back to 1953, when the United States and the United Kingdom orchestrated the overthrow of Irans democratically elected prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh. As documented in contemporary histories, the CIA supported the United Kingdom in engineering a coup and backing once-deposed monarch Pahlavi back into power as shah, after Mossadegh moved to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. The operation, conducted under the Eisenhower administration, restored a pro-Western monarch and reshaped Irans political trajectory for decades. It was a textbook case of externally managed leadership selection covert, forceful, and justified at the time as necessary to prevent Soviet influence. Trumps comments did not describe a covert plan, nor did they outline a formal strategy. But the language I have to be involved, unacceptable to me, like with Delcy carried an unmistakable assertion of personal authority over another nations succession process. Analysts noted that the 1953 coup had been justified through geopolitical logic, while Trumps rationale rested on the claim that the United States needed someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran, and that without such a leader, war would return within five years. The comparison underscored how the United States had once removed a leader to install a preferred alternative and how Trump now spoke as though the same prerogative still existed. The second parallel emerged from 2003, when the United States invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein. Although the retrieved sources did not detail the Iraq War directly, the historical record is clear: the Bush administration justified the invasion on the grounds of weapons of mass destruction and regional security, only to discover that the post-war political vacuum required Washington to shape Iraqs new leadership. The Coalition Provisional Authority vetted candidates, dissolved institutions, and oversaw the early architecture of the new Iraqi state. In effect, the United States did not merely topple a regime; it curated the political order that followed. Trumps remarks did not call for an invasion, but they did mirror the logic that followed the fall of Saddam: the belief that American security required a say in who governed a Middle Eastern nation. His dismissal of Mojtaba Khamenei as a lightweight and his assertion that their leadership is rapidly going suggested that Irans internal succession was, in his view, already collapsing a vacuum into which the United States could insert itself. The comparison with 2003 lay not in military occupation but in the presumption that Washington could, and should, shape the identity of a foreign leader for the sake of regional stability. The history of U.S.Iran relations emphasized that American interference had long been a central grievance in Iranian political memory. The 1953 coup set Iran on the road to the intense anti-Western and anti-American sentiment that defined its post-1979 government. Trumps comments, arriving amid a new war and direct U.S. strikes on Iranian territory, revived those historical patterns. They suggested a continuity of American ambition from covert overthrow in 1953, to post-invasion state-building in 2003, to a twenty-first-century president openly declaring a personal veto over Irans next supreme leader. Whether this constituted regime change depended on definitions. Trump did not explicitly call for dismantling Irans political system, and he did not articulate a plan resembling the CIAs 1953 operation. But his insistence that he must choose Irans next leader, his rejection of the leading internal candidate, and his invocation of a precedent in which the United States removed and replaced a foreign head of state blurred the line between influence and intervention. In the long arc of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, the pattern was unmistakable: when an American president declares that he must shape another nations leadership, the language of succession begins to resemble the language of regime change even if the methods differ. The stated objectives of Operation Epic Fury, the joint United States and Israeli campaign that commenced on 28 February 2026, remained a point of diplomatic and political contention if not outright confusion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the campaign as an effort to destroy Iranian offensive capabilities rather than a traditional regime change war though he simultaneously noted that the regime had effectively changed following the strikes. President Donald Trump publicly encouraged the Iranian people to take over their government once the military objectives were achieved. Following the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the opening strikes, the combined forces targeted internal security infrastructure and leadership compounds within the heart of Tehran. These operations sought to degrade the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij militia's ability to maintain domestic control. The statement that the goal is not regime change emerged as a central tenet of United States foreign policy during various 21st-century interventions, most notably within the context of Iran. This diplomatic stance was often adopted to distinguish between the degradation of a state's military capabilities or the protection of civilians and the forced removal of a sovereign leader from power. By explicitly disavowing regime change, policymakers sought to manage the expectations of international partners, reduce the risk of open-ended military commitments, and prevent the total collapse of state institutions that characterized previous conflicts in Iraq and Libya. The implementation of this policy often involved a complex and sometimes contradictory strategy of applying maximum economic and military pressure while simultaneously maintaining a diplomatic opening for the existing government to alter its behavior. Critics frequently argued that such a goal was strategically incoherent, as the level of pressure required to achieve significant policy shifts often destabilized the targeted regime to the point of collapse or necessitated its removal to ensure lasting change. Conversely, proponents maintained that focusing on specific behavioral objectives rather than leadership transitions provided a more realistic and less costly path toward regional stability. Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on 28 February 2028, pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation. "The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Iranian state media confirmed the killing of several senior figures: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of Iran Ali Shamkhani, representative of the Supreme Leader in the Supreme Defence Council General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran's Armed Forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Pakpour, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defence Gholamreza Rezaian, police intelligence chief of Iran Separately, the daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter of Ali Khamenei also embraced martyrdom in the US and Israeli airstrikes. President Donald Trump said that 48 Iranian leaders have been killed in the ongoing US-Israeli bombardments of the country. "Nobody can believe the success we're having, 48 leaders are gone []. And it's moving along rapidly," Trump was quoted as saying in an interview by Fox News. But Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said many targets remained, including sites of military-industrial production. "We have the capabilities and the targets to keep going on for as long as necessary," he said. According to Principle 111 of the Constitution, In the event of the demise, resignation, or dismissal of the Leader, the Assembly of Experts is obliged to take action as soon as possible to appoint and introduce a new Leader. Until the introduction of the Leader, a council consisting of the President, the Head of the Judiciary, and one of the jurists of the Guardian Council, selected by the Expediency Discernment Council, shall temporarily assume all duties of the Leader. If, during this period, any one of them is unable to carry out their duties for any reason, another person shall be appointed in their place to the council by the selection of the Assembly of Experts, maintaining the majority of jurists. Masoud Pezeshkian is currently in charge of Iran, but in a specific transitional capacity as of March 1, 2026.He remains the President of Iran (elected in 2024 and in office since July 28, 2024). However, following the recent killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes (confirmed around February 28March 1, 2026), Iran's constitution (Article 111) has triggered an interim arrangement.A three-member transitional leadership council (also called an interim leadership council) was formed and officially begun its work to oversee the country during this period. The council included: Masoud Pezeshkian (President); Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei (Chief Justice / head of the judiciary); and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi (a senior cleric and jurist from the Guardian Council). This council temporarily assumed the duties and responsibilities previously held by the Supreme Leader until the Assembly of Experts convenes to select a permanent successor. Pezeshkian publicly confirmed this in statements and addresses on state television, where he also denied rumors about his own status, vowed continued military operations against "enemy bases," and described Khamenei's death as a "declaration of war" that Iran has a duty to avenge. In Iran's system, the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over key matters (military, foreign policy, etc.), while the President manages day-to-day government and administration. With Khamenei gone, Pezeshkianas part of this councilis effectively part of the collective leadership "in charge" right now during this unstable transitional phase amid ongoing conflict and mourning (Iran has declared 40 days of official mourning). The potential candidates for Iran's next Supreme Leader remained highly speculative and fluid following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. No official announcement had been made by the Assembly of Experts (the 88-member clerical body tasked with selection). The process is secretive, requiring high religious scholarship (marja' status or equivalent), political acumen, administrative experience, and loyalty to the Islamic Republic. The Assembly is expected to convene soon, but deliberations may be delayed due to ongoing conflict and mourning (40 days declared). Khamenei reportedly expressed private preferences (e.g., during the 2025 war), naming three clerics in some accounts, but these are unconfirmed. No clear frontrunner exists amid factional tensions (hardliners, IRGC-linked, institutional continuity). The interim council (Pezeshkian, Mohseni-Eje'i, Arafi) handles duties temporarily. Most Frequently Mentioned Potential Candidates Alireza Arafi (67) Senior cleric, Guardian Council member, Assembly of Experts member, head of Iran's seminary system. On the interim leadership council, giving him high visibility. Strong religious credentials and institutional continuity make him a frequent mention. (67) Senior cleric, Guardian Council member, Assembly of Experts member, head of Iran's seminary system. On the interim leadership council, giving him high visibility. Strong religious credentials and institutional continuity make him a frequent mention. Mojtaba Khamenei (56, son of the late Supreme Leader) Often cited as a behind-the-scenes influencer with strong IRGC and Basij ties. Some see him as a dynastic/hardline continuity choice, but he lacks high clerical ranking, formal government role, and faces opposition to hereditary succession (which Khamenei reportedly disliked). Not always on top shortlists. (56, son of the late Supreme Leader) Often cited as a behind-the-scenes influencer with strong IRGC and Basij ties. Some see him as a dynastic/hardline continuity choice, but he lacks high clerical ranking, formal government role, and faces opposition to hereditary succession (which Khamenei reportedly disliked). Not always on top shortlists. Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i (head of the judiciary) Hardliner with significant administrative experience; also on the interim council. Reportedly one of three privately favored by Khamenei in some leaks (e.g., from senior officials). (head of the judiciary) Hardliner with significant administrative experience; also on the interim council. Reportedly one of three privately favored by Khamenei in some leaks (e.g., from senior officials). Hassan Khomeini (5354, grandson of founder Ruhollah Khomeini) Represents a more moderate/reformist wing; potentially conciliatory. Emerged as a serious name; reportedly one of Khamenei's private three preferences in certain accounts. (5354, grandson of founder Ruhollah Khomeini) Represents a more moderate/reformist wing; potentially conciliatory. Emerged as a serious name; reportedly one of Khamenei's private three preferences in certain accounts. Asghar (Ali Asghar) Hejazi / Hijazi (Khamenei's chief of staff/close aide) Key insider; named in multiple sources (including NYT) as one of Khamenei's preferred quick successors. (Khamenei's chief of staff/close aide) Key insider; named in multiple sources (including NYT) as one of Khamenei's preferred quick successors. Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri (early 60s) Ultra-hardline cleric and Assembly of Experts member, representing the conservative wing. (early 60s) Ultra-hardline cleric and Assembly of Experts member, representing the conservative wing. Hashem Hosseini Bushehri (late 60s) Senior cleric, deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, Qom Friday prayer leaderclosely tied to succession institutions. (late 60s) Senior cleric, deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, Qom Friday prayer leaderclosely tied to succession institutions. Mohsen Araki Long-time Assembly member with strong religious credentials; frequently speculated upon. Long-time Assembly member with strong religious credentials; frequently speculated upon. Other mentions Hojjat-ol-Eslam Mohsen Qomi (trusted adviser to Khamenei), Ali Larijani or Sadeq Larijani (pragmatic establishment figures with political experience, though less emphasized for the religious role), Ahmad Vahidi (IRGC-linked, mentioned in some analyses for potential regime management). The interim council (President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi) oversees duties. Ultimate power lies with the Assembly's choice, likely prioritizing stability and hardline control amid war, mourning, and uncertainty. Factional maneuvering (including IRGC influence) will be decisive; an IRGC power grab is not ruled out. The situation is highly fluidno decision public yet. Background The Islamic Republic of Iran was established in 1979 after a populist revolution toppled the monarchy of Reza Pahlavi, the last of the Pahlavi dynasty. The Constitution, ratified after the revolution by popular referendum, established a theocratic republic and declared as its purpose the establishment of institutions and a society based on Islamic principles and norms. The Government was dominated by Shi'a Muslim clergy. The Head of State, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was designated the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and had direct control over the armed forces, the internal security forces, and the judiciary. The right of citizens to change their government has been restricted significantly in post-revolution Iran. Regularly scheduled elections are held for the President, members of the Majles, and the Assembly of Experts. However, the Supreme Leader, the recognized Head of State, was selected for a life term by the Assembly of Experts. The Assembly of Experts could also remove the Supreme Leader. The Assembly itself was restricted to clerics, who served 8-year terms and were chosen by popular vote from a list approved by the Government. There was no separation of state and religion, and clerics have historically dominated the Government of post-revolution Iran. The Government repressed attempts to separate state and religion or to alter the State's theocratic foundation. The Government effectively controlled the selection of candidates for elections, although a bill approved by the Parliament weaken its control. The Constitution provides for a Council of Guardians, composed of six Islamic clergymen and six lay members, who are nominated by the head of the judiciary and approved by the Majles. The Council of Guardians review all laws for consistency with Islamic law and the Constitution. The Council also screens political candidates for ideological, political, and religious suitability. The Constitution provided the Council of Guardians the power to screen and disqualify candidates for elective offices based on an ill-defined set of requirements, including candidates' ideological beliefs. It accepts only candidates who support a theocratic state. Clerics who disagree with government policies also have been disqualified. For example, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Council of Guardians rejected the candidacy of 145 out of the 356 candidates who filed to run for 17 seats in the special Majles election held concurrently with the Presidential election in June 2001. This constituted a far higher percentage than were rejected in the February 2000 Majles elections. The judiciary was subject to government and religious influence. In addition to the Council of Guardians there are two other bodies considered part of the Executive branch of government. The Assembly of Experts (Majles-Khebregan) is a popularly elected body charged with determining the succession of the Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him if deemed necessary. The Expediency Council or the Council for the Discernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkise-Maslahat-e-Nezam) exerts supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislative branches and resolves legislative issues on which the Majles and the Council of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been used to advise national religious leaders on matters of national policy. In 2005 the Council's powers were expanded to act as a supervisory body for the government A popularly elected 290-seat unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly, or Majles (also written Majlis), develops and passes legislation. 5 of these seats are reserved for special representatives of officially recognized religious minorities: 2 for Armenian Christians and 1 each for Assyrian Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. In 2005 some 12 women held seats. The speaker presides over parliament, assisted by two deputies and a system of 22 permanent committees. Select committees also can be established when necessary. The Majlis may both propose and pass legislation, and the executive branch cannot dissolve it. Ministers of the cabinet can also present bills. All bills passed by the Majlis must be reviewed by the 12-member Guardians Council for consistency with the constitution and with Islamic principles. The leader and the Majlis each appoint six members of the Guardians Council. If the Guardians Council finds a bill compatible with the constitution and Islam, the bill becomes law. If it finds a bill partially or wholly unconstitutional or un-Islamic, the bill is sent back to the Majlis for revision. In 1987 Khomeini resolved tension that had developed between the Majlis and the Guardians Council by establishing the Expediency Council to resolve disputes between the two. In practice, the Expediency Council has upheld some Guardians Council vetoes, overridden others, and sent back some vetoed legislation with instructions that the Majlis and Guardians Council work out acceptable compromises. The Constitution provides for freedom of the press, except when published ideas are "contrary to Islamic principles, or are detrimental to public rights." However, the Government restricted freedom of speech and of the press in practice. After the election of President Khatami in 1997, the independent press, especially newspapers and magazines, played an increasingly important role in providing a forum for an intense debate regarding reform in the society. However, basic legal safeguards for freedom of expression did not exist, and the independent press was subjected to arbitrary enforcement measures by elements of the Government, notably the judiciary, which treated such debates as a threat. Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution there had been two views within the government of the Islamic Republic. The first view is a radical, conservative, and fundamentalist view which has had a stronger role in directing the government and people of Iran. In foreign policy it sees a conflict in the policies of Iran's Islamic regime and that of the "aggressive regimes" (as the government calls them) headed by America. The second viewpoint believes in Islam and the Revolution but at the same time it is a moderate viewpoint. Rafsanjani is with the moderate forces. But Rafsanjani owed a part of his success to Mr. Ahmadinejad, because of the way Mr. Ahmadinejad and his clerical supports entered the fray and campaigned against the two other clerical figures. When it comes to determining the successor of the supreme leader by the committee in the Assembly of Experts, the chairman of the Assembly of Experts wields a great deal of power and could play a major role in the decision. Mr. Rafsanjani played a truly key role in selecting Mr. Khamenei as the leader. The fundamentalist approach and the realist approach, have fundamentally different attitudes towards the Jurisprudent Guardian [Supreme Leader] and his jurisdictions. The fundamentalist approach towards the Jurisprudent Guardian more or less reserves an immaculateness for the post. In fact, they believe that the leadership should enjoy the authorities and powers previously held by the Shiite Imams, and with such mentality, the issue of supervision would be meaningless, because if someone is immaculate, everything he does would naturally be correct. Contrary to this view, the realists believes that there ought to be certain authorities reserved for the Jurisprudent Guardian, though they nonetheless believe that the supreme leader must be held accountable his policies and his appointments. The reformists believe that it is entirely possible for the Jurisprudent Guardian to make wrong decisions and that it is up to the Assembly of Experts to evaluate the policies and decisions taken by the supreme leader. The fundamentalist vision denies such a possibility. A clear historical trend in Iran was that the hard-liners had indicated that they did not care what it was that the people might want. They believed that they had God on their side, and they were prepared to do what was necessary in order to continue with their rule. Iran had an evolving constitutional change, which had been to reduce the powers of elected positions, like that of the president of the Majles, and to expand the powers of appointed positions from the Supreme Religious Leader, and to expand the powers of the judiciary. So the space for elections was diminished. Only the hardest liners among the conservatives were prepared to use all-out repression. That reflected a constant dynamic between hard-liners and more moderate camps within the Islamic government that was really moving toward a more representative and democratic system. The hardest-line people were the people who controlled the secret police, the people who controlled the military, and the Revolutionary Guards. They had clearly indicated that they were prepared to use force to kill people in order to stay in power, irrespective of what an election showed. The Iranian regime has often based much of its legitimacy on its religious credentials and connection with Qom. The Qom howzeh would fear the transfer of prominence to the Al-Najaf howzeh. As suggested by an editorial in "Farhang-i Ashti," Al-Najaf was the "new Islamic Vatican" and it rivaled Qom. In Iran the surname Larijani is a brand name, as it were, which symbolizes nepotism. Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, the current chief of Irans judiciary, was appointed as chief of the judiciary right after the 2009 post-presidential election riots. He played a key role in cracking down on Green movement activists. Ayatollah Sadeqs older brother Ali Larijani is the president of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Therefore, two-thirds of the constitutional power in the Islamic Republic is concentrated in the hands of two brothers. Ayatollah Sadeq has three other brothers who also occupy positions of great power: Jawad Larijani, ex-deputy of the foreign minister, is now the head of Irans Human Rights Commission, which represents the Islamic Republic at international human rights fora; Fazel Larijani, who was used to be a diplomat, is currently a top official in the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and the Islamic Azad University; and Baqer Larijani, who has in the past served as the chancellor of Tehran University of Medical Science, is now the deputy minister of Health. Altogether, they have formed an unchallengeable political block in the Iranian political system, hence no wonder they are popularly known as the Dalton brothers. The Larijani block is the reflection of neo-tribalism in the Iranian political system. They owe their power to their multi-level and multi-layered connections with the traditional Shia religious institution: First, their father Ayatollah Syed Hashim Amuli Larijani has been an influential and respected clerk in Qom. Second, they are connected to the clergy class through marriage. Ali is the son-in-law of Ali Mutahhari, one of the ideologues of the Islamic Revolution; Ayatollah Sadeq is the son-in-law of Grand Ayatollah Vahid Khorasani; and Baqer is son-in-law of of Ayatollah Hassanzadeh Amoli. On the other hand, Ayatollah Muhaqqiq Damad, a former chief of the State Inspectorate Organization, is Larijanis brother-in-law. Third, a number of influential Grand Ayatollahs, such as Makarim Shirazi and Javadi Amoli, were students of their father. Finally, while Ayatollah Sadeq is a professional clerk, the other four brothers were all educated at the Qom seminary and had student-teacher relationships with various powerful clergymen. The Larijanis were not part of the mainstream politics during Ayatollah Khomeinis rule. It was his successor Ayatollah Khamenei who discovered the Larijani family. Ayatollah Sadeq has been trying to come across as being a potential successor to Ayatollah Khamenei along with a number of other candidates, such as Hashemi Shahroodi and Ibrahim Raeesi. Raeesi has already spoiled his chances by contesting in the last election, and Shahroudi appears to be physically unfit as well. Therefore, Larijani has found himself in an ideal position and is quite optimistic about his chances. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A segment of the presidents most loyal supporters lashes out against his broken promises to not get the United States involved in new foreign wars For some time now, it has been clear that the ideals of the MAGA world can be summed up in a single one: whatever their leader, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, says. This Saturday, Trump stated that Washington had launched, in alliance with Israel, a massive attack against Iran with the aim of forcing a regime change in that country. This not only breaks his repeated campaign promises of not sending the United States into wars abroad; it also directly conflicts with the great MAGA slogan: America First. Does prioritizing the interests of the United States mean overthrowing the brutal dictatorship of the ayatollahs, who have been in power since 1979? The answer is no, according to former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), who was once one of the presidents most loyal allies in the Capitol until her fall from grace and subsequent resignation from politics, as she had moved to the uncomfortable side of those opposing Trump. MTG wrote on X: The Trump admin actually asked in a poll how many casualties voters were willing to accept in a war with Iran??? How about ZERO you bunch of sick fucking liars. We voted for America First and ZERO wars. In another message, the former representative from Georgia shared a video of a school that was attacked during the early morning bombings, where, according to Iranian authorities, dozens of people died, many of them girls. She accompanied it with this text: I did not vote for this, in elections or Congress. This is heartbreaking and tragic. And how many more innocent will die? What about our own military? This is not what we thought MAGA was supposed to be. Shame! With these messages, MTG, who announced this week the end of MAGA if Trump decided to attack Iran, summarized the rift that has opened for Trump among his most loyal supporters. Donald Trump speaks with Tucker Carlson at Desert Diamond Arena, Oct. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. Julia Demaree Nikhinson (AP) There are those who cry out about the broken campaign promises and the betrayal of the isolationist policy that they expected from the leaders second presidency. And there are also Trump defenders, no matter the cost; among them is activist Laura Loomer, a known Islamophobe, who posted: Trump will go down in history as a protector of humanity. I hope this is the beginning of his crackdown on Islam in the West. Or conservative media outlets such as Fox News, which have gone from praising the president of peace to adopting in recent days while talks continued in Geneva over Irans nuclear program a stance of support, if not outright encouragement, for Trumps warlike impulses. The Wall Street Journal, another outlet owned by media magnate Rupert Murdoch, for its part published an editorial titled The Ayatollah Is Choosing War. Some of the most prominent social media accounts within the MAGA movement from that of podcaster Candace Owens, a champion of conspiracy theories, to that of columnist Cassandra MacDonald reposted on Saturday a message from pro-Trump activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last September. The message dates back to June 17, that is, 10 days before the attack ordered by Trump against three storage and enrichment facilities tied to Tehrans nuclear program. At the time, Kirk described the idea of regime change as pathologically insane. Bannon, missing Kirk was not the only one to raise his voice. The national-populist ideologue Steve Bannon went to the White House in those days to try to persuade Trump, who in the first hours after the new strike was nowhere to be seen, besieged as he is by his ties to the millionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In truth, both warnings proved exaggerated; the June operation was ultimately filed away by the Pentagon as a military success, though Trump overstated it by claiming it had achieved the obliteration of Irans nuclear capability. That bombing also marked the end of the so-called 12-day war with Israel and did not trigger a regional cataclysm or a civil war. Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens in 2018, at an event at the University of Colorado in Boulder. MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Ca (MediaNews Group via Getty Images) That outcome, combined with the January 3 operation to capture the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores which also failed to unleash instability has emboldened Trump on the international stage. It has also, in recent days along with the fear of becoming, like MTG, the target of the leaders wrath softened criticism from a segment of the America First camp at the prospect of a new strike against Iran. Not so for radio host Tucker Carlson, who, shortly after learning of it, described the military operation to ABC News as absolutely disgusting and evil. Carlson, whose ties to Qatar are well known, also said it would shuffle the deck of the MAGA movement in a profound way. Whether the far-right influencer is right will depend on the consequences of Saturdays strike. Or whether all of this ultimately serves to prove the ability of Trumps loyalists to adapt to rules that for some time now can be summed up in a single principle: whatever the leader says. Operation True Promise 4 Operation True Promise 4 is the codename for a large-scale military offensive launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on February 28, 2026. It is characterized as a "no-red-line" retaliatory campaign against the United States and Israel following their joint strikes on Iranian territory. These strikes, codenamed "Roaring Lion" by Israel and "Operation Epic Fury" by the US, resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous high-ranking officials, along with significant damage to military and nuclear facilities. The operation marks the fourth major direct confrontation in the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict, following previous iterations in 2024 and 2025. The operation involves coordinated missile, drone, and ballistic missile attacks targeting Israeli military and security centers, as well as US military bases and naval assets across the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. Iran has reported launching over 220 missiles toward Israel alone, with claims of inflicting heavy damage and casualties on US forces. The strikes have led to regional disruptions, including airspace closures, oil shipment halts in the Strait of Hormuz, and heightened tensions with Gulf states hosting US bases. As of March 1, 2026, the operation remains ongoing, with Iran vowing continued escalation until its objectives are met. Key targets include the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, bases in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq, as well as naval vessels like the USS Abraham Lincoln (unconfirmed by the US). Iran claims these attacks are in self-defense against "American-Zionist aggression" and have expanded to include logistical support ships and infrastructure. Casualties reported by Iran from the initial US-Israeli strikes number 201 killed, prompting vows of severe retaliation. Phases (Waves) of the Operation The operation proceeded in multiple successive waves involving ballistic missiles and drone swarms, with Iran's foreign ministry stating that any regional location used by the U.S. to attack Iran would be targeted. The IRGC described the operation as a structured, phased campaign. The IRGC warned that subsequent waves would be "more destructive" than Operation True Promise 3. Wave 1: Initial strikes targeting the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, US military bases in Qatar and the UAE, and key military and security centers in Israel using missiles and drones. This appears to correspond to the first phase detailed in IRGC's second statement. Initial strikes targeting the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, US military bases in Qatar and the UAE, and key military and security centers in Israel using missiles and drones. This appears to correspond to the first phase detailed in IRGC's second statement. Wave 2: No specific details found in available sources. It may not have been separately announced or could be encompassed within the initial phase or subsequent waves. No specific details found in available sources. It may not have been separately announced or could be encompassed within the initial phase or subsequent waves. Wave 3: Strikes using more advanced missiles than those in previous operations, targeting the Zionist naval base in Haifa port, anchor point of the regime's warships in Haifa, Ramat David airbase, the regime's Ministry of War in the Hakirya region, Beit Shemesh military-industrial town, and Ashdod military industries center. Strikes using more advanced missiles than those in previous operations, targeting the Zionist naval base in Haifa port, anchor point of the regime's warships in Haifa, Ramat David airbase, the regime's Ministry of War in the Hakirya region, Beit Shemesh military-industrial town, and Ashdod military industries center. Wave 4: Continuation of strikes using more advanced missiles, targeting the Zionist naval base in Haifa port, anchor point of the regime's warships in Haifa, Ramat David airbase, the regime's Ministry of War in the Hakirya region, Beit Shemesh military-industrial town, and Ashdod military industries center. Continuation of strikes using more advanced missiles, targeting the Zionist naval base in Haifa port, anchor point of the regime's warships in Haifa, Ramat David airbase, the regime's Ministry of War in the Hakirya region, Beit Shemesh military-industrial town, and Ashdod military industries center. Wave 5: Strikes in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, including a US ammunition-carrying MSP ship at Jebel Ali anchorage hit by four drones, a fuel support ship hit by Qadr-380 missiles, and a US naval base in Kuwait's Abdullah Mubarak area targeted by four ballistic missiles and 12 drones. Strikes in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, including a US ammunition-carrying MSP ship at Jebel Ali anchorage hit by four drones, a fuel support ship hit by Qadr-380 missiles, and a US naval base in Kuwait's Abdullah Mubarak area targeted by four ballistic missiles and 12 drones. Wave 6: Intense missile and drone assaults on 27 US bases in the region, Israel's Tel Nof airbase, the HaKirya general command headquarters, and a major defense-industrial complex in Tel Aviv, along with other US assets in the Gulf and military-industrial sites in occupied territories. Intense missile and drone assaults on 27 US bases in the region, Israel's Tel Nof airbase, the HaKirya general command headquarters, and a major defense-industrial complex in Tel Aviv, along with other US assets in the Gulf and military-industrial sites in occupied territories. Wave 7: Large-scale continuation of attacks against US and Israeli targets, with the IRGC stating that operations would persist with increasing intensity. Large-scale continuation of attacks against US and Israeli targets, with the IRGC stating that operations would persist with increasing intensity. Wave 8: Large-scale continuation of attacks against US and Israeli targets, with the IRGC stating that operations would persist with increasing intensity. Primary Targets According to Iranian state media and IRGC communiques, as well as reports from affected nations, the operation has targeted several strategic locations: U.S. Bases: 5th Fleet Headquarters (Bahrain), Al-Udeid Air Base (Qatar), Al-Salem Air Base and Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base (Kuwait), Al-Dhafra Air Base (UAE), and Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia). 5th Fleet Headquarters (Bahrain), Al-Udeid Air Base (Qatar), Al-Salem Air Base and Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base (Kuwait), Al-Dhafra Air Base (UAE), and Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia). Israeli Sites: Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ashdod, Ramat David Airbase, and the Beit Shemesh military-industrial settlement. Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ashdod, Ramat David Airbase, and the Beit Shemesh military-industrial settlement. Naval Assets: Claims of strikes against support vessels in the Indian Ocean and at the Jebel Ali anchorage (though these claims have not been independently verified). Context Retaliation: The IRGC framed the operation as a direct response to the U.S. "Operation Epic Fury" and Israel's strikes, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and leadership. Iranian officials have vowed that the attacks on Israel and U.S. bases will continue until the enemy is "decisively defeated." The IRGC framed the operation as a direct response to the U.S. "Operation Epic Fury" and Israel's strikes, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and leadership. Iranian officials have vowed that the attacks on Israel and U.S. bases will continue until the enemy is "decisively defeated." Leadership Loss: Iranian state television reported the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, triggering an immediate all-out retaliatory protocol. The IRGC has vowed revenge for his killing. Iranian state television reported the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, triggering an immediate all-out retaliatory protocol. The IRGC has vowed revenge for his killing. Regional Impact: The conflict has led to the closure of regional airspace (including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and several Gulf states), spikes in global oil prices, and the activation of defense systems in neighboring countries. Most air travel in and out of the involved countries has been suspended. Operation Seal of the Flood Iran's military response to Operation Epic Fury was rapid, broad, and presented by Tehran under a name dense with ideological weight: -- Operation Khatam al-Toofan, rendered in English as "Seal of the Flood" or "End of the Flood." The name was deliberate and layered. Iran's previous major retaliation against Israel in April 2024 had been launched in solidarity with Hamas's October 7, 2023 operation, which Hamas itself named Toofan al-Aqsa -- "Al-Aqsa Flood." By naming its February 28 response Khatam al-Toofan, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was inscribing the operation into that same historical arc, positioning it not as a reactive strike but as the culminating answer to what began at Al-Aqsa. In Islamic theological tradition, khatam -- seal, closure, conclusion -- is among the most resonant words in the lexicon: the Prophet Muhammad bears the title Khatam al-Nabiyyin, Seal of the Prophets, the final and culminating revelation. The IRGC's central military headquarters, moreover, already carries the name Khatam ol-Anbiya, Seal of the Prophets, meaning the word is deeply embedded in IRGC institutional culture and would have registered immediately with the Iranian military audience. The choice signaled: this is the completion of a cycle, the answering blow that closes the chapter opened in October 2023. The IRGC launched Khatam al-Toofan in multiple waves across the morning of February 28. The first wave targeted Israel directly, with ballistic missiles and drones fired toward Tel Aviv, northern Israel including Haifa, and Jerusalem. The Israeli military confirmed the launches and activated air defense systems across the country. A second wave, launched within hours, was directed not at Israel but at the network of American military installations ringing Iran across the Persian Gulf. Iran confirmed strikes aimed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar -- the largest American air base in the Middle East, housing thousands of U.S. personnel and serving as the air operations hub for U.S. Central Command -- as well as Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters at Naval Support Activity Bahrain in Juffair, Manama. The IRGC simultaneously targeted Iraqi facilities associated with U.S.-aligned forces, including a strike on the headquarters of Kataib Hezbollah -- an Iran-backed Shia militia in the Popular Mobilization Forces -- in the Jurf al-Sakhr area south of Baghdad, which produced two deaths and eight injuries according to Iraqi outlet Shafaq News. Explosions were reported in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, amid heightened alerts, and air defense activations were recorded in Jordan. The IRGC declared in a statement that "all Israeli and U.S. military targets in the Middle East have been struck by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles," adding that "this operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated." The most significant confirmed physical result of the Iranian retaliatory strikes was in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense confirmed that Iranian ballistic missiles struck residential areas of the capital after air defense systems intercepted several projectiles. Debris from the interceptions fell across multiple districts including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohammed bin Zayed City, and Al Falah, killing one civilian of Asian nationality -- the first confirmed civilian fatality on Gulf soil from the escalating conflict -- and causing material damage to residential and commercial structures. The UAE stated that air defenses had operated "with high efficiency" but that falling interception debris was itself responsible for the casualty and property damage. A second wave of Iranian missiles targeting the UAE was also reported; Emirati defenses neutralized it without additional casualties. In Bahrain, thick smoke was observed rising over the Juffair district, home to the U.S. Naval Support Activity and the Fifth Fleet headquarters, prompting evacuation of nearby residents. Bahrain activated nationwide air raid sirens. Qatar's Ministry of Defense stated that Patriot missile batteries had successfully intercepted at least one incoming projectile over Doha, though explosions were heard across the city. Kuwait reported engaging and repelling Iranian missiles, describing the attack in official language as a "heinous Iranian attack." Saudi Arabia's air defense systems were activated amid reports of blasts in Riyadh. Inside Iran, the damage inflicted by Operation Epic Fury in the hours before and during Iran's retaliatory launch was severe and in several cases unprecedented in scale. Strikes hit Tehran across multiple districts. Explosions were reported in the Pasteur district near the heavily fortified compound housing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's residence and offices, in the University Street and Jomhouri areas in central Tehran near IRGC headquarters, in the Seyed Khandan neighborhood in the north of the capital, and elsewhere across the city. Confirmed targets struck included the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, the Ministry of Defense, the Office of the Supreme Leader, the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency, and the Parchin military complex southeast of Tehran -- a facility that has been at the center of Western proliferation concerns for more than two decades. The Natanz uranium enrichment complex and the Fordow facility roughly 90 miles south of Tehran, where uranium is enriched inside a mountain bunker, were also reported struck. Isfahan, site of Iran's major uranium conversion facility and a center of ballistic missile production, sustained multiple strikes. The IRGC Aerospace Force's major base at Damavand in the Alborz Mountains northeast of Tehran -- housing ballistic missile storage infrastructure -- was struck by a massive explosion with a visible plume; OSINT analysts identified the coordinates as matching a surface-to-surface missile base. IRGC naval facilities on the Persian Gulf were also hit, including a base at Asaluyeh, prompting concern among analysts about whether Iran would attempt to mine the Strait of Hormuz or attack commercial shipping. Strikes in Bushehr targeted what Iranian analysts described as an underground "missile city" facility, and a radar installation at Bandar Baher was also hit. NetBlocks reported national internet connectivity in Iran dropping to approximately 4 percent of normal levels -- a more severe communications blackout than during the June 2025 Twelve-Day War -- as mobile telephone networks and messaging services were disrupted across Tehran and other major cities. Casualties in Iran were mounting through the morning but remained difficult to verify given the near-total communications blackout. The most politically charged single incident was a strike in the southern port city of Minab, in Hormozgan Province, where Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that an Israeli strike hit a school, killing at least five female students according to some reports and as many as 24 in others cited by the National Council of Resistance of Iran. The discrepancy reflected the fog of early reporting under communications suppression and could not be independently verified. An Iranian source described by Reuters as "close to the establishment" confirmed that several senior IRGC commanders and Islamic Republic political officials were killed in the opening strikes. The IRGC-affiliated Saberin News Telegram channel reported multiple senior Revolutionary Guard officers among the dead. Israeli Channel 12, citing unnamed Israeli intelligence sources, reported assessments that Ali Shamkhani -- a senior adviser to Khamenei who had been closely associated with nuclear negotiations and regime security policy -- was likely killed in the opening wave. The IDF declined to formally confirm specific individuals targeted, stating that "assessments are ongoing." The fate of Khamenei himself became the day's most urgent open question. Iranian state media reported that the Supreme Leader had been moved to a secure location outside Tehran prior to the strikes -- a precaution Reuters confirmed through sources. Security forces were reported blocking roads in the area of the Supreme Leader's compound in Tehran. Israeli Channel 12 then reported, citing unnamed Israeli sources, that Israel "assesses" Khamenei was likely killed, noting there were "growing indications" -- though the station emphasized this was not based on satellite imagery of the destroyed compound but on information from unnamed intelligence sources. There was no official confirmation from any party. Satellite imagery circulating in Israeli media showed significant structural damage to Khamenei's compound. Iran's Interior Ministry issued a formal statement calling on the public to "remain calm" -- a formulation that in the context of a near-total internet shutdown read in Iranian political culture as an implicit acknowledgment of extreme disorder. Iran's Supreme National Security Council instructed residents of Tehran and other major cities to "stay in safe, protected locations until further notice." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued the regime's most formal diplomatic response, framing the attack in the language of international law: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations." The formulation was calibrated to appeal to global audiences and to frame Iran as the victim of aggression under an international legal order the United States claims to uphold. Iran's Foreign Ministry followed with a statement declaring the attacks a violation of Iranian sovereignty and warning that "the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will decisively respond to the aggressors with authority," invoking the weight of Iranian historical resistance: "History bears witness that Iranians have never bowed their heads in submission to foreign aggression and domination; this time too, the response of the Iranian nation will be decisive and definitive." Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security commission, threatened a "crushing" response and characterized the attacks as existential aggression. Khamenei himself, whose location remained unclear, had sent a message through state channels: there were "no red lines" for Iran in its response, according to an unnamed Iranian official cited by Al Jazeera. The geopolitical framing attached to Khatam al-Toofan extended Iran's information warfare effort to the regional and global audience it needed to cultivate. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned what he called "unwarranted attacks" on Iran and called for "an immediate halt to escalation through urgent resumption of diplomacy." Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi -- whose country had served as the principal mediator for the three rounds of nuclear talks that had been progressing through February -- posted a statement of open distress: "I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer." French President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the situation as "perilous," and announced that the EU was evacuating some staff from the region while maintaining its Red Sea maritime mission. The broader pattern of Khatam al-Toofan -- a name evoking religious completion and historical inevitability -- was designed to signal to the Muslim world and to Iranian domestic audiences that Iran was not losing this conflict in the narrative domain, even as its military infrastructure burned. Whether the operations of the IRGC's missile forces would prove sufficient to sustain that narrative frame in the coming days depended entirely on what its surviving arsenals could deliver. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 28 February 2026 - Day 1466 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 132 combat clashes. The defense forces continue to stop the Russian enemy, destroy personnel and deplete its combat potential by providing a systematic fire effect. The Russian enemy made two missile strikes, two rockets, 55 aviation strikes, dropped 148 controlled air bombs. In addition, used 4126 kamikaze drones and carried out 2521 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions today, the Russian enemy carried out 112 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, one in particular - with the application of the RSV. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy six times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlements Pokrovka, Prylipka, Vovchanski Hutory, Chugunivka and towards Zibinoy. One battle is still ongoing at the moment. In the Kupians 'komu direction, Russian forces twice attacked in the direction of Kurylivka and in the area of Borivs koi andriyivka. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled five Russian attacks towards the settlements of Stavka, Lyman and Drobisheve. In the Slovak direction, the Russian Russian opponent tried five times to advance in the direction of Rai-Oleksandrivka and in the areas of Zakitny and Dronivka. Two clashes are still ongoing. In the Kramators komu direction the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions. In the Konstantinivsky direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders seven times near Pleshiyivka, Ivanopilya, Illinivka, Stepanivka and in the direction of Novopavlivka. The enemy committed 22 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements of Toretske, Nove Shahove, Rodinske, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Udacne, Kotline, Molodetske and towards Novooleksandrivka, Grishiny and Novopidgorodny. Two Russian attempts to improve their position are still ongoing. According to preliminary calculations, today 31 Russian occupants were eliminated and 11 were injured in this direction; three vehicles units, 10 special equipment units, two cannons, one armor control point were destroyed, one tank was damaged, three artillery systems, five vehicles units, one special equipment unit, four armor control points and 45 shelters the Russian enemy. Destroyed or suppressed 167 BPLA of different types. In the Oleksandrivs komu direction, the Russian enemy twice stepped in the areas of sicnevogo and ternovogo. Gavrilivka and Velikomihajlivka suffered air strikes. In the gulyajpil s komu direction there were 37 attacks in the areas of gulyajpol, peaceful and towards dobropilla, pryluk, zaliznychnogo, svyatopetrivka, varvarivki. Russian forces caused air strikes on the settlements of Charivne, Zirnytsia, Novoukrainka, Valley. Four clashes are underway. In the orihivs komu direction the Russian occupiers did not carry out attacks, but caused an air strike on bilen komu. In the pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy's attempt to advance is not recorded. Olhivka suffered an airstrike. In other directions, no significant changes in the environment have been recorded at this time. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces liberated Neskuchnoye in Kharkov region. The Group's formations hit units of two mechanised brigades and one motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Verkhnayay Pisarevka, Podsredneye, and Pechenegi in Kharkov region. In Sumy region, Russian troops inflicted losses on one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Bezdrik, Kondratovka, and Miropolye (Sumy region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, 15 motor vehicles, one artillery gun, and two electronic warfare stations. One ammunition depot and two materiel depots were neutralised. The Zapad Group's units improved the tactical situation. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, and one national guard assault brigade near Kovsharovka, Novoosinovo, Pristen (Kharkov region), and Shchurovo (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses amounted to up to 190 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, and three artillery guns. Five ammunition depots were neutralised. The Yuzhnaya Group's units improved the situation along the front line. Units of two mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, and one airmobile brigade of the AFU were hit near Konstantinovka, Kaleniki, Rai-Aleksandrovka, and Krivaya Luka in the Donetsk People's Republic. The enemy lost up to 140 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, one MLRS system, two field artillery guns, and one electronic warfare station. Two ammunition and three materiel depots were neutralised. The Tsentr Group's formations took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one marine brigade close to Toretskoye, Novopavlovka, Svetloye, Svaytogorovka, Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic), and Podgavrilovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 400 troops, one tank, 14 armoured fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, eight motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. The Vostok Group's units continued to advance to the depths of the enemy's defence and liberated Gorkoye in Zaporozhye region. Formations of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one national guard brigade were hit near Lesnoye, Kopani, Samoylovka, Barvinovka, Komsomolskoye in Zaporozhye region, and Dobropasovo in Dnepropetrovsk region. The AFU losses amounted to up to 330 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Two ammunition and one materiel depots were neutralised. The Dnepr Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Orekhov, Kamyshevakha, and Grigorovka in Zaporozhye region. The enemy lost more than 50 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, nine motor vehicles, one artillery gun, and one materiel depot. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces inflicted damage on energy infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian defence industry, UAV launch sites, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 149 areas. Air defence systems shot down eight guided aerial bombs, ten HIMARS MLRS projectiles, one Flamingo long-range cruise missile, and 315 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 118,121 unmanned aerial vehicles, 651 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,942 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,675 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,529 field artillery guns and mortars, and 55,461 special military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "S. Korea to Provide Full Lifecycle Support for Canadian Submarines" Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-27 Minister Ahn Gyu-back meets with Stephen Fuhr, Canada's Secretary of State for Defense Procurement. Accumulates the independent development and operation experience. Emphasizes Korea's capability to ensure timely and reliable delivery. Consensus on strengthening strategic communication in defense and defense industry cooperation. Defense Minister Ahn highlighted the technological edge of Korea's submarine fleet and the strength of its defense industry as he promoted Korean-built next-generation submarines to Canada. Minister Ahn also expressed hope to further strengthen strategic communication so as to achieve tangible results in bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation. On February 5, Minister Ahn met with Stephen Fuhr, Special Envoy for Defense Procurement of Canada, at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and held in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation, including the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The CPSP is a program to procure patrol submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. It is an extra-large program, with the total contract value reaching up to KRW 60 trillion, covering not only submarine construction but also maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The two ministers reaffirmed their bilateral trust as long-standing allies, and agreed on the importance of mutually beneficial defense and defense industry cooperation amid the rapidly changing international security environment. Regarding Canada's ongoing pursuit of next-generation submarine capabilities, the two defense officials also exchanged views on the direction of strategic cooperation that could simultaneously bolster its defense capabilities and foster its industrial development. In particular, Minister Ahn stressed that South Korea has accumulated independent experience in developing and operating submarines. He explained that Korea possesses stable and prompt delivery capabilities along with comprehensive lifecycle support for submarines, ranging from system development and operation to follow-on logistics support. He added that this would enable Canada to rapidly bolster its naval power. The two ministers also assessed that the security and defense cooperation partnership, established by the two countries during last year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, holds great significance as Canada's first such framework with an Indo-Pacific country. They agreed to maintain close communication to ensure this year yields tangible results in bilateral defense cooperation. Minister Fuhr showed keen interest in Korea's excellent industrial capabilities, its systematic follow-on logistical support capacity, and its approach emphasizing industrial cooperation. He also expressed hope that this meeting would serve as an opportunity to align Canada's defense procurement policies with Korea's industrial capabilities and elevate bilateral ties into a strategic defense industry partnership. Going forward, the Ministry of National Defense will continue high-level exchanges with Canada while actively promoting the superiority of our weapon systems and strengthening sustainable cooperation across all aspects of defense policy and defense cooperation. By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on Iran Media statement Saturday 28 February 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia The Hon Richard Marles MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Defence Senator Penny Wong Minister for Foreign Affairs Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression. For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation. Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia's Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran's Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism. Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC. With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran's citizens. These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy. It has long been recognised that Iran's nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations. We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security. Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited. Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia's travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region. Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Prime Minister Carney and Minister Anand on the situation in the Middle East Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney February 28, 2026 Mumbai, India "The Canadian government is closely following Iran-related hostilities throughout the Middle East and urges all Canadians in Iran to shelter in place. Canadians in the wider region should follow local advice and take all necessary precautions. Canada's position remains clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world's worst human rights records, and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons. Canada and our international partners have consistently called upon the Iranian regime to end its nuclear program, including at the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis and with the United Nations' reimposition of sanctions in September. Despite diplomatic efforts, Iran has neither fully dismantled its nuclear program, halted all enrichment activities, nor ended its support for regional terrorist proxy groups. Canada stands with the Iranian people in their long and courageous struggle against Iran's oppressive regime. Canada has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity, and has sanctioned 256 Iranian entities and 222 individuals in response to the regime's repression and its violence both against its own people, and persistently, beyond its borders. Canada reaffirms Israel's right to defend itself and to ensure the security of its people. Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security. The Canadian government urges the protection of all civilians in this conflict. We will take all possible measures to protect our nationals and Canadian diplomatic missions throughout the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the hostilities in the Middle East Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28.02.2026 | 14:30 "On the morning of 28 February, Israel and the United States launched coordinated military action against Iran, targeting missile and nuclear facilities as well as Iranian government institutions. Iran responded with attacks against Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq and Jordan. Estonia is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant contact with our embassies and citizens in the Middle East region. We have consistently emphasised that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and have expressed serious concern over Iran's destabilising activities, which threaten both regional and broader international security. Estonia supports European Union sanctions against the Iranian regime for its grave human rights violations, including brutal repressions that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, as well as for its support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. We also support the EU's decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Iran is an active supporter of Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, and weakening the Iranian regime directly strengthens European security. We call on all parties to avoid further escalation. De-escalation, a return to diplomatic efforts and compliance with international law are essential to ensure both regional and global stability and to protect civilians." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests that all Estonian citizens in the Middle East region register their short-term stay on the Ministry's website or by emailing konsul@mfa.ee. If necessary, consular assistance is available around the clock on the emergency number +372 5301 9999, and we recommend following the advice of the local authorities and seeking shelter if required. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China calls for immediate halt to military operations to avoid further escalation of tensions, Chinese FM on US, Israel strikes on Iran Global Times By Global Times Published: Feb 28, 2026 10:00 PM A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday that China is highly concerned about the military attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. Iran's national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected. China calls for an immediate halt to military operations, to avoid further escalation of tensions, to resume dialogue and negotiation, and to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre about the situation in the Middle East Government of Norway Press release | Date: 28/02/2026 The situation in the Middle East is very serious and profoundly concerning. I am deeply worried that further escalation may lead to widespread war in the region. Today's attacks in the region have created a dangerous situation. The attacks this morning and the spreading of the conflict to Iran's neighbouring countries is not in line with international law. Widespread war in the region will have serious consequences for millions of people across the entire Middle East and outside the region. Norway encourages all parties to show restraint and as soon as possible resume diplomatic talks to find a solution to the conflict. Norway has criticised the Iranian regime's brutal violence against its own people, and we share the concern with Iran's nuclear weapon programme. There is broad international agreement that Iran shall not acquire nuclear weapons, and Norway supports efforts to ensure this. The Government has made sure that the Armed Forces are in continuous dialogue with Norwegian military personnel in the region. We are in close contact with Norwegian businesses, including the maritime industry that is particularly affected by the situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its official travel advice for Norwegian citizens and advices against travel to several countries in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LEADER JEFFRIES ON NPR: "THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION WOULD REQUIRE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF ANY ADDITIONAL MILITARY ACTION" Congressman Hakeem Jeffries February 28th, 2026 | Press Release Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, where he made clear that Donald Trump launched massive and ongoing military operations against Iran without the authorization of Congress, and Democrats remain committed to compelling a vote on a War Powers Resolution when Congress returns. EMILY KWONG: Leader Jeffries, welcome back to All Things Considered. LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you for having me on. EMILY KWONG: First, what is your reaction to reports of Ayatollah Khamenei's death, and what does it mean for security in the region? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I'm not going to shed any tears as it relates to his death. He's brutalized his own people and built an Iran that is the largest state sponsor of terror in the world. But what comes next is unclear because the Trump administration has not been able to articulate a plan, one, to ensure that U.S. forces are not entangled in a forever war in the Middle East, which we know would be a disaster. And this notion of regime change has never been successful, as most recently indicated by its failure in Iraq, its failure in Libya and its failure in Afghanistan. EMILY KWONG: What would a War Powers Resolution do if passed? You've been talking about this for a while now. Just help us understand how it could change the situation on the ground at this point. LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the resolution would require that Donald Trump immediately terminate the use of any U.S. armed forces from any hostilities against Iran or any part of its government or military, unless that is explicitly authorized by a declaration of war that comes from the United States Congress. That's, of course, consistent with what is required by the Constitution. And it's required by Constitution because the President, on matters of war and peace, is supposed to make the case to the American people, which we believe he has failed to make at this point to justify or risk another entanglement in a failed forever foreign war. So the resolution would require immediate termination of any additional military action absent the President making his case to the American people. EMILY KWONG: How will you convince enough of your colleagues in Congress to vote for this, including those who perhaps support some kind of military action in Iran? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it's a bipartisan resolution that has been introduced by Congressman Khanna and Congressman Massie. We believe we will secure some additional Republican support, but we're working on that right now. We'll have a Caucus meeting tomorrowon Sundayto discuss it. We know there will be strong support for it within the House Democratic Caucus and strong opposition to what Donald Trump has done in this particular instance or moving forward. But we have a few days to be able to try to get to the 218 votes necessary to ensure that the resolution passes. EMILY KWONG: This is all happening amid weeks of negotiations with Iran. So what do you wish the Trump administration had done instead? Because as you said in a statement earlier this week, Iran should be, quote, aggressively confronted for human rights abuses, threats to allies and more. LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, that aggressive confrontation, in my view, should involve strong diplomacy coupled with sanctions, as were very successful under the Obama administration and being able to constrain Iran's nuclear program. This was not an issue until Donald Trump walked away from the Iran nuclear agreement, and now has brought us to the brink of a possible war in the Middle East. So aggressive diplomacy coupled by aggressive sanctions is the better course of action. And unfortunately, we've not seen this from this administration which risks entanglement in another failed forever foreign war. EMILY KWONG: So to you, the only solution, the only way forward, is to de-escalate? Would it be responsible to walk away after the U.S. and Israel started this though? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that's going to be a question for the administration to have to answer. They've gotten us into this situation. But what we do know is that further military action, you cannot engage in successful regime change or change the conditions on the ground simply with air superiority by the military. Right? That became clear in Afghanistan and that became clear in Iraq. It will also be the case in Iran. So disengagement at this point, at least from further military action, absent getting explicit authorization from the United States Congress, as per the Constitution, is the next course of action that needs to be taken. EMILY KWONG: The U.S. and Israel appear to be working in lockstep here, and it is an alliance that is fundamentally based on security, right? So I wonder, in this moment, how do you feel about the state of the U.S.-Israel relationship and what it means for our collective safety? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think what needs to happen, and obviously in the region, Israel's an ally, Jordan's an ally and Egypt's an ally. I think as it relates to the Iranian question, we've got to handle our business as it relates to compliance with Article I of the Constitution and Congress only having the ability to declare war. As it relates to the broader dynamic in terms of Israel, the most significant question to get to a just and lasting peace, for instance, with the Palestinian people people is going to require a viable path to a two-state solution. EMILY KWONG: When it comes to Iran, if Trump's stated goal is truly regime change, then how much responsibility does the U.S. have going forward? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the American people believe that our taxpayer dollars should be spent at this moment in time to actually make life more affordable for everyday Americans in an environment where the cost of living is out of control, where Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven't gone down, costs have gone up. He's spending taxpayer dollars in ways that are offensive to the American people, including creating a $75 billion ICE slush fund so they could brutalize and in some cases kill American citizens. And now we're seeing the potential use of taxpayer dollars to be spent in ways that will get us into a possible endless war. That's not acceptable, and that's not what the American people want to see. EMILY KWONG: Last question. Leader Jeffries, what is your plan heading into this week when you go to Congress? What do you want to see done? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we'll meet tomorrow as House Democrats working to secure the support necessary on our side and then continuing to have conversations with a handful of our Republican colleagues so we can actually successfully move this resolution at some point on Wednesday or Thursday. EMILY KWONG: Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, thank you for talking with us. LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chairman Crawford Statement on U.S. Military Operations Against the Iranian Regime US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence February 28, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement on President Trump's announcement of U.S. military operations against the Iranian Regime in Operation Epic Fury. "Operation Epic Fury was launched against the nation of Iran last night. Prior to the initiation of this action, in earnest diplomatic engagements with Iran, President Trump was very clear about his red line from the start and his expectations of Iran during these negotiations. Iran absolutely cannot be allowed to maintain a nuclear weapon or capabilities. The safety and security of Americans and our allies are on the line. Furthermore, President Trump has given Iran plenty of opportunities to take the diplomatic route. "The United States of America has the most premier military in the world, and I am confident it will successfully carry out the very clearly stated goals of this operation. As the operations continue, we pray for the safety of the U.S. military forces involved, Americans in the region, and our allies. I would strongly advise the Iranian regime heed President Trump's warning." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu Israel Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 28.02.2026 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]: "My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short while ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership. For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has called for 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America.' It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands. The time has come for all segments of the people in Iran - the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Balochis, and the Ahwazis - to rid themselves of the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peace-seeking Iran. I appeal to you, citizens of Israel, to comply with the directives of the Home Front Command. The coming days of Operation Roaring Lion will demand patience and fortitude from all of us. We shall stand together, fight together, and ensure the eternity of Israel together." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 28.02.2026 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening [translated from Hebrew unless indicated otherwise]: "A good week to you, my brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel. This morning, Israel and the United States launched a combined operation to remove the existential threat posed to Israel by the regime of the Ayatollahs in Iran. As I told you this morning: This fateful operation will continue as long as necessary, and it requires patience. I thank my friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership. He is a leader who stands by his word. I spoke with him again this morning, and I welcome the close cooperation between us, a cooperation that has brought the alliance between Israel and the United States to an all-time high, an alliance for peace and an alliance in war. And this war will lead to peace. A true peace. For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has chanted 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America.' It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and slaughtered its own people. Today, everyone understands that this murderous terrorist regime must never be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten our existence and the peace of all humanity. We have gone to battle to change this situation fundamentally, to put an end to the threat. On the second day of the War of Redemption, I promised you: 'We will change the face of the Middle East.' We did so in Operation Rising Lion, and we are doing so now with even greater force in Operation Roaring Lion. This morning, in a powerful surprise attack, we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei in the heart of Tehran. For three and a half decades, this cruel tyrant has exported terror around the world, made his people miserable, and worked tirelessly, without ceasing, on the plan to destroy Israel. That plan is no more. And there are many signs that the tyrant himself is no more. This morning, we neutralized senior officials in the regime of the Ayatollahs, commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, and top figures in the nuclear program. We will continue; in the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets belonging to the terrorist regime. We will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to liberate themselves from the chains of tyranny. Therefore, I turn once again to you, the citizens of Iran: Do not miss this opportunity; it is a once-in-a-generation chance. Do not sit idly by. For soon your moment will arrive, the moment when you will be called to take to the streets in your masses. To take to the streets to finish the job, to topple the regime of horrors that embitters your lives. Your suffering and sacrifice will not be in vain. The help you have prayed for, that help has arrived. [English] Help has arrived. [End English] And now the time has come for you to unite for a historic mission. Citizens of Iran: Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Abkhazians, and Baluchis. This is your time to join forces, topple the regime, and secure your future. My dear citizens of Israel, throughout the War of Redemption, I have drawn great strength from your steadfastness. You did not fall into the traps of gloom and despair. On the contrary, you stood tall, you backed our heroic fighters, you backed the government, and you backed me to lead the struggle for our existence. This is exactly how a nation that desires life behaves, a nation of lions! In the coming days as well, we will all be required to maintain that same steadfastness and that same iron discipline in following the Home Front Command's instructions. Dear citizens of Israel, there is great symbolism in the fact that today is the 11th of Adar. On this date, 106 years ago, the national hero Joseph Trumpeldor fell in the Battle of Tel Hai. His legacy and his heroism pulse within us. At the monument to his memory, at the peak of the Galilee Panhandle where he fell with his seven comrades, the statue of the Roaring Lion was erected. Many times throughout my life, I have visited there. When I looked at the statue, I always saw you, I always saw us, the People of Israel. With G-d's help, the lion's roar of our soldiers, our pilots, and our citizens is now being heard throughout the entire world. And today more than ever, the whole world knows: Am Yisrael Chai (the people of Israel live)!" NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The situation in the Middle East Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan February 28, 2026 The situation in the Middle East has a significant impact on Japan, including from the perspective of energy security. Considering our national interests, the Government of Japan is closely monitoring the developments with great concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a response headquarters under Foreign Minister MOTEGI, immediately after the occurrence of this incident. Following instructions from Prime Minister TAKAICHI, the Government of Japan will gather information thoroughly by maintaining close communication with relevant countries. In cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies of Japan, the Government will take all possible measures to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The G7 Foreign Ministers' Telephone Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan February 28, 2026 On March 1, the G7 Foreign Ministers' Telephone Meeting was held for approximately 30 minutes from 7:00 am, and Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the meeting. During the discussion, the G7 members shared information and exchanged views on the situation in Iran including recent developments. The United States provided an overview of the latest developments and its outlook going forward. Minister MOTEGI explained Japan's consistent position that, Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed and at the same time, Japan has consistently supported the United States' efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue. He stated Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts in coordination with the international community including the G7. He also stated Japan's intention to work with the G7 to ensure the safety of their nationals. The G7 members confirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely on various challenges the international community faces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address About situation in the Middle East Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Published: 28.02.2026 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze: "Latvia is carefully monitoring the unfolding events in the Middle East and maintains regular contact with its embassies, EU Member States and other countries. This morning, I had telephone conversations with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa'ar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Al Safadi. Latvia urges all parties to show restraint, ensure the protection of civilians, and prevent the situation from escalating further. Stability in the region is essential for global security." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Latvian nationals in the region to follow the guidance of host countries and take all necessary precautions for their safety. Latvian troops deployed on international missions in the Middle East are safe, and the National Armed Forces remain in regular contact with them. We are aware that Iran has long refused to engage constructively in dialogue with the United States and the EU aimed at resolving concerns over its nuclear programme, ballistic missile programme and backing of terrorist organisations in the region. Iran has consistently and deliberately pursued an aggressive foreign policy, posing a threat to regional security and the security of other countries. Iran also continues to support Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Iran is a repressive regime that oppresses its own people. It has also threatened EU Member States in connection with moves to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Latvia has repeatedly condemned the actions of the Iranian regime, including its failure to cooperate with the international community and the IAEA regarding its nuclear programme. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kestutis Budrys on the situation in the Middle East Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2026-02-28 Lithuania is closely monitoring ongoing developments in the Middle East. We are in close touch with EU Member States and allies on this matter. Iran's destructive behaviour in the region, unwillingness to constructively engage in dialogue, its dangerous nuclear ambitions, support to Russian aggression against Ukraine and massive internal repressions are unacceptable. We urge restraint and expect return to diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional escalation. Stability in the region is important for global security. We are in close contact with Lithuania's diplomatic missions in the region as the situation evolves. The missions stand ready to provide support to Lithuania's citizens. All Lithuanian citizens are urged to refrain from any travel to Israel, Palestine, Jordan and the Persian Gulf countries, and to leave Iran immediately. We also recommend avoiding travel to other countries in the Middle East region. Those currently in Israel, Iran, or other Middle Eastern countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant, closely follow the news, the recommendations and announcements of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and comply with security instructions issued by local authorities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the Military Strikes Against Iran by the U.S. and Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 28, 2026 21:45 Q: It's reported that on February 28, Beijing time, the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. What's China's comment? A: China is highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel. Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected. China calls for an immediate stop of the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-Israeli aggression violates UN Charter; Iran will defend homeland: Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Saturday, 28 February 2026 3:37 PM Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the United States and the Israeli regime's act of military aggression against Iranian territory as a violation of the nation's sovereignty and the United Nations Charter. "The United States and the Israeli regime this morning, on the eve of Nowruz and on the tenth day of the blessed month of Ramadan, violated Iran's territorial integrity and national sovereignty by attacking a range of defensive targets and civilian infrastructure in various cities across the country," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Air attacks by the Israeli regime and the United States began around 09:40 a.m. local time on areas in central Tehran and then continued in eastern districts and other parts of the city. Explosions were also heard in several other locations across the country, including Qom, Lorestan, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Karaj, Tabriz, Ilam, and Qeshm. The ministry emphasized that, although the country was aware of the United States' and Israel's intentions to undertake another military aggression, it re-entered negotiations with the US to prove Iran's legitimate position and show the illegitimacy of any pretext for aggression. It added that the Iranian people now stand proud, having taken all necessary steps to prevent war. "The Israeli and US air strikes on Iran violate Article 4, paragraph 2 of the UN Charter and constitute an overt armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran," it said. The ministry further noted that Iran is fully prepared to defend its homeland and that the Iranian Armed Forces will respond decisively to the unlawful attacks, invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter as a legal basis for self defense. The statement also called on the United Nations Secretary General, the Security Council, and all member statesespecially regional and Islamic countries, as well as members of the Non Aligned Movementto act promptly. It urged the international community to unequivocally condemn the aggression and to take collective measures to restore peace and security in the region. "History shows that Iranians have never submitted to foreign domination or aggression; likewise, this time the nation's response will be decisive and decisive, leaving the aggressors to regret their criminal act," it further said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-Israeli 'regime change' project in Iran 'impossible mission': FM Araghchi Iran Press TV Saturday, 28 February 2026 3:29 PM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that "regime change" in the Islamic Republic of Iran is an "impossible mission." He made the remarks in an interview with American satellite broadcaster NBC News, hours after the Israeli regime and the United States launched another unprovoked war of aggression against the country. The aggression came in the middle of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, mediated by the Omani government, with Araghchi leading the Iranian side. Iran's top diplomat said the Islamic Republic is a "great nation with a magnificent civilization" that has endured for thousands of years. "We know how to defend ourselves and we will survive," he told the US news channel, adding that the moment the aggression stops, Iran will also stop defending itself. The Israeli regime and the United States carried out fresh aggression against Iran early on Saturday, targeting multiple cities, including the capital, Tehran. Many casualties are feared, most of them civilians, including children. Iranian armed forces responded with coordinated retaliatory operations, targeting multiple military and intelligence sites in the occupied territories as well as US military bases scattered across the Persian Gulf region. Iran had previously warned the Persian Gulf countries against allowing their soil to be used in any act of aggression against the country. Araghchi said he had been in contact with his counterparts from the Persian Gulf countries and explained that Iran does not intend to attack them, rather, the attacks on US bases in the region are a "defensive measure." "We could not simply sit back and watch," Iran's foreign minister asserted. He dismissed the rumors about the assassination of top Iranian government officials or military commanders, saying they are all "safe and alive." Araghchi also questioned the US rationale of engaging in diplomacy and then attacking in the middle of talks, especially when they had made "big progress" in the recent round of talks held in Geneva on Thursday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's retaliatory attacks will continue uninterruptedly: Senior commander Iran Press TV Saturday, 28 February 2026 2:07 PM The commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has vowed that the Islamic Republic's retaliatory operation against US and Israeli interests in the region will continue without any pause. "As we had earlier declared, in reprisal for the flagrant aggression of the US and Zionist regime against Islamic Iran, all (Israeli) occupied territories plus the bases of criminal US across the region were struck by the crushing assaults of Iranian missiles," Major General Ali Abdollahi stated on Saturday. He added, "This operation will continue without any interruption until complete defeat of the enemy." The senior commander noted that the entire US military installations, resources and interests across West Asia are legitimate targets for the Iranian Armed Forces. He also called upon the courageous and heroic Iranian nation to stay calm, vowing that the Armed Forces will decisively and forcefully defend the country, nation and national interests. Earlier, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of a massive drone and missile strikes on strategic sites in the Israeli-occupied lands. A number of US bases in the region, including those in Bahrain and Qatar, were also hit in retaliation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Marc Thiessen: 'The Ground Forces Are The Iranian People' By Alex Raufoglu February 28, 2026 A prominent US political commentator and RFE/RL board member says the latest American strikes on Iran mark the beginning of a sustained campaign aimed not just at military deterrence but at ending the rule of the Islamic republic as it currently exists. In an interview with RFE/RL, Marc Thiessen, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and a Washington Post columnist, framed the military action as a turning point. "What is happening is that the liberation of the Iranian people is at hand," Thiessen said. "The Iranian people have suffered under a despotic, radical regime run by the ayatollahs since 1979. Now they are being given a chance to rise up and take their country back." Beyond A Limited Strike Asked whether the US objective is deterrence, degradation of capabilities, or something broader, Thiessen argued the campaign goes far beyond a symbolic show of force. "If [President] Trump had struck a month ago, it would have been a symbolic, limited strike lasting a day or two," he said. "What we're talking about now is a multi-day, possibly multi-week campaign to decapitate the Iranian regime and remove the threat to our people." Asked about the risk that Tehran could respond with intensified repression at home, Thiessen argued that the campaign is specifically designed to prevent that. "We're taking out the instruments of repression," he said, citing reports that senior judicial and security officials had been targeted. "Once we eliminate those threats, it will be up to the Iranian people to take their country back." Thiessen said the delay in launching the operation was intentional, allowing Washington to assemble what he described as an unprecedented military buildup. He contrasted the current campaign with what he called "Operation Midnight Hammer," which he said targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, including Fordow, an underground uranium enrichment facility. According to Thiessen, the new phase of strikes is designed to go further -- dismantling not only nuclear infrastructure and air defenses, but also what he described as "the instruments of repression." No Cease-Fire Expected Thiessen dismissed the possibility of a near-term cease-fire, predicting that operations will continue for days, possibly weeks. "It's going to take more than 48 hours," he said. "The United States is going to take out all of the instruments of repression, intelligence, and tyranny that have oppressed the Iranian people." He compared the moment to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the overthrow of Nicolae Ceausescu in Romania, both which occurred in 1989, suggesting that external military pressure could create the conditions for internal political change. "This is your fall of the Berlin Wall," he said, addressing Iranians directly. "We are decapitating the regime. It will be your job to finish it." Risk Of Crackdown Thiessen also emphasized that Tehran miscalculated by underestimating Washington's willingness to act. He said US President Donald Trump had offered Iran an opportunity to negotiate limits on its nuclear and missile programs and to curb its regional activities. According to Thiessen, Iranian leaders refused and later resumed steps to rebuild nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities after earlier strikes. "They had their opportunity, and they lost it," he said. Thiessen pointed to Iran's long history of confrontation with the United States, including the 1979 hostage crisis, the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, and Tehran's alleged role in supporting armed groups targeting US troops in Iraq. He also referenced alleged plots targeting US officials and foreign diplomats on American soil. Thiessen expressed confidence that the campaign will fundamentally alter Iran's trajectory. "In my view, this regime's reign of terror is coming to an end," he said. "The Iranian people have a historic opportunity to seize their freedom." As the conflict unfolds, much will depend on how Tehran responds, how long Washington and its allies sustain military operations, and whether Iranians are willing -- or able -- to mobilize under the weight of war. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/marc-thiessen-the-ground- forces-are-the-iranian-people/33690676.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump's Endgame In Iran: Strategic Submission Or Systemic Collapse? By Kian Sharifi February 28, 2026 Weeks of tension with Iran and a rapid US military buildup have erupted into joint US-Israeli strikes on high-profile targets, including Iranian military sites and the residences of the country's top brass. As the first wave of strikes shook major locations across the country, a central question looms amid the clouds of smoke billowing into Iranian skies: What is the ultimate objective of the Trump administration? While Donald Trump's rhetoric has swung between calls for a "better deal" and hints of regime change, his February 28 address -- combined with the nature of the current strikes -- suggests a radical policy shift. No longer content with "maximum pressure," the United States now appears to be pursuing the total neutralization of Iran as a regional power. For months, Trump maintained that his goal was a new, more restrictive nuclear agreement. But as Michael Horowitz, an independent defense expert based in Israel, observes, the diplomatic path had effectively hit a dead end. "The negotiations between Washington and Tehran clearly weren't working in the way Trump would have liked," Horowitz told RFE/RL. "The gap is simply too wide to bridge through talks." According to Horowitz, Iranian officials were unwilling to offer concessions that would allow Trump to "sell" a new agreement as a superior successor to the nuclear deal he exited in 2018. With diplomacy exhausted, Washington has pivoted to force as its primary instrument of change. Will The Public Rise? A cornerstone of the US-Israeli strategy appears to be the hope of a domestic uprising. In his February 28 address, Trump went further than previous US messaging by appealing directly to the Iranian public. Declaring that the "hour of your freedom is at hand," he urged citizens to "take over" their government once the military phase of the campaign concludes. During the 12-day war with Israel last June, similar calls for Iranians to topple the clerical establishment went largely unheeded as civilians prioritized survival and sought shelter. This time, however, the allies appear to be betting on a different psychological landscape. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) -- a US-based advocacy group working to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- argues that the visible degradation of the state's power could provide the missing catalyst. "One hope in the campaign seems to be that the Iranian people will take to the streets and grow bolder in challenging the regime, as they will see it weakened," Brodsky told RFE/RL. He added that the goal is to "level the playing field" by degrading the state's ability to crack down on dissent, theoretically allowing the "unarmed Iranian people" to reclaim their country. Horowitz, however, offers a more cautious assessment of the street as a decisive factor. While noting that US and Israeli officials have not ruled out renewed protests, he argues the timing may not align with their expectations. "I personally think the chances are low so long as the conflict continues," Horowitz warned. "It is more realistic to expect a spike in unrest after the conflict ends, though the regime -- if still able -- will also be prepared." Dividing The Labor The tactical execution of the strikes reveals a coordinated division of labor between the two allies, targeting both Iran's military capabilities and its leadership. According to Brodsky, the United States is "focusing on eroding Iran's missile capabilities" to blunt retaliation, while Israel is concentrating on "eliminating Iranian leaders" -- a strategy reflected in reported strikes on the residences of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Masud Pezeshkian. Despite the high-intensity opening phase, the central question remains whether an aerial campaign alone can topple a 47-year-old theocracy. Horowitz notes that air power has a "poor track record" when it comes to achieving regime change. Yet he points to a variable that could make this conflict different: Trump's apparent appetite for escalation. "I wouldn't discount the possibility given how weak the Islamic republic is, and the fact that President Trump is visibly willing to absorb some blows and to carry out a longer campaign," Horowitz said. Ultimately, the endgame may hinge on how quickly Iran can be defanged. If its ability to launch retaliatory missile strikes or inflict global economic pain is neutralized early, Washington may feel emboldened to press forward -- until the Islamic republic either abandons its core identity or collapses under the pressure of internal unrest. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-israel-objective- collapse-regime-change/33690485.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Targeting Mideast Countries That Host US Bases By RFE/RL February 28, 2026 Iranian missiles have been launched at several countries in the Middle East, all of which host bases of US armed forces, triggering air raid sirens across the region. Explosions were reported in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia on February 28, just hours after President Donald Trump announced the United States -- in tandem with Israel -- had launched "major combat operations" against Iran. One civilian was reported to have died in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, after being struck by falling debris during a first wave of retaliatory attacks by Tehran. Shortly afterward, the country's Defense Ministry announced its air defenses had "successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles," it said in a statement. "Fragments of the intercepted missiles fell in various areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohamed bin Zayed City and Al Falah," it said, confirming "there were no injuries in these locations." Senior US officials told reporters in Washington that there have been no reported US casualties from Iran's retaliatory strikes against US military facilities. The Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE hosts the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a US force that is composed of 10 squadrons of aircraft and drones. Al Dhafra also hosts the US Air Forces' hub for "advanced air warfare training." Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it had targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, other American interests in the Gulf region, and Israel. No casualties have yet to be reported in any of the other countries that have been targeted by Iranian attacks, though the sudden escalation in military operations has left many in the Middle East on edge. In announcing the military operations, Trump said his objective was "to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-targeting-mideast- countries-us-bases/33690473.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi 28 February 2026 15:06 260-28-02-2026 On February 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of The Iranian minister briefed Sergey Lavrov on IRI leadership's steps to repel the aggression by the United States and Israel, which had once again derailed talks on peaceful settlement of the issues concerning Iran's nuclear programme. He informed Sergey Lavrov about the plans to convene an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. Sergey Lavrov condemned the absolutely unprovoked armed attack by the United States and Israel on Iran in violation of principles and standards of international law while totally ignoring hard repercussions for the regional and global stability and security. He pointed out the need to promptly stop the attacks against the Islamic Republic and to bring back the developments toward political and diplomatic settlement. Sergey Lavrov stressed Russia's readiness to assist in seeking peaceful solution based in international law, mutual respect and balance of interests. The Iranian side expressed sincere gratitude to the Russian Federation for invariable and solid support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on President Trump's Attack on Iran Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: February 28, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement on the United States' preemptive attack on Iran: "The Iranian regime has murdered Americans and its own people and has been a deeply destabilizing force in the region. No one will be sad to see them go. However, I am deeply concerned about the President's lack of clear strategy for yet another open-ended war and particularly for the safety of our troops, American citizens and U.S. interests in the Middle East region. While the long-term diplomatic strategy was similarly not articulated or clearly planned for before the strikes in Venezuela, Iran is very different and much more dangerous with a large missile arsenal, more sophisticated armed forces and a network of proxy groups. "The President has shown a disappointingly cavalier approach towards the use of force, even when it risks the lives of the tens of thousands of U.S. service members and diplomats in the region as well as our allies and partners, who are already under attack. The American people expect and deserve better from their President. "The President has also failed to address critical questions about the objectives, authorization, economic impact and potential for rapid escalation. The American people and Congress deserve immediate answers. Transparency and a clear articulation of long-term objectives are critical to preventing yet another open-ended conflict in the Middle East and ensuring the safety of Americans at home and abroad. There is a bipartisan war powers resolution on the floor now, ready for a vote. Before this entanglement grows, Congress should come back into session and vote on it immediately." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Slovenia is following with concern reports of the Israeli-U.S. strike on Iran Republic of Slovenia 28. 2. 2026 Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tel Aviv Slovenia is following with concern reports of the Israeli-U.S. strike on Iran. We call on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate tensions, exercise restraint, and fully respect international law and the UN Charter. Further escalation could have serious consequences for regional and international security. Slovenia underlines the importance of protecting civilians and stresses that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only sustainable path to stability in the Middle East. In this context, we particularly emphasize Iran's responsibility to act with restraint, contribute to reducing tensions, and engage constructively with the international community in seeking political and diplomatic solutions to outstanding issues. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs is in regular contact with the embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv. According to the information currently available, all Slovenian citizens are safe. Diplomatic staff are closely monitoring developments and stand ready to take appropriate action if necessary. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Persian Gulf States Comment on US-Israel Strikes on Iran Sputnik News 20260228 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli army has initiated a strike against Iran "to remove threats against the State of Israel", the nation's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced, adding a special and immediate state of emergency has been declared across the country. Oman Oman has called for stopping the attack on Iran and holding a meeting of the UN Security Council, the Omani Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. "The Sultanate of Oman believes that such actions are contrary to international law and the principles of conflict resolution through peaceful rather than aggressive means. Calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the UN Security Council should immediately meet in order to "achieve a ceasefire." Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi called on the United States "not to get involved" in the conflict between Israel and Iran. "I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war," the minister said on X. UAE Countries in the Middle East have "failed" to ensure regional stability, Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said on Saturday, commenting on the situation in the region. In interview with CNN, Gargash called the current situation in the Middle East a "historic moment filled with a lot of challenges," adding that the UAE and other states in the region had "failed" to ensure regional stability. Additionally, the official said that the UAE did not know in advance about the operation against Tehran, but expected it based on the outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the US. The escalation in the Middle East undermines regional and international security and threatens the stability of the global economy and energy sector, the UAE Foreign Ministry said. "The UAE reaffirmed its categorical rejection of the use of the territories of regional states as arenas for settling disputes or expanding the scope of conflict, warning of the grave consequences of continued violations, which undermine regional and international security and threaten global economic stability and energy security," the ministry said in a statement. The United Arab Emirates' Defense Ministry said the country reserves the right to respond to Iranian actions amid escalating regional tensions, the state Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. "The UAE reserves its full right to respond to the escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability," the ministry was quoted as saying by WAM. Qatar Qatar has called on Iran, the United States and Israel to stop the escalation and return to the negotiating table, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said. "Qatar strongly condemns the shelling of Qatar's territory by Iranian ballistic missiles, considering it as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and a direct threat to security ... Qatar ... calls for an immediate cessation of escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table and the priority of the voice of reason," the ministry said in a statement. Egypt Egypt is calling for political and peaceful solutions amid the escalating situation in the Middle East, Egyptian Foreign Ministry said. "The Arab Republic of Egypt is deeply concerned about the dangerous military escalation in the region and the risks it poses the expansion of the conflict. This [escalation] could lead to the region's plunging into total chaos... Egypt emphasizes the importance of peaceful and political solutions," the ministry said in a statement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Discusses Developments Around Iran With Security Council Members - Kremlin Sputnik News 20260228 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with permanent members of the country's Security Council to discuss the situation around Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday. The situation around Iran had been discussed, the spokesman said. Earlier in the day, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian territory, after which Tehran announced retaliatory actions. According to Iranian and US media, US bases in the Middle East have become targets for retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Launches Major Combat Operations in Iran - Trump Sputnik News 20260228 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States has launched major combat operations in Iran short time ago, President Donald Trump said on Saturday. "A short time ago, the United States military begun major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," Trump said, claiming that Iran posed a direct threat to the US, its troops and military bases abroad. The Iranian leadership will soon understand that they can not challenge the United States military, Trump said. "This regime will soon learn that no one challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces," Trump said in the video address posted on Truth Social, adding that the US military operation will be dangerous as bombs will fall everywhere. Trump also called on Iran's security forces to lay day their arms or be killed. Trump said that he expects change of power in Iran after the US military operation, and called on Iranian people to take over their government. "When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take, this will be probably your only chance for generations," Trump said in the video address posted on Truth Social. The US president is monitoring strikes on Iran from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, CNN reported, citing the White House. The United States has taken every effort to minimize risks for its armed forces in the Middle East amid the operation against Iran, but casualties in war may still happen, Trump said. "My administration has taken every possible step to minimize the risk to US personnel in the region ... the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties that often happens in war," Trump said in the video address posted on Truth Social. The United States will ensure that militias allegedly loyal to Iran can no longer destabilize the Middle East, Trump said. "We are going to ensure that the region's terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world," Trump said in the video address posted on Truth Social. The United States has warned Iran not to resume their nuclear program, but Tehran has rejected all offers, Trump said. "After that attack we warned them never to resume their militia's pursuit of nuclear weapons, we sought repeatedly to make a deal, ... but Iran refused ... they rejected every opportunity," Trump said, adding that Iran has attempted to revive its nuclear program and is developing long-range missiles capable of reaching Europe, and potentially the United States. Trump added that the US will destroy Iran's missiles and missile industry as well as the Iranian Navy. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Agreed to Abandon Enriched Uranium Stockpiles at US Demand - Omani Foreign Minister Sputnik News 20260228 WASHINGTON, Sputnik - During negotiations with the United States, Iran agreed to give up all its enriched uranium stockpiles, which is one of Washington's key demands for a deal, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said. "The current stockpiles that... still exist, I think that there is agreement now that this will be down blended to the lowest level possible, to a neutral level, a natural level. Which means... converted into fuel and that fuel will be irreversible," he told CBS. The Omani foreign minister conducted an exchange of messages between the Iranian and American delegations during the third round of consultations between Iran and the United States on the Iranian nuclear issue, which ended in Geneva on Thursday evening. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The United Nations (UN) Security Council holds an emergency meeting regarding the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 28, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security. (Xinhua/Xie E) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C front) speaks at an emergency meeting of the Security Council regarding the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 28, 2026. Guterres on Saturday condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security. (Xinhua/Xie E) "All actors must take urgent action to spare our region from greater suffering" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 28.02.2026 Speaking at an iftar dinner with the AK Party's Istanbul Provincial Organization, President Erdogan said: "All actors, especially the Islamic world, must take urgent action to prevent the war from escalating further, to prevent more bloodshed, and to spare our region from greater suffering. As Turkiye, we have been doing and will continue to do whatever is required of us to resolve the issues peacefully, just as we have done from the very beginning." President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at an iftar dinner with the AK Party's Istanbul Provincial Organization. "TURKIYE ENDEAVORS TO ENSURE THAT PEACE, STABILITY, AND CALM PREVAIL IN OUR REGION" "As Turkiye, we are endeavoring during these blessed days to ensure that peace, stability, and calm prevail in our region and across the Islamic world, and we are deeply saddened and concerned by the U.S.-Israeli attacks against our neighbor Iran, which were triggered by the provocations of Netanyahu. As you know, we have made significant efforts for a long time to resolve disagreements through dialogue at the negotiating table. I have held telephone conversations with President Trump and President Pezeshkian. Other countries in our region have likewise done their utmost. However, the desired outcome could not be achieved because the crisis of confidence between the parties could not be overcome and Israel's efforts to poison the process continued. We strongly deplore the attacks carried out this morning, which not only constitute a clear violation of Iran's sovereignty but also threaten the peace of the friendly and brotherly people of Iran. Similarly, we find Iran's missile and drone attacks targeting our brotherly countries in the Gulf, regardless of the reasons, unacceptable. If common sense and reason do not prevail, and if no room is given to diplomacy, our region faces the risk of being dragged into a ring of fire. This must not be allowed to happen," President Erdogan underscored. "WITH A POLICY THAT PRIORITIZES THE SECURITY OF OUR COUNTRY, WE WILL SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE THIS SENSITIVE PROCESS" "All actors, especially the Islamic world, must take urgent action to prevent the war from escalating further, to prevent more bloodshed, and to spare our region from greater suffering. As Turkiye, we have been doing and will continue to do whatever is required of us to resolve the issues peacefully, just as we have done from the very beginning. Since this morning, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, our Director of the National Intelligence Organization, and all relevant colleagues are in close contact with their counterparts, and we are monitoring developments closely. We have no issues regarding our border security and airspace. Our military, gendarmerie, police, and intelligence services are taking every possible measure at the highest level. With a policy that prioritizes the security of our country and our nation, we will, inshallah, successfully manage this sensitive process. At the same time, we will accelerate our diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire first, followed by a return to the negotiating table. Until these difficult days are over, we, as a state and a nation, will continue to stand by all our brotherly peoples in the region," President Erdogan said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM statement on Iran: 28 February 2026 Speech Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on Iran. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 28 February 2026 Delivered on: 28 February 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran. Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region. I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region - which for so many of us includes friends and family members. So while the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set out our response. The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes. But we have long been clear - the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent. They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region. Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community. Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. So it's clear - they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies - including the US. I condemn Iran's attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict. We extend our support and solidarity to them. As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region - which we've recently taken steps to strengthen. Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies - as Britain has done before, in line with international law. We've stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level. We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them. I have been speaking with leaders today - from the E3, and across the region. It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life. Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people - who deserve the right to determine their own future, in line with our longstanding position. That is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint E3 Leaders' Statement on Iran: 28 February 2026 Press release Joint E3 Leaders' Statement on Iran. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 28 February 2026 France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran's nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people. We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region. We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life. We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Comment of the MFA on the operation against the Iranian regime Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 28 February 2026 11:21 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirms the unchanged position of our state: we support the Iranian people and their legitimate desire to live in security, freedom and prosperity. The Iranian regime, which has been mocking the Iranian people for decades, has launched a large-scale policy of violence against its own people and other countries. This includes massive human rights violations within the country, support for militants who have brought chaos to other countries in the region, and direct military support for the aggressor state of Russia in its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We remember and will never forget the strikes of thousands of "Shaheeds" on our peaceful cities and people. Such cooperation between the regimes in Moscow and Tehran constitutes a gross violation of international law and undermines global efforts to restore peace and stability. Long-term systematic violations of human rights, brutal repression, executions and persecution of dissidents testify to the deep crisis of the internal policy of this state and the lack of proper protection of the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens. The regime spent enormous resources precisely on violence, murder and chaos, and not on providing for its own people, whose economic situation continued to deteriorate every year. As the President of Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized, the Iranian regime should have gone long ago. The reason for the current events is precisely the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular the murders and repressions against peaceful protesters, which have become particularly large-scale in recent months. We emphasize that the regime in Tehran had every opportunity to prevent a violent scenario. It was given opportunities for diplomacy and finding solutions, but the regime ignored these efforts and instead only stalled for time in the hope of misleading the international community. We reaffirm our unwavering position: we wish security, prosperity, and freedom to the Iranian people, as well as stability and prosperity to the Middle East. We thank everyone in the world who has supported and continues to support the Iranian people in this difficult time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bombing of Iran and retaliatory strikes 'a grave threat to international peace and security': Guterres 28 February 2026 - "Everything must be done" to prevent wider escalation of war across the Middle East following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran, and retaliatory action from Tehran targeting multiple countries in the region, the UN Secretary-General told the Security Council on Saturday. Antonio Guterres described the day's events as a grave threat to international peace and security, urging the international community to unite and pull the entire region "back from the brink". Mr. Guterres reminded the council that Article Two of the UN Charter states that all Member States "shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State," and that international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected. The military action that has embroiled countries across the Middle East, continued the UN chief, carries the risk of "igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world." 'Return to the negotiating table' The Secretary-General reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations, and noted that the joint military operation by Israel and the United States occurred following indirect talks between the US and Iran mediated by Oman, "squandering" an opportunity for diplomacy. Calling for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, Mr. Guterres strongly urged all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, notably on the future of Iran's nuclear programme. "I call on all Member States to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to ensure nuclear safety," he declared. France: 'We need Iran to respect its international obligations' Jerome Bonnafont of France called for Iran to respect its international obligations, stressing that adherence to international law is "a condition for long-term security in the region and world." Ambassador Bonnafont said that Iran has not taken the opportunity to conclude a nuclear agreement but has instead reduced its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Russia: 'Another unprovoked act of armed aggression' Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that the US-Israeli strikes were "yet another unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent Member State, in violation of the UN Charter and international law." This "reckless step," he said, has led to a sharp escalation across the region, which he described as a "betrayal of diplomacy". China: Territorial integrity of Iran 'must be respected' China's Ambassador Fu Cong described the US-Israeli strikes as "brazen", condemning the threat of force to settle any international dispute - and calling for the "sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and other regional countries to be respected." Expressing sadness at the large loss of civilian life during Saturday's strikes, Ambassador Fu called on all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law and an immediate cessation of military action. He said it was "shocking" that the US-Israeli attacks had come in the middle of diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran. United States: 'Persistent aggression' could not be ignored Ambassador Mike Waltz of the United States said that the strikes on Iran were directed towards dismantling its ballistic missile capabilities, degrading naval assets being used to destabilise international waters and disrupt the machinery that arms proxy militias. The aim, he continued, is to ensure that "the Iranian regime can never, ever threaten the world with a nuclear weapon." "No responsible nation can ignore persistent aggression and violence." he warned, adding that Iran's continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions - despite diplomatic opportunities - represents "a grave and mounting danger". UK: Regional stability 'a priority' "This is a fragile moment for the Middle East," said Ambassador James Kariuki of the United Kingdom, Council President for February. "Regional stability remains a priority," he said, adding that UK forces are active and its planes are in the sky as part of "coordinated regional defensive operations", in line with international law. "We want to see the swiftest possible resolution that ensures security and stability for the region," he continued, urging Iran to refrain from further strikes and its "appalling" behaviour to allow a path back to diplomacy. Iran: Strikes 'devoid of legal foundation' "This morning, the United States regime - jointly and in coordination with the Israeli regime - initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in recent months," said Iran's Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani. "This is not only an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity," he insisted, accusing the US and Israel of deliberately attacking civilian populated areas in multiple large cities. "The invocation to 'pre-emptive attack,' claims of imminent threat, or other unsubstantiated political claims, are unfounded legally, morally and politically," Mr. Iravani continued, categorically rejecting the assertions made by the representatives of France, the UK and other Western representatives regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear programme. Israel: Attacks 'an act of necessity' Israel's strikes on Iran, said Ambassador Danny Danon, took place to stop "an existential threat before it became irreversible." His country had acted out of necessity because the regime left no reasonable alternative, building nuclear weapons in disregard for international law, murdering its own citizens and crushing dissent, expanding missile arsenals and arming proxies across the region - all while declaring its intention to erase Israel from the map. Ambassador Danon said Tehran had been required to stop enriching uranium and to allow full inspections but did not do so. "They were building the means to force an irreversible reality with our backs against the wall. That is not a future Israel will accept." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes 'undermine international peace and security' 28 February 2026 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the heads of UN agencies have condemned Saturday's joint Israeli and US attacks on Iran and the Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israel and the Gulf Regions. The attack on Iran reportedly targeted military sites as well as the leadership of the Iranian regime. Explosions were heard in Israel and Gulf countries after Iran launched a wave of drones and missiles. Mr. Guterres declared that the military escalation in the region undermines international peace and security, and recalled that all Member States must "respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations," which prohibits "the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations." The UN Chief called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation and warned that a failure to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. Risk of 'destruction on an unimaginable scale' Senior officials added their own responses on Saturday morning: Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that bombs and missiles are not the way to resolve differences but "only result in death, destruction and human misery." Civilians, he noted, "end up paying the ultimate price." Mr. Turk called for all parties to return to negotiations in order to avoid a wider conflict that would mean further civilian deaths and "destruction on a potentially unimaginable scale, not just in Iran but across the Middle East region." World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement that he was deeply troubled by the situation and urged leaders to "choose the challenging path of dialogue over the senseless route of destruction." Emergency Security Council meeting scheduled A Security Council meeting to discuss the attacks has been called by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting is scheduled for 4PM Eastern Time on Saturday. Reactions from across the UN system Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General "I condemn today's military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security." "I condemn today's military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security." Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) "I am deeply concerned about the current situation in the Middle East. My heart is with the civilians caught in the crossfire." "I am deeply concerned about the current situation in the Middle East. My heart is with the civilians caught in the crossfire." Volker Turk, High Commissioner of Human Rights "As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price." "As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price." Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly "The UN Charter is clear: all Member States must settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered." "The UN Charter is clear: all Member States must settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered." International Atomic Energy Agency "The IAEA is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, and urges restraint to avoid any nuclear safety risks to people in the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East [as delivered] United Nations Secretary-General 28 February 2026 New York, UN Statements | Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, I will speak directly to three areas today: the principles, the facts, and the way out. First, the principles. The UN Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security. Article 2 of the Charter clearly states: "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state." International law and international humanitarian law must always be respected. That is why since this morning, I have condemned the massive military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. I also condemned the subsequent attacks by Iran violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security. Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world. Let me be clear: There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations. Mr. President, Second, the facts. The situation on the ground is very fluid. There are many unconfirmed reports. Here is what we know. About 20 cities across Iran -- including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Shahriar, and Tabriz -- have reportedly been attacked. In Tehran, large explosions were reported in the district that includes the presidential palace and the compound of the Supreme Leader. Several high-ranking officials have reportedly been killed, including - according to Israeli sources - Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, that I am not in a position to confirm. Iran's airspace been closed and the country is under a near-total internet blackout. The attacks have reportedly caused significant civilian casualties. According to Iranian media, an air strike killed at least 85 people and injured many more at a girls school in Minab, Hormogan Province. And a school in Tehran was also reportedly hit, causing two deaths. Mr. President, Military action is expanding rapidly across the region, creating an increasingly volatile and unpredictable situation and heightening the risk of miscalculation. According to Israeli sources, eighty-nine people have been injured in Iran's subsequent strikes on Israel and there were also impacts in the occupied West Bank. Iran has announced that in reaction to US and Israeli airstrikes, it targeted US military assets in the region. These strikes have reportedly hit civilian areas and infrastructure in the countries that I have already mentioned. Indirect impact of falling debris was also reported in Lebanon and Syria. Most Gulf states successfully intercepted the Iranian strikes. However, the UAE reported that one civilian was killed by debris from an intercepted missile. In Iraq, there are reports of drone and missile attacks from both sides. There are also reports that Iran is closing the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping. Mr. President, The US and Israeli attacks occurred following the third round of indirect talks between the US and Iran mediated by Oman. Preparations had been made for technical talks in Vienna next week followed by a new round of political talks. I deeply regret that this opportunity of diplomacy has been squandered. Mr. President, Third, the region and the world need a way out now. I call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities. The alternative is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly urge all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, notably on the Iran nuclear programme. I note that the US President has reportedly talked with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Iran's Foreign Minister has reportedly spoken to his counterparts in GCC countries and Iraq. Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation. To this end, I call on all Member States to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to ensure nuclear safety. Let us act -- responsibly and together -- to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese Foreign Ministry urges Chinese nationals in Iran to evacuate as soon as possible Global Times By Global Times Published: Mar 01, 2026 12:28 PM The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran on Sunday have reminded Chinese citizens in the country to evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible through appropriate means after US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The embassy said that on February 28, the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran have reminded Chinese citizens in the country to closely monitor developments, strengthen personal safety precautions, and evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible through appropriate means. According to available information, several overland evacuation routes remain accessible. Chinese nationals may enter Azerbaijan visa-free via the Astara border crossing, which operates daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visa-free entry is also available through the Agarak crossing into Armenia. Overland routes into Turkey remain open through border crossings in Van, Agr and Hakkari provinces, where Chinese passport holders are likewise granted visa-free access, according to the Chinese embassy. Those seeking to enter Iraq may do so via the Shalamcheh border crossing, provided they obtain an electronic visa in advance or apply for a temporary visa on arrival. Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will assist Chinese citizens with relocation and evacuation, the embassy said. The Chinese Embassy in Israel on Sunday also issued a notice regarding the registration for relocation and evacuation of Chinese nationals in Israel after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Multiple embassies in the Middle East, including those in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iraq, have issued notices for Chinese nationals who seek to evacuate from Iran to these countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Khamenei's death to provoke fierce retaliation, potentially draw US into escalation it may struggle to control: Chinese expert Global Times By Zhao Yusha, Xu Yelu and Chen Qingqing Published: Mar 01, 2026 11:53 AM Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in his office on Saturday morning during US-Israeli air strikes, media reported. Iran announced 40 days of mourning and vowed to revenge, warning "the most devastating offensive operation in the history of Iran's armed forces" is set to begin, according to Iranian media. The death of Iran's supreme leader would be a profound shock to the Islamic Republic, but it is unlikely to bring about the collapse of the regime, as key institutions and succession mechanisms are already in place, a Chinese expert said. The greater risk, the expert warned, lies in what comes next. Such a strike could provoke fierce retaliation from Tehran against the US, potentially drawing Washington into an escalation it may struggle to control. The killing of another country's leader, the expert added, would deepen distrust and anxiety toward the US among other nations, further damaging its global standing. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Ayatollah Khamenei was killed early Saturday morning at his office "while he was carrying out tasks," per BBC. Using satellite imagery, BBC verify earlier confirmed significant damage to parts of the Leadership House compound, which is Khamenei's office in Tehran. Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Khamenei met on Saturday with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes started. The confirmation came hours after Trump and two Israeli sources claimed that Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli attacks and his body has been found. Trump announced on Truth Social on Sunday that Khamenei was killed after the US and Israel launched the predawn assault on the country. Iran will observe 40 days of mourning and 7 days of holiday time to honor Khamenei. The public mourning and holidays are to follow the government's official declaration of martyrdom for the ayatollah, semi-official Iranian state media outlet Nour News said in a post on Telegram. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has responded to Khamenei's death, saying "we have lost a great leader and we mourn him", according to a statement carried by Fars news agency, Al Jazeera reported. It added that the "Iranian nation's hand of revenge...will not let them go." The most devastating offensive operation in the history of Iran's armed forces is set to begin shortly, targeting the occupied territories and the US bases, Iranian TV Press TV reported following the news of the Iranian Supreme leader's death. Khamenei took the helm of the Islamic republic in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader who had spearheaded the Islamic revolution a decade earlier. While Khomeini was the ideological force behind the revolution that ended the rule of the Pahlavi monarchy, it was Khamenei who shaped the military and paramilitary apparatus that formed both Iran's defense against its enemies, and provide it with influence well beyond its borders, according to Al Jazeera. Khamenei remains partially paralyzed in his right hand due to a 1981 assassination attempt, according to Al Arabiya report. Before becoming supreme leader, he had led Iran as president through a bloody war with Iraq in the 1980s. The grinding conflict, coupled with a sense of isolation among many Iranians as Western countries backed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, deepened Khamenei's distrust of the West generally and the US, in particular, Al Jazeera quoted analysts say. Khamenei's passing would represent a major shock to Iran. As the head of the country's leadership structure and a Supreme Leader who has held power for decades, he wields enormous influence within the political system. His death would deal a serious blow to Iran including the country's overall stability, Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times. Ding also warned that Iran's response in terms of speed and intensity could be unprecedented as the loss of the Supreme Leader and multiple senior military officials could prompt a broad and far-reaching retaliation from Iran. Khamenei's death could, to some extent, intensify the crisis facing Iran. However, unless the US and Israel launch a ground invasion, the likelihood of the collapse of the Iranian authority remains low. While Khamenei's death would deal a significant blow and create serious turbulence, many institutional functions and succession arrangements are already in place, suggesting that Iran may be psychologically and structurally prepared for such a scenario to a certain degree, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Head of the Judiciary, and one of the jurists of the Guardian Council will be responsible for the transitional period following the martyrdom of that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iran's Fars News. US media the Politico reported that America's ability to shape Iran's political future could prove limited. Washington has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 1980. Even as Trump approved militant operations to remove two foreign heads of state in as many months the first being the seizure of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro he has been reluctant to send US ground forces to occupy or carry out lengthy operations inside the targeted countries. In the run-up to the US and Israeli attacks on Saturday, the US Central Intelligence Agency assessed that even if Khamenei was killed in the operation, he could be replaced by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), two sources briefed on the intelligence said, per Reuters. The agency's assessments, which were produced over the past two weeks, looked broadly at what could occur in Iran following a US intervention and the extent to which a military operation could trigger regime change in the Islamic Republic -- now a pronounced objective for Washington. The White House earlier posted photos on X showing the US president overseeing the military operations in Iran. One of the photos shows Vice President JD Vance in the Situation Room of the White House. War launched by US and Israel on Iran has quickly escalated, prompting anxiety and concern in whole region. In retaliation, several countries that host American military bases in the region including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain say they have been attacked, NBC reported. If Iran's retaliation inflicts heavier damage on the US and Israel and triggers further escalation, this would also pose a significant test for Washington particularly for the Trump administration, said Liu. Strategically, Trump may seek to deliver maximum pressure and damage against Iran while avoiding entanglement in a prolonged conflict or ground war, attempting instead to manage the confrontation through what could be described as "controlled escalation." However, whether the US can truly keep the pace and scope of escalation under control remains highly uncertain, Liu noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Profile: Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the martyred Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 March 2026 8:08 AM By Press TV Website Staff Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, attained martyrdom in a cowardly Israeli-American aggression on Saturday. Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was also martyred in the Saturday aggression, alongside many top-ranking military commanders and defense officials. Major General Mousavi succeeded Major General Mohammad Bagheri following the 12-day war in June last year and carried forward the remarkable legacy of his predecessor. He played a particularly vital role in the June 2025 war, leading the Iranian armed forces in their retaliatory operations that forced the Israeli regime to beg for surrender. Mousavi previously served as the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and played an instrumental role in bolstering the might of the army. On August 21, 2017, he was promoted from Brigadier General to Major General and appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army by the Leader, replacing Seyed Ataollah Salehi. Later, on May 28, 2019, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed him as the commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, while he continued to serve as the army's top commander. Mousavi was born in 1960 in the holy city of Qom in central Iran. He was a graduate of the Army's Ground Forces Officers' University and held a doctorate in defense studies from the Supreme National Defense University. He joined the Iranian army in 1979. During the years of the Imposed War in the 1980s, Major General Mousavi served in the Army's artillery unit on various fronts, including the western battlefields in Kurdistan (28th Kurdistan Division) and the southwestern fronts (33rd Artillery Group of the Ground Forces) in Khuzestan province. He participated in many operations such as Valfajr 4, Valfajr 9, Beit al-Moqaddas 5, Qader, Nasr, and several others. He is recognized as a veteran of the war. After the Imposed War ended in 1997, he completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course (DAFOS) and later earned a doctoral degree in defense management at the Supreme National Defense University. From 1999 to 2005, he served as the Chief of Joint Staff of the Army, and from 2008 to 2016, he was Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Following that, from 2016 to 2017, he held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Mousavi held several significant leadership positions within Iran's military. From 1999 to 2005, he served as the Chief of Joint Staff of the Army, later assuming the role of Deputy Commander-in-Chief from 2008 to 2016. In 2016, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, a position he held until 2017, when he was named Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, a role he held until today. Additionally, since May 2019, served as the Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, further solidifying his central role in the country's military strategy and operations. Major General Mousavi also served as the Commander of Imam Ali (PBUH) Officers' University, where he contributed to the training and development of military personnel. He also led the Army's Northeast Operational Base, overseeing strategic operations in the region. In addition, he was the Deputy for Training and the Deputy for Planning and Programs within the Army Ground Forces, playing a key role in shaping military preparedness and strategy. Mousavi's expertise in operations led to his appointment as the Head of Operations for the Army, and later, he became the Director of the Army Strategic Studies Center, where he engaged in high-level research and policy development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DUBAI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Four people were injured in an incident at a terminal of Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates in the early hours of Sunday. Dubai Airports confirmed that a concourse at Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage in the incident that was quickly contained. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. The Dubai Media Office said that four staff members sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. According to Dubai Airports, contingency plans already in place meant that most terminals had been cleared of passengers beforehand. Authorities said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available. In the same period, the UAE Ministry of Interior issued emergency alerts to the public via mobile phones, stating that due to the current situation and potential missile threats, people should immediately seek shelter in the nearest secure building, stay away from windows, doors and open areas, and await further instructions. Profile: Major General Mohammad Pakpour, the martyred IRGC commander-in-chief Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 March 2026 7:50 AM By Press TV Website Staff Major General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was martyred in the Israeli-American aggression on Saturday. The news about his martyrdom was announced by the IRGC on Sunday morning. Major General Pakpour was appointed as the top IRGC commander following the assassination of Major General Hossein Salami in the 12-day war in June last year. The aggression also claimed the lives of other top-ranking military commanders, including Abdulrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces. Born in 1961 in Arak, central Iran, Major General Pakpour had a master's degree in geography from the University of Tehran and a Ph.D. in political geography from Tarbiat Modares University. His expertise was in managing Iran's volatile border regions and developing the doctrine of asymmetric warfare. Joining the IRGC Quds Force after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Pakpour was immediately deployed to combat terrorist groups in Iran's Kurdistan region. During the Imposed War in the 1980s, he commanded multiple frontline divisions, including the elite 8th Najaf Ashraf and 31st Ashura units. Wounded in combat, Pakpour earned a reputation as a resilient, pragmatic commander deeply committed to the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic. After the war, he took on strategic leadership roles within the IRGC. In 2009, Pakpour was appointed commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, spearheading efforts to modernize, restructure, and reposition Iran's military strategy amid mounting foreign threats. Pakpour's role in counterterrorism is especially notable. He directed the deployment of elite Saberin units during the 2017 Daesh terror attacks on the Iranian parliament and Imam Khomeini's mausoleum, demonstrating the IRGC's critical role in safeguarding the nation. In 2021, the European Union sanctioned Pakpour on flimsy pretexts, like many other IRGC commanders sanctioned over the years. During the 12-day imposed war in June 2025, he led the IRGC from the front, inflicted heavy blows on the Zionist enemy and forced it to seek surrender after 12 days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Defense Council secretary, IRGC chief assassinated in US-Israeli strikes Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 March 2026 5:07 AM Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Defense Council and a senior adviser to the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Pakpour have been assassinated in airstrikes by criminal US-Israeli forces. Iran's official news agency IRNA reported on Sunday morning that they were both martyred in US-Israeli attacks targeting the capital Tehran the previous day. Rear Admiral Shamkhani, the former top security official of the Islamic Republic, was severely injured in an Israeli terrorist aggression against Iran on June 13 last year. He was immediately transferred to a hospital, where he received medical treatment round the clock to help him recuperate from life-threatening injuries. Many senior military commanders, including chief of staff of Iran's armed forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri, top commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Division Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, were martyred in the unprovoked and deadly aggression. Only hours later on June 13, Iran carried out its retaliatory operation True Promise III, targeting critical Israeli military and intelligence facilities in the occupied territories. Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Mohammad Pakpour as commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), succeeding Major General Salami. Early on Sunday, the Iranian government confirmed martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei.The Leader of the Islamic Revolution was martyred in a US-Israeli attack on Saturday morning. Ayatollah Khamenei led Iran and the Muslim Ummah for 37 years since the demise of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini in 1989. The Iranian Armed Forces have retaliated against US-Israeli aggression by executing extensive missile and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories and American military bases across West Asia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic Jihad extends 'full solidarity' with Iran following Israeli-American aggression Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 March 2026 2:07 AM The Islamic Jihad has extended its "full solidarity" with the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of the latest act of aggression by the Israeli regime and the United States. The Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance movement pledged "full solidarity" with Iran after more than 200 people were killed in Saturday's attacks across Iran. Abu Hamza, spokesman for al-Quds Brigades, the movement's military wing, made the remarks in a statement in the early hours of Sunday. The solidarity, he noted, extends to Iran's "leadership, people, army, and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) "in confronting the treacherous Zionist-American aggression." "This targeting is a fully constituted crime under the law of the jungle led by the war criminals [Donald] Trump and [Benjamin] Netanyahu," the spokesperson said, referring to the US president and Israeli prime minister. "It is an attack on every living entity that rejects colonialism and tutelage and refuses submission to hegemonic will." The brigades commended the IRGC's decisive retaliation that has seen them carry out at least five waves of counterstrikes against numerous Israeli and American targets so far. The aggression, it stated, "desperately aims to subjugate it and deter it from its legitimate aspirations." Tel Aviv's and Washington's ambitions will not stop at Iran, as the principal supporter of the Resistance," Abu Hamza remarked, urging the Arab nations and the global Muslim community to unite in confronting these expansionist and aggressive schemes. On Saturday, the regime and the United States carried out yet another unprovoked war of aggression against the Iranian nation, prompting the Iranian armed forces to respond powerfully and vow "complete defeat" of the enemy. Pertinently, the aggression, like the one in June last year, came amid indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian State Media Confirm Khamenei's Death After US, Israeli Air Strikes By RFE/RL February 28, 2026 22:53 CET Updated March 01, 2026 Iranian state media confirmed early on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed amid US and Israeli air strikes a day earlier, hours after US President Donald Trump reported the death on his social media platform. A presenter on state TV said that "with the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten [but] will be pursued with greater vigor and zeal." State media reported that a council made up of President Masud Pezeshkian -- considered by some to be a relative moderate -- hard-line judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Mohammad Mokhber, a Khamenei adviser and former acting president of Iran, would temporarily assume leadership duties in the face of Khamenei's death. Following the announcement of the death of the 86-year-old hard-line leader, state media said that 40 days of public mourning would begin in the country and that offices and businesses would be closed for seven days. The media reports insisted that the authoritarian Khamenei -- who had spent much of his final days out of public view and was rarely seen in public during his decades in power -- was killed in his office and not while hiding in a bunker as some reports said. State TV did not mention the US and Israeli air strikes when making the announcement at 5 a.m. local time. Iranian media earlier had not confirmed the leader's death but had reported that Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law had been killed in attacks. Trump Announcement "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrotein a post on Truth Social on February 28 before the ayatollah's death was confirmed by Iranian officials. "This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." "He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do," Trump added. Trump later told CBS News that he believed it would be easier to reach a settlement over Iran's nuclear program following Khamenei's death. "Much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously," he said. Trump had threatened military strikes if Tehran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic-missile programs. Dictator's Powers Khamenei's death represents a major blow to the country's embattled leaders. Earlier, Iranian officials denied reports of the supreme leader's death. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Khamenei, along with Pezeshkian, was safe and "firmly" in command. The anti-West Khamenei had held near-dictatorial powers over Iran since becoming the supreme leader in 1989 after the death of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Before Trump's comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "signs" indicating that Khamenei had been killed in the attacks. "This morning, we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "There are many signs that this tyrant is no longer. This morning, we eliminated senior officials in the ayatollahs' regime, Revolutionary Guards commanders, senior figures in the nuclear program -- and we will continue. In the next few days, we will hit thousands more targets of the terror regime," Netanyahu added. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) vowed to take revenge against those responsible for his death, pointing to the United States and Israel. Time Spent In Hiding Khamenei had mostly been in hiding since the 12-day war against Israel in June, although he spent much of his rule under heavy security, rarely making public appearances. He had survived several crises during his rule, including student protests in 1999, mass demonstrations over disputed elections in 2009, and further mass protests in 2019 that were followed by a brutal crackdown on demonstrations by the authorities. In 2022-23 Iran was hit by the Woman, Life, Freedom protests -- which were sparked by the death in custody of a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman who had been arrested for allegedly violating the strict dress code for women. Next Iranian Leaders? Even before the death, there had been much speculation on a possible successor to Khamenei, given his advanced age. Some observers say the hard-line IRGC could gain even more power and influence with his departure. On February 28, Trump was asked by US television news whether the United States believes other members of Iran's leadership were dead following the air strikes. "A lot of it is." "The people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone," Trump added, according to NBC. Iranian state media later confirmed that top Khamenei adviser Ali Shamkhani and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpor had been killed in the attacks. Trump said US officials "have a very good idea" of who will fill the positions of power in Tehran but was not more specific. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/khamenei-killed-trump- iran-strikes-israel/33690684.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address General Jack Keane Says US-Israeli Operation Aims to Dismantle Iranian Leadership By Amra Zejneli Loxha March 01, 2026 General Jack Keane, a retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, says the US-Israeli military campaign launched against Iran on February 28 is a calculated effort to dismantle the Islamic Republic's political and military architecture. General Keane, who now servesas chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, told RFE/RL in an interview the strikes, and reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation made for a "historic day of tremendous significance." Keane said the first phase of the operation has exceeded expectations, pointing to strikes that targeted senior leadership, missile systems, drone infrastructure, and key elements of Iran's military command structure. The campaign was designed to "strip away the entire political leadership and the structures that support it," including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and to continue for "two to three weeks if necessary," depending on how the regime responds, he added. RFE/RL: General, first, what are your thoughts on this extremely busy day, including President Trump's confirmation that Khamenei has been killed? General Keane: Well, I think it's an historic day of tremendous significance because President Trump and [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu have made a decision that they're not going to permit the Iranian regime to continue to destabilize the Middle East, to continue to conduct proxy wars, to continue the ballistic missile development program and their nuclear program. They have decided that they want to put the Iranian regime on a pathway to its collapse and return to a democratic form of government at some point. That is the decision that has been made and it's being reflected in this brilliant military operation that is being executed today. So we're stopping the Iranians from having the capability to impose their will in the region, number one, and number two, setting the conditions so that the regime will collapse and eventually the people of Iran will take their country back. RFE/RL: General, what is your assessment of this military operation, your sense of how day 1 has gone and what's going to happen next? General Keane: In talking to our US Military leaders and Israeli military leaders, which I have been doing all day, the operation is exceeding their expectations in a couple of areas. Number one, on the offensive side of it, the fact that we have killed 40 leaders to include the Ayatollah is exactly what we expected, but we absolutely did not anticipate that much success. And I think what happened, so our audience understands, is this: Today was Ramadan; it was also Shabbat Saturday. There were also meetings taking place during the daytime. The Iranian military regime certainly is alert at night, believing the Israelis and the Americans would come for them at night. So the operation was actually planned for later tonight, and they accelerated it because of the opportunity to take down these leaders. So that opportunity was seized upon and very successful. The second thing is we have had significant success against Iran's ballistic missile launchers and systems, rockets and drone storage, as well as defending against those attacks. As of this interview, there's been no US casualties, despite the significant numbers of attacks. And there's been some Israeli casualties, I believe. I'm aware of one person killed and light casualties in terms of minor injuries. So the defensive systems by and large are working. So the operation is moving on. We have planned this to go for two to three weeks if necessary. A lot depends on whether the regime stays intact or not or begins to fall apart. If they capitulate and surrender and is willing to turn power over, then likely we would make a deal with them. But without that, we're going to continue to conduct this operation and pursue our military objectives. RFE/RL: What challenges do you see lying ahead? General Keane: I think there's two challenges. One, the defensive challenge of protecting so many bases in the region that the United States has, and certainly that is a formidable challenge. And all of those bases as you know, are in close proximity to Iran and particularly to the drones that they have. The Iranian military is very good at producing drones. So our audience understands these drones that they hear about being used in Russia, the Shahed drones that attack the Ukrainian people, five, six, hundred every night, they're all Iranian drones made in Russia. And that is what the Iranians are using. We call them the killer drones because it doesn't fly back. It's a weapon system and that's what they're using against the US bases. So that's a challenge. But so far we've been doing well with it. And certainly the Israelis are concerned about Iran's ability, can they mass a ballistic missiles attack and overwhelmed their defensive systems? They have not been able to do that. And then the other challenge is it just takes time. Our plan so our audience understands we are not taking lightly how the regime holds on to power. So we have deliberate and methodical plans to strip away the entire political leadership and the structures that support it, the parliament, different agencies, the National Security Council, and then on the military and security side to strip away the IRGC. I'm not just talking about the leaders, I'm talking about the whole infrastructure that supports it, the technology that supports them. I'm not just talking about leaders. We're talking about everybody in the system. The Basij militia, the police enforcement and also the defense industrial base, those firms that are out there, the manufacturing capability - this is a very comprehensive plan to take down all that the regime uses to sustain itself. And that is a challenge, but we are absolutely committed to it. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump have said yes to that plan and we are about executing that and we're in the very early stages of it. RFE/RL: General, can this mission be accomplished without boots on the ground? General Keane: Yes, in terms of what we want to do. I mean, people make too much out of this. The fact that the day after is ambiguous. When we put boots on the ground in Panama in '89 and Haiti in '94, Afghanistan 2001, and Iraq in 2003, the mission was to change the regime, to change the political order. And we did that. But we also struggled in all four cases except Haiti, where we returned (Jean-Bertrand) Aristide to power, who was deposed. And the three of the other four cases, we still struggle in terms of who's the new government, how effective are they going to be, what kind of help do they need from us? What is the deposed regime going to do as a result of that? Are they going to continue to attack us? So boots on the ground doesn't necessarily make it all that easier. There are still challenges there. I'm not dismissing the challenges that are facing us here without having boots on the ground. But in our judgment, we can accomplish what we want to do without taking the added risk to do that, which would mean we would have to occupy the country as a result of it. And we do not want to do that. We want the Iranian people to occupy their own country and to run it. So our audience understands, mostly authoritarian regimes when they turn over, they turn over to another authoritarian regime, admittedly, maybe less ideological, which I think may happen here, a little bit more nationalistic, but something that we'll be able to work with and bend to our will and then put that regime on a path to transition to elections and a democracy. That won't happen immediately, certainly. It's not happening immediately in Venezuela, although that's a different case study, to be sure, but it's a useful illustration. So, yes, I'm not dismissing the challenges here, but if we're successful in taking down the leadership of this regime and decapitating the ability to sustain itself where it's negative in terms of its military capability and it's stripped of its power over the Iranian people, then I think we have really accomplished something. And we'll go through a process and a transition that will take some time. But look back at where we're coming from and where we're going and how marvelous that will be for the Iranian people. I know they're sheltered, but I also suspect they're very celebratory. Certainly they want to make certain they're not harmed by what is going on by the Israelis and the US Military, and we have no intent to harm them whatsoever. But human beings make mistakes in war, and so do machines. So people have to protect themselves and stay sheltered. But when this is over, they can rise, and rise they will, and I'm totally confident about that. And what a joy that's going to be when the world witnesses the rise of the Iranian people, supported by what Israel and the United States have done. And credit, credit the Iranian people for their steadfastness and what they did to push back on the regime, taking to the streets by the hundreds of thousands, even though they were being wounded and killed by this diabolical regime, what bravery they have displaced. And as they take to the streets once again at the termination of hostilities, I know they will carry in their heart the message that their predecessors did as they were out on those streets and got bloodied doing the very same things the Iranian people would do again. Freedom for Iran is what we want, and we're on the pathway. RFE/RL: General, your personal reflections, if this is indeed the end of the Islamic Republic, it's been 47 years. You've seen with your own eyes the dangers posed by this regime. What are your own personal views right now? Is there anyone who you're thinking about now? General Keane: Well, I am thinking about my fellow Americans and my fellow soldiers and Marines that have been killed by this regime, starting back in 1983 when they took down the Marine barracks, 241 Marines and some civilians, and then the US embassy in Lebanon, the US embassy in Kuwait in '84, and then the Khobar Towers, which was an Air Force barracks that existed in Saudi Arabia. And they killed us and wounded us there. And then the Iranians designed a special enhanced IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) that penetrated our tanks and our most armoured fighting vehicles. At a minimum, they killed 600American troops that they targeted. And the reality is, the last commander we had, I asked him: What do you think the real number?" This is General Lloyd Austin, who became Secretary of Defense under President Biden. He said, "General Keane, I think the number is closer to 2,000." So they have killed thousands of Americans, and obviously they've killed considerably more, tens of thousands of Iranians. I sense of relief for Americans who sacrificed their lives and the families out there, as well as the Iranian families who have been tortured and killed and maimed by this regime and equally important, denied the freedoms and the way of life that people want to have for their children and their grandchildren. We are knocking on freedom's door here. We're not there yet, but we're getting close and a sense of relief is coming as a result of it. Sometimes you just have to use military force to stop evil and to stop something that's bad. That is what drives President Trump. He's a peace president. That's his mantra. But he's not afraid to use force to stop evil from imposing its will on others, and that is what we're seeing happening here. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/general-jack-keane-us-israeli- operation-dismantle-iranian-leadership/33690996.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel, Iran Launch New Strikes After Death Of Khamenei By RFE/RL March 01, 2026 Following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel continued to pound sites in Iran on the second day of a massive joint attack by Tel Aviv and Washington on the Islamic republic, while Tehran fired back in retaliation. There was no official word early on March 1 of further US air strikes after President Donald Trump a day earlier said Washington had begun "major combat operations" against Iran in one of the biggest Western attacks ever against the Middle East country. However, a senior US defense official told RFE/RL that US strikes are "still under way" and Trump has said the "heavy and pinpoint bombing" would continue through the week or longer. US defense chief Pete Hegseth wrote on Xthat the "Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal and now they are suffering the consequences." The strikes set the region on edge as air raid sirens wailed in across the Middle East amid retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Israel and on Arab countries hosting US military assets. Along with the US and Israeli bombs falling in Iranian cities, celebrations were reported on the streets of Tehran and several other cities after Trump said Khamenei had been killed in the US-Israel strikes. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on February 28. He provided no evidence to back up the claim. "This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." Iranian state media later confirmed the death of Khamenei. Tehran earlier had issued several denials earlier following multiple reports -- including one by Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- suggesting that the 86-year-old Khamenei was dead. Early on March 1, Iran's Fars News Agency -- which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- did not comment directly on the supreme leader but reported that members of Khamenei's extended family were killed in the Israeli attacks. Reuters quoted witnesses as saying celebrations took place in several cities -- including Tehran, Karaj, Shahavar, and Isfahan. Unverified videos also showed celebrations in Shiraz and Abdanan, with car horns blaring and carrying photos of some of the thousands of protesters killed in the January crackdown on antigovernment demonstrations. AFP also reported that there were pro-Khemenei actions as well, with thousands of people gathering on March 1 in a Tehran square to mourn the passing of supreme leader. A Major Blow To Regime Khamenei's death represents a major blow to the country's embattled leadership. Khamenei has held near-dictatorial powers over Iran since becoming the supreme leader in 1989 after the death of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. As supreme leader, hard-line Khamenei was a vocal opponent of moves by any potential moderate leaders to repair relations with the West. He was also a symbol of hatred by many inside Iran who were angered by the repression of the theocratic regime in Tehran. Israel's military said it hit multiple areas in the capital where top officials had gathered and also struck Iranian missile-launcher sites -- 500 targets in all with some 200 fighter jets taking part in the first waves. Trump and Netanyahu said reports indicated several other leaders had also been killed in the strikes. Israel said among those dead were top Khamenei adviser Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpor, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander. Those deaths were later confirmed by Iranian state media. Early on March 1, Israel's militarysaid it completed another round on air strikes targeting ballistic-missile and air-defense sites in central and western Iran. Details weren't immediately available. Explosions were also reported in Tehran in the morning hours. The US military -- which named the campaign Operation Epic Fury -- saidthere were no American casualties on the first day of strikes and that any damage to US installations in the region hit by Iran was "minimal and has not impacted operations." Iran Hits Back In Region Tehran struck back at Israel and seven other countries, including Persian Gulf states that host US military assets. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet -- a massive center for naval activity in the Middle East -- reported it was hit by a missile attack, while Qatar said it had shot down all missiles targeting the small country, which has been acting as a mediator for US-Iranian talks over Tehran's nuclear program. Trump had threatened Iran with military strikes if it did not reach a deal over its nuclear program. The West suspects Tehran is looking to build a nuclear weapon, while Iran said the program is strictly for civilian purposes. Negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough. Iran's Mizan news agency, which is tied to Iran's judiciary, said 108 people died in a strike on a girls school in Minab, blaming Israel. Western journalists were not allowed access to the site and the claim could not be verified. Blasts were reported at several sites inside Israel as Iran launched missiles toward its bitter enemy. Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency service, said a 40-year-old woman was killed in the Tel Aviv area and at least 21 people were injured elsewhere. It was not immediately clear if the blasts were caused by direct hits of Iranian missiles or from debris after projectiles were shot down. The UN Security Council met on February 28 on the latest flareup of violence, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an immediate cessation of hostilities. With reports by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/general-jack-keane-us-israeli- operation-dismantle-iranian-leadership/33690996.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, Killed By Kian Sharifi and Golnaz Esfandiari March 01, 2026 Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's spiritual leader and highest authority who led the country for almost four decades, was killed during US and Israeli air strikes on February 28 at the age of 86. Praised by his supporters as a wise leader and denounced by his critics as a dictator, Khamenei will be remembered as a monumental figure of the Islamic Revolution who rode a reputation for piety and fierce devotion to the cause to his ascendancy as supreme leader. Khamenei's use of force against his own people, jailing of opposition figures within the establishment itself, and fiery resistance to outside influence -- particularly that of the United States and Israel -- forged his legacy as a harsh and uncompromising authoritarian who led his country into international isolation. "History will show Khamenei's reign was deeply traumatic for the Iranian people who watched their country isolated and weakened to the point where a majority came to see emigration as their only hope," said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington. The latter years of Khamenei's rule were marred by frequent nationwide antiestablishment protests and deadly state crackdowns that killed thousands of demonstrators. The protests over the high cost of living in 2017, gasoline prices in 2019, water shortages in 2021, and the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who allegedly violated the hijab law in 2022, reflected rising anti-regime sentiment in Iran. But the deadliest protests against the Islamic republic came at the end of December 2025 and ran into early January 2026. The unrest was brutally suppressed, with rights groups confirming more than 7,000 deaths but warning that the real toll was likely much higher. Some estimates run as four times more than the confirmed total. Khamenei never took responsibility for the rising dissent against his rule and instead blamed antiestablishment protests on foreign actors who he claimed wanted to weaken the Islamic republic. Throughout his life, Khamenei showed a unique ability to play two sides. Those who met him earlier in life remember him as a tall and slender cleric who loved poetry and literature, smoked a pipe, and was interested in talking to young people. That contrasts greatly with the fiery, bearded, anti-American who captured the world's attention later in life. Under the watch of the once-open leader, repression thrived, Tehran's circle of insiders shrunk, and the Islamic republic became increasingly isolated. For decades he had the ultimate say on virtually all affairs in Iran -- from whether women could ride bicycles in public to the course of the nation's relations with the United States, which he cast as the "Great Satan." Khamenei freely wielded his power over key institutions such as the judiciary, state broadcasting, and military. If he needed muscle, he relied on a military security apparatus that included the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Iran's feared intelligence services. "By empowering the IRGC, he militarized the country's politics and by co-opting the clerical establishment, he delegitimized it," said Ali Vaez, the director of Iran Project at the International Crisis Group. Born in Mashhad in 1939, Khamenei was the second son of a clerical father. He began his religious education early in life, was inspired in his early teens by fiery revolutionary Sayyid Navvab Safavi, and studied in the holy city of Qom under the future founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. From Activist To Reviled Leader Khamenei gained a reputation for being a humble and pious religious scholar, and in 1962 joined Khomeini's revolutionary movement, which opposed the shah and Tehran's pro-American policies. His revolutionary activism attracted the authorities' attention, leading to the first of many arrests and imprisonments. In 1964, the 25-year-old Khamenei decided to leave Qom to care for his father -- a "good deed" that he later said was blessed by God and credited for his later success. In Mashhad, Khamenei gave lessons on the Koran and Islamic ideology, leading to imprisonments, torture, and eventually internal exile. When the revolution occurred in 1979, he was named to the Islamic Revolutionary Council by his former teacher, Khomeini. He would go on to hold several prominent positions within the clerical regime -- including two terms as president -- and survived an assassination attempt in 1981 that left his right hand paralyzed. When Khomeini died in 1989 without an heir apparent, Khamenei was chosen to become Iran's second supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, a clerical body. The choice surprised many -- apparently even Khamenei himself. "We should shed tears of blood wailing for the Islamic society that has been forced to even propose me [as supreme leader]," Khamenei famously said before his appointment. "Unlike his predecessor who didn't fit into any specific political faction, Ayatollah Khamenei was the de facto leader of the conservative camp. He therefore lost the ability to sit above the fray and effectively manage the factional infighting," Vaez said. Throughout his reign, he would maintain an open defiance of the United States, which he claimed sought to overthrow the Islamic republic and restore a patron-client relationship with Tehran. Under his watch, Iran grew its influence in the region through the so-called axis of resistance -- a loose-knit network of proxies, Tehran-backed militant groups, and allied state actors who play an important role in Iran's strategy to oppose the West, Arab foes, and its archrival, Israel. But the network came undone after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria in 2024 and an Israeli campaign to decapitate Hezbollah in Lebanon, degrade Huthi capabilities in Yemen, and severely weaken Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Khamenei notably disappeared from public view during Israel's 12-day war on Iran in June 2025, which raised questions about his leadership in the country's political circles. Khamenei fell out with many of Iran's presidents, who were then ostracized by the establishment. The main exception was Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line cleric who many believe was being groomed to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader. Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May 2024, complicating Khamenei's succession plans. The 88-member Assembly of Experts, dominated by conservative clerics, will now have to appoint a successor to Khamenei. "He will be remembered as a man who had many opportunities to listen to his people and change course. But as supreme leader he was so set in his rigid ways, so determined to prevail over his domestic and foreign rivals, and deep down so insecure that he never really opted for any serious introspection," Vatanka said. Khamenei is survived by four sons, one daughter, and his wife. A second daughter reportedly died in the same US and Israeli strikes that killed Khamenei. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/khamenei-death-iran-us-strikes- israel-obituary/33690677.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Int'l community should resolutely oppose Japan's reckless moves towards neo-militarism: Defense Spokesperson Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorLi Weichao Time2026-02-28 16:11:51 BEIJING, Feb. 28 -- "The international community should remain highly vigilant and resolutely oppose Japan's reckless moves towards neo-militarism, and join hands in upholding the victorious outcome of World War II and the post-war international order," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press briefing on Saturday. According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that China is intensifying its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force and coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, while also expanding and stepping up military activities in the areas surrounding Japan. This has created the most complex and severe security environment for Japan since World War II. The Japanese government will revise its three security documents this year and accelerate discussions on amending the principles governing the export of defense equipment. In response to Sanae Takaichi's remarks, Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang said that China carried out relevant military operations to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and security interests, which is in full compliance with international and domestic laws, and is entirely legitimate and justified. He further noted that history has not been forgottenJapan once used the so-called survival-threatening situation as a pretext to launch wars of aggression, committing heinous crimes against its Asian neighbors and the world. Now, the right-wing forces in Japan are resorting to their old tricks, clamoring about the so-called external threats to deceive and mislead the public, create excuses for military expansion, and pursue hidden political agenda. "We urge Japan not to barrel down the wrong path or reverse the wheel of history. Otherwise, it is doomed to suffer a speedier and greater defeat," stressed the spokesperson in the end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Starting Salaries for Junior Officers to Reach KRW 40 Million by 2029" Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-27 Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visits a Guard Post (GP) for the first time since taking office. Listens to service members' working conditions and concerns and orders improvements. "Watertight readiness posture to repay public trust" Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visited guard posts (GPs) and general outposts (GOPs) of the 25th Infantry Division on the central frontline on February 15 during the Lunar New Year holidays. There, he encouraged soldiers performing security operations and inspected the military's readiness posture. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, on his first visit to GPs since taking office, met with soldiers and listened attentively to their accounts of service conditions and concerns. He personally inspected the extremely cramped conditions of the bunk-bed style barracks in the GP. He directed the relevant department to immediately review and act on suggestions for facility repairs and environmental improvements raised on-site. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated, "Frontline service demands extraordinary sacrifices that no one else can shoulder, and improving the harsh GP conditions is the least we owe our soldiers for their unique devotion to the Republic of Korea." He emphasized, "Your round-the-clock vigilance enables the public to enjoy peaceful holidays with full trust in our forces." He urged soldiers to "repay that public trust through a watertight readiness posture without any gaps." Regarding the goal of increasing salaries for officers, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated, "We will work closely with fiscal authorities to reflect basic pay increases in the 2027 budget, aiming to raise the starting annual pay for junior officers (second lieutenants and sergeants) to approximately KRW 40 million by 2029, a level comparable to entry-level salaries at mid-sized enterprises." Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back concluded by urging soldiers, "The public remains safe and secure only because you steadfastly perform your mission amid harsh cold and tension." He further urged them to have a strong sense of mission, stressing that "your perseverance and efforts not only serve as a stepping stone for your personal growth but also play a crucial role in safeguarding the safety and happiness of 52 million people." By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Showcasing the Excellence of K-Weapons and Expanding the Horizons of K-Defense Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-27 Minister Ahn meets with Saudi National Guard Minister. Discusses strengthening mutually beneficial defense and arms industry cooperation. Also holds a meeting with SMEs participating in the defense exhibition. Pledges government support, including overseas market expansion. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, continued efforts to expand defense and defense industry cooperation with Saudi and broaden the horizons of K-defense. The Ministry of National Defense announced on February 10 that Minister Ahn Gyu-back exchanged views on ways to develop defense and defense industry cooperation between the two countries with Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Minister of National Guard, on February 9 (local time). Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) is tasked with protecting the royal family, safeguarding Islam's holy sites, and defending oil fields. The Ministry of National Guard is known to operate approximately 130,000 troops, accounting for roughly 50% of Saudi Arabia's total military forces. This marked the second meeting between the two ministers. Minister Ahn visited Saudi Arabia in September 2025 to highlight the superiority of Korean weapon systems and expand the horizons of K-defense. At that time, Minister Ahn met with Minister Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, explaining the superiority of K-defense and expressing the Defense Ministry's willingness to cooperate. At this meeting, Minister Ahn said that the bilateral partnership is on a more solid footing and suggested that going forward, mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense and defense industry sectors be developed based on deep trust and respect. Minister Abdullah responded by saying, "We welcome the visit of Minister Ahn Gyu-back," and called for strengthening defense cooperation in diverse areas, including personnel exchange, military training, and medical services, while further expanding cooperation momentum in the defense sector. Minister Ahn then visited the exhibition booths of Korean firms at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 and met with defense SME representatives. To elevate Korea to one of the world's top four defense industry powers, business officials requested active government support for expanding defense exports, assistance for SMEs to enter overseas markets, and institutional improvements for export promotion. In this regard, the Defense Ministry pledged its best efforts, including strengthening government-level promotion of the K-defense, preparing national support measures to expand export markets for SMEs, and implementing prompt export permit procedures. Minister Ahn emphasized, "As a result of steady efforts by our defense SMEs to accumulate technologies and enhance quality, Korean weapon systems are advancing across the world and rewriting the history of Korea's defense industry. To ensure this performance leads to continuous growth, we will cultivate a defense industry ecosystem where both SMEs and large corporations prosper together and provide policy support that is felt on the ground." By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows schoolbags at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) TEHRAN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. He said the majority of the victims of the brutal attack were pupils, with teachers, school staff and students' parents also among the dead. On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, including Tabriz, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the region. The attacks on Tehran killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Secretary of the country's Defense Council Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour, chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Rescuers and local residents try to save the wounded from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) Rescuers and local residents try to save the wounded from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) Rescuers and local residents try to save the wounded from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) A man holds a schoolbag discovered from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) Rescuers and local residents try to save the wounded from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) People gather at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows a view of an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) Rescuers and local residents try to save the wounded from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) People stand by a damaged building of an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) Rescuers and local residents try to save the wounded from debris at an attacked girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, Feb. 28, 2026. The death toll from a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan rose to 148, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The attack also left 95 people wounded, local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri was quoted as saying. (Mehr News Agency/Handout via Xinhua) "S. Korea-Saudi Arabia Advance Future-Oriented Defense and Defense Industry Cooperation" Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-27 Minister Ahn Gyu-back meets with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud. Signs a Defense R&D Cooperation MOU. Encourages defense firms at World Defense Show. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back accelerated sales-focused military diplomacy to position Korea as one of the world's top four defense industry powerhouses. On February 8 (local time), Minister Ahn met with Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Defense, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and held the South Korea-Saudi Arabia defense ministerial meeting. Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) signed an MOU on defense research and development cooperation. At the meeting, Minister Ahn proposed developing mutually beneficial and future-oriented defense and defense industry cooperation, with Korea serving as a key partner for "Saudi Vision 2030." Furthermore, Minister Ahn suggested that Minister Khalid visit Korea later this year. Minister Khalid responded that Saudi Arabia and Korea share a future-oriented strategic partnership and that he expects Korea's outstanding technology and experience to contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities. The two ministers assessed that the MOU on defense R&D cooperation lays the foundation for a future-oriented strategic partnership to establish a mutually beneficial joint cooperation system in areas such as research and development, defense technology, and system innovation. Meanwhile, Minister Ahn visited the booths of Korean defense firms participating in Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show (WDS) 2026. Minister Ahn toured every corner of the booths, listened to voices from the field, and encouraged defense firm representatives dedicated to export promotion. The WDS is the largest defense industry exhibition in the Middle East, held biennially by the Saudi Arabian government. The event was attended by over 700 companies from 80 countries. Forty Korean firms also participated in the WDS, promoting the superiority of the Korean defense industry. By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Condemn Iranian Attacks Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Riyadh, February 28, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call today from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar, during which they discussed developments in the region. They also condemned and denounced the blatant Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom and several countries in the region. -- SPA 20:39 Local Time 17:39 GMT 0048 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HRH the Crown Prince Receives Call from Egyptian President Reaffirming Joint Stance Against Regional Threats Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Jeddah, February 28, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during which they discussed serious developments in the region and the repercussions of the ongoing escalation on its security and stability. The Egyptian president expressed his country's solidarity with the Kingdom. He affirmed Egypt's support for the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability in response to the blatant Iranian attacks against the Kingdom today, which undermine regional security and stability. -- SPA 20:34 Local Time 17:34 GMT 0046 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HRH the Crown Prince, Pakistani Prime Minister Discuss Regional Security; Pakistan Affirms Backing for the Kingdom Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Jeddah, February 28, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during which they discussed serious developments in the region and the repercussions of the ongoing escalation on regional security and stability. The Pakistani prime minister expressed his country's full solidarity with the Kingdom. He affirmed Pakistan's backing of all measures taken by Saudi Arabia to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability in response to the blatant Iranian attacks against the Kingdom today, which undermine regional security and stability. -- SPA 20:33 Local Time 17:33 GMT 0045 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HRH the Crown Prince Condemns Iranian Attacks, Discusses Regional Security with French President Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Jeddah, February 28, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the two leaders discussed the serious developments in the region and the repercussions of the ongoing escalation on regional security and stability. HRH the Crown Prince affirmed the Kingdom's condemnation of the Iranian missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and brotherly nations. He emphasized that the Kingdom will take all necessary measures to defend its territory and reiterated full support for brotherly countries in preserving their sovereignty, security, and stability. -- SPA 17:55 Local Time 14:55 GMT 0039 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Failed and Cowardly Iranian Attacks Targeting Riyadh and Eastern Regions Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Riyadh, February 28, 2026, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its strongest rejection and condemnation of the blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks targeting Riyadh and Eastern regions, all of which were repelled. The Kingdom emphasized that these attacks cannot be justified under any pretext, especially as they occurred despite Iranian authorities' full awareness that Saudi Arabia had affirmed it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran. In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirmed that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression. -- SPA 17:49 Local Time 14:49 GMT 0038 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Iranian Attack Against United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Riyadh, February 28, 2026, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In a statement issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia affirmed its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake. It also warned of the grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states' sovereignty and the principles of international law. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on the international community to condemn these blatant attacks and to take all firm measures necessary to confront Iranian violations that undermine the security and stability of the region. -- SPA 14:01 Local Time 11:01 GMT 0027 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HRH the Crown Prince, Sultan of Oman Discuss Regional Military Escalation Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Jeddah, March 01, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik, during which they discussed regional developments in light of the military escalation and its repercussions on regional and international security. The sultan emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. -- SPA 03:14 Local Time 00:14 GMT 0014 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HRH the Crown Prince, Syrian President Discuss Regional Military Escalation Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Jeddah, March 01, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which they discussed the ongoing military escalation in the region. The Syrian president affirmed his country's support for and solidarity with the Kingdom. He emphasized Syria's rejection of any violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty or any threat to its security and stability. -- SPA 02:49 Local Time 23:49 GMT 0012 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister, Italian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments, Condemn Iranian Attacks Saudi Press Agency Saturday 11/09/1447 Riyadh, March 01, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received today a phone call from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Antonio Tajani, during which they discussed developments in the region and their security repercussions. Tajani affirmed Italy's solidarity with the Kingdom and its condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom and a number of countries in the region. -- SPA 00:47 Local Time 21:47 GMT 0008 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address